Hillsboro, Lynchburg and Fairfield students participate in OSU Extension Agricultural Reality Program

On April 5, Agricultural Business students from the Hillsboro, Lynchburg and Fairfield FFA chapters practiced real-life situations during the Agricultural Reality store.

A simulation activity was conducted where students were assigned a 300-acre farm to manage and were awarded start-up capital based upon their grade point averages. They were required to purchase inputs necessary to manage their farm and show a profit.

Students interacted with representatives from local businesses to help them evaluate production costs utilizing current prices for inputs such as livestock, equipment, land, and chemicals and to make decisions about what type of farming activities were to be a part of their 300-acre farm.

Hess Auction Company simulated an equipment and livestock auction so the students would have an opportunity to purchase used equipment for their farms. Lunch was provided by Farm Credit Services.

Prior to the Agricultural Reality Store simulation, the Farm Service Agency presented a lesson in the classroom for the Agricultural Business students so they would be prepared to participate in the event.

To make the simulation realistic and educational, students were able to interact with local businesses such as: 5 Points Implement, ADM/Grain Marketing, Highland County Auditor, Crop Production Services, Farm Credit Services, Master Feed Mill, Merchants Bank, Nationwide Insurance, NCB, SOACDF, State Farm Insurance, Union Stockyards, Producers Stockyards, USDA/FSA, Highland county FSA and OSU Extension.