More than 1,000 third-graders get a lesson in farming during Ag Venture

The “first crop” of third graders arrived at the Manatee County Fairgrounds for Ag Venture at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, the “second crop” at 11:30 a.m.

In all, more than 1,000 children were learning about Manatee County agriculture in a series of round-robin stops. “Old McDonald Had a Farm” was playing on the public-address system, and every child had a straw hat to wear.

“Ag Venture: awesome,” said Diana Smith, 4-H coordinator for the event, summing up the children’s learning experience during Farm City Week.

Angelica Mendoza, a student at Frances Wakeland Elementary School, had a lot to choose from in selecting her personal highlight — everything from water conservation to forestry care to animal husbandry.

But she chose bees and honeymaking, which have proven to fascinate people for thousands of years.

“They are so cute. They pollinate flowers so the plants will live. They also make good honey that I eat,” Angelica said.

Jake McKendree and his little sister, Aleah, who are home-schooled, were among those at Ag Venture.

They come from a ranching family and were able to share a little about roping and branding.

“It’s pretty fun,” said Jake McKendree, 11, who one day hopes to become a cowboy. “You get to teach kids about agriculture.”

This year’s remaining Farm City Week events include the annual agriculture tour of Heartland Grove, Lipman Family Farms, G&D Wish Strawberry Farm and Sweetbay Nursery on Friday, the Beef Prospect Show on Saturday, and the Swine Prospect Show on Sunday.

For information about the Beef Prospect Show, call 941-722-4524, ext. 1824.

For information about the Swine Prospect Show, call 941-737-8326.

This story was originally published November 16, 2017 at 2:32 PM with the headline "More than 1,000 third-graders get a lesson in farming during Ag Venture."