Pigs have a modern home at Athena-Weston Land Lab

By Terry Murry on Thursday, March 12th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

ATHENA – The Athena-Weston School District is celebrating the successful completion and opening of its new pig barn at the local land lab. The first group of animals moved into the facility earlier this month. The barn replaces a 50-year-old structure with a state-of-the-art space that expands agricultural education.

The building was made possible by grants from Umatilla County Community and Economic Development, the Milton-Freewater Community Foundation, the Athena-Weston Education and Resource Enhancement Committee, and Perkins Family Farms.

The barn is currently supporting 4-H and FFA students as they prepare for the upcoming competitive season. The new facility features expanded capacity. Streamlining has also allowed increased available space for sheep and goat projects.

“The barn is a dream realized for our agriculture program,” said Deb Glover of the school district. “It ensures our youth have a safe, inclusive, and modern space to learn the vital skills of livestock production for years to come.”

Photos from Athena Weston School District