Fun with Farms

School to Farm Day was a huge success this year with over 300 students from 15 schools in Sullivan County attending. It was the most beautiful of spring days. There were a few hiccups at the beginning, including a cow getting loose in the hayfield, but all the folks that make this day happen were able to pivot when needed. After a couple of rotations, the day ran smoothly. 

Feedback was given that this was the best event yet.

The presenters were engaging and students learned a lot about the importance of agriculture in our community. Newport High School students in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program taught stations focused on maple sugaring and bee keeping. John Hammond, a blacksmith from Cornish demonstrated his trade. 4H families and home school families brought chickens, goats, and ponies and taught students how to care for them. Dairy and beef farmers brought cows and taught about the food that comes from them.

Students took a wagon ride with Phil Warren and his draft horses and learned how people communicate with oxen from Chase Tanner of Cat Swamp Farm. NH Ag in the Classroom, SCCD, and Lake Sunapee Protective Association taught about natural resources that are used for farming and food production in NH. Students learned about berries and fruit production from others in the community. Lunch time fun included a picnic lunch and McNamara Dairy's chocolate milk. 

Our local farms are very important to our food security in our community. They shouldn't just be a focus on School to Farm Day, but everyday. Students and teachers are encouraged to visit local farms on field trips, but also as community members. Supporting farms through buying their products, helping at volunteer workdays and being good neighbors. 

If participating in a Farm Day sounds like fun to you, Save the Date for Sullivan Farm Day, September 28th, 2024. Local farms will be hosting open houses and activities for the public to enjoy. We will share more information about this event in the fall.