On January 21st, Johnstown Intermediate School’s 4th and 5th grade students gathered in the commons for the school’s first “Agriculture Day.” Rotating through six stations, learning more about local agriculture and the importance of manpower in supplying fresh ingredients and food to the public.

Behind this day filled with hog fun-facts, cattle ranch models, and mini tractor races, is Lauren Heimerl, a recent graduate of Johnstown-Monroe High School and GSD Honorable Mention recipient.

After feeling disappointment about her district’s closure of its Future Farmers of America, or FFA, chapter, Heimerl worried students in her local district had no way to study and enter the agriculture field post-graduation, and had no opportunity to even learn the basics of agriculture. 

“Agriculture is such an important thing in the world, but there is a huge inconsistency in what parts of the world and who focuses on it and teaches it in school or to kids and young adults,” says Lauren.

To organize her event, Lauren’s work started well before January 21st. Communicating with Brad Wehrman, Johnstown Intermediate School’s principal, and six representatives from the Licking County agricultural businesses featured, Lauren welcomed twelve classes of students for Agriculture Day.

Each group received one hour to explore and chat with visiting professionals, with nine minutes at each station. From 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Lauren’s assembled team showcased the agricultural industry to student groups and answered questions. 

The local businesses featured by stations were Lena Cattle Company, showcasing cattle industry; Heimerl Farms, with a hog presentation; Northridge FFA Chapter, providing resources to become involved in FFA; Witten Farms Market, presenting on farm stands; Pioneer Seeds, crops; and Bane Welker Equipment, presenting on agricultural equipment.

“When looking at my data, most of the kids had different responses when they answered the question about something they learned that day,” says Lauren. “This means the day was successful in the fact that a variety of information was provided to the kids. A lot of the students seemed interested in doing something related to agriculture in the future, too, meaning that they are interested and care about agriculture. They just need the opportunity to learn and achieve.”

Following the conclusion of Ag Day, Lauren had participating students complete a survey and write thank you notes to the presenters. 

Ranking 4th in the state for highest number of agriculture farms, Licking County is a pillar to fresh food and produce for Ohioans and beyond. Without proper education on the industry and available career paths, the labor force will face even more pressure to supply with limited resources. Lauren hopes her event will prompt others to prioritize agricultural learning initiatives, and inspire younger students to eventually follow agricultural-based careers.

For Lauren, organizing and helping other students learn about agriculture and related careers was also a learning moment for her. She emphasizes that her TAP helped her learn more about leadership, organization and responsibility, and catching a firsthand glimpse at the agricultural industry and local leaders.

“This day was a creative way to get the students interacting with agriculture,” says Lauren. “As they went through each station, they were engaged in different aspects of ‘Ag’, allowing them to explore potential interests. This day gave them an opportunity to show their want to participate in ag, and as I saw in my survey, they want to.”

This fall, Lauren is attending a land-grant university to further her education and knowledge in agricultural-related fields. She plans to work with Principal Wehrman again to host a second Ag Day, next school year.

Agriculture is being lost as the new generations replace the old,” says Lauren. “It isn’t because people don’t care or aren’t interested. It is because they don’t have an opportunity to learn and get involved in it.”