04/24/2025
We could tell you about our program but we think a teacher at a local Gila County school that has participated for several years would have a great perspective.
Brown Ranch - A Learning Experience
By Terry Ramirez, JRE 4th Grade Teacher
On April 22nd Julia Randall Elementary Fourth Grade students and teachers were able to experience hands-on learning at The Brown Ranch.
After learning about Arizona agriculture the students were allowed to visit The Brown Ranch to see first-hand a working ranch.
Students received eight agriculture lessons encompassing cotton, ranching, mining, and forestry to list a few. Each lesson was taught by volunteers who are proponents of Arizona, and keeping our ecosystem pure for generations to come. Students loved each lesson learning more about their environment and their state.
On April 22nd students were treated to a field trip to the ranch. They were taught to brand and lasso to name a few. Students were able to mine for gold. They were also able to pet some of the animals and brush some of the horses. At each staging area there were high school student volunteers as well as adult volunteers to explain each step further cementing their learning and enhancing the experience. Each student received a commemorative T-shirt from one of the incredible sponsors.
We appreciate every volunteer and sponsor who donated time, money, and materials to give our Payson fourth graders and staff an experience to remember. A few of the sponsors we’d like to recognize are: H-4 Ranch and Brownsville Western Heritage (Lori and Bill Brown), The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, and the Tonto (NRCD) Natural Resource Conservation District. The FAA class volunteered and helped make the day memorable.
Students, teachers, and staff gained new insight into the state of Arizona and ranching. Field trips allow the students to experience what they read and learn about in the classroom ensuring they learn important facts about Arizona."
If you would like to see more on Ag DAZE or any of our other amazing education center activities, join Brownsville Western Heritage on Facebook.
