Can you imagine waking up to the excitement of an outdoor field trip only to peak out your bedroom window to witness a fresh layer of snow covering the ground? If you are a fourth-grade student or teacher in Hillsdale County, you experienced mother nature’s less than humorous temperature drop on the morning of April 10, 2025.
4th grade students, teachers, chaperones and event volunteers shivered their way into Hillsdale County Fairgrounds to learn about agriculture from local producers.
Now in the twelfth year of the program, the planning committee changed up most of their line up this year to offer fresh content allowing new presenters to have a chance to engage students in their passion for the agriculture industry.
Nearly 400 students assembled for the half-day field trip that offered a diverse look at Michigan’s agriculture commodities and how they are a part of our everyday lives.
The Great Lakes Great Diversity station is a staple in the lineup sharing a mountain of information related to the 300 commodities that Michigan has to offer and demonstrates how those commodities are used in food products. The station wrapped up sharing how volunteers from the Donut Hut spent the evening preparing a special treat for them – donuts – that were made from a mix of Michigan wheat, sugar, eggs and dry milk. The donuts were then fried in soybean oil from Michigan soybeans. The donuts were the highlight to learning about where your food comes from as students excitingly munched away during their walk to their next station. Thank you to the volunteers from the Donut Hut that made the delicious donuts! The station was represented by two Jonesville FFA students. Peer-to-peer learning has been a very impactful educational experience, and we are grateful for the continued partnership with students.
New this year, Emilie and Larkyn Dasch from Blue Bird Meadows Farm shared their greenhouse adventures – caring for their produce – providing thought provoking ideas for kids to engage in growing plants at home. Each classroom was provided with a plant they could watch grow.
Brothers Hayden & Lane from Ladd Family Farms alongside Landen Clabaugh co-presented an engaging discussion on how they care for their animals and interesting facts that survey results showed really engaged students such as “Pigs are cleaner than you might think”.
Director Chuck Sigler shared how essential equipment is in the agriculture industry and demonstrated the functionality of how hay bales are harvested from the plant to the bale. Thank you to Redline Equipment of Litchfield for allowing us to display the hay baler and tractor for a much greater impact on equipment use for farming!
Dr. Kayla Sweeney, large animal vet at Countryside Veterinary Clinic in Cement City, brough in her truck that she travels with farm-to-farm to care for large animals. Teachers expressed their gratitude for such great in-depth discussion on how she uses the tools of her trade for their students.
Denese Belson and Therese Shiffler co-presented the conversation station where they presented an interactive water cycle component that really engaged the kids to learning about how every fluid that hits the earth impacts ground water. “As a first-time presenter, I was genuinely impressed—not only by the seamless organization but also by the students’ active participation and the meaningful content woven throughout the program. Kudos to everyone who played a role in planning and executing such a well-rounded and impactful event. Well done!” shared Therese.
After students departed from the morning sessions, volunteers regrouped for lunch provided by Ladd Family Farm – thank you for the delicious chicken brat and fixings! Volunteers also sipped on coffee throughout the day – perhaps for a bit of warmth on the chilly day – donated by Biggby Coffee of Hudson.
Each classroom was supplied with a collection of items to continue their learning about the agriculture industry. Many Michigan Commodity groups donated materials to learn about where their food comes from. Beck’s Hybrids donated popcorn; Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm donated a coupon for a donut; Lane View Farm donated a coupon for a dozen eggs; and multiple local organizations helped us purchase: Seed Soil & Sun book, corresponding educator guide, ag magazine about soil, mini greenhouses and a promotional t-shirt for every student and teacher. Thank you to Briner Oil Company, The Anderson’s LLC, County National Bank, Greenmark Equipment, American One Credit Union, Hillsdale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Randall and Nancy Guise Foundation, Kohler Strawberry Farm, Porkchop Hill Farm LLC, Dauer Farms LLC, R.W. Oates LLC, Kaeb Sales INC, Hillsdale Meijer, Pitts Farm, Welden Farms, Finegan Farms, Lane View Farm, Waldron Grain & Fuel, Phase II /White Farms, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, Farm Bureau Michael Neely Agency LLC, Hillsdale County 4-H Council, and Meckley's Flavor Fruit Farm.
An immense thank you to Hillsdale County Fairgrounds staff for their continued support in our program – what better place to learn about agriculture than at our local fairgrounds!
You can learn more about our programs by visiting us online at michfb.com/hillsdale or call the office at (517) 437-2458.
Teacher Testimonials:
“Project Red is always an enjoyable delight. All the volunteers do a wonderful job, and the presentations are always so informative.” ~ Tara, Hillsdale
“Every year I amazed at how educational and fun the experience is. This was my 7th or 8th year of attending with my students. They always come back with knowledge and enjoy the hands-on experience.” ~ Nichole, Waldron
“This event has always been an informative experience for our students. Some of them have no experience with farming or agriculture. They are surprised about the products that come from close to home. I appreciate the opportunity to participate.” ~ Karrie, Hillsdale