A calf from Lenkaitis Holsteins made an appearance at Ag Days, along with chickens and rabbits provided by Clay and Mason Cargola. Mooseheart Farm provided sheep and goats for the kids to see and touch.

Students were excited to be up close to a combine. They also had the opportunity to see several tractors, a tillage implement, a sprayer, and a planter.

Dan Klein of Klein’s Farm and Garden Market takes questions from students during his presentation.

Master Gardener Susan Brauk taught about worm composting.

• Story and Photos Courtesy of the Kane County Farm Bureau.

Fourth-grade classes from throughout Kane County converged on Mooseheart Fieldhouse in March at Kane County Farm Bureau’s 32^nd Annual Ag Days. Guided by Farm Bureau volunteers, they learned about agriculture at 25 learning stations. Topics included beef, vegetables, GPS-guided farming techniques and poultry.

Short presentations by local farmers, representatives from ag businesses and organizations, and local FFA and 4-H members gave the kids a memorable experience.

Sandy Bickel, a teacher at Spring Trail Elementary, brings her students to Ag Days every year.

“Through the year, we learn about agriculture in our classroom. This event serves as the culmination of all my students have learned,” Bickel said. “To them, all of this is just stuff they drive by. It makes a big difference when they can see and touch the things we have been learning about.”

Kaneland FFA Advisor Laura Widhalm said the event has been a great opportunity for her high school students to volunteer and build skills. FFA chapters from Hinckley Big Rock and Burlington Central also volunteer every year to chaperone, present lessons and generally help make the event go more smoothly.

“It’s good to teach these kids at a young age about the agriculture industry,” Widhalm said. “It also allows a chance for my FFA students to represent agriculture and gain leadership and presentation skills.”

Burlingon Central FFA Advisor Ryan Robinson echoed Widhalm’s remarks.

“As more and more kids are further removed from the farm, it’s good to educate them,” he said. “My FFA students are learning to give back and be better citizens through educating these younger students about agriculture.”

About the Kane County Farm Bureau

The Kane County Farm Bureau was one of the first county farm bureaus in the nation to organize and has a date of 1912 on its charter. The Farm Bureau is a voice for farmers and others who have a vested interest in agriculture. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for member families, promote all aspects of agriculture and advocate good stewardship of our land and resources. For more information, visit the Kane County Farm Bureau website or call the office at (630) 584-8660. The office is located at 2N710 Randall Road, St. Charles, IL, 60174.