Millions of things make fall a favorite season for many. But the traditional purpose of this season – the fall harvest – is often forgotten. As FFA members, what can we do to celebrate and advocate for agriculture in our community during the months before winter? Check out just a few fun fall activities for your community.
1. Celebrate the fall harvest season.
For everyone who toiled through the spring showers and hot summer days, it’s time to embrace the bounty. Arrange a trip to pick apples in your community. Take a guided tour of a fall farmers market and enjoy samples of favorite fall foods such as Brussels sprouts and winter squash. At a point in history when so many people are disconnected from where their food comes from, now is a great time to share the stories of these farmers.
2. Embrace the fun in getting lost.
Losing yourself in a maze can provide a new outlook on life. Perhaps there is a local agritourism business with which your chapter can partner to develop a corn maze together. Need something more mobile? Set up a hay-bale maze to educate folks about different agricultural commodities. Or think even further outside the box. Build mazes in places like lavender fields or among rows of sunflowers.
3. Create a leaf-peeping guide.
Farmers are stewards of all types of landscapes. During the fall months, many plants go through a transformation to prepare for winter. Trees change colors. Plants such as ornamental cabbage and kale have beautiful foliage. Camellia and mums sport wonderful blossoms. Plan a guided tour for your community of the best places to spot the leaves changing and see the fall plants in bloom.
4. Learn a new skill just in time for winter.
As the official uniform of fall, sweaters help us transition into the new season. They can be made from all types of agricultural materials, from cotton to cashmere. This is a perfect opportunity to teach your community a new skill. Whether you want to demonstrate wool shearing or how to knit with alpaca fleece, there are plenty of ways to advocate for agriculture this fall.
