Berrien RESA Highlights Agriculture Education Program

Superintendent and instructor discuss the value of career and technical education in agriculture.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Berrien RESA, the regional educational service agency in southwest Michigan, is showcasing its career and technical education (CTE) programs, with a focus on the agriculture program at Niles High School. Superintendent Eric Hoppstock and agriculture instructor Emma Rauch were interviewed about the importance of hands-on learning and preparing students for careers in the agricultural industry.

Why it matters

CTE programs like the one at Niles High School provide valuable real-world skills and experience for students, helping them explore potential careers and gain in-demand technical knowledge. Agriculture is a crucial industry in Michigan, and exposing students to agricultural education can open up new pathways for their future.

The details

The agriculture program at Niles High School, led by instructor Emma Rauch, offers students the opportunity to learn about various aspects of the agricultural industry through hands-on projects and field experiences. Students gain skills in areas such as animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, and agribusiness.

  • The agriculture program at Niles High School has been running for several years.

The players

Eric Hoppstock

Superintendent of Berrien RESA, the regional educational service agency in southwest Michigan.

Emma Rauch

Agriculture Program Instructor at Niles High School.

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What they’re saying

“CTE programs like our agriculture program at Niles High School are so important for giving students hands-on experience and preparing them for careers in high-demand industries.”

— Eric Hoppstock, Superintendent (wsjm.com)

“Our students are really engaged and excited to learn about agriculture. They're getting valuable skills that will serve them well, whether they pursue a career in the industry or not.”

— Emma Rauch, Agriculture Program Instructor (wsjm.com)

The takeaway

The agriculture program at Niles High School, supported by Berrien RESA, is providing students with essential career and technical education that can open up new opportunities in the agricultural industry and beyond.