By Blake Jackson
More than 1,600 elementary and middle school students from southcentral Pennsylvania recently visited the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex for Farm City Day to learn about agriculture careers and hands-on farming activities. The event helps students understand how agriculture connects to science, technology, food production, and environmental care.
The program, hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, supports efforts to introduce students to future agriculture careers and workforce opportunities. Students participated in activities involving animals, agricultural drones, welding, soil health, and food production systems.
“The students here today may be the ones who dream up the technology and innovation that will shape our agriculture industry and feed our families tomorrow,” said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “We need to feed their minds now by inspiring them to imagine what is possible. Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry needs flexible problem-solvers who can imagine new technology that will make agriculture more efficient, food safer, and our environment healthier.”
Students spent the day interacting with horses, goats, rabbits, sheep, and alpacas while also learning how farms use drones, machinery, and environmental practices. Activities included trying a life-size cow milking simulator, learning welding skills, and exploring how soil, trees, worms, and chemistry support healthy farmland and clean water.
“It is important that our young people recognize that Pennsylvania agriculture does not begin or end on your grocery store shelf,” said Shannon Hawkins, director of culture and climate at Harrisburg Steam Academy. “It is also important that they also recognize the wealth of opportunity within the agriculture industry and Pennsylvania’s importance to our nation. We need our students to participate in the preservation and restoration of agriculture.”
State leaders continue investing in workforce development, agriculture education, apprenticeship programs, and innovation grants to support future farming and food industry careers. Officials believe programs like Farm City Day help students explore new career opportunities while supporting Pennsylvania’s long-term agricultural growth and economic success.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sisoje
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, Livestock, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety