BELLEVILLE — Two local FFA chapters have been awarded nearly $5,000 each in funding from the 10th Annual Grants for Growing program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Co.

The Big Valley FFA chapter in Belleville received $4,900 as part of the nationwide program, while the Juniata FFA chapter in Mifflintown garnered $4,800 from the same program.

The two FFA chapters were among seven chapters in the state to earn grants. The other FFA chapters included Conococheague (Mercersburg), Southern Huntingdon County, Tyrone Area, Grand Canyon Area (Wellsboro) and California Area.

The Grants for Growing program provides these grant funds to local FFA chapters to support their attendance at local and state level conferences, conventions and other educational events during the 2025-2026 school year as well as the development and improvement of agricultural education projects that enhance the classroom experiences for students through chapter engagement activities.

With the funds, Big Valley FFA will continue to expand on their program of activities for student members to attend more local and state level conventions and other educational events. These events include Fall Leadership Conference in Altoona, Mid-Winter Convention in Harrisburg, Agricultural Cooperation Establishes Success (ACES) Conference in Harrisburg, State Legislative Leadership Conference in Harrisburg, and PA FFA State Convention and Activities Week in State College.

“The new officers and I sat down in May and talked about what we wanted to do to enhance the FFA experience for our members in the upcoming school year,” Big Valley FFA Advisor Nicolette Cusate said. “We really want our members to get the most out of their three years in our program.”

FFA chapter members certainly appreciate the financial support and plan to make the most of the additional funding.

“It’s really cool that someone is helping to support us and believes in what we are doing for the members and our community,” said Big Valley FFA 2025-26 Vice President Abbie Fitzgerald.

Junior member Miley Kohler added, “I am excited that we have the opportunity to do more things and attend more events as a result of being awarded the grant. It can help us make our chapter and community better.”

Outcomes of the grant include that every FFA member who attends any conference delivers a three- to five-minute verbal presentation at a chapter or school board meeting or local community event about their experience.

The members are then encouraged to take on a leadership role or responsibility within the chapter, such as organizing an event, chairing a committee or mentoring members for the 2026-27 school year.

Juniata FFA plans to integrate learning for its students across classes by teaching aquaculture. An aquaponic system is a self-sustaining loop where fish and plants grow together, offering a sustainable approach to farming.

As a cumulative learning experience, students will have a fish fry at the end of the year to raise proceeds to purchase the materials the following year. Ultimately, this project nurtures a deeper level of engagement, empowering students to take ownership of their learning, see the relevance of their education and increase both their academic outcomes and confidence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.

Funding for the program is provided through consumer donations made at checkout at Tractor Supply Co. store by purchasing a $1 FFA Paper Emblem. This fundraising period aligns with National FFA Week in February.

Teachers of agriculture programs can apply for up to $5,000 to support the area of their choosing. This year, the program provided over $900,000 in funding to FFA chapters in 47 states.