Riverdale Schools Agriculture Program Recognized

MUSCODA, Wis (WRCO / WRCE) – The Riverdale Agricultural Education Department has been awarded the Outstanding Middle/Secondary Agricultural Education Program in Section Four.

The program highlights are divided into three main areas: FFA, Classroom, and Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE).

FFA Highlights:
1. Owners and operators of a 150-acre school farm, planted, harvested, and managed by the FFA.
2. Secured a lease of a 2020 Farmall 110 A, 2021 Farmall 110 A, and a 2024 Farmall 120 C tractor for use by the FFA.
3. Purchased $14,000 worth of equipment for the school farm since 2021.
4. Host several major community- and elementary-oriented events that total over 1,050 visitors/participants each year.
5. Students have earned thirteen State FFA degrees in the last 3 years.
6. The FFA has donated $15,000 to various causes.

Classroom Highlights:
1. Displays of a new animal or group of animals in it’s animal lab each week for 32 visitors in the 2023-2024 school year, including hands-on activities with the animals.
2. Hosted 30 guest speakers or demonstrations during the 2023-2024 school year.
3. Conducted 27 agricultural field trips, including trips to the Riverdale school farm.
4. Designed and completed a learning center at the school farm in collaboration with a generous donation from Jack Meister and the Family.
5. Completed two tractor restoration projects in the last two years.
6. All agriculture classes equal science credit equivalent, industry certificates, or Southwest Technical College transcript courses.

Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE)

1. Opportunities provided by the Riverdale Ag Program, which include school farm management, forest management, chicken coop management, greenhouse management, and animal lab management.
2. 100% of Riverdale Ag Students have an SAE.
3. Since 2020, Riverdale has certified 45 National Farm and Machinery Safety students.4. Five gold, 20 silver, and two bronze state proficiency awards since 2020.
5. Fifteen state proficiency applicants in 2024.

The Riverdale Agricultural Education Department offers many opportunities for students throughout the district.

In a release, a Riverdale spokesperson said “The district is fortunate to have many staff members, administration, local businesses, and community members who make these things possible.”

As one of the top ten programs in the state this year, the Riverdale Agricultural Education Department is running for the number one Agriculture program in Wisconsin.

The winner will be revealed at the Wisconsin Agricultural Education Conference in June.

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