News : Students Explore Agriculture at Benton County’s Third Grade Ag Day

Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members: Jameson Demuth and Caleb Blattler teach 3rd graders about horses.

Third Graders learning about beef cattle at the Third Grade Ag Day

3rd grade class visits the farm equipment safety station.

By: Co-Reporter Sophia Newton 

On April 30th, 2025, the Third Grade Ag Day was held at the Benton County Fairgrounds, welcoming third-grade students from across Benton County.

Students from Tilford Elementary and neighboring school districts rotated through a series of hands-on educational stations, each led by members of the Vinton-Shellsburg, Benton Community, and Belle Plaine FFA chapters. The stations covered a wide range of agricultural topics, including swine, corn and soybeans, horses, dairy and beef cattle, poultry, rabbits, sheep, goats and farm equipment safety.

FFA members brought in their own livestock to help demonstrate the daily responsibilities involved in animal care, giving students a real-world look at the work behind raising livestock. In addition to the educational experiences, students enjoyed a lunch provided by the Benton County Pork Producers and Cattlemen.

The event offered a fun, engaging way for young students to learn about agriculture's role in their lives and communities.