Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
Members of the National FFA Organization chapter at Elmore County High School spent a day exploring agriculture, livestock management and local industry during their annual spring Agriscience tour on April 30, giving students a hands-on look at careers and opportunities connected to Alabama’s agricultural community.
Twenty-four students traveled to Froggy Bottom Growers in Shorter, where members learned about plant production and agricultural operations from local growers. The visit allowed students to see firsthand how agriculture businesses operate while also highlighting the importance of farming and food production across the region.
The tour continued at Doug Cannon’s Farm just outside of Tallassee, where students gained practical livestock experience by helping place ear tags in heifers. The activity gave members an opportunity to work directly with cattle while learning about animal identification, herd management and day-to-day responsibilities involved in the livestock industry.
Students wrapped up the day with a tour of Thurlow Dam in Tallassee, where they learned more about hydroelectric power generation and the role the facility plays in supporting communities across the area. The stop connected agriculture and natural resources with another important part of Alabama’s economy and infrastructure.
Scott Poague is an Agriscience teacher and the FFA Sponsor. He has been a teacher at Elmore County High School since 2016.
“Our spring Agriscience tour serves as a vital link between what FFA members learn about in Agriscience classes and real-world scenarios,” Poague said. “It allows them to see firsthand some of the different types of agriscience production and how different farms produce farm products. The tour this year included an industrial stop to the hydroelectric dam to see how power is produced for homes, farms, and other businesses.”
The annual Agriscience tour is designed to give FFA members real-world learning experiences outside the classroom while helping students explore future careers in agriculture, science and industry. For many students, the trip also served as a reminder of the strong connections between local farms, businesses and communities throughout Elmore County and the surrounding area.
