MOULTRIE, Ga. — Ag classes at Colquitt County High School are wasting no time getting busy this year. 

Two of the classes, ag mechanics and animal science, have combined forces. The ag mechanics class is using the skills they have learned to construct a chicken coop that the animal science class will use to raise chickens. 

“In my experience, the best way to prepare someone for life is by teaching them skills they will use throughout life,” said Stacy Beacham, the ag mechanics teacher. “Not only are my students learning skills such as construction and welding that they can always use to make a living, but they are also learning how to work together with others to accomplish a common goal and finish within a given period of time.” 

“I am really excited to be able to teach hands on with my students,” said Jesse Boland, the animal science teacher. “Poultry is one of the largest agricultural industries in Georgia, and it is an awesome opportunity for the students to be able to experience every step in poultry production from incubation to sale.”

Chickens are not all that Boland has been busy with, either. Bees are another new addition to the high school. Wildlife Management students are responsible for the upkeep and care of the bees, and they even decorated the hives. 

“We have two hives here on campus,” Boland said, “and it is super beneficial for the students to be able to experience the inner workings of a beehive, especially when bees play such an important role in agriculture. I hope we are able to grow the beehives to the point where we can profit from the honey as a fundraiser.”

Meanwhile, the horticulture class has been producing eggplants. The plugs were donated by Wilder Plant Company. Horticulture students are growing them in raised beds that ensure access to fertile soil for the plants. Once the eggplants are ready for harvest they will be eaten by the agriculture students. 

“I love the fact that I am able to get my students trying new food and learning a life-long skill such as gardening,” horticulture teacher Adrienne Smith said.