Ranch Days in Routt County, Colorado, has offered third-grade students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the agricultural lifestyle. For the past 25 years, local ranchers have graciously opened their doors to students, allowing them to gain firsthand experience in the workings of ranching and farming.
One of the hosts for this event was Matt Belton, a fifth-generation rancher. Upon their arrival at his ranch, the students were greeted by the sight of a John Deere tractor, which Matt skillfully maneuvered through the hay meadow. Instead of hay, the tractor was filled with eager children, ready to learn about agriculture.
During their visit, the students were given a tour of the ranch, where they were able to observe cows and newborn calves up close. Matt took the opportunity to educate the students about the daily life of a rancher, providing them with valuable insights into the world of agriculture.
Following the tour, the students engaged in various educational activities, including learning about hay, farm equipment, cattle, horses, goats, and chickens. This initiative was spearheaded by the Routt County Cattlewomen’s Association, with the aim of educating children about the different industries in the area and the origins of their food.
Teachers from Sleeping Giant School, who accompanied the students, stressed the importance of this hands-on experience, particularly for children who have never visited a ranch before. They highlighted the declining number of young people with ties to farming and ranching, emphasizing the significance of exposing children to the realities of agriculture.
Parents expressed their support for the program, recognizing the importance of teaching children about the origins of their food and the contributions of farmers and ranchers, not only to the local community but also on a global scale. They emphasized the role of ranchers as stewards of the land, contributing to environmental preservation and the conservation of open spaces.
The Belton family, who has been hosting Ranch Days for over two decades, hopes that these experiences will leave a lasting impression on the students, instilling in them a deeper understanding and appreciation for agriculture. Through this initiative, they aim to humanize the faces behind the agricultural industry and create meaningful connections with the next generation.
The success of Ranch Days would not have been possible without the support of local organizations and community members. It is through their contributions that events like these can continue to shape the minds of young individuals and foster an appreciation for the agricultural way of life.
To discover more initiatives like Ranch Days, please reach out to John F. Russell, the business reporter at the Steamboat Pilot & Today, at 970-871-4209 or via email at [email protected]. You can also follow him on Twitter @Framp1966.
As journalism continues to play a vital role in our community, your support is crucial. Your financial contributions enable us to provide local, quality journalism that keeps our community informed and engaged. Your donations will be exclusively used to expand our news coverage, ensuring that important initiatives like Ranch Days are brought to the forefront and continue to make a difference in our community.