Scott County third graders learn about farming at annual event

NEW HAMBURG -- Nearly 150 third graders in Scott County received some hands-on education through the annual Farm Day Tuesday at the St. Lawrence parish center in New Hamburg.

This year eight Scott County schools attended either the morning or afternoon session of the event sponsored by the Scott County Women in Agriculture.

"Some of the schools are having MAP testing, etc. so there are not as many students coming this year," noted Jolene Felter of Scott County Women in Agriculture. The usual turnout is around 300 students.

The organization has offered the program since 2002 -- with the exception of 2011 when it flooded and several schools weren't in session or unable to get to the event.

Kelly FFA started each session with a puppet show.

Throughout the visit, groups of students moved from station to station in 15-minute intervals, learning about farm, ATV, helmet, grain bin and grain augur safety by Kelly FFA and Monsanto/Farm Safety For Just Kids; electrical safety by SEMO Electric Cooperative; corn production by SEMO Milling Co.; wheat production by Scott County Farm Bureau; soil erosion by Missouri Department of Conservation; and "Back when" by members of Scott County Women in Agriculture.

For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.