On Friday, April 4, 2025, second graders from across Surry County gathered at Veteran’s Park for the 5th Annual Surry County Schools Ag Adventures Day. The event featured hands-on activities and engaging presentations focused on key agricultural commodities in our region, including soy, honey, dairy, Christmas trees, cattle, goats, sheep, horses, hogs, and more. Each activity station was led by volunteers or members of FFA chapters from local high schools.
Ag Adventures Day is designed to help elementary students learn how food, fiber, and renewable resources are produced. It also emphasizes the essential role that agriculture plays in our economy. The goal is to foster an understanding of agriculture’s contribution to providing safe, abundant, and affordable products, while inspiring students to consider future careers in the agricultural industry.
The event is organized by the NC Cooperative Extension, Surry County Center, in collaboration with Surry County Schools and numerous community partners.
As part of the celebration, SCS School Nutrition partnered with the NC Department of Agriculture and local farmers to highlight the NC Farm to School program. This initiative supports local agriculture while providing students with fresh, nutritious, North Carolina-grown foods such as apples, strawberries, beef, blueberries, cabbage, and watermelons.
To recognize this effort, School Nutrition served grilled Brasstown NC beef hamburgers to second graders during their visit to Veteran’s Park. All school cafeterias across the district also offered a NC Farm to School menu, featuring Brasstown Beef hamburgers, Brightleaf hot dogs, NC-grown cabbage, fresh berries, and more.
All 19 schools in the district participated in the day’s celebration, which included exciting activities such as drawings and prize giveaways. Students had the chance to win fun items like “Got to Be NC” snack bundles, beach towels, water bottles, pencils, bracelets, and more. One lucky grand prize winner received a basketball goal!
We extend a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated School Nutrition staff who prepared delicious meals, and to our generous prize sponsors: Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Pepsi Bottling Company, and The Dairy Alliance.
"We are grateful for the support of the NC Cooperative Extension, NC Farm to School, NCDPI, volunteers, prize sponsors, and our School Nutrition staff who helped make Ag Adventures Day a memorable experience for our students,” said Sherri, School Nutrition Director. "Events like these reinforce the importance of eating locally grown food and support the strong relationship between our schools and local agriculture."
Surry County’s Ag Day was a resounding success, helping to strengthen the connection between our local farmers and the students who benefit from the nutritious food they produce. By sourcing locally, the initiative promotes healthy eating habits and supports the local economy.
Sponsors and Volunteers:
NC Cooperative Extension – Surry County Center
NC Department of Agriculture
NC Department of Public Instruction
Mt. Olive Pickle Company
Pepsi Bottling Company
The Dairy Alliance