News : 3rd Grade Ag Day: Students, presenters brave cold rain for farm lessons

Umbrellas, jackets and hats helped 3rd graders fight the cold rain during Ag Day.

Students examine some of Macy Arbuckle's bees during 3rd Grade Ag Day.

Although it was not listed on the program, the impact of weather on farming was an important lesson during the annual Third Grade Ag Day sponsored by the Benton County Extension Office with help from many local organizations.

The weather was much colder than normal, with temperatures in the low 40s, along with rain and wind during much of the day. Students wore makeshift rain jackets made from garbage bags, and huddled together under umbrellas trying to stay warm and dry.

The students learned about cattle, dairy cows, horses, pigs, poultry and other farm animals. Inside, where they ate lunch, the 3rd graders from every school within Benton County saw displays about electrical safety, uses of corn, bees and wildlife.

Participating instructors and assistanting organizations included: Belle Plaine FFA, Benton Comm FFA, VS FFA , ISUEO Field Agronomist Meaghan Anderson, ISUEO Field Ag Engineer Greg Brenneman, Iowa Corn Growers Association of Benton County, ECI RECs, Benton Co Conservation, Stan Geiken, Lynn Rinderknecht. Food was prepared by BC Cattlemen, Dairy Producers & Pork Producers, BC Farm Bureau and BC Corn Gowers.

Third graders from Keystone and Atkins both of Benton Community, Tilford and Shellsburg of Vinton-Shellsburg, Belle Plaine and a small number of Home Schoolers were among the attendees.

See more photos HERE.