Program in Madera County introducing youth to Ag industry

MADERA COUNTY (KFSN) -- The agriculture industry and education make a killer combo for a week of fun for students now enrolled in Ag Academy.

"Students will be able to see the different pathways, whether that be straight into the industry, a two year, four year degree and really set their potential from there," said Kristin McKenna, Madera Unified School District.

The week-long program put on by the Madera Unified School District and Madera County Office of Education allows students to immerse themselves in the agribusiness.

"Really a fresh perspective on what is Ag and where are these opportunities for these kids to be introduced to it conceptually, and possibly make an early decision earlier on as to how they can be involved in agriculture," said Sean Mahoney, CEO Deerpoint Group.

Academy field trips throughout the week include Creekside Farming, Agriland, Fresno State, and Deerpoint Group-- each illustrating a different side of the industry.

"Even though you're out of school you're learning something every day. So I think it's just cool to learn more about our community," said Jenna Bogart, 8th grade.

Eighth grader Juan Rodriguez's interest in Ag was first sparked when he joined 4-H. He was first in line to dive into the learning experience at Deerpoint Group.

"Extracting acid form the tissue of the leaves and different chemicals, the plants, so this is new."

Forty students from five Madera Unified schools are taking part in the in first agriculture academy.

"Ag is the number one industry in our area and so many jobs are directly and indirectly related to Ag," said McKenna.