CULLMAN, Ala. – Children recently spent two days learning where their food comes from during the North Alabama Agriplex’s 26th annual Touring Farms for Kids program.
Agriplex Executive Director Rachel Dawsey said the program started over 20 years ago as a partnership between local farm and community groups, and today it continues to help kids learn about different farms, agricultural businesses and support agencies in the area.
“This is our 26th year of Touring Farms for Kids,” Dawsey said. “It’s always been a two-day farm tour showing where our food comes from.”
The program is for children ages 7 to 13 and includes farm visits, learning activities and hands-on experiences. This year, kids visited the Festhalle Farmers Market, J & C Local Lavender Farms, Bare Bottom Farms and Haynes Family Farm on the first day. Dawsey said the organizers make sure to include both traditional and nontraditional farms. This way, kids get to see things like lavender growing, dairy farming, row crops, cattle and beekeeping.
During the tour, children meet local farmers and producers, try foods grown nearby and learn how farm products reach consumers. Dawsey said the program aims to help kids see how many types of agriculture are in the community. It also encourages them to spend time outside and get to know local farmers.
Over the years, the program has drawn kids from both rural and city areas. Dawsey said community support keeps growing. This year, several sponsors even reached out to help, showing how popular and meaningful the program has become.
“We don’t get outside all day very often,” Dawsey said. “I love seeing the kids do that and learn about all the different kinds of farms we have here.”
