Southwest Valley Ag Program Spotlights Hands-On Learning, FFA Community Giveback, and Busy Week of Student Activities
Southwest Valley Community School District ag teacher Blake Anderson joined KCSI Radio with several Southwest Valley juniors to highlight the district’s strong student involvement, Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month, and upcoming events across academics, athletics, and student organizations.
Anderson said Southwest Valley’s agriculture program remains strong, serving 107 high school students between his classes and fellow ag teacher Steve Sontag. Anderson teaches 7th–8th grade Ag Exploratory (currently learning about drones and working in the shop), freshman ag (currently studying soils), and multiple high school offerings including Ag Leadership (public speaking, leadership, personalities), Ag Construction (building projects), and Ag Power & Technology (windmills and how power becomes work).
Several students shared how CTE classes and co-curriculars are helping them build real-world skills and prepare for life after high school. Kyle Schuler said he enjoys the hands-on, mechanical side of ag classes—especially taking apart engines—and plans to pursue college study tied to ag mechanics and ag business. Carson Cooper said ag welding aligns with his goal of becoming a traveling welder, noting strong demand and opportunity in the trade.
The group also promoted an upcoming FFA community event: a free egg giveaway on Tuesday, February 25, 5:00–6:00 p.m. at both the Southwest Valley middle school and high school as drive-by pickup locations. The chapter plans to distribute 150 dozen eggs, with a limit of one dozen per family, and organizers thanked Southwest Iowa Egg for sponsoring support.
Students also discussed involvement across athletics and clubs, including basketball, wrestling, football, volleyball, track, FBLA, FCCLA, Y Teens, and FFA, with Anderson emphasizing Southwest Valley’s strong participation in sports, activities, music, and speech.
Anderson wrapped with a quick look at the week ahead, including FFA sub-district competition in Lenox, a Financial Aid Night for juniors and parents, multiple basketball games, CTE Day at the Capitol for FFA officers, state wrestling participation, and an FFA-sponsored middle school dance.
