By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist
Students across the state are getting a first-hand look at agriculture through Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Farm From School program.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade virtually “meet” with a farmer or rancher once a month using a video conferencing app.
The first session of the fall semester was held Sept. 27, and it brought horses to the classroom. Students learned from James O’Brien, a Farm Bureau member and seventh-generation rancher who raises cattle and American Quarter Horses in Bee County.
“Students across Texas tuned into the September Farm From School visit to learn all about horses and their role on the ranch from James O’Brien and his two daughters in Beeville,” said Jordan Bartels, TFB associate director of Organization Division, Educational Outreach. “The visit left students across the state wanting to learn more about horses, and they simply didn’t want the visit to end.”
O’Brien taught students about the different body parts of a horse, and he showed students how to measure a horse’s height and weight.
He noted how important it is to be in the eyesight of a horse, putting emphasis on safety around the large animals. He demonstrated how to safely walk by a horse, making sure to not spook the horse.
O’Brien helped the students understand how to correctly classify horses–from foal to filly to mare. They discussed the terminology for both male and female horses.
During the 30-minute virtual session, O’Brien discussed equine nutrition, and he showed the students several of the 23 different colors American Quarter Horses can be.
Students asked O’Brien various questions about speed, agility, jobs for horses and more.
O’Brien told students opportunities are endless in agriculture and working with horses, even if they didn’t grow up in agriculture.
“Just because you aren’t born into it doesn’t mean you cannot get involved and enjoy it when you grow up,” he said. “We need all kinds of other jobs that can still be connected to horses like photographers, artists, even accountants.”
There are jobs that may not seem like they are directly related to agriculture, but he reminded the students how important jobs are that support farmers and ranchers. He encouraged students to learn more by reaching out and asking more questions.
More information on Farm From School
The remaining topics for the fall semester are catfish farming, pecans and pork production.
Sign up for the Spring 2023 semester is underway. Details are available at texasfarmbureau.org/aitc.