Through the Ag in the Classroom grant program, offered by the ND FFA Foundation in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, young learners across the state are gaining a deeper understanding of agriculture and where their food comes from. In Burleigh County, the “Life on the Farm” event immersed third-grade students in five interactive stations designed to explore North Dakota’s agriculture in a fun, meaningful way.
Program: NDSU Extension, Burleigh County
Facilitator: Annette Broyles, Burleigh County Extension
Impact: 540 students from 13 schools
Purpose:
To educate third-grade students on the importance of North Dakota agriculture through engaging, hands-on learning activities that build awareness, curiosity, and appreciation for the ag industry.
Highlights:
- Pasta Station – Students made pasta using semolina flour, learning how wheat turns into food. Each student received a box of North Dakota-made pasta to take home.
- Live Farm Animals – Students interacted with goats, bunnies, and a miniature horse while learning about animal protein and care.
- Smells & Feels of Agriculture – Students explored sensory stations that taught them where everyday products come from.
- Branding & Animal ID – Students simulated livestock identification using paint and learned about branding and traceability.
- Farm Safety – PTO and chemical safety demonstrations helped students understand how to reduce risks on farms and in rural communities.
Community & Volunteer Involvement:
The event was made possible through the efforts of NDSU Extension agents, FFA members from Bismarck, the District 8 Cattlewomen, brand inspectors, 4-H leaders, and Burleigh County Extension Advisory Council members. The KFYR-TV news station even featured the event in a local news segment, expanding its reach and impact.
Student & Teacher Feedback:
A teacher from St. Mary’s Elementary commented, “Your program was very organized and interactive. Third graders love to learn by doing. Thank you for inviting us and hope to see you next year.” One memorable note came from a parent who later shared that their child—after attending Life on the Farm—was excited to help with branding at their grandfather’s ranch.
Outcomes:
Pre- and post-surveys showed measurable knowledge gains among students in all five topic areas. The immersive nature of the program helped bridge the gap between agriculture and everyday life, especially for students with little farm experience.
Thanks to the support of the Ag in the Classroom mini-grant, Life on the Farm continues to spark excitement for agriculture, foster agricultural literacy, and plant seeds of curiosity in the next generation.
