AUTAUGAVILLE, Ala.—For more than sixty years, counties throughout Alabama have celebrated Farm City Week. Different events designed to bring rural and urban communities together happen throughout the state during the month of November.
Farm City Day Field Trip
Autauga County Extension professionals traditionally host all of the students in a chosen grade for a hands-on, agriculture-oriented field trip. Extension professionals, in addition to 4-H volunteers and other local volunteers look forward to the day of interacting with students.
More than 600 sixth graders, from private and public schools spent the day at the R.H. Kirkpatrick Agricultural Arena in Autaugaville, Alabama on Nov. 2.
Autauga County Extension Coordinator, Darrue Sharpe, said the event is exciting because it is an opportunity for children to spend time with knowledgeable volunteers in an environment where questions are encouraged.
“Hands-on education, especially in farming, is so important because a vast majority of the students do not have agricultural experience,” Sharpe said. “Farm City Day provides students the opportunity to pet live farm animals, see large tractors and learn about farming methods. Learning about opportunities in agriculture could lead to new career interests.”
Sharing Many Facets of Agriculture
Eleven different booths with information on tractor safety, aquaculture, stewardship, poultry, natural resource conservation, forestry, environmental management, honeybees, cattle, horses and goats, were set up throughout the arena.
In addition, Auburn University Raptor Center shared information about six different raptors. Many of the raptors are common in Central Alabama.
Farm City in Alabama
Farm City Week is a time-honored tradition in Alabama. Celebrated in many different ways, Farm City Week serves as a bridge in communities that support local businesses and local farmers.
Sharpe said Farm City Day is a valuable resource to teach students about agriculture and the vital role farmers play in our community.
“I am hopeful Farm City Day will plant the seed of interest to give students a better knowledge and appreciation of our farmers,” Sharpe said.
For more information on Farm City Week events in your area, contact your local Extension office. You may also visit www.alabamafarmcity.org.
