Elementary school students across Iowa are in for an exciting educational adventure as they are invited to experience pig farming through a unique virtual experience on Thursday, Oct. 26. The Iowa Pork Producers Association, in collaboration with the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF), is thrilled to present “Learning with Pigs FarmChat®".
During this interactive webinar, students will virtually join IALF’s Education Program Coordinator, Alex Osborn, on a tour of Todd and Denise Wiley’s pig farm in Benton County.
Farm-owner, Todd Wiley, expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, saying, “We appreciate the opportunity to educate grade school students as well as 4-H and FFA kids who have a genuine interest in learning about animal agriculture and raising pork.”
What to Expect:
Participants will gain insights into various aspects of pig farming, including how farmers ensure the safety of their pigs, the structure of hog buildings and the pigs’ diet. The virtual tour offers a real-time experience where students can engage with a farmer and ask questions, fostering a deeper understanding of the agricultural processes. This engaging and informative session is tailored for elementary students, specifically targeting those in 4th grade and above.
Kelly Foss, executive director of the IALF, emphasized the importance of connecting agriculture with students’ daily lives. “The Learning with Pigs FarmChat® provides students a unique insight into where their food comes from,” Foss adds.
Comprehensive Learning Support:
To enhance the educational experience, teachers will receive a comprehensive kit and related resources. These tools are designed to help educators integrate agriculture into their curriculum effectively, emphasizing that agriculture is not a one-time event but a lens through which students can explore scientific and social studies concepts, the release explains.
“I hope the kids get a basic understanding of what goes on inside the barns, an opportunity they might not have had otherwise,” Wiley says, in the release. “While they might not remember every detail we discuss, we hope they remember these animals are well cared for and treated with a great amount of respect.”
How to Participate:
Teachers statewide are encouraged to take part in this enriching learning opportunity which will begin at 10:30 a.m. CST on Thursday, Oct. 26.
For inquiries and registration, educators can contact Cathryn Carney at ccarney@iowaagliteracy.org. To register for Ag in Action: Learning with Pigs, please visit the following link: Ag in Action: Learning with Pigs Registration.
