Agriculture Comes to Life at Black Canyon Elementary
Jun 04, 2025 05:15PM ● By Alexis Carroll, University of Idaho Extension Office
Farm Bureau and 4-H helped to bring Ag in the Classroom to Grace.
On May 21, students at Black Canyon Elementary School took part in a fun and educational day dedicated to agriculture, an industry deeply rooted in the local community. The event, known as “Ag in the Class”, was hosted by the Caribou County Farm Bureau in collaboration with Caribou County 4-H. The program aims to bring agricultural education directly into classrooms, helping young students understand where their food comes from and the importance of farming in their everyday lives.
Led by volunteers Ashley Tingey and Rachel Hamilton, approximately 294 students from preschool through sixth grade engaged in a hands-on lesson focused on dairy farming. Hamilton, who represents both Caribou County 4-H and the Farm Bureau, guided the session and shared engaging facts about dairy cattle covering their diets, water needs, the variety of dairy products they help produce, and the quick journey milk takes from farm to grocery store shelves.
One of the highlights of the day was a butter-making activity, where students created their own butter by shaking jars of cream and later enjoying their homemade butter. Another favorite was a life-sized model cow that gave each child the opportunity to try milking, offering a realistic and memorable glimpse into dairy farm life.
Throughout the day, students eagerly asked questions and expressed enthusiasm as they learned more about agriculture’s role in their community. Events like Ag in the Class help bridge the gap between youth and the agricultural world, fostering appreciation and awareness for the farmers and ranchers who sustain our way of life.
