In Hazelton, Idaho, the Valley School District and its surrounding community have broken ground on a new chapter for agricultural education, in the form of a $3.3 million Agriculture Education Building that will soon serve as a hub for hands-on learning and community connection.

As one of five Elite Sponsors, AGPROfessionals is proud to support this visionary project designed to strengthen the bridge between classroom learning and real-world agricultural experience.

A Facility Rooted in Learning and Community

The new Agriculture Education Building will include two classrooms, a full shop, and a greenhouse, all designed to give students hands-on experience in fabrication, animal science, plant science, and food science. Construction is already underway, with classes expected to begin in Fall 2026.

This project reflects the Valley School District’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in agriculture and related industries, while preserving the area’s rich farming heritage.

Personal Ties, Lasting Impact

For Valene Lickley Cauhorn, AGPROfessionals’ Idaho Regional Manager and professional engineer, this project holds personal significance:

“I’m a fifth-generation beef rancher from this area, and Valley is my alma mater,” Valene shared. “It’s exciting to see this kind of growth — especially directed at our agricultural roots. My husband and I live here, and we can see our children attending this very school. This is an investment in both education and community.”

Valene also volunteers with the Valley Agriculture Education Foundation (VAEF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has championed the addition of agricultural education programs and facilities in the district. The Foundation’s work has been central to establishing partnerships between the school and the broader ag community.

Creating Pathways for Students

The project is supported by the Idaho Superintendent of Schools’ Career Ready Students Grant and through sponsor investments. For the community, it represents an opportunity to open doors for students and families who value multiple pathways to success.

As Vally Agriculture Education Foundation Chair Krista Huettig explained:

“Keeping multiple pathways open for students is particularly important for generational farming communities. It’s huge for our little communities to have people come back and contribute to our economy.”

By incorporating agricultural education into Valley’s curriculum, students will gain access to practical, career-ready skills that empower them to continue Idaho’s long tradition of excellence in farming, ranching, and agribusiness.

AGPROfessionals’ Commitment to Agricultural Education

By investing in agricultural education programs like Valley’s, we’re investing in the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of agriculture. Said Valene, “We’re proud to be part of this project. Hands-on education builds confidence, curiosity, and innovation, which are exactly what our agricultural communities need to thrive.”

AGPROfessionals will always advocate for agricultural learning programs, supporting initiatives that combine technical skill development with real-world application.

Building the Future, Together

The Valley Agriculture Education Foundation expressed deep gratitude to all supporters, stating:

“We cannot express enough how much we appreciate the investment in the future of agriculture education and students in our community by supporting our new agriculture program and building project.”

The Valley Ag Education Building stands as more than a construction project; it’s a commitment to the future of agriculture and to the communities that sustain it. This shared vision between educators, businesses, and families ensures that Valley students and future generations will have access to the tools, mentorship, and opportunities that define a thriving agricultural community.

AGPROfessionals is honored to support initiatives that grow both people and potential, helping ensure that agriculture remains a cornerstone of education, innovation, and opportunity in rural America.

Follow Valley Agriculture Education Foundation on Facebook

To learn more about the Valley Agriculture Education Foundation and how you can support this initiative, visit their Facebook page.