Midland chapter stays busy, sees success


Midland participants in the National FFA Convention, from left: Griffin Gravel, Lauryn Eganhouse, Austin Weinschenk, Garet McAtee, Cole Fishwild, Sydney Stender, Kaylyn Gent, Delanie Uppena, Nicole Guenther, Emma Paulsen, Calli Markmann and Anna Roseland. (Photos submitted)

Midland chapter members prepared and brought food to the Ronald McDonald House. Posing with a statue outside the building are, seated from left: Calli Markmann, Kristin Guenther, Emma Paulsen and Lauryn Eganhouse. Standing: Anna Roseland, Sydney Stender, Mikayla Dosland, Benjamin Selle, Nicole Guenther and Cole Fishwild.

Midland chapter member Brett Schoenherr (left) explains his poultry production SAE to members (from right) Jonathen Hunter, Garet McAtee, Sydney Stender and Emma Paulsen.
FFA WEEK

     Midland FFA has been very busy this past year, participating in activities all over the state. The chapter currently has 53 active members, and six graduated members. As always, Midland FFA has continued to reach its goal of connecting with its local communities, and involving these communities with the chapter. It has also made a continual effort to give back to the communities that support them.

     The summer of 2016 was very eventful for our members. In June, four members travelled to Ames to participate in the State Agronomy Judging Contest. The team placed an impressive 12th overall, finishing with a silver rating. Midland FFA also traveled to the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City to prepare meals and clean for families that were living there. Several officers attended COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training) and members also participated in the biannual SAE Tour. In the month of July, over 15 members exhibited at one of four fairs including Wyoming, Jones, Jackson and the Iowa State Fair.

     Chapter members stayed busy as the school year began, beginning with work at the Highway 64 Auctions and participation in the State Livestock Judging Contest, where the Midland FFA finished with a silver rating. In August, the chapter also completed its biannual Highway 64 Clean-Up activity.  Seven members competed in the Sub-District Trapshoot where they placed four as a team, and had two individuals who placed fifth and seventh individually. Midland hosted its annual Greenhand Fire-Up in September, which was very successful in the recruitment of new members. Several members then attended the Northeast District Greenhand Fire-Up.

     Midland FFA had one member, Sydney Stender, attend the Global Youth Institute in October. Sydney was selected from a group of students that attended the Iowa Youth Institute, which was conducted in April. Cole Fishwild and Garet McAtee also attended the Iowa Youth Institute. Sub-District Volleyball also took place in October, and Midland FFA was able to once again bring home the championship trophy. Midland FFA also hosted a Farm Safety Day in October, designed to emphasize the importance of safety in an agricultural setting for the local fourth- and fifth- graders. At the end of October, 11 members attend the National FFA Convention, where graduated member Colin Feuss received his American Degree.

     In November, 14 members received their Greenhand Degrees at the annual Greenhand-Chapter Banquet. Twenty-one members also received their Chapter Degree at the banquet. Five members pushed their limits as they traveled to Ankeny to take part in the 360 leadership conference. Midland FFA completed the year with a very successful Fruit Sale Fundraiser, and a Christmas-themed night meeting.

     As 2017 has begun, members have continued to stay busy with a trip to the Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium, where four members were able to connect with State Senators and Representatives. Twelve members also traveled to New Hampton to hear animal-behavior expert and autism spokesperson Temple Grandin speak. Midland FFA had a very impressive showing at the Northeast District Proficiency Review Night, where seven members submitted applications to be judged, and six proficiency applications moved on to the state competition. At this event, Midland FFA senior members Cole Fishwild, Garet McAtee and Sydney Stender submitted their respective Iowa Degree Applications, which were all accepted.

     Midland FFA and the National FFA Organization are a great opportunity for students to grow as leaders, as they develop skills in communication, teamwork and personal development. These skills will undoubtedly benefit them in any career path they choose. Midland FFA is very proud of all of its accomplishments within the past year, and hopes to see continued success in the future.

 

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