HARRISBURG, PA — Over 1,300 elementary school students from nine counties descended on the PA Farm Show Complex for PA Farm City Day. This Wednesday and Thursday event, designed to open young eyes to the myriad possibilities within agriculture, saw Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, along with key figures from the Department of Education, guiding eager students through various interactive exhibits.
From dairy farming and beekeeping to sustainable forestry and advanced drone-assisted crop management, children explored the science and technology underpinning modern agriculture. “We saw students get excited to see where the products they wear and use every day come from,” said Secretary Redding, emphasizing the role of technology in producing food that is both nutritious and environmentally friendly. This initiative aligns with the Shapiro Administration’s goal to bridge educational experiences with real-world career opportunities, particularly in fields requiring proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Farm City Day, celebrated as part of the national Remake Learning Days, marks the beginning of a statewide effort to expose students to the agricultural sector, which is responsible for one in ten jobs in Pennsylvania and is projected to have 75,000 openings in the next decade. This push towards early career exploration seeks to address the dual challenge of meeting employer demand for skilled labor and preparing students for fulfilling careers.
The enthusiasm was palpable as students from 28 elementary schools engaged with the animals and the farmers who care for them. These interactions provided a tangible connection to the agricultural practices that sustain everyday life, from the food on their tables to the clothes on their backs.
The timing of PA Farm City Day couldn’t be more opportune, with Pennsylvania welcoming two new FFA chapters and celebrating a record number of students receiving their blue FFA jackets. The state’s commitment to agricultural education was further highlighted at the annual Farm Show, where 505 student leaders received Keystone Degrees, signaling their readiness for careers in the science, business, and technology sectors of agriculture.
Pennsylvania’s pioneering efforts in attracting young and diverse talents to agriculture have not gone unnoticed, earning it recognition as a model for national investment in the sector. With a notable percentage of farmers under 35, the state stands as a testament to the viability of agriculture as a career path for the next generation.
PA Farm City Day represents more than just a field trip; it’s an investment in the future of Pennsylvania’s workforce and its agricultural heritage. By connecting students with the vast opportunities in agriculture, the state is nurturing a new crop of innovators, entrepreneurs, and environmental stewards poised to feed the world in the 21st century.
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