Hands-On Learning: From Hay Baling to Hatching
Agriculture students at Benton County are developing the skills that set them up for success, in and out of the farm.
Applied experiences are the learning motive for agricultural education in Benton County, Miss. Learning in the classroom is important, but actually applying that knowledge physically is something else. Benton County is the embodiment of work ethic. By managing a running farm, two gardens, a fruit orchard, a greenhouse and livestock, this FFA chapter produces the next generation of leaders who are driven, responsible and persevere.
Quality Hay, Quality Care
Having a school with a farm is exciting, but what is more impressive is that Benton County supplies its own sources for the farm. Students learn about different types of grasses and soil nutrition and how these affect forage nutrition. The students even bale their own hay for their livestock! From livestock nutrition to bedding, the program utilizes each part of the project resourcefully.
Students learn how to operate a tractor for baling the agriculture program’s hay for its livestock.
Agriculture instructor Bryan McElroy emphasizes the students’ dedication. “They see how their hard work pays off when we use the hay to feed the livestock and make bedding for them,” he says. “We also use the hay to conserve moisture in the gardens and reduce weeds in them, too.”
Grease, Gears and Grit
Students who are interested in mechanics cultivate skills to restore tractors that are donated to the school’s program.
For those who are interested in mechanical skills, Benton County has projects that these mechanical-minded students love! Those who like restoration in mechanical gear or like to get their hands greasy can restore tractors. Tractor donations are made to the program, and these students are able to work together to get them running again.
This year, the program had three tractors to restore. “Nothing is more rewarding than when they hear their craftsmanship crank back up!” McElroy says.
Sprouts of Support
Students keeping up with the care of the summer garden.
Benton County is rooted in service by giving back to the community and land. The program has a summer garden and a winter garden. In the summer garden, vegetables and fruits are produced and used by the students and community. When the winter blows in, students work to produce supplemental forage for the school’s livestock.
Responsibility is the main quality that these students learn in this area by having to manage planting to harvest. Resourceful and sustainable production is applied throughout all year.
Patience and understanding are learned with the planting and care of the orchards. Students are taught how to give special attention to these plants.
Orchards need special care and patience. Patience is what students learn in this cherished project. To ensure the orchards bear fruit, students pay attention to pruning and analyzing the crops’ tedious care. Just like in every other project, the fruit orchard gives back to the community, students and the livestock.
McElroy highlights the support of companies who help fuel the agricultural program. “The students have the opportunity to sprout and grow a large variety of flowers, vegetables and fruits due to the generous donations of seed from various businesses,” he says.
Leaders in Livestock
Students analyze the hatching of the chicks from their incubators.
All of these projects listed above benefit the animals in the program. Multiple lessons in animal husbandry are gained from various species, such as sheep, ducks, rabbits, quail and chickens.
Students learn leadership by understanding that these animals depend on them for daily care, including feeding, sanitization in pens and health observations. Students get to analyze poultry from hatching to development. They have four incubators and a brooder to house and raise their hatchlings. They monitor temperature and care for their every need.
Hard Work That Keeps on Giving
Members engaging with planting of the gardens that give back to the community and animals.
The Benton County FFA Chapter in Mississippi strives to have a curriculum that makes sure its students leave knowing how to properly manage a farm and the importance of responsibility, work ethic and leadership.
Give back to your local FFA chapter by a donation or any means of support to keep fueling these ambitious students. Keep up with the Benton County FFA Chapter and Mississippi FFA to see how these leaders grow.
