tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74185290823512251922024-03-05T07:26:52.462-08:00AGademics (formally Barn Tours)A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-39190769204846551662012-05-22T12:18:00.002-07:002012-05-22T12:18:56.814-07:00We got talked into another sale<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr style="background-color: #38761d;"><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWggu09jIRDBhdQdOIb5aOJp34IYKPrc0hymr-zGRhPALfd7H5FMZ5vQ8Bd2HwoI6OHFk4C5PRYpPvuDViQCNIarW3XExeY5mef5_dtAQum_6hqb37gmWVLJQjfDIomC8mxZCNOQx6Qc0/s1600/FP+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWggu09jIRDBhdQdOIb5aOJp34IYKPrc0hymr-zGRhPALfd7H5FMZ5vQ8Bd2HwoI6OHFk4C5PRYpPvuDViQCNIarW3XExeY5mef5_dtAQum_6hqb37gmWVLJQjfDIomC8mxZCNOQx6Qc0/s640/FP+banner.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="background-color: #38761d;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WE are happy to announce that we are having another sale of our Banners after such great response we decided to offer the opportunity again. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the banners will be 20% off their purchase price! Order quick before time runs out!! For more information or to order please email us at: agademics@gmail.com</td></tr>
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<br />A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-41223757029891664902012-04-17T07:05:00.002-07:002012-04-17T07:05:13.858-07:00Great Day to wear green<b>Wear Green To Support Agriculture Tomorrow!</b> <br />
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<div class="byline-date"> <div class="byline"> by <a href="http://beefmagazine.com/blogger/amanda-radke">Amanda Radke</a> <span class="post-group"> in <a href="http://beefmagazine.com/blog/beef-daily">BEEF Daily</a></span> </div><div class="publish-date">Apr. 16, 2012 9:23pm</div><div class="publish-date"><i><span style="color: red;"> (Amanda writes a great blog when you get a chance check it out)</span></i> </div></div><br />
Make plans to sport a green shirt tomorrow, April 18, for the third annual “Wear Green To Support Agriculture Day!” Wear green to work and strike up a conversation with consumers about the importance of agriculture in their daily lives.<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/BEEF.Magazine?ref=ts#%21/events/234769846621228/" target="_blank"><br />
The event details are available on Facebook</a> where the creators, Barrett Smith and Rachel Erin, state, “Agriculture impacts everyone, no matter who you are, where you live or what you do. Our goal for this year is 17,000 people who will proudly say they support agriculture. Last year, we had very good turnout and are looking to improve upon it again this year.”<br />
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Smith and Erin are both heavily involved in production agriculture and hope the green shirts will help spread the word and educate consumers about agriculture and food production.<br />
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“In the face of changing times and communication, which is not always clear, we ask that everyone stand up and support agriculture by wearing green on April 18. We started this event as two concerned college students two years ago. We see even more need to continue spreading a positive message about agriculture as we continue on in our lives post-higher education. Think of the impact that you can have by inviting your friends to join and sharing your stories.”<br />
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In light of the recent controversy surrounding lean finely textured beef (LFTB), this event is incredibly important to turn around the conversation from negative, fearful speculation to enthusiastic confidence in American agriculture. With Beef Month just around the corner, “Wear Green Day” is the perfect way to kick things off and get the ball rolling in a positive direction.A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-18565251972431895332012-02-09T13:59:00.000-08:002012-02-09T13:59:53.729-08:00Beef lovers month!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcbMPjkDInEG7TbV_l1-97rh3udIgjhEklcJipdF63Rw2Fnrc8JRDGTf4RBYi5dofxM6U_dyabwFbu_EBVduv5ZiZoEP6hY10AqXnTcoP6DnqrtkIyutLm__pEUuI8HJxEsaTJNcZ3zo/s1600/i_heart_beef_black_font.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcbMPjkDInEG7TbV_l1-97rh3udIgjhEklcJipdF63Rw2Fnrc8JRDGTf4RBYi5dofxM6U_dyabwFbu_EBVduv5ZiZoEP6hY10AqXnTcoP6DnqrtkIyutLm__pEUuI8HJxEsaTJNcZ3zo/s400/i_heart_beef_black_font.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Happy Beef lovers month!! What a great month to celebrate with stock show season in full swing and kids working hard on their county fair steer projects!!! What a great time to learn all about the hard work that young and old put into making a great product for us to enjoy in the grocery store!!1A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-64041862399247751652012-01-30T10:30:00.000-08:002012-01-30T10:30:42.399-08:00Making a switchWE are trying to convert all of our blogging to our new blog which has our new name in the address of the blog. The new blog is: agademics.blogspot.com So check it out and follow our adventures.A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-54535388140869836082012-01-27T07:59:00.000-08:002012-01-27T07:59:29.696-08:00Farm Planet Banner Rental<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjb5yn4uULCLrASkyvo7vDS1C-DvcKfLkDdLMsD4QMXEGr9T_QbaeptATCzXTqvwK0Ngv7PQXhvBrpPv14wGzTX_btOnZD40a50tzxRMCZou6nCX3ndsE0AJdqn74mgGNNaWVXSY-720/s1600/8227_1171726506706_1634324074_420684_2918730_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjb5yn4uULCLrASkyvo7vDS1C-DvcKfLkDdLMsD4QMXEGr9T_QbaeptATCzXTqvwK0Ngv7PQXhvBrpPv14wGzTX_btOnZD40a50tzxRMCZou6nCX3ndsE0AJdqn74mgGNNaWVXSY-720/s320/8227_1171726506706_1634324074_420684_2918730_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGr-_dkvc0EDK1TYCyqy1OeDFLNOdERFuQrf3Frp_51gsWVO0FpYzv8RKdFWl-g-3IRwweJgX1XcBundungRPPTg9PD2j44K9hcIMyK_wzn7uspOgel0B-VXwKFITugzfFSE_LiqI3Q5g/s1600/IMAG0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGr-_dkvc0EDK1TYCyqy1OeDFLNOdERFuQrf3Frp_51gsWVO0FpYzv8RKdFWl-g-3IRwweJgX1XcBundungRPPTg9PD2j44K9hcIMyK_wzn7uspOgel0B-VXwKFITugzfFSE_LiqI3Q5g/s320/IMAG0167.JPG" width="320" /></a><u><b>Banner Rental changes for 2012 </b></u><br />
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2012 is a year of changes for us here at <b style="color: #38761d;">AGademics<br />
