Jackson Progress-Argus

Dr. Alan Burdette, of Jackson Veterinary Clinic, shows students a horse and tells them about the different ways horses helped on the farm in Butts County, during Farm Day on Tuesday, May 8.

Kindergartners from each elementary school in Butts County got a first-hand look at what it’s like to be on a farm during the Butts County Farm Bureau’s 25th Annual Farm Day, Tuesday, May 8.

Students had the opportunity to pet horses, goats, snakes, and hogs while experts told them how important each is to life on a farm. The event was hosted on the lawn at Hamilton State Bank in Jackson.

Farm Day Coordinator Mary Ruth Watson said that the event teaches students where the things they eat and drink, and the clothing they wear, come from.

“Some of the students may have never seen cows or horses up close, and never thought about where milk comes from,” Watson said. “But this event will give them the opportunity to learn things that they will never forget.”

Students also had the opportunity to milk a cow, provided by the Georgia Milk Producers, Inc., of Watkinsville, Ga.

Watson said that Farm Day is a great opportunity for students to gain an interest in farming.

“We try to encourage students to learn more about the farming process and get more involved,” she said. “At one time, there were about a dozen dairy farms in the county, and now there are none, and kids may never get the opportunity to see these things up close and personal.”

Local emergency agencies such as the Jackson Fire Department, the Jackson Police Department, and the Butts County Sheriff’s Office took part in educating the students on their importance to the community.

Watson said that she is glad to take part in Farm Day and teach the students the importance of farming, and agriculture in Georgia.

The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation is Georgia’s largest voluntary agricultural organization with more than 340,000 member families.

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On the net:

Georgia Farm Bureau: www.gfb.org