Many students are completely unaware that the barn behind GRC houses two sheep. However, the students in the Animal Science Systems pathway have gotten very familiar with the sheep through working with them.
The Animal Science class is just one of the many extensive agricultural opportunities at GRC. Throughout this program, students learn the basics of how to care for animals that are traditionally considered livestock, such as beef and dairy cows, sheep, swine, and poultry.
“Students get the opportunity to be around something that they may not have been around without the pathway class,” said GRC Agriculture teacher Terra Pigg.
Students in the Animal Science class are immersed into new experiences while they are also able to get a glimpse into future careers they want to pursue.
“Not only do I get to hang out with all kinds of animals, I also learn stuff I will use in the future,” said sophomore Parker Kincaid.
GRC’s very own sheep, Brandy and Pepper, have opened many doors for students involved in the class. One of the sheep, Pepper, has been involved with GRC agriculture since she was a lamb. Pepper lived in Mrs. Pigg’s room when she first came here, so students have always had opportunities to be involved hands-on with her.
“When Pepper was a bottle lamb, the kids were so intrigued with her,” said Pigg. “They were so willing to feed her and play with her.”
Throughout having sheep at GRC, students have been able to work with them and assisted with their basic preventative care.
“With having the sheep at GRC, students have learned and helped with shearing them, vaccinating them, and deworming them,” said Pigg.
The students in the Animal Science Systems pathway have benefited greatly from the sheep, but Pepper’s original owner, FFA President and senior Heidi Castle, has also had a special experience with it.
“I am really glad that Pepper was able to provide such a positive experience for the agriculture pathway and the classes,” said Castle. “She plays a big role in the pathway and I am so grateful she is aiding students in their learning and that she is in such a caring environment.”
The sheep have given students many valuable lessons, but students are preparing to learn more. With Pepper pregnant and Brandy just recently giving birth, students have experienced firsthand how to care for them.
“We had someone from Boonesboro Animal Clinic come in to ultrasound Pepper for the students in order for them to get involved with the process and for them to see that in action,” said Castle.
Students in the class will assist in caring for the lambs once they are born, which opens their eyes into the lambing process and assuring they are in good health.
“Once the lambs are born, the kids are gonna enjoy the whole process, from working them to vaccinating them,” said Pigg.
The sheep have allowed for so many things to be learned and skills to be taught to students with and without their future lambs, many of these lessons go beyond the classroom or the barn.
“The class has taught me many things, but it has also brought light to skills that I have,” said Kincaid. “It has grown my ability to work with others, which is a good trait to have in life.”
