FFA Field Day

October 05, 2018

Local students prepare for hands on sessions at SIU’s University Farms

by Hannah Erickson

CARBONDALE, Ill. — High school students from more than nine southern Illinois schools are gearing up for the 6th annual FFA Career Day Expo at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s University Farms.

The unique field day kicks off at 9 a.m. Oct. 11 at the University Farms Service Center. The goal is to give local kids and teens a first-hand glimpse of what it’s like to be a student in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Students choose their own interests

The day begins with registration and opening sessions, and concludes with a lunch at 12:15 p.m. The expo involves students choosing three hands-on sessions they are most interested in. With a variety of unique experiences available, the options allow students to discover new and exciting things, while also honing in the specific areas that are important to them.

Some of the sessions include:

  • Livestock judging (with a mock, mini judging activity).
  • Equine science activities (live demonstrations of horse behaviors).
  • Horticulture (with the option to create a personal container of plants).
  • Physiology activities.
  • Tree ID (tree identification training through SIU campus).
  • Agribusiness Sales/Marketing activities.

Susan Graham, administrative assistant to the dean of agricultural sciences, sees this as a way to give local students an opportunity to learn more about the unique elements of this program.

“We pride ourselves on hands-on experience in our agricultural sciences programs and this gives students the chance to experience it first-hand,” Graham said.


Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the FFA Career Day Expo on Oct. 11. Activities and sessions will be held 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the University Farms Service Center, 2704 Union Hill Rd., Carbondale. This event is set to give local students a first-hand opportunity to experience life as an agriculture student. For more information contact Susan Graham at 618/453-1764 or email sgraham@siu.edu.


Registration still available

Because of the nature of the event, registration is limited to 150 students, but a few spots are still available. The limited number allows each student to get valuable attention from the team at SIU. The event has grown in demand and popularity, with 103 students signing up overnight when registration first opened.

For more information or to register, contact Susan Graham at 618/453-1764.