Animal Science Field Day

By Noel Mues, Extension Educator, Furnas County

 

               “Activities on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) campus in Curtis will focus on the many different aspects of livestock production”, said Barbara Scharf, UNL Extension Educator.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s West Central District Youth Animal Science Field Day will begin at 9 a.m. with activities wrapping up by 3:30 p.m. and will involve young people from the 24-county West Central District. Pre-registration is due by May 23. There is a small registration fee and lunch will be provided.

               Youth between the ages of 8 and 18 are the targeted age group for the field day.  Organizers will combine youth into smaller age groups/teams. They will be encouraged to work together throughout the day as they rotate through seven stations. 

               Station topics include Understanding the Importance of the Livestock Industry; Beef Quality Assurance; Beef Reproductive Management; Rabbits and Small Animals That Walk on the Wild Side; Ruminant Nutrition and Feed ID; Why Horses Are So Athletic; and Careers in Animal Science.  The stations are designed to be learning experiences in a fun, relaxed atmosphere, according to Scharf.

               Participants will gain important life skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. Youth will also increase their basic understanding of science and technology.  They will be able to apply science and technology skills to their 4-H projects and explore careers related to Animal Science. “The Youth Animal Science Field Day provides an experience but is not a competition”, Scharf said. Parents and other adults interested in the livestock industry and in educating youth are encouraged to attend and participate.

               The field day is sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln West Central Research and Extension District, the Frontier County Extension Office, NCTA, Nebraska 4-H and the UNL Animal Science Department.

               For more information or to register for the field day, call UNL Extension in Frontier County at 308-367-4424 or 1-888-367-4424 by Wednesday, May 23. 

Becker Memorial Scholarship Winner

The Furnas County Livestock Association is announcing that Dexter Becker, a graduate of Southern Valley High School, is the recipient of the Jerome Becker Memorial Scholarship for 2012.

            Dexter is the son of David and Julia Becker of Beaver City.

            The annual scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors or to students currently enrolled in post high school education.