Project RED — Rural Education Day — has been happening across Michigan since 1990 when the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau launched the very first such event. Thirty-four years later and the state’s marquee Promotion & Education showcases are still going strong, with 22 county Farm Bureaus hosting Projects RED this year, reaching more than 15,000 students.
Project RED is a great opportunity for county Farm Bureaus to provide agricultural education to a large number of students in a single day.
County Farm Bureaus choose the best format for their volunteers and school attendees. They normally happen in late spring or early fall at large venues like county fairgrounds or a member’s farm.
Upon arrival, students (usually third or fourth graders) are welcomed and divided into appropriately sized groups. Educational stations are set up throughout the facility, with multiple presentations happening simultaneously. Each station lasts 10 to 15 minutes, after which groups rotate.
Tuscola County Farm Bureau celebrated their 20th year hosting Project RED on Sept. 19.
“We had another huge success in 2024, with more than 500 students, 13 different stations and plenty of volunteers,” said Tuscola P&E Chair Kelly Ratajczak. “Students learned about drones, pollinators, horticulture, honeybees, dairy cows, small and large livestock varieties, wheat, sugar beets and dry beans. They also got to check out some farm machinery up close!”
Tuscola’s RED would not be possible if it weren’t for all the volunteers and sponsors. On top of the students receiving a full day of agriculture education, they also took home drawstring bags and information about several Michigan commodities, like popcorn, ice cream, cheese and milk.
“It’s amazing to watch students learn about agriculture and really grasp it!”
Tuscola County is excited about the next 20 years teaching young people about agriculture.
Down in Branch County, another stalwart Project RED county, fielded nine stations this year and attracted more than 400 students. New this year in Branch was a station called Ag-Tivities.
“The Ag-Tivities station was a ‘recess’ station where kids could pet farm animals, climb in a tractor and visit with FFA students on their own,” explained Branch P&E Chair Emily Smith. “It provided the perfect opportunity for us to talk with teachers about Ag in the Classroom. We had Farm Crates for them to look through and a sign up for more information about them.”
The teacher response was so positive Branch is planning to connect with each district and attend their professional development days to showcase Ag in the Classroom resources.
Over in Saginaw County, their second annual Project RED boasted 10 learning stations, including blueberries, sugar beets, bees, dogs, livestock, vegetables, soil, invasive species, wildlife, and 4-H at the fair.
“The first year we hosted Project RED we had 200 students,” said Lindsay Garner, P&E chair for the Saginaw County Farm Bureau. “This year we doubled that with 400 students, from both rural and urban areas of the county!”
While Project RED may look different in every county, it always impacts community in a positive way by reaching so many young minds with a message on the importance of agriculture.
Looking to volunteer at the next Project RED? Contact your County Farm Bureau.
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