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Around harvest time each year the Pike County Extension Office hosts its highly anticipated Third Grade Farm Day at Cattleman Park.

Farm Day is an opportunity for young students to learn more about what it’s like to live on a farm in South Alabama, about the different farm animals, the crops that are grown and how they are harvested.

The Pike County Extension Office held Third Grade Farm Day on a rather nippy December morning much like early winter days on the farm.

Abby Peters, Pike County Extension coordinator, said more than 350 third-grade students from Pike County enjoy their time learning about life of a South Alabama farm. The third graders didn’t seem to notice the nip in the air; they were just excited about Farm Day.

“We had over 350 third grade students this year from all schools in Pike County” Peters said.  “And they were excited and eager to learn  about horses, cows, baby chicks, tractor safety, seed and gardening and farm equipment safety lessons. We also learned about the safety of fire burning on farmland.

Peters said the students also learned how cotton, corn, and peanuts are grown, harvested and the role they play in the local economy and around the dinner table.

Peters said Farm Day 2024 was a great success and thanked the presenters from the Alabama Forestry Commission, Soil & Water Conservation, Wayne Farms, Capital Tractor, Alabama Cooperative Extension, Goshen Ag Academy, and Pike County Master Gardeners.

“It was a great day and the students enjoyed it!”

The Pike County Farm-City provided activity booklets for each student to take home. Lunch was provided for all volunteers and presenters by the Pike County Young Farmers.