Agriculture awe

As part of National FFA Week, elementary students at Red Bay saw the revival of Ag Day at RBHS.

“Ag Day is something Red Bay did several years ago,” said FFA sponsor and agri-science instructor Jarod Massey. “We decided we needed to have another one. It’s a time for us to bring all the elementary students out to the agri-science department and let them see a little bit of our agriculture industry.”

Students were given the chance for a detailed view of greenhouse operations, machine shop, woodworking, farm animals and tractors and other equipment. Red Bay’s robotics program was also on display, and Ag Day combined with FACS Day for a wide-ranging selection of courses and future careers for students to get excited about. Sherry Hutcheson and her FACS students displayed quilts and a formal table setting; demonstrated an apple corer/peeler/slicer; and provided each elementary student with a cupcake and fruit punch.

“It’s a joint effort, and it has taken everybody to make it happen,” said Massey. Planning for the event began in November as part of efforts to initiate an alumni chapter of the FFA at Red Bay.

“We want to just let students see the different aspects of agriculture,” Massey added. “A lot of students today might not even know their food is grown on farms, and we want to show them where we get our food and show them different career options that are available.”

Franklin County Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Division Chairperson Carol Glass, Vice Chairperson Shirley Ezzell, Elizabeth Daniel and Becky Hester, along with FFA members, were involved with leading tour groups.

About 450 Pre-K through sixth grade students toured each station. A number of high school students also took the chance to take a peek at some of the activities.

Red Bay has 90-100 FFA members, about half of whom are heavily active. Red Bay students can begin taking agri-science classes beginning in eighth grade.