Students enjoy ag day with milking a cow demonstration, learning about local food, and doing a fun craft with wool

OACTEP Students Help Bring First Annual Ag Day to Life

Communications

April 29, 2026

Octorara’s first annual Ag Day provided an engaging, hands-on learning experience for students in the Octorara Primary Learning Center (OPLC), with OACTEP students playing a key role in facilitating the day’s activities.

High school students from OACTEP programs—including Culinary Arts, Animal and Plant Science Technology, Mechanical Systems Technology, Carpentry and Cabinetmaking, and Child Care Education—led interactive stations designed to introduce younger students to the world of agriculture. At each station, they shared their knowledge and guided OPLC students through a variety of meaningful, age-appropriate experiences.

Students explored topics such as wool and sheep, tractors, and the journey of food from farm to table. One featured station, “How Did That Get Into My Lunchbox?: The Story of Food,” connected classroom learning to real-world agriculture. OPLC teachers supported this experience by reading the book with their students ahead of the event and incorporating a seed-planting activity.

Hands-on highlights included a sheep activity, a tractor station, and a petting area with goats, one of the most popular attractions of the day.

Adding to the experience, several students brought in their own tractors to display. A standout feature was a restored 1973 Case 446, which students in Mr. King’s Mechanical Systems OACTE program transformed into a replica of the “Spirit of ’76” bicentennial edition. This project showcased both technical skill and pride in craftsmanship.

Community partners also helped enrich the event. Representatives from AgConnect (Workforce Development) and the Center for Dairy Excellence participated by offering a “Funky Cheese” station and a milking cow demonstration, giving students a closer look at dairy production.

Ag Day created an opportunity for younger students to explore agriculture in a fun, interactive way, while allowing OACTEP students to step into leadership roles as facilitators and role models. The event highlighted the value of hands-on learning and strong partnerships in creating meaningful educational experiences.