Dakota Star Ranch welcomed 60 students, pre-k through fifth grade, from the Marshall and Intermediate 21st Century After School Program on May 30 for a fun-filled morning to see the operations of a ranch and to learn some fun facts along the way.

Ranch owners Brian and Shannon Dobbs set up three learning stations, the produce field, livestock sanctuary, and nature hike, which the students, teachers, and chaperones rotated throughout the morning.

In the produce field, the students saw how a former cattle pasture that is steadily transforming into a thriving operation that produces fruits and vegetables for the area. They learned how beautiful, tasty food on the dinner table starts with healthy planting practices, responsible care for the crops, harvesting at the right time, and knowing easy ways to cook it.

“Something I love about growing produce is the creativity involved,” said Brian. “It was wonderful to interact with these kids as we talked about how all of the ingredients in something like spaghetti sauce can be found right here in our field.”

In the barnyard, the students met the ranch’s feathered residents in the Chicken Village and they learned about farm-fresh eggs. Then they went over to the pasture and pen areas and met the four-legged family members on the farm, such as the comical miniature Longhorns, goats, sheep, and livestock guardian dogs.

“Almost every student who visited the ranch either has pets or family with livestock, so we had a fun and lively conversation about each other’s animals,” said Shannon. “We all agreed that all animals need five things: food, water, kindness, care to keep them healthy, and shade during the hot summer.”

The third rotation of the Marshall students’ exciting morning at the ranch was a colorful, wildflowerfilled hike to observe the lush vegetation of the Southern Great Plains and its array of amazing wildlife.

“Dozens of species have made their homes in the pasture, delighting guests with their symphony of sounds and dazzling natural beauty,” Brian stated. “Observing the natural behaviors of the wildlife here at the ranch allows us to live closer to the natural world.”

“We value and understand the importance of helping and teaching youth about agriculture,” said Shannon.

“We’re passionate about sharing knowledge and experience and are always so pleased for opportunities to engage with the community, like interacting with the Marshall students to help promote our country’s next generation of farmers.”

Since the end of May students have been learning not only about agriculture, but also about water safety and wildlife at the state park, as well as having fun bowling, creating tie dye shirts and so much more.