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Elko County Brings the Classroom into Agriculture

from The Progressive Rancher - JULY-AUGUST 2023

by The Progressive Rancher

from The Progressive Rancher - JULY-AUGUST 2023, page 17

Article from: The Progressive Rancher - JULY-AUGUST 2023

DIAMOND VALLEY GRANGE FORMS IN...

by Rachael Buzzetti, Chair of the EACC

The Elko Ag in the Classroom Committee along with the Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission (NRRC) and the Elko County CattleWomen brought agriculture education to 25 teachers and more than 400 students in Elko County. The one day training for teachers in early March allowed them to bring their students to the Ruby Shadows Ranch to learn about all things in agriculture.

Teachers

Teachers from all over Elko County attended an 8-hour training in the spring to learn about how they can incorporate agriculture into their lesson plans. All Ag in the Classroom resources have been developed to meet the Nevada Academic Content Standards, so training and resources are designed to contextualize their curriculum in the areas of science, social studies, nutrition and career, and technical education.

For four days in May, first grade through high school students from throughout Elko County had the opportunity to visit the Ruby Shadow Ranch. There were about 100 students each of the four days and all had the chance to visit eight stations to learn more about agriculture. The Elko County CattleWomen taught about beef byproducts and how producers use everything but the “Moo” including: leathers, hides, hair, lubricants, and plastics. The NV Department of Agriculture Staff educated students about livestock branding and why livestock need to be identified. Students even got to stamp their names using brands symbols. They also learned about animal health, nutrition and gestation from local 4-H members. They learned about Bees, went on a hayride, got to walk through a cattle truck, learned about ranch safety, and even got to learn about different breeds of sheep and their habitat on the rangelands.

Nevada Agriculture in the Classroom is a shared responsibility

Bringing agriculture into the classroom (or in this case, bringing the classroom out to the ranch!) is a shared responsibility, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support, donations and time committed by volunteers from all over the community. Funding for this event was provided by the Ruby Shadow Ranch, Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission, Nevada Woolgrowers, Nevada Farm Bureau, Elko County CattleWomen, area ranchers, teachers, and many other generous members of the community to make the event possible.

The change in agriculture today is just a glimpse of what lies ahead. It’s why, more than ever, we are committed to being the partner you can trust, who understands your needs and delivers value to help you achieve your goals.

Wherever agriculture goes, we’ll be there, alongside you, as you lead the way.

Gemini Donation Elevates High Desert Grange Lego Robotics Club

By Suzann Gilliland Peterson

High Desert Grange would like to thank Gemini, Inc. for their very generous June 9th donation to the continuing success of the Lego Robotics Club.

“My company is all about community wellness and growing people. Growing people starts with the kids of the community,” says Ashley Cimone Peevy-Daily of Gemini, Inc. As the Flat Cut-out Metals Lead for the Gemini facility in Fallon and a member of their contributions committee, Ashley is responsible for seeking out opportunities for Gemini donations. This year she posted on social media looking for ideas from the community on where Gemini’s contributions could be utilized. High Desert Grange replied.

Having donated to other robotics programs near their other sites in the US, the High Desert Grange Lego Robotics Club was a highly rated choice. Ashley loves the fact that Grange kids are involved in the club. Additionally, High Desert Grange is involved in free outreach programs to the Fallon Youth Club and Logos Christian Academy.

Lego robotics may seem like simply a fun activity for youth. In reality, skills taught in the High Desert Grange Lego Robotics Club lay the groundwork for more complex concepts as students age and eventually choose a career. According to techtarget.com, “Robotics is a branch of engineering that involves the conception, design, manufacture and operation of robots. The objective of the robotics field is to create intelligent machines that can assist humans in a variety of ways.” It is an industry with a current need for people with skills and knowledge in every aspect of robotics. It has a wide open future, especially considering AI (artificial intelligence) uses robotics in every aspect of the AI world.

Gemini’s donation has allowed the High Desert Grange club to purchase new Spike Lego kits and seven touch screen laptops. Five specifically designed carrying cases made to hold four laptops per case were designed and donated by Gemini’s sister company Gemstar.

The National Grange of the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (the Grange) is one of the oldest organizations in America. Its focus is on family, community, agriculture, and beyond. The Mission of the Grange is to provide opportunities for individuals and families of all ages to develop to their highest potential in order to build stronger communities and states, as well as a stronger nation. It does this through Fellowship, Service and Legislation in chapters throughout the U.S. For more information on the High Desert Grange Lego Robotics Club or additional information about this Grange chapter, visit their website at www.grange.org/ highdesertnv22/ or call Gloria Montero at (775) 427-8210.

The Roughstock “Rodeo Camp” was held on June 13, 2023 at the Rafter 3C Arena. PRCA Athletes taught the fundamentals of Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding and Bull Riding. It was open to all levels of experience, ages 7 and up. This year they partnered with the Silver State Stampede and Smarty Bronc to add an Advanced Skills afternoon session for more experienced riders. If you are interested in information about next year's event or want to register, please contact skiverboots@gmail.com.

On Wednesday night, June 14, Skiver Bootmakers along with the City of Fallon and Promega Feed presented the second annual Battle Born Broncs at the Rafter 3C Arena in Fallon, Nevada. Thirty saddle bronc riders and thirty bareback riders competed for a $50,000 payout at this elite Xtreme Broncs event Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

Some of the top cowboys in the PRCA world standings, including 7x World Champion Stetson Wright arrived a day early to coach at the Battle Born Broncs Rodeo Camp where students learned the fundamentals of Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull riding. This year, an advanced session was added for more experienced students who were able learn not only on teaching equipment, but also live animals. Completely free to students, the camp is funded by sponsorships from businesses and individuals who share our vision of continuing to grow the sport of rodeo. “The kids camp is great, this is what keeps the rodeo world going” said 4X NFR qualifier and $1M WRCA Triple Crown of Rodeo winner, RC Landingham. Nevada native and NFR qualifier Mitch Pollock said “To see we have future bronc riders here makes me really excited.” 50 students attended the camp in 2022 and in 2023, 85 students attended the camp.

In addition to bringing the top contestants in both the bareback and saddle bronc riding to Fallon, the top stock contractors were hired to bring an elite pen of bucking stock to compete on. Bradlee Miller captured the Bareback Riding title with 89 points on the Sankey Pro Rodeo horse, Shoutin’ Shoes for $7924 and Lefty Holman took the win and $7839 in the Saddle Bronc Riding with 90 points on Power River Rodeo’s Miss Valley. Each Champion received a Con Williams bronze given by event sponsors, A&K Earth Movers and Sizemore Construction and a pair of handmade cowboy boots given by Skiver Bootmakers. The prize money won in Fallon is significant as it’s added to the world standings and will help determine the top 15 cowboys who will compete at the 2023 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. Visit www.battlebornbroncs.com for more information.