Wilmot Agricultural Society hosts Education Day on local dairy farm

Waterloo County Dairy Educator Sandy Martin quizzes Grade 4 students about milk production during Education Day at the Hogendoorn farm near St. Agatha. Stephanie Szusz photo

By Gary West

The Wilmot Agricultural Society held its annual Education Day last week at the Hogendoorn dairy farm near St. Agatha, welcoming Grade 4 students from across Wilmot Township.

The program, which used to be held at the New Hamburg fairgrounds, was moved to the farm this year to give students a first-hand look at local agriculture.

Students rotated through stations focused on dairy farming, nutrition, water conservation, horses and tack, and farm equipment. They also rolled up their sleeves to plant seeds in the farm’s soil.

The event was supported by partners including Waterloo Dairy Educators, AgScape, the Grand River Conservation Authority and the New Hamburg Optimist Club. Sponsors such as the Waterloo County Federation of Agriculture, Waterloo Dairy Producers Committee, Farm Credit Canada, Herrle’s Farm Market, Mountainoak Cheese, Cressman Meats and others made the day free for schools.

Teachers and parents praised the program for giving children a clear picture of where food comes from and the important role farms play in the community.