Day 8: Centerpoint High School 

Written by: Olivia

While touring the Centerpoint FFA Chapter I was able to understand and learn how they run their organization. We first started with touring their meat facility that started in 1985. They are the only school in Arkansas with a meat processing facility. Each class has 8-10 students who help assist with processing the meat. They begin by moving the animals from the trailer into the chute, then stun them to allow them to be unconscious. Next, the students will begin with skinning and gutting the animals. This process typically takes the students 4 hours for steers. Afterwards, the steers will sit in the cooler for 2-4 weeks while pig carcasses sit for no more than 10 days. This allows them to provide for banquets and other occasions. 

We got to see some of the meat they processed and got to take home sausage and ground beef. It tasted delicious! They have a retail store open twice a month.

I learned that they have a pie auction which allows them to raise money. The money raised allows them to pay for state convention, national convention, FFA dues and allows them to help pay for students FFA jackets, with students only having to pay $10. 

We then moved on to tour their greenhouse. They have 500-1,000 plants that they raise to sell in an auction. They grow tomatoes, peppers, ferns, pineapples, lemon and lime trees and some ornamental plants. I also learned that they use a germination chamber which allows them to control climate. It also provides light source and oxygen circulation that allows the air to flow in order to keep the plants alive. This was such a great way to understand how they care for their crops. 

We moved on to see their class room and see the projects students work on. They are offered welding such as tig, mig, and arc, this allows them to have hands on opportunities. They also provide other activities such as wood work, and so much more. 

For our last stop we visited their livestock barn where they have swine, sheep and goats. I learned that their barn used to be a dairy operation until they sold the land to Centerpoint High School. They help provide supplies for their students to be able to show such as clippers, stands and fitting supplies. These projects allow them to learn responsibility and determination. Over the time they learn why it is important to clip, feed, wash, work and show a livestock animal. They use a lot of materials to get their show animals ready with the help of their advisor when needed.

It was great being able to come out and see all the cool things they have to offer to students. It allowed me to get a better understanding of how they process meat, work in the classroom and prepare themselves for shows. 

Bentley was our tour guide through the beautiful facilities at Centerpoint High School

.