CARLISLE, Ark. (KATV) — The agriculture program at Carlisle High School is nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders in Arkansas. The school offers a lot of opportunities for the students both in and outside of the classroom.
“We not only have a great opportunity for kids in our classroom, but we also have things on campus for our students like our animal science facility,” said Carly Padgett, Agriculture teacher/FFA adviser at Carlisle Schools.
The program offers students hands-on opportunities to learn about animal care, farming, and the “Farm to Fork” pipeline. Many students are also involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization, participating in competitive events that teach career skills.
“I have students that show livestock. I have students that farm. I have students that work for some of our local farmers, or work at our Co Op, and they’re just able to really be a part of something that instills leadership skills in them. They can be in competitive events where they’re learning career skills,” Padgett continued.
Senior Eli Johnston has found a passion for shop class and welding, and he has taken the initiative to farm the school’s land. “Whenever I drive into school in the morning, it’s like something I just get to look at every day and know that I did that for the school,” Johnston said. He hopes others will also find a love for agriculture, acknowledging the industry’s challenges. “I wouldn’t say it’s a dying breed, but it’s definitely struggling, and we always need people to come out and work and come out and start their own farms and also give back to the world and feed the people,” he said.
Recently, many students showcased their skills at the Arkansas State Fair, highlighting the program’s success. The school’s animal science facility and extensive land provide unique opportunities for students in this rural Arkansas community.
