PWGP invites students to Harvest Day
By Joan Janzen
Prairie West Grain Growers Project (PWGP) invited Grade 7 students to its annual Harvest Day, hosted by Pattison Ag on Friday, October 4th. The PWGP committee's goal is to take the students through stations that highlight the vast innovations in crop technology, agricultural technology, and electronics that promote sustainability, farm safety, and the many career opportunities within the agricultural industry.
The Sask Ag station informed students about farm safety and careers on Harvest Day at Pattison Ag in Kindersley. Photo by Joan Janzen
Grade 7 students learned about agronomy and sustainability at the Simplot station on Harvest Day. These girls are attempting to identify the plants on the table. Photo by Joan Janzen
Students got a close up look at farm equipment at Pattison Ag on Friday morning, October 4th. Photo by Joan Janzen
Students got a close up look at farm equipment at Pattison Ag on Friday morning, October 4th. Photo by Joan Janzen
Grade 7 students came from Elizabeth Middle School, Eston Composite School and Eaton School to participate in Harvest Day. Almost one hundred students and accompanying parents and teachers were in attendance.
The students were divided into groups and rotated through five workstations. The Canadian Food Grains Bank (CFGB) station offered information about global hunger and food security. Last year, CFGB approved funding of food assistance for 617,008 people experiencing humanitarian emergencies in 21 countries.
At the Sask Ag station, students delved into the crucial topics of farm safety and careers. A representative from Simplot led a station on agronomy and sustainability. Pattison Ag hosted two stations, one on Integrated Solutions Group and careers, and another offering a hands-on experience with farming equipment. This comprehensive range of topics ensured that students gained a broad understanding of the agricultural industry.
While the students toured the various farm implements, they became aware of how often farmers are out in the field. It was obvious that farmers are kept busy from the time they put the seed into the ground until they harvest their crops in the fall.
As the kids looked up at the massive combine with its enormous 50-foot header, they were told harvest is a fun time for farmers. Every other operation in the field costs the farmers money, but harvest is a time when they get some money back. The same header is used to harvest all the varieties of crops.
The PWGP highlights the unsung heroes in agriculture, who have spent decades developing methods that protect the environment, promote sustainability, and provide high-quality food in Canada and internationally. Harvest Day also showcased the importance of international humanitarian aid.
Numerous sponsors and volunteers helped to make the day possible and a bbq lunch was provided for all the hungry students.