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Fourth-graders reconnect with life on the farm during recent Ag Field Day event
For most youth, the connection to a family farm is at least three if not more generations away. While most farms are still family farms, only a little more than one percent of the population nationally is engaged with actual farm operations ,though roughly one fifth of the gross domestic product (GDP) is connected to agriculture in terms of the U.S. economy.
Annually, the fourth-grade field day brings agriculture knowledge and science to the forefront across a broad spectrum of agriculture. The event is organized by Purdue Extension and the Putnam County 4-H Junior Leaders.
Junior Leaders are 4-H youth in grades 7-12 who enroll in the Junior Leader project and club. These youth lead many stations and contribute topic ideas. New this year, for example, was maple syrup, which was led by Junior Leader Clay Haddon, who shared his experience of actively tapping and cooking maple syrup.
Numerous other animal stations were presented by Junior Leaders brought and spoke about animal species.
Besides the Putnam 4-H Junior Leaders, the event is also made possible by the North Putnam FFA, which conducts a dairy foods station; South Putnam FFA, which provides uts aquaculture trailer and presents fish farming; and Cloverdale FFA, which presented a real versus fake food topic.
The Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District assisted with a forestry topic, Matt Chandler of Chandler Orchards presented about apple tree grafting, Jim Luzar presented grains, Lacy Alderson presented honey bees and Putnam County Farm Bureau Inc. provided popcorn and milk while Junior Leader Kinzee Wilson discussed ag facts.
Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are eastern.
Upcoming events
May 15 – All animal enrollment must be complete in 4Honline and camp registration due.
May 16 – On Local Government Webinar, Extension Office, 10-11 a.m.
May 23 – How to Make an Under the Sink Compost Bin Using Red Worms webinar, noon. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y83ma4k4
May 23 – Gardener Gatherings – Gardening for Pollinators, 6:30 p.m., Extension Office. Register at https://bit.ly/2GbFTet
May 27 – Extension Office closed in observation of Memorial Day