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CHATHAM -- Don't let the sights and sounds fool you.

These students from schools across Marquette and Alger counties are getting a hands-on look at U.P. agriculture and conservation.  From milking a cow to soil conservation to the weather, it's a jam-packed day of activities and learning.

"I didn't know that you could, like, band birds and stuff.  I didn't know you could do that," said Erika Lintula from Superior Central.

Also sharing her new knowledge was Breanna Cross, "...That cows could give 18 or more gallons a day."

Meeting the cows and learning how they are milked ranked high on the list of favorites, but other activities also stood out.

"The hayride was probably the funnest because there were a lot of bumps and everything.  It was really fun," stated Lily Cesario from Superior Central.

While most of the students may be fifth graders now, organizers felt it was important to get them out of the classroom early to introduce them to today's topics.

"I think a lot of the kids out here do live a rural life, but I think it's important to expose kids to the importance of saving their natural resources and what kinds of things can endanger these resources, because they're the ones who are going to be protecting these resources in the future," said the Executive Director of the Alger Conservation District, Teri Grout.

With nearly 300 students attending Agri-Palooza, it looks like our earth will be in good hands.