Submitted by Miranda Pawling, Patterson High School Agriculture Teacher
Patterson FFA's poultry program has undergone a transformative change, thanks to the generous support of Wilco's FFA Grant Program. The grant provided $1,000 to extend the chapter’s poultry area, covering the construction of a shaded coop area. This expansion addressed previous challenges faced by Patterson FFA, enabling them to raise chickens in a more secure and comfortable environment.
The extended coop and additional supplies were instrumental in successfully raising and hatching nine hens. The grant provided the necessary space and resources for Patterson FFA to overcome their previous difficulties.
Students actively participate in the program, managing the hens, cleaning, and feeding them daily. They have begun collecting eggs and aim to sell them to the community, working towards their egg handlers certification. The grant has empowered these students, fostering their entrepreneurial spirit and providing hands-on experience.
Looking ahead, Patterson FFA plans to expand their poultry program further. They aim to build a second coop for meat birds, offering students a comprehensive poultry fair project. This project will continue to provide valuable hands-on experiences in the poultry industry and enable students to sell their chickens at the county fair.
The Wilco FFA Grant Program has had a remarkable impact on Patterson FFA's poultry program, enabling significant growth and student development. According to Miranda Pawling, the agriculture teacher at Patterson High School, "This has made a big impact on my students and has opened doors for the future." The success of this program exemplifies the positive influence the ag community can have on agricultural education and the future of the next generation.