</b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">we want our products and services to more user friendly!! In doing so we have changed our prices and rearranged our package deals on banner rentals. Now all banners will rented at $45 a day each for fairs 5 days or less. Fairs larger than 5 days when renting the whole set (9) the price is rent one get the next one free. So by renting all 9 you would be paying for 4 banners. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><i><b style="color: #cc0000;">Don't forget we are celebrating our 20th year in the fair industry so we are offering 20% off the purchase of the banners until Feb. 29th!!! </b></i></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCs2ZI2GzK4jIqYe-Z6EPgYWQjbPtfxH8L2u-TGZMCezAm32iUffDGmw167dJpY-wUeHioy1Vqh05-fkoXLmDjqIydnI8NSCscceCfAnoK7sfLaaw5k7osmUDkLvEkzxkqzwbnbd_wOY/s1600/8227_1171725586683_1634324074_420681_3687610_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCs2ZI2GzK4jIqYe-Z6EPgYWQjbPtfxH8L2u-TGZMCezAm32iUffDGmw167dJpY-wUeHioy1Vqh05-fkoXLmDjqIydnI8NSCscceCfAnoK7sfLaaw5k7osmUDkLvEkzxkqzwbnbd_wOY/s320/8227_1171725586683_1634324074_420681_3687610_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-82255100023654506772012-01-20T07:02:00.000-08:002012-01-20T07:02:57.488-08:00A YAHOO article that needs to be fact checked again<h1 id="article-headline">College Majors That Are Useless</h1><span id="article-text"> <h2>Are you going back to school in hopes of graduating to more job opportunities? You might want to avoid these degrees.</h2>By Terence Loose <br />
<div class="related_box"><br />
</div>If you're considering going back to school in hopes that you'll graduate to more opportunities, there are certain degrees that you might want to avoid.<br />
Consider the National Association of Colleges and Employers' (NACE) 2012 Job Outlook study, which surveyed almost 1,000 employers on their future hiring plans. Many areas of study, such as fashion design and the performing arts, didn't even make the list.<br />
On the other hand, majors like business had 83 percent of the surveyed employers saying they planned to recruit them. Close seconds were accounting and computer and information science majors with nearly 60 percent of surveyed employers planning to recruit them.<br />
At the other end of the spectrum are degrees that are either so specific they can't be applied in a variety of fields, or those linked to careers with virtually little to no projected job growth.<br />
Want to make sure you don't pick a dud of a degree? Check out our list of most useless degrees.<br />
<h3>Useless Degree #1 - <span class="text_grey">Agriculture</span></h3><h3>Number of Students Awarded Degree in 2008-2009: <span class="text_grey">24,988</span><br />
Typical coursework: <span class="text_grey">Crops, plant diseases, animal husbandry, basic veterinary science</span></h3><img class="inline_image" src="http://images.vantage-media.net/a/clients/YahooEdu/article/iblp_images/iblp_misc_113_151x185.jpg" /> <div class="inline_text"> When schools such as the University of Idaho cut their agriculture programs, you know times are tough for this degree. The state has more than 25,000 farms, for cow's sake, according to the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture census, in 2007.<br />
Still, if your idea of a good day is getting up with the sun and working till it sets as an agricultural manager, a degree in agriculture might be your calling.<br />
Just don't expect farms and ranches to be calling you, says Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., and author of "The 10 Best College Majors for Your Personality." "It's true that farms are becoming more efficient now and so there is less of a need for farm managers," he says. That means less jobs. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor projects 64,000 fewer jobs in this field over the next seven years.<br />
<strong>Total Number of Agricultural Managers in 2008:</strong> 1,234,000<br />
<strong>Projected Change in Number of Jobs 2008-2018:</strong> -64,600<br />
<strong>Percent Change: </strong>-5<br />
</div><hr class="inline_dottedline" /> <div class="inline_widget_background"><br />
</div><hr class="inline_dottedline" /> <h3>Useless Degree #2 - <span class="text_grey">Fashion Design</span></h3><h3>Number of Students Awarded Degree in 2008-2009: <span class="text_grey">89,140</span><br />
Typical coursework: <span class="text_grey">Fashion history, sewing, tailoring, color, design, pattern making</span></h3><img class="inline_image" src="http://images.vantage-media.net/a/clients/YahooEdu/article/iblp_images/iblp_2003_100_151x185.jpg" /> <div class="inline_text"> The world of high fashion is glamorous, exciting, and, unfortunately, highly exclusive and competitive.<br />
"Fashion never dies out, never ends, and even though everything gets made overseas now, there's always a need for designers. But it's incredibly competitive. It's one you really have to establish yourself in," Shatkin says.<br />
And those glamour positions are expected to be the ones with the fewest opportunities among an already small field, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Because it's so tough, Shatkin suggests that getting a practical minor with this degree is very smart.<br />
<br />
<strong>Total Number of Fashion Designers in 2008:</strong> 22,700<br />
<strong>Projected Change in Number of Jobs 2008-2018:</strong> +200<br />
<strong>Percent Change: </strong>+1<br />
</div><hr class="inline_dottedline" /> <h3>Useless Degree #3 - <span class="text_grey">Theater</span></h3><h3>Number of Students Awarded Degree in 2008-2009: <span class="text_grey">89,140</span><br />
Typical coursework: <span class="text_grey">Theater, acting, directing, design, playwriting, communications, dramatic literature</span></h3><img class="inline_image" src="http://images.vantage-media.net/a/clients/YahooEdu/article/iblp_images/iblp_misc_114_151x185.jpg" /> <div class="inline_text"> Here's the good news: Sign up for theater as a major and at least you'll be really good at acting like you have a job.<br />
Here's the bad news: Actors endure long periods of unemployment and frequent rejection, says the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department goes on to say that because earnings are erratic for actors, producers, and directors, many hold second jobs. In other words, how do you feel about waiting tables?<br />
Of course, says Shatkin, "People go into this with such a love for it you can't stop them."<br />
<strong>Total Number of Actors/Producers/Directors in 2008:</strong> 155,100<br />
<strong>Projected Change in Number of Jobs 2008-2018:</strong> +16,900<br />
<strong>Percent Change: </strong>+11<br />
</div><hr class="inline_dottedline" /> <h3>Useless Degree #4 - <span class="text_grey">Animal Science</span></h3><h3>Number of Students Awarded Degree in 2008-2009: <span class="text_grey">80,756</span><br />
Typical coursework: <span class="text_grey">Animal breeding, reproductive physiology, nutrition, meat and muscle biology</span></h3><img class="inline_image" src="http://images.vantage-media.net/a/clients/YahooEdu/article/iblp_images/iblp_misc_116_151x185.jpg" /> <div class="inline_text"> Here's another degree aimed at a career that at first glance doesn't look all that discouraging. After all, animal scientist employment is projected by the U.S. Department of Labor to grow 13 percent from 2008 to 2018.<br />
But crunch a few more numbers and you quickly realize that you could be in for stiff competition to grab a piece of that pie. Fewer than 5,000 animal scientist jobs are projected to exist in the field by 2018.<br />
The problem, says Shatkin, is the degree is so specific that trying to apply it to anything else means a tough time convincing people it gives you any useful skills for jobs outside animal science jobs.<br />
<strong>Total Number of Animal Scientists in 2008:</strong> 3,700<br />
<strong>Projected Change in Number of Jobs 2008-2018:</strong> +500<br />
<strong>Percent Change: </strong>+13<br />
</div><hr class="inline_dottedline" /> <h3>Useless Degree #5 - <span class="text_grey">Horticulture</span></h3><h3>Number of Students Awarded Degree in 2008-2009: <span class="text_grey">24,988</span><br />
Typical coursework: <span class="text_grey">Crops, plant diseases, agricultural business and economics, crop and fruit science</span></h3><img class="inline_image" src="http://images.vantage-media.net/a/clients/YahooEdu/article/iblp_images/iblp_misc_115_151x185.jpg" /> <div class="inline_text"> If you like the farm life but aren't all that keen on all the whining and clucking of an animal farm, perhaps a degree in horticulture is growing on you.<br />
Unfortunately, the number of jobs in the field itself is not growing, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And Shatkin agrees. "Better than agriculture, but not by much. If you're lucky, you may find some way to apply that to a related business like food processing or production," he says.<br />
<strong>Total Number of Farmers and Ranchers in 2008:</strong> 985,900<strong><br />
Projected Change in Number of Jobs 2008-2018:</strong> -79,200<strong><br />
Percent Change: </strong>-8<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">As a AGRICULTURE major and in the industry I am sadden about this article. There is so many holes with this article and if it was true so many of my friends would not have a job in the AGRICULTURAL industry. I wouldn't have picked any other major or any other industry to work in. </span></b> <br />
</div></span>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-7877445551925255322011-12-19T13:05:00.000-08:002011-12-19T13:05:16.589-08:00FAVORITE AG FACTS FROM 2011!<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #cc0000;">Here is the collection of our favorite ag facts we learned over the year! Can't wait to learn more next year and share it with everyone. Hope you love them as much as we do and share them with others. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">POTATO CHIPS ARE #1 SNACK FOOD IN THE WORLD</div><div style="text-align: center;">IN THE USA 350 SLICES OF PIZZA ARE EATEN EVERY SECOND</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 42% OF THE USA IS USED AS FARMLAND</div><div style="text-align: center;">AVERAGE AMERICAN EATS 100 POUNDS OF POTATOES A YEAR</div><div style="text-align: center;">30% OF FARM OPERATORS ARE WOMEN </div><div style="text-align: center;">AVG. PERSON EATS 25 POUNDS OF MELONS A YEAR</div><div style="text-align: center;">PLASTIC MILK BOTTLES WERE INTRODUCED IN 1967</div><div style="text-align: center;"> ALL 50 STATES HAVE A DAIRY FARM </div><div style="text-align: center;"> VANILLA IS AMERICA'S FAVORITE FLAVOR OF ICE CREAM</div><div style="text-align: center;"> AVERAGE AGE OF A FARMER IS 55 YEARS OLD</div><div style="text-align: center;">DISNEYLAND SELLS OVER 4 MILLION HAMBURGERS A YEAR (10,959 A DAY)</div><div style="text-align: center;">BALE OF COTTON WEIGHS: 480 POUNDS & CAN MAKE 325 PAIRS OF JEANS</div><div style="text-align: center;">CHINESE FIRST TO RAISE WILD PIGS FOR FOOD</div><div style="text-align: center;">540 PEANUTS = 12 OZ OF PEANUT BUTTER</div><div style="text-align: center;">GROUP OF TURKEYS ARE CALLED A "RAFTER"</div><div style="text-align: center;">LONGEST CARROT RECORDED WAS 17FT LONG</div><div style="text-align: center;"> EACH AMERICAN CONSUMES 30 POUNDS OF LETTUCE A YEAR</div><div style="text-align: center;">45 MILLION TURKEYS ARE CONSUMED AT THANKSGIVING EACH YEAR</div><div style="text-align: center;">DYE USED TO STAMPS GRADES ON BEEF IS MADE FROM GRAPE SKINS</div><div style="text-align: center;">ONE ACRE OF POTATOES= 52,000 SERVINGS OF FRENCH FRIES</div><div style="text-align: center;">CHINA PRODUCES HALF THE WORLD'S SUPPLY OF EGGS (390 BILLION EGGS)</div><div style="text-align: center;">A PECK OF APPLES WEIGHS: 10.5 POUNDS</div><div style="text-align: center;">A BUSHEL OF APPLES WEIGHS: 42 POUNDS</div><div style="text-align: center;">SUPERBOWL IS THE #1 DAY FOR PIZZA CONSUMPTION</div><div style="text-align: center;">CHEDDAR CHEESE IS THE #1 MOST POPULAR CHEESE IN THE USA</div><div style="text-align: center;">70 POUNDS OF BEEF IS CONSUMED EACH YEAR BY ONE PERSON IN THE USA</div>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-2661634952700717522011-12-13T06:44:00.000-08:002011-12-13T06:44:36.164-08:00Celebrate our 20 years in the Fair industry!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy46LWLQKKmTCsRZJzinwVKsidFNG7qRAFR7rkKzCOXTw8LfdIx9-Plyr7b6YDtF8vlWJEHdhD20MMX6EgrwWYmx3edCRen9AwJorjd7xCB5wSosxaXZLvVg5yZMiE4gA3XvtjEcYGOwU/s1600/IMG_0383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy46LWLQKKmTCsRZJzinwVKsidFNG7qRAFR7rkKzCOXTw8LfdIx9-Plyr7b6YDtF8vlWJEHdhD20MMX6EgrwWYmx3edCRen9AwJorjd7xCB5wSosxaXZLvVg5yZMiE4gA3XvtjEcYGOwU/s320/IMG_0383.