September 24, 2026 – Mexico FFA members made the Audrain County Fairgrounds their classroom last week, helping 355 second- and third-grade students learn more about agriculture and where their food comes from during the chapter’s first-ever Food for America event.

Students from Eugene Field, Hawthorne, St. Brendan’s, Southside Christian Academy, and a local homeschool group attended the event. Throughout the day, small groups rotated through hands-on learning stations led by Mexico FFA members.

The stations introduced students to different parts of agriculture, including livestock, food production, plants, farm equipment, and safety. Students got an up-close look at animals including goats, cattle, swine, sheep, an emu, ducks, a turkey, and more. They also had the chance to explore farm equipment and ask questions about things some had never experienced before.

FFA members played a major role in making the event possible. Some brought their own FFA or 4-H livestock projects and farm equipment to share, while others served as group leaders, guiding six to eight elementary students at a time from station to station.

Mexico FFA President Grant Wilt said the chapter developed the idea over the summer after seeing similar programs in neighboring communities. He said the event was a good way to help younger students learn about agriculture while also introducing them to FFA.

For Wilt, one of the best parts was simply watching the younger students experience it.

“I enjoyed seeing how happy the kids were at the event,” Wilt said, adding that the goose and goats were among his favorite stations.

Eugene Field teacher Kaylee Hutcheson said experiences like Food for America help students connect classroom learning to the community around them.

“Agriculture is such an important part of our community and these hands-on learning experiences are so valuable; they allow students to connect what we learn in the classroom to the world around them,” Hutcheson said. “Our students were able to see live animals, ask questions, explore, and learn more about where our food comes from. For some of our students, this was an experience they may not otherwise have the opportunity to have.”

The students seemed to agree.

“This is the best field trip ever!” one student told Hutcheson.

Despite a hot day at the fairgrounds, Mexico FFA members kept the activities moving and made the chapter’s first Food for America a success.

The chapter extends a special thank you to the FFA members who provided animals and equipment, taught stations, and led student groups throughout the day; the 4-H Foundation for providing the space at the fairgrounds; FFA Advisor Mr. Denham for his continued support of students and the program; and the elementary teachers who gave their students the opportunity to learn about agriculture firsthand.

After welcoming 355 students for its first year, Food for America gave younger students a chance to learn, explore, and experience agriculture, while giving Mexico FFA members an opportunity to share what they know with the next generation.