Goodhue students celebrated Ag Day by driving tractors of all ages and sizes, harvesting equipment, a milk tanker semi, and trucks with livestock trailers to school on April 11th. Students spent the day getting a close up look at the equipment and hands-on experience with a combine simulator and a variety of livestock. The annual event is planned and executed by the FFA chapter and includes an indoor career fair.
The chapter states, “The mission of Ag Day is to provide our school and community the opportunity to interact with agriculture on multiple levels. Focusing on the 8 sectors within agriculture and highlighting the endless career opportunities”.
Even though the majority of Goodhue school students have a close connection to production Agriculture and Agri-business, the Ag Day event remains a highlight of the year for many. Classes rotate to the different stations throughout the day with 24 different businesses and colleges participating in the indoor networking event.
Outside, students took an interest in the line of approximately two dozen tractors and also the livestock penned in the parking lot. First year FFA member Trevin Dicke displayed two beef animals that he intends to show at the Goodhue County Fair this summer. Haley Betcher brought Maggie and Sugarplum, who she describes as retired show goats. Lillian von Knobelsdorff brought her rabbits named Daphne and Willow and her 18-year-old horse, Belle. Lillian also provided Samuel, a friendly, one-year-old turkey that was a favorite of many students.
Goodhue High School Junior, Nolan Mandelkow chose to get to school in a Versatile 365 tractor on loan from his employer, Lodermeier’s Inc. In contrast to the large Versatile, Caden Lodermeier arrived on a 1960’s era Allis Chalmers D17.
Students are released early and line the sidewalks to watch the day’s finale, the tractor parade. Caden led the parade, stopping briefly at the front of the school to jump off the D17 and ask his girlfriend to prom, presenting her with a bouquet of flowers. Currently a Senior, he says, “FFA’s been so great for this school, I’m so proud to be a part of it. I wish there were more schools that do something like this.”
Check the June issue of the Goodhue County Ag Reporter for more pictures and an expanded story.
