A new hands-on agriculture and leadership opportunity is coming to West Michigan students through the launch of West Michigan FFA, a unique partnership between Hamilton Community Schools and Critter Barn.
The program will serve students in grades 7–12 and is designed to provide real-world learning experiences in food, agriculture, and natural resources—far beyond the traditional classroom setting.
“West Michigan FFA is an exciting new opportunity that we’re really looking forward to here at Critter Barn," said Tony McCaul, Executive Director of the Critter Barn. "We’ve always believed in bringing hands-on learning to kids in our community, and this program is a direct result of that vision.”
The idea for West Michigan FFA grew from a shared vision to expand experiential learning opportunities for students across the region. Leaders involved in the partnership recognized a growing need for hands-on agricultural education and an FFA program that could meet students where they are—whether they attend a traditional school, are homeschooled, or learn virtually.
Learning Agriculture by Doing
What makes West Michigan FFA stand out is its location. The program will be housed at Critter Barn, a 36-acre educational farm featuring a wide range of livestock and agricultural learning environments. This allows students to directly apply what they learn in real time.
“This FFA program is truly one of a kind," added McCaul. "Because it’s located on a 36-acre educational farm with a wide variety of animals, students are able to take what’s in the curriculum and apply it directly in real-life situations.”
Instead of learning solely from textbooks, students will analyze, care for, and work directly with animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, and donkeys. Lessons in animal science, food systems, and natural resources will take place in the same spaces where agriculture happens every day.
“Instead of sitting in a traditional classroom, students will be able to go out, analyze animals, and work hands-on with cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, and more—learning real, applicable farming methods right here," said McCaul.
Open to Students Across West Michigan
West Michigan FFA is open to students from a wide variety of backgrounds and educational settings. Middle school students in grades 7–8 will be introduced to agriculture and FFA opportunities, while high school students in grades 9–12 can pursue deeper career exploration and leadership development.
The program is especially well-suited for students interested in careers such as veterinary medicine, nutrition, greenhouse management, crop and soil science, animal care, or any field connected to food production and natural resources.
“West Michigan FFA is designed for students from many different backgrounds. Whether a student is in middle school, high school, traditional education, virtual learning, or homeschooling, this program offers something valuable for everyone," said Dr. Brad Lusk, superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools.
A State-Approved CTE Pathway
Participation in FFA requires enrollment in a state-approved Career & Technical Education (CTE) program. Hamilton Community Schools has successfully applied for and received approval from the Michigan Department of Education, making it possible for West Michigan FFA to operate as an official CTE agriculture program at Critter Barn.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Critter Barn and invite students from across the entire West Michigan region to be part of this program, from seventh grade through high school," said Mat Rehkopf, Director of Career, College & Innovative Programming at Hamilton Community Schools.
Because of this approval, students from across the West Michigan region are eligible to participate, regardless of their home district.
Building Skills for the Future
Beyond agriculture knowledge, West Michigan FFA focuses on developing skills that are in high demand—leadership, responsibility, teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on technical abilities.
““This program is ideal for students who are considering careers in agriculture, food systems, or natural resources—whether that’s becoming a veterinarian, nutritionist, greenhouse manager, or working with crops, soil, or animal care," McCaul added.
Program leaders emphasize that students who enjoy working outdoors, caring for animals, and learning by doing will find the program especially rewarding.
Community Invitation
Hamilton Community Schools and Critter Barn are inviting families, students, and community members to learn more about West Michigan FFA and ask questions about enrollment, expectations, and opportunities at their Open House at 6:00 PM on February 10 at Critter Barn.
With real animals, real experiences, and real career pathways, West Michigan FFA offers students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore agriculture in a meaningful and engaging way—right here in West Michigan.
