The Meridian Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter will host its annual Ag Expo at Meridian High School. The event is open for West Ada School District (WASD) first graders to attend as a field trip September 12-14, 2023. The event is open to the public on September 13, 2023, from 5:30-7:30pm.
At the Ag Expo, FFA members and various WASD high school students prepare lessons to teach to the first graders about agriculture, food, and natural resources. First graders and the general public will have the opportunity to visit stations about aquaculture, hatching quail, livestock, range land, and more.
“Both our high school students and our first graders benefit from the Ag Expo,” said Zachery Putzier, WASD Ag Instructor and FFA Advisor. “Our high school students get the opportunity to speak about something they’re passionate about and finetune their public speaking skills, which is a major pillar of the FFA, and our first graders get to learn in a fun, hands-on environment. Many of our high school students remember attending the Ag Expo as first graders,” continued Putzier.
The Ag Expo was initially created as a fundraiser, but there is no longer an entry fee to attend. Over 25 community partners support the event, with WinCo donating cheese sticks and the Apple Commission donating apples for consumption this year.
“The valley used to be firmly rooted in agriculture, but as we become more urban, it’s important for the FFA to educate our community about the importance of farming and honoring our natural resources,” said Renee Peugh, WASD Ag Instructor and FFA Advisor. “We’re extremely grateful for the community’s support each year, and our hope is to return that support. We really want to honor the FFA’s motto of living to serve,” continued Peugh.
No RSVP is required for the public to attend the event on September 13, 2023. To donate to the Meridian FFA chapter, please mail checks to Meridian High School – 1900 W Pine Ave., Meridian, ID 83642 – with FFA written in the memo line.
