February 16 , 2023 The Beacon • 7

sows that they farrow out ,” Mullett said . “ So the kids get a first-hand opportunity to go through the breeding process , having piglets and managing the piglets on through weaning . Those students that choose to be in the co-op can then continue those pigs throughout the year .”

They also plant corn , soybeans and specialty crops , like potatoes and vegetables , and are gearing up to get the greenhouse going this year . They have a plant sale where they raise all the plants for their hanging baskets , flats of vegetables and flowers to be ready the first week of May for Mother ’ s Day .

Students learn how to produce those things with the very basics of how to start seeds up to marketing them , as well as how to select different varieties and how to prepare them for sale .

“ The students spend

time in school and outside , as well as after school and in the summertime , completing tasks ,” Mullett said . “ Depending on their level of interest , students still come in for workdays , help with whatever needs to be done , develop skills and learn new things to give them a wellrounded experience in production agriculture .”

Mullett has a license to drive a school bus so that in the morning she can drive the kids up to the farm several times in a month , where they may spend 35-40 minutes on an activity and drive back so they can go to their next period class .

In March a couple sows are due to have piglets , so they may get to see a farrowing and watch one of the sows have her piglets . Students learn about some of the signs to look for when they are ready to have their piglets . They help make sure the piglets are being taken care of , help give shots , give ear notches and different skills that are a part of the piglet process .

Different classes have a different level of involvement . Freshman may get the basics in an overview compared to the juniors and seniors who have more responsibility of completing the task .

Lots of students exhibit their animals at the county fair as FFA projects . Some students raise their animals at their home , and Mullett goes to their home to check on their project and talk about ways they can improve their project and evaluate their record book and skills they use during their project . Mullett is available to answer any questions they may have about their project .

“ Students that can ’ t raise an animal at their home is where the pig co-op and the chicken co-op comes in ,” she said . “ The chicken co-op that is raising market broilers , students come in August to make sure they have food and water , taking care of the pens and making sure they are clean .

“ They have some workdays where everyone is there at the same time to learn about things that impact the group — such things as feed efficiency to adjusting protein levels in their feed , preparing and teaching them showmanship , making sure the animals are healthy , giving shots . Showmanship practice and good work ethics go along with it .”

Planting students must go through a tractor certification course for operating the school ’ s equipment in the field . There are a variety of tractors and equipment for the school farm .

“ Some students have a farm background and have a general knowledge of farm equipment and how to operate it ,” Mullett said . “ We still do tractor certifications so that everyone is on the same page .”

They plant about 63 acres of field corn every year .

“ We try to provide good , well-rounded opportunities for students ,” Mullett said . “ Several students in the program have no ag

background at all . They live in town but are interested in agriculture . FFA is an organization that really is for both circumstances . For someone who was raised on a farm versus someone

BF-15016 who has never set foot on a farm and never even had a garden , FFA can provide opportunities for both at a variety of levels .”

520 Main Street , Coshocton

740-622-9863 • M-F 9-5 • Sat 9-12

Serving Coshocton for Over 75 Years

BF-81675

“ Over 85 Years of Service ”

Family Owned & Operated West Lafayette

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership , personal growth and career success through agricultural education .

Farm Bureau supports our county FFA chapters .

COSHOCTON COUNTY FARM BUREAU

1625A Sharon Ave . , Zanesville 43701 coshocton @ ofbf . org / 740.452.2356

Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities .