When special education students at Zachary High School in Zachary, La., were interested in showing broiler chickens, Zachary High FFA members stepped up to make this opportunity possible.
“[The students] really took a liking to and interest in the chickens, so they started taking care of them,” says Zachary High FFA advisor Melissa Brumbaugh. “We started a program at our school and organized a chicken show where my dad served as judge.”
As a result, FFA members created the AG Buddy program, which has been active since 2018. Through the program, special education students are paired with FFA members who help them learn how to care for and show broiler chickens. In addition to developing relationships with peers, these students prepare a speech that showcases their knowledge about their projects.
“Our special education students learn about responsibility, taking care of an animal and public speaking,” Brumbaugh says. “They learn they can do anything.”
Although the program started small, with just a few students paired together, Brumbaugh says she’s excited to see it grow in the future. “I want to go beyond chickens and get them to show other animals like sheep, goats or cattle,” she adds.
Charles Martin (left), Addison Brian (right) and Caudab Wiltz (center) developed a close relationship through participating in the AG Buddy program.
Addison Brian, a recent Zachary High School graduate and FFA alumna, has been participating in the program for two years. “Working with the special education students has given me a different perspective that opened my eyes,” she says.
Through her involvement, Brian enjoyed learning how to be helpful and supportive of her AG Buddies as they experience something unique.
“My favorite part has been watching them all on show day,” Brian adds. “I love seeing the work they’ve put in and how much they’ve practiced, then showing everybody else what they can do.”
Brumbaugh’s advice for FFA chapters and members interested in starting a program like AG Buddy is simple: Start today. “It’s incredibly rewarding, so I’d say to go for it,” she says.
