Many students are unaware that the Elkhart Community Schools has its own farm–and even fewer who know that there are many opportunities to visit.

The “hands on” approach is the easiest way to encounter the farm. Taking up an agriculture class would be a great decision for students who enjoy being in nature, as this gives these students the chance to visit the farm often. Sophomore student Kaylee Cruz is excited to be a part of this program. “Having a school farm is very beneficial for learning about animals there and learning about agriculture.” From Cruz’s positive, past experience with the school farm, she thinks more students should take up the opportunity to explore a program that can be “very beneficial” to other students. 

Not only can students learn essential agricultural skills, but they also learn various life skills, such as these two that Cruz mentions: “We learn how to work cooperatively with each other, and we learn how to take responsibility for the jobs we’ve been assigned.” Moreover, the non-traditional setting can also be a much-needed break for students, who are often stressed from doing endless amounts of work in bland, lifeless classrooms. Even for those who may not be as passionate about nature, though, the opportunity can still be uplifting. Where else can a person hang out with a baby llama as part of their class!

Olivia De Jesus, a sophomore, explains how “agriculture is important for students who are actually involved in their learning, since it helps them gain knowledge about the subject and importance of how it plays such a vital role in sustaining life on earth.” De Jesus’s passion for agriculture can impact other students’ views on how agriculture isn’t just about “farming.” Agriculture helps the earth’s environment and provides livelihoods, not to mention that it encourages good nutrition and fosters a healthy way of life.

Agriculture teacher Ms. Heather Kidder enjoys introducing all types of students to life on the farm. “What’s most important about the farm is the hands-on experience kids get,” she asserts. “Everything we do is related to agriculture–from daily life to makeup, clothes, cars, and especially food. It is all agriculture.”   

By exposing a new generation to this world, Kidder hopes that those who may not have been interested at first will find an appreciation for it as time goes on–possibly discovering a career opportunity in the process. 

Helping her transmit that message is Mr. Dwight Moudy, a guest speaker with Elkhart County Farm Bureau, who regularly shares his knowledge about farming and farm life in the hope of rekindling a desire to enter this field. “There are many opportunities for Elkhart High School students who would like to get into agriculture,” Moudy insists. “There are 25,000 unfilled agriculture jobs per year. The Career Center also has programs for students who are interested,” Moudy further explains. “I want to show students that there are other jobs than putting three screws on the side of an R.V. [in Elkhart County].”

A sample of the types of agricultural jobs currently unfilled include such positions as a Supply Chain Director, whose job is to ensure high-quality products for consumers; Agricultural Equipment Operators, who ensure that all agricultural equipment is properly taken well care of and can operate all farm equipment, as well; and even the farm workers themselves, who harvest fruits and vegetables for market.

Here in the Midwest, it is vital to know how much agriculture impacts everyone’s daily lives. Often not in obvious ways, the fact is that agriculture is all around. Therefore, taking part in nurturing it will benefit people’s lives–but sometimes in ways others could have never imagined.