How quickly can you stack straw bales? Can you milk a cow with a gentle touch? And what does a drone have to do with growing your dinner? Kids tackled these challenges and more at the 3rd Annual University of Maryland Extension (UME) Frederick County Agriculture Olympics on October 3 at Rose Hill Manor Park.
Held during the Frederick County Farm Museum Fall Festival, the event welcomed over 100 participants to become “farmers for a day,” trying their hands at activities inspired by everyday farm work. Hosted in partnership with the Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation, the Agriculture Olympics brought together friendly competition, plenty of laughter, and a closer look at what it takes to keep a farm running.
Straw bales piled up as children raced to build their stacks, with Maryland FFA state officers Abigail Zimmerman and Olivia Baltrosky cheering them on. Their playful banter and encouragement kept the competition lively as participants raced against the clock, with the fastest time of the day coming in at just 35 seconds.
At the simulated cow milking station, participants discovered that a gentle, patient approach could be more effective than sheer speed. Young herb hunters used their senses to identify plants, while compost sorting challenges put their knowledge of organic materials to the test. Tractor races added to the excitement while introducing youth to agricultural machinery and its role in farm work.
Inspired by the classic game Operation, the egg operation challenge tested steady hands as children carefully removed eggs from a nesting box without setting off the buzzer—a playful lesson in the care farmers take when collecting and handling eggs. Frederick County 4-H’er Hazel Wills also brought her Silkie chicken, which was a hit with the children and gave them a chance to meet a feathered farm friend up close.
Fellow 4-H’ers Dakota Jackson and Audrey Kidd took turns welcoming visitors and sharing more about what 4-H has to offer, helping families learn how they could get involved in the program.
Each challenge of the day gave children a taste of a farmer’s work—and a reason to think about the skills behind it. Stacking bales takes strength and planning. Caring for animals takes patience and compassion. Growing healthy crops takes observation, problem-solving, and an understanding of the soil. Using new technology takes curiosity and a willingness to learn.
“Our goal with the Agriculture Olympics is to connect young people and families with the agricultural community in a hands-on, engaging way,” said Anna Glenn, UME 4-H Agent. “By experiencing agriculture through play, youth not only have fun but also gain a deeper appreciation for the intelligence, creativity, and compassion that define modern farmers.”
Sara Kidd, who joined UME Frederick County as its agriculture agent in March 2026, highlighted the value of helping children experience farm work firsthand.
“Once kids try stacking straw bales or collecting eggs with a steady hand, they start to see how much skill goes into everyday farm work,” said Kidd. “We hope that curiosity follows them home and gets them asking questions about their food and the farmers who grow it.”
For children familiar with farm life, the event offered a chance to put their skills to the test. For others, it was a first opportunity to try tasks they had only seen in pictures or heard about in stories. Extension educators, volunteers, and community partners helped participants connect the games to real farm responsibilities and the food on their tables.
Created and hosted by the University of Maryland Extension Frederick County office, the Agriculture Olympics began as a way to connect children and families with the agricultural community through hands-on fun. Now in its third year, the event brought together all of the office’s educators, alongside volunteers and community partners, to lead activities, welcome families, and share the many ways Extension supports the community—from agriculture and gardening to youth development.
The 2026 event was made possible through the support and participation of Horizon Farm Credit, Frederick County Farm Bureau, Frederick County Office of Agriculture, Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation (MAEF), Maryland 4-H, Maryland 4-H All Stars, Frederick County Master Gardeners, Frederick County Parks and Recreation, Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums, Frederick County Farm Museum, The Great Frederick Fair, Brookfield Pumpkins LLC, Maryland FFA Association, and Saputo.
Organizers hope participants left with more than memories of a fun competition: a new appreciation for farmers, questions to keep exploring, and perhaps an interest in an agricultural career of their own.
For more information about upcoming youth programs or to learn how to bring the Agriculture Olympics to your community, contact University of Maryland Extension – Frederick County 4-H Educator Anna Glenn at amglenn@umd.edu or visit extension.umd.edu/frederick-county.
The event also featured a table hosted by UME Frederick County Master Gardeners, who helped visitors learn about houseplants and how to care for them—bringing a little growing inspiration indoors. For more information about the Frederick County Master Gardener program, contact coordinator Amy Rembold at arembold@umd.edu or 301-600-1596.