The FFA program at Boys Ranch is more than just an after-school activity—it’s a journey of dedication, growth, and heart. For the boys and girls involved, what often begins as a simple interest in animals transforms into an opportunity to develop life skills, build confidence, and overcome challenges.

With the addition of the Taylor FFA Barn, students now have a space that supports their passion for agriculture and equips them with a competitive edge.

“I’ve never done this before, so there is a lot I still have to learn how to do,” said Ryder, a senior at Boys Ranch High School and FFA student.

Boys Ranch students maintain intense schedules, waking up at 5 a.m. and going to bed at 10 p.m., balancing the care of their animals with schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

“During the winter, I have to keep a close eye on their hay levels because once it gets cold, they need hay available 24/7,” Ryder said. “I also check their protein tubs regularly. When the water in their tank freezes, I have to break the ice. I feed them every morning, and my goat gets fed twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. After his evening feeding, I try to walk him.”

The new Taylor Show Barn eliminates the issues of the previous facility. Designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, the barn features spray insulation, cross-through ventilation, indoor wash stations, medicated water lines, and heaters to ensure the animals’ safety and health.

With these resources, FFA students can focus on helping their livestock thrive and preparing them to become award-winning animals.

Longtime donor Curly Taylor played an active role in planning and funding the barn’s construction.

At 89, he chose to dedicate the fruits of his lifelong hard work to Boys Ranch, ensuring his legacy would endure.

“I started out cowboying. I bought and sold wild horses and cattle, worked in the field, and I loved it all,” Curly said. “I wanted to give the Boys Ranch children that same experience. Working with your hands is the best way to learn. You can go to every class and read the best books, but the only way you truly learn is through your hands.”

The modern barn streamlines daily tasks, allowing students to focus on providing quality care for their animals.

“The new wash stations are a huge improvement compared to the old setup,” said Ryder, who raises a commercial steer and a goat.

“Over there, washing your animal would flood the barn. I remember when I first came here during stock show season, the barn would flood, and there’d even be ice on the floor. This new barn is so much better—it even has a practice ring.”

The practice ring helps students prepare their animals for shows by familiarizing them with the environment and building muscle memory. With this resource, students feel more confident heading into competitions.

Agriculture teachers like Scotty Wright play a crucial role in helping students succeed. Scotty instills in his students the dedication required to care for their animals daily, whether it’s mixing feed, breaking ice for water, or offering encouragement after a tough day.

“I want my students to learn responsibility when it comes to taking care of a living, breathing animal,” Scotty said.

“It also teaches patience. Many kids struggle with patience, and they learn that it’s a process. It won’t happen overnight, and it takes practice to do it right. Showing animals teaches students not only patience but also how to stay calm in stressful moments.”

Despite being new to the program, Espe chose to raise and show a Dirt Rock (red) pig—an unconventional choice in the show ring. Starting with a baby pig, Espe poured her heart into training her animal.

Espe’s dedication paid off—she won grand champion at the Boys Ranch Stock Show.

“I was surprised, but it felt good,” Espe said. “I’m ready to practice more, getting him a little bigger, and tanning him every day because I want to win again.”

Espe credits the Taylor FFA Barn with helping her perfect her skills. She’s already looking ahead to next year, hoping to take on the challenge of raising a steer alongside her pig.

“I want to thank the donors for giving us this new barn and giving me a chance to do something I’m good at,” Espe said.