Churchill County Farm Bureau coordinated a broad spectrum of stations for 4th-grade students to learn about agriculture and issues facing farmers and ranchers at the April 27 “Ag Days.” Numa Elementary School, Oasis, and Logos brought a total of about 350 students who were provided transportation to the Rafter 3C sponsored by the Nevada Dairymen.
The Bee Station was one of the young student’s favorites of all the stations. Learning about the importance of bees to our farms and ultimately our food supply was made fun and impressionable by Lindsey Chichester, an Extension Educator from Douglas County.
Rebecca Feldmann from Dayton staffed the Carson River Wranglers Stations. The Wranglers educate people on ways to maintain the river in a manner that will sustain wildlife, plants, and our ability to use the river far into the future.
The Beef Bi-Products station illustrated that we get far more from cattle than meat. Linda Huntsburger came from Smith, Nevada to share the wide range of beef bi-products available from medicines to film.
The Farm Safety Station was manned by Joe Frey, a 5th generation Lahontan Valley farmer, who talked to the students about the dangers on a farm and what to avoid and have their family and friends avoid. One of the biggest concerns on a farm is safety and this applies not only to those who live on the farms or ranches but also to urban neighbors.
The Village’s Tami Lynn Bickel hosted the Soils and Worms Station. Fourth graders not only learned about keeping their soils healthy, but each student also planted cat grass seeds or daisy seeds in individual pots to take home. About 350 students enjoyed getting their hands in the dirt.
Hillside Dairy’s Dan Orozco manned the Corn Chopper Station and stressed the importance of corn in the diet of milk cows.
Commissioner Myles Getto brought his combine for the students to see. Until you stand up next to some of the farm equipment you don’t realize the size. It is amazing.
Richard Allegre told the students the history of brands and how to use them.
Other stations were provided by youth and families that shared their agriculture-related experience. Cody Frey brought his young cow with her new calf and talked about his project. Pigs were brought and educated about by the Jim Barbee Family. Pete Homma brought kid goats for a petting zoo. Members of Grange and their leader Gloria Montero, from Lovelock, shared what they have learned with rabbits and chickens.
Mel Glover from the Churchill County Museum provided some history of the valley starting with Native Americans, letting the students throw balls with an atlatl. Students learned these were designed in prehistoric times by tribes to make their spears more powerful and go further.
The Dairy Council’s nutritionist Libby Lovig travels around the state teaching students of all ages about having a balanced diet. We were glad to have her talk to all of the students gathered for “Ag Days.” She also arranged for the Dairy Council to provide ice cream for the lunch served to the students and teachers by the Mayors Youth Fund.
The Churchill County Farm Bureau members hope everyone has a safe summer.
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