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Features:
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While agriculture education is nothing new, a dedicated facility with the ability to house livestock on a rural campus in the Midwest is a surprising anomaly. The Agricultural Complex is the only one in Illinois — and one of a handful in the United States — to hold that distinction. With an already thriving program, the planning of the facility and its location needed to be tightly knit into other district programs, such as athletics and general education. A key consideration was also the ability to expand program offerings in the future, through enlarged facilities and features which could include on-site gardens, crops or additional livestock support.
The complex offers a flexible design that is intentionally minimal, budget-friendly and ideal for future-ready, hands-on learning. A livestock chute in the lab allows animals to be held for vaccinations, tagging, health inspections, general hygiene and care. The animal ward offers a flexible design that allows students easy access to the lab and outdoor areas. The design features a built-in watering system, unfinished floors, high ceilings and sliding barn doors. The only downfall? No matter what, it still smells like pigs. But the students don’t seem to mind and most of them head straight to the ward to check on the animals before classes. |
Explore the spaces in 360°.
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I have been able to expand what and how I teach because of this structure. I have the resources I need right here, so I can teach more efficiently and more effectively.
- Wes Wise, District Agriculture Teacher, Okaw Valley CSD #302
- Wes Wise, District Agriculture Teacher, Okaw Valley CSD #302
Details that make a difference.
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