4Elementary School News

Fourth grade celebrates agriculture

The skies threatened, but the rain held off as the fourth graders spent the morning outside learning about local agriculture at Cornell Cooperative Extension Agriculture Awareness Day on Monday, June 14.

Several local farmers explained their businesses and displayed animals and equipment for the eager students. More than a fun activity, Ag Awareness Day helps students understand the diversity and importance of agriculture in our local economy.

Students learned about dairy cows, beef cattle and leather, horses and rodeo events, alpacas, milk goats, and sheep and wool. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only two percent of our population lives on farms, but over 20 percent of Americans is employed in the production, processing, or distribution of food and fiber.

A highlight for most children was the alpacas. The recently shorn animals looked as if they were covered in corduroy. Gentle and with big eyes, the alpacas would nearly touch noses with a still child.

The presentation is an important part of understanding New York and what people do for a living. It also remind students that agriculture is a big part of our community.

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