Montcalm County Farm Bureau hosted its largest Project RED (Rural Education Day) to date last month, with more than 400 area fourth-graders gathering at Montcalm Community College’s Heritage Village May 21.
Eighteen classes from seven schools — Lincoln Heights, Walnut Hills, Cedar Crest, Central Montcalm, Montabella, Vestaburg and Carson City — participated in the event showcasing the diversity of Montcalm County agriculture.
Small groups of students cycled through eight themed educational stations manned by local farmers and ag professionals. Students learned about farm equipment, insect pollinators, and were able to touch livestock animals, including goats brought by Montcalm County Farm Bureau President Breann Bonga and sheep from board member Lane Grieser. Another board member, Cody Christensen, talked with students about tractor technology.
DNR officers and Conservation District staff were on hand to share their expertise, and everyone enjoyed snacks while being quizzed on animal facts.
Fourteen volunteers pitched in to help make the event happen, including students from the local career center's FFA program.
Sarah Richardson is Michigan Farm Bureau’s print and digital design services manager.
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