Kids enjoy farm life in town

There was no need for area children to travel to the outskirts of Fairbury to experience farm life Thursday as the farm was brought to the center of town.

The second annual Prairie Central FFA Day was held on the Dominy Library lawn and Dave’s Supermarket east parking lot.

“It’s an educational opportunity,” explained one of the Prairie Central ag teachers, Kylie Miller. “We’ve got live animals, tractors, kids games, ag activities and we are excited to see it grow.”

Around 700 kids were expected from the younger grades in the PC district as well as daycare children and members of the community.

“We are really excited about the turnout and it’s a beautiful day here at the library and Dave’s,” added Miller.

Dominy Library reached out to the PC ag department last year about the FFA Day idea. Dave’s Supermarket wanted to be a part of it as well so all involved collaborated.

FFA members were stationed where their passions in agriculture are. Displays focused on everything from ag safety and equipment to animals and horticulture.

“It’s fun playing with all of the kids,” said PCHS junior Layne Schaffer. “I’m just kind of running around getting coffee for people.”

PC FFA member Micah Lanz, a senior, brought a backhoe to the event.

“They think it’s pretty cool since you can spin the seat around and pretend like you’re digging.”

All of the younger students seemed to enjoy the various activities.

“We are looking at the tractors right now, we got some popsicles and we are just looking at the goats,” noted PC Elementary fourth grader Jesse Stoller, who seemed to particularly enjoy the tractors.

Student Rowan Salazar was impressed with everything.

“I think it’s really cool and fun. My favorite part is the animals,” she said.

The Prairie Central FFA just wrapped-up the last state contest with Ag Business Management which are state champions. They are now preparing for state convention before jumping into nationals this fall.