The FFA has been busy, working hard to prepare for upcoming competitions. Members have been hatching baby chicks, caring for various animals, and practicing diligently for their events as they gear up for the state competition. With competition season in full swing, the team has been meeting after school and during lunch to train. However, they’ve faced challenges in finding enough participants for some of their teams, which is crucial since FFA competitions often require full teams to compete.
Despite these challenges, the team remains focused on the upcoming state competition. Gracie Jackson, the FFA Reporter, shared, “To prepare for the Wyoming State Convention this year, I attend two practices a week after school for Meats and Horse Judging.” These practices are essential, as she must memorize different cuts of meat, learn how to properly rank horses in a class, and provide detailed explanations for her placements. To sharpen her skills, she uses LivestockJudging.com to train.
Because of their frequent competitions, FFA members spend a lot of time together. Gracie Jackson said, “My favorite things about FFA are the people, the memories I’ve made, and the opportunities I’ve had. Some of my best friends have come from FFA, and I get to meet students from all over the state who share similar interests.” Many FFA members are passionate about what they do and enjoy connecting with others who are equally dedicated. FFA also helps students build confidence and pushes them to grow as individuals.
Animal care is another major responsibility for FFA members. When asked about her role, Elizabeth Petersen shared, “I take care of over 30 chickens, feeding and watering them daily while also socializing them so they are easy to handle when necessary.” Proper animal handling is crucial for FFA events, especially since members help run the petting zoo and assist with animal competitions at the Star Valley Fair. Additionally, the agriculture team recently hatched baby chicks as part of their training for upcoming contests.
A couple of weeks ago, the FFA held a meeting to announce its new officers. Candidates underwent interviews where they discussed their future goals and how FFA would help them achieve them. The newly elected officers include the President, three Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Reporter, Sentinel, and Advisor, each with distinct responsibilities that contribute to the organization’s success.
