A new agricultural event targeting third-graders will take place at Mississippi State University Nov. 5-9.
FARMtastic is an educational program designed to help children learn the sources of their food, clothing and other products. They also will learn about wildlife and health issues.
Oktibbeha County Extension agent Julie White is coordinating the second annual event, which is sponsored by the MSU Extension Service and the Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau in cooperation with other agencies. Weekday activities begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. at the Mississippi Horse Park, located on Poorhouse Road.
“FARMtastic is a hands-on agriculture education activity that promotes locally produced agricultural products in a fun learning environment for area third-graders,” she said.
White is expecting almost 1,000 children from Oktibbeha and the surrounding counties. School groups will visit the exhibits the first four days, and the general public is invited to attend from 9 a.m. until noon the final day, which is a Saturday.
Nelda Starks, co-coordinator and Oktibbeha County Farm Bureau women’s chair, said FARMtastic is a great way to promote agriculture.
“The younger children are when they learn where food and fiber come from, the better off we will be,” she said. “Hopefully, by reaching the children, we will reach their parents, too.”
From wildlife to sports
Guests will visit seven event stations for 15 minutes of hands-on activities and experiential learning. There are seven stations:
For more information about this event, call the Oktibbeha County Extension office at 662-323-5916.
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