EAGLE GROVE – Six hundred fifth-grade pupils from Hamilton, Humboldt, Webster and Wright counties will participate in the 18th year of the Youth Environmental Agriculture Days program to be held at the Wright County fairgrounds in Eagle Grove on May 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8.

Webster County will have more than 100 of the fifth-graders participating from St. Edmond, Prairie Valley, St. Paul Lutheran and Community Christian.

The program is developed and sponsored by Iowa State University Extension for Hamilton, Webster, Wright and Humboldt counties.

Youth Environmental Agriculture Days help youth develop an understanding of the impact of agriculture upon the environment, their every day lives, and health and safety.

Youth Environmental Agriculture Days provide youth opportunities to experience the biotechnology side of agriculture, understand by-products, appreciate importance of value-added agriculture to Iowa’s economy and job market, become aware of agriculture-related careers available in Iowa, learn about Iowa’s natural resources and practice sun safety.

Fifth-graders will have an opportunity to participate in seven different sessions, 25 minutes in length, during the day. These are:

1. Now and Then by NEW Co-op.

2. Why Water?

3. From Farm to YOU! (food cycle and value added agriculture);

4. Sun smart;

5. Food, Fuel and Fiber (corn and soybean by-products);

6. 21st Century Agriculture (biotechnology).

7. Energize Your Future (different sources of energy found in Iowa).

The session presenters will include ISU Extension county, field and state staff; county conservation naturalists and volunteers.

Ten public health nurses will screen youth with a derma scan.