By Olivia Hill
The Looking Glass
Laingsburg HS
Division 4, Yearbook
Organizations Writing
After receiving a grant for her classes that support agricultural education, teacher Beth Eggleston facilitated the construction of a new small animal barn in June, and it was nearly completed by September. Eggleston and teacher Amy Barrett received a $50,000 grant for their CTE programs in the spring, and Eggleston used a portion of this money to pay for the new barn.
The maintenance crew helped to build the barn. Many businesses donated to its construction, including Woodhall Construction and Tyler Heating and Cooling.
“The barn is really helpful because it is heated, and this makes it easier to wash the animals in the winter time, rather than having them freeze,” sophomore Paden Graham said.
Eggleston has been able to triple the amount of poultry and meat rabbits that she can have in the barn. Last year, her classes were able to raise poultry, rabbits, and pigs. In addition to these animals, Eggleston hosted goats and sheep.
“The space that the barn has given us is great because we can raise more animals,” Eggleston said.
FFA members directly benefitted from the installation of the new animal barn at the school. Students who were interested in raising animals but were not able to keep them at their own homes are now able to keep their animals at the school, making it easier to care for them with the resources that Eggleston and the school provide.
Eggleston’s Veterinary Science class and Biology classes also helped to take care of the animals throughout the year. After feeding, watering, and cleaning the pens all year, FFA members will take their animals to the 4-H fair over the summer.