Billings, MT–For many Billings locals going to the NILE in 4th grade is a fond memory. Eating honey sticks and looking at the cows leave lasting impressions on approximate 1,800 kids each Fall.
All of Yellowstone County's 4th grade classrooms are invited and the invitation is extended to some surrounding county schools. October 17-19th kids and chaperones rotate through stations learning and being immersed in the different facets of the largest industry in Montana–agriculture.
For some of these kids this is their first up close experience with livestock, the stations are designed to bring the farm a little closer to the table. Bridging the gap between the producer, grocery store, and fridge at home. Groups rotate through stations covering beef, bees, crops, livestock, water tables, and weeds.
Food is not the only focus though, conservation and preservation of the land and natural resources are also taught.
This program is a culmination of many of the leading organizations in the area. It wouldn't be possible without the help of:
Meadowgold Dairy
Montana Cattlewomen
MSU Extension
Sunshine Apiary
Yellowstone County 4-H
Yellowstone County Conservation District
Yellowstone County Weed District
and the numerous dedicated volunteers!
If you know of a 4th grade classroom that would be interested in participating in 2017 please contact McCall Linke, mccall@thenile.org
Want to learn about agriculture and the NILE, but don't fit the 4th grade age range? Check out a Stock Show Confidential Tour!
Source: NILE Media
