The New Prairie High School Agriculture and FFA has been reestablished with a very busy first year. Students were challenged in the classroom, participating in career development events (CDEs) and starting to keep records in their individual supervised agricultural experiences.
In the classroom, students discovered the wide variety of careers available in the agricultural industry and studied the application of biology to the science of agriculture through a lab and project focused curriculum. Students studied the business of agriculture, production and manufacturing of animal and plant products. They also researched the allied industries that support production agriculture. A field trip to Fair Oaks Farms gave students the opportunity to see agriculture in action.
The FFA chapter held or attended several events beginning with a trip to Bremen for a District II Kickoff. Seventeen FFA members attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis and were impressed by the 200 plus displays in the college and career show. The New Prairie FFA officer team was installed, in December, by the Indiana State president and the Indiana State treasurer.
The chapter competed in several CDEs, the teams included two crops teams, members were Rachel Devereaux, Joel Kelley, Bruce VanWanzeele, Payten Craft, Dillon Hunt, Maverick Long and Grace Frazier; two general livestock teams, members were Rachel Devereaux, Emily Hundt, Grace Frazier, Gabe Nowatzke, Barbara Stanish and Chris Welter; one Horse and Pony team, members were Rachel Devereaux, Kylie Lestinsky and Courtney Schmidt (state qualifier, Rachel Devereaux was seventh individual at the state contest) and four members competing in leadership CDEs, prepared public speaking, Rachel Devereaux; essay, Payten Craft; job interview, Courtney Schmidt and creed speaking, Quinlan Eggert. Eleven members attended the Indiana State FFA Convention on June 21. Joel Kelley was a participant in the Indiana State FFA Band during the convention.
Chapter fundraisers include a hog roast for a Trunk or Treat event (Halloween), a fruit sale and two Culver's kickback events.
FFA members are setting up their record books, this summer, in an online record keeping system called The AET or Agricultural Experience Tracker. It will provide easy transitions to proficiency awards and Hoosier degrees in the future. The other summer activities include a food booth for the River Valley Antique Tractor club, county and state fairs and ½ acre garden east of New Carlisle.
It has been a busy and exciting first year for the program and it would have not been possible without the support of the administration of New Prairie United Schools, the community, parents and students. We are looking forward to much success in the future.