Thornapple Kellogg High School had a groundbreaking ceremony for a new barn for the FFA program at 3625 Bender Road near the TK Bus garage.

FFA Advisor Alyssa Hamlin, said the program has received more than $150,000. in donations and grants for the project, with nearly $40,000 raised by the the FFA Advisory board fundraising committee.

FFA students are expected to use the new facility this fall.  The barn is being constructed by SE Agricultural & Commercial Solutions.  There will be two classroom spaces where students can learn about animal safety, reproduction, care and maintenance.  The key piece of the project is for the barn to function as a real farm.  Students will analyze inflow & outflow expenses, budgets and brainstorm ideas for fundraising opportunities.  The barn will also provide students with supervised animal experiences.

FFA members will also use the barn to house their broiler chickens for the State Broiler contest.  The TK FFA program had been dormant since the mid 1960's. In the 2022-23 School year the program was resurrected and has been growing strong.  Members currently attend State and National Conventions and take part in the regional and state FFA competitions.