West Michigan FFA

A partnership between Hamilton Community Schools and Critter Barn!

West Michigan FFA is a hands-on, real-world agriculture program for middle and high school students who want to learn by doing. Students care for animals, explore plant and food systems, build leadership skills through FFA, compete in exciting events, and gain career-ready experience through projects and internships. Whether students join for one year or grow with the program, West Michigan FFA offers an unforgettable opportunity to learn, lead, and discover a future in agriculture.

Middle School Agriculture Program (Grades 7–8)

Course Description:

The Middle School Agriculture Program is a hands-on, project-based experience designed to introduce students to animals, plants, food systems, and natural resources while building responsibility, teamwork, and confidence. Students explore agriculture through real-world activities such as animal care, plant growth, food production, and introductory leadership experiences. The program rotates between two curriculum tracks so students learn new material each year, with an emphasis on safety, curiosity, and foundational skill development. Students are introduced to FFA opportunities and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) in a supportive, age-appropriate environment that encourages exploration and career awareness.

Course Content:

• Two rotating curricula: Curriculum A and Curriculum B

• Students experience a different curriculum each year

Optional Career and Development Events (CDE):

• Broiler Contest

• Meat Rabbit Contest

• One Skill-Based CDE

• Leadership Contest (District Level)

Registration Opens February 2nd! 

Register on the Critter Barn website!

High School Agriculture Program (Grades 9–12)

Course Description:

The High School Agriculture Program is a comprehensive, four-year Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathway that prepares students for college, careers, and industry in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR). The program integrates classroom and laboratory instruction, FFA leadership development, and hands-on Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Instruction follows a two-year rotating curriculum focused on animal, plant, business, and natural resource systems, followed by on-site and off-site cooperative education opportunities. Students develop technical skills, leadership, record keeping, and employability skills while gaining real-world experience through applied learning and industry connections. Students may enroll for one year or progress through all four years of the program.

Course Content:

The program offers four years of progressive curriculum:

• Curriculum A – Agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) concepts

• Curriculum B – Agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) concepts

• Year 3: Cooperative Education (Work-Based Learning)

• Year 4: Senior Co-op (On-site industry placement)

Rotation Model:

• Curriculum A and B rotate on odd and even years

• Students may enter the program in either A or B

• Students may participate for one year or all four years

Students will be required to participate in the following CDEs:

• Broiler Contest

• Meat Rabbit Contest

• One Skill-Based CDE

• Leadership Contest (District Level)

Students may choose to participate in additional contests based on interest:

• Ag Communications

• Ag Mechanics

• Ag Sales

• Agronomy

• Dairy Cattle

• Dairy Showmanship

• Environmental Science

• Farm Business Management

• Floriculture

• Food Science

• Forestry

• Greenhouse Crops

• Horse Selection

• Land Conservation

• Livestock Marketing

• Meats

• Milk Quality

• Nursery/Landscape

• Poultry

• Jr. High Quiz Bowl

• Tractor Driving

• Veterinary Science

(Event dates and locations will be published annually to families.)

FFA Travel Opportunities

• State FFA Convention (Lansing, MI)

• National FFA Convention (Indianapolis, IN)

School Credit:

• Career & Technical Education (CTE) Agriculture / FFA (CIP 0000.1) is a Michigan-approved, for-credit high school program. Students earn graduation credit while gaining hands-on experience in agriculture, leadership, and career readiness.

  • This course may count toward:

    • Science credit

    • Mathematics credit

    • Online Learning Requirement

    • Elective credit

    • (credit alignment determined by the local district)

• Students who successfully complete their State FFA Degree may earn six credits to Michigan State University.

Register on the Critter Barn website!