Rescheduled Outdoor Classroom- Meadow & Ropes

Yesterday, fifth grade students from Meadow & Ropes took part in the outdoor portion of the Outdoor Classroom event. The event actually took place in early October, but weather prevented students from participating in the outdoor part of the program.

Buffalo, range lands, natural springs and salt cedar trees were the topics discussed and observed by the fifth grade explorers. Employees of the NRCS and the South Plains UWCD gave presentations throughout the event. In addition to listening and observing their surroundings, students also collected specimens and wrote in their scientific journals.

While exploring is a large part of the Outdoor Classroom event, its main purpose is to help students understand the land and natural resources around them. By collecting specimens, a direct correlation is made between the nature they see and the science they learn in their school's classroom.

The buffalo wanted attention!

Aquifer model demonstration.

What is this type of plant called?

Salt cedar trees are a non-native species. Did you know that?

Thanksgiving Tips

Wishing you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving! 

Ag Career Expo 2012

The Ag Career Expo is a day devoted to agricultural education. Its purpose is to give high school juniors and seniors insight on the opportunities within the agricultural industry. Students from Meadow and Brownfield got the chance to learn about agricultural programs in local universities, as well as career opportunities in the ag field.

Going on its second year, ACE is hosted by the Terry County Extension office in collaboration with ag organizations around the county. With a line up of eight universities and eight career break out sessions, students received a well-rounded look into the agricultural industry.

The colleges and universities in attendance were Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University, Angelo State University, South Plains College, Sul Ross State University, Clarendon College, New Mexico Junior College and WorkForce, which is a job placement program for high school graduates.

Speakers and sessions included:
Minority opportunities- Henry Castillo, Ag Texas
Ag Education- Dr. Lance Keith, West Texas A&M
Ag Technology- Michael Clawson, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
Resource Management- Kegan Crouch & Greg Lindsey, USDA-NRCS
Science and Research- Brent Besler, Syngenta
Ag Communications- Samantha Borgstedt, Texas Alliance for Water Conservation
Trade Skills/Trade School- Raymond Elizondo & Pete Stracener, SPC Industrial Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Departments
Ag Business- Jason Swan, Capital Farm Credit

A portion of the program also covered scholarship opportunities, both locally and statewide. The key take away with scholarships is they are out there and very attainable for applicants who put forth the effort.

Overall, the day was productive and important for the agricultural industry. Students learned about opportunities some never knew existed, while others learned more about their current interests. Thank you to  Brownfield High School for being a great host and for making this event as successful as it was! We all look forward to the program next year.

Permian Basin UWCD 2013 calendar artwork winners

The winners for the PBUWCD 2013 water conservation calendar contest have been selected! Fourth and fifth graders from Elbow, Grady, Sands and Stanton competed to earn a spot on the calendar. With approximately 300 students competing, it was tough competition this year, but the judges chose the top 13. Below is the video slideshow of this year's winners. Calendars will be ready before Christmas break. Thank you to all of those who won and to those who participated.

Elbow Elementary Winners

 Grady Elementary Winners

Sands Elementary Winners

 Stanton Elementary Winners

Llano Estacado UWCD 2013 calendar artwork winners

The 2013 LEUWCD water conservation calendar winners have been selected! Throughout the month of September, the education coordinator gave presentations to the school districts in the Llano Estacado UWCD, which includes Loop, Seagraves and Seminole. Fourth and fifth graders from each school competed with a goal of being featured on the calendar. Out of approximately 450 entries, the top 13 illustrations were selected by the judges. Below is a video slideshow of the winners. Congratulations to all of those who won and to all of those who participated in the 2013 water conservation calendar contest.

Seminole Elementary Winners

Loop Elementary Winners

Kids, Kows & More 2012 (Brownfield)

Kids, Kows & More went very well this year. The purpose of K,K & M is to provide awareness on many different entities and get students thinking about where their food, fiber and water comes from. Fourth graders from Terry County, came to Brownfield to learn about agricultural products and natural resources of the area. The topics on deck included lean beef, cotton, dairy products, vegetables, insects, water, soil and viticulture. Students observed demonstrations and learned information about each of the topics presented throughout the day.

Our water presentation was based around how much water the world possesses. The lesson to be learned was that only one percent of total water on Earth is fresh water. Students were amazed to learn this fact and asked some great questions regarding salt and fresh water. I'm so glad they ask great questions because they really keep me on my toes! We also addressed the topic of groundwater and the Ogallala Aquifer by relating the percent of fresh water to our own way of living in Terry Count.

Overall, the day was full of activities that got Terry County fourth graders thinking and wondering about the agriculture and natural resources we rely on in our daily lives. I can't wait until next year!

The 2012 Yoakum County Conservation Jamboree

The Conservation Jamboree is a day devoted to awareness about the industries that keep this region thriving. Its' purpose is to encourage students to think about and appreciate the resources we have here. 

This year's Conservation Jamboree was a great success! Approximately 155 students, from Plains and Denver City, explored the many industries of this area during the one day event. Students received first-hand information on rain percolation, farm equipment, electricity, branding, cotton gins, bugs, bees, water conservation, spices, soil types and peanuts. Each station gave ten presentations throughout the day.

The water conservation activity revolved around water use. White boards were provided with dry erase markers and students had to guess how many gallons it took to produce things like an apple, a car, one pound of chicken, etc. The kids really enjoyed the activity and took away the concept that we do use a lot of water in items we utilize daily.

In addition to receiving great information, students also had the chance to win door prizes by simply guessing how many items were in a certain container. Items ranged from bubble gum to cheese puff balls. Each station provided a different item for students to guess. If a student guessed the correct amount, they were awarded the full container of goodies at the end of the day.

Overall, the day was full of knowledge and fun for the students of Yoakum County. I can't wait until next year when it comes around again!