Seventh-Graders Learn About Agriculture Professions

Seventh graders from Blair County schools visited the Kulp Farm in Martinsburg on May 7 and 8 to learn first-hand about careers in an agriculture-related field.

The planning for this activity began in October. Rachael Prossor from the ABCD (Altoona Blair County Development) Corp. of Altoona was the spokesperson. Prossor explained this was the fourth year for this event and 1,400 students from all public schools in Blair County visited the farm over the two days.

There were multiple speakers in careers such as a veterinarian, nutritionist, equipment, engineering and technology, accounting, lending, genetics, insurance and more.

An ambulance was on standby and an EMT was available on site as needed. The schools also sent a nurse. It was very reassuring to see policemen from Martinsburg and North Woodbury Township on site.

"We want to assure every one has a good time and assure they are safe," Officer David Rosamilia from North Woodbury said. Martinsburg officer Adam Hauser was also at the site and agreed with Officer Rosamilia.

A backpack was given to all the children with information in it. The backpacks were made possible with money from sponsors. Some of these sponsors were Sheetz and Penn State College of Agriculture. DelGrosso's Amusement Park provided passes, Richey's Dairy provided coupons for a free ice cream cone and Sheetz provided a coupon for a free drink.

"You do not have to grow up on a farm to have a career in an agriculture-related field," Dave Hileman, a committee member of ABCD Corp., said. Hileman said that he got the idea of an ag education day from friends in Wisconsin.

This beautiful sunny day was the perfect atmosphere for the children to learn about careers on the farm. The students listened intently to the many speakers and they asked great questions.

Mellisa Laratonda of Hollidaysburg and owner of the Broken Wheel Ranch, led one of the sessions the children participated in. Laratonda explained that a horse cannot vomit, so if it eats something it should not have, there is only so much time help can be given before the horse could die. Also, Rachael DiAndrea, owner of DiAndrea Media, assisted Laratonda with the presentation and talked about a small horse that was used as a stud that was present.

Another interesting fact children learned during the day was a cow needs 40 to 50 gallons of water per day. How much is this? A bathtub full is the answer.

Jessica Miller from Bedford Farm Bureau Co-op talked about nutrition for many animals. She said that it was great for the kids to "get their feet wet," especially if they are not sure what they want to be.

Melissa Brumbaugh discussed farm insurance. She explained what insurance is. Brumbaugh was raised on a local farm two miles from Kulps' farm. Merle Helsel from Hometown Bank explained about the jobs at a bank, why you need money and how to open accounts. He also explained about compliance officers at the bank and what a financial statement is.

The Kulps said that the family hopes to continue this annual event to help to ensure that there will be future students interested in the world of agriculture.