Farm Bureau helps local FFA chapters

McLean County Farm Bureau is helping local agriculture classrooms grow learning opportunities with a $15,000 investment in classroom facilities and equipment through its FFA Capital Grant program.

Normal West and Ridgeview FFA chapters each received $7,500 to improve equipment and expand opportunities for students to build real-world agricultural skills.

“We’re glad to help our local high school agricultural education programs upgrade their equipment and facilities,” says Darren Davis, McLean County Farm Bureau President. “Strong agriculture programs give students the space, tools and experiences they need to explore future careers and develop practical skills.”

At Normal West, grant funding helped purchase new lab tables and chairs, creating a safer, more functional classroom setting for agriculture students.

“Our tables had all been welded back together and were extremely wobbly,” says Caitlin Fink, Normal West ag teacher. “We appreciate the opportunity to create a better learning environment for our students.”

Ridgeview FFA will use its grant to replace aging welding equipment with modern, multi-process welders, giving students access to current technology and more versatile training opportunities.

“The new welders combine two machines into one, giving us a less crowded shop space,” says Carley Zimmerman, Ridgeview ag teacher. “Most importantly, our students will be training on the same type of equipment now used in the industry, leaving here with skills local employers are seeking.”

The FFA Capital Grant program, established by McLean County Farm Bureau in 2021, is available to all high school agriculture programs that serve McLean County students. More information is available at www.mcfb.org/grants.