For the next three days the Washington County Fairgrounds in Arlington will be invaded by about 650 third grade students in a four county area for the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension’s Ag Literacy Festival.
Dodge County Extension Educator Tracy Behnken says only 5% of our state’s population currently live on farms and we are getting more and more removed from the farm. She says, “Agriculture is the number one industry in Nebraska. That is an economic driving factor. Anywhere from 25% to 33% of our population are actually working in ag industries.”
Behnken says children will learn about grain production and how different uses for the grain from fuel to cosmetics. They will also see beef cattle, dairy cows and pigs. Children will also see farm equipment and learn how technology helps farmers do their job more efficiently.
Schools participating are from Dodge, Douglas, Burt and Washington Counties. Different groups are brought in each day to experience life on the farm. The event runs from April 29th through May 1st.