Farm Day Immerses Students in Agriculture

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Third graders from Toombs County Schools and Vidalia Heritage Academy got an up-close look at the many facets of agriculture that help our community to function during the annual Farm Day event, which was held at the Toombs County Ag Complex on Monday, May 4.

The event was organized by Toombs County Farm Bureau Office Manager Shelby Galbreath and Toombs County Young Farmers Adviser Kasey Jackson, and featured ten stations where students would stop and learn about various aspects of agriculture and the community for 10-15 minutes at a time. The local Georgia Department of Natural Resources agents, Georgia Forestry Commission agents, ServPro representatives, Georgia Cotton Commission Representatives, Georgia Pecan Growers Association representatives, R & K Greenhouses representatives, Altamaha EMC representatives, Toombs County Middle and High School FFA representatives, Toombs County Extension Agent Jason Edenfield and 4-H Agent Riley Wimberly, and Toombs County Sheriff Jordan Kight each had booths where they informed the students about what they do and how it helps the community.

A total of 233 third graders from three different schools – Toombs Central Elementary School, Lyons Upper Elementary School, and Vidalia Heritage Academy – perused the various stations during the event. Robert Toombs Christian Academy was invited to the event, but was unable to attend because of their Field Day being scheduled on the same day.

“The goal of the event is to build agricultural awareness and literacy, and to teach the children where their food, clothing, and other resources come from,” Jackson remarked. “The day was a huge success with everyone, hopefully, leaving with agricultural goodies, knowledge, and an appreciation and awareness for agriculture and for those who work in the industry.”

Jackson and Galbreath plan to continue hosting the annual event, which they hope to improve each year with the goal of ensuring all students in the area appreciate the agriculture industry and its workers.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES – Game Warden Dylan Bennett teaches students about life jackets during the Toombs County Farm Day on Monday, May 3.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

R & K GREENHOUSES – R & K Greenhouses representatives share information about planting seeds and growing crops in greenhouses.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION – Georgia Forester Matthew O’Connor shows students a tool that he uses when working in forests throughout the state.Photo by Makaylee Randolph