Local FFA chapter stays busy with July activities

By Phil Cobb | July 28, 2016 |

Jefferson FFA Chapter members Vanessa Pappert, left, and Ashley Riley enjoyed their time at HYMAX, an academy designed to prepare students for future leadership roles.

The Jefferson FFA chapter has had a busy and fun-filled summer.

Members have traveled throughout the state working on their leadership and career skills.

In the middle of June, Vanessa Pappert and Ashley Riley attended the Helping Youth Maximize their Agriculture eXperience Academy, a leadership program designed to help promising ninth-grade students reach their full potential.

The members were prepared for future leadership roles, agricultural career exploration, and advocacy for agriculture. In addition, they gained key strategies for SAE development, written and verbal communication skills, and career development. The girls enjoyed the academy and look forward to bringing everything that they learned back to their home chapter to help other members develop as leaders as well.

The following week, Nicholas Stoll and Kayley Lager attended the Precision Ag Camp at Northwest Missouri State University. This was an excellent and exciting opportunity. Technology has had and continues to have a huge impact on the agricultural industry and it is important that young members work hard to be a part of the technological advances that are driving the industry.

Stoll and Lager were able to drive tractors enabled with Auto Steer, as well as learn about drones in agricultural. In addition, they were all given a personal GPS and taught how to use it.

Caden Farnan finished the month of June by attending the Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence Academy for junior students that is a continuation of the HYMAX academy.

This academy consists of an intensive three-day conference that builds on other important FFA conferences that members have attended in the past. However, this leadership experience is even more hands-on and engaging which provides members with the skills to communicate, lead, and advocate for agriculture.

The month of July didn’t slow down much for the chapter as several members participated in the Nodaway County Livestock Show.

Kyler, Chase, and Caden Farnan exhibited heifers they have raised as part of their SAE, as did Dalton Luke. Kelli and Gina Schieber also participated in the beef show with their steers.

In the sheep show, Jefferson was represented by Brady McCray and his market lamb, while Ashley Mattson exhibited her market barrow in the swine show.

Following the county fair, the officer team conducted a junior high day camp, focused on fishing.

Several guests from the Missouri Department of Conservation helped educate the younger members. They were able to bring their shocking boat and shock a local pond, which allowed them to discuss the pond’s ecosystem.

Members enjoyed some time learning about the different types of bait and when to use them. They were able to do some fishing, catching fish to be used in a filleting demonstration.

Games and barbeque closed out the day.

The most current event was the Teach Ag Academy hosted by the University of Missouri in Columbia, a three-day event focused on the members’ interest in pursuing a career as an agriculture education instructor.

Kellie Palmer and Kayley Lager attended from the Jefferson FFA chapter. The academy showed different aspects of being an ag teacher, from balancing a schedule to mastering the necessary skills for success.

Nicholas Stoll, Jefferson FFA Advisor Jackie Carlson, center, and Kayley Lager attended the Precision Ag Camp at Northwest Missouri State University.

Missouri Department of Conservation Fisheries Biologist Tory Mason provides a lesson for students like Jefferson’s Triston Holtman on how to fillet a catfish.