posted on Monday, October 24, 2016 in News
Kindergarten and first grade students at Exira-EHK Elementary School recently learned about different types of careers. In Mrs. Webster’s first grade class, nine of her 14 students want to work with animals or be a veterinarian when they are older. AMVC employees were invited to visit the class and help them learn more about their interests.
The class had a special tie to AMVC as Garion Muzzy, an AMVC sow farm manager in Harlan, has a son, Garix, in the first grade class. Dean Packard, sow production manager, and AMVC veterinarian, Dr. Jodie Pettit, accompanied Muzzy to the class visit.
Dr. Pettit explained to the students how the animal caretakers, production manager and veterinarian work together to oversee the care, health and production of the pigs on the farm. Muzzy has worked for AMVC for eight years and has fun caring for the piglets every day, “It is hard for one person to care for all of the pigs, so you need a team,” said Muzzy, who manages Handlos South, a local sow farm owned by Handlos Family Farms.
The students were excited to have an opportunity to ask questions to a veterinarian and interact with some animals. AMVC not only brought in two piglets for the class, but also a calf from a local AMVC client’s farm.
The students took turns feeding a bottle of milk to the calf and having the calf suck on their fingers, while others got a hands-on experience by holding onto a piglet.
Garix is looking forward to following in his father’s footsteps, “When I grow up, I want to have fun with little piglets, just like my dad.”
“It was a great experience for my students to learn about farming and veterinary services,” said Webster, Exira-EHK Elementary School teacher.
The career opportunities within the agriculture field are endless.
“Seeing the future generation interested in this career path is exciting. I am proud to help inspire their passion to be involved in animal agriculture,” said Dr. Pettit.