Natrona County third grade students learn about agriculture during annual ag expo
Natrona County Cow-Belles hosted the annual Ag Expo at the Fairgrounds Industrial Building in Casper Feb. 15-16. Natrona County third graders learned about agriculture and the Western way of life by visiting an assortment of 20 different learning stations.
Natrona County Cow-Belles Secretary Oneta Carter says nearly 700 kids attended the two-day event.
“The Ag Expo event is a way for agriculture to find its way to the kids of Natrona County,” says Carter. “It’s always surprising to me to see how many kids come through every year that haven’t actually seen a live sheep, horse, cow or pig up close, and it’s interesting to see the kids interact with the stations.”
She adds, “The Ag Expo is one of our biggest community involvement activities, so it’s really important for us to keep it going.”
Natrona County FFA members assisted with several of the stations. FFA chapters represented were CY FFA, Casper FFA and Windy City FFA.
Carter thanks the sponsors of the event, which include Hilltop Bank, the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, Platte Valley Bank, First Interstate Bank and Stotz Equipment.
In addition to the Ag Expo, the Natrona County Cow-Belles also execute several other community projects to promote beef and agriculture throughout the year.
They host two senior meals a year, give away gift cards during Christmas to promote beef and sponsor the Special Olympic event the Saturday after the College National Finals Rodeo. The organization also offers scholarships to graduating seniors and donates beef to local charities.
The Natrona County Cow-Belles sole fundraising event is their annual gala, scheduled for March 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Casper. Tickets are $40.
“This is our only fundraiser, and it helps put on the Ag Expo,” said Carter. “The event will include a social hour, dinner and silent and live auctions.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Natrona County Cow-Belles on Facebook or e-mail nccowbelles@gmail.com.
Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
