Valley Springs takes Outstanding Ag Education Program

HOT SPRINGS – Arkansas Farm Bureau recognized Leanna Britton of Star City High School as the state’s Outstanding Ag Educator. Valley Springs High School grabbed the top spot as the Outstanding Ag Education Program, and Clinton High School’s Justin Wiedower earned the Outstanding New Ag Educator award. All were recognized at Farm Bureau’s 82nd annual convention Dec. 1 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

The Outstanding Ag Educator Award recognizes a high school agriculture education instructor for efforts in teaching young people about agriculture, leadership and involvement in FFA. The Star City program includes almost 100 students in ag education and FFA.

Tim Moore and Chester Taylor run the Valley Springs High School ag education program. It has 173 participants and 101 are FFA members. The Plant Science classes manage a greenhouse and the Animal Science class manages a 160-acre school farm, raising beef cattle, hay and fescue seed.

Wiedower took over a dormant program at Lead Hill High School and built it up over two years, establishing a successful and competitive livestock showing program. At Clinton High School, Weidower has overseen a large increase in FFA members and a livestock showing team that has qualified for the state contest each year.

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of almost 191,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.

Rob Anderson
(501) 228-1640
rob.anderson@arfb.com

 or

Gregg Patterson
(501) 228-1282
gregg.patterson@arfb.com

Leanna Britton of Star City High School (second from left) is recognized as the state’s Outstanding Ag Educator by Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach (far right) and Vice President Rich Hillman (far left). She was joined by Star City High School Principal Mike Walker and Star City School Superintendent Jon Laffoon.

Tim Moore (second from left) and Chester Taylor (second from right) of Valley Springs High School accepted the award for Outstanding Ag Education Program from Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach (far left) and Vice President Rich Hillman (far right). They were joined by chapter president Scarlett King (center right) and sentinel Bodie King (center left).