FFA students gain hands-on experience

WAUPACA – Students in the Waupaca FFA chapter are getting hands-on experience in modern agriculture, from raising tilapia to caring for rabbits, and supplying the community with homegrown plants through the chapter’s annual greenhouse sale held last Friday and Saturday at Waupaca High School.

Waupaca FFA President Belle Robinson led visitors through the school’s greenhouse and animal facilities during the plant sale, explaining how students propagate “mom plants” into new starts, grow produce in vertical towers and manage a tilapia system that recirculates nutrient-rich water to support plant growth. All of the plants sold at the greenhouse sale were raised by Waupaca High School students.

Beyond plants and fish, students practice taxidermy, raise livestock and care for animals on site, including rabbits that are shown at the Waupaca County Fair. FFA members also take part in speaking contests and career development events ranging from wildlife and floriculture to small animal veterinary science, and community service projects such as concession stands, Adopt-a-Highway, Miracle Tree and petting zoos.