Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Donna Musick of Washington County brought her love of teaching to the State Fair of Virginia.
Musick, who is also the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Lady Leader spokesperson, was on hand to help enlighten fairgoers about agriculture.
“So many children don’t know where their food comes from,” said Musick, who lives on a cattle farm with her husband, Tom. “It’s important to educate kids and adults about agriculture.”
Fairgoers were able to talk with Musick and other Farm Bureau producer members at the organization’s exhibit, where the public were encouraged to ask farmers questions.
“There are so many opportunities related to farming besides just a farmer working on a tractor. The field is wide open in agriculture,” she said.
Musick teaches math and science to sixth-graders at Damascus Middle School. She has created an agriculture dictionary and organizes special agriculture-themed days. As the sponsor of the school’s Agsplorers Club, she teaches children about the value of agriculture through hands-on activities. Last spring club members planted a raised-bed garden. They are now harvesting tomatoes and peppers in an effort to donate healthy food to residents of nearby low-income neighborhoods.
During her time at the State Fair, Musick sported a sticker that read “Farmers Feed Our Families.” She said she was looking forward to “sparking an interest in people to have their own raised gardens or little plot of healthy vegetables.”
She said the State Fair is a celebration of Virginia’s heritage and a showcase for the best of the best in agriculture.
“There are people who have never touched a cow. If I can help someone understand where their food comes from, that makes me happy,” she said. “I may never know what little seed I’ve planted, but it’s fun to talk about.”
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