By Jessica Moore

Staff Writer

Fourth graders from schools all over the county arrived at the Dairy Research and Education Center on New Lake Road Friday for a morning full of fun and learning. The purpose of the field trip was to teach the children about farming, farm life, and where their food comes from. Elizabeth Collins organizes the event each year with the help of those willing to participate. Many of those involved are employees of the Agricultural Center, others who participated are those very involved in agriculture. The children were very enthusiatic about the event. They were very involved and asked lots of questions. What a great way to make education exciting!

There were different stations set up throughout the center. At one station the children learned about honey, at another they learned about gardening, and cooking over coals. At the corn station the students learned about corn and corn products. During the presentation they were shown actual corn stalks, corn pieces, corn meal, and corn syrup. Many were surprised to learn that corn syrup is in many of their drinks including soft drinks and some juices. At the next station, the students learned about the cotton industry. They learned where cotton is grown and how it affects the textile industry. They got to see and pet sheep. At that station they also learned how wool is spun. At the other stations the students learned about cattle and chickens and how they are raised. At the neighboring stations they learned about different farm equipment including tractors and heavier equipment. They even got to pet some horses. Overall, the students learned a lot about agriculture and really enjoyed themselves at the same time. At every turn one would see a student raising their hand asking questions or helping during the presentation. After one station they'd be hurrying excitedly to the next.