More than 1,000 local students, 45 teachers and many members of the public will get the full show at this year’s Ag Day, the annual educational fair for children showcasing the fascinating variety of Napa County agriculture. The free event takes place on Friday, March 8, at the Napa Valley Expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is primarily geared towards second and third grade students.
The day features livestock such as mini-cows, alpacas and sheep; demonstrations such as sheep shearing, horse shoeing, dairy cows and yarn spinning; and many displays from farms like Long Meadow Ranch, hands-on education centers like Connolly Ranch, industry groups and more. It even includes a demonstration by a dog trained to sniff out contraband plants in the mail.
“Agriculture is extremely important to Napa County and this event teaches our children about its importance and helps keep them connected to agriculture,” said agricultural commissioner.
“Ag Day introduces our children to some of the amazing people who represent local agriculture and demonstrates some of the ways the agricultural industries of the Napa County contribute to the economics and well-being of our community.”
“Most California schools do not currently provide a strong education in agriculture,” said Dana Estensen, chairman of Napa County Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom program. “Ag Day provides a partial solution to this problem by creating an opportunity for children to learn about the many facets of agriculture in fun and interactive ways. In combination with our Ag in the Classroom program and organizations like 4-H and FFA, Ag Day helps ensure a healthy future for Napa County’s agricultural industry.”
The event, presented by the Napa County Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom and the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, celebrates National Agriculture Week. It also honors agriculture for providing safe, abundant and affordable products, contributing to a strong economy, and being a source of renewable energy and a world of job opportunities.
The Napa County Agriculture in the Classroom program is a non-profit organization that is a subsidiary of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, a grassroots organization coordinated by the US Department of Agriculture. Its goal is to help students and educators gain greater awareness of the role of agriculture in society and the economy. AITC’s vision is an appreciation of agriculture by all. The current Napa AITC committee comprises educators and members of the agricultural and business communities of Napa County. It is open to anyone with a desire to foster agricultural literacy to local schoolchildren. Find out more at www.napafarmbureau.org.
The Board of Supervisors and staff of Napa County are dedicated to preserving and sustaining Napa County for present and future generations as a community with generous open space, a thriving agricultural industry and a quality human and natural environment. Visit us on the Web at www.countyofnapa.org.
