Howard County Students Experience Farm Life

September 13th, 2017

Four students from Harper’s Choice Middle School in Columbia experienced farm life firsthand at Hensing’s Hilltop Acres Farm in Dayton on Tuesday, September 12. The visit is an annual highlight of the Farm-City Celebration, a series of fall events that promote understanding and appreciation between urban citizens and agriculture in Howard County.

Students toured the farm and received an overview of safe and healthy animal care practices including living environment, and examination for illness and injury. The students took an active part in typical farm activities by milking dairy cows, feeding and watering sheep, hogs and poultry, making butter, collecting eggs, bottle-feeding lambs, trimming sheep’s hooves, and cleaning pens and stalls.

The students learned the importance of taking care of animals, soil and water systems, and how the ecosystem must work together to support agriculture. They also discovered where some of their food comes from, agriculture facts about Howard County and Maryland, and the benefits of growing food locally.

On Tuesday, September 26, the students will share their experiences on the farm with Howard County elected officials and community leaders at the annual Farm-City Job Exchange Luncheon at Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine.

The Howard County Farm-City Celebration is 15 days of fun for families, learning experiences for children, and an opportunity to appreciate the contributions local farms make to the quality of life for Howard County residents.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.

For more information, contact Partnerships Office Manager Mary Schiller at 410-313-6655 or mary_schiller@hcpss.org.