PECOS, TX — Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD is proud to share that students in the Pecos High School Agricultural Sciences program have spent the last several months raising feeder pigs as part of a hands-on learning experience that is now making a direct impact on our West Texas community.
Through a partnership with Sul Ross State University, PHS students raised livestock from an early stage and built real experience in animal care, nutrition, and livestock management. The project concluded with the processing of the pigs into ground pork, which was donated to the West Texas Food Bank to help support families in Pecos and across the region.
This initiative provided students with real-world, career-connected learning while reinforcing the importance of service and community responsibility.
“This project is a great example of what it means to prepare students for life beyond the classroom,” said Superintendent Brent Jaco. “Our students are not only learning valuable agricultural skills, but they are also giving back in a meaningful way. We are proud of their hard work and grateful for the partnership with Sul Ross State University and the West Texas Food Bank.”
Students involved in the project gained firsthand experience in the full agricultural process. From raising the livestock to understanding the role agriculture plays in addressing food insecurity. By connecting classroom instruction with real-world application, the program supports PBTISD’s commitment to preparing students for future careers while developing well-rounded, service-minded individuals.
The collaboration with Sul Ross State University allowed students to engage with higher education partners and industry practices, further enhancing their learning experience and exposing them to opportunities in agricultural careers.
“This experience has shown our students the impact they can have when they apply what they’ve learned,” said Joe Tyus, PHS Agriculture Teacher. “They took pride in knowing their work would help feed the West Texas community.”
In addition to the West Texas Food Bank donation, PHS also kept a portion of the ground pork to be used by PHS Culinary students. Further supporting the learning experience for more students!
PBTISD remains committed to creating opportunities that empower students through hands-on learning, community partnerships, and meaningful service.
Below are photos of the process from start to finish, viewer discretion advised:
To download and view the photos: https://pbtisdphotos.smugmug.com/2025-2026/March/2025-2026-Livestock-Production-Class
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