The Ottumwa Community School District is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation and a $20,000 grant from the Cargill Cares Council to support the expansion of the Ottumwa Schools Agricultural Education Center. These investments will significantly enhance hands-on learning, agricultural career pathways, and real-world student experiences across the district.

The grant monies contribute to an expansion of the Ottumwa Community School District Agricultural Center/FFA, located at 14880 IA-149, adding modern animal housing, instructional space, animal stalls, wash bays, storage areas, and expanded breezeways. These improvements allow students to move from classroom simulations to lab-based instruction in animal science, veterinary technology, agricultural biotechnology, and livestock management.

“This project gives students real responsibility and real experience,” said Kelly Genners, President of the Legacy Foundation. “Caring for animals builds skills students carry into any career and into their own lives.”

The expansion is expected to begin in early 2026. The project will be completed in phases, with the barn and barnyard becoming fully operational by the 2026–2027 school year and crop farming, animal care expansion, and showing areas coming online through 2028.

The expansion supports growing student interest in agriculture and FFA programming. Current enrollment includes 65 students in agriculture courses and 98 students participating in FFA, with plans to increase both as new courses and hands-on opportunities are added. By 2027–2028, more than 90 students are expected to enroll in advanced classes, including agribusiness, advanced horticulture, agronomy, advanced animal sciences, and additional specialty coursework, while maintaining a goal of over 100 FFA members. The program ensures that all students, including those who do not live on farms, can participate in supervised, experiential learning.

“We are extremely grateful for our community partnerships and continued investments in Ottumwa students,” said Superintendent Mike McGrory. “This expansion strengthens our agricultural program, opens new pathways for student success, and provides meaningful, real-world experiences.”

The Ottumwa Community School District extends sincere appreciation to the Legacy Foundation, Cargill Cares Council, and the community for their ongoing support of our students and student programs.