National Agricultural Day promotes learning
A 4H student explains beef production to county fourth graders as part of National Agriculture Day at Mansfield Park. For a complete gallery of photos, visit the Bulletin’s Facebook page BULLETIN PHOTO/Tracy Thayer
Over 200 Bandera County fourth graders from Alkek Elementary, Hill Country Elementary, Medina Elementary and Utopia School attended a celebration of National Agriculture Day last Friday, cycling through ten stations showing how agriculture impacts their lives.
“Our aim was to show kids that their food doesn’t come from grocery stores,” said Booker Young, President of the Bandera County Farm Bureau. “This is the age when kids are most impressionable. We want them to have a good understanding of agriculture. They have been pretty quiet and attentive to all the presentations here today.”
Students were enthralled with the information presented during the day. One of the most popular stations was the “wildlife station.” Johnny Arredondo brought in a wide selection of animal skins, pelts, and skulls to show students, teaching them the difference between a bobcat skull and a puma skull.
Another popular station was staffed with linemen from BEC, who demonstrated safety precautions and showed what they do to keep the power flowing in Bandera County. Their presentation earned them “oohs and ahs” as they talked about their daily work and what they did during weather emergencies.
Farrier Donald Walker showed tools and techniques used to shoe horses. He explained carefully the different tasks for which each implement was used.
As Kris Ede talked about cotton production and gins, he passed around samples of separated cotton fiber to the students, who quickly began asking questions about the process.
Linda Williams brought out her beekeeper’s equipment and suit and spoke about raising bees in Bandera County and their impact on area agriculture.
4H students from Bandera and Medina High Schools wandered among the exhibits and explained key concepts to the elementary students. One held a kid goat and smiled to show everyone the wonderful opportunity to get involved in raising animals.
The Bandera County Cattlewomens’ Association talked about beef production and other uses cattle played in agriculture.
Wool producer Frank Craddock told stories about wool and sheep production and showed students samples of the different grades of natural fiber those animals produced.
Outside, Robert Mazurek was in charge of the farm equipment display and talked about hay production. Students sat on fragrant bales of alfalfa hay as the men explained how the farm implements worked.
Theresa Sparks, also from the Bandera County Farm Bureau, added, “ We haven’t had an Ag Day celebration in two years due to COVID. It feels good to resume this day. These children are our future. We sure do miss Mrs. Mazurek, though.”