Norman Borlaug may be gone, but his teachings and spirit live on. On May 21 2010, Ohio State University (OSU), USA, dedicated its “Scarlet and Gray Ag Day” to the late CIMMYT agronomist and hero. “Scarlet and Gray Ag Day” (named after the university’s colors) is designed to educate local fourth and fifth graders about agriculture and its importance to society. It is one of the university’s largest outreach events.
This year, over 600 students descended upon OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences campus for hands-on activities designed to teach them about wheat production, the Irish potato famine, plant diseases, and many other agriculture-related topics.
Julie Borlaug, the granddaughter of Norman Borlaug, was a guest of honor and spoke to the children during lunch. “It’s been fabulous to see fourth and fifth graders who are so far removed from agriculture experience it and enjoy learning about it,” she said. “My grandfather felt it was important to invest in today’s youth, who will be tomorrow’s leaders. I know that my grandfather would be proud of this amazing program.”
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