United FFA teaches youngsters about food chain

The United Future Farmers of America chapter held a Food for America event toward the end of the school year.

The program was in conjunction with the United Elementary School’s PBIS end-of-the-year carnival. Students were invited to walk through the agricultural classroom, where they were greeted by livestock and pets that FFA students had on display.

FFA members brought in Holstein calves, a jersey dairy cow, a pony, ewe lambs, goats, chickens, geese, ducks, a rabbit and a turtle.

“The students enjoy petting the animals that they normally don't see, however these programs are important for not only students but also adults,” said United FFA Adviser Tyler Gentry. “Even though we are a very rural school, more than half of the students have never been on a farm, and several have never even seen a cow in real life. Our goal is to help bridge the gap between producer and consumer.”

More than 600 students, teachers and guests attended the event, during which they learned about the animals, what they produce, how to feed them and how their food is raised.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: United FFA teaches youngsters about food chain