Wanda McLean (left) and Deena McDaniels display the poster used to convey the many skills and abilities needed on the farm and ranch.
Employees from the Natrona/Converse County Farm Service Agency in Wyoming volunteered during the annual Casper Ag Expo to show 750 third grade students the many jobs and responsibilities farmers and ranchers have in feeding local residents as well as the entire country.
FSA staff members Deena McDaniels and Wanda McLean set up an activity called “How Many Hats Does a Farmer/Rancher Wear?” giving students the chance to throw out ideas of what they thought a farmer did each day.
“The answers were anything from ‘ride their horse to the rodeo’ to ‘plant crops,’” said McDaniels. “This helped us open the discussion with the students about the many different vocations that a skilled farmer/rancher needs to possess in order to be successful in the business and career of agriculture,”
The expo, which celebrated its 20th anniversary, was developed to educate young people about the different aspects of the agricultural industry. Students participated during the three-day event, spending 10 minutes at each activity.
“This was a great opportunity and it gave students an idea of the numerous roles our farmers and ranchers must have in order to effectively run an agricultural operation,” said McLean.
