To enhance their agricultural program, Willis Independent School District is proud to have constructed a new $5.5 million Agricultural Science Center that opened in August of 2018. A big part of the project was the 15 tons of livestock panels installed to corral the animals the students work with.

The School District wanted to be sure their livestock area would be designed to last. Hot-dip galvanizing was the clear choice for corrosion protection due to the corrosive environment the panels are exposed to. As with countless applications and installations around the world, hot-dip galvanized livestock panels perform exceptionally well. They are excellent against rust and corrosion from water, animal waste, soil and prove to be extremely abrasion resistant as compared to paint. It was by far the best corrosion protection option available for the panels in the new center. The initial cost was very competitive and expected life span of the panel product is outstanding. 

A unique characteristic of the Agricultural Science Center is that it is built next to the new $39.4 million Career and Technology Education Center for the school. Additionally, the classrooms are next to the livestock area so students have easy and direct access to the animals from their desks. Having both the CTE Center and AG Center so close is truly a uniquely rare benefit for the students in the school. Traditionally, many AG centers are located out of town and away from the classroom. School officials feel that having these two centers together will foster enhanced student involvement in the programs where they can spend a lot of their time. 

The mission of the Willis High School FFA is to, “Make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.” Hot-dip galvanizing will help to ensure that the agricultural education for students at Willis will last for years to come.