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Student presenters propose Valley Cattle Co. as new Spencer–Owen student-run enterprise
Summary
Students and staff described converting a troubled goat farm into a student-run cattle enterprise, citing high goat mortality and strong student interest; the board heard plans for donated starter calves, student work responsibilities and community sales.
A student presenter outlined plans to convert the district’s goat farm into Valley Cattle Co., a student-run cattle business intended to expand hands-on, work-based learning across Spencer–Owen Community Schools.
Student presenter Carolyn said the shift came after "we had 18 deaths with the goats," and noted that an interest survey showed “65% of the students that were highly interested in cattle.” She described a model in which students would run the operation much like the district’s Patriot Manufacturing program: a small number of feeder calves would arrive this fall, parents and community members would help with initial donations of animals and feed, and students from several pathways — agriculture, business and marketing — would share responsibilities for feeding, maintenance and sales.
Administration and staff described steps already taken: advisory-board consultations, visits to other school farms, cleanup and repairs to a barn and shed, and plans for students to market beef and value-added products to the community and staff once processing is complete. The presenter said parents and family members will donate starter calves and feed for the first year, reducing initial district costs.
Board members thanked the presenter and staff for the planning work. The superintendent and staff characterized the proposal as a learning opportunity to expand work-based learning across grade levels and noted outreach to local partners and the FFA farm advisory group. There was no formal board action required on the presentation itself; the item was a recognition/presentation on the agenda.
The board received questions and applause from members and attendees; the district encouraged community follow-up through a Facebook page the program will use for updates.
The district indicated it will continue developing logistics, including animal care schedules, student supervision and any needed USDA or food-processing rules before expanding the operation further.
