Program to develop livestock learning lab

Hands-on learning in animal science classes in the California High School agriculture department will be more manageable in the future with the development of a school farm and learning lab.

The ag department plans to fence in about 1.5 acres of school grounds beside and behind the existing ag buildings, as well as construct a 30-by-40 foot pole barn with a 10-foot lean-to on either side.

The local agriculture program has dedicated spaces for hands-on learning in its shop and greenhouse. The school farm/learning lab would provide the same experience with livestock.

However, it will not be set up to house animals on a permanent basis.

Four animal science classes talk about theory, but have no practical application, Bieri said.

Many Central Missouri ag programs include some form of a school farm or learning lab, he said.

With an estimated cost of around $9,000, sponsor Adam Bieri said the FFA chapter intends to pay for and provide labor for the project.

The agriculture leaders will seek specific approval from school and city officials before setting posts, but they hope to begin work this spring, Bieri said.

Hands-on experiences might include:

sheep shearing clinic

fitting demonstration for fair showing

proper vaccination methods

pregnancy checking cows

castrating calves

petting zoo for elementary

judging and evaluating animals