The Oklahoma CattleWomen’s Association is gearing up for its second annual Kids Cattle Camp, a one-day educational event designed to introduce Oklahoma youth to agriculture and the cattle industry through hands-on learning experiences.
Amy McKinney with the Oklahoma CattleWomen’s Association visited with associate farm reporter Carli Davenport about the event. McKinney said the camp is focused on helping children better understand where their food comes from while creating a fun learning environment.
“It is a one-day event that introduces Oklahoma kids from across the state to agriculture, but specifically the cattle industry,” McKinney said. “Families can expect a fun day of learning, playing, meeting new friends, a wonderful beef lunch while learning about the different aspects of the cattle industry.”
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Campers will participate in activities throughout the day, including feed rationing, cattle care demonstrations, tractor safety, ear tagging, vaccinations, and cattle herding exercises. “Hands-on is going to be the majority of the activities that they’re going to have,” McKinney said.
Students will also learn about the ruminant digestive system, beef quality assurance practices, and even take part in ice cream making and an Oklahoma soil art project. “We’ll have vaccinations and ear tagging activities that will allow kids to better understand the great care and management that cattle producers provide to their herds,” she explained.
Event Details and Registration
The camp is open to 50 Oklahoma students who have completed kindergarten through eighth grade. Parents and guardians are also welcome to attend.
This year’s camp will be held Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bryant Ranch in Cushing.
“We have been very blessed to have the Bryants from Bryant Ranch in Cushing offer their ranch for this educational event,” McKinney said. Families can register through the Oklahoma CattleWomen’s Association website or by scanning the QR code posted on the organization’s social media pages.
More Beef Month Activities Ahead
McKinney also highlighted additional events the Oklahoma CattleWomen are supporting during Beef Month this May, including Agpalooza in Stockyard City on May 30 and Oklahoma’s Best Beef steak sampling competition.
McKinney said Agpalooza is designed to reconnect families with agriculture through interactive exhibits and educational experiences centered around farming and ranching.
“There are a lot of folks that are three or four generations removed from the ranch or the farm, but they long to have that connection back to the land,” McKinney said. “This Agpalooza event will offer a way to make that happen.”
The event is expected to feature an “Ag Venture Land” area for children with agriculture-themed hands-on activities, along with attractions like touch-a-tractor exhibits and opportunities for families to learn more about beef production and modern agriculture.
The Oklahoma CattleWomen are also helping host the Oklahoma’s Best Beef competition during Agpalooza, a ticketed steak sampling event that allows consumers to meet Oklahoma beef producers, ask questions about how cattle are raised, and sample beef produced by ranchers from across the state.
