SUNY Morrisville showcased its Mustang pride once again at this year’s New York State Fair.
From exhibits to the show ring, students gained real-world experience, including three who spent part of their time in the sheep barn, where hands-on lessons extended far beyond the classroom.
Reanna Quail, an agricultural business student from Richford, stood with a pocket full of ribbons and a sheep named Dolly at her side. Quail, who has shown everything from goats to turkeys, was eager to expand her skills by including sheep.
“Showmanship is based on how we fit our animals best for the show ring,” she explained while giving Dolly a trim before leading her out to compete. “Dolly is pretty well-tempered and sets up really well, she said of the Dorset sheep owned by SUNY Morrisville Professor Corey Hayes.
For her classmate Brenna Hathway, it was a first. Hathway had never shown sheep before stepping into the fair barn.
“I’m trying something and going out of my comfort zone,” said the agricultural science student from Penn Yan. For her, the experience was about personal growth.
Julianna Tomcho majors in agricultural business. She usually shows cows from her family’s Cedar Knob farms outside of Morrisville, but decided to try something new. “This is my third time even touching a sheep,” she said. She hopes the experience will help her as she pursues her dream of becoming an agricultural teacher.
For students like Tomcho, Quail and Hathway, the fair offered more than just hands-on practice. It was an opportunity to test skills, explore new territory and prepare for careers they are building in agriculture.
Students gained hands-on experience in a variety of areas at the fair. Dairy students worked under the guidance of Dairy Judging Team coach Jessica Kennedy ’16, helping with 4H judging.
The college’s impressive Belgian Hitch also wowed fairgoers in several competitions at the Toyota Coliseum.
SUNY Morrisville’s presence was felt throughout the fair from the horticulture building to other locations, where faculty and staff engaged visitors, answering questions and highlighting the unique, hands-on learning opportunities.
A highlight in the horticulture building was a large, vibrant landscape display created by alumni who run Lasnicki Landscaping & Nursery of Hastings. The exhibit showcased their expertise through a colorful mix of flowers that drew plenty of attention.
Additionally, SUNY Morrisville students assisted in the calf birthing barn, gaining valuable practical experience.
