By Scout Nelson
In 2023, Nebraska Extension 4-H successfully conducted 19 Ag Literacy Festivals, reaching more than 6,070 students from second to fifth grade. Spanning five months and encompassing 153 schools, these festivals played a pivotal role in deepening students' understanding and connection to Nebraska’s crucial agricultural sector.
These festivals offered interactive lessons on livestock, crops, and water, equipping young minds to become informed consumers. An educator praised the festivals, saying, “This is an excellent field trip where students engage and make real-world connections.”
The festivals garnered high satisfaction from teachers, with 98% expressing satisfaction or very satisfaction with the educational content. 97% appreciated the presentations' age-appropriateness and relevance to classroom content. “This festival was very connected to our social studies content taught on how important agriculture is for Nebraska,” a teacher testified.
The impact of these festivals extends beyond the classroom. Parents reported that their children shared their newfound knowledge at home, demonstrating the effectiveness of these educational experiences in raising agricultural awareness.
The festivals also introduced students to ag technology and agribusiness, broadening their understanding of career opportunities in agriculture. “Our students gained a deeper understanding of agribusiness in Nebraska,” a teacher noted. “They learned about the careers and history associated with agribusiness in Nebraska, as well as the plants and animals used to boost our economy. Our students have a better understanding and appreciation for agribusiness because of the Ag Literacy Festival.”
These festivals, supported by contributions exceeding $16,000, involved numerous partners including the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Poultry Industries, Douglas County Farm Bureau, and Midwest Dairy.
These initiatives not only enhance agricultural understanding among the youth but also sow the seeds for a deeper connection with Nebraska’s agricultural heritage. “My students will understand better how to make healthy food choices. Students will understand economics better and how some people in our area make their money through agricultural jobs,” explained an educator.
Nebraska Extension’s 4-H Ag Literacy Festivals are more than just educational field trips; they are platforms for nurturing knowledge and fostering strong ties between communities and their agricultural roots, ensuring appreciation and understanding for future generations. “We think the information is fascinating,” an educator commented, “and gives us further reasons to have pride in our great state.”
Photo Credit: nebraska-extenstion
Categories: Nebraska, Rural Lifestyle