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #990000;">We are celebrating our 20th year in 2012 in the fair industry and we are so excited!! And to show our appreciation to the fairs and people who have helped us grow we are giving discounts on our banner rentals and purchases!! From December 12 to February 29 our banners will be 20% off the purchase price or banner rental. This is a way for us to say thank you for the years of memories on the road at the fairs. Make sure to get your orders in soon there is a 3-5 week turn around on all purchase orders. We look forward to seeing everyone on the road in 2012 and helping us celebrate 20 years!! </span></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x-PfnEltqH6nensFpYCedeg2LVXXdUQU0igpU28Mr2KCum_oaMW9PSaRCoMn_rHkGQU_jguhC6_ag-5NS63SItwqFrZEZm9i4p3_Dc1S7dpxPLIpGlIwS0h46CziE3D6PSjCPnWXsvk/s1600/IMAG0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x-PfnEltqH6nensFpYCedeg2LVXXdUQU0igpU28Mr2KCum_oaMW9PSaRCoMn_rHkGQU_jguhC6_ag-5NS63SItwqFrZEZm9i4p3_Dc1S7dpxPLIpGlIwS0h46CziE3D6PSjCPnWXsvk/s320/IMAG0167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banners on display at Cow Palace 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-28410393192649104522011-12-09T09:18:00.000-08:002011-12-09T09:18:49.553-08:00Happy Holiday & Thank a Farmer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreK_fr4gRh30HbrTu_w2UDYVC8RSZenQbtyf1SXdqUMkQKNkrtK0H94RnL6iFS9hT1xyk-8HuM5Pv2d-6kEPL83p8_7xTS8TqNjpGI805Tfd8rqOtVV4XY-3EXJzcGMs5nhUu8TNwHwc/s1600/thank+a+farmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreK_fr4gRh30HbrTu_w2UDYVC8RSZenQbtyf1SXdqUMkQKNkrtK0H94RnL6iFS9hT1xyk-8HuM5Pv2d-6kEPL83p8_7xTS8TqNjpGI805Tfd8rqOtVV4XY-3EXJzcGMs5nhUu8TNwHwc/s640/thank+a+farmer.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Happy Holidays and this is so true!! While counting your blessings don't forget to count the farmers in! </b></i></div>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-12634927614455144762011-11-29T18:24:00.000-08:002011-11-29T18:24:32.766-08:00WOW 5 years down.... so many to go<span style="color: #274e13;">Its amazing how many things can change yet stay the same in 5 years. It has been 5 years since Barn Tours (now AGademics) has been under new ownership. I am very happy to see this company grow and I am very glad I can continue the tradition of teaching the public about agriculture. I am just as passionate as I was the first day I started to work for Barn Tours over 11 years ago. WOW that seems like a lifetime ago. I still remember going to my first fair as a tour guide and my first fair as an owner and talk about 2 different experience I will never forget. I appreciate the hard work and foundation that was laid before me and I can't wait to see wait the next level is waiting for us. We have had our up and downs in the last 5 years and learned alot of lessons. The fair industry is an ever changing industry and agriculture is steady so it is a hard balance. But seeing the light bulb turn on when that person you have been talk ing to about agriculture gets "it" and that is what I feel is rewarding. I truly believe if you can teach somebody one thing new about agriculture then I have done my job. And I LOVE my job!!!!! </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">I can only imagine the future for AGademics and I hope it is as bright as the last 5 years as an owner. </span>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-80824487442418922172011-11-21T08:19:00.000-08:002011-11-21T08:19:00.429-08:00National Farm- City Week Nov. 18-24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj9gOiIo0kq6i9SVI_xRIUfLkKQrG8YuZfcAlrvGRWdi6sPfm2qacw-XXIqqTUyZFgBYLqFQTmLG1b_uwuTjczUyGMXKGUSsQM_pZlSPCWRGKRZz_9CK3wQLz8CkPv5kSOtJtuVBv6Us/s1600/Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj9gOiIo0kq6i9SVI_xRIUfLkKQrG8YuZfcAlrvGRWdi6sPfm2qacw-XXIqqTUyZFgBYLqFQTmLG1b_uwuTjczUyGMXKGUSsQM_pZlSPCWRGKRZz_9CK3wQLz8CkPv5kSOtJtuVBv6Us/s1600/Logo.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="color: #274e13;">Has Thanksgiving approaches and we give thanks to those who provide for us, it's also a time for us to celebrate Farm to City week. Farm-City is a national organization that is trying to build the bridge between the two. The organization is a great resource on agriculture education information and materials in bring into the classroom or into events. I suggest everyone check it out and test your agriculture knowledge with their quizzes, www.farmcity.org. I know I plan on celebrating this week and keep an eye out on our facebook fan page and twitter for new fun facts about agriculture. </b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj9gOiIo0kq6i9SVI_xRIUfLkKQrG8YuZfcAlrvGRWdi6sPfm2qacw-XXIqqTUyZFgBYLqFQTmLG1b_uwuTjczUyGMXKGUSsQM_pZlSPCWRGKRZz_9CK3wQLz8CkPv5kSOtJtuVBv6Us/s1600/Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-16365790940430045412011-11-17T11:24:00.000-08:002011-11-17T11:24:08.808-08:00Fashion meets dairy farming<b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> I have to share this great clip about the fashion world meets the dairy world. I know so many of us in the farming industry try to stay on top of fashion but these execs are the other way around. These execs of Manolo Blahnik have entered into the dairy farming world. Its a great look into the future of farming and maybe it will inspire others</span>. </b><br />
<a href="http://www.cbs.com/shows/the_early_show/video/2167669656/manolo-blahnik-execs-take-on-dairy-farming">http://www.cbs.com/shows/the_early_show/video/2167669656/manolo-blahnik-execs-take-on-dairy-farming</a>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-85216097926360484572011-10-13T09:38:00.000-07:002011-10-13T09:38:03.729-07:00World EGG day - Oct. 14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWgTamAdZYuJS_pqqcuLD9vyyqTinsPvXUrSSzfC2CTipxRjDj_Y2v4TRYo6sxrSYZMFh9JN4xEShF5XPVubfppJk1XrOlUQ3DHF68a6wi9hPeA18gnmTJlgeNgdWKNjrCciQerKDOcY/s1600/farm_fresh_eggs_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWgTamAdZYuJS_pqqcuLD9vyyqTinsPvXUrSSzfC2CTipxRjDj_Y2v4TRYo6sxrSYZMFh9JN4xEShF5XPVubfppJk1XrOlUQ3DHF68a6wi9hPeA18gnmTJlgeNgdWKNjrCciQerKDOcY/s320/farm_fresh_eggs_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Well World EGG day is coming up and what a better day to start your day off right with eggs for breakfast. Now I know I'm not the most excited person about eggs for breakfast, I like to put everything in them but once I do they are yummy. I thought I would share some of my fun facts about eggs as well as my favorite recipe using eggs.</b> </span><br />
