Sid Morrison Agricultural Education Fund

Young people growing up in the Yakima Valley today are surrounded by one of the most diverse and bountiful growing areas in the world, yet many of them have never been given the opportunity to truly experience agriculture first-hand. Through the Sid Morrison Agriculture Education Fund, we provide valuable agricultural education & programming for students; helping the next generation learn about the rich agricultural history of our Valley and inspire them to be part of Yakima Valley’s agricultural industry.

The newest addition to our educational programming, we created a project designed specifically for fourth grade students all about food grown here in Washington State.

Students will learn about food groups and Washington State commodities in order to create their “Perfect Plate”. The student’s “Perfect Plates” will be part of a feature exhibit within the Ag Building; participating students and educators will be given a complimentary Fair admission ticket to come to see their project on display during the annual Fair.

Thanks to the support of the Sid Morrison Agricultural Education Fund 1,800 students from across the Valley participated in this program in 2024. “Perfect Plate” program increased 38% from 2023. Cost per student $25

For many students, participating in their school’s Fair field trip is their only opportunity to attend the Fair to learn about the importance of agriculture to our Valley.

A full day of learning is planned for the students as they rotated around five different learning stations. Each station provided hands-on activities: make-and-take projects, educational presentations, rocket launches, and getting up close with the farm animals.

In 2024 the Central Washington State Fair held 2 days of learning with 1,700 students from across the Valley participating. Two bus scholarships in the amount of $905.76 were given to underserved schools – paying for the bus and driver to participate in the Fair Field Trip. Cost per student $25

Imagine a space where children can dig their hands into the soil, plant seeds, nurture a garden, and witness the magic of crops growing right before their eyes. Picture a living classroom where students and families can learn firsthand about the agricultural heritage of the Yakima Valley, the science behind farming, and the importance of sustainable agriculture.

Our vision is to create "The Farmer's Garden," an outdoor educational garden showcasing the diverse crops grown in the Yakima Valley. This space will serve as an interactive hub for hands-on learning experiences, connecting children and visitors with the roots of our local food systems. From planting and harvesting to understanding crop cycles and farm-to-table processes, "The Farmer's Garden" will foster curiosity, inspire stewardship, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for agriculture.

In 2025, the Central Washington Fair Association's Foundation will launch a Capital Campaign to raise funds for this transformative project. Together, we can build a lasting educational asset that supports our mission of preserving and celebrating the rich agricultural legacy of our region.