HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Beef Council (PBC) staff and board of directors commissioned the work of the Bedford County Tech Center Agri-Science and Building Construction students as well as their Instructors, Mr. Scott Myers and Mr. Steve Sellars, for their creative minds, skills and enthusiasm to handcraft a one of a kind PA Beef Lifecycle Model Display.
The idea of the model display was pitched by the PBC staff to the educators and students who were eager to assist in bringing the concept to life. The vision took hold and the beginning of this incredible partnership was on its way to an amazing educational display. The students conducted research about how cattle are raised, various barn structures, types of fencing, as well as feed and water systems to make the display authentic to how cattle are raised within the Commonwealth. The construction student’s expertise was showcased in the overall look and design of the structure that encased the model, a visually attractive barn.
“This unique request gave my students the opportunity to critically think and to solve a problem. They researched beef production practices in PA and from there took that research and designed a plan, formulated a budget, and finally built the three-section display,” noted Mr. Scott Myers, Bedford County Tech Center Agri-Science Instructor. “This was an awesome way to bring beef production into the classroom, without the mess!”
On Monday, January 6th, 2020 the PBC staff, tech center students and educators were joined by Secretary Russell Redding and Dr. Steven Loerch of PSU, at the beef booth at Farm Show to recognize and honor the outstanding educational display.
 The 104th Pennsylvania Farm Show, took place January 4-11, in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Beef Council (PBC) enjoyed engaging with thousands of visitors who strolled through the state’s largest indoor agricultural event. The council’s 30’ x 40’ exhibit space worked to portray the journey of beef and veal from “Farm to Plate,” both visually and interactively connecting with consumers.
The beef lifecycle model display helped to share how cattle are raised here in the northeast and the fact that all cattle spend the majority of their life on grass. The attractive exhibit allowed for meaningful conversations explaining how beef makes its journey from a cow-calf farm and ultimately ending at a finishing operation where quality cattle care and nutrition is the standard.
“This was an amazing opportunity to pause during the Farm Show hustle and bustle to salute these young people and their educators. To enlist the assistance and expertise of these students and their educators in telling the beef production story was so gratifying,” commented Bridget Bingham, PBC Executive Director. “The fact these young people will go on to become future leaders within the agriculture community gives our staff and board great pride in this collaborative project.”
–Nichole Hockenberry, PA Beef Council