Local FFA chapters receive grants
The McLean County Farm Bureau has awarded FFA Capital Grants to the Olympia and Prairie Central FFA chapters.
Olympia, based in rural Stanford, plans to use the $10,200 grant as part of a large project to upgrade the school’s greenhouse with new plastic coverings, growing benches, additional concrete and to update the environmental control system.
“The greenhouse renovations will benefit our students by allowing them to learn about plant care, nutrients and greenhouse management in up-to-date facilities,” said Bryce Hoffman, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor for Olympia High School. “Students will also have the opportunity to gain business and marketing skills in preparing the plants and greenhouse for our annual plant sale.”
The Prairie Central FFA Chapter, based in Fairbury, will use its $4,800 grant to purchase 12 science lab tables as part of a classroom remodel.
“The new lab tables in our ag department will allow Prairie Central agricultural education students to conduct labs in class and expand our agriscience opportunities,” said Becky Freed, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Prairie Central.
McLean County Farm Bureau established the FFA Capital Grant program in 2021 which is available to all high school agriculture programs that serve McLean County students. More information can be found at www.mcfb.org/grants.
“We are so very thankful to the McLean County Farm Bureau for providing this grant opportunity,” added Freed.
“We are happy to help our local high school agricultural education programs upgrade their facilities and build capacity for future students,” explained Mark Hines, McLean County Farm Bureau president. “With the McLean County Farm Bureau FFA Capital Grant program, our goal is to support the development of future agriculture leaders by maintaining strong local high school agriculture programs.”
McLean County Farm Bureau is a voluntary, member organization representing local farmers and farmland owners. Since the beginning in 1914, MCFB has been dedicated to advocating for agriculture. Find out more at www.mcfb.org. FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. FFA was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928. Learn more at www.ffa.org.
