Local FFA chapter does their part to train future agriculturalists

“Most people today are at least three generations disconnected from the farm.”

This fact is constantly used by FFA members in speeches of all types to strengthen their case for agricultural education. It is true that in today’s culture, many people do not know where their food comes from or even the basics of animal agriculture. In order to change this statistic for the better, the Chisholm FFA decided to begin a revolution in their own school.

The six officers, along with a small group of other members, conducted an agricultural education program for second grade students at Chisholm Elementary School. Each officer created a short presentation about common farm animals including goats, swine, sheep, poultry, dairy cattle and beef cattle. During the allotted time, each of the 78 students had the chance to learn about all six animals. After learning about the animal’s purpose in the agriculture industry, the children had the opportunity to participate in activities such as review games and “Pin the Tail on the Cow.”

Sentinel Maysie Couchman taught the students about poultry. Because of her own poultry project, the task was not overly daunting. She was able to show pictures of her own animals and share about her personal experiences with the livestock. Her favorite part was being able to teach mind-blowing facts about chickens to the kids and see the awe in their faces. Couchman shared that this program is important because it gives the kids an opportunity to “learn about different kinds of animals and how the FFA is involved in them.”

This is the Chisholm FFA’s second year to lead a program for elementary students. Last year, the objective was to teach the children about where their food comes from by explaining the different parts of a hamburger. This has quickly become a tradition that the current officers hope will stand solid for years to come.