What Is New In Octorara's Agriculture?

• Octorara Equine Sports Team

• On-site large animals

• On-site small animals

• On-site barn

• Green house/high tunnel

• Aquaponic/Hydroponic lab

• Strong FFA Octorara Chapter

The Octorara Animal and Plant Science Technology Career & Technical Education Program would like to introduce the “Octorara Equestrian Sports Team”.  In partnering with world renowned horse profiler, Kerry Thomas, THT Bloodstock; Kathy King, Trainer; and Anecia Delduco, Owner, and the entire team at Second Nature Farms, students will learn, interact, and enhance equestrian skills from world renown Equine Industry Leaders.  

THT Bloodstock

Second Nature Farm

A general program that focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding and husbandry of agricultural animals and plants.   The production, processing, and instruction in the animal sciences, animal husbandry, health, production, and agricultural and food products. Instruction also includes laboratory experiences in and/or out of school including supervised agricultural experience (SAE). Approved academic courses taught by certificated academic teachers will be coordinated and deemed essential for students to successfully reach their career objectives.  Students have daily hands on experiences with the care of large and small animals specific to their SAE. 

Our instructional program also prepares individuals to apply scientific knowledge and methods in the planning related to and the economical use of facilities, land, water, machinery, chemicals, finance and labor in the production of plant and animal products. Activities include classroom instruction, agricultural mechanics instruction and laboratory experiences in and out of school including farms, agribusiness and other agriculturally related establishments. 

The Animal and Plant Science Technology program provides students with the scientific knowledge, methods, and skills necessary to pursue employment or entrepreneurship in agriculture and allows students to discover the field of agriculture in greater depth and explore specific areas of interest in Animal and Plant Science. Areas of study include Agribusiness, Animal Science, Biotechnology, Career Development, Economics and Marketing, Food Science, Forestry, Leadership, Management, Natural Resource Management, and Plant and Soil Science.

Industry Certifications:

• PA Skills Certificate

• National Pork Quality Assurance

• CPR/First Aid Certificate

• Career Safe General Industry (Agriculture)

• Artificial Insemination Certification

Future Certifications

• PA Nutrient Management Cert.

• PA Certified Horticulturalist

• PA Pesticide Applicator Certification

• PA Environmental Agricultural Conservation of Excellence (PEACCE)

• PA Beef Quality Assurance

• National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operator

   

Student Organization: FFA 

Future Careers:

• Precision Agriculture Technicians

• Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Post Secondary

• Veterinary Techs and Veterinarians (large and small animals)

• Bakers/Chefs

• Bursery & Greenhouse Managers

• Farm Workers & Laborers

• Butchers & Meat Cutters

Madelyn Kerr and Lucas Thompson, members of Octorara FFA attended the Pennsylvania's State Legislative Leadership Conference (SLLC), which was held this year in Harrisburg March 18-20. Madelyn and Lucas were among more than 450 other FFA students from across the state of Pennsylvania. Over the course of three days, the students attended workshops focusing on the legislative process, parliamentary procedure, and state government. During these workshops, they were also assigned to the "House" and "Senate" and debated current bills in Harrisburg. These interactive and hand-on workshops helped students develop career, leadership, and life skills. On Monday afternoon, students and their FFA advisors participated in a community service project within the Harrisburg area. This project kicked off community service across the state for as FFA members return to their local communities to continue fulfilling the FFA mission "living to serve." The conference concluded Tuesday morning after having breakfast with more than 50 Pennsylvania Representatives and Senators. They also heard from Pennsylvania's Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. Mr. Redding challenged our students to commit the rest of the week to "developing their personal understanding of the legislative process that guides this commonwealth and this nation." He told them that "when they put on the blue jacket, they accepted a lot of responsibility. And that responsibility will shape them into great leaders. Octorara FFA members attended several conferences year round that help them develop career, leadership, and life skills to help them prepare for the vital roles they will one day play in the future of our industry and country.

Pennsylvania coordinates eight student organizations that provide career awareness, leadership, motivation, and recognition for career related skills. The career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) are an extension of the classroom instructional program by integrating academics and career and technical skills into real work experiences.

Students in the Plant Science Technology and Mechanical Systems Technology and Animal CTP programs are to join FFA.

FFA stands for Future Farmers of America and is an organization just for students who want to be production farmers, teachers, doctors, scientists, business
 owners and more. The National and Octorara FFA Organizations are committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. All students who are enrolled in the Octorara Area Career & Technical Animal and Plant Science Technology Program and Agriculture Mechanics Program become members of FFA due to the affiliate membership.

Octorara FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways. So today, FFA is still the Future Farmers of America. But, we are the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America, too.

FFA Link

 The Animal and Plant Science Technology program provides students with the scientific knowledge, methods, and skills necessary to pursue employment or entrepreneurship in agriculture and allows students to discover the field of agriculture in greater depth and explore specific areas of interest in Animal and Plant Science. Areas of study include Agribusiness, Animal Science, Biotechnology, Career Development, Economics and Marketing, Food Science, Forestry, Leadership, Management, Natural Resource Management, and Plant and Soil Science.

PDE Program of Study Task List