More than 200 fifth graders from five northeast Nebraska schools experienced agriculture beyond the classroom during the annual Growing Potential Agriculture Festival held Sept. 3 at McQuistian Farms near Pender.
The event brought 202 students together with farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals to learn more about the industry that provides their food, fiber, and energy. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation and Northeast Nebraska Corn Growers host the festival each year to promote agricultural literacy and give students an opportunity to experience agriculture firsthand.
Throughout the day, students rotated through nine stations highlighting different aspects of agriculture and the many career opportunities available within the industry. Taylor Nelson, vice president of the Northeast Nebraska Corn Growers Association, said the festival is especially important for students who may not have a direct connection to agriculture.
“There are so many kids today who don’t have the opportunity to be around farms or see all the different opportunities agriculture has to offer,” Nelson said. “We want to expose them to those opportunities at an early age and make a positive impression as they begin thinking about their futures and the careers available to them. I hope students understand that they don’t have to come from a farm to have a future in agriculture. There are many ways to build a career in the industry, return to a small town, and contribute to agriculture.”
Students attending the festival represented Wayne, Wisner-Pilger, West Point-Beemer, Laurel, and Pender schools.
Support from local businesses and agricultural organizations helped ensure the festival remained free for participating students. Sponsors included NEN Aerial Services, Grossenburg Implement, Keiser Irrigation, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Siouxland Ethanol, Michael Foods, Tim and Ashley Mcquistian, and the Hansen family along with gracious support from numerous seed companies.
