For years, the Pike County Local Agriculture Authority in Georgia has served as one of the county’s most active and dependable supporters of youth involvement in agriculture. Through its continued efforts to offer resources, sponsorships and meaningful partnerships with the Pike County school systems and FFA chapters, the authority has strengthened the connection between Pike County students and the broader farming community. This relationship helps create a bridge between classroom learning and the agricultural experiences that define much of the county’s heritage.
The authority was created with a clear purpose: to support agricultural development throughout the county. To accomplish this mission, it works closely with farmers, livestock producers, agribusiness owners and local schools, ensuring that a wide range of voices and skills contribute to the county’s agricultural education.
Its overarching goal remains simple, but deeply important: help young people discover opportunities in agriculture, while maintaining and celebrating Pike County’s long-standing farming traditions. By encouraging students to explore the agricultural world around them, the authority helps ensure that these traditions continue to flourish.
One of the key events the authority helps support is the annual “Farm Field Day,” held every April for the past two years in partnership with Pike County High School’s FFA chapter. Led by FFA Vice President Annikah Self and other chapter members, the event brings in second grade students to participate in a series of rotating stations. These stations, which are guided by both members and community volunteers, cover topics such as propagation, livestock nutrition, tractor safety and a variety of other essential agricultural skills. Local farmers and community members generously donate their time and resources to teach, giving young students the chance to see and experience everyday processes that take place on modern farms.
FFA member Anslee McLendon shared her perspective on the importance of Farm Field Day. “I think Annikah’s Field Day is a chance to represent agriculture, which is a huge part in everyday life,” she says. “There isn’t much representation in younger grades, so this event helps show the students how cool agriculture is and hopefully gets them involved!”
McLendon emphasized that many students do not know much about agriculture before attending the event, but the hands-on experiences help them better understand the world around them. She also mentioned that “hearing from people who do this every day showed us there are so many paths in agriculture us as high schoolers didn’t even know about,” highlighting how the event benefits older students as well.
In addition to supporting school-based agricultural activities, the Pike County Local Agriculture Authority also provides resources for local horseback riders. Their arena offers a place for riders to practice the well-known and well-loved cloverleaf pattern. Beyond serving as a practice location, the authority occasionally hosts rodeos, giving surrounding towns a chance to come together and enjoy community events rooted in agricultural traditions.
Chestnut Oak Arena.
As the year comes to a close, the Pike County Local Agriculture Authority remains committed to supporting local youth, strengthening the community, and ensuring that agriculture continues to thrive for the next generation.
