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By Briee S.
Hosting the Active Citizenship Club for a tour of her family cattle farm Oct. 27 was a full circle moment for Danielle Wainwright. During the lesson, she spoke about how, as a Florence, New Jersey, native her decision to become a farmer actually started with joining a 4-H club, and her desire to farm grew even more when she met her husband, Fred.
During the trip to Clover Valley Farm in Southampton, New Jersey, Wainwright taught the club members about many aspects of farm work, and about the different types of cows, to include details about their anatomy and behavior. As a bonus, the club even learned what is involved in raising Thanksgiving turkeys. Club vice president, Manas V. asked Wainwright if cows ever fight and was surprised to learn that yes, they do. “I was actually kind of shocked to know that cows have a hierarchy,” he said. “I definitely didn’t think that fights happen as regularly as she said they did.”
Members also enjoyed a wagon tour of the farm as Wainwright drove her tractor and stopped along the way to answer questions and teach about silage and the impact of the drought New Jersey was experiencing. Members learned that silage is food for livestock that is made by fermenting grass, corn, and other crops. Wainwright explained the impact of the autumn drought and how it affected the crop production that the Wainwrights, and other farmers, count on to feed the animals. With less food the cows do not grow and this also affects profitability for the farm, as does the need to buy supplemental food and supplies which deepens the financial losses.
Studies as of November 26 showed that 34% of the U.S. and Puerto Rico experienced drought this year. After hearing about how the Wainwright farmers were affected, and learning of the Farm on the Point Market they operate off of Route 206 in Vincentown, club leader Christie Dragan noted, “Sounds like an important thing we can do is support our local farmers, especially during times of drought.”
When the club discussed the trip at a later meeting, all members considered the experience to be very educational. The newest club member, Kaitlin. L. shared several of her takeaways. “I learned that cows have four stomachs, and that one of them is used to store metal in case they accidentally eat some,” she said. “And, if they eat too much of it, it could hurt them.”
The club members, leaders and parents who attended were very grateful for Farmer Wainwright’s decision to become a farmer and her willingness to give back to 4-H with her time and the depth and breadth of information she shared.
AC Club and Adult Day Center Appreciate the Donations
A special thank you to all of those who donated to the club’s 4-H lobby collection box in support of the Tender Adult Day Center in Mount Laurel. On December 13, club project leader Briee S. presented the center’s office administrator, Kim Zoccali, with 190 plates, 52 bowls, 60 individual snack bags, 200 cups, 1,130 napkins, and 200 Ziplock bags, and Zoccali could not have been more grateful. “On behalf of our Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, caregivers, and members, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations to The Tender,” said Zoccali. “Your support of our day-to-day operations enables us to do what we do! We hope to partner with the 4H Club of Burlington again and hope that in some way we can give something back to show our sincere gratitude for your kindness and generosity.”
