Wa-Hi student farmers get a big boost this summer
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — Student farmers at Walla Walla High School are working with modern, industry-standard facilities this summer following major upgrades to the school’s agricultural farm.
The high school’s agricultural education program recently completed several significant improvements to its livestock facilities, funded by a nearly $40,000 grant awarded in April by the Washington FFA Foundation. The nonprofit organization provides resources and grants to expand hands-on learning across the state.
The grant funding enabled the school to install new panels, gates, and shelters for the market lamb and market goat pens, alongside a dedicated working area for sheep. The equipment was manufactured by Milton-Freewater-based Noble Panels and installed by Hiner Equine Solutions. To finish the project, agriculture students painted the new shelters to match the school’s historic red barn.
Additionally, the district’s maintenance team installed a new FarmTek water system in the market hog facility. The upgraded system ensures animals have consistent access to clean drinking water while reducing waste.
Agriculture teacher Jessica Johnson said the upgrades create a safer, more functional environment that will support classroom instruction, student livestock projects, and supervised agricultural experiences for years to come.
“The updated facilities will help prepare students with the technical knowledge, responsibility, and leadership skills that are at the heart of agricultural education,” Johnson said.
The district said the project aligns with the program’s commitment to experiential learning, providing students with modern facilities that mirror real-world agricultural operations.
Photo courtesy Walla Walla Public Schools
