GVEC has always taken great interest in the education of young people in our communities. This is why we have developed and delivered useful programs for school children in the areas we serve. While Louie the Lightning Bug or other electrical safety presentations may be what comes to mind when you think of these programs, there may be others you’re unaware of—like Ag Days.
What are Ag Days?
To put it simply, Ag Days are educational field trip days for students. They are often organized by the local county branches of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offices and Texas Farm Bureau Insurance firms.
The events include vendors, many from local businesses, offering information and demonstrations about local agriculture in the area. Students learn about a variety of subjects like dairy, gardening, wildlife management, water conservation, nutrition and more.
A Focus on History and Science
Though you may automatically think of safety when you think of youth electrical education programs, GVEC brings a bit of history and science to the table in our participation during Ag Days.
We explain and demonstrate how electricity is made and delivered. Not only that—we explain how GVEC was the first to introduce electricity to the rural communities in the Guadalupe Valley and how this helped advance farming and ranching to the thriving agricultural businesses many local areas we serve are known for today.
The Big Red Barn
“The Big Read Barn” is the largest Ag Days event GVEC participates in, held several days per week—for three to five weeks—in the fall. It’s actually sponsored by and located at The Texas Agricultural Education & Heritage Center, whose main building is literally a big, red barn.
In the weeks GVEC participates in Ag Days at The Big Red Barn each year, we see hundreds of students, typically 4th graders. Although it’s only “manned” with GVEC representatives during Ag Days, we have a standing booth at The Big Red Barn year-round. Therefore, when the educational wing is open during other events at the center, people can view our educational display during those times as well and discover the major role GVEC had in modernizing the agricultural industries in our communities.
More About Ag Days
To find out more about Ag Days in your area, contact your local AgriLife Extension office. For more information about The Big Red Barn events, call 830.379.0933, or visit texagedu.org.