<div style="color: #b45f06; text-align: center;"><u><b>Fun Facts:</b></u> </div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;">An eggshell has roughly 17,000 pores on it</div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;">White shell is from a hen with a white earlobe</div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;">Brown shell is from a hen with a red earlobe</div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;">It takes 26 hours for a hen to make an egg</div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;">One day out at room temp. = one week in the fridge</div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;">Average hen lays 250-270 eggs a year</div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;">USA produces roughly 75 billion eggs annually</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">China produces roughly 390 billion eggs annually (1/2 the world's supply)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQE6MueEflhgb2WqjbMP27CBiMrm4K2rBvn2KV2kfaQi-2-HNil16Dzs65OtY9TJMNmWwyBhUuI0SM6EK0-c_vs0Wa4NKDy8Rkfy0FUQQC83ehQgFuyg2lJJo_Sp88fQ1x0myNnP8RJs/s1600/sausage-brunch-casserole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQE6MueEflhgb2WqjbMP27CBiMrm4K2rBvn2KV2kfaQi-2-HNil16Dzs65OtY9TJMNmWwyBhUuI0SM6EK0-c_vs0Wa4NKDy8Rkfy0FUQQC83ehQgFuyg2lJJo_Sp88fQ1x0myNnP8RJs/s320/sausage-brunch-casserole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b style="color: #b45f06;">My Favorite EGG recipe is</b><span style="color: #b45f06;">: Breakfast casserole with Sausage!!! YUM-O </span></div><ul><li class="ingredient">6 slices bread, cubed</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 pound sausage, browned, drained</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese</li>
<li class="ingredient">8 each eggs, beaten</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 cups milk</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon, salt</li>
<li class="ingredient">pepper to taste</li>
</ul><h3 id="rP">Preparation:</h3>Cube bread and place evenly in greased 9x13 pan or baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with sausage and cheese. Mix eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over ingredients in pan. May cover and chill overnight. (if left overnight, remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before baking). Bake 45 minutes at 325 degrees or until set. Cut into squares to serve. <br />
Serves8 to 10A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-2090307375439938182011-10-06T07:21:00.000-07:002011-10-06T07:21:32.539-07:00National Apple Month<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNN4QtdsbAHuWkOyQ-pbIUKqlZmiZmP8CKUiW-yLy1EA-XcUs8eTJegSXRSGzRXtrAFjQ-gq40rz3nnCOz2RRtUUz0KHXzThSmGO6KaGEkn93Fn92DO4qJXfRjLiwI_tgRn1nXE8N-8c/s1600/AppleOrchard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNN4QtdsbAHuWkOyQ-pbIUKqlZmiZmP8CKUiW-yLy1EA-XcUs8eTJegSXRSGzRXtrAFjQ-gq40rz3nnCOz2RRtUUz0KHXzThSmGO6KaGEkn93Fn92DO4qJXfRjLiwI_tgRn1nXE8N-8c/s320/AppleOrchard.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>October is National Apple Month. And as they say "A apple a Day keeps the Doctor away" and they are a tasty treat. Most people think that apples in October mean bobbing for apples or carmel covered apples for Halloween. Apples can be used for so many things: juice in the morning, cider at night, pie for dessert or with applesauce next to a pork chop. I always love a good carmel covered apple from the county fair. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Here are some fun facts about apple for National Apple Month: </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">2 pounds of apples = 1 9inch pie</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">2500 varieties of apples are grown in USA</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Apples are grown in all 50 states</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Apples are a member of the Rose Family</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Largest apple ever picked weighed in at 3 pounds</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">A peck of apples weighs: 3 pounds</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">A bushel of apples weighs: 42 pounds</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Average size of American apple orchard = 50 acres</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">It takes 36 apples = 1 gallon of cider</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Apples are #2 most valuable fruit grown in the USA </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">7500 varieties of apples are grown world wide </span></strong></div>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-65434189771115290482011-10-02T09:50:00.000-07:002011-10-02T09:50:41.135-07:00National 4-H Week October 2- 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7jfP6_czPso3A55hlZoTRJLCgUqasIxbzlSdAUgOSOG4JjXndLCVgmAMGZHmw6u9SCXHeyVtmPXe5s3kt2gUaL9Lm40Wyi8gByqJ5nCXJ9xgpWvSIcjHVsrS6TFqTx7JfJLaX4VZtKU/s1600/pledgeclover.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7jfP6_czPso3A55hlZoTRJLCgUqasIxbzlSdAUgOSOG4JjXndLCVgmAMGZHmw6u9SCXHeyVtmPXe5s3kt2gUaL9Lm40Wyi8gByqJ5nCXJ9xgpWvSIcjHVsrS6TFqTx7JfJLaX4VZtKU/s1600/pledgeclover.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>As National 4- H week approaches it reminds me of all the good times and friends I made in this GREAT organization. I started like many at 9 years old following in a parents foot steps. I still remember 20 plus years later the fun activities, camps, leadership, livestock events and people from that time. I truly believe that at one point all children rural or urban need to experience the vast diversity that is 4-H. I still keep my prized 4-H trophy I won at fair not too long after joining the Buena Suerte club, High Individual Vegetable Sweepstakes!!! Its one trophy I can't seem to part with (its a silver and gold watering can, that as never seen water) There is so much to learn and do with 4-H that use this week to help celebrate the organization and please share your memories with your loved ones or help a new clover make theirs for the first time. </strong></span>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-4760113942641274302011-09-29T14:26:00.000-07:002011-09-29T14:26:30.813-07:00A day in Agriculture (September 29)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeFqmiFz2EPnHiWgCv_zyHZZ0q1BUdiKoZO4sWG9hfaZss009CC2el5mHEU5nmfRLfcjlenk63sCYS_wZtXFx_CgegTly7XURUGeCvXLr_TcYoZoMbhjHdAA3BbVQIIhPtMblCdu7PMo/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeFqmiFz2EPnHiWgCv_zyHZZ0q1BUdiKoZO4sWG9hfaZss009CC2el5mHEU5nmfRLfcjlenk63sCYS_wZtXFx_CgegTly7XURUGeCvXLr_TcYoZoMbhjHdAA3BbVQIIhPtMblCdu7PMo/s320/flowers.jpg" width="239px" /></a></div><strong>Today is a day is Agriculture where you are suposed to captures agriculture at work today. Well I have to say I was working hard today in the floral industry. I helped create 12 center pieces for my friends wedding as well as 4 other arranges for the cake tables and just to have. </strong><br />
