State Representative Daniel Swanson (IL) | Representative Dan Swanson (R) 71st District
State Representative Daniel Swanson (IL) | Representative Dan Swanson (R) 71st District
Last week, a group of students from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley visited a local farm. The visit included educational activities about agriculture and farming practices.
The group observed hogs and discussed the corn and soybeans used in their feed. Samples of feed, corn, and soybeans were provided for the students to examine. During the visit, they also witnessed a turbine repairman fixing damage caused by a lightning strike on a turbine blade. From his elevated position, he explained his work to the students and took an aerial photo of them.
Standing near a bean field, discussions about soybean uses ensued. The tour continued with feeding apples to cows, observing new calves and fat cattle, and discussing various uses of corn while crossing a township road.
In an office setting, coordinators from Henry County and Rock Island Farm Bureau’s “Ag in The Classroom” program engaged with the students. They provided information on products derived from corn and soybeans while allowing the children to create snack bags with Cheerios, corn puffs, and other food items.
The visit concluded at an ice cream shop where students enjoyed floats made with root beer or orange soda, ice cream topped with caramel, chocolate or marshmallow toppings, brownies or freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
The event offered a valuable experience for young participants who had not previously been on a farm.
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