Field Trip To ST.

Stanislaus College Farm

Objectives: To observe non-conventional farming systems To identify pasture grasses and legumes To observe good housing systems and management, so that a comparison can be done To describe the utilization of animal products, animal by-products and animal wastes into value-added products.

To learn about livestock production

The fourth form agricultural science class went to visit the St. Stanislaus College Farm. Non- conventional farming systems; Poultry, pasture, milk procedure and livestock management; and alternative methods of farming were all shown to the class. CDs were also played, accompanying the topics shown. The class was first shown alternative methods of farming and the history of hydroponics via DVDs. It was recorded, that because of the water in poor countries vegetables and fruits were dangerous and unhealthy. But as soon as farmers started cultivating in healthy water prices went up and the poor could no longer buy the vegetables and fruits. So they found a cheaper, quicker and more resourceful way to harvest and cultivate. They used hydroponics, and the money they obtained by selling these crops were used to develop and increase living conditions. The

alternative methods of farming shown were hydroponics and drip irrigation. The class was shown the materials used for hydroponics. Such materials were: the paddy shell mixture (which comprises of two buckets of shell and rice husk and one bucket of sand), charcoal and rice husk (1 bucket of each) and charcoal and fiber. It was said that stone has more minerals and is best to grow crops. The class was told that hydroponics plants have floating roots and the sponge keeps the plant in a balanced position. Also to plant crops using hydroponics requires seventeen nutrients in order to be well balanced. The first three are water, air and sunlight and the other fourteen were split into macro and micro nutrients. The class observed that there were ultraviolent plastic over the hydroponics shed and that it cuts sunlight 50% and allows photosynthesis. In the drip irrigation method the farm used the pipe system. It comprises of a long, thick PVC pipe with holes drilled directly into the PVC pipe. There is a pump that helps a solution to flow through the pipe and shuts of every six minutes to allow the plant to get oxygen. It was stated that you can grow any crop with this method. Secondly the class was shown the poultry shed where they managed chickens. It was said that the pen must be 45- 50 degrees Fahrenheit so that the chickens dont get cold. The indications that the chickens are cold are that they huddle together. There are brooders that keep them warm. Chickens usually die in the night and that is indicated by the top of the beaks turning from a pink colour to purple. Finally, the class was shown the livestock management.it was said that grazing is more beneficial for both the livestock and the

farmer. The grass production in order to feed the cows was calculated. The types of grass fitted best for a cow, the types of grazes (over graze: too many animals grazing and under graze: too little animals grazing), the way how you measure suitable grazing area for livestock were shown. It was said that the antelope grass was best for the cows and goats because its high protein and good stems. The importance of the calf was demonstrated via DVD. It was said that you should only rare calfs needed for milk and meat only for the calf takes the milk of the mother bringing the farmer at a lost. The pigs were also looked at to the cows. The class observed in the video that before farrowing the pigs pen must be clean and small amounts of straw should be placed in the farrowing area. An indication of farrowing is that the female pig will appear nervous. after the piglets are born the pen should be at least 32 degrees Celsius. After farrowing: the navel should be cleared, the needle teeth should be clipped to prevent them from harming their siblings or mother, ear notching, nose ringing and tail docking should be done. It was also shown that you should group the pigs according to body size. The St. Stanislaus College Farm is equipped with the necessities to run a successful farm and what would make it exceptional is if the farm expands , not only around Guyana but all over the Caribbean. The trip exceeded our objectives and was progressive.

Pictures