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<strong>Just because I wasn't out in the field or on a tractor I was still apart of agriculture today and every day. I would like to thank those growers of the flowers who allowed us to have beautiful arrangements for the wedding this weekend</strong>.A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-43723221972028272532011-08-09T09:45:00.000-07:002011-08-09T09:45:43.040-07:00Is it really flattering to be copied?As I stand on top of my soap box, I have learned in the last couple of years and weeks of companies trying to copy MY Barn Tours program and even fairs are copying the program (BARN TOURS) and the NAME. I appreciate the fact that there is people out there in the world who think we are doing a great thing and want to copy it. But DON"T use my name (BARN TOURS) we have a 20 year reputation we have worked hard to build up and maintain. Now I am all for us to work together so if you do want to use MY name and MY program we can work together but ASK first. I keep my business to a certain standard and I would hate to think that the copies out there are not and ruining MY name without knowing it.<br />
I understand that in the fair industry we tend to use ideas from others and make them our own. But when you take ideas from a business and try to do it on your own you take money out of our pocket as well as try to reinvent the wheel. Well I blue prints to the wheel and have worked out all the kinks and its so hard to see others out there try to do it and it not be up to our standards.<br />
By all means just ask and I am willing to work with you so that way the education is still being passed along in a fun and entertaining way. Cause all that matters is the public is educated correctly and no more miss information about agriculture is spread. A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-33220719621338714762011-07-25T11:38:00.000-07:002011-07-25T11:38:14.790-07:00A great article from Hoosier Ag Today!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0033; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px;">An Open Letter to 4-H Livestock</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px;">07/24/2011<br />
</span><img align="left" src="http://www.hoosieragtoday.com/wire/comments/K-county-fair-cow.jpg" style="padding-right: 5px;" width="175px" /> <!--
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By Gary Truitt<br />
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Dear 4-H livestock projects:<br />
I am writing to voice my concern over several incidents that have occurred at county fairs across the Midwest this summer. While seemingly isolated incidents they represent a trend that could result in the loss of your popularity and the ability of your exhibitors to bring you to the fair. While I agree that you may be justified in your actions, the bottom line is that you are setting things in motion that may have very undesirable and unintended consequences. Let me put it in simpler terms so the sheep and turkeys will understand: you had better start behaving yourselves in public.<br />
<br />
I have received several documented reports of bad behavior on the part of 4-H animals at county fairs. These occurred in different fairs across the Midwest and involved several different species. All, however, involved interaction with the non-farm public. While these may seem trivial to you, it is a serious matter to the city folks who are walking through the barns. Let's be honest -- you are the star of the show at the county fair. Yes, there are the midway, the fair food, and the tractor pull, but research has shown the biggest reason people come to the fair is you. This is your one and only chance to be a star, so don't blow it. Let me offer a few help suggestions. <br />
<br />
<b>Hogs:</b> While I realize it is hot and you are exceeding grumpy because you cannot sweat, please try and resist the temptation to have a temper tantrum and go running through the barn knocking adults and children to the ground. Remember, most of these people have read Charlotte's Web and have seen the movie Babe, thus think you are cute and cuddly. <br />
<br />
<b>Steers and Heifers:</b> Please do not smash the hands of the children against the rail when they reach in to pet you like a dog. When a small child's idiotic parents let him run up right behind you, resist the temptation to kick him into the middle of next week. <br />
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<b>Dairy cows: </b>While at home there is no need for you to restrain yourself when that urge to relieve yourself comes upon you, but at the fair, please use a little discretion. It is especially tacky to let loose in front of a family from town who is eating lunch or while posing for pictures next the fair queen who is wearing open-toed sandals and a short dress. <br />
<br />
<b>Horses:</b> You are proud and noble beasts and I know it would give you great satisfaction to bite the wiggling fingers of the children thrusting their hands into your stall while yelling, "Hi, horsey!" But if you do, you will just get left home in a hot paddock next year. <br />
<br />
As for the rest of you, just keep in mind that scratching, snapping, or spitting is not good fair behavior. While I know you are animals, understand that most of the people coming through the barns don't understand that. They expect you to, as one mother put it to me, "act nice." <br />
<br />
You should also know that there are forces at work in our world which would like nothing more than to shut down the 4-H livestock program. They feel that teaching young people proper animal care and personal responsibility is wrong. The kind of incidents mentioned above only give them an opportunity to criticize the 4-H livestock program. <br />
