Holly Ewert, a seventh-grade student at Pleasant Ridge Middle School, is getting a hands-on look at the cattle industry — though she should probably keep her hands away from its mouth when it’s eating.
Starting Dec. 3, Ewert officially embarked on the “ultimate livestock experience,” courtesy of the FFA chapter at Pleasant Ridge High School.
On Monday, Ewert was able to take home a 799-pound March 2009 calf for the first time as part of a new program from the FFA in the district that advisor Gary Silvers said was borrowed from the “calf scramble” program already in place at the American Royal.
The FFA bought the $750 calf from the Lansing Correctional Facility and club president Cole Buffo initiated the “breaking” process until Ewert recovered from surgery and she was able to take care of the animal herself.
Over the course of the rest of the year, Ewert will be taking care of the calf on a daily basis herself — doing everything from feeding to grooming.
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