The C-RHS Agriculture program celebrated the 37th Annual Ag Fair this week, continuing a tradition that gives Ryder Elementary students the opportunity to learn about agriculture through hands-on experiences led by their high school peers.

Over the past two days, 22 Ryder classes and 351 students traveled to C-RHS to take part in four educational stations, all planned and led by C-RHS Agriculture students. The high school students put significant time and effort into preparing activities that were both educational and fun for their younger classmates.

Students learned about the mixed rations and nutrients farm animals need, participated in an agriculture equipment safety lesson focused on the different jobs and responsibilities within the industry, toured the greenhouse and learned about soil and dirt, and visited the always-popular petting zoo.

The petting zoo featured a calf, two baby pigs, a horse, chickens, and bunnies. The animals were all owned and brought in by C-RHS students, providing Ryder students with an up-close opportunity to interact with animals and learn more about them.

The Ag Fair tradition began in 1989 under then-Agriculture teacher Deb Fletcher. When Mrs. Fletcher retired in 2024, Agriculture teacher Mr. Ferreira took over the program and continued the Ag Fair tradition.

This year's event gave Mrs. Fletcher a unique opportunity to return to the Ag Fair. She served as Mr. Ferreira's substitute this week, allowing her to once again be part of an event she helped establish more than three decades ago.

"It's heartwarming to see the Ag Fair tradition still continue!" Fletcher said. "The first one was held at the old high school in Golding, just behind the Ag/Technology shop, with just a few cows, and students walked over from Ryder. We had no idea what it would become. It truly takes a village of FFA members, elementary teachers, parents, high school staff, transportation, and administration support to build this into an event that we all look forward to and value."

"I'm honored to step in to help this week while Mr. Ferreira is busy celebrating the new addition to his family, and his students have done an amazing job preparing for and carrying out the Ag Fair!"

For the high school students helping with the event, the Ag Fair offers an opportunity to see the tradition from a completely different perspective.

"It's a full-circle moment," said 10th grader Rubie Cook. "When we were in elementary school, the high schoolers seemed big and scary. You never think as a kid at the Ag Fair that you'll be a big influence on the young students one day."

For fellow 10th grader Molly Tefft, this year's Ag Fair was her first time helping with the event.

"This was my first time helping out, and I'm looking forward to bringing my own animal, a mini pony, in the future," Tefft said. "The future of agriculture is in the hands of this next generation, so it's important to instill agriculture education early."

The Ag Fair is a wonderful example of C-RCS students learning from one another and passing a valued tradition from one generation of Bulldogs to the next. Thank you to the C-RHS Agriculture students, Ryder teachers and staff, families, and everyone who helps make this annual event possible.

See all pictures from this year’s Ag Fair!