March 19, 2025 – The McFarlane-Coffman Agriculture Center at Clovis East High School (CEHS) came alive for the Spring Agriculture Fair, welcoming hundreds of Clovis Unified School District elementary students to explore agricultural careers.
The center, home to lively cattle and friendly goats, provided a hands-on experience for the visiting children. Hundreds of students arrived from their elementary schools, filling the bus drop-off area with excited chatter. Despite the large numbers, the expansive Ag Science department, boasting one of California’s biggest agriculture centers, was well-prepared to accommodate the numerous school buses.
Amanda Shoffner, agriculture teacher and Administrative Assistant for the McFarlane-Coffman Agriculture Center at CEHS, efficiently and eagerly managed the influx of children. Shoffner considers this one of her favorite days of the year, combining her passion for agriculture with creating fun, engaging, and safe learning environments for children.
“We get to help foster the concept of agriculture into our younger students,” she shared. “And eventually we hope that this sparks an interest in our program.”
Held the day after National Agriculture Day, the event benefited both the high school students involved in its execution and the elementary students who attended their presentations. High school students gained valuable experience in public speaking, presenting research, and collaborating on projects, preparing them for higher education. Meanwhile, the younger students enjoyed hands-on learning about the importance of agriculture in their daily lives, creating a mutually beneficial experience.
Shoffner explained, “National Agriculture Day [exists] to help advocate for the agriculture industry and its place as a thriving industry in the nation.”
Educational materials throughout the event highlighted this thriving field. For example, a large poster in the cattle area detailed the many uses of cows, including the production of toothpaste, makeup, shaving cream, and other products.
Children eagerly lined up to pet cows, pigs, sheep, and other farm animals, many of whom responded with equal enthusiasm, goats bleating affectionately and cows curiously licking small hands.
Beyond the animal interactions, the event offered diverse agricultural experiences. The eastern side of the agriculture center featured horticulture lessons, teaching children about the butterfly life cycle, floral arrangements, plant functions, and other ag-centered topics.
“Not all agriculture is ground roots,” Shoffner emphasized, clarifying that agriculture extends beyond animal care and farming. “If they are afraid of animals, they have something else they can do, or if they don’t really enjoy plants, there’s a mechanics pathway or animal pathway for them as well.”
Agriculture teacher Aireal Covey, who leads classes in ornamental horticulture and floral design, understands this diversity. She teaches Clovis East students how to creatively use plants for art and beauty, craft floral arrangements, and appreciate the role of insects and butterflies in agriculture.
Covey explained, “Whether it’s the students, the parents, or the teachers that are here, learning something new about agriculture and the industry is extremely valuable so that they have a better understanding of where their food comes from.”
Covey also highlighted the department’s floral shop, operating from the school’s floral lab. This shop provides a professional experience, using florals for community members and events, and enabling students to become certified floral design students.
“We have students that are in our program now who can recall coming here when they were in kindergarten, first grade, elementary school, and that was their first impression of our program,” she added.
This impact extends beyond high school, as Covey shared that six program graduates now work in local floral shops.
Regardless of career interests, agriculture plays a significant role in our lives and will continue to do so for future generations.
Students interested in learning more about or pursuing an agricultural career are encouraged to join their local Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter or school’s agricultural program, or to speak with their counselor about enrolling in ag classes.