Thornapple Kellogg —A new barn slated to open this fall will function as a real farm, offering students hand-on lessons in raising animals and running an agricultural business.
The district recently broke ground on the new Future Farmers of America barn at 3625 Bender Road, near the TK bus garage. The barn will house two classrooms, in which students will learn about animal safety, reproduction, care and maintenance, as well as the business side of farming.
Senior and FFA 2025-26 chapter President Erika Wolowicz said she is looking forward to learning in a facility designed with FFA students in mind. FFA is a national youth organization aimed at preparing members for leadership and careers in science, business and education.
“You can only learn so much in a classroom,” she said. “FFA is not just about farming, it’s about leadership and learning. It’s important to teach the community about agriculture and for students to gain important life skills to carry with them beyond high school.”
TK FFA advisor and teacher Alyssa Hamlin said the program has received more than $150,000 in donations and grants to fund the barn, including $40,000 raised by the FFA advisory board fundraising committee.
The district revived its agricultural science program in September 2022, after a 57-year hiatus, and chartered a new chapter of FFA. Members attend state and national conventions and take part in the regional and state competitions, including the Michigan FFA broiler contest.
Erika said the barn will allow the organization to care for and raise its own livestock and eventually expand opportunities for younger students to learn about animals and agriculture.
Hamlin said the barn will also function as a real farm where students will get to analyze expenses, budgets and brainstorm ideas for fundraising opportunities.
“I’m very excited to see (this project) come to life and it has me eager to explore avenues that the barn will open,” Hamlin said. “
SE Agricultural & Commercial Solutions plans to construct the 40-by-60-foot structure by the start of the 2025-26 school year, with help from TKHS students enrolled in the Principles of Tech class, who will assist with the internal finishings.
For students who do not come from an agricultural background, Hamlin said the barn offers the opportunity to raise their own livestock and witness the full circle farm-to-market process.
She added: “This project is a testament to the community’s support and I believe it will ignite real learning experience for students.
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