New AgEd and FFA programs solidified at Central Springs School District

To The Press

Central Springs AgEd Boosters announced they have reached their $400,000 fundraising goal to sustain an AgEd and FFA curriculum at Central Springs High School in Manly.

The announcement comes during the celebration of National FFA Week for the school district that includes Nora Springs and part of western Floyd County.

Central Springs AgEd Boosters is a local non-profit organization focused on cultivating the future leaders of local rural communities by bringing ag literacy opportunities to the Central Springs district.

“Agriculture is one of the main employers in the area, so we recognize the immediate need to introduce students to career pathways available in the industry,” said Jessica Lutz, co-director and founding member of CS AgEd Boosters.

“I was a past ag student, and it fueled my interest in continuing my education in an agricultural field and selecting the ag finance career I have today,” she said.

Discussions about bringing a program of this type to the community originated in 2020 when a crowd of community members packed a school board meeting to hear a presentation by a young student running for state FFA office from a neighboring town.

In 2022, after several months of discussion and feasibility studies with the district, the local non-profit entered into an agreement with Central Springs Schools to raise funds to start and sustain the program for five years. In year six the school will assume financial responsibility and continue the program.

The AgEd curriculum has been in place for one full semester. When fully integrated, the program will cover topics ranging from animal and plant science to ag technology and agribusiness.

The FFA chapter, officially chartered in September, allows students to explore personal growth opportunities through Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, career development events, leadership development events and community service.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities our students will have through this program. There are so many careers that contribute to the industry outside of production agriculture,” said Sarah Tweeten, an alum of Central Springs.

“My role in ag communications recently landed me in Washington, DC, advocating for Iowa agriculture on the Hill. AgEd and FFA is a unique way to help students discover these opportunities with hands-on learning. Many of them experienced a bit of this a few weeks ago participating in the FFA Legislative Symposium in Des Moines,” Tweeten said.

Now in its second official semester of offerings, Central Springs AgEd classes include 51 students in grades 9-12 studying ag food and natural resources and plant and animal science.

Highlights from the first semester included soil and water quality labs and a tour of the Bushel Boy tomato facility in Mason City.

The FFA chapter also has 51 active members who are celebrating their first National FFA week as a chartered FFA chapter. In their first semester, FFA members attended two district and state leadership development conferences, volunteered at two local Ag Day events for elementary students and traveled to National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

They attended the Legislative Symposium in Des Moines to learn about engaging with elected officials and are gearing up to participate in SubDistrict and District Leadership Development Event competitions this month.

In the end, Central Springs AgEd Boosters was helped over the finish line by support from 109 local families, businesses and grant programs.

Jordan Davison, local seed dealer and co-director with AgEd Boosters, said, “It was evident to us very quickly that this was a program that was needed and wanted by the families and employers in our district. What’s even more exciting is the ways our agriculture community can enrich the classroom and FFA experience for students. I’m excited about an agronomy learning lab we will be doing with the corn seed plot at my farm this coming season. You can’t beat hands-on learning!”

Laura Cunningham, co-director and founding member of CS AgEd Boosters, said, “Moving forward, Central Springs AgEd Boosters will serve as a support network for the students and program as it continues to develop and grow. Volunteers will serve as guests in the classroom, welcome students for business and farm tours and provide hands-on learning opportunities in agricultural fields.”

The organization also has interest in bringing projects and programs to the district to help all ages of students explore agriculture and career pathways in the industry.

For more information about contributing to this effort or volunteering, visit www.CSAgEdBoosters.com.