By Victoria Cardea

Rowan-Salisbury Schools

MOUNT ULLA — For the past two days, nearly 1,600 fourth-grade students traveled to Piedmont Research Station in Mount Ulla to learn about agriculture during Rowan-Salisbury Schools’ first ever Discover Agriculture Day.

Every elementary school in the county was represented, and students learned about animal science, plant science, agriculture mechanics and natural resources. Organizers said the day was a major success and plan for it to become an annual program.

“We wanted to provide every student the opportunity to learn about agriculture and be immersed in it — even if just for a few hours,” said West Rowan High School FFA adviser Tori Cardea. “It is amazing to watch our high school students be able to teach the younger generations and work with the great staff at the research station to put on such a large event.”

Teresa Herman, superintendent of Piedmont Research Station, agreed.

“It’s imperative that people know where their food comes from,” she said. “One day we will have to rely on the next generation to feed us, and it’s important that they know how.”

Multiple teachers and students raved about the workshops and the hands-on experience for students.

Discover Agriculture Day was a organized by agriculture programs at West Rowan High School, South Rowan High School, East Rowan High Schoo and Carson High School and research station staff. It was sponsored by Rowan Carolina Farm Credit, Rowan Farm Bureau, Goodnights, Chick-Fil-A of Salisbury, Gary’s Bar-B-Que and Food Lion.

Victoria Cardea is an adviser for West Rowan High School’s Future Farmers of America.