A day at the farm: Montevallo FFA chapter opens doors
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Things got a little wild last week at Montevallo High School.
Rabbits, sheep, cows and even a string band invaded the school Friday and Saturday as part of the 4th annual Farm Day.
Sponsored by the local Future Farmers of America chapter, the two-day event brings in local students and teaches them about the history and importance of farming.
&8220;It&8217;s very important to influence the generation so they know the efforts of the individual farmers and where our food comes from,&8221; said Justin Posey, a junior at MHS.
On Friday, preschoolers to eighth graders got an up-close look at livestock, antique farm equipment and the school&8217;s greenhouse. &8220;We tell them what each thing is used for, and why it&8217;s important for food or clothes,&8221; said Posey.
Active MHS alumni organize the event, coordinating with area farmers to bring in the animals and tractors. The animal lineup included rabbits, chickens, horses, cows, sheep and donkeys.
FFA Sponsor Keith Adair said Farm Day is special because his students get to learn while teaching younger children. &8220;It&8217;s a pleasure watching these students teach students,&8221; said Adair.
Farm Day, which started in 2004, expanded this year to include an extra day on Saturday that is open to the general public.
&8220;It&8217;s growing big time,&8221; said Adair. &8220;People like it because it feels like the old days.&8221;
Plans for next year include an antique tractor show and an arts and craft fair