Behind the Birdseed.

Behind the Birdseed

In 2016, the Wheat State Agronomy Club taught individuals of all ages about the agronomy of Kansas crops found in birdseed.  Club members introduced a lesson titled "Behind the Birdseed" to inform citizens about the uses, growth, development, and management of corn, safflower, oilseed sunflower, German millet, grain sorghum, and wheat. At the Kansas State University Open House, club members assisted approximately 200 campus guests who made individualized birdseed rations while participating in an interactive discussion with them about raising the crops that were included in their mixtures. In the spring, 40 first-graders at the Kansas State University Ag Adventures and 250 fourth-graders at the Riley County E.A.R.T.H. Days explored the agronomic practices used to grow the crops selected in birdseed. They were also able to make their own birdseed mix to take home. In the fall the club also participated in the local field days, and had the opportunity to present “Behind the Birdseed” to more than 500 fourth graders. Through this project, the club members also developed a partnership with six local nursing homes around Manhattan, Kansas. The club’s own blend of birdseed has been donated to the elderly in the community. Numerous club members were able to increase their professional experience and participate in a distinctive community service project through "Behind the Birdseed," while educating many others about the field of agronomy.