It’s birthing season at Peckham Farm, also known as the cutest time of the year on campus, when students studying animal science spend extra time at the farm to stand watch over—and assist when necessary—the birth of pigs, sheep, and goats. Last year even included the surprise delivery of an adorable donkey foal.

The 300-acre farm is what senior Richard Llanos calls “the heart” of the animal science program at URI. “It’s where we get hands-on experiences with animals and apply what we’ve learned in our classes.”

Several courses are taught right inside the farm’s many barns. That’s where students practice proper husbandry techniques, test the animals for diseases, administer vaccinations, trim hoofs, and Richard’s favorite part, help the ewes give birth. Students also have the opportunity to intern and complete special projects there.

Located just across the street from the Kingston campus, Peckham Farm is one reason URI students are accepted to vet school at such a high rate.

“Direct contact with the animals at Peckham is essential,” said Fred Launer, who teaches two classes at the farm. “Students learn how to safely and humanely deal with farm animals, while also getting an appreciation for animal behavior.”

For Courtney Walker, and many other students who have enrolled in the URI Pre-Veterinary Program, Peckham Farm was the primary reason she enrolled at URI. “I wanted a school where I could get real hands-on experience with animals,” she said. “The experience and knowledge I gained there is unparalleled.”

Located just across the street from the Kingston campus, Peckham Farm is one reason URI students are accepted to vet school at such a high rate. About 75 percent of URI students who apply to vet school are admitted to at least one on their first try. The nationwide shortage of large animal vets and the hands-on experience our students have with large animals at Peckham give them a distinct advantage.

That experience also helped a group of 32 URI students take first place this winter in a regional animal science competition. Facing off against seven other universities in livestock judging, a quiz competition, and oral presentations on agriculture-related topics, the URI students fared better than they ever had before.

Richard took first place in livestock judging, a contest that involves judging the attributes of horses, cows, sheep, chickens, and a mystery category. “Our professors are constantly reminding us how a good animal should look and the reasons why they must look that way,” he said. “I basically applied what I learned in class, and at the end of the day those teachings helped us tremendously on our path to victory.”