Scranton FFA inspires the next generation of animal lovers through a classroom event – Agweek

SCRANTON, ND – FFA students in Scranton welcomed the next generation of agriculture enthusiasts to their Ag in the Classroom event. You could hear the excitement as elementary school students got to see, feed and pet farm animals in the school parking lot, and learn a thing or two about animal husbandry.

It is a tradition that has been continued for decades.

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“The Ag in the Classroom probably started about 23 years ago with the previous teacher, who was actually Trevor Steeke,” said Ag teacher Misty Steeke, Trevor’s wife. “We’re turning it into something of an annual event.”

This year’s event featured chicks, sheep, goats, calves and horses. It is up to the FFA members to present the animals and educate the younger students.

“The main point is to teach children what animals are and how they can help us in our daily lives,” explains Karady Evans, president of the Scranton FFA. “It’s also about teaching them basic facts because even though we come from rural North Dakota, we still have kids who just farm, so they don’t know much about animals. We think it is important that they become acquainted with these simple facts about the animals.

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“Each FFA member takes the lead and takes the kids to each of the groups and it will be an exciting day for everyone,” Steeke said. “All the officers and everyone just steps up and takes charge.”

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Dani Maychrcak, secretary of the Scranton FFA, has been involved with the Ag in the Classroom event since she was 7 years old.^e figure. She always brings her beef cattle to be part of the event.

“As a kid in elementary school, I always looked forward to coming to do this because we looked up to the older kids and they would teach us all about these different animals,” Maychrcak said. “Now that I get to do it, I get to teach these little kids and tell them all the fun facts about the animals, and it’s just a great time for them. I just enjoy seeing them having a good time.”

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This event is a great way to teach children about livestock safety.

“Coming from our small town, you think everyone knows everything about all the animals, but many of them may not be as familiar with how to be safe around the animals, or they may just not be as aware of some things. ‘ Steeke said. “It really opens their eyes.”

Evans hopes to one day become a teacher, so this event gives her some experience in that field.

“My favorite part is definitely seeing the kids get excited about the animals they get to see and learn about,” she said.

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Through this event, FFA members hope to encourage the younger generation to get involved with the organization.

“We think it’s important that they see all sides of what FFA can do, whether that’s the competition or the education part of it,” Evans said.