New Brockton High School's Future Farmers of America received hands-on experience planting strawberries at Country Best Farm, owned by Bobby and Nancy Helms, on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Lee Gunter, FFA sponsor, said he hoped planting the fruit would be a great educational experience.
"I hope they had the opportunity to do something they have not had the chance to do before, and I know that not many of them have had the chance to plant strawberries," Gunter said. "In fact, I think this was my first time planting strawberries.
" Also, (it's good) just to get out and enjoy the outdoors. We've been able to talk about a lot of different things, such as the different plants that are around the farm, the soil and the different soil types. It's just a good educational experience all around for the students."
The strawberry tips that were planted by FFA members, came from Nova Scotia and were set in soil-filled trays for about three weeks for the plants to take root.
About 15,000 strawberries, a cold weather fruit, were expected to be planted this season, and should be ready for harvesting around mid-March.
Randi Phillips, an FFA member, said she has planted strawberries before, but the experience will help the FFA members appreciate agriculture more.
"I've planted (strawberries) with my granddad, but not this many," Phillips said. "I think it will teach us all that we need to respect the agriculture around us and not just take it for granted."
"We have planted a garden, and have cabbage, collards and turnips coming up," Gunter said about the FFA's experience with growing food. "Hopefully now, with this, we're going to build another bed so we can maybe plant some strawberries."
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