By: Bruce Schultz
NEW IBERIA — More than 1,300 Iberia Parish third-graders took part in LSU AgCenter Ag Adventures May 9 and 10 to learn about agriculture.
“We let them know that agriculture is more than farming,” said Blair Hebert, LSU AgCenter agent in Iberia Parish.
Students saw farm animals as well as alligators, and they learned about soil conservation, beekeeping, vegetable gardening and the importance of handwashing.
Staffing the event were AgCenter employees and 4-H Junior Leaders, including Saige Pellerin, who was at the pig station. Pellerin shows pigs, and she said she enjoys working with younger students and telling others about her 4-H experience.
“It’s really shaped me into what I am today,” she said. “I want to inspire kids. I want to give back what I was given.”
Joseph Phillips, a 4-H home-schooled student, manned the alligator station and held young foot-long gators while the students touched the reptiles.
“That one was staring at me for a long time, like it was hungry,” said Daspit Elementary School student Madison Richard.
Teacher Misty delaHoussaye from Daspit Elementary said the annual Ag Adventures is an asset to her teaching curriculum. Students get experience that complements what they learn in social studies.
“It enriches the lessons and helps them have a better understanding,” delaHoussaye said. “The kids have a blast. They’ve never seen animals up close.”
Mandy Armentor, AgCenter 4-H agent in Iberia Parish, said the event has been tailored to cover material the students learn in the classroom.
Students are also told about what they will experience if they join 4-H when they have their first chance as fourth-graders and that 4-H includes a wide range of interests. “4-H is more than just cows and cooking,” Armentor said.