Eight Ways Roxton, Other Communities Can Recognize National Ag Day

While Roxton may not have a “local” school anymore, for many years RISD supported a strong and active chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). And many Roxton students participated in National Ag Day activities. Whether Roxton’s youth are now attending school at Chisum or Honey Grove or are educated through virtual or home schooling, there is no reason the tradition cannot continue. And while National Ag Day 2021 has passed, youth and adults involved in organizations like the FFA are well aware that promoting agriculture in a community is an important year-round effort.

For 48 years now, National Ag Day has provided a perfect opportunity to showcase the importance of agriculture. Celebrate the occasion and educate your community with one of these ideas, including two virtual options.

1. Plan a ticketed farm-to-table dinner as a fundraiser for your chapter.

2. Host a virtual career fair with community businesses that don’t have an agricultural focus. This allows companies to learn about the skills and work ethic of FFA members.

3. Host a farm carnival. Have a petting zoo, tractors to climb and a maze made from hay bales.

4. Organize an event for local farmers, like a breakfast or chili cook-off. Consider including an awards ceremony to recognize their contributions to the community and agriculture as a whole.

5. Display an “agriculture fair” in the school cafeteria or common area with posters and simulations of important agricultural concepts.

6. Coordinate with a local elementary school to teach an agriculture lesson. Plant seeds in cups, draw the life cycle of a butterfly or make butter in a jar using locally sourced cream. Need to interact virtually? Join the class via webconference or record a short educational video for the teacher to show.

7. Take over the school newspaper for a special agriculture edition. (If your school doesn’t have one, create one for National Ag Day.) Feature local farmers, students’ supervised agricultural experiences, quizzes, interesting facts, upcoming FFA events, and what it’s like to be an FFA member.

8. Advocate for agriculture to your elected officials. Arrange a webconference with a local government leader or school board member.

For more National Ag Day resources, visit AgDay.org.