SWCD’s fifth grade farm tour still making an impact
Joe Christner from host Holmes Soil & Water Conservation District has been giving tours as part of the annual Tom Graham Fifth Grade Farm Tour for many years. This year’s tour saw him talking about animal grazing and much more to the many groups of fifth graders who made the tour at Ayrdell Farm.
What do a planing company, maple syrup, creek wildlife and soil have in common?
They were all part of the annual East Holmes Tom Graham Fifth Grade Farm Tour that took place at Ayrdell Farm near Trail on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
The farm tour has become a favorite of fifth graders around the county, and while it was once a one-time annual event that included both East and West Holmes schools, it has grown to such large proportions that host Holmes County Soil & Water Conservation District has created two days, one in the east and the other in the west.
The importance of this day is that it serves as an avenue to introduce many of the fifth graders to farming life while also promoting conservation practices.
According to Trevor Berger, SWCD program administrator, many young people today have no idea what takes place on a farm. Thus, this event serves as a valuable tool to introduce them to the world of livestock, raising crops, soil conservation, forestry and wildlife, but in this case, it included the additional opportunity to showcase the maple syrup industry as well as take the kids through the immense Walnut Creek Planing operation to show them the inner workings of a large Holmes County business that works with wood.
“The diversity of the stations seems to be something the kids get a kick out of,” Berger said of the event. “They get to see a bunch of different things in a relatively short period. They see the whole gamut (of farm life and conservation).”
What type of an impact does the farm tour have on these young people? Berger said that when he went to pick up the hot dogs for the noon-time meal for the event at Winesburg Meats, every single one of the employees there told him exactly where they had their fifth-grade farm tour in years prior.
“Not every kid lives on a farm, so to get them out and teach them about conservation as well as farming is invaluable,” Berger said. “We get a chance to show them where some of these products being harvested come from and how it happens. This is something that will stick.”
The Tom Graham Fifth Grade Farm Tour has been operating since 1965, and over the years it has presented youth with a chance to learn and experience farm life, and each will now write an essay on one particular part of the day that stood out to them.
The winning essays will be chosen by a panel of judges, and the winners will be presented at the SWCD banquet later this fall.
“This event has created a legacy,” Berger said, adding that while he didn’t grow up in Holmes County, it didn’t take him long to realize the importance and value of the event.
Walnut Creek Planing employees provided the tours through their facility, while longtime SWCD employee Joe Christner had the honor of talking to the kids about farming and livestock.
The stream study was presented by Karen Gotter and Rebekah Schonauer of the SWCD. This youth favorite allowed the students to crawl down to the creek and search for creek wildlife as the two leaders shared the importance of soil conservation pertaining to streams.
John Lorson, director of the Wayne County SWCD, presented a wildlife study, and Darby Sherman of the Holmes SWCD and Jacob Lotz, a member of Natural Resources Conservation Services, took the students into a large crater that was dug to showcase the different types of soil that farmers utilize.
The other unique stop distinct to this tour was the maple syrup sugar shack, where the kids got a detailed look at the intricacies of the maple syrup industry.
“We love the opportunity to share our farm life and the joy of farming with these young people,” said Fannie Wengerd, who owns and operates Ayrdell Farm with her husband, Ferman.
The Wengerds were busy talking to the fifth graders about the importance of forestry and provided plenty of insight into their maple syrup operation, which most of the youngsters found quite informative.
The SWCD continues to team up with numerous farms and businesses throughout the area that have helped create a memorable experience for the students. From local businesses donating food to the host farms and volunteers, including the Hiland High School FFA members who helped lead tours, the partnership has been a successful one.
“It’s two phases,” Berger said. “They see the value and hear about it from the kids, and some of them have kids. They come out of the woodwork the minute you ask (for support).”
As for the efforts of the Hiland FFA team, Berger said the tour wouldn’t be possible without their help.
“We’ve got 20 Hiland FFA students out here, and they’re leading tour groups,” he said. “They’re helping with tour stops, and at the end of the day, they help clean up. This gets them public interaction, and every one of them was on a farm tour, too, so it’s a good experience for everyone involved.”
As an educational organization, it is the SWCD team members’ role in the community to inform and educate daily when it comes to farming and conservation. However, this particular event holds a special spot in their hearts and presents a truly unique chance to enjoy their roles in a completely different and exciting way.