By KELLI BLOOMQUIST

WEBSTER CITY — More than 600 students from three area counties – Hamilton, Humboldt, and Webster – converged on the Hamilton County Fairgrounds recently to learn about Iowa agriculture.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach welcomed fifth grade students from 10 local schools including Duncombe Elementary, Southeast Valley, and St. Edmond Catholic School for hands-on agricultural learning opportunities.

During the four day event, students:

Toured the Iowa Corn trailer

Learned about flowers and soil with Smitty’s Lawn and Landscape, of Fort Dodge

Learned to identify corn and soybean diseases;

Met chickens, lambs, a calf, and a pony from Webster City’s FFA chapter

Interacted with Hamilton County Conservation while using their educational water table

Practiced mock-crop scouting

Learned about safety protocols in ag mechanics

Learned about pollinators

Studied the importance of renewable resources.

“Providing youth with hands-on agricultural experiences helps them connect what they see every day to the bigger picture of how food, natural resources, and communities all work together,” said Kristyn Klemp, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach youth coordinator for Webster County.

“Ag Days gives students the opportunity to learn by doing, asking questions, and building an appreciation for an industry that impacts all of us,” she added. “Experiences like this also help spark curiosity and open their eyes to the many different career paths within agriculture, from production to science, technology, and conservation. When youth have a better understanding of agriculture, they’re more confident in making informed decisions and become more engaged, knowledgeable members of their communities.”

The annual Environmental Agriculture Days event is celebrating its 30th year, having hosted more than 10,000 area students while teaching about Iowa agriculture.

“Data tells us that one in five Iowans have jobs in agriculture,” said Klemp. “We are leading producers of major agricultural products, such as corn, eggs, and pigs. Our goal is to play a part in educating youth so they can make more quality, informed choices, and maybe even choose a career in agriculture. Hamilton, Humboldt, and Webster County Extension and Outreach would like to thank all the local individuals, organizations, and schools who help make this event a success year after year.”