The Choctaw County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Choctaw County Extension Service enjoyed participating in the Choctaw County Library System’s Summer Reading Program by hosting a Farmer for a Day event for all ages. Participants visited several interactive stations where they learned about a variety of topics on agriculture. Melissa Collins, District Clerk for the CCSWCD, and Iesha McGruder, Soil Conservationist with NRCS, talked about the different soil layers in the Earth, distributed Sam-E Soil coloring books and participants at their station made an edible soil layer snack.
Chaz Ingram with the MSWCD played the part of Sam-E Soil for the day and was a big hit with the younger participants! Bekkah Bingham, District Clerk with ACSWCD, talked about hay and other grasses grown by local farmers, provided attendees with the opportunity to see examples of uncured and cured hay, and made a chia pet by planting Bermuda seeds and decorating their own cup.
Dr. Julie White from MSU Extension Service and her daughter spoke about pores in trees and demonstrated how to use wood to blow bubbles. Participants at their stations also planted a butterbean seed in cotton, and popcorn was provided as a special treat. Mrs. Ann Ellington brought a variety of chickens from her local farm and provided an opportunity for everyone to hold and pet a chicken themselves.
Despite the heat, an exciting experience was happening out on the lawn beside the library. Mr. Jim McAdory, from Winston County Extension, set up his Kubota tractor and implements to teach participants about the equipment used on the farm. This was a big hit with everyone! He allowed children and adults to operate parts of the tractor and older attendees were even allowed to take the tractor for a spin around the lawn. A morning of learning and fun was had by all!
