By Dayna Ghirardelli, Executive Director
The annual Ag Days event continues to demonstrate its enduring value as a cornerstone educational experience for our community. This year, we were proud to welcome more than 3,750 guests over the course of two vibrant mornings, reaffirming both the relevance and the appeal of this long-standing program.
While attendance has not yet returned to the pre-pandemic peak of approximately 6,000 guests, the steady growth we are seeing is both encouraging and meaningful. Schools continue to face a range of logistical and structural challenges, from limited bus availability to tighter curriculum requirements. Despite these constraints, participation is trending upward, a testament to the dedication of educators and the lasting impact of Ag Days.
Each year since the return of in-person events, our numbers have steadily climbed. We view this as a period of cultivation. We are working closely with educators to ensure that Ag Days remains an essential, accessible resource that fits within their educational goals. In fact, we’ve added resources online and are distributing newsletters to classrooms across the county year-round.
Equally important as the numbers is the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received. Teachers and parents alike expressed sincere appreciation for the opportunity this event provides. Many shared that they look forward to Ag Days each year, noting that it consistently delivers an engaging, hands-on learning experience that students remember long after their visit. The event continues to meet (and exceed) expectations, reinforcing its reputation as a highlight of the academic year.
Over 60 exhibitors and volunteers also played a critical role in this success, engaging directly with thousands of students and bringing agricultural education to life in meaningful and memorable ways. Their commitment helps ensure that each attendee leaves with a deeper understanding of agriculture’s role in our daily lives and local economy.
As I often say, these outreach events are the bridge to the core of what the Farm Bureau does. By educating 3,750 young people today, we are cultivating the informed voters, neighbors, and agricultural leaders of tomorrow. A student who pets a lamb or watches a cow being milked today is far more likely to support the “Right to Farm” tomorrow. They begin to understand that agriculture isn’t just something they see through a car window; it is a vital, living industry that supports their community.
To our exhibitors, volunteers, and sponsors: THANK YOU for your tireless work. You are the reason this event remains a success.
