THOMPSONTOWN — Students in elementary classrooms across Juniata County had the chance to learn all about agriculture at Ag Exploration Day, an agricultural career awareness event for all fourth-grade students on Wednesday.

The outdoor event happens once a year and it gives students an opportunity to learn from local producers who can explain how

agriculture serves all of us every day.

It’s organized by the Juniata County Conservation District, USDA Juniata County Farm Service Agency and 4-H through Penn State Extension.

“It is nice to have students experience things outside of the classroom related to information they are taught,” explained Aaron Bennett, principal at Juniata Elementary School, which sent 123 fourth-graders to the Millwork Farm in Thompsontown.

“We live in a rural area and some students will never have the opportunity to experience a farm,” Bennett added. “We offer ag classes at the secondary level, and this helps expose them to future careers and covers the state Chapter 339 requirements.”

Agriculture certainly plays a significant role in Juniata County’s economy. Like other industries, such as manufacturing, health care and the trades, agribusinesses are facing the same workforce shortages that are leaving many farms and other agriculture-related businesses strapped thin to perform their daily work.

It’s never too early to educate future generations about the agriculture industry.

“Kids enjoy getting out into the community and learning about local job opportunities, gaining valuable insights into the latest technologies available in our area,” said Clint Mitchell, principal at East Juniata Elementary School in Richfield, which had 50 fourth-graders attend the event.

“We are fortunate to have strong community supporters, such as Chris Hoffman, president of the Farm Bureau, along with the Penn State Extension Office and all those involved in the JC AG Day planning committee,” Mitchell added. “Their contributions play a crucial role in enhancing our students’ knowledge and connection to local resources.”

Students from Juniata Christian School and Walker Mennonite School also spent time down on the farm, visiting 13 stations which covered a variety of topics, including veterinarian, animal housing, soils and poultry. Each of the stations offered pertinent information, allowing the students to explore the types of careers that the agriculture industry can provide.

The event was a community effort as local FFA chapters were also heavily involved.

“It is also really nice to see our high school FFA stepping up and helping out with this event, as it allows our students to witness how individuals not much older than them are taking on leadership roles in agricultural awareness and career opportunities,” Mitchell said. “It’s essential for students to understand the variety of careers available to them, as this knowledge empowers them to make informed choices for their futures.”

The Millwork Farm also rolled out the red carpet for the students this year, which was appreciated as well.

“Penn State Extension and the Farm Bureau play a big role in planning the events and they try to move the event around to different farms around the county,” Bennett added. “So we want to thank them.”

The real beneficiary is the ag industry, which stole the spotlight on this particular day. If even one student opts for a career in that field because of this event then it’s deemed a success.

“There are countless opportunities for students in the agriculture field, and the more we teach them now, the better prepared they will be for their future careers,” Mitchell explained.

“The success of this event relies heavily on community support, especially during this busy time for our local farmers, and we are incredibly grateful for all their efforts to make this experience possible for our fourth-grade students,” Mitchell added.