Rotarians learn about livestock

FALLBROOK – On May 24, the Village Rotary Club visited the Ag department at Fallbrook High School. The agricultural faculty and FFA students treated them to a tri-tip luncheon and a display of their projects.

The Rotarians learned some interesting facts about the raising and showing of livestock. The students are going to sell their projects at the annual San Diego County Fair in Del Mar. While some students plan to use their net proceeds to either reinvest in another project next year, some will apply the money toward college.

The first project shown was an “early spring” lamb, Suffox/Southdown cross, weighing about 125 pounds. It was explained that for every six to eight pounds of feed the lamb eats, it puts on a pound. The students showed how lambs are judged, and explained the desirable qualities of the animal.

The next project shown was a pig, which was in excellent shape. The desired weight for marketing pigs is between 240 and 290 pounds. The pig will gain more weight if overfed, but tends to put on a layer of fat which from a consumer’s standpoint is not desirable.

A calf was displayed next. It was approximately 900 pounds and the desired weight at market time is 1,300 to 1,400 pounds. The feed to weight ratio is about six to seven pounds of feed for one pound of gain.

Last but not least, a goat was displayed. Goats can graze on practically any form of vegetation, don’t take up much room, produce milk, and their meat is excellent.

The young men and women working on these animal projects make a significant initial investment then feed and care have to be provided. A student can easily invest up to 300 hours of work in his or her project.

At the end of the show, the students passed out “bid form” cards to see if any of the Rotarians would be interested in bidding on their projects at the fair. A number of members signed up for the bidding process.