By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Over 300 fifth graders from Pine Tree Middle School know more about agriculture thanks to the efforts of Gregg County Farm Bureau.

“I enjoyed being able to show the kids different products that are utilized from beef cattle,” Shaniqua Davis, Gregg County Farm Bureau president, said. “They don’t think about where their toothpaste or crayons come from. It’s always fun to see their reactions and help them understand where the products they use every day come from.”

Texas Farm Bureau’s mobile learning barn helped students better understand how products they use every day get their start on Texas farms and ranches.

“It’s important to visit with our youth because people are so far removed from agriculture,” Davis said. “Most of the kids we visited with have no idea where their food comes from or where their clothes come from. We were able to provide them with the information to better understand agriculture and hopefully spark an interest in them to learn more or explore a career in agriculture.”

The mobile learning barn featured beef cattle and forestry—two commodities that are common in East Texas.

The fifth graders learned how cowhides can be used to make footballs. and how the trees in East Texas are used to make various products.

Students were split into groups and visited six stations.

In addition to the mobile learning barn, students participated in hands-on activities and learned about erosion and land management, applying what they learned in their science class that week.

“The mobile learning barn is a great way to connect with youth and teach them about agriculture because a lot of kids don’t have that experience,” Davis said. “Even in rural areas, they still may not know where their food comes from. It’s a great opportunity to visit with the kids and be able to see them learn.”

To schedule a visit from TFB’s mobile learning barn, contact your county Farm Bureau office, email mlb@txfb.org or call 254-751-2273.

For more information, visit texasfarmbureau.org/aitc.