Barham, Chiefs, and Zoos… Oh My -- Ruth

The last adventure filled day is here, sadly. We wake up and head downstairs to the hotel lobby where we all enjoy our breakfast. We have a long day ahead of us and we are all excited. After we head outside, and load up the luggage, we are counted off. Chicken, Ham, Steak. This was Mrs. Hamilton’s creative way of deciding who sits in which car. This way we weren’t always with the same people and we were able to connect with the other kids on the trip. After we were loaded up we headed for the Barham Cattle Company Farm.

We arrive to the farm where we are surrounded by a bunch of animals including, ducks, geese, goats, chickens, cattle and their little Yorkshire puppy named Ozzy. We first meet Mr.Barham the head of the company and then learn about his farm. The Barham Cattle Company is a family farm and is run only by the family members. This includes, Mr.Barham and his wife, their two sons and their 4 grandkids. 

After the background information of the farm, we head out to his field where the chickens were located. They had custom-made chicken coops, which, opposing their appearance, are easily movable. Mr. Barham informed us that they only raise chickens from March to October and then they give the land a break. The chickens live in the coops of about 60 and will stay in the coops for about 7 weeks, while being moved twice a day for fresh grass. After the lesson on their chickens we were able to see the grandchildren milking their goats. They informed us that they use their goat milk for their own consumption and they like it more than the cow milk we buy at the grocery store.  This was the end of the visit and so we said our thank yous and headed back to the cars. Next stop the Chiefs stadium. 

So, I am sure you have read Ryan’s blog “History of the Chiefs” where he wrote much more than I ever could about the Chiefs and their background, and if you haven’t, I suggest you go read it. Anyway, we were able to view many places that aren’t accessible to the public during games, we were able to go to the elephant tunnel, which is where the team’s locker rooms are located, then we actually went out to the field and screamed to hear the echo of only 14 kids. I can’t imagine what it’s like when the stands are packed. Then we went into some of the different suites as well as the media rooms. This was an amazing experience. The one room that I enjoyed the most was a suite where you could walk to the window and see straight down. Let me tell you, if you don’t like heights, don’t go to the window. The tour came to an end and we went into the gift shop. Soon enough we were in the cars ready to head off to lunch at Gates BBQ. 

After lunch, we were off to the Kansas City Zoo. I was super excited because this meant I could see my favorite animal, the elephant! Sure enough we arrived and after getting instructions on what time we were to meet back at the front of the zoo, we split off and my group headed off to the elephants. We followed the signs and there they were. The beautiful, amazing, creatures. I could have stayed there all day and just watched them. One of them turned around and looked straight at me, at least I think he was. We saw one cooling off by spraying water all over them, another was eating, and the fourth was urinating. This was, by far, one of my favorite things all week. However, the rest of the group wanted to go explore some more, so my elephant watching was over. We went and looked at the penguins, the hippos, the giraffes and the zebras, along with many other animals that were at the Zoo. Sadly, 4 o’clock came faster than I hoped and it was time to leave. So we all got back into the vehicles and headed for the last hotel of our trip. 

We arrived at the hotel where we held conversations amongst ourselves, ate supper, and finished up our thank you cards. Then off to bed to get some sleep before the plane ride tomorrow. The trip overall was an incredible one and something that I will never forget. 

A Special Thanks -- Mrs. Hamilton

A Special Thanks

Planning the Summer Ag Tour starts a year in advance by first deciding where to go, then making contacts, completing paperwork and following through. We would like to thank everyone who helped make our 2017 tour a fun, learning experience for our kids.

Parents, thank you for allowing us and trusting us to take your kids half way across the country.

A special thanks to our school and county administration for making the trip possible.

We appreciate the chaperones (Mrs. Retter, Mrs. Cason, and Mr. Newsome) that gave up 9 days to be with a group of 14 great kids.

The following hosts who were so willing to teach our kids about agriculture and historical events deserve much more recognition than can be put into this blog.

·         Lauren Mayo, doctoral student at University of Missouri and former graduate of Riverview High School.

·         John Denbigh, farm manager, University of Missouri dairy research facility.

·         Julie Scroggs, Student Recruitment Coordinator, University of Missouri

·         Dr. Mary Hendrickson, Assistant Professor, Rural Sociology, University of Missouri

·         Trista Strauch, Professor, Animal Science, University of Missouri

·         Purina Farms Visitor Center, Gray Summit, Missouri

·         Dr. John Sloan, National Great River Research and Education Center, Lewis and Clark Community College, East Alton, Illinois

·         John Deere Harvester Works Visitor Center, East Moline, Illinois. Tour guides Jack, Pete, John and Gary.

