CALEDONIA—Agstravaganza is 30!
On September 19, 2024 this year’s Agstravaganza brought together over 450 Grade 5 students from 18 schools in Haldimand County and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation for a day of agricultural education at the Caledonia Fairgrounds.
The event has grown from its humble beginnings to include nine interactive stations. Students rotated through engaging topics including poultry, dairy, pork, beef, sheep shearing, soil and crops, animal nutrition, veterinary, and apiary, mirroring the educational themes offered since the event’s inception.
Henrietta Heeg, Secretary/Treasurer of the Agstravaganza committee, recounted the event’s origins: “It began with a meeting in 1993 among young farmers eager to educate local students about agriculture.”
Heeg continued, “Initially a smaller program attended by only a few local schools led to the establishment of the first Agricultural Extravaganza, which has since evolved into the beloved Agstravaganza we know today.”
Reflecting on the event’s evolution, Heeg noted, “The quality of the presentations has improved over the years.”
However, challenges remain, particularly regarding transportation for schools. This year marks a milestone, as the committee allocated funds to cover bus costs for the first time.
When asked about her proudest moments, Heeg highlighted a particularly challenging year when construction forced the event outdoors: “With just four days to reorganize, we turned it into a huge success thanks to a great team effort,” she said.
CALEDONIA—Oneida Central Public School students feed a newborn calf. —Haldimand Press photos by Rachel Vaarkamp. 
CALEDONIA— Hugh Greenfield is a 30-year volunteer presenter for the poultry station. 
CALEDONIA— Jarvis Community Christian School students learn from Brad Comfort about shearing sheep. 
CALEDONIA— Dunnville Christian School students learn about poultry.
Looking ahead, Heeg emphasized the importance of continuing to provide agricultural education.
“I’ve said this before, but it is so true: students are further removed from agriculture than ever before. It is important for those involved in the agricultural industry to educate students through a curriculum-linked event so that students gain respect for food production on the farm and are able to reflect how important the agri-food industry is to their personal health, their community, and our nation’s economy. Presently one in eight jobs is related to agriculture. Students are our future.”
The event could not have thrived for three decades without the contributions of over 40 volunteers and generous sponsorships from local agricultural organizations, ensuring free admission for students and teachers.
This year’s event was organized by a dedicated committee led by Paul Snyder (Chair and longest member of the committee), Secretary Henrietta Heeg, Cathy Lemire, Renee Hedley, Michael Richards, Richard Blyleven, Arlene Fox, Danielle Vaarkamp, Lindsay Farrell, and Ian Thompson (Caledonia Fair Manager).
The committee wishes to extend a special thank you to the Caledonia Agricultural Society, who provide the fairground venue and offer assistance for the event. Notable sponsors for 2024 include Farm Credit Canada, Scotia Bank, Haldimand Dairy Producers Committee, Haldimand-Norfolk Pork Producers, Haldimand Cattlemen’s Association, Ontario Egg Producers, Chicken Farmers of Ontario, District 6 Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Sheep Farmers, and Haldimand Federation of Agriculture.
A historic highlight of Agstravaganza is the ongoing involvement of Hugh Greenfield, the longest-serving presenter, who has been educating students about poultry since the very first event. Poultry is often one of the favourite stations for participants as the students usually get a chance to handle a baby chick.
Greenfield began helping with the event as an employee of Jarvis Chicks in Nanticoke, and as the event grew what he shares with the students has evolved too.
Greenfield shared about his presentation, “I’ve got more real with the kids on where the chickens are processed and what restaurant they end up in and comparisons of numbers; some of those comparisons include how many chicks catch in a given week and how many laying hens are needed to feed Canadians.”
As Agstravaganza marks its 30th year, it stands as a testament to the dedication of the community in promoting agricultural awareness and ensuring that the next generation appreciates the vital role agriculture plays in our lives.
