By Andy Diffenderfer
Correspondent
ROCK SPRING, Ga. – Third-graders in Walker County recently got a glimpse into the impact of agriculture in their community and maybe even their futures at the Walker County Agricultural Center.
Walker County Agriculture Day was developed to inform county third-graders about the importance of agriculture for the county’s economy and the options for careers in agribusinesses.
The event “gives them a practical application for their classroom learning,” said Brent Jackson, Young Farmer adviser at LaFayette High School.
Turkeys, goats, pigs and sheep were among the animals shown at the fair, as were alpacas, members of the camel family that are bred for their warm, soft wool.
Some of the pupils someday might show animals themselves as participants in Future Farmers of America or 4-H, according to Michael Green, Walker County Young Farmers president.
“It’s a good chance for them to see the different animals,” said Norman Edwards, Walker County Extension director. “They can understand how important agriculture is and how it relates to their everyday lives.”
FARM FACTS* 538: Number of Walker County farms* 71,152 acres: Land used for farming* $90 million: Total market value of farm products sold* $1.3 million: Crop sales* $88.9 million: Livestock salesSource: 2007 USDA Census of Agriculture
Susan Darling of My Little Darlings alpaca farm in Chickamauga, Ga., answered questions as her animals, Vic and Tyson, charmedthe curious youngsters.
“Kids seem to take to them very well,” she said, adding the animals’ pleasant demeanor “makes the kids a little intrigued.”
Among the other presenters at the event were Walker County Emergency Services, the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
“Hopefully, this will spark a career in agriculture, either as a vet or a farmer or something else,” said Mr. Green. “There’s an ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ factor going on here.”
Andy Diffenderfer is based in LaFayette, Ga. Contact him at andydiff97@comcast.net.
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