National Ag Day event brings over 700 fourth graders to Fonner Park

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - National Ag Day saw an over two decade long tradition continue for the Hall County Agricultural Committee.

They brought over 700 area of fourth graders to the sheep barn at Fonner Park. While there the youngsters got a chance to see the back bone of of the nation’s economy agriculture.

They were able to learn about both the planting and animal portions of the industry. One organizer said a an event like the one of Tuesday is important because the kids might not have access to a farm or farmer.

“A lot of the times kids aren’t on the farm anymore, so they aren’t aware,” Annette Schimmer said. “They just think they’re food shows up in the grocery store, on a shelf, and it comes by a semi-truck, so that’s where they think their food comes from. Our hopes with this event is to explain to them the root of where their food came from.”

For Tara Janda the Ag Day event is a family affair, as her daughters help educate the fourth graders on the animals they bring, and she said she hopes the day carries excitement for the students.

“This is a chick that we’re raising and will lay eggs to feed our family,” Janda said. “Not everyone can have agriculture in their backyard at their own home, but just to know when they go to the grocery store that the steak in the meat counter, or the egg in the egg case came from agriculture, and just to make that connection.”

At just 11 years old Tara’s Daughter, Marrissa, already appreciated the process that puts food on grocery store shelves.

“I think it’s pretty cool to know how the food just gets to places like Walmart and Hy-vee,” Janda said.

Volunteers for the event came from the Grand Island Northwest High School FFA, and some even participated in the event when they were in elementary school.

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