The backbone of our country is agriculture, an industry supported by generations of hardworking farmers, laborers, and animal caretakers. The Nevada Joint Union High School ranch hopes to instill the work ethic needed for the profession into students, while also helping them gain agricultural experience.
Located off McCourtney Road, the 86-acre property was donated in 2021 to the school district by the Phelan family.
“It was donated with the intent that it would be used in sharing agriculture education with our youth, as well as the community in Nevada County,” said Ellen Van Noy, the current District Ranch supervisor. Van Noy is in charge of overseeing everything from student field trips, collaboration efforts, and the future of agriculture in Nevada County.
“I think some of the greatest things students can understand and learn are in the field, to learn from farmers who know what it’s like to live in that world,” Van Noy added. “Sometimes reading a textbook or being in a classroom-setting is beneficial in its way, but it’s different.”
One of the main focuses of the ranch is supporting students with their Supervised Agricultural Experiences, whether that be providing housing, storage or resources for students to complete their projects.
Aside from being agriculture students’ final project at the end of the school year, an SAE provides them with hands-on experience in the industry, while also forging connections, and even turning a profit for the student.
“One of the biggest things that FFA and agriculture is really trying to accomplish is ‘SAE for all’, meaning that we’re trying to provide access, equality and equity to all of our students,” Van Noy said. “SAEs are unique in the fact that they really give students the opportunity to see what agriculture is, first hand. Whether it’s showing animals or agriscience projects, or working for a local farmer.
“We can help bridge the gap between students that may not have those resources themselves, by providing them internships at the ranch.” Van Noy explained.
A new pathway Bear River is offering in the coming year are internships, for both their skills health and agriculture pathways.
Bear River floral teacher, Lauren Glomson, is especially excited for the animal science internships being offered.
“If a student is interested in a certain pathway, they can ‘trial run’ it, and network with some people in the industry,” Glomson said.
“We’ve got students out there who are running research projects on pond development, and we’ve got our students who have over 200 hours of practical experience on the sawmill – they are developing real world skills!” Van Noy said.
The mission of the ranch is simple; they aim to educate younger generations in agriculture, and make it accessible for everyone.
“Every single time there’s a student on that property, we know that we are accomplishing our goal.” Van Noy said. “You can see (the students’) excitement: they can see the potential in this place, and they can see what it would do for them.”
