Have you ever wondered about the different parts of a sheep or how bees contribute to pollination? Last Friday, the Lassen County Fairgrounds transformed into a massive outdoor classroom as the Susanville FFA hosted its annual Farm City Day.
The event welcomed second-grade students from across Lassen County, including those from Richmond, Janesville, Shaffer, Johnstonville and McKinley schools. The primary goal of the day was to bridge the gap between the classroom and the farm, helping young students understand the vital role agriculture plays in their daily lives.
Student-Led Instruction
The day was powered by the expertise of older students. Forty members from Susanville FFA’s Ag Leadership and Ag Honors classes took on the role of educators, developing ten distinct lessons. Each session lasted eight minutes, providing a fast-paced and engaging overview of where food comes from and how the industry operates.
“Ag literacy is a goal these students have,” explains Susanville FFA Advisor Elizabeth Ammon. “Students take pride in developing these activities and teaching the younger generation.”
Hands-On Learning
To keep the energy high and the lessons memorable, the FFA students focused on hands-on activities rather than lectures. The second graders had the opportunity to rotate through stations covering a wide variety of topics, including:
Animal Husbandry: Practicing how to milk a cow and learning the physical characteristics of sheep.
Plant Biology: Understanding the mechanics of how bees pollinate plants.
Safety and Science: Learning about tractor safety and the biology behind why eggs are colored the way they are.
Community Collaboration
The event was a collaborative effort to ensure the next generation understands the importance of the local agricultural industry. Funding and materials for this year’s Farm City Day were provided by the Lassen County Office of Education and Susanville FFA.
For more information on upcoming FFA events or to learn how to support local agricultural education, community members can contact the Susanville FFA office at 1.530.257.2141 during school hours, typically until 4:00p.m.
