CTE Academy Opened New Agriculture Facility

The Sioux Falls school expanded its agricultural program with a new barn, greenhouse, and specialized classroom.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Agriculture

A modern greenhouse and weathered barn structure set within a cultivated agricultural landscape under clear morning light. — The CTE Academy in Sioux Falls has opened a new agriculture facility, including a greenhouse and barn to bolster local workforce development. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The CTE Academy in Sioux Falls has officially opened a new facility dedicated to its agriculture program. The expansion provides students with a greenhouse, a barn for larger animals, and dedicated storage for heavy equipment.

Why it matters

The new facility addresses a lack of space in the previous classroom and aims to improve student understanding of food source origins. Given that agriculture accounts for 39% of jobs in South Dakota, this hands-on training is vital for local workforce development.

The school program is in its 5th year and has already doubled its chicken count compared to last year's maximum of 10 birds. Last year, students started 300 seedlings without a greenhouse, a figure expected to rise now that the facility is operational.

The players

CTE Academy

This Sioux Falls institution provides career and technical education for students in the region.

The details

The facility includes a horticultural classroom, equipment storage for a tractor and skid steer, and a barn for animal science classes. This infrastructure allows the school to expand beyond its previous limitations to better prepare students for state-level agricultural careers.

The school board toured the new facility on October 7, 2026.

Market Landscape

This facility expansion mirrors the critical importance of the agricultural sector, which accounts for 39% of all jobs in South Dakota. By upgrading its infrastructure, the CTE Academy positions itself to better serve the state's primary labor market needs.

Students will gain access to improved resources for hands-on learning that directly simulates agricultural industry requirements. Families and residents can expect the program to increase its output of produce and livestock as students utilize the new greenhouse and barn.

The takeaway

Hands-on facilities allow schools to better bridge the gap between classroom theory and the realities of food production. Practical experience with modern agricultural equipment can lead to better career readiness for local students entering the workforce.