·         Brenneman Pork – Rob and Char Brenneman, Erin Brenneman and Adam Hocker

·         Mrs. Nancy Roth, Kalona Historical Village

·         Mr. Earl Ropp, Dairy Goat Farmer, Kalona, Iowa

·         Mr. Elson Ropp, Stringtown Buggy Shop, Kalona, Iowa

·         Mrs. Salina Bontrager and Family, Kalona, Iowa

·         Dan and Lynn Bolin, New Day Dairy, Clarksville, Iowa

·         Dave and Pam Bolin, New Day Dairy, Clarksville, Iowa

·         Mr. Patrick Acton, Matchstick Marvels, Gladbrook, Iowa

·         New Century Farm Service, Melbourne, Iowa (Vanessa, Holly, Dan, Jake, Jay, Brandon, Sarah and Steve)

·         Mr. Jeff Cartwright, JBS Swift and Company, Marshaltown, Iowa

·         Mr. Tim Homan, Rabo Agrifinance, Cedar Falls, Iowa

·         Dennis and Doris Gienger, Gladbrook, Iowa

·         Jason and Megan Gienger, Gladbrook, Iowa

·         Tama County Pork Producers, Gladbrook, Iowa

·         Mr. Cameron Hall, Poultry Teaching Farm, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa

·         Ms. Lesa Vold, Egg Industry Center, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa

·         Living History Museum, Urbandale, Iowa

·         Mr. Kenney Barham, Barham Cattle Company, Kearney, Missouri

·         Arrowhead Stadium, Tour guide – Mr. Mike, Kansas City, Missouri

·         Kansas City Zoo

History of the Chiefs -- Ryan

Today we visited Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are a part of the American Football Conference in the NFL. The team was founded in 1960 as the Dallas Texans by businessman Lamar Hunt and were one of the eight original American Football Leagues teams. In 1963 the team relocated to Kansas City and with the help of the Mayor at the time, were renamed the Chiefs. They then joined the NFL due to a merger in 1970. They are valued at just under $1 billion.

Arrowhead Stadium is a part of the Truman Sports Complex with adjacent Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals. Arrowhead consist of three levels with a seating capacity of 76,416, making it the 28^th largest stadium in North America and the sixth largest NFL stadium. It is also the largest sports facility by capacity in the state of Missouri. A $375 mill. Renovation was completed in 2010. It also holds the title of the loudest NFL stadium clocking in at 142.2 Db. That is due to the fact that from the first level down to the field is all located below ground level. In 1990 during a game against the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs were threatened with a penalty if the crowd would not quiet down.

The Chiefs have won three AFL championships, in 1962, 1966, and 1969 and became the second AFL team (after the New York Jets) to defeat an NFL team in an AFL-NFL World Championship Game, when they defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. The team’s victory on January 11, 1970, remains the club’s last championship game victory and appearance to date, and occurred in the final such completion prior to the leagues’ merger coming into full effect. Their only other appearance was in the first Super Bowl, where they lost to the Green Bay Packers. One thing is for sure, their history is just as big and exciting as their stadium.

Eggs and a Museum -- Ruth

We're off. After waking up and eating the breakfast provided by Americinn, we loaded the luggage and found our seat in the vehicles.  We are on the way to the Egg Industry Center at Iowa State University and later in the day we will visit the Living History Museum. Lets go!

After an hour drive, we arrived at the Jeff and Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center at the Iowa State University. We went into a classroom and learned, with hands-on activities, about grading eggs. They have two lists, one for exterior and one for interior, of items they are required to check in order to grade the egg. Every student was able to break their own eggs and exam them. After viewing the inside of the eggs, we were able to experience candling the eggs. Candling is looking inside the egg with a light; to exam the fertility and quality of the egg. This can also be done after cracking the egg by looking for the blastoderm (fertile) or the blastodisc (infertile). After having fun with the eggs, we learned some interesting facts about them. We learned things such as, 1 single egg has 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 13 essential vitamins.                         

                               

We were also told that Switzerland pays a much higher price for eggs at $5 per dozen, whereas the U.S. pays about $0.88. Soon our egg education came to an end and it was time for lunch.

We headed over to The Student Union at Iowa State to grab some food and head onto the road again. There is no such thing as down time on this trip.

Another hour has passed and we pull into the parking lot of the Living History Museum. We make our way into the building and receive our pass, which is in the form of a sticker. After walking to the tractor station and waiting for the next available ride, we finally make it to the beginning of the trail. As we walk the trail, we view agriculture production from the 1700s through the 1900s. We were able to see the different animals and crops they raise. We watched a lady make yarn from wool that came from the sheep. After viewing the multiple techniques, we ride back to the beginning of the trail.

A short ride over to the restaurant, The Machine Shed, and we arrive. We wait for the waiters to form a table for all 20 of us and then we find a seat and begin the delicious meal. The normal conversations arise at the table, whether it’s about college tuition or taking care of the livestock while someone is out of town. We all enjoy the meals prepared for us. Tomorrow is a new day, filled with more things to enjoy!

Fertilizer, Fuel, Seed, and Tractor Driving -- Keraj

On Monday, June 26^th, we visited New Century FS, where they explained to us how the farmers get their fertilizer, diesel, seeds, and ammonia. Seeing where they keep the ammonia in the big tanks, and the safety measures they take to prevent accidents and spills was interesting.

