Farm to Table program at Barren Co. Schools inspires, ag commissioner visits district
BARREN COUNTY, Ky.- Elementary schools across Kentucky— including Red Cross, Park City and Austin Tracy — are celebrating Ag Education Week by showcasing the success of their student-grown vegetable gardens.
Students are growing fresh produce like green beans, tomatoes, squash, zucchini and cucumbers, which they even get to enjoy during lunchtime.
Lily Crowe, a fifth grader, proudly shared some of the vegetables they’ve grown.
But the program is about more than just gardening — it’s also about mentorship and career exploration. Barren County High School students are guiding younger kids, helping them learn practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Max Morrison, a sixth grader at Eastern Elementary, says he’s discovered a wide variety of agricultural careers he never knew existed.
“It’s helped me narrow down career paths,” he said.
The Farm to Table program not only educates students about agriculture but also strengthens community involvement. It encourages local support while giving students hands-on experience in growing and understanding food.
Joe Moore, a retired agriculture teacher and farmer, reflected on the program he helped start decades ago, saying, “There’s no limits to it.”
His vision continues to thrive through new generations of students. With the support of educators, farmers, and the community, students are gaining valuable knowledge and life skills.
Ag Education Week highlights how early agricultural education can inspire future careers. By planting these seeds of learning now, Kentucky is helping grow the future of farming.
