#TammyTalks Continued We work together in our county, as ag teachers and agents, to help one another as we make the stock show tour. Whether it is hauling animals, traveling together or assisting each other once we arrive at the shows, it never hurts to have extra support! We don’t discriminate against friends from other counties either! I encourage you, whether you are a first year teacher or veteran teacher, to do the same. The stock show tour can be exhausting, with early mornings, late nights and many miles traveled. Do not jeopardize your safety and your students as you travel the highways. As you come to the end of the semester, it is a good time to do some reflecting and begin to plan and make any necessary adjustments for the spring semester. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I have much to be thankful for. A supportive family and spouse, community, administration, school board, a network of friends and a blessed career. As I attend conferences, like this one this week, and I hear from ag teachers from other states, I am thankful for the Texas Ag Ed Family. Until next month!
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The Show’s Over... Now What? Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director The life of most show animals is one of relative luxury compared to most of its brethren. The best feed, vitamins, minerals, clean water, and usually some form of climate control are all provided. Then problems sometimes occur when the show is over. The truth is that market animal projects are designed to go into the food chain. That steer, barrow, wether, broiler, turkey or market rabbit should be destined for someone’s plate. Too many times our students don’t think about how they will humanely dispose of their animal projects. It would probably be wise for each student to have a final plan for their animal. In many cases the larger animals have an easier path. Cattle, sheep, goats, and swine usually can be sold to someone to process for food. It may be necessary for them to have an appointment at the processing facility, but it is a pretty common practice. Livestock auction barns may also be utilized. Then we come to broilers, turkeys, and market rabbits. It is simply more difficult to find an acceptable market for these surplus animals. At times no true market exists for them, and students may have to hustle to find someone who is willing to accept and process the birds or rabbits. Our students need to be aware that former show animals need to quickly and humanely enter the food chain once show season is over. As teachers, we need to present the options to our students just as we present them options on feed and show supplements. It might make a good lesson midway through the feeding period. We teach them to be ready to get the animals and we need to teach them how to end the project.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE VATAT.......................................1 - 5 Alumni................................6 Young Farmers........................8 - 10 www.FreshCountry.com
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