RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - Elementary students at Cole County R-1 Schools were recently introduced to the animals and tools that bring food to their table.
As part of National FFA Week, the Russellville FFA Chapter hosted Barnyard Day for the first time in several years.
Ducks, horses, sheep, goats and kittens brought smiles and experiences to the little ones before a brief rain cloud closed the day.
"They loved they were able to pet the ducks," said Caleb Nichols, who shared his pair of Rouen ducks. "It was a hit."
Nichols, a sophomore, and junior Madison Hoff remember the Barnyard Days from their elementary years.
"Barnyard Day was always my favorite," Nichols said. "It's been fun to do it both ways."
Hoff shared her quarter horse Red, whom she has trained as a barrel horse.
"He loves for people to pet him," Hoff said. "The kids loved to pet him and feed him."
The fun and experience are just part of the goal for Barnyard Day.
Members hope the event is a recruiting tool for future FFA members. And they hope to educate and remind the next generation about where their food comes from and what it takes to produce.
When Alicia LePage and Jason Twenter were hired as the agriculture advisers last school year, they invited suggestions. Returning Barnyard Day came with a strong majority of support.
Unfortunately, the event was snowed out - twice - last year.
"They like their traditions," LePage said.