By Jacki Martinez
2023-24 Belen FFA reporter
Special to the News-Bulletin
BELEN—The Belen FFA Chapter recently hosted its first Ag Xplorer Day.
The event, on Tuesday, July 11, gave students, who are not involved in the agricultural industry, the opportunity to see not only why agriculture is important, but also understand a little bit more about agriculture and the future of agriculture.
Belen FFA partnered with New Mexico Ag in the Classroom for an introduction to The Five Fs of Agriculture.
Ed and Louella Costanza, local beekeepers, gave a presentation to help kids understand why bees are important to agriculture, and brought local honey.
Belen FFA students gave tours of the barn and displayed their animal projects. (Submitted photo)
The New Mexico Cowbells Beef Ambassadors, in association with the New Mexico Beef Council, presented on the beef industry and the advancements made in farming and agriculture.
New Mexico ICAN — Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition a New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service program — showed the amount of sugar in popular drinks and helped us make more healthy choices in our drinks and snacks.
The Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District taught students the different types of soil, how to control erosion and conserve water while still meeting our daily and agricultural needs.
Valencia Master Gardeners from the NMSU Cooperative Extension Office helped younger students make a paper sunflower and played “Bug Bingo” with older students.
Belen FFA students gave tours of the barn and displayed their animal projects, and even offered the kids the opportunity to handle and groom animals.
Belen FFA students gave care and nutrition demonstrations as well.
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
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April 25, 2024
