| A.C. Limes (left) and Cody Froman showing different soil layers that formed from a soil sample to the 4th graders. |
Otsego’s FFA chapter held its fourth annual "Ag. Day" at Otsego High School on May 11.
The purpose of Ag Day is to teach fourth-grade students about science in agriculture as well as provide
hands on experiences in agriculture.
A total of 115 of the elementary students from both Haskins and Grand Rapids elementary schools attended
the day. Grand Rapids students came in the morning and the students from Haskins elementary attended in
the afternoon. Elementary students were divided into groups of four that rotated through the four
different break-out sessions during the day.
The plant session including learning about plant parts, growth, and nutrition as well as planting a
sunflower seed to take home. The agricultural technology session taught students about new technology in
agriculture like using GPS, auto steer, field mapping of soils, and about the various crops planted in
Wood County. The soils breakout session focused on soil erosion, the slope of soil and soil texture.
Students were able to see demonstrations and participate in ribboning soil texture.
The fourth session was equipment and livestock. Students were able to see and learn about chickens,
horses, cattle, goats and bees. There was equipment on hand for the students to learn about was a
combine, various tractors, fertilizer spreader, and a baler.
| Dylan Jacobs (left) is teaching students about honeycomb from his bees, as well as showing them his chickens. |
The chapter also provided the elementary students with a snack and drink during the day.
After all sessions were completed students were able to see an auto steer demonstration. Bill Potter,
Otsego FFA member, used a John Deere 8130 which has the auto steer technology.
At the end of the day, elementary students were provided an agricultural activities packet to that
contained informative and fun agricultural facts to help summarize the day’s activities.
All sessions were designed and taught by Otsego FFA members. The chapter had 34 FFA members conduct the
activities for Ag. Day.
