The 3rd annual Sacramento Farm Day will be held on March 20 by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (CFAITC). The event is an engaging and educational day designed to create a farm experience that many students would not typically have.On March 22, 2019, 1,000 fourth through sixth grade Sacramento students from underserved schools experienced all aspects of agriculture—from interacting with farm animals, to tasting, to planting sunflower seeds. Hosted by CFAITC and its partners the California Farm Bureau and Raley’s, Sacramento Farm Day provided students with an opportunity to learn the many ways that agriculture shapes their lives. CFAITC is incredibly thankful to Raley’s and the Farm Bureau for their support and participation.
“Thanks everyone for a successful, safe and fun day. Many hands and minds are needed to make this happen for lots and lots of students. Much appreciated,” said Mr. Martin and the students of Room 28 at Pacific Elementary School, Sacramento City Unified Schools District.
For many students, this was their first time meeting a farmer. It was also their first time seeing a horse, cow, and other animals in real life, while learning about nutrition, plant nutrients, invasive species, floriculture and so much more!
Groups of students rotated through presentations that included the Seed Survivor, a 32-foot mobile classroom sponsored by Nutrien that teaches students about nutrients needed for plant growth. Between each rotation, students visited Snack Attack stations where they received a variety of popular California commodities. “This was the best day ever! I love my flowers and snacks," said Jessica, a fifth-grade student from Woodlake Elementary. “I heard students asking the names of what I thought were common fruits and vegetables. Farm Day was educational and inspirational,” said Kim Schouten-Williams, sixth grade teacher from Washington Elementary.
California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross, and CFAITC President Jamie Johansson, greeted the students during lunch and shared about the diversity of agriculture in California. More than 100 volunteers helped to make Sacramento Farm Day possible—from farmers greeting students as they arrived, to FFA group leaders who helped them rotate thorough the stations, to booth presenters who provided students with hands-on educational activities.