Youth Ag Day

Last week two Farm Club members and I took sheep to the Solano County Fairgrounds for the annual Youth Ag Day.This event is attended by almost 3000 third graders and their teacher and parent helpers.I was amused by this sign.Kids are exposed to everything involving agriculture.A variety of local volunteer groups, agencies, and 4-H/FFA members bring exhibits and hands-on activities.Kids sat in bleachers while learning about dairy products and dairy cows.This 4-Her had labeled the parts of her horse.There was even a roping demonstration. There were also herding dogs, police dogs and horses, and dozens of other activities over the whole fairgrounds.This equipment is what they use to shake nut trees, but it was fun to see the leaves shake in this demo.We brought two ewes with month old and week old lambs. The morning started out calm.Kids enjoyed petting the lambs.But that was when the kids were just starting to get there.After awhile the ewes and lambs were stressed with the number of people and the noise level. So we talked to the kids, but didn't handle the lambs anymore. Fortunately I had brought out tame sheep, Jade.I took her out on a halter and she loved the attention. I told the kids who were standing around watching that they could pet......and pet they did......feeling horns......and wool.This sheep is amazing. When people wandered away she wanted more.Eventually her handler (me) got tired and put her away......but she still hadn't had enough.