As of March 1st, eight new chicks joined Hereford ´ s agriculture program. They are a mix of Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock, also known as Barred Rock. Their purpose is to teach students currently enrolled in agricultural classes about their diet and how to be properly cared for. The chicks came from The Mill in Blackhorse and are now being kept in Mrs. Kelsey Trewin’s room in a glass enclosure with light to keep them warm. In a few weeks, more chicks will come in from other mills in Maryland.  

¨I like how everything interconnects, everything we learn leads into the next and we can use our animals within the unit.¨ Willy Price, an agricultural student (’23) said.  

Once the chicks are about six to ten weeks old, they will be moved to the same enclosure as the ducks located outside of the cafeteria. Currently, the chicks do not have names however, according to Trewin, homerooms will be able to have the opportunity for the ‘Adopt-a-chick program’ which will run in a few weeks.  

The agriculture program offers a variety of courses all ranging around plant and animal science. These classes don’t require any past experience in the agricultural field, but students do need to take intro classes first before moving on.  

¨Students are welcome to sign up à la carte and choose whichever classes we offer best fits their interests for that school year,¨ Trewin said.  

After taking intro courses students can take Plant Science, Agricultural Seminar, and Internship for their route of study, including the plant or animal pathway. Students are also able to take Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Internship. Students enrolled in these classes will  incorporate the chicks into their current unit.  

¨No other BCPS program has our agriculture program, so I love taking advantage of that opportunity,¨ MK McGonigle(´23) said.  

The chicks will remain at the school throughout the entire summer and into November, when students and teachers can adopt one of the chicks for their own flocks at home. Anyone is welcome to sign up to be able to feed and clean their cages. Students can also help to collect eggs which these breeds are known for, Rhode Island Red ´ s lay five to six eggs per week, while Plymouth Rocks only lay four.