Leyton implements agriculture program

Agriculture courses started at Leyton High School this year and were inspired by the Future Farmers of America club.

Tracy Cooper, who heads up the new agriculture curriculum at Leyton, said the courses help offer hands on experience to students.

The high school curriculum consists of several classes, including animal biology, plant science and a small engine class. It also includes an agriculture business class, where students learn the business side of agriculture.

The middle school currently has two afternoon classes on introduction to agriculture. According to Leyton Principal Lance Howitt, the introduction to agriculture classes provided to the middle school helps to prepare them for the high school agriculture curriculum.

This is the first year the curriculum has been implemented, but the talks of putting the program into the schools has been a long one.

"They wanted to be sure the program was sustainable," Cooper said.

Cooper was hired this year to oversee and teach the FFA-based curriculum.

Howitt said the turnout for the first-year program has been good.

"The kids seem to be excited about the program," Howitt said.

According to Howitt, there has been a lot of help implementing the program.

"A state officer for the FFA came out to help us," Howitt said. "Everyone has jumped in to help us get this program started. The school board has gotten behind the program and has been very positive."

FFA is a student organization that helps students excel in agriculture and leadership. This week, schools throughout the country celebrate FFA week with different themes each day. At Leyton, Monday was bring your tractor to school day, where students drove their tractors instead of cars.