• Article Photo. Dakota Lopata and her lamb bring an unforgettable memory to a young child.
    Dakota Lopata and her lamb bring an unforgettable memory to a young child.
  • Article Photo. Members Kendalyn Appleby and Izzy Graveman teach kids how to pet rabbits.
    Members Kendalyn Appleby and Izzy Graveman teach kids how to pet rabbits.
  • Article Photo. The kids were able to pet the calf in the pen.
    The kids were able to pet the calf in the pen.
  • Article Photo. Families got to watch the ducks go for a swim.
    Families got to watch the ducks go for a swim.


By: Co-Reporter, Raine Wheeler

On Thursday, May 14th, 2026, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter was invited to Tilford Elementary School to bring the barn to the kids, creating a whole new meaning to “my goat ate my homework.” At the PTO Spring Festival, families were invited to spend the night together doing fun activities. One of the stations hosted by the local FFA members at the festival gave guests the opportunity to see some barn critters up close. Seven members spent their time teaching youth about how to properly care for and be around animals. Animals ranged from ducks, a lamb, rabbits, and a cow-calf pair.

It was incredible to see everyone come together to learn more about agriculture from a hands-on learning experience. Some kids had never been around livestock before, while others wake up bright and early to finish chores in the morning on a daily basis. Besides the seven FFA members, Maryn Purdy, a student of Vinton-Shellsburg High School, came out to assist with the event. “It was fun, there were a lot of people that came to enjoy the activities and then got to experience the petting zoo. I’m not an FFA member but I still got the chance to help out, this really changed my perspective on what the organization does.” This was a valuable perspective to hear from someone who hasn’t been involved in FFA before.

Madeline Pingenot, the chapter Officer-at-Large, had her own great experience as well. “It was so much fun seeing the kids so excited over the animals!”

The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter would like to thank the PTO for the chance to educate our community about the things that we know the most! Additionally, we would like to thank the members that brought their animals, and Ty Lillibridge for bringing his mini hereford!