They also showed us where the seeds come in and get treated before they go to the farmers. After they showed us the ammonia, they showed us where the fertilizer comes in to giant concrete rooms that get filled with fertilizer, and they took us in and let us go into one of the rooms where the fertilizer is kept, and they were unloading a semi truck at that time, so we got to see how the fertilizer is dropped from the conveyor belt into the pile. Then they showed us where it is mixed and loaded, they use an auger to mix what the farmer needs and it is then loaded onto a semi truck where it is taken to the farmer. After the fertilizer they showed us where the herbicide and pesticide are mixed and given to the farmer, the entire facility was sloped inwards to prevent any chemicals leaving the building and hurting anything on the outside. The entire process, besides the workers putting the hoses in was completely automated. After telling us about the chemicals building, they gave us a delicious lunch of pork burgers.

After FS, we went to Mr. Gienger’s home, where Tim Homan from Rabo Agrifinance spoke to us about the financial side of agriculture, and how loans are given and paid back to them. After he spoke, Mr. Gienger and his son Jason told us about how his machines work. They let us look at them and sit inside of some of them, after he explained the machines, he took them to a parking lot outside of a football field, where he let us drive them, there was a big New Holland tractor, a sprayer, and a tractor with tracks. Driving those vehicles was really fun and an amazing experience, my favorites were the sprayer and the New Holland tractor, both were easy to drive, had simple controls, and were tons of fun to drive.

When it was time to go to Mr. Gienger’s house, I got to ride back in the tractors with tracks, it was really fun and an incredible experience. We then went back to Mr. Gienger’s house where they had an amazing dinner prepared, when dinner was done, we thanked everyone present from the Tama County Pork Producers, and we returned to the hotel.

An Extraordinary Day - Attia

Today was a very extraordinary day. We were able to experience some of the Amish lifestyle. All the things you thought about the Amish is only partial, because there is so much more information on them that I couldn’t believe was true.

The first thing we did was visit an Amish goat farm. They used a generator to power a milking machine that milked the goats and a cooler to store the milk. This was allowed because they can use these things if it is for their job. They milk a total of 186 goats twice a day and it usually takes about an hour and a half with two people. I also learned that goats really are picky eaters, they only like to chew on everything they can get their mouths on. They also are very friendly, they love to be petted.

After the farm we went to visit a buggy shop where they build the Amish buggies. It was very interesting, even for me, because I’m not a very mechanical person. They used pneumatic tools meaning that they use air pressure to power all of their tools. For their lighting they use solar tubes to light up the room. Also the horses that pull the buggy aren’t very friendly and are kind of scary.

Mennonite are like the Amish but they use luxuries such as running water and electricity. We visited a Mennonite home were we got to eat a huge lunch. We all sat at a long table where we had to pass around food. I got to try tapioca pudding, homemade peanut butter, apple butter, and custard pie. I also got to eat mashed potatoes, pork, veggies, and homemade noodles. It was some of the most amazing food I’ve ever had.

With full bellies we made our way to our last stop was New Day Dairy, which is at a robotic dairy and believe me when I say that it is really cool. So the cows step into the milking machine where a robot arm preps the cows udder by disinfecting it and stimulating the teat. Then it uses a laser to find the teats to place the milker on them. This farm did not have many animals because they can only have as many as the system can handle. 

Overall, today was a great experience that I was very much so looking forward to. I can’t wait to see what is in store for tomorrow.

Eggs and History -- Carissa

{07:30, June 27, 2017: AmericInn, Grundy Center, Iowa}

Left the hotel this morning. We caravanned through the country of corn and soybean fields towards Ames, Iowa. Today we will be visiting Iowa State University’s egg production. Then, we will be going to a living history museum in Urbandale, Iowa.

{10:00, June 27, 2017: Iowa State University Hansen Ag Center, Ames, Iowa}

Once at the University we learned about the grading of the exterior and interior of eggs. It was a great hands-on learning experience! We even got to candle the eggs, which is when you take a bright light and shine it through the egg to judge the quality of that egg.

{11:30, June 27, 2017: Iowa State University Classroom, Ames, Iowa}

There are four cage systems for laying hens. They are, enriched cages, conventional cages, aviary houses, and free-range. I learned that free-range is the most popular system in Europe. Did you know, that Iowa is the largest egg producing state in the U.S.? Iowa lays enough eggs to feed all 50 states for 47 days!

{12:15, June 27, 2017: Iowa State University Union Building; Cafeteria, Ames, Iowa}

Today our lunch consisted of choices. We ate at the Union Building at the University. I personally ate a salad, chips, a cheese stick, and a slice of delicious cheese cake.

{13:45, June 27, 2017: Living History Farms, Urbandale, Iowa}

Next stop, Living History Farms! We visited this rural living museum where we saw how farms have developed since the 1700’s. Starting with the Native Americans to the 1850’s farm life, then ending in the world of 1900’s. I really enjoyed this because there was also an 1850’s style town that had a variety of buildings and we could see a similar way they were set up! I really liked this stop because I too work at a living history museum called Cracker Country in Tampa.

{16:30, June 27, 2017: Machine Shed Restaurant, Urbandale, Iowa}

We ate at the Machine Shed today for dinner and it was delicious!

{20:45, June 27, 2017: Comfort Inn, Bethany, Missouri}

Nighty night! Time to get some rest since we have to be up and in the cars by 06:45.