🥩🍗 ADDITIONAL RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🥗🍓

One of the most exciting developments is a new partnership between Hay Springs Public Schools and Open 6 Cattle. Open 6 Cattle has received a Notice of Intent to Award for $203,100 through Nebraska’s Rural Health Transformation Program, Equipment and Infrastructure Grant Initiative 1.3.

The project will support expanded agricultural production and farm-to-fork opportunities connected to Hay Springs Public Schools, creating authentic, hands-on learning experiences for students in our agriculture classes and FFA program.

This is much more than an equipment or infrastructure project. Our students will have opportunities to be directly involved in the work; from livestock and agricultural production to welding, greenhouse and food-production experiences; while learning firsthand how locally produced food can move from the farm to the school cafeteria. It brings together agriculture education, career and technical education, FFA, local producers, and school nutrition in a way that is uniquely suited to a rural community like Hay Springs.

We are incredibly grateful to Joseph and Frankie Johnson with Open 6 Cattle for their partnership and willingness to help create these opportunities for our students. Their involvement is helping us envision a true farm-to-fork model in which our kids aren’t simply learning about agriculture; they are actively participating in it.