Nearly 2,000 students, teachers and parents from across Washtenaw County attended the 36th annual Project RED (Rural Education Days), held April 22–24 at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds.
The program brought third graders together for hands-on agricultural education through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. Students began in a barn where the floor was chalked in the shape of Michigan, taking part in a virtual “Walk Thru Michigan Agricultural” led by 4-H members to learn where the state’s more than 300 commodities are produced.
At the “dairy barn,” visitors met an expectant cow and calf from Horning Farms and learned how farmers use microchip ear tags to monitor animal health and milk production.
A highlight included a drone demonstration by the Milan FFA, showing how technology is used in farming for tasks such as imaging and fertilizer application. In the animal barn, students saw livestock including pigs, goats, rabbits and a steer.
Interactive stations allowed students to milk a fiberglass cow, grind wheat into flour, and explore Michigan-made products. A water resources exhibit demonstrated how pollutants enter groundwater and how rain gardens help filter contaminants.
The visit ended with a “Taste of Michigan,” featuring samples such as apples, ice cream and popcorn. Students also collected trading cards, while teachers received take-home activity bags.
Project RED included 30 organizations, more than 300 volunteers and participants from every county school district. Over 36 years, the program has reached nearly 83,000 attendees.
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