Not even this summer’s scorching temperatures could stop thousands of participants
from riding herd on fun and knowledge in equal parts this week at Oklahoma State University's
always popular Animal Science Sheep, Beef and Swine Field Days event. The annual three-day
event is a family affair for many. “A number of the adults formerly competed when
they were 4-H or FFA members back in the day, with their own parents evaluating livestock
right alongside them; now they attend with their own children,” said Rusty Gosz, OSU
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources youth livestock specialist.
Field day sessions and contests have been specifically put together as teaching tools
about the animal agriculture industry – which provides more than $10 billion in production
and processing to Oklahoma’s economy annually – while providing youth with the opportunity
to evaluate live animals and then see carcass results. (Photo by Todd Johnson)
