Jordan Eschedor demonstrates the proper technique to put on a horse’s halter. (Photos courtesy of Eastwood FFA)

Fourth-graders learn about where food comes from
The fourth-grade students of Eastwood Local Schools were treated May 11 to a field trip and a day free of
classes to go to two local farms and have their eyes and ears opened to agriculture, which is Ohio’s
largest industry.
The event, called Food For America, was presented by the Eastwood FFA chapter to the students of Luckey,
Pemberville and Webster elementary schools in the Eastwood district. The students traveled to the farms
of John Russell and Duane Martin.
The Pemberville students attended the Martin Farm in the morning while the students of Luckey and Webster
attended the Russell’s. All of the sessions at both farms were given by the Eastwood FFA members.
At the Russell Farm, Julie Russell, Bryan Cajka, Adam Wolf, and Derick Buchman spoke to the students
about equipment safety around the farm. They discussed how to operate tractors and other machinery and
how to stay safe while doing so.
Amanda Isaacson, Kelsey Appelhans, Jason Slaughterbeck taught the students the basics to raising poultry,
from raising broilers for meat or hens for laying quality eggs. Erin Nelson, Courtney Dauer, Beau Kerr,
and Jordan Eschedor showed the students how to care for horses, from riding them and grooming them, to
showing them at local shows and fairs.
The students were also taught wildlife conservation practices and the different types of wildlife that
can be used for the benefit of the community. John Krock, Josh Isaacson, and Justin Stewert taught the
wildlife session.
Finally at the Russell Farm, the fourth-grade students learned everything they need to know about the FFA
organization as presented by Tiffany Wagoner, Shelby Vaughn, Stephanie Dippman and Christine Russell.

The students were taught everything from the various shop and class work that is done, the community
events put on by the FFA, and the Supervised Agricultural Experiences that each student completes while
enrolled in Agricultural Education. Popcorn was also served at this session as a treat for the students.

Shelli Morlock and Garret Tuck teach the students about dairy cows

Over at the Martin Farm, Michaela Moenter, Madi Renollet, and Maddy Fix taught how to raise sheep and
goats and the various byproducts that come from the animals such as baseballs and makeup.
The beef session was taught by Nichole Eschedor and Diana Bushman, and showed the students the importance
of beef animals on the farm and in our lives from the meat to the manure they produce which helps to
fertilize the land and adds nutrients back into the soil for the crops.
Kirsten Abke, Logan Browne, and Kevin Martin spoke to the students about raising swine, from the feed
that they need to the byproducts that we receive from swine such as gelatin, some medicines, and the
various meats that we enjoy during our meals.
Garret Tuck and special guests Dan and Shelli Morlock spoke to the students about raising dairy cows on a
dairy farm. They showed the students how the cows are milked numerous times each day and all of the feed
and water they need, and how we get products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Finally, Clayton Kemner, Lane Kemner, and Jake Isaacson demonstrated how crops are planted, how they
receive the nutrients they need, how they are fertilized, and how they are harvested. Sarah Snyder,
Brock Abke, Jarred Melcher, Kirsten Ameling, and Tiffany Eschedor served as tour guides for the day and
helped to make sure each group was where they needed to be. They answered any questions that the
students may have had.
The fourth-graders were excited to be able to see where the many products they use each day come from,
and how they receive them. They liked being able to have the hands-on opportunity to see the farms in
action. The FFA members were also very pleased with how the day went.

Member Julie Russell stated, "The day was very successful. It was good being able to see the
students enjoy being on the farms."
Diana Bushman and Stephanie Dippman were both proud with how the day went. They both said, "It was
fun being able to teach the students about agriculture."
The both also considered it a great day, and shared how it was nice being able to be out in the warm
weather.
Adviser David Little also exclaimed, "The weather was nice, and we received pleasant compliments
from the teachers of the elementary schools."