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‘Learn By Doing

Submitted photos More than 20 youth and adults attend the second annual Barbour County Livestock Association Camp. The camp was full of fun and educational activities.

PHILIPPI –Swine, cattle, sheep, goats and grasslands had top billing for youth recently at a livestock camp in Philippi.

More than 20 youth and adults attended the second annual Livestock Camp recently, said Barbour County Livestock Association President Steve Price. The livestock camp was made possible by BCLA, parents, volunteers and donations from various local organizations.

Campers arrived at the Barbour County 4-H Camp June 2. That evening, Greenbrier County Extension Agent Josh Peplowski led a presentation where campers watched him dissect donated swine and cow reproductive tracks. Campers were then able to try the technique of artificial insemination with the tracks under the guidance of Peplowski.

On Saturday campers traveled off campus to H&N Farms and J&K Farms in Belington and rotated through six stations manned by volunteers: Swine station, by Arron Harris with Harris Livestock, assisted by Natasha Harris, Upshur County Extension agent; goats station, by WVU professor Dr. Paul Lewis, assisted by his graduate student; cattle station, by Derick Price with Price Farms, assisted by Greenbrier Extension agent Josh Peplowski; feed grains/minerals station, by Philippi Garden Market Manager Jody Carpenter; grassland identification station, by former Barbour County Extension Agent, Roger Nestor; and Natasha Harris also did a microscope station. Numerous adult volunteers were also instrumental in making the day a success.

Before campers departed on June 4, Jaime Kinsey from Kinsey’s Oak Front Farms visited the campus and performed an ultrasound on a bred cow. Kinsey spoke about his experience with the cattle industry in West Virginia, the importance of sound breeding and what the future holds for agriculture in West Virginia. Campers were able to view a live pregnancy via an ultrasound machine.

Youth attending the Barbour County Livestock Camp learn more about cattle.

Overall, campers gained important agricultural skills and animal science knowledge over the weekend. Topics included: Swine, goat and cattle reproduction and management, exploring animal science careers, grazing management, and feeds and nutrition. Throughout the weekend, activities coordinator Ashley Workman and Amanda Sweet kept campers busy playing agricultural quiz games and teaching 4-H camp traditions.

The camp slogan has been “Learn by doing” so the event was designed to be a fun opportunity for youth to learn more about the livestock industry and help prepare 4-H and FFA members for various competitions and life skills through hands-on demonstrations.

Youth also increased their basic understanding of science, agricultural literacy and technology. They were able to apply science skills to their 4-H projects, explore careers related to animal science and meet new friends.

“It was a great weekend for everyone! Seeing the youth get excited about animals and learning about possible careers makes all the behind-the-scenes work worth it all,” said volunteer Jody Carpenter.

Attendees enjoy the annual Barbour County Livestock Association Camp.

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