LUMBERTON — More than 1,000 third graders from the Public Schools of Robeson County learned about the importance of agriculture and agricultural careers during the Robeson County Agriculture Awareness Days held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The events took place at the Southeastern N.C. Agricultural Events Center and featured a variety of educational booths, demonstrations and interactive learning stations where students learned how crops are grown, how livestock are raised and how agriculture impacts daily life.
Local agricultural experts, farmers and community partners guided students through hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity about the vital role agriculture plays in North Carolina’s economy.
Mac Malloy could be seen sharing information about cotton with students during the event. Malloy serves as the County Extension Director and Extension Agent for Agriculture - Field Crops at North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center.
“This event gives students a connection to where their food comes from. When they go to the grocery store, they need to know that a farmer somewhere around this world is producing the food and fiber that we use,” Malloy said.
Connecting lessons to life
“Events like Agriculture Awareness Days help our students connect classroom lessons to real-world applications,” said Michelle Shooter, Manager of the Southeastern N.C. Agricultural Events Center.
“Robeson County is such a big Ag county and it’s important that these kids understand what’s going on in their back yards—the whole process of where crops go and what they’re grown for. We are grateful for the partnership with the Public Schools of Robeson County that makes this event possible,” Shooter said.
The annual event is a collaboration between the Public Schools of Robeson County; N.C. Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center; Robeson County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee; and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Marketing Division.. It aims to introduce young learners to the diverse opportunities in agriculture—from farming and animal science to environmental sustainability and agribusiness.
At the event, students had opportunities to touch and explore real agricultural materials. They could feel cotton, make flour with a grain mill and talk with Mountaire Farms and Sanderson Farms officials about poultry.
Taylor Chavis, Livestock Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, said the goal is to make agriculture tangible for students.
Lessons also included the importance of making healthy choices, Malloy said.
“We do try to tie in nutrition, and the reality is students learn better when they’re making better food decisions—more water, less sugary drinks,” he added.
Careers and Agriculture’s Global Impact
The experience may spark interest in agriculture careers for students someday, Chavis said.
Agriculture careers are critical to the nutrition and survival of communities across the globe.
“We eat three meals a day. Without Ag we would have no clothes or food. Even money is made from cotton,” Chavis said.
Malloy added that “food security is national security,” highlighting the global impact of agriculture and the importance of farmland preservation.
Planting Seeds for a Better Future
“We want to plant seeds for a better future—not only the farming future but the reality is these kids are going to be voting on policies that affect trade and agriculture someday. We need leaders—not only farmers but people who are leading commodity associations and legislators. When they see the importance of agriculture and what it means to all their constituents, I think they become more informed decision makers,” Malloy said.
Public Schools of Robeson County Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson shared appreciation for the ongoing partnership that supports hands-on learning and career exploration for students.
“We are proud to collaborate with our community partners to provide students with engaging, real-world experiences that connect directly to classroom instruction. Ag Awareness Days bring learning to life and demonstrate just how important agriculture education is,” Dr. Williamson said.
“We know that opportunities like this expand our students’ understanding of agriculture’s role in our economy, but also help inspire the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our county and our state,” he added.
Now in its third year, Robeson County Agriculture Awareness Days continue to grow and flourish—planting seeds of curiosity and appreciation for the agricultural industry among Robeson County’s youngest learners.