Washtucna FFA, 4-H receives Rural Community Grant

Northwest Farm Credit Representative Stacey Schoessler presented the Washtucna FFA and 4-H chapters with a $3,500 check on Feb. 21.

The funding is from the Rural Community Grant, sponsored through Northwest Farm Credit, and will be used to complete fencing around the FFA chapter’s land.

Washtucna FFA Adviser La Rena Draper explained the chapter applied for the grant last September. The funds will help with safety for livestock, students and the community, as well as allow students with an opportunity to raise all types of livestock.

“On behalf of the Washtucna community, 4-H and FFA advisors, parents and students we want to sincerely thank Northwest Farm Credit and the board of the Rural Community Grant for helping us gain access to build a fence around the perimeter of the property at our new 4-H and FFA student livestock facility,” Draper said.

“These dollars will help our current and upcoming community youth far into the future because we now can raise multiple species of livestock and it also allows us to make the student farm a safer place for our students to raise and work with their livestock projects,” she concluded.

The FFA land was donated by a prior superintendent and has been used by students on a temporary basis. During the past year, a growing demand for the facilities led to the chapter pursuing grants and local donations.

Draper said the project started with generous donations of installation of waterlines by Irrigation Specialists of Pasco and fencing supply donations for lamb pens from Four Star Supply of Dusty.

The project has been made possible by more than 70 individual helping fund the project, volunteering their time and showing their support for the local youth organizations.

Former ag teacher Fred Blauert was also instrumental in assisting with getting water to the property.

Draper also said the school board and administration, as well as the Washtucna Town Council, have been helpful by allowing the students to use the land as desired, and helping abandon a street that runs through the property.