Students explore agriculture, entrepreneurship at 3 PillarZ Farm
Students explore agriculture, entrepreneurship at 3 PillarZ Farm
Eden Bingman, Emmaline Root, Youth Leadership mentor Kaylee Arnold, Avery Galbraith, Carly Bigelow, and 3 PillarZ Farm Executive Director Julie Zajac discuss the students’ agritech business plan for a livestock tracker that would also monitor animal health during Hi-Ed’s Youth Leadership session on October 24, 2026.
Youth Leadership student Teghan Bednez holds a chicken while Micheal McElhaney waits his turn during Hi-Ed’s October 24, 2026, visit to 3 PillarZ Farm. Presenters Kimberly Hawkes and Julie Zajac are visible in the background.
Eden Bingman, Emmaline Root, Youth Leadership mentor Kaylee Arnold, Avery Galbraith, Carly Bigelow, and 3 PillarZ Farm Executive Director Julie Zajac discuss the students’ agritech business plan for a livestock tracker that would also monitor animal health during Hi-Ed’s Youth Leadership session on October 24, 2026.
Youth Leadership student Teghan Bednez holds a chicken while Micheal McElhaney waits his turn during Hi-Ed’s October 24, 2026, visit to 3 PillarZ Farm. Presenters Kimberly Hawkes and Julie Zajac are visible in the background.
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Students in the Warren Forest Higher Education Council's Youth Leadership Program explored the connections among agriculture, science, technology, and business during a hands-on session at 3 PillarZ Farm last week.
Julie Zajac, executive director of 3 PillarZ Farm, developed the day's curriculum and brought together local business owners and professionals to share their expertise. The experience combined farm exploration, conversations about agricultural careers, and a team challenge that asked students to create their own agribusiness.
The Youth Leadership Program is led by Angela Bigelow, assistant director of the Warren Forest Higher Education Council, which coordinates opportunities for students to learn from local businesses, professionals, and community organizations.
"Julie brought together an incredible group of people who helped our students see just how much agriculture encompasses," said Bigelow. "Students explored science, technology, and business, then put that learning into practice by working together and presenting their own ideas. We're proud of the effort they brought to the day."
Students learned from Dan Stroup, operator of Tamarack Farms Piedmontese in Columbus, who introduced them to livestock genetics and the role those principles play in breeding and raising animals. Dr. Sue Stroup, co-owner and operator of Tamarack Farms Piedmontese and owner of Summit Pet Hospital in Erie, shared insights into veterinary medicine and large-animal care.
Victoria Boehmer, fiber expert and owner of Tybout House in Warren, helped students explore agricultural fibers and their connection to products and business opportunities. Kimberly Hawkes represented Hawkes Enterprises, a biomedical technology consulting firm in Columbus, sharing her knowledge with students during the session.
Throughout the farm visit, students explored animals, crops, fibers, and agricultural technology. Learning from professionals with different backgrounds illustrated the variety of skills and career paths connected to agriculture. Students then worked in four teams focused on livestock, fiber, farm technology, or crops. Using an Agripreneur Business Plan Worksheet, each team developed its own agricultural business concept.
The activity challenged students to identify a business mission, products, potential customers, and competitors. They also considered production steps, supplies, tools, marketing, pricing, startup expenses, and potential earnings. Teams were encouraged to explain what would make their business distinctive and why customers would choose their products or services. Each group presented its business idea, putting communication, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving into practice. Among the presentations was a dairy business concept developed by Bobbi Gafner, Anna Hagberg, Gabby Bigelow, and Elsa Bingman. Students shared responsibility for developing their plans and explaining their decisions to others.
The Youth Leadership Program connects students with local leaders, businesses, and organizations to build leadership skills, explore careers, and learn more about their community. For more information about Hi-Ed and its programs, visit www.hi-ed.org or call 814-723-3222.