COURTLAND—More than 270 children from Southampton County elementary schools and Southampton Academy spent Wednesday learning about life on the farm and the importance of farms in everyday life.

“Days like this are great,” said Cynthia Gregg, an extension agent in Brunswick County, who talked to students about the importance of beef.

“Agriculture affects everything, and I think it’s really important that kids know that their food comes from somewhere other than just the grocery store,” Gregg said. “It’s very interesting. Sometimes they get grossed out and sometimes they think it’s really cool.”

Second- and third-graders learned about water quality, soils, farm equipment, crops and livestock.

“With each station, they’re learning something that ties in to the Virginia Standards of Learning, related to science,” said Stacey Bradshaw of the Chowan Basin Soil and Water Conservation District.

Jamie and Sherry Lee at Flaggy Run Farms in Courtland hosted the event and gave a pumpkin to each child. The Southampton County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee provided snacks and volunteers.

Sue Morris of the Chowan Basin Soil and Water Conservation District spoke to students about water quality.

“The kids love it, and they seem to learn a lot,” she said.