About 6th Grade Ag

Last school year, HJH saw the addition of a new elective teacher. Mrs. Taylor Davis is currently in her second year at Hardee Junior High. Last year students were able to study embryology in the classroom, hatch 18 chicks, raise them in the classroom, and now have them outside in a chicken coop. Around the chicken coop, there is a garden where sunflowers and corn are grown. The eggs are donated to the culinary department at HJH. 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 FFA spent a Saturday morning (4/6/2024) on a community service project. Several members donated their time to help re-landscape the Amazing Grace Tea House in Wauchula. Thank you to those members who were able to come out and spend some time giving back to their local community!

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! 

Download a copy of these dates here: https://5il.co/20z5p