Hardman updates progress on Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab

Buckhannon, WV — When children draw a picture of houses nowadays, do they still draw a wisp of smoke above the chimney?  When they draw a picture of scenery, are there cattle on the fields?  Are there tall stalks of corn drawn in the upper field, and pumpkins scattered on the ground?  Is there a pond in front of the house, with a swing hanging from the maple tree?

Can a ‘country lane’ lead to a ‘high road of adventure’?  Well, we trust that the Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab will cultivate agriculture awareness to our youth today and spark that enthusiasm with the beauty and importance of agriculture and its by-products.

The Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab is being built at this moment.  We are in anticipation of receiving it during the latter part of April.  Once the lab arrives in Buckhannon, the outside of the lab will receive an agricultural-themed graphic design, and then work will begin on the design and layout of the interior.  I am also currently working on curriculum for the lab.  Although I would like to zoom down this “country lane”, this project is still in its infancy stage.  We want to be sure to do it right, and do it well.  I will continue to update you on the progress as it unfolds.

Although few children would know the song, “Keep the Home Fires Burning” or find it very meaningful these days, it reminds me of members of a family sharing company around a warm fire.  It also reminds me that we need each other to spread the word about the importance of agriculture.  So thanks again to the Ag Lab sponsors thus far:  Farm Credit; Co-Bank; Harrison County Farm Bureau; WVU Extension Service; WV Beef Check-Off; Southern States; and WV Poultry Association.  Thanks for inside sponsorship from Dominion Resources, Kanawha County Farm Bureau, Putnam County Farm Bureau, and Marshall County Farm Bureau.  Additional sponsors include Upshur County Farm Bureau, Citizen’s Bank of Weston, Bill Ingram, Nationwide, BU-Work Adjustment Center and Middletown Tractor Sales. 

We continue to seek sponsorships and donations.  I have had the privilege to be invited to speak to school officials, board members, county commissions, Farm Bureau membership and the public at various county Farm Bureau meetings.   I would be happy to share the story of our Mobile Ag Lab with you, too.   If interested in “pulling the most when we pull together,” please contact me, Helen Hardman, at 304-472-2080 x 311 or Jamie Kinsey at 304-472-2080 x 301.

A simulation of what the Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab may look like!  The design of the outer graphics is still a work in progress.  $5,000.00 sponsorship names & logos will be boldly displayed on the back door of the trailer unit.

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