myWHRO SIGN IN
When you think of a routine school day for high schoolers, feeding chickens, rabbits and goats probably doesn’t cross your mind. But high school students in Isle of Wight County Schools are spending their days not only caring for animals, but also tending crops and learning other aspects of running a farm.
The Isle of Wight County Schools Agricultural Land Lab is a school-owned 30-acre working farm where students enrolled in agriculture classes can experience hands-on learning. The idea came about seven years ago, said Farm Manager Daniel Judkins, when the superintendent wanted a way for agricultural students to gain more hands-on education.
“It’s just a different way to learn agriculture other than out of a book in a classroom,” he explained. “Being able to get out here with our students, we get them excited about agriculture. We give them the opportunity to learn where their food comes from, maybe sparking an interest to want to go into agriculture.”
It’s a critical industry that needs more workers, he explained.
“It's important,” Judkins said. “Farmers feed the world. Without farmers, we don't eat. Raising that next generation of farmers is very crucial to making the world go round.”
The farm offers students an array of experiences so they can determine which niche they enjoy most. From a variety of different animals to an assortment of different crops and building structures, students gain experiences in a myriad of areas.
“Everything out here at the land lab students have built with their own hands, so they leave their mark on it,” said Agricultural Instructor Jason Brittle. “That's, I think, one of our biggest goals is to have those students take that ownership and create something that they can be proud of.”
Students said they enjoy the opportunity to learn outside of a classroom.
“It is such a learning experience to be here and there's always something new. There's never a dull moment at the farm because you're just learning everything from crops to how to take care of animals, and how to learn to be a leader and communication skills, and everything like that. It's wonderful to be here,” said Emma Barnes, a junior at Smithfield High School.
Watch the full video about the Agricultural Land Lab on December 12 at 1 p.m. on the WHRO Facebook and YouTube page.
If your school has an exciting program or event that you would like to share, send us the details at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We love highlighting the great work that our local schools are doing!
WHRO is proudly owned by the 21 school divisions in the southeastern Virginia region, including Isle of Wight County Schools. Learn more about the educational resources we offer for students and teachers.
