Last week, Sleepy Eye Future Farmers of America members from throughout Region VI attended the Summer Ag. Tour.

Members attended along with FFA advisors, Katie Emmett, Paul Hendrickx, and Alyssa Mitchell, as well as summer intern Meta Tewes and members from the Tracy and Mountain Lake Chapters.

Students started out the trip by stopping at the John Deere Pavilion in Moline, IL where students were able to see the advances of John Deere throughout history. The pavilion featured new and vintage equipment as well as interactive and immersive exhibits.

The second day was spent at Grant Farms, the St. Louis Arch, and on a River Tour. At Grant Farms, the group saw what was necessary to be a Budweiser Clydesdale, and how the horses were cared for. After the tour, students went to the park portion of the farm and saw various animals.

From there, the group went to the St. Louis Gateway Arch. At the Arch, students took the tram up the top of the Gateway Arch. They also learned how the arch was designed and built over 50 years ago.

On the River Tour, students learned about the history of St. Louis and how the city plays a vital role as the “Ag Coast of America.” On the tour, the group was able to see a few of the barges where ag products are transported up and down the Mississippi.

The final day in St. Louis began at Laumeier Sculpture Park. Students were able to walk through nature and explore the different sculptures around the park. 

Next, was the Cathedral Basilica where students saw many interesting and unique aspects of the Cathedral. They heard about how the cathedral was built and the artists who designed the depictions inside.

For the last stop of the trip, the students went to the City Museum in St. Louis and explored the area where there are miles of tunnels, slides, bridges, and castles. There are secret passages and grand galleries.

The FFA members who took advantage of the Summer Ag. Tour are extremely grateful for this opportunity partially funded by the Sleepy Eye Ag. & FFA Program Boosters. The Summer Ag. Tour was a great chance for students to learn about different areas within agriculture.