‘Farm Field Day’ enthralls hundreds of Iron County third graders

CEDAR CITY — Hundreds of third graders took part in a “Farm Field Day” this week in Cedar City.

Third graders take part in presentations about agriculture at various learning stations during “Farm Field Day” at Diamond Z Arena, Cedar City, Utah, March 21, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

The activity, organized and sponsored by Utah State University Extension’s Iron County office, took place Monday-Tuesday at Cross Hollow Event Center’s Diamond Z Arena. 

Groups of 25-30 children, along with their classroom teachers, spent time at each of several learning stations, rotating among them every 15 minutes or so.

At one station, Iron County bee inspector Blaine Nay discussed honey production and how important bees are in the pollination of crops and other plants. Nearby, Daniel Aiken and members of his family, representing the Iron County Cattlemen’s Association, gave a demonstration about beef cattle. 

Two stations focusing on soil and water conservation were staffed by the Washington County Extension and 4-H programs. Southern Utah University agriculture students and faculty taught the sheep and hay stations. The pork presentation was given by representatives from Smithfield Foods and the Utah Pork Producers Association.

Finally, instructors from the Iron County 4-H and Better Living programs talked to the children about corn and other crops, along with choosing a balanced diet that includes all five of the food groups outlined by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture at MyPlate.gov.

Judging by the number of helpful hands that shot up at almost every question posed by the presenters, it was apparent that the students already had a solid understanding of where food comes from and how it makes it from farm to table.

Third graders take part in presentations about agriculture at various learning stations during “Farm Field Day” at Diamond Z Arena, Cedar City, Utah, March 21, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

Three Peaks Elementary School third grade teacher Torrie Rice said her students “absolutely loved” the field trip.

“They loved being able to interact with and pet the animals,” Rice told Cedar City News. “That was their favorite part for sure. Also, all the booths were really hands-on and the presenters were really engaging. They learned so much at each station. It was a big hit!”

The event attracted more than 800 third-grade students from Iron County School District elementary schools, along with Gateway Academy charter school, said Randall Violett, agricultural and natural resources professor at the local USU Extension office in Cedar City. 

The event was divided into four half-day sessions, with approximately 200 children in each group. Half of the students attended either the morning or afternoon on Monday, with the other half attending one of the sessions on Tuesday. 

The event coincided with the observance of National Agriculture Day on Tuesday.

Violett expressed his thanks to all the presenters and for their time and support, adding that the Enterprise and Iron Conservation District and the Utah Farm Bureau helped by paying for the facility and providing lunch for the volunteers. 

Additionally, high school students from the Cedar High and Canyon View High FFA chapters helped out as volunteer group leaders.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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