Located in Southern Michigan is the Jonesville FFA Chapter. The chapter recently underwent some major changes, including building a new barn and getting a new advisor.

Previous advisor Abigail Stubbins (Partick) worked hard on filling out a grant from the state of Michigan that could be use to build the new barn. Through the dedication of writing letters about why members thought they deserved a barn, the chapter received a $35,000 grant in 2024. The funding came from Michigan Public Act 120, a $4 million investment made to the state’s FFA association. In July 2025, the barn’s construction was complete.

The new barn will allow for FFA members to house many different animals. Currently, the chapter a flock of sheep. This creates opportunities for members to receive hands-on learning with animals. They will also gain real-world livestock experience and have the potential of showing sheep in the near future

A newly purchased flock of sheep inside the improved land lab.

Ashley Carr, who graduated from Kansas State University, is serving as the new Jonesville FFA advisor. Carr, who has a strong background in livestock, has many goals for this new barn.

These include integrating the barn in the chapter’s animal science program and having new Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) that take place on the land lab, allowing for school-based SAEs that can allow new members to gain experience with maintaining animals. This new reinvention has inspired her by seeing the growing of the FFA chapter — and members who are growing right along with it.

“The reinvention of our land lab and barn creates a living classroom where students don’t just learn about agriculture — they experience it,” Carr says. “In the years ahead, this space will spark curiosity, build real-world skills and empower students to grow as leaders, problem-solvers and stewards of the land, preparing them for both careers and lifelong responsibility.”