Kearney, NE – The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Buffalo County Extension Office, in collaboration with Kearney Public Schools (KPS), is excited to announce the enrichment event, “Life on the Farm,” scheduled for April 16 and 17 at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. This engaging, educational event is designed explicitly for KPS third graders, offering a full-day immersive experience into the world of agriculture, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM each day.
“My students really enjoy the day,” stated Alexis Pennington, Park Third Grade Teacher. “Students make connections to topics we have learned while at the Nebraska State Fair and lessons Kerry Elsen has taught in our classroom throughout the school year. My students begin to recognize the impacts of agriculture in Nebraska and the world around them. The hands-on approach to “Life on the Farm” increases student understanding and lets them immerse themselves in this new learning environment! It truly is such a fun day filled with educational activities that cannot be experienced in our regular classroom.”
The day’s activities are designed to educate and inspire, including:
- Farm Challenge: A practical lesson on farm safety, including the importance of wearing a seatbelt, the use of rollbars on equipment, and an opportunity to sit in a tractor.
- Corn: This is an exploration of corn’s various uses in agriculture and daily life, including food, feed, and ethanol.
- Poultry: An introduction to different varieties of chickens and eggs, highlighting the fascinating fact that a chicken’s egg color matches its earlobe.
- Soybeans: This section examines how soybean byproducts are used in everyday items like crayons, makeup, and candles.
- Sheep- Learn about sheep sheering and how wool and lanolin are used in products.
- Swine- Students see different breeds of swine and learn about pork products. They also discuss pig barns.
- Beef – Students learn about beef cattle, products, differences between beef and dairy cattle, vaccinations, tagging, and see a live cow/calf.
- Horses- Students learn to rope, lead, and brush a live horse.
- Dairy—Students learn about the dairy industry, how much water a dairy cow needs, the milking process, and farm-to-table. They also see a live dairy cow.
A lunch break will be provided from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, ensuring students have time to rest and refuel before continuing their agricultural adventure.
Chance Waggoner, Principal of Park School, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Life on the Farm provides our third-grade students with the opportunity to learn first-hand from people in the agricultural world. It’s a culmination of year-long learning and a chance for students to make connections to various academic standards and Nebraska’s largest industry. This event is not only a fantastic educational opportunity but also a celebration of Nebraska’s agricultural heritage. It promises to be a memorable day filled with learning, exploration, and fun for Kearney’s third graders.”
“Life on the Farm” is aimed at providing third-grade students with an invaluable hands-on learning experience about livestock, crop production, and farm safety. Sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Buffalo County Extension Office and Kearney Public Schools, this event will see students from various schools participating on designated days. On April 16th, students from Northeast, Buffalo Hills, Park, Central, and Windy Hills will attend, followed by Kenwood, Emerson, Bryant, Meadowlark, and Glenwood on April 17th.
