Despite pandemic, Midland chapter takes part in numerous activities

     Midland FFA currently has 61 members for the 2020-2021 school year. Our goal this year is to make the most out of a tough time. Due to this goal we have tried our hardest to continue to provide opportunities to our students within the guidelines set forward by the state and our school.

     This summer may have had less fans in the stands, but that didn’t stop our members in the ring with members showing at the Wyoming, Jackson, Jones, and State fairs. Students also participated in Crop Scouting, District Agronomy and District Nursery Landscape with Midland taking home first in Agronomy and first and second in Nursery Landscape.

     With school starting, the Midland FFA officer team worked hard to plan regular activities with new conditions. With the help of four District FFA Officers, Midland hosted a local Greenhand Fire-up. Students were able to engage with officers and learn about opportunities available within FFA. Twelve greenhands also attended the District Greenhand Fire-up. Members participated in virtual state events in the fall showing their knowledge and skills within ag topics. The Farm Business Management team earned a Gold rating and placed 10th in the state, the Meats Evaluation team earned a Silver rating, and the Ag Biotechnology team placed second in the state earning a Gold rating. Chiara Dusanek also placed first overall as an individual. Emma Vacek also earned her American Degree and was recognized at the Virtual National FFA Convention.

     A night meeting full of Pumpkin carving and yard games gave our members a chance to mingle and build relationships. Our chapter continued its goal of being a part of the community through many activities including Farm Safety Day for fourth- and fifth-graders from Midland Elementary, putting up and taking down Christmas lights with the Wyoming Betterment Committee, our Food Drive, as well as organizing the Food for Families food box drop off that handed out 1,250 boxes of food to members of our community and many surrounding communities.

     We also took time to thank the farmers that work day in and day out to provide a safe and healthy food source by making and delivering lunches to over 100 farmers during harvest. Members also continued the tradition of “We Care” packages and added over 25 adult boxes this year. With the support of our community members we were successful with fruit sales as well, as we made and sold 160 homemade wreaths.

     Now comes the season of Leadership Development Events, Proficiencies, and State degrees. Callie Petersen, Jensen Orr, Kole Michaud, and Hope Saroka have been selected to receive their State FFA degree this spring. Five proficiencies, one Rising Star, one Vocal, one Talent, and one National Chapter Award Application will be on their way to Ankeny for judging.

     As we look forward, we are excited about our ski trip and other events planned for FFA week. Members are also putting in time and effort into practices as they prepare to compete in Conduct of Meetings, Creed, Job Interview, Parlimentary Procedure, and Ag Issues. Work will also start on Poultry, Biotech, Agronomy, Ag Marketing, Food Science, Floriculture, Vet Science, and Nursery Landscape soon.

     As always, Midland FFA strives to provide skills in premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. Not even the COVID pandemic will stop us.