Blog

Many people never get the chance to see a cow’s reproductive system or examine mustard seeds up close, but at the 8th annual Threemile 4-H Field Day, around 100 members of the Morrow County community got to do just that. 

This year, we were thrilled to team up with ABS Global, Lamb Weston, and Tillamook, who joined the fun by serving crispy fries, creamy ice cream, and delicious cheese. Visitors explored hands-on learning stations covering everything from cattle reproduction to irrigation technology, making it a day to remember. 

For the kids who participate in this year’s 4-H program along with members of their family and families of the Threemile team, Field Day presented an exciting opportunity to teach our community about sustainable agriculture including soil health and water management, animal welfare, and more. 

Cattle Reproduction: The ABS team members provided a fascinating look into cattle reproduction, demonstrating oocyte collection and the next steps in the reproductive process. Visitors examined specialized tools up close that are commonly used here at the dairy.   

Nutrition: Threemile Nutritionist Ehrin Dawson, was joined by Jolie Dickerson from the feed team to present a fun look at the Rumen digestive system. Through interactive crafts, community members explored how fermentation enables cows to break down feed that other species cannot digest.  

The Milking Parlor: Threemile Director of Livestock Adlai Schuler and Dairy Supervisor Alvaro Llanos presented a display representing the milking parlor and what goes on there. Guests saw the contrast between high-quality raw milk and milk affected by mastitis, reinforcing the importance of careful dairy management. 
 
Veterinary: Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Hruza, showcased calf anatomy and common diseases that can affect cattle. He described the signs and symptoms he looks for and how he prevents sickness in our herd. 

Agronomy: The Threemile agronomy team brought potatoes to showcase the seed cutting process. They also discussed the most common pests that can impact our crop such as the Colorado Potato Beetle, Psyllids, Lygus, and Mites.

Vineyard: Zone Manager Lacy Phelps showcased Chardonnay grape plants, discussing growth variations across different environments and explaining how phylloxera aphids threaten vineyard health and how we limit our risk of them using grafted grape plants. 

Irrigation: The irrigation team showcased our pivot controlling software. They showed how we can remotely control every pivot on the farm from a single location and view what the pivot is doing in real time.  

Blueberry Harvesting: Katie Morter, Threemile Zone Manager discussed stages of blueberries, optimal growing conditions, how harvest works, and finished up by taking visitors to see the blueberry harvesting equipment.   

Small Seed Crops: Threemile Zone Manager Fernando Madrigal displayed bags filled with a variety of seeds, from alfalfa and corn to mustard and wheat, demonstrating their uses in cattle feed, cover crops, and the global food supply.  

Calf Gestation & Immunity: Threemile Maternity Manager Brittany Szasz explained the different stages of gestation and development. She also led a fun, interactive session on vaccines, antibodies, and colostrum, which provides calves with vital passive immunity in their early weeks. 

The event concluded with an exciting trivia challenge, testing the visitors on everything they learned throughout the day. Hands shot up with enthusiasm as guests competed to showcase their newfound agriculture knowledge. It was a great day seeing the community get together to learn about agriculture, enjoy delicious food, and connect with our team.