The Clayton County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Coordinator recently visited the 4th grade students at MFL Mar Mac - McGregor Center to teach them about the many "hats" a farmer wears. Through this engaging lesson, students learned that a farmer isn't just someone who grows crops and raises animals. Farmers also take on roles such as nutritionists, ensuring their animals receive proper diets, and weather forecasters making decisions based on weather conditions. The coordinator highlighted how farmers act as scientists, experimenting with soil and crops to increase yields, and mechanics, maintaining and repairing their equipment. Several “hats” or jobs were also included in this lesson like forest ranger, business manager and more. This multifaceted lesson gave students a deeper appreciation for the wide variety of skills farmers uses in their daily work.

Teaching students’ lessons like this about farmers is essential because it helps bridge the gap between agriculture and the classroom. Many children may not realize how complex and vital farming is to their everyday lives, from the food they eat to the clothes they wear. By learning about the many responsibilities farmers manage, students gain a better understanding of the agricultural industry and its importance to their communities and the world.