AgVenture! Day a Hit with Local Students

TULARE - The International Agri-Center recently hosted Tulare and Visalia area fourth graders for the first annual “AgVenture! Day.”  The event, which drew 1,600 local students, taught about agriculture and the importance of good nutrition.

Teachers and students spent the day learning from farmers, ranchers, nutrition experts and other representatives in the agriculture industry.  Demonstrations included sheep shearing, a nutrition play, sheep dogs in action and horseshoeing.

“One of our goals at the International Agri-Center is to promote agricultural education and to provide learning opportunities to the community,” said Jerry Sinift, CEO of the International Agri-Center.  “This event was the perfect way to give students an up-close look at agriculture in our area.”

Partners from the UC Cooperative Extension and the Tulare County Farm Bureau were also on hand to teach students about the importance of eating healthy every day, and to help them explore farming, food and fun.

The event helped students and teachers gain a new appreciation for the agriculture industry.  Tasting samples were donated by Sun Maid Raisins, Top O’ The Morn Farms, Summerhill Dairy, Saputo Cheese, Land O’ Lakes, Paramount Citrus and Grimmway Farms.

“AgVenture! Day engaged my students in a wealth of local ag industry and diet knowledge,” said Aaron Gomes, a Tulare County School District teacher.  “This field day is a Tulare County educational highlight.”