FFA about more than just being down on the farm
San Benito County has a rich agricultural history that it is
hard to overlook even as the dynamics of the county population
changes. But a look at the San Benito High School agriculture
department shows students still have plenty of interest in the
field.
FFA about more than just being down on the farm
San Benito County has a rich agricultural history that it is hard to overlook even as the dynamics of the county population changes. But a look at the San Benito High School agriculture department shows students still have plenty of interest in the field.
San Benito High School’s award-winning agricultural program is geared to give students a variety of experiences around the world of agriculture. Whether students are interested in computers, agricultural mechanics or plant and animal sciences, the agricultural department has something for everyone.
There was a time when Future Farmers of America was seen as something for cowboys and ranch kids, according to administrators. It was perceived as all about taking care of farm animals and working on tractors. But that has changed in the last five years.
The high school program was in transition for a while because so many Ag teachers had come and gone over a short period of years. Kelly Bianchi arrived five years ago and has been with the program ever since.
Bianchi and fellow teacher Renee Reed have taken the Ag department and shaped it into something that the high school can take pride in again. They have built their program up to 180 students and have their own booster program to support their efforts.
“There are a lot more kids getting interested in Ag and it makes sense because everything we do in life is related to agriculture,” Bianchi said. “Especially with the introduction of technology.”
Technology has had a huge impact on many of the marketing programs from beef to wine. Today there are many more professions related to agriculture that are computer-skill jobs, such as genetic engineering, Bianchi said
“Technology just brings so much more into [Ag],” Reed said. “For every vocational job, there are just as many computer-related jobs, too. Technology is just amazing related to Ag.”
One of the big changes Bianchi has made since she arrived is that students are raising the crop that gave them their nickname and mascot. Students are growing hay and the students will be actual Balers when the crop is ready for harvest. This is the first year the Ag department has had the opportunity to grow hay, but the district has owned the Matulich property – where the new campus along the south side of Nash Road was constructed – for 15 years.
“One of the stipulations when the land was donated was that it had to be used or the owners would get fined,” Bianchi and Reed explained. “So we divided it into two-acre parcels and planted a hay crop. The crop will provide cheap hay for the students to purchase for their animals, but additionally it will also be useful for teaching because students will learn about cultivating, bundling, stacking and selling the hay they produce.”
The Matulich property may also be used for growing other crops, but Bianchi said they wanted to take it slow and see how the hay worked out first.
That’s not to say the students are not involved in other live projects. In addition to the array of animals that are housed on the Ag department’s farm, the students have also planted a number of fruit trees.
A lot of students come out and want to participate in FFA without realizing they have to be part of the agriculture department to do so, Bianchi said.
“People don’t realize that it’s all connected – the classroom/lab stuff and the Ag experience projects and the FFA stuff,” Bianchi said.
One of the draws of the department is how much potential there is for leadership opportunities. The students can do as much or as little as they desire.
“Most FFA chapters have 10-15 kids who want to be involved in leadership. We have closer to 30-40,” Reed said. “They’re always looking to go and learn and travel the state to meet other kids involved with FFA.”
Operating a successful program takes money and that’s where the boosters come in.
Grant money only takes specialized programs so far and there are usually stipulations, such as all of the money needs to be spent on conferences or in the classroom for a particular item.
But because FFA students have such positive experiences with the program their families support the program – some even long after the students have graduated.
“The boosters support what the teachers are doing in the classroom. Teachers in the state dream about having the kind of parent support we have through our boosters,” Reed and Bianchi said. “Kids stay involved with the program long after they graduate. For some it’s a social outlet.”
If Reed approaches the boosters and expresses a need for several new welding torches and cutters that might cost $5,000, the boosters will often cut a check on the spot.
“They are also really good with giving out a lot of scholarships,” Bianchi said. “They always make sure that the Ag kids get taken care of.”
Nick Lomanto, president of the Ag Boosters program explained that the students really make it worthwhile for the adults to be involved. Lomanto’s son was involved with FFA and had such a positive experience that Lomanto wanted to continue to support that endeavor.
“We need to get young people involved these days,” Lomanto said. “Leadership positions, like the ones available through the FFA really impact the students’ personal attitudes. It gives you a good feeling to see the kids positively impacted.”
Patrick O’Donnell can be reached at
po*******@pi**********.com
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One Day in April
By Kristen Valencia
One day in April, my whole life changed and
things would never be the same again.
Life became sadder, life had more meaning
and my family’s hearts would be broken in two.
One day in April, my dad went into a very deep
sleep, after becoming very ill.
My dad who was so special, my dad who was
so athletic, my dad who I loved very much was
gone.
One day in April, I had to show courage and be
brave for what was about to become my worst
nightmare ever.
I had to find strength from God. I had to pray
for my dad to come home.
One day in April, friends and family members
showed how loving and kind they could be.
Everyone was helpful and tried to put a smile
on my face.
Friends and family shared their support with
me, but I still felt sad inside.
One day in April, life became harder.
I felt lonely and lost.
My homework seemed harder, my pitching
became more difficult.
My pitching lessons were canceled and my
favorite coach was gone. I found it hard to
concentrate on everything.
One day in April I had to struggle to get by.
I had to struggle not to cry and not to worry too
much.
I missed my dad and the way life used to be
and the time we shared together.
One day in April things changed for the worst
Meeting surgeons and doctors, meeting
relatives from far and near.
Waiting in hallways and finding it hard to leave
the hospital late at night knowing my dad
would not be coming home with us.
One day things changed again.
This time it was good. After many prayers and
blessings.
After much love and hope was wished upon
my dad, the day finally came.
My dad opened his eyes.
One day after opening his eyes, he then
moved his head.
Seconds later he moved his legs and one arm.
My dad was awake and was able to softly
speak.
He looked around his room and was back with
me.
One day soon he will coach me again in
basketball and softball and help me with my
pitching.
One day again he will tell me his funny jokes
that make me laugh and take me to a movie,
just the two of us like before.
One day again he will be driving and picking
me up after school again.
My dad has had to work hard to where he is
today.
He has had lots of therapy and still continues
to go weekly.
He had to learn to do almost everything all
over again.
We are very blessed to have him back.
We missed him a lot.
Things were so different without him.
I’m so happy my dad is still with us.
One day in April changed my whole life.
It made me realize how glad I am that my dad
is with me and involved in my life so much.
I love him and always will.
