02/23/05 Young Farmers and Ranchers, Whitmore

Erica Whitmore took a teaching job in Kendrick and began a search for activities that she and husband Paul could be involved in. Erica says they were introduced to the Idaho Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers program last spring. WHITMORE "I enjoy traveling and getting to be around people our age and couples and learning about farming and ranching and it also assists in my teaching here in Kendrick. I teach grades seven through twelve and in the seventh hour the kids are offered exploratory classes. And what I started doing its kind of an introduction to teach them about agriculture and some of the products. Its not necessarily just farming and livestock its what else is out there, how agriculture benefits them in their own life. I found it fun 'what's on your sub sandwich or what's on your pizza?' And then they see that the items that are on there actually come from some farming or some farmer. When I'm done I'm hoping my kids step out my door knowing a lot more about agriculture and can be spokesman for the agriculture community." Erica and Paul Whitmore, District Five chairman for the Farm Bureau's Young Farmer and Rancher program. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott