About 6th Grade Ag

Mrs. DuBose has joined the agriculture department! She works with Mrs. Davis as a 6th grade teacher. Mrs. DuBose has been able to run the Parliamentary Procedure FFA team and brings much knowledge to the program. 

Students study embryology in the classroom, hatch chicks, raise them in the classroom, and now have them outside in a chicken coop. The eggs are donated to the culinary department at HJH. Around the chicken coop, there is a garden where sunflowers and corn are grown. Students also learn about hydroponics in the classroom with a Vertical Hydroponic System, as well as in the greenhouse. Harvests from these projects are also donated to culinary. Donations include lettuce (butterhead, romaine, swiss chard, kale, etc.). We are looking to expand the garden this year with various other crops.

There are several judging teams including Citrus, Vegetable, Tool, Livestock, Horse, Dairy, and LDE's (public speaking, creed speaking, extemporaneous public speaking, opening & closing ceremonies, & prepared public speaking). Mrs. Davis is currently coaching the Tool, Livestock, and Prepared Public speaking teams.  This year is the first year for program certifications with 6th graders. Certifications include Elanco Fundamentals of Animal Science Certification through iCEV. The students will take their certification tests this spring.

The goal of the agriculture programs is to prepare students for careers and jobs within all aspects of the agriculture industry. Not only do they discuss careers that require a college degree, but also trades that many can become certified in before graduating high school.  

Hardee Middle 6th Grade students have learned the FFA Creed. These students went above and beyond. They were able to recite the FFA Creed perfectly in front of the class! They earned a "Conquering the Creed" shirt!

Ag Literacy Day with Hardee Middle FFA! Several FFA members volunteered their time to visit local elementary schools with the Hardee County Farm Bureau, to teach students the importance of agriculture! While we are a rural county, one would be shocked to learn that many students are not exposed to agriculture. FFA members understand the importance of agriculture and want to share their passion to the next generation!