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Kenansville, NC - Hundreds of enthusiastic second-grade students from across Duplin County recently took part in the engaging and educational "Duplin Grows" event, hosted by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Designed to spark curiosity and connect students with the world of agriculture, this interactive experience brought classroom learning to life in meaningful ways.

The event featured a dozen informative stations, each offering a hands-on learning experience. Students had the chance to see live animals, including goats and chickens at the livestock stations. They learned about the importance of bees and pollination, the journey of crops from "Seed to Store," the fascinating process of vermicomposting, and the significance of soil in growing our food. Other stations highlighted products from cotton, the germination process, and the characteristics of ruminant animals like sheep, goats, and cows, with a special visit from Kooba Dairy showcasing dairy products and their care. Students even enjoyed a tasty ice cream snack courtesy of Kooba Dairy.

Safety on the farm and around the house was discussed by the East Duplin High School (EDHS) FFA chapter, which also generously prepared lunch for the 50 dedicated volunteers over both days of the event. Adding to the excitement, students participated in a fun game of bingo to learn interesting facts about fruits and vegetables. Each student went home with a goody bag, thoughtfully stuffed by the KHS JROTC, which included agriculture facts, a Pork Council cup, and a frisbee, ensuring the learning continued beyond the event.

The success of "Duplin Grows" was made possible through the generous contributions and support of numerous organizations and individuals. The Duplin County Schools extends its sincere gratitude to the following contributors for their invaluable support: Butterball, Prestige Farms, Nash Johnson & Sons, NC Farm Families, Smithfield Foods, Duplin Agribusiness Academy, AgCarolina Farm Credit, Farm Bureau, Duplin Event Center, East Duplin FFA Chapter, Extension Community Association, NC Department of Agriculture, James Sprunt Community College, Kooba Dairy, Dairy Alliance, and Duplin Soil & Water. Their commitment to agricultural education made this a memorable and impactful experience for our young students.

“The 'Duplin Grows' event was a great success, providing our second graders with an invaluable hands-on introduction to the world of agriculture," said Mrs. Lindsay Ginn, Director of K-5 Curriculum/Data Management Systems for Duplin County Schools. "This incredible opportunity wouldn't have been possible without the exceptional dedication of Charmae Kendall, industry sponsors and volunteers, school administrators, and our wonderful teachers. Their commitment to creating engaging and enriching learning experiences for our students is truly commendable. Their efforts reflect the heart of our STEAMA initiative—integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and agriculture in powerful, real-world ways. By bringing learning to life, we’re helping our students make lasting connections and discover passions that will carry them far into the future.”