Students skip school to gain knowledge
by Sean O'Brien, posted Sept. 24, 2009
Students from across the state made a trip to the University of Missouri to participate in the annual FFA Field Day, hosted by the Bradford Research and Extension Center, on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Entomology, growing giant pumpkins, and goats were just a few of the topics covered at the event.
In attendance this year were 1,600 students from 44 schools, according to Tim Reinbott, research associate and superintendent of the Bradford Research and Extension Center.
“It was a great turnout and we are improving and growing each year, both in the number of students and topics,” Reinbott said.
>> Hear more about the event and view slide show.
The Bradford Research and Extension Center works each year to provide students, who are enrolled in an agricultural education class, with a day of learning about traditional and unusual agricultural subjects, and provide the students with information about the diverse spread of careers offered in agriculture.
The event was a tour of a variety of informational stations with different topics for groups. There were speakers at each station who presented information and current research being done in each subject area. Some of the subject areas included were agronomy, horticulture, entomology, atmospheric science, and agricultural engineering.
“My favorite section was the fistulated cow,” said Amanda Logan, a participating student. “They have a cow with a hole in it. You can put your arm in the cow and feel the main stomach and see the partially digested food. It is awesome.”
Students also had the chance to learn about the university and the importance of higher education.
“This event really helps inform you about the different and varied options in agriculture,” said Abby Hall, a student participant. “It influenced me to eventually attend MU, because of the opportunities that the university offers.”
With attendance growing each year, and the successful feedback Reinbott is getting, he thinks that the program is an excellent way to expose students to some of the opportunities and subjects in agriculture.
