Bonanza Jr/Sr High expands ag science program to include sheep, chickens, and more

Oct. 16, 2025 / The sun spilled over the school farm at Bonanza Junior/Senior High School as students gathered eggs from the chicken coop, their chatter mixing with the crow of a rooster. In the school’s shop, a student welded metal for a sheep birthing pen.

Over the past few years, Bonanza’s agriculture program has expanded into a multifaceted operation that blends science, business, and craftsmanship. Students now manage a chicken flock, care for sheep, tend gardens of fruits and vegetables, and operate farm machinery—all while learning real-world lessons and building skills that sustain their rural community.

After gathering the eggs from the chicken coop, students ran them through an egg washer, readying them for sale and use. The school’s hens produce about 14 dozen eggs each week, which are sold locally at the Bonanza General Store and also used in the school cafeteria. The process connects students to farm-to-table practices and the fundamentals of small-business management.

The sheep birthing pen is a creative project that utilizes metal from an old playground swing set as its base. Local community members donated wood and other materials, and students will wrap the structure in lumber and add a metal roof to provide a safe, sturdy shelter for future lambing seasons.

“It’s an amazing project that combines engineering, carpentry, and agriculture,” said Nick Sparks, who teaches construction and manufacturing and works closely with Marie Kinney, the school’s ag science teacher. “Students are learning valuable skills while directly supporting our animal program.”

Sparks was hired three years ago as a full-time construction and manufacturing teacher, allowing Kinney to focus on ag science courses full time and enabling the program to expand. While Kinney is on leave this year, Bonanza teacher Kelly Grief is filling in and teaching the ag science courses.

The growth of the program is the result of intentional planning and dedication. Bonanza Junior/Senior High School Principal Jordan Osborn and his team have secured around $600,000 in grants to fund a shop renovation, equipment, fencing, cold frames, and other resources. This fall, the addition of a new tractor—purchased through a community-supported grant—will allow students to earn certification in safe tractor operation while contributing to fieldwork and construction projects around the school farm.

Beyond the classroom, students are extending their learning into the community. They harvest vegetables for use in school meals, help elementary students with pumpkin-decorating contests, and take part in local agricultural events. These experiences strengthen the connection between Bonanza’s youth and the community that has long been rooted in farming traditions.

“Expanding the ag program has been transformative for our students,” Osborn said. “It provides meaningful learning opportunities and fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of agriculture in our community.”

Bonanza is among four schools in the Klamath County School District — including Mazama, Lost River, and Henley — that have FFA and ag science programs. Lost River and Henley also operate school farms.