The Caledonia Agriscience Education and FFA program continues to provide hands-on, career-focused learning opportunities for students in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) pathways: Agribusiness Systems, Animal Science, Environmental Services, Food Processing, Natural Resources, Plant Systems, and Power, Structural and Technical Systems.
Middle school students recently tested their classroom knowledge at the PEM Ag Challenge, where Caledonia eighth graders competed against more than 800 Region 8 students.
Course offerings this year include eighth grade Agriscience Technology and high school courses in Food Processing, Agricultural Entrepreneurship, Fish & Wildlife Management, Meat Science, Homestead Ownership, Intro and Advanced Woods & Construction, Intro and Advanced Welding, Intro and Advanced Engines, and SAE/Work-Based Learning (WBL). Students may also earn credit through summer agricultural work experiences.
Students gain practical experience across many areas. Fish & Wildlife students built custom fishing rods, participated in antler taxidermy, competed at invitationals, and toured M&M Lawn & Leisure. Meat Science students learned meat grading, identification, safety, and processed venison and other products. Shop courses emphasize tool safety and skill development through project-based learning, with advanced students designing and completing their own projects. LaX Fabricating LLC in Spring Grove continues to support the welding program by providing materials and hosting industry tours.
The SAE/WBL program currently includes 21 students who are released during the school day to explore agricultural career interests while gaining real-world job experience. All students use the Agricultural Experience Tracker (AET) record-keeping system to document coursework, FFA activities, and work experiences. Growing enrollment has allowed the district to employ two AFNR instructors for the 2025-26 school year.
FFA membership includes all AFNR students grades 8-12. Members participated in numerous leadership and career development events including livestock, dairy, horse, meats, forestry, fish & wildlife, ag mechanics, and leadership competitions throughout the region and state. Major activities included the Fall Leadership Conference, State Convention, Winter Leadership Contest, and the annual Fruit and Puffin fundraiser.
Students are also establishing an FFA garden that will supply produce to both the high school and elementary school, with plans to add fruit trees and drip irrigation this summer.
The Caledonia FFA Chapter thanks the community for its continued support and welcomes opportunities for community service.
2025-26 Chapter Officers are:
President McKenna Eglinton, Vice President Owen Ranzenberger, Secretary Kristen Schmidt, Treasure Peyton Hoscheit, Sentinel Summer Colsch, Reporter Alex Nelson, Parliamentarian Maggie Herman, Historian Sophia Storlie, Houston Liaison Maren Kulas.
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