Texas Agrilife Ag Awareness Day!

Larry Graham with Southwest Dairy Center explains the work of a Dairy Man to the group. Contributed photo What is a photochemical?

Is a coffee bean a seed?

Do large fish produce fewer offspring than small fish?

More than 400 of Leon Counties fourth and fifth graders, educators, and community members heard the answers (given below) to these and other thought-provoking questions at the second annual Agricultural Awareness Day, held at Fort Boggy State Park on September 28, 2009. The Awareness Day festivities, which included displays and interactive presentations by more than 10 businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies from throughout the state, gave the students a greater understanding of Texas agriculture and the environment.

The true value of Ag Awareness Day, however, extends beyond the learning of scientific facts. By exposing young people to important issues involving agriculture, land use, and natural resources, and by showing them the diverse job opportunities available in these fields, the event helped our youth become better stewards of Leon County resources and raises their awareness of the many careers they can pursue in agriculture and environmental science. This type of experience is particularly important during the grade-school years, as children form opinions about the place where they live and their role in the world. Tracing the path that our food takes from pasture to plate helps young students connect to the land in a meaningful, memorable way.

Leon County's Agricultural Awareness Day represents a partnership between Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Master Gardeners, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Parks and Wildlife, NRCS, Southwest Dairy Farmers, state and local government, and the agricultural community.