FFA hosts ag fair for elementary students

Hampton-Dumont hosted an Agriculture Fair on Monday, May 17 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. The third and fourth graders of Hampton-Dumont/CAL schools came out to learn all about equipment, farm, and animal safety through a unique opportunity that was organized by the FFA club in conjunction with Iowa Farm Bureau.

“Kids nowadays don’t necessarily grow up on farms so it’s good they get to see this,” said agriculture teacher Kyle O’Brien.

The H-D/CAL FFA members helped set up 13 stations featuring presentations for the third and fourth graders to view. A few of the stations included lasso demonstrations, proper technique in mounting a horse, animal petting, understanding the importance of animal conservation, and even a chance for the kids to try eating bugs.

“Teachers are more reluctant to do this than their students,” said retired DNR officer Dennis Carlson, who enjoys giving the kids a chance to experience new things.

“The object of this is for kids to have fun,” said Carlson. “Kids know about stuff but have never seen it.” He went on to mention how he had managed the county conservation for several years, but he really like working with kids.

The Coulter Fire Department also brought out a fire truck to demonstrate to the students how it runs.

This year’s ag fair makes up for the cancelation of last year’s fair due to the pandemic. Normally, only third grade students would be invited, but this year both third and fourth graders from H-D/CAL were able to attend.

“The kids love it,” said O’Brien. “Their faces light up when they get to see and pet an animal they have never seen before.”