River Ridge FFA Project

River Ridge FFA 

working on large 

and exciting project

By Ted Pennekamp and River Ridge FFA reporter Katelyn Quick

The River Ridge High School FFA Chapter is working on a big project for this upcoming spring. River Ridge is one of 10 schools to receive a $10,000 Monsanto grant to help local groups working to improve rural communities and their schools.

The grant will go towards building a 20-bed raised garden, a high tunnel and more than 20 learning labs that are Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) focused.

FFA Advisor Bret Iverson said that the FFA will wait for better weather to start the project and that more funds are being raised.

“We are working with Williams Landscaping for the design and Top Notch Construction is donating labor, tools and construction assistance,” said Iverson. “We have raised about $18,000 in grants and donations. I am working on a large grant through Lowe’s for $25,000 as well.”

The project has already begun to help courses at River Ridge.

“So far I’ve purchased a $500 soybean kit for classes to teach many STEM topics to students which will allow in the spring to view our test plot and cooperative projects with Black Sand Granary,” Iverson said. “Black Sand Granary donated $500 and will help us get $500 from Pioneer as well. The goal is to make this a teacher center for horticulture and agronomy. The high tunnel bid is completed from Black Sand Granary as well. The goal will be to have it (the project) completed by the end of the school year.”

Iverson explained that the teacher center would be an outdoor learning center for teachers to bring classes out to learn about agriculture, horticulture and STEM. The community could come to the teacher center as well.

Iverson noted that a high tunnel is a type of greenhouse that covers bare ground. It is covered to keep heat in, which keeps the temperature 8 to 10 degrees above the outdoor temperature. It has roll-up sides and can be tilled with a tractor and tiller.

River Ridge’s test plot is 15 acres and rotates between two crops, corn and soybeans. Iverson said the science of agronomy can be implemented. “Soils, diseases, pests and tillage practices are just a few topics to teach students about agronomy,” he said.

Iverson said the total project will cost between $20,000 and $30,000. He said there is enough funding to do the main grant project now but some great bells and whistles could be added, including improving the greenhouse and watering system for the garden, if he would get the Lowe’s grant or there would be additional funding from the community.

Any individual, organization, or business can donate to the project by contacting Iverson at River Ridge High School, Bret Iverson, FFA Advisor (One STEM At A Time Grant Project), PO Box 78, Patch Grove, WI, 53817.

The One STEM At A Time Grant sponsored by Monsanto has received donations from the West Grant Lions Club, the Iverson family, Black Sand Granary, DuPont Pioneer, Land O’ Lakes, Premiere Cooperative, the Strachota family, Southwest Veterinary Clinic, Top Notch Construction and the River Ridge FFA.

“I am very excited to have this hands-on opportunity for students to learn about modern agricultural practices with a state of the art facility that promotes STEM learning,” said Iverson. “Students will be able to literally grow their Supervised Agricultural Experience Program while at school. Employment for students is very important in a rural area, and we will be able to feed students and save on cafeteria food costs. I would like to thank individuals, civic groups and businesses who have generously donated so far. We plan to invite all donors to our grand opening in the spring.”