Children learn about farms at Fuji Park

From composting and organic farming to raising animals for slaughter, children learned about the source of their food and fiber during the annual Capital City Farm Days on Thursday and Friday at Fuji Park.

“It’s really cool,” said Dalan Tristao, 11. “I like how you can get so close to animals. You can’t always get so close.”

About 30 presenters taught about Nevada agriculture and environmental issues during the two-day event sponsored by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

“Presenters taught about how ranching and farming in Nevada serve us, as well as the benefits and challenges of maintaining agriculture in our state,” said Sandra Wallin, with the 4-H Youth Development Program. “All of the presenters love the event, and attendees look forward to it each year.”

Nora Streng, 16, brought her 6-month-old pig, Rupert, to display. The six-year 4-H member said she enjoys sharing her knowledge.

“A lot of kids don’t understand what goes into what they eat,” she said. “I think it’s cool for them to see how it’s produced.”

Public, private and home-schooled students from Carson City, Storey County, Douglas County and Dayton checked out displays demonstrations in composting, organic farming, water, noxious weeds, bees and rangeland. Future Farmers of America and 4-H members showed their animals and talked about what it takes to raise a market animal. Wild horses and burros, crafts, herding and antique tractors were also on display.

Parker Story, 9, brought his 4-month-old calf Elsa.

“I’ve been doing this seven years,” he said. “I started when I was 2 with sheep then I went to dairy. They’re more fun than sheep because sheep are hard to control.”

McKenzie Repp, 12, brought her show rabbit, Houdini, a mini lop, and a couple of market rabbits.

“It’s just a really fun learning experience,” she said. “It’ gives the kids a learning experience and the rabbits a learning experience. The rabbits learn kids are OK and the kids learn that rabbits aren’t going to hurt them.”

Brookelyn McGee, 8, said she liked the variety of the animals on display.

“They’re really cool,” she said. “They’re kind of soft and some of them are a little hard. But they’re all different kinds. I mostly like the pigs.”