Ag-Venture gets ready to roll

Agriculture remains the number one industry in Highlands County.

Even though the county is gaining more residents, more homes, more public buildings, more restaurants and more traffic, the work of cultivating the land, caring for animals and protecting lakes and woods is still the heart of our local economy.

Organizers believe it is essential for the county children (in public, private and home schools) to understand the importance of the many agricultural enterprises located in their home communities, according to a press release.

Ten years ago that belief gave rise to a giant event for third-graders, known as Ag- Venture.

Preparations for this year's Ag-Venture have already begun.

On Nov. 3, 4 and 5, the teachers and their students will be bussed to the Highlands County Fairgrounds for a tour of "stations" to learn about 14 agricultural businesses.

Volunteers will help them enjoy a free, hands-on experience such as planting a vegetable garden, making butter, pressing grapes, making strawberry milkshakes or squeezing fresh orange juice.

Ag-Venture is possible because generous sponsors and volunteers furnish the money and the manpower to introduce approximately 400 children per day to local industries, including production of citrus, beef cattle, vegetable, ornamental horticulture, poultry, forestry, strawberries, soil and water conservation, grapes, dairy foods, alligators, caladiums, bees and farm animals.

Adults will also have the opportunity to survey the role of agriculture in our area.

The stations will be open to the public on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 3. There will be guided tours of the stations at 5 and 6 p.m.

A steak dinner will be served between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., costing $10 for adults and $5 for children. The dinner will include steak, baked potato, green beans, fresh corn on the cob, roll, iced tea and homemade ice cream.

Residents may dine in or carry out.

In June 2008, Highlands County Ag-Venture Inc. was awarded the Volunteer Program of the Year Award by Florida Ag in the Classroom, a division of Florida Farm Bureau. It also won the Commissioner's Business Recognition Award for Outstanding Support for Education in April of 2009.

Call Darlene Phypers or Danielle Daum at 863-465-2313 for more information about the program, volunteering, donations or steak dinner tickets.