Greene County fourth graders enjoyed a sunny day at the annual “Ag on the Farm Day” at Tim and Vickie Robbins’ farm in Scranton.

What made the event even more memorable was a visit from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.  The event aims to expose all area fourth graders to hands-on agriculture activities, which Northey says is very important, especially those students who don’t have a farming background.

“I would argue that when they see tractors in the fields and they see cows on hillsides, they think differently.  Certainly I think it’s great for those that have had any (agriculture) exposure, but it’s especially important for those who haven’t.”

He was very impressed by what Greene County has done for 20 years with “Ag on the Farm Day” and he hopes that more areas do the same to give kids experience agriculture.

There were nine stations which included Global Positioning Systems, horticulture, grain bin safety, farm equipment safety, corn and its growth cycle, value-added products from crops, cow and calf demonstrations, soybean information and water conservation practices.  There were over 150 people between students, teachers and volunteers at the event.  Everyone enjoyed a free meal by the Greene County Cattlemen Association.

“Ag on the Farm Day” is co-sponsored by the Greene County Farm Bureau and Farm Credit Services of America in Carroll.