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By Ena Sellers
Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Second graders from all eight elementary schools in Duplin County visited the Duplin Events Center on March 26-27 for Duplin Grows.
This year, 750 students participated in the two-day event. Each day, participants rotated through 12 stations where they learned about the various aspects of agriculture.
According to Charmae Kendall, North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Duplin County 4-H Program Assistant, thanks to local companies like Prestage Farms and Smithfield Foods, school children enjoyed a free field trip to learn about the industry.
“Lots of folks in our area with ag backgrounds give us money for transportation, so schools don’t have to pay to come here,” said Kendall, as she spoke about Duplin Grows, a yearly event that focuses on agriculture and allows school children to enjoy a truly hands-on agricultural experience.
“We are super grateful for all of our volunteers,” said Kendall, adding that they had about 45 people at the Duplin Events Center volunteering both days to make the event possible. Kendall said she was very thankful for the kids from FFA and the Ag Academy that came to help in the event.
The Events Center was buzzing with excitement as kids moved from one station to the other, learning about the different vegetables grown in Duplin County, safety practices, production, and got a chance to see and pet the animals.
Students learned about the differences between dairy and beef cattle and got an opportunity to see them side by side. They also learned about pigs and got a chance to pet them.
“Those pigs are actually a 4-H project,” explained Kendall. “We’ve got 15 kids that have worked with those for eight weeks — learning about pig production and training those hogs.”
The Duplin County beekeepers were also on-site teaching children about the role of bees in pollination. Duplin County Soil and Water taught about the importance of soil and the varied factors that play a role when growing produce. Another station featured a miniature cotton gin for kids to see how producers gin cotton.
“(There is) a seed-to-store station. So, they kind of see the whole cycle of how we produce food, poultry,” said Kendall. “Second graders are doing life cycles, so they do a life-cycle wheel at that station that they can take home.”
Participants also got a chance to learn about ruminants and observe live goats and sheep.
“Ruminants have four compartments to their stomachs, so they’re learning about how those animals are able to digest cellulose – unlike humans that are mono gastric,” said Kendall. “And they’re talking about nutrition… minerals and how protein is for muscle… and what the different parts of the feed are.”
In another station, students could see basil seeds that germinated instantly when water was applied. They also made germination necklaces with grass seed to take home.
“They’re told to put it in a window so they can see those seeds germinate as the time goes on,” said Kendall. “It’s nice they can take these things home and share with their parents too.”
Duplin Grows brings the community together for this two-day event that year after year is a hit among adults and children alike.
To view photos of the event, visit our Facebook page.
