Fourth graders from Habersham County’s public elementary schools, The Torch Christian Academy and Trinity Christian School saw firsthand how to shear a sheep, milk a cow, how honey is made, and so much more. Students were able to see a sloth, a baby Lemur, and Highland cows. They listen to how corn is grown, how electricity works, and where it comes from.
540 students from across the county participated in the day. Gilbert Barrett of the Farm Bureau and White County Farmers Exchange is the Chairman of the Promotion and Education Committee. He knows the importance of this day because it brings awareness of the largest industry in Georgia, with more than $84 billion in economic impact every year Barrett explained.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the help of so many volunteers. It takes many to pull off this day,” Barrett added.
Habersham County’s Student Agriculture Day has been an ongoing event for nearly 30 years at the fairgrounds.
Before that, students visited working farms. “One out of seven people will work in some form of agricultural field,” Barrett said. “It is important to educate early.”
Cari Watts Savage is a fourth-grade teacher at The Torch Christian Academy.
This was her first year participating in the event.
“A lot of my kids, some of them have animals but then for some of them, this is the first time being around farm animals. We’ve already learned a lot about Georgia and what is grown here. It is a great experience for students and especially wonderful to have this locally.” Savage said.
HEMC, a sponsor of the event, was on hand to demonstrate the dangers of electricity but also how important it is for the community.
Ashley Wilson, a fourth-grade teacher at Hazel Grove Elementary, loved the atmosphere and the opportunity for her students to see firsthand what goes on.
“This is my third year and it is so significant because it helps them to see what is happening in Georgia. They might see the animals in a field or crops growing but not make the connection they can get here,” Wilson emphasized.
Brandon Leo of Iron P Homestead from Hogansville, GA, brought his exotic petting zoo for children to see what a sloth is, see a baby monkey, and pet a camel. “We have a giant tortoise, goats, lambs, ponies, a sloth, exotic birds, Highland cows. The kids are loving it. Some say it is their favorite part of the fair,” Leo explained.
Leo talked about the joy of hearing the children laughing and experiencing animals they had never seen before.
It is the mission of Iron P Homestead to care for and protect these animals as well as educate others to do the same.
Seeing these animals up close gave children a different perspective of the world around us.
Habersham County School Administrators were on hand to help with the students and enjoy the day as well. Superintendent Matthew Cooper, Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin, and Dr. Susan Davis, the Director of the Elementary Schools were just some of those attending.
