AMERICUS, Ga. (WTVM) — Sumter County High School students are participating in a new agriculture and food production program that gives them hands-on experience with livestock and the canning process, drawing a visit Friday from U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop. This program is launched by the Ignite College and Career Academy. The program includes cows and goats now living on campus. The goats arrived in early June, and the cows came earlier this month. Local farmer Matt Berry said the animals were made possible by community members. “Well it’s exciting. It’s a way to give back to a life that we do everyday,” Berry said. Students are currently caring for the goats and learning to prepare cows for livestock shows. The program also plans to teach students how to guide animals through the reproduction process. Jake Dutcher, a sophomore in the program, said the opportunity aligns with his interests. “It’s a dream come true. I’ve always dreamt of being on the farm doing the things that I love most, because I’ve always loved animals,” Dutcher said. In addition to livestock care, students at the facility learn the canning process, which includes steaming, cleaning, and blanching fruits and vegetables before placing them into jars and cans. The produce used in the process is community grown. Bishop, a Democrat representing Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District, toured the facility Friday. “I’m just happy that I had the opportunity that Sumter County High School invited me to come and to see…
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