The Adair County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is accepting registration for the annual Speak Out for Agriculture (SOFA) trip.

 

Youth Coordinator Caroline Savage says that the 2024 SOFA trip is tentatively scheduled for June 11th and 12th. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio that while they have taken out of state trips in the past, they’ve also stayed in state as well, and will be focusing on Iowa agriculture fields this year.

 

“This year we are staying in Iowa. So we’re going to stay to Central Iowa, do an overnight trip to Iowa State University, planning on staying in the dorms, so that’ll be exciting for the kids. We’re going to tour the Hawkeye Breeders in Adel, we’re doing John Deere Works in Ankeny, Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, a stop at the (Iowa) Corn Growers Association in Johnston. It’s a pretty packed two days, but (we’re) looking forward to it.”

 

Savage mentions that registration is open for students at least 13 years old by June 12th, who have completed at least the 8th grade and no more than 12th grade before the trip, and will cost $75 per individual. She adds that the SOFA group includes Adair, Cass and East and West Pottawattamie County, so individuals from all four areas will be making the trip. Savage explains that the age limit was a requirement for the John Deere stop, and that they also will only be able to take 50 children for the trip. To register, individuals can call the Adair County Extension.