This year, 56 Santa Paula High School FFA students will participate and exhibit a variety of livestock projects at the 2015 Ventura County Fair starting on August 10th – 16th. Since Alex Flores took the helm of the agriculture program in 2003, approximately 50 – 60 students have participated in the summer program and have attended the fair. The average enrollment in the agriculture program is 140 students, so about 35% – 45% of students participate in the summer program. “Our program is consistent each year,” said Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor Alex Flores, “The strong student involvement is a direct reflection on our strong community support.”
The SPHS new Agriculture Learning Facility on the 29 acre Stewart Ranch has been in the developmental stages with a proposed plan of new livestock facilities, horticulture facilities, and an equipment barn with an already existing 15 acre lemon orchard. The new facility will provide students with a more hands-on and state-of-the-art instructional facility to take the agriculture program to the next level. “Students, parents, administration, agricultural leaders and the community are excited about this tremendous opportunity”, explain Flores. “It has been a long time coming and our kids deserve a place to be proud of.” The agriculture facility continues to receive strong support and financial support from the community and agriculture businesses. The recent donation of 15,000 CALAVO shares donated by Dorcas Hardison Thille McFarlane is a true testament of the support.
Students involved in the FFA program have been raising their animal projects since early Spring. Students sacrifice Spring Break, Holidays and Summer Break working on their projects until the big first day of the fair in August. It takes a large commitment in part from the students and parents, some students excel in the project and are given the opportunity to continue the project the following year. Students invest their own money or receive agriculture loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency towards the expenses related to their projects. “If it wasn’t for the tremendous support of our community, many of these students would not have the opportunity to experience this opportunity of responsibility, business, learning, personal pride, and accomplishment,” said Agriculture Instructor Mr. Flores.
The agriculture program at Santa Paula High School provides students with the opportunity to gain “hands-on” learning through agricultural education, community service, leadership development and personal growth. For more information on how your son/daughter can get involved, contact Santa Paula High School and pick up an application.
