Sunday, 6 November 2005
8

Making the Community Better, Field and Furrow Style.

Patricia Burton, Stephanie Rousonelos, Regan Joehl, and Robert Dunker. University of Illinois, AE 114 Turner Hall, 1102 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

The members of the University of Illinois Field and Furrow Club, through their lifetime association with agriculture, have been fortunate to be able to partake in this historical aspect of American culture. Agriculture has been a very rewarding experience to the members and as one receives such wonderful gifts from life, there is a time to give back. With much deliberation and reflection, the members concluded that the best way to give back was to return to our roots, our youth. This commitment has inspired new and innovative outreach programs in the club's volunteer effort to raise awareness of agriculture and all its benefits in young people. For youth to successfully integrate in any farming operation, safety education was an overwhelming issue to the members of the club. Several members, in conjunction with the local Young Ag-Leaders, spearheaded our commitment to a unique and innovative program, the Farm Safety Day Camp, held as the semester started in the fall. In the spring, members continued their dedication to youth education by participating in two events. The College of ACES held the first annual “ExplorACES” program where potential new students and their families were able to visit the University and see the many exciting opportunities offered by the Department and the club. The members played a large role in preparing and staffing several informative and hands-on displays, and were able to generate interest in agriculture for the event participants. Later in the semester, members worked with the Farm Bureau Ag-In-The-Classroom staff to visit a local elementary school and help lead several discussions in biotechnology education, where students were able to understand how agriculture affects them each day. The energy of youth was in high gear throughout each program encouraging members of a strong and enthusiastic future for agriculture.

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