Dearborn County Ag Days Bring Agriculture to Life for Nearly 600 Third Grade Students

More than 40 agricultural professionals and volunteers shared their expertise through 14 educational stations.

Photo via South Dearborn FFA.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) - The 2026 Dearborn County Ag Days program successfully connected local students with agriculture through two days of hands-on learning on September 22-23.

Hosted by Purdue Extension Dearborn County and a wide variety of community partners, the event welcomed 588 third-grade students from 28 classrooms along with 108 adult chaperones for an interactive exploration of agriculture and natural resources.

More than 40 agricultural professionals and volunteers shared their expertise through 14 educational stations, giving students the opportunity to experience the many ways agriculture impacts their daily lives. The stations featured topics ranging from modern production agriculture to historical farming practices and environmental stewardship.

Students participated in activities and demonstrations presented by:

• · East Central FFA – Plant Science
• · Archaeology Research Institute – Agricultural History
• · Siemer Milling – Making Flour
• · Zimmer Tractor and Lawn & Garden – Lawn and Garden Safety
• · Soil and Water Conservation District – Soil and Water Conservation
• · Beef Production-4-H Volunteer Corey Rudolf
• · Bee keeping-SEIN Beekeeping Association
• · Sheep Production-4-H member Landon Smith
• · Goat Production-4-H members Carissa Shuter and Jack Rosenberger
• · South Dearborn FFA – Poultry Production
• · Horse Industry Education-4-H members Danica Neff, Alizabeth Bear, and Bailey Griffin
• · Dearborn County Farm Club – Hands-On Historical Agriculture
• · Dearborn County Farm Bureau – Grains and Grain Bin Safety
• · Solid Waste Management District – Shephanie Hofmeier Worm Composting

The event highlighted the importance of community partnerships in agricultural education and provided students with real-world learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom setting.

“Working with outside partners who provide educational experiences for our youth is a win for all,” said Liz Beiersdorfer, Dearborn County 4-H Youth Development Educator.

As Ag Days marks its 38th year, the program continues to foster agricultural literacy by engaging students in hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of agriculture's impact on everyday life, helping young people better understand where their food, fiber, and natural resources come from and introducing them to the diverse career opportunities available within the agriculture industry.

About Dearborn County 4-H

Dearborn County 4-H provides educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills through hands-on learning experiences. Through partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and volunteers, Dearborn County 4-H connects youth with meaningful educational experiences that prepare them for future success.