‘The World of Ag is so Big’: Hillsboro students learn on the farm at school
In a historic local farm, students of all ages can learn about ag, construction, animal and other industries -- right after English 101
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - In a beautiful white barn straight out of an old painting, the students of Hillsboro High School lined up in the early morning light for a fresh delivery of feed. Mostly made up of young women, the Ag Program is quickly growing in the district.
Bridle Ridge Acres started as a prize horse farm back in the 1940s. Eight decades later, the white barn is still raising competition animals -- but this time by students of the Hillsboro R-III Schools Agriculture Program Farm.
These students are learning and getting accreditation for real-world jobs while they’re still in high school. Instead of staying inside of a classroom all day, these students are able to escape outside to work the farm.
But it’s no picnic. They have to clean stalls, feed pigs, chickens, horses and prep plants for the spring. Then there’s the planning for community events that they host at the historic farm, and also prepping for their regular classes.
The district was able to obtain the farm just a few years ago, and each year, it grows, says the instructor of the agriculture program.
Listen to these students share how the program has helped shape their life -- on and off the farm.
Avery Martinez covers water, ag & the environment for First Alert 4. He is also a Report for America Corps member, as well as a member of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk. His coverage ranges from EPA s to corn farms and hunting concerns, and local water rates to rancher mental health.
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