The Buckingham High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter asked Dr. Cecil Snead, superintendent of Buckingham County Public Schools, to sign a proclamation declaring Buckingham FFA chapters would recognize National FFA Week. Snead obliged, signing the proclamation at the February school board meeting.

During the designated week, members participated in various events during and after school. Buckingham County High School students and staff participated in Spirit Days based on FFA and agriculture industry. The student body answered questions about agriculture during lunch period to test their knowledge about FFA and agriculture.

Members also participated in a trip to FunQuest in Lynchburg, where they were able to mingle with members of other FFA chapters. The chapter appreciates community members and businesses that have provided support in the past. Without community support, many of our activities and opportunities would not be possible.

Holiday Lake 4-H Education Center is offering a women’s outdoor weekend on June 1-3. Classes include archery, campfire cooking, canoeing, wall climbing, edible/medicinal plants, fishing, handgun, high ropes, kayaking, riflery, self-defense and wilderness first aid. This adventure is designed for females ages 10 and up. A registered adult must accompany children under age 17. For more information, call (434) 248-5444.

Virginia Cooperative Extension-Buckingham is offering a Cattleman’s College May 18-19. The event runs 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the B.A.R.N. facility in Buckingham. World-renowned clinician Tom Curtin will present information on increasing profitability without additional costs. Techniques will also be discussed to reduce stress, illness and injury among your cattle herd.

The deadline to register is April 20. For information or details, call (434) 969-4261.

Interested in raising your own sheep or goats? If so, come out April 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Randolph VFD on 2145 Cumberland Road. in Farmville. Sheep and goats can be used to provide meat, milk and fiber. They can also be raised for 4-H projects, clearing brush from an area, as a meat source or simply as pets.

This class covers all the basics you will need to start your enterprise. A local Buckingham producer and Virginia State University’s extension specialist and researchers will review the basics of starting a farm business to include insurance, taxes and legal considerations; how to raise sheep and goats, including breed, selection, housing, supplies/equipment, fencing, feeding, marketing and more. Featured speakers are Buckingham veterinarian, Dr. Lincoln-Montgomery-Rodgers of Agrarian Veterinary Services, LLC; Dr. Dahlia O’Brien, Small Ruminate Specialist with VSU; Tom Hill, CPA of Hill & Davis, CPA, P.C.; James Seidl, Business & Estate Attorney and David Wise, Agribusiness & Farm Insurance Specialist with DavidWise.com Insurance, LLC.

Register and get ticket prices by emailing Mollie Klein at VSU at mklein@vsu.edu or call her at (804) 524-5960.

Sherri Wise is the columnist for the Buckingham Bulletin. She can be reached at wise.buckingham@gmail.com; 983-1393.