April 8, 2026
The world of agriculture came to life for second-grade students from all five Prince George County elementary schools during “Farm Day,” hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Prince George Farm Bureau, and community partners.
At Willie Bresko’s farm in southern Prince George County, students stepped into agriculture through hands-on experiences that brought learning to life. As a long-standing tradition of more than 20 years, “Farm Day” provides students with opportunities to interact with animals and discover the journey of everyday products. The event also highlights the essential role agriculture plays in supporting both the local community and Virginia’s economy.
During the event, students move through nearly a dozen stations spanning agricultural topics staffed by volunteers and experts in their craft. Some of the interactive learning experiences include a deep dive into the plant cycle hosted by the Prince George Master Gardeners, a roleplaying activity highlighting the economics of farming and equipment purchasing, a look into the world of bees, and a mini-petting zoo experience featuring a variety of farm animals.
Agriculture continues to play a central role in Virginia’s economy. According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the industry contributes $82.3 billion annually and supports nearly 382,000 jobs statewide. Closer to home, the 2022 Census of Agriculture conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that Prince George County includes more than 120 farms covering over 26,000 acres, many of them family-owned. These farms, most ranging from 10 to 499 acres, produce a variety of crops, including grains and vegetables, and raise livestock and cattle.
Events like Farm Day help students connect with this important local industry. In 2022 alone, Prince George County producers generated nearly $11 million in agricultural sales, underscoring the impact of agriculture within their own community.
In addition to being an engaging field trip, Farm Day supports the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) by reinforcing second-grade science concepts related to living systems and plant and animal processes.
Hands-on experiences like Farm Day are part of a larger effort across Prince George County Public Schools to enhance student learning. Students participate in a variety of interactive programs throughout the year, including the division’s annual Technology Field Day, an award-winning initiative that introduces fifth graders to advanced technology and career and technical education (CTE) with support from Prince George High School. The program has been recognized by the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) for excellence in workforce readiness. Alongside initiatives such as community collaborations and career-focused experiences, these opportunities help bring learning to life for students.
To learn more about the Virginia Cooperative Extension, visit their website at http://ext.vt.edu.
Prince George County Public Schools thanks the following individuals and organizations for their support of Farm Day: Willie Bresko, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Prince George Extension Office, Prince George Farm Bureau, Prince George High School 4-H, Prince George Master Gardeners, RD Radford, president of the Richmond Beekeepers Association, and the James River Soil and Water Conservation District.
