Learning by Doing Grant

For Fayette County FFA member Haylee Bill, the Learning by Doing Grant made it possible to raise her first market hog from start to finish. Beginning with a small pig in February and caring for it through the cold winter months, Haylee quickly learned that success in livestock production requires more than feed and shelter—it demands dedication, problem-solving, and daily commitment.

Through careful documentation of her hog’s diet, growth, and behavior, Haylee discovered the importance of feed efficiency, proper worming schedules, and maintaining a clean, warm environment. By spring, her project yielded a hog with a hanging weight of 284 pounds, providing her family with quality sausage and ham, while also teaching her how to budget expenses and sell by-products profitably.

“Each day brought new lessons,” Haylee reflected. “From watching the pig gain nearly two pounds daily to learning how to manage costs, I now feel more prepared to continue in hog production.”

Her story illustrates the power of experiential learning: with support from the Learning by Doing Grant, Haylee gained not just agricultural skills, but confidence, responsibility, and a clearer vision of her future in production agriculture.

With support from a Learning by Doing Teacher Grant, Millville agriculture educator Nicole Hall gained hands-on training in the CASE Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) curriculum—an “Introduction to Agriculture” course designed to spark curiosity and build a strong foundation for future agricultural studies. Over the course of five in-person and two virtual training days, the teacher not only experienced the curriculum firsthand but also practiced engaging classroom demonstrations, from extracting DNA from strawberries to exploring animal body systems.

The training connected directly to Millville’s growing agriculture program, where nearly a quarter of the high school’s students are enrolled and interest continues to climb among younger grades. By bringing the CASE AFNR curriculum home, Millville can now offer students practical, inquiry-based lessons that tie directly to career development, CDEs, and industry opportunities—giving students a clear gateway into the agricultural sciences and broader career and technical education pathways.

“The best part is that I no longer have to spend time writing an introductory curriculum from scratch,” Nicole shared. “Now, I can focus on implementing these lessons and giving students hands-on learning that prepares them for their futures.”

For Grace Turner, a member of Central Columbia FFA, the Learning by Doing Grant was more than just funding—it was a springboard for her family’s business, Gen 5 Farms in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Specializing in locally raised beef and pork, Gen 5 Farms prides itself on quality products and exceptional customer service. With her $500 SAE grant, Grace invested in tools to strengthen both the efficiency and professionalism of their operation: a digital meat scale to ensure accurate, transparent pricing and a Point-of-Sale system that gives customers the convenience of paying with debit or credit cards.

While these may sound like simple purchases, they’ve had a lasting impact. By combining fair pricing with modern payment options, Grace has created a seamless buying experience that builds customer trust and loyalty—vital skills for any entrepreneur learning to balance production with business management.

“The grant gave me the chance to take our farm business to the next level,” Grace shared. “Now, I can serve our customers better and keep growing something I’m proud to be a part of.”

At Big Spring Middle FFA, curiosity became the driving force behind a brand-new learning opportunity. Thanks to a Learning by Doing Chapter Grant, students with a strong interest in Small Gas Engines gained the tools and resources they needed to explore this technical field hands-on. Before ever picking up a wrench, members studied engine parts and created review materials, ensuring they understood the mechanics before diving into practice. This mix of theory and application not only fueled their interest but also built a strong foundation for future success.

Over the course of the year, 10 students directly benefited from the project, with resources that will continue to support learning for years to come. Organization became a key skill as students labeled and painted tools for long-term use, while mentorship played a powerful role. Retired agriculture teacher and School Board President, Mr. John Wardle, volunteered his time to guide students through the fundamentals of engine repair—offering both technical knowledge and a living example of agricultural leadership.

“This project opened the door for us,” one student reflected. “We’re not only learning how engines work, but we’re building the confidence to compete in the Small Gas Engines CDE—and maybe even bring this opportunity to other middle school FFA chapters in the future.”

For Blake Hamman, a member of Big Spring Middle FFA, the Learning by Doing Grant turned a personal passion into a schoolwide opportunity. With support from the grant, Blake expanded his fly-tying project by purchasing additional equipment, enabling him to both refine his own skills and share the art of tying simple fishing flies with others.

The impact reached far beyond his own experience—Blake introduced more than 500 students in his school to fly-tying, sparking curiosity and opening doors to a unique connection between agriculture, natural resources, and outdoor recreation. What began as one student’s project quickly became a hands-on way for many to discover a new skill and consider agricultural career paths they may not have otherwise explored.

“This project was really successful,” Blake reflected. “So many people got the chance to learn simple fly-tying techniques, and it showed them a whole new opportunity they didn’t know was out there.”