Agriculture + Kids = Cool



Launched at the Ohio State Fair in 2011, the “Agriculture is Cool” education program is set to return to this year’s expo July 25 to August 5.

The purpose of the program is to generate excitement and interest among students about agriculture, which is Ohio’s largest industry and a key component of the state’s history and identity.

“The great thing about this program is that it helps young people understand you don’t have to live on a farm to have agriculture touch your life every day,” said David Daniels, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture in a recent OurOhio.org article. “By exploring Ohio agriculture at the Ohio State Fair, families get the opportunity to see how farmers today are using state-of-the-art technology to grow food. It’s pretty incredible.”

The program, which was recently recognized by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions as the best special or specific agricultural education exhibit, event or program, offers students and visitors of all ages the opportunity to learn more about different facets of the state’s agriculture industry and how it impacts the daily lives of all Ohioans.

In addition to interactive exhibits, the program also offers exiting fourth-grade students the opportunity to win one of four $500 scholarships, provided by the Ohio State Fair Youth Reserve Program, by submitting a one-page essay or creative story about what they learned from the Ag is Cool program.

This year, the program is also offering fourth-grade teachers the chance to attend the fair for free and possibly win one of two $2,500 classroom grants from a random drawing.

Are you interested in learning more about the Agriculture is Cool program? Visit the program’s website for more information.

Photo obtained from: agri.ohio.gov






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