WHC hosts Farm of Future Field Day Nov. 23

“A lot of the local ag teachers have been asking us to hold another one,” said Clint Cowden, agriculture science and technology instructor at Farm of the Future.

WHCC stopped holding the event during the transition from the old farm to the new 213-acre facility on Gale Ave. Their first Agriculture Field Day at the new facility will be held on Nov. 23 beginning at 8 a.m. Registration to check in for events begins that day at 7 a.m.

Competitions will be held for high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) students, and awards will be given for individual and team events. The competitions will follow curricular code.  They include best informed greenhand, land judging, welding and light horse judging.

Individuals who take first place in the competitions will receive a buckle and first place teams will receive a plaque. Ribbons will be award for 1st-10th place, and there will also be a sweepstakes trophy.

“We’re just excited to be able to have blue jackets back on the farm,” said Cowden.

There is no cost to register for the event, and students can register as individuals or in teams. However, there is a cost of $15 per student for the welding competition. All other competitions are free. Lunch of tri-tip BBQ, bean, salad, tortilla and a drink will be served for $5.

Although the event is geared toward high school students, the community is invited to attend at no cost. It is an opportunity for the community to see the new Farm of the Future facility in use and learn about its programs. Sherri Freeman, agriculture science and technology instructor at Farm of the Future, said they are also looking for volunteers to help at the event.

“We are using this as a way to increase public awareness of our programs and brand new facilities,” said Freeman. “We are also hoping to recruit many students into our agriculture classes.”

The deadline to register is Nov. 15. Register online at http://farm.westhillscollege.com. From the homepage, the registration form is found under the “Ag Field Day” tab on the left. For more information or to volunteer, contact Farm of the Future at 559-934-2700.