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So next time you get loaded up and taken to the fair, strike an attitude of knowing superiority. Remember you know more about animal agriculture than most of the folks who will be ogling you at the fair.<br />
</div>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-40995795048255984682011-07-19T15:36:00.000-07:002011-07-19T15:36:41.798-07:00Good times at Alameda County Fair!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRGA_USz8nCbNT1-nfP3cywFsZsdgZiER5xw91FJPB1D0Y4s0Mn9swFFs9vB98_lwBNwdpZUJf3dqCWDx3ClHyYIGLZoNbxj-mgriqQM0hjDnHNpDqTK3aeT2bhaWlqJ7NqE13j_ps40/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRGA_USz8nCbNT1-nfP3cywFsZsdgZiER5xw91FJPB1D0Y4s0Mn9swFFs9vB98_lwBNwdpZUJf3dqCWDx3ClHyYIGLZoNbxj-mgriqQM0hjDnHNpDqTK3aeT2bhaWlqJ7NqE13j_ps40/s320/IMG_0696.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div>This year at Alameda County Fair, AGademics had a great time with our Barn Tour program and Farm Planet Educational interactive center were all BIG hits with the fair goers. We had non stop tours, tons of daily prizes given away, and people learning new things about agriculture. The interaction with the public was so much fun and such a positive experience. On kids day we had the public make thank you postcards to the local farmers for them providing the animals and their meals. Not only did the kids love it but the adults loved it has well. We of course are mailing them to the local producers of Alameda County to say thank you. Our tours were a HIT once again, we had some of largest tours on the weekends. We gave away some great prizes (baseball caps) and had many laughs watching those playing Plinko and Cornhole. Thanks to one of our tour guides Frances for her genius idea of having the question of the day at the AGademics interactive tent which made the public think and come talk to the other tour guides at the tent for the answer to the question. The voice of the fair Jason was amazing in that he announced the Ag fact of the day to the fair all day over the loud speakers while he was promoting us as well as other entertainers. I think Jason loves the Ag facts of the day as much as we do. We loved the 17 days we spent at Alameda County Fair and can't wait til next year.A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-8525259337364499382011-07-08T23:28:00.000-07:002011-07-08T23:46:04.122-07:00Barn Tours at Alameda County FairThis last week at the Alameda County Fair was full of fun and good times while we celebrated Independence day with fireworks on Friday night and decorated our tent on the 4th. In honor of the holiday we posted fun Ag facts about the 4th of July such as that an ingredient in fireworks comes from the fat of cattle. With the larger crowds we had plenty of tours, including our two largest of the fair so far! Both tours had over twelve people and were lead by Barn Tour guide Chase. Over the busy weekend we made postcards with kids thanking farmers for our food and during the week we had supplies for the kids to make fun bookmarks. In between tours we had fun challenging the public with our tent games of Plinko and Cornhole, asking them questions about different animals and agricultural products. As we go into our last weekend at the Alameda County fair we look forward to more fun tours and games. I have enjoyed being a barn tour guide and getting to meet countless fair-goers and making great memories with my fellow barn tour guides.fbnegranzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09250469195394018704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-28499475566245835132011-06-27T22:37:00.000-07:002011-06-27T22:39:59.710-07:00Barn Tours: How We Do!The first week of the Alameda County Fair was none other than successful for AGademics and Barn Tours! The many games, activities, and tours offered had a positive impact on the public and are continuing to engage the fairgoers in learning about agriculture.<br />
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In the Barnyard, the public is able to see a variety of livestock and their babies and learn basic facts about each species. The livestock include miniature donkeys, a cow and her calf, sows and their piglets, angora goats, dairy goats, and baby doll sheep. Children love having a hands-on experience with the animals, as well as the coloring activities and creating agriculture related bookmarks at the AGademics tent!<br />
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Our Barn Tours tent has also been very successful at engaging the public through our tours and tent activities. The Barn Tours guides have been very excited with the many tours we have given. The tours travel through all the livestock barns at the fair - the small animal barn, large livestock barn, and the Barnyard - where the public has the chance to learn about the livestock being exhibited at the fair. Today, our tours consisted of many enthusiastic young children and adults. Before the tour they had the chance to play the two games offered at the Barn Tours tent, Cornhole and Plinko, and win an AGademics hat. On the tour, they learned about the livestock being exhibited, including market sheep, rabbits, turkeys, chickens, dairy cattle, and even the Budweiser Clydesdale horses! The tour was filled with exciting games, interesting facts, and was altogether a great learning experience for the group.A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-17927983942571353552011-06-24T21:01:00.000-07:002011-06-24T21:01:54.153-07:00Fair Time is Fun Time! AGademics has been super excited to start our run at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, California! The fair is about three weeks long, starting June 22 to July 10th! We currently have two tents set up in the livestock area, the AGademics tent in the Barnyard as well as our Barn Tours tent located by the small animals barn! <br />
This year we are happy to welcome two new Barn Tour guides/AGademics employees - Christina Cefalu and Megan McNulty! Christina is currently attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo studying Agriculture Education and Megan is attending University of Idaho studying Animal Science. We also have two returning Barn Tour guides- Chase DeCoite attending UC Davis and Frances Negranza studying at Modesto Junior College!<br />
