Madras FFA utilized the Land Lab for a District FFA Soil Judging Competition. Nearly 70 students from multiple Oregon school districts converged to assess and judge soil samples in three different pits on the 35 acres
Months have passed since Jefferson County School District 509J acquired nearly 35 acres of land that will be used for an Agricultural Science and Technology Land Lab. In the time that has passed, Madras High School Agriculture Teacher, Lee Hofman, has been waiting for Spring to get his students out on the land.
“We’re eager to see our vision come to life as we get kids out onto the land, engaging directly with the sublessee, witnessing their practices, exploring their plans, and actively supporting their needs,” Hofman said.
JCSD 509J subleased the land back to the current tenant, Mr. Greg Williams of Deschutes Basin Farms. We are working hand in hand to maintain the current operation level of the property.
This land lab will provide students with invaluable opportunities to explore various aspects of agriculture firsthand. JCSD 509J will collaborate with Pratum Co-op, leveraging their expertise to develop the land for production. Students will learn about soil needs, how to read soil tests, and about what nutrients are in the soil. They will also study native, invasive, and noxious weeds and pests. This hands-on approach will enable students to apply the skills they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios.
“This is the epitome of CTE or Career Technical Education,” High Desert ESD Regional Director of CTE Brook Rich said. “Students will be getting hands-on application and have the opportunity to acquire technical skills, professional practices, and knowledge that is critical for success in a high-wage, in-demand career.”
Looking ahead, students will manage small plots of land within the land lab, providing them with the opportunity to oversee the crop cycle on these plots independently. Our district plans to have students working on this in the Spring of 2025.
Our district plans to improve the accessibility of the land in the years to come. These plans include installing ADA accessible restrooms and improving the parking lot to ensure that all students have access to this invaluable learning resource.
509J leased the land in October of 2023 as part of a partnership with the City of Madras. The lab is located at the corners of J Street and McTaggart Road which is less than a half mile away from MHS. Madras FFA utilized the Land Lab for a District FFA Soil Judging Competition in the Fall. Nearly 70 students from multiple Oregon school districts converged to assess and judge soil samples in three different pits on the 35 acres, further showing the potential and significance of the property.