US: Nunhems’ salad team partners up for special student farm day

Throughout Monterey County, local school districts are facing difficult budget problems. Programs, service and ‘non-essential’ positions are being cut from the budget. Many school districts have totally eliminated student field trips, focusing funds on higher priority needs. However, all Monterey County schools are assured to have access to one very special field trip, at absolutely no cost to schools or districts, The Farm Day Experience.

Carmel River School third-graders look over earthworms at Farm Day

Nunhems’ Salad Team Crop Sales Specialist Jerry Vosti educates 3rd graders about the Ag industry. This is Jerry’s 10th year presenting at Monterey County’s Farm Day.
Monterey County Agricultural Education has been an active advocate for agriculture since the mid-1980s. It has gained local, state and national recognition for the quality and extent of its programs. Annually, the agricultural industry of Monterey County (including Nunhems) comes together to provide an educational enrichment program for all third graders in the county.

The Farm Day Experience is MCAEs primary program and in the first twenty years the program has reached approximately 130,000 third graders, 26,000 parents (as chaperones) and hundreds of third grade teachers in Monterey County. During each school year, every third grade class in Monterey County is invited to attend one of three events, reaching approximately 6500 students annually.

Jerry Vosti educating third graders about the ag industry

Nunhems own Jerry Vosti has been participating in the Farm Day for 15 years with this year being his 10th year as a presenter. “Farm Day gives all of us in the ag industry a chance to come together and give both students and especially teachers a short course in farming. Including, where and how their food arrives at their local supermarket. It is amazing to me the interest in this industry by the children, parents and teachers. It is wonderful to see our youth taking a interest in agriculture. This day is true example of some parts of education that are missing from a school’s curriculum. At the end of the day you can feel some comfort that the students and teachers understand a little bit more about the Ag industry, and at best, maybe perk some young mind's interest to consider this as a future career. “

For more information, please visit the website at: www.nunhemsusa.com

Publication date: Mon 18 Nov 2013