About 500 school children from across the county attended a recent Texas County Farm Bureau ag-expo at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Fairgrounds. It’s the third bi-annual event the organization has organized for third and fourth graders in the county.
About 25 FFA members from Houston and Cabool assisted Farm Bureau members – each was delegated to act as a guide to a small group of students. There were 20 stations manned by volunteers who gave nine-minute talks about animals and agricultural interests.
On display were dairy and beef cattle, dairy and meat goats, three hog pens, equine, sheep for hair and wool, poultry, forestry, soil and water, Indian history, nursery and flowers, corn and soybeans, four Missouri Department of Conservation booths highlighting trapping, fur, timber and quail, information from University Extension and an Intercounty Electric display regarding power and lightning.
MFA Agri-Services provided about 200 bales of hay so students could sit at each booth.
The day exposes students to the role of agriculture in the area. Each one attending brings a sack lunch, and roast beef sandwiches, chips and drinks are provided to the FFA members, presenters and Farm Bureau board members.