Olympia Ag Students Visit Local
Sheep Farm
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[December 09, 2017]
The Olympia High School
Introduction to Agriculture classes spent their class period on
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at the sheep farm of Mark and Beth Fasse
in rural Minier.
The students had been learning about the sheep industry in class
when the hands-on opportunity arose.
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Students were able to observe a specialist from
Purdue University as he performed pregnancy checks on the flock of
ewes. Using an ultra-sound machine, the specialist was able to
calculate approximate due dates as well as how many lambs would be
born to each ewe.
It was an excellent opportunity for students to see how technology
is being used to improve efficiency. By knowing when the ewes are
due to lamb they can be sorted into groups and fed an appropriate
diet for their stage of gestation. The group that is closest to
lambing can also be checked more often and the producer will be
better prepared for when lambing occurs. The number of lambs is
important to know as well when assisting with problematic births.
Students were also able to see many different tools
that are used in the sheep industry. Everything from shears and wool
cards to ear taggers and shepherd’s crooks were available to see and
handle.
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![](../images/120917pics/Farm%20Visit_1156_small.JPG)
Olympia High School Ag Teacher, Bryce Hoffman,
demonstrated how to trim and clean hooves on several sheep with the
use of a sheep cradle and hoof trimmers. Students were happy to be
able to use their block class period to get out and see real world
agriculture.
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“That is one of the biggest advantages to our block schedule. We
have 85 minutes to take a local field trip. Students really enjoy
getting out of the classroom to experience these hands-on
opportunities,” stated Hoffman.
If anyone knows of other unique agricultural experiences for
students offered close by, please contact Mr. Hoffman at Olympia
High School.
[Bryce Hoffman] |