Exploring Agriculture: Children Learn Hands-On at Brooks Cattle Company

We recently had the honor of hosting groups of local children at the ranch for their Farm Day and Ranch Day field trips. With 59 children attending one activity and 45 children the other, we had such a fun time sharing our lives and livelihood with the next generation. Though the Oklahoma heat was in full force, these kiddos pulled up their bootstraps and had a great time.

Note: All photos shared with written permission from parents/guardians.

Ooh! A cactus!

During Ranch Day, the children started out with a hayride through the property. We picked sand plums, "sunflowers", chased grasshoppers, and went on a nature hike. Later, the children will receive Sand Plum Jelly made from the sand plums they picked. The BCC dogs joined us on the hayride, of course. After visiting the heifers, they saw a grove of trees that were blown down by is believed to be a small tornado a few weeks earlier. We finished up with water and popsicles.

No idea how he got this dirty

A few weeks later, the kiddos returned for Farm Day. Here, the children were able to see and ride a horse, as well as feed a miniature horse and give her hugs and love. Boone and Crockett, our bottle calves from 2025, were around for feeding and learning about. While we were visiting, hay equipment was being serviced before heading to the field, so the kids were also able to learn about how hay bales are made and see the tractors up close. Chasing grasshoppers was a big attraction for some of the kids, while others loved meeting the animals. Of course, we ended with more water and popsicles.

Boone liked the attention!

For about 25%, this was their first time on a horse.

Dancer was happy to get treats & love! "Can I kiss her?" "I wanna hug her!"

Future Tractor Drivers!

We are grateful to have the opportunity to do this form of community outreach. These awesome kids had wonderful questions, and we could see them making connections and understanding where their food comes from. Best of all, the kids had a great time and spent the drive home discussing getting their own horse, cow, or becoming a farmer. We can't wait to see who decides to be farmers and ranchers when they grow up.

Blessed to do this.