Students win $220,000 in donor support for Ottumwa FFA barn; board hears plan to begin work this winter
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Summary
FFA student leaders described plans for a 96×48 enclosed barn to expand hands‑on animal science labs and livestock projects; presenters and district staff announced $200,000 from the Tomah Legacy Foundation and $20,000 from Cargill Cares and estimated construction could start this winter with completion by the end of the school year.
Student leaders from the Ottumwa FFA chapter presented a proposal to expand the district AgCenter with an enclosed barn designed to support livestock projects, vet‑tech labs and community outreach. Josie Aljets, president of the chapter, and other student officers explained that the program has grown rapidly—from about a dozen members at startup to roughly 95 students—and said a barn would allow more students to participate in livestock SAE projects and competitions.
Students outlined operational details: animals would be student‑owned and housed at the barn with rotating adult supervision and a weekly 'barn mom' check. The proposed facility dimensions presented to the board showed a 96‑by‑48 enclosed structure. Superintendent Mike and other administrators credited student leadership and announced philanthropic support for the project: $200,000 from the Tomah Legacy Foundation and $20,000 from Cargill Cares, with plaques planned to honor donors.
Board members praised the program and the students’ fundraising; administration said construction could begin later this winter with an ambitious goal of completion by the end of the school year, and that students and parents would help shape interior outfitting after site visits to other facilities.
Next steps: administration will coordinate final design, donor recognition and construction scheduling and will return to the board with procurement details and timeline updates.
