POPLAR BLUFF, MO – Yesterday, the Missouri Rice Council participated in "Bridging the Gap through Agriculture," a day of fun and learning organized by Lincoln University Extension. Elementary and middle school students from nearly every corner of the state, rural and urban, came to Poplar Bluff to learn about Missouri agriculture.
The now-annual event began six years ago with state Senator Jason Bean, a rice farmer, inviting students out to his farm near Peach Orchard. About 100 students attended the inaugural event, and this year, approximately 325 students participated.
At the Missouri Rice Council station, students had a “hands on” experience with sensory bins of seed rice, brown long grain, white long grain, and jasmine, learning about Missouri rice from field to table.
"Events like this connect kids with where their food comes from, and with agriculture as a career path that includes far more than farming," said Mollie Buckler, USA Rice senior director for grower and international relations who staffed the rice station. "Many of these students don't realize rice is grown right here in their home state. Walking them through everything that happens between a rice field and their table produces a few light bulb moments."
In addition to learning about the diversity of southeast Missouri crops, students learned about the importance of worms and bees, enjoyed an apple tasting station sponsored by the Future Farmers of America (FFA), and took home fresh, garden-raised produce. The day wrapped up with a picnic and field day activities in the afternoon.