Cooperatively our employees run both activity tents throughout the day. At the Barnyard we have activities including coloring pages, a scavenger hunt, the question of the day, aggie post cards and the occasional guest speaker Jessica Sweet the new National Beef Ambassador from Livermore, California. <br />
At our Barn Tours tent our guides leave at the top of every hour to give FREE barn tours to the public - Taking tours through the small animal barn, the large animal barn and the barnyard. Our goal is to educate the public about animal agriculture through fun facts about each species and bridging the gap between agricultural producers and consumers. Also at our Barn Tours Tent we engage the public in fun activities such as Plinko and Corn Hole. Participants answer questions and have the opportunity to win fun prizes! All of our employees are passionate about agriculture awareness and representing AGademics at the Alameda County Fair!A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-23773905515046828492011-06-06T12:33:00.000-07:002011-06-06T12:33:22.359-07:00I WAS A BARN TOUR GUIDE!<strong><span style="color: red;">This summer we are going to have those working for us to be guest bloggers and record their experience. We have so many of our own experience and memories of wearing the red shirt I thought I would allow the public into the behind the scenes of what we expereince as a tour guide. If anyone else is interested in blogging their experince as a tour guide please email us and let us know.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: red;"> Now those who used to sport the red shirts we do have a Facebook group so you can find fellow BTG. Look us up, we would love to connect those with the new tour guides and share the memories and stories of our adventures on the road and in the barns! The group is called "I was a Barn Tour Guide" We look forward to reconnecting with our fellow red shirt fans!</span></strong>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-7662057142368279092011-06-02T17:42:00.000-07:002011-06-02T17:42:34.811-07:00June is Dairy Month!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFsVUI7S7MM1ZNfCfaOwcqAvlA_y5E4BxyrSj_U6s538zFJPohyphenhyphennAzXC5Qe4-W7_71CsnQvtPgKin6e-Fq0_cgr75-k7K3zZXK2EtW45rurJnoAMovGW8QgpEyxHax-tgG_UsfsuD1d8/s1600/dairy-cheers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFsVUI7S7MM1ZNfCfaOwcqAvlA_y5E4BxyrSj_U6s538zFJPohyphenhyphennAzXC5Qe4-W7_71CsnQvtPgKin6e-Fq0_cgr75-k7K3zZXK2EtW45rurJnoAMovGW8QgpEyxHax-tgG_UsfsuD1d8/s320/dairy-cheers.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>I'm so excited for this month, you would think it was Christmas! I love Dairy products there isn't a cheese, an ice cream or milk I haven't tried that I don't love. I have to thank the countless hours the Dairy Farmer puts into the yummy products and the cows that work so hard to get us that great glass of milk. It has been trying times for lots of Dairy farmers especially here in the NUMBER 1 Dairy state (CALIFORNIA) but those who carry on the dedication I thank you. <br />
Below are some of my favorite fun facts about dairy products and cows. Hope you get a kick out of them. <br />
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</div><div align="center"><u><strong><span style="color: black;">DAIRY FUN FACTS</span></strong></u></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: blue;">350 SQUIRTS ARE IN A GALLON OF MILK</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: blue;">AVG COW MAKES 100 GLASSES OF MILK A DAY</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: blue;">ALL 50 STATES HAVE DAIRY FARMS IN THEM</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: blue;">CHEDDAR CHEESE IS THE MOST POPULAR CHEESE IN U.S.A.</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: blue;">12 POUNDS OF WHOLE MILK= 1 GALLON OF ICE CREAM</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: blue;">21 POUNDS OF WHOLE MILK = 1 POUND OF BUTTER</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: blue;">DAIRY COWS DRINK AN AVG OF A BATHTUB OF WATER A DAY</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418529082351225192.post-70802429118178166872011-04-25T14:58:00.000-07:002011-04-25T14:58:06.107-07:00FAIR TIME IS FUN TIME!!!<span style="color: blue;">It is that time of the year when the smell of corndogs are in the air and the fair memories are flooded back faster than you can "ferris wheel". But sadly in California many of the fair memories will be just that after next year. Thanks to a governor and cutting the budgets 30 fairs are on the edge of closing their doors forever. So many of the fairs depend on the funding from the state to help run the annual event. So many of us have grown up going to the fair with our parents or grandparents and have fond memories. Why shouldn't our children have the same memories? </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Many people are forgetting the roots of the county fair, which is to share with the community the best of what they have, and to educate what is going on with in the county. The fair started for a way for farmers to show off their best animals and sell them to other farmers looking to improve their herds and for the children and wives to show off their prized recipes and artwork. The under tone of the fair is to educate your neighbor on what you are doing so that maybe they can take back the knowledge and make it work for them on their farm. So many of us have left the farm and no longer need to bring back the prize winning bull home but the concept is still there; learn what your neighbor is doing and hopefully bring back that knowledge back home with you. </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: blue;">So go out there to your local fair and learn something new from your neighbor and take it home and apply it. While you are there make a new memory and support your local county fair. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTr9ecm1l6KHMe0RZe4-U8SfyFXbDkpXs4A1Sco8u4ekhjw4EHDiEzgBATJdUfN9TDkVdWCjwFpcz9kp5TlCPx-i_IBkW4FUM-rWzhubt1ldgiYtAktiwWh5awARdMWrlKXay7RYLKByo/s1600/l+love+my+fair.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTr9ecm1l6KHMe0RZe4-U8SfyFXbDkpXs4A1Sco8u4ekhjw4EHDiEzgBATJdUfN9TDkVdWCjwFpcz9kp5TlCPx-i_IBkW4FUM-rWzhubt1ldgiYtAktiwWh5awARdMWrlKXay7RYLKByo/s320/l+love+my+fair.bmp" width="320px" /></a></div>A.Calabrettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10794404146829749828noreply@blogger.com0