Nearly 40 students, teachers and volunteers came together last week for a hands-on educational agriculture workshop led by the Upshur FFA Chapter at Tennerton Head Start. The event focused on helping the students understand where their food comes from, while giving them the opportunity to plant their very own tomato plant and explore the basics of agriculture.

The workshop featured interactive stations where preschoolers could get their hands dirty planting tomatoes, learn about the plant life cycle, and discovering how food makes its journey from the farm to their plates.

“Our goal was to spark curiosity about agriculture at an early age,” said Upshur FFA member Marian Daugherty. “Most kids are used to seeing food in the grocery store, but now they know that someone has to grow it first.” FFA members prepared age-appropriate activities and shared fun facts about farms, food, and farming equipment. For many children, it was their first experience planting something themselves.

“I loved seeing the kids’ faces light up when they realized they were planting something that could grow into real food,” said FFA volunteer Emily Bacorn. “It’s moments like these that remind me why I joined FFA in the first place.” The event was also an opportunity for FFA students to practice leadership and service, values central to the organization’s mission.

“Helping out at Tennerton showed us that agriculture education can start at any age,” added Miah McCue, FFA member. “These kids are our future, and it’s important they understand where their food comes from.”

The Upshur FFA Chapter plans to continue building connections with local schools and youth programs to promote agriculture literacy across the community.

Interested in partnering with Upshur County FFA? Contact the group at (304) 472-3720 x5144.