P.C. Cattlewomen Hold Ag Day for MES

Malta Elementary School students were treated to a day of 'hands on' at the Milk River Pavilion on Friday as the Phillips County Cattlewomen brought back to active status the Ag in the Classroom Day. Students grades two through fifth grade enjoyed a glance at farm and ranch life, with various stations they were able to visit.

Taylor French, head of the Cattlewomen, was assisted by a group of knowledgeable and experienced individuals who shared their personal connection to life on the ranch or farm, or both.

Assisting with one station, Tammy Wyse told students about germination and growing crops. They were introduced to various types of seeds from crops grown locally. With a bread making machine she shared how wheat is turned into flour and flour into bread.

At another station, Cliff Merriman spoke on organic crops and the benefits of natural products, while Cody Oxarart, at another station, spoke on Ag Economics.

Mary Oxarart, who teaches at the East Colony School, had a very interactive presentation on goats. Students learned about stomachs of goats, and that they only have teeth on the bottom jaw. Students could lead goats around the pen.

A station was in the rotation on four-wheeler safety. Tom and Joy DePuydt shared with students the safety aspects and how to handle the machines.

Katie Brown spoke about horses and the brave students were able to touch the horse she had with her.

Volunteering from his retirement status, Marko Manoukian presented the students with how sheep are clipped, how to hold them for less resistance and safety. He also spoke on the benefits of wool clothing.

Cattle ranch/wife, Patti Webb, held her groups attention with the beef lifecycle. Her display included pictures of feeding, branding and raising cattle.

Meanwhile, Taylor French and a handful of volunteers and FFA members put together a lunch which was served. Troy Manoukian, Anna Merriman and Angel DeVries made sure the students had good Montana beef for lunch.

Troy said, "I remember this as a kid, which wasn't that long ago. My name appeared in the archives for 10 years ago a while back and my mom clipped it and sent it to me...kinda made me feel old! I loved this day as a kid!"

French said they hope to expand the opportunity to additional schools next year.