By Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent
Over 500 2nd and 3rd graders got to experience what it is like to be a farmer at Smith County Farm Day on Friday, April 12th. The Smith County Ag Center was full, both inside and outside with sixteen booths that taught about different aspects of the agriculture industry. Everything from row crops, beef, sheep, soil and natural resources, poultry, and even exotic animals were explored! Youth were able to enjoy hands-on interactive learning at each booth. They received a Farm Day shirt as well as a goody bag.
With the average age of a farmer in the United States reaching nearly sixty and with less than 2% of the population involved in production agriculture, it is more important than ever to educate our youth about where their food, fuel, and fiber comes from. The young people who participated in Farm Day may be future farmers, agribusiness leaders, crop scientists, livestock nutritionists, or one of the many other important jobs in the agriculture industry. They will also grow up to be consumers who make decisions at the grocery store for themselves and their families. We hope to play a small role in making sure they have an appreciation for agriculture and can make informed decisions in purchasing their food.
We want to thank the Smith County Farm Bureau for their leadership in organizing and hosting this event. Thank you to the Smith County FFA and Gordonsville FFA programs for serving as group leaders. We are so appreciative of all community members who brought animals, taught at a booth, and helped support this important effort to educate our young people!
For more information about any agriculture-related topics, contact the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900. 
