Growing ag program at Shoals High School celebrates new barn
Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
SHOALS – Charlotte, Sally and Yorkie didn’t let the throngs of visitors disturb their sleep Saturday. The three sows dozed soundly in their large pen despite dozens of people walking by.
The trio, plus a large litter of piglets, were just one of the attractions at an open house marking the completion of Shoals High School’s new barn for its agriculture program.
Completed by students in the ag and construction programs, the barn marks a major step for the two career pathway programs.
Teacher Ben Kent called the barn a milestone for the school in remarks during the open house, which included recognition of donors, students and a lunch – of pulled pork, naturally.
“This barn was always a dream and something we knew would set us apart,” Kent said. “We built this for the long term. A lot of kids will benefit from this.”
Having a barn will allow the program to elevate its farm-to-table program. It already sells sausage and other cuts of meat as well as eggs. The program has two cows, an orchard and sells meat chicken and turkeys.
In the past, the ag program has smoked a hog for school-wide events, but providing school-raised food to the school on a consistent basis would be “monumental,” Kent said.
The 40-by-40 barn and loft, built of tulip poplar, was constructed for $60,000 but Kent said it appraised for $125,000.
Planning, fundraising and construction took place over the past two years. To raise money, the students built and sold more than 160 picnic tables and 200 shooting benches. The students made custom furniture including dining room tables and media stands. They poured new concrete sidewalks at the school and built a walking trail around the campus. The construction class is currently working to convert an old study hall space into a counseling area in the middle school.
Donations from the community included platinum-level sponsorships from Hoosier Uplands, Martin County Community Foundation, a School Improvement Grant and FarmCredit Mid-America in memory of Carol Richer.
Farm to school
Eventually, the program plans to sell directly to the school to provide food served in the school cafeteria. In fact, last Friday, the school cafeteria served sausage from pigs raised by the ag students for the first time.
“That’s a huge accomplishment,” Kent said. “With the barn done, we’ve got other schools coming to see what we’re doing.”
The ag students participate in the complete farm-to-table experience, taking care of the animals, being involved in the butchering and then selling products.
Kent joined the faculty at Shoals five years ago, bringing his degree and experience in construction trades and farming background to the classroom. He started out with 45 students between the ag and construction programs. Today, the programs have 130 students.
Addy Johnson, Shoals junior, is enrolled in both programs. She helped construct the barn and works with the animals.
“I didn’t grow up on a farm, but I love animals, I like being outside and I like to work,” she said.
When her class schedule allows and with permission from other teachers, Johnson goes to the ag barn to do extra work.
“There’s always something that needs done,” she said.
Walking around the new barn, Johnson could point to jobs she and her fellow students worked on.
Johnson isn’t sure about her future and whether it will involve a job in ag or construction, but she said the ag and construction classes have given her the knowledge and confidence she didn’t have before.
“I’ve helped pour concrete, hang garage doors and put in an electrical box,” she said. “I like that I have that knowledge to know how to start something.”
Garry Smith, member of the Martin County Community Foundation board, said the foundation was proud to support the barn construction.
“What an important lesson for kids to know where their food comes from and the value of learning agricultural skills.”