The Malad FFA chapter, Oneida County extension office, and the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation District helped put on this year’s Elementary Ag Day! This year’s theme was ‘Home is Where the Habitat is’. We had seven different rotations, all related to agriculture and its importance.

First, we had three groups presenting on birds and their role in our ecosystems. We had one group identifying owls and dissecting owl pellets, another identifying backyard birds and making bird feeders, and we had live birds from Rusty Jones. This taught the students valuable lessons about biodiversity, observation skills, and helped them build a connection and passion for agriculture.

Then, we had a group present on the importance of soil and water and how they affect our ecosystem. We were so happy to have the Idaho Farm Bureau help us teach the importance of keeping our farm lands and waters safe. This helps students understand why we strive to protect our soil and water and how it is essential to our everyday life.

Finally, we had a group presenting on FFA and 4H and how these are not only fun but also a great learning experience. The students were able to have memorable experiences that linked them to FFA and 4H, so they could participate in the future. And one more group presenting on Leave No Trace and camping safety with a special guest from the United States Forest Service, Smokey Bear! This made students understand safe practices while camping, the importance of fire safety, and what they can do to reduce their impact on our forests.

This year had a focus on keeping our ecosystems and farmland safe and sustained. This elementary AG day,‘Home is Where the Habitat is’, was a success! We cannot wait for next year!