For many years, Greene County Farm Bureau board members Tim and Vickie Robbins have hosted a farm tour for all fourth grade students in the county to educate them about the care and raising of farm animals, farm safety, and everyday by-products that we get from animals and crops. This year’s farm tour was held Friday, April 25 with 89 energetic and eager fourth graders arriving at the Robbins farm for a fun-filled morning of activities.
As students descended off the busses, Vickie greeted each class and welcomed them to their farm northwest of Scranton. Vickie told the students she, her husband Tim, and sons Justin and Aaron operate the farm. Each student received a sticker that said “I Met A Farmer Today”.
Students spent the morning rotating through eight “hands-on” learning stations where the students spent approximately 15 minutes at each station. After enjoying a lunch of grilled burgers, chips, cookie, and bottled water, the fourth graders were bussed back to their respective schools.
Many of the stations were set up, and the presentations were done by Horn O’Plenty FFA members. FFA instructor Cortney Schmidt was also on hand and helped throughout the morning.
At the cow/calf station, Justin Robbins talked about the responsibilities of having a cow/calf herd. He showed the kids several items that they use during calving if needed and how they identify newborn calves by placing an ear tag in their ear. Students were full of questions at this station and also able to see several calves that had been born this spring and also a newborn calf that was born while the farm tour was going on. The newborn calf and mom were a big hit!
Presenters at the horticulture station were Brian Rasmussen, Chase Stoline, Tressa Rasmussen, and Molly Hoskins. Students learned about plants and were given the opportunity to plant a marigold seed in a styrofoam cup full of dirt which they were able to take home.
Presenting at the farm safety station were FFA members (pictured, from left) Thea Ballard, Wade Wuebker, and Mason Burkett. PTO dangers, ATV, and tractor/farm equipment safety were discussed with the students. A line quickly formed when students were told they could climb in the tractor and sit in the seat but not to touch anything. At another station, FFA members Zach Sukovaty, Colton Morlan, George Zito, and Dylan Fouch reviewed the dangers of flowing grain and grain bin safety.
Sheila Hebenstreit from the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District had a water testing station and tested water from Robbins’ farm, as well as samples brought by the students.
Vickie Robbins manned the value-added ag booth, explaining to the students that many of the products they use every day are made from crops harvested by farmers, including corn, soybeans, alfalfa, hay, and cotton. Students were left with the knowledge that in some way a farmer touches their life each day by what they eat, wear, and play with.
