Virtual Farm Visits Bring Agriculture to Iowa's Elementary Students

By Andi Anderson

The Iowa Pork Producers Association, in collaboration with the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF), is offering Iowa elementary school students a unique educational opportunity to learn about life on a pig farm through a virtual visit.

The virtual farm visit, called "Learning with Pigs FarmChat®," will be hosted by Todd and Denise Wiley, who own a pig farm in Benton County. Students will learn about the different aspects of pig farming, including how pigs are cared for, what they eat, and how they are raised. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the farmers in real time.

This interactive learning experience is designed to help students understand the agricultural processes and the connection between agriculture and their daily lives. It is particularly aimed at elementary students, especially those in 4th grade or older.

To support teachers in integrating this experience into their curriculum, comprehensive kits and resources will be provided. These resources are designed to help teachers connect agricultural concepts to scientific and social studies lessons.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association and IALF encourage teachers all over Iowa to participate in this educational opportunity. It is a valuable opportunity for students to learn about agriculture and pig farming, fostering a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and how it is produced. Details of the event:

• Date: Thursday, October 26
• Time: 10:30 a.m.

Benefits of the event for students:

• Learn about the different aspects of pig farming, including how pigs are cared for, what they eat, and how they are raised.
• Understand the agricultural processes and the connection between agriculture and their daily lives.
• Gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and how it is produced.

Benefits of the event for teachers:

• Access to comprehensive kits and resources to help integrate the experience into their curriculum.
• Connect agricultural concepts to scientific and social studies lessons.
• Provide students with a unique educational opportunity.

This initiative is a valuable opportunity for students to learn about agriculture and pig farming, fostering a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and how it is produced.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-lisegagne