Park Junior High School students recently participated in the 3rd annual Ag Day at AJHS.
This program is designed to inform and educate students about the importance of agriculture as well as future opportunities and careers they might want to pursue.
The event took place Thursday May 10, where students rotated through 12 different 20-minute presentations. Presenters able spend the day with the students and share their expertise were – Emily Fricke of NMDA, Brett Bedard from SECO Spices, Traci Curry from NM Ag in the Classroom, Jim Gill of Roswell Seed Company, Dr. Robert Flynn and Dr. Jane Pierce from the NMSU Artesia Ag Science Center, Kyle Kaufman of Purina Feeds, Kate Wood from NMDA, Eddy County Extension Agent Wayne Shockey, Steve Kittrel from Helena Chemical, Codi Montes-Dennis the Hagerman FFA Advisor and DuPont Agriscience Ambassador, Wade Berry and Richie Crockett from Devil Dusters Spraying, Josh Waldrip of the NM Department of Game and Fish, Yucca Cowbelles, Shyanne Ussery from Eastern New Mexico University and several of the Artesia FFA members.
The presenters discussed topics of beef byproducts, livestock feed and nutrition, myths about agriculture, soils, entomology and the Pecan Weevil, beekeeping and pollination, as well as general agriculture information, leadership and public speaking skills.
The event began under the direction of AJHS teacher Haley Montes three years ago with hopes of educating students about potential careers and opportunities in the agriculture industry. Having gained support of the staff and students, continuing to have Ag Day seems to be a must for the Junior High.
Those interested in future Ag Day presentations should contact Montes at hmontes@bulldogs.org
