Where does our food come from?

 

That’s what a group of 25 kids learned more about Tuesday at the 4-H Day Camp program at the Sherburne County Fairgrounds called, From Farm to Table.

 

“I’m very passionate about today’s camp because I am majoring in agricultural education,” said 4-H summer intern Tammy Putz. “Today is all about agriculture.”

 

Tuesday’s program started with lots of interesting facts about food we eat every day. Kids learned that agriculture wasn’t just about crops, but also the livestock that leads to the food that ends up on the dinner table.

 

“We talked about the parts of the hamburger and cheeseburger and what raw agricultural products go into them,” said Putz.

 

They also learned a few facts about agriculture in Minnesota.

 

“We’re number one in turkey production and sugar beets,” Putz told the kids.

 

Then it was time for a hands-on project in the field of dairy. Kids made their own ice cream using a special formula. They put Half & Half, sugar and vanilla extract in a one-quart ziplock bag, then put that bag in a gallon bag filled with ice and salt. After about five minutes of vigorous shaking, the ice cream was ready to eat.

 

And the kids made sure they finished every drop.

 

After lunch, poultry specialist Katie Brown talked about chickens. She had one of her own chickens on hand, and showed the kids different anatomical parts of the bird, parts of the feather and spoke about eggs.

 

Kids learned about fertilization, incubation, what determines the color of an egg, different grades of eggs and what’s inside the egg. The egg white - albumen, becomes the baby chick and the yolk provides nutrition to the chick until it hatches.

 

Later in the program, the kids went outside for some games.

 

“Since it’s the Olympics this week, we’re doing mini olympic events,” said Putz.

 

The group was divided into three teams - cows, pigs and chickens. 

 

“Each group will be competing for the gold medal,” said Putz.

 

Kids competed in the egg and spoon relay, the paper plate and ping pong ball relay and the crab race.

 

All that their physical activity was sure to build up an appetite.

 

And after Tuesday’s program, they probably knew a lot more about where their next meal came from.