Texan Mosaic

Editor’s Note: This story was written by students in COMM 2311 — Levelland, including: Isaiah Deleon, Sierra Telford, Paige Vance, and Caleb McDonald. Featured photo: Pictured is Kerry Siders, integrated pest management specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office discussing the importance of cotton at last year’s Ag Awareness Day. Photos were provided courtesy of Levelland ISD.

From the cotton fields stretching across the South Plains to the cattle grazing outside town, agriculture surrounds West Texas. On Oct. 7, hundreds of local fourth graders will see just how far that impact reaches at Ag Awareness Day.

The event, hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at the Mallet Event Center and Arena in Levelland, brings together agriculture professionals and volunteers to teach students about everything from crop production to water conservation. Students rotate through hands-on stations designed to show how agriculture connects to their daily lives.

Kerry Siders, integrated pest management specialist with AgriLife Extension, has been involved with the event since it began nearly three decades ago. Originally launched in 1996 as a small “Farm Fair” and petting zoo, the program evolved to reach a broader audience.

“It was determined that the farm fair was basically preaching to the choir,” Siders said. “We wanted something that would show all kids how agriculture ties into their lives, not just the families already involved in farming.”

Siders said fourth graders were chosen as the target audience because they are curious and able to grasp new concepts, but still open to learning.

“Fourth grade is a really key audience,” Siders said. “They’re old enough to understand certain concepts, but not so old that they think they already know it all.”

Throughout the day, students learn how agriculture extends far beyond the farm. Volunteers demonstrate how it affects everything from the food on the dinner table to the clothes they wear and the energy sources they use.

“Having an impact on the way they think makes them realize how things are interconnected — safety, reliability and the health of humans,” Siders said.

More than 300 students typically attend Ag Awareness Day each year, including public, private, and home-schooled students from across Hockley County. Teachers and parents are encouraged to participate as well, since the lessons often resonate with adults as much as children.

“We want them to be good citizens, good voters, and good consumers who make the right decisions in their lives,” Siders said. “It’s fun to watch kids’ eyes light up when they learn something new. That’s not why we do it, but it’s the reward we get.”

For more information about Ag Awareness Day or other community outreach programs, visit the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service website or follow AgriLife Extension – Hockley County on Facebook.