HEYWORTH, Ill. (WMBD) — A central Illinois school district was given an enormous honor for their achievement in agriculture.
Heyworth’s Junior and Senior High School Agriculture and Future Farmers of America program was recognized as the 2024-2025 Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers Outstanding Middle/Secondary Agricultural Education Program.
This award is dedicated to agricultural programs that are the toughest and most creative of all and reflects Heyworth’s agriculture program achievements and growth from 2020 to 2025.
“Having the opportunity to provide these experiences for the students has always been the highlight of my career.” said Kara Barling, director of Heyworth’s agricultural program. “We are creating industry leaders by exploring careers and encouraging students to be involved in our local community.”
The recognition is through the National Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Middle/Secondary Program initiative and highlights exceptional agriculture programs that provide robust experiential learning and dynamic leadership opportunities for students.
Over the past year, Heyworth FFA collected 228 pounds of food and raised $1,400 for the village’s food bank. They also volunteered 340 hours in community service projects.
There are more than 160 students ranging from 8th grade to 12th grade involved in the agricultural department, which is almost 40% of their school’s population.
Enrollment in the school’s ag program has gone up by 43% in the last five years, the school said in a news release. In the coming years, the district said, students could have a chance to earn dual credit in Ag Economics and Horticulture classes through Heartland Community College
Students involved learn skills such as agribusiness, plant science, power and technical systems and animal science along with career-preparing activities.
The Heyworth agriculture program will now represent Illinois in the NAAE Region IV competition for the Outstanding Middle/Secondary Agricultural Education Program Award, a national-level recognition scheduled to be awarded later this year.
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