LTAC Community Connections

September/October 2024 Edition

Evaluations for Work-Based Learning Supervisors

Thank you to those community partners hosting interns as part of our Work-Based Learning program. If you supervise an intern, please submit their evaluations to Community Partnerships Liaison and Work-Based Learning Coordinator Mrs. Nicki Jones.

Best wishes, Ms. Caroline Groth!

Best wishes to Ms. Caroline Groth, FFA Kentucky President and LTAC graduate, who will represent LTAC, the Bluegrass Region, and Kentucky as a FFA National Officer Candidate at this year's FFA National Convention!

Students in the Agricultural Engineering Institute have learned to operate zero-turn mowers and next will learn to operate All-Terrain Vehicles. Students also have completed a tractor driving unit, sketched drawings for projects, and created an invoice of materials for projects. Students will complete the construction of a high tunnel to expand the Plant Science Institute's growing space. Next, students will learn about the four strokes, parts, and systems of an engine; how to read a tape measure; and about different wood joints, types of lumber, and how to make various angle cuts.

Interested in partnering with the Agricultural Engineering Institute by hosting an experiential learning trip, mentoring students, serving as a guest speaker, or joining the Advisory Committee? Please contact Agriculture Instructor Mr. Brian Craig.

Agribusiness - Equine Studies Program

Students in Equine Science (Level 1) have mastered haltering and leading and now learn to groom horses. Students also recently explored The Kentucky Horse Park! Next, students will learn horse breeds and general husbandry skills. Students in Agribusiness and Farm Management (Level 2) finished learning about equine systems and aging horses. Students now learn about evaluating conformation and created Pokemon cards about breed characteristics. Next, students will earn about bandaging legs and preventing disease. Students in Agricultural Sales and Marketing (Level 3) learned about thoroughbred sales and visited the Keeneland September sale. Students even practiced how to show a horse at a sale by working with sales consignors. Next, students will start horses under saddle. See the below photos!

Interested in partnering with the Agribusiness - Equine Studies Program by hosting an experiential learning trip, mentoring students, serving as a guest speaker, or joining the Advisory Committee? Please contact Agriculture Instructor M rs. Fallon Jackson.

Food Science and Processing Program

Students in this program will process, prepare, and eat locally raised chickens. Soon students will raise their own broiler chickens for processing and place piglets on feed to also grow for processing in the spring. Next, sheep and goats on campus will undergo parturition, so students can learn to care for newborn animals.

Interested in partnering with the Food Science and Processing Program by hosting an experiential learning trip, mentoring students, serving as a guest speaker, or joining the Advisory Committee? Please contact Agriculture Instructor Mr. Doug Ashcraft.

Pre-Veterinary Studies Program

Students in Veterinary Science (Level 1) learned about canine and feline behavior, especially how to read body signals and adjust restraint techniques accordingly. Students also have learned to walk canine patients with a slip leash. Next, they will learn to handle more aggressive feline patients. Students in Small Animal Technology (Level 2) have learned to confidently chart in medical records, order inventory, calculate invoices, and document client histories. Next, they will practice surgical assisting. Students in Animal Technology (Level 3) have learned about cells, tissues, and the musculoskeletal system and logged clinical hours in veterinary offices.

We hope to see you at Barktoberfest--our annual fundraiser to support experiential learning trips, etc. We will host this event at LTAC on Saturday, October 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We accept cash or check only for baths, nail trims, and microchipping. See the below flyer!

Interested in partnering with the Pre-Veterinary Studies Program by hosting an experiential learning trip, mentoring students, serving as a guest speaker, or joining the Advisory Committee? Please contact Agriculture Instructors Mrs. Latissa Higgins or Mrs. Kathleen Magsam.

Students in this Institute have explored the history of conservation and famous conservationists. They also have learned about key environmental challenges, including unintended consequences of actions and invasive species. Students have prepared the tanks in the aquaculture lab and created tree identification booklets. Next students will enter the Jim Claypool Essay Contest hosted by the Fayette County Conservation District. Students will take an experiential learning trip to Kentucky State University and begin learning about disease and pests affecting trees.

Interested in partnering with the Environmental Science and Natural Resources Institute by hosting an experiential learning trip, mentoring students, serving as a guest speaker, or joining the Advisory Committee? Please contact Agriculture Instructor Mrs. Ally Thompson.

Students in this Institute have made symmetrical triangle floral arrangements, planted ferns and cared for poinsettias in the greenhouse, and learned to evaluate land. See the below photos! Students will participate in the FFA Bluegrass Region's Career Development Event Land Judging soon!

Interested in partnering with the Plant Science Institute by hosting an experiential learning trip, mentoring students, serving as a guest speaker, or joining the Advisory Committee? Please contact Agriculture Instructor Mr. Daniel Bustle.

In AgriScience, students have learned about research questions and credible online sources, even competing in a credible source bracket challenge. Next, students will create agricultural-focused podcasts to practice writing research questions and utilizing credible sources.

In Agriculture Employability Skills, students have learned about personalities in the workplace and how to collaborate in groups. Students completed teambuilding activities that challenged them to work with unfamiliar students and identify how personality types play a role in group dynamics.

In Principles of Agricultural Science and Technology, students learned about FFA--the Career and Technical Student Organization for students enrolled in agricultural pathways. Next, students will learn about Environmental Science and Natural Resources, including topics they can explore in that career pathway within agriculture.

Livestock Showing

Congratulations to the following students who completed their season of livestock showing by participating in the 4-H/FFA Livestock and Country Ham Auction: Oliviah Coy, Skyler Farmer, Giselle Green, Larkin Romines, Logan Sass, Nevaeh Trammell, and Kenja Vargas!

Students Attended Climate Symposium

Thank you to Agriculture Instructors Ms. Graciela Barajas and Mrs. Ally Thompson for taking students to the Climate Symposium at the University of Kentucky! See the below photos.

Interns at The Kentucky Castle

Interns at The Kentucky Castle have hosted students from around the state, including Spencer County, and National Association of Agricultural Educators board members. Next, students will learn about cover crops as they continue to care for the animals, provide fall floral arrangements to the restaurant, and can and freeze vegetables. See the below photos!