By Cindy Gladden, Record Staff Writer
Warren County fourth-grade students have had the opportunity to learn about farming in a very special environment for more than 20 years, thanks to the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).Three Warren County families have opened their farms to provide students with a firsthand look at farm animals, farm safety, fishing, beekeeping, trees and wildlife, erosion control and many other vital parts of Missouri agriculture.As the students move through various stations on the farm, they pay close attention so they can answer the questions on the “farm tour quiz.”According to Polly Sachs, who coordinates the tours for the SWCD, students visit an assigned farm in their area. The Puetz family farm is open to more than 250 students from Warrior Ridge, Daniel Boone and Rebecca Boone schools. Another 60 parents and teachers enjoy the tour as chaperones.Wright City students visit the Reckamp farm, totaling 130 students and 30 parents and teachers.Holy Rosary Catholic School, St. Ignatius Catholic School, homeschooled students, Liberty Christian Academy and Marthasville Elementary attend the tour at the Glosemeyer farm in Concord Hill, comprising another 100 plus visitors.Sachs said the tours are offered free of charge to students. Until recently, funds were only provided by money set aside for education from SWCD, a branch of the Department of Natural Resources.“We want them to experience nature,” said Sachs. “During the tour they will also learn more about agriculture and how it touches each aspect of their daily lives.”Students receive a special lunch prepared by the Warren County Pork Producers, which is also funded by the SWCD.Sachs said many people don’t know the purpose of the SWCD, which includes helping people utilize practices on their farms to conserve soil and water, including terracing and grazing systems. Experts provide help to correct ruts and drainage problems and issues with farm ponds.“We want the public to know what we do,” she said. “The farm tours are greatly supported by our board in achieving that goal.”The SWCD also has great partners in the farm tour program. They include the University of Extension from Warren County, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Farm Service Agency, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Pork Producers Association, the Consolidated Electric Power Cooperative, county FFA students, MFA cooperatives and local fire departments.Volunteers who staff eight to 10 learning stations are from the partner organizations.Just recently FCS Financial donated $2,000 to help the farm tours continue. In addition to the tours, the donated funds help support the annual poster contest held in all area schools. WalMart pledges funds to help the program.CEO David Janish, of FCS Financial, addressed the students during a tour of Puetz Farm near Warrenton Tuesday, Sept. 20.“We want you to have a good understanding of agriculture and know where your food comes from and that what farmers do is important for you to know as students,” he said.A variety of lessons can be learned on the farm tours. Farm safety teaches about farm equipment and how farm chemicals can look like everyday household products.NRCS volunteers teach students about the rocks and minerals found in Missouri and their uses. They also show students what practices are available to prevent erosion.The stream table shows students how water flows through a farm property and the hazards that can await along the shores. FFA students bring a variety of animals and birds so students can have a close-up look.Students also learn about healthy foods, trees and wildlife, and food products for farm animals. Local beekeepers provide a look inside a hive and teach the children about the honeybee and the importance of pollinators to local farmers.Hog farming and fishing in the Puetz farm are also areas of interest during the tours. Firefighters are on hand to explain how ponds can be used to put out fires on local farms.Sachs said the SWCD hopes to continue the farms for area children for many years to come. She said without their partners, local businesses and area donors, the huge undertaking would not be possible.For more information about the SWCD, visit swcd.mo.gov or call 636-456-3434. The Warren County office is located at 635 W. Booneslick Road in Warrenton.FCS Financial donated another $1,000 to promote Soil and Water Conservation District farm tours to local fourth-graders. Students from Daniel Boone and Rebecca Boone schools attended the Puetz farm tour Tuesday, Sept. 20. Representing FCS Financial in the blue shirts are, from left, Stacy Ward, AVP loan officer; CEO David Janish; and Maurice Glosemeyer, director of the FCS board. Cindy Gladden Photo.
