By Diana Geiger
Staff Writer - High school students shared their love of farming with Galt youngsters, allowing them to explore the links between the environment, farming, and the consumer. The high school students were fourth-year agriculture students at Galt Joint Union High School, these young ambassadors thrilled to "plant the seed" of agriculture in the eager young minds during Farm Day at McFarland Living History Ranch.

"The agriculture students from Galt High School presented farm information in an exciting way," said Assistant Principal Emily Peckham "They were wonderful and they really knew how to speak to young children in depth about farm life. McFarland Ranch is a wonderful place where learning experiences "can come to life!"

According to Principal Michael Scully, the first grade field trip for Fairsite students was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of the children.

"Many students live in crowded houses in town and do not have the opportunity to visit farms or ranches," said Scully. "When I saw the children at McFarland, they were having a great time. They were all involved in different activities performed by the high school FFA students. Our first graders all had smiles on their faces when learning about farm life and the rich history of the Galt area."

Chantelle Albiani , agriculture instructor at Galt High School, said the idea for Farm Day was conceived when the fourth-year agriculture students were trying to expand sharing the high school agriculture program with younger age students. A survey was sent out to elementary teachers to help provide feedback of the categories in agriculture that would appeal to the students.

 

Since the agriculture students already come to McFarland Ranch for community service and primary children come to McFarland Ranch for field trips, Farm Day was born.

"Hands-on is the best, being able to taste something, see something or touch something," said Albiani. "It is working incredibly well, it's groundbreaking. My kids are excited. They are thinking of so many more things for next time to help kids become interested in agriculture. This is just the beginning."

The Galt Area Historical Society, which is developing the historical ranch on Orr Road in Galt, collaborates with the Galt school districts as well as other California school districts providing a rich, hands-on educational experience for schoolchildren.

"We got involved with McFarland Ranch over two years ago because it held such promise for our students and the community at large," said Superintendent Jeffery Jennings of the Galt Joint Union School District. "It is gratifying to see the progress that has been made due to the hard work of volunteers who have the vision of making the ranch a premier learning destination. The activities today illustrate the variety of learning experiences that are available, not the least of which is the opportunity for elementary students to participate in "turn of the century" experiences and for high school students to actually help the younger ones acquire knowledge and skills in a highly motivating way."

McFarland Ranch is as much fun as it is educational, as could be seen in the bright, smiling faces on the children.

"I went on a hayride with one of the groups and you thought they were at Disneyland," said Scully. "Everything was new and intriguing. I know that they will never forget this experience and I hope that many more school groups will get the chance to visit this wonderful setting. I have been there on a few different occasions and every time I see something new. The new caretakers, George and Diana Geiger, are working hard to ensure the success of the McFarland Ranch and to bring smiles to hundreds of children's faces."

Peckham states that the success of McFarland Ranch is due to the hard work and dedication of the historical society.

"There has been so much dedication and hard work by the historical society to provide a place for Galt children and adults to learn about the past, the present, and the part they play for the future," said Peckham. "Farm Day was truly a community event and a great learning adventure!"

McFarland Living History Ranch contact information (209) 745-0951. For group, family or business reservations, contact (209) 745-1477. Contact information for cash donations or volunteering (209) 745-0951.