It’s OK to start small, just start. That was the takeaway from the Oklahoma Soybean Board “How To Have An Ag Day workshop.  Hosting an Ag Day at their school is an innovative way to enrich the learning experiences of their students, to ignite their curiosity, and to foster a deeper connection with the world around them. Recently, I had the privilege of attending a workshop that not only embodied these ideals but also left me inspired and equipped to bring a transformative event to my own school community: How To Have An Ag Day.

Imagine stepping into a dynamic learning environment where stations buzz with activity, each offering a unique window into the vibrant tapestry of agriculture. At “How To Have An Ag Day”, this vision became a reality as participants, much like eager students, rotated through four engaging stations, each offering a different facet of agricultural education.

At the Oklahoma Agriculture In The Classroom station, led by the enthusiastic Melody Blosser, we not only delved into resources but also found ourselves square dancing, connecting with the joyous spirit of rural life. Melody showcased invaluable tools and materials that could seamlessly integrate into our classrooms, sparking curiosity and understanding about agriculture's pivotal role in our lives.

Susie and Lu, the Jersey cow, stole the spotlight at the Southwest Dairy Farmers Mobile Dairy Classroom station. Through live milking demonstrations and insightful discussions, we gained a newfound appreciation for the dairy industry, its technology, and the dedication of farmers ensuring a steady milk supply for our tables.

Blane Stacy, Ranchland specialist, brought a presentation from the Oklahoma Conservation Office the Soil Health Tunnel and the Rainfall Simulator Erosion demonstration to shed light on the critical importance of soil health. With this visually captivating unit, Blane empowered us with practical techniques for assessing and restoring soil vitality, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between agriculture and environmental stewardship.

The Oklahoma Soybean station offered a comprehensive exploration of the soybean lifecycle and its multifaceted applications in food, feed, fiber, and fuel. Understanding the origins of our sustenance is vital, and Rick Reimer’s sense of humor and knowledge kept us captivated in this session and underscored the significance of agricultural literacy in shaping informed consumers and future advocates for sustainable farming practices.

After a nourishing lunch, a panel discussion and Q&A session provided invaluable insights into orchestrating similar events at our schools. Christie Puckett, Teresa Brunnemer, Tammy Will, Lori Newark were all experienced facilitators of an Ag Event at their schools and Susie and Rick provided insight on the inviting presenters to time management strategies, from leveraging student involvement to showcasing local agriculture, the discussion empowered us to take the reins and cultivate our own Ag Day experience.

Reflecting on this enriching workshop, I am brimming with excitement and I hope that everyone who attended left with the determination to bring the spirit of teaching about agriculture to their school community. How To Have An Ag Day was hosted by the Oklahoma Soybean Board and exemplified the transformative power of experiential learning, igniting a passion for agriculture and inspiring future generations to become stewards of our food systems.

Ginger Reimer urges fellow educators to seize the opportunity, to embrace the challenge, and to embark on their own journey of cultivating curiosity through providing agricultural experiences. Their hope is that together, we sow the seeds of knowledge, nurture inquisitive minds, and reap a harvest of empowered and informed citizens ready to shape a sustainable future.

In the words of Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Let us embark on this journey together and sow the seeds of change, one Ag Day at a time.