More Than a Day on the Farm
Every fall, families from across northwest Oklahoma visit Kenny Farms for a day of fun and adventure. Located just outside of Woodward, the family-owned farm draws visitors from across Oklahoma and neighboring states. Now in its 11th year, Kenny Farms gives families a chance to experience life on the farm. The idea began with Jennica Kenny. In 2005, she won the Oklahoma FFA speech contest with her speech on agritourism. Years later, she shared her vision with her in-laws, Jeff and Lori Kenny. Jennica stated, “Everyone should have the opportunity to be educated about agriculture; It’s been so fun watching our vision come to life and families coming back year after year.” With land and space available, they saw an opportunity to turn her vision into reality. Today, Kenny Farms brings that idea to life each fall by turning agriculture into a hands-on experience for visitors of all ages. Through agritourism, the farm connects families to agriculture while offering a full day of fall activities. Visitors can feed and pet livestock, take a dive into the corn pit, ride the zipline, or race down the giant slide. They can also explore the sorghum maze, launch pumpkins with a slingshot, and so much more. By combining agricultural activities with seasonal entertainment, Kenny Farms gives families a fun way to experience the farm and make lasting memories together. But for some families, a day on the farm can come with challenges that others may never think about.
For the past six years, the Kenny family has set aside a special day for individuals with disabilities. The idea for Special Needs Day grew out of their own experience of having a family member with special needs and understanding the challenges families can face when looking for inclusive community activities. During Special Needs Day, families and special education classes can enjoy the farm at their own pace. Parents and caregivers can also relax. They can spend less time worrying about how others might react and more time enjoying the moment, watching their loved ones laugh, try something new, and simply be themselves.
FFA members from the Mooreland, Woodward, and Fort Supply chapters helped make the event possible this year. They volunteered at the petting zoo and assisted visitors at activity stations. Their goal was to make sure everyone felt welcome and had a chance to participate. “Seeing how excited the kids got over things we sometimes take for granted was probably my favorite part of the day,” said Mooreland FFA member Destinee Woodard. “It was fun getting to help out, but I think we got just as much out of the day as they did.”
For these students, the event was a chance to put the last line of the FFA motto, “Living to Serve,” into action. They helped visitors feed the animals and encouraged them to try new activities. Sometimes, that meant helping someone find the courage to go down the big slide. The students saw how a little encouragement could make a difference. They also learned that serving others does not have to involve a grand gesture. Small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
For Melanie Oakes, whose son Lane has attended Special Needs Day for the past three years, the event has become something her family looks forward to each fall. “A day for kids with special needs only is life-changing for our family,” Oakes said. She explained that regular outings can sometimes be stressful. Her family worries about how others might react if Lane accidentally pushes someone or becomes overly excited. On Special Needs Day, they are surrounded by people who understand. That makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the experience.
Lane has visited the farm on school field trips. However, Oakes said Special Needs Day has provided a better overall experience for him. This year, she was especially thankful for the Kenny family and the FFA members; “They were great with Lane and really encouraged him to try new things this year,” Oakes said. Oakes also sees value in the experience for the students who volunteer. “This is a great way for all kids to learn about inclusion and interacting with kids with disabilities,” she said.
Angie Kizer, a caregiver who attended with a young woman she works with, also saw the impact of the event firsthand. “Watching Sydney reunite with former classmates and friends was one of the highlights of the visit,” Kizer said. She recognized how important these opportunities are in smaller communities. For Sydney, the event provided a chance to reconnect with familiar faces and enjoy time with friends.
Some of the most meaningful moments at Special Needs Day have become traditions. For the past several years, Jeff Kenny has allowed a group of adults with special needs to help feed the cattle at the end of the day. This year, some of them were already waiting for their turn. They remembered doing it in previous years and looked forward to it again. It may seem like a small task, but the tradition means something to them. It gives them an experience they can look forward to each fall. It also shows how simple acts of kindness can create lasting memories.
For the Kenny family, what began as a vision for agritourism has grown into something more. Special Needs Day brings families together and gives people of all abilities a chance to enjoy the farm. With help from local FFA chapters, the event continues to make a difference. Whether it is encouraging someone to ride a horse for the first time or helping old friends reconnect, the impact is clear. At Kenny Farms, those moments help make it more than a day on the farm.
