Fairfield FFA Hosts Test Plot Tour
Published: Friday, September 12, 2025
A pork burger meal, door prizes, a wagon ride and discussion of corn varieties were all elements of Fairfield FFA's annual test plot tour last Thursday evening in New Paris.
"We have sponsors talking about the different crops that they planted," said Alisha Lehman, chapter president, when asked to comment on what would happen after the pork burger meal and door prizes. "Just like the different varieties and the growth that they've seen."
The 88 people who attended the event walked or rode wagons a short distance to the test plot, which borders C.R. 46 on the east edge of town. There, they listened as local seed dealers discussed how their varieties performed during this year's growing season. The dealers represented the following brands: Brevant, Pioneer, LG, Golden Harvest, Beck's and DeKalb.
The test plot was planted on May 8. The crop was speeding along toward maturity, but then cooler weather set in.
"Two weeks ago, I would have said we're going to have a real early harvest," said Rob Geiger, a Fairfield alumnus and seed dealer for DeKalb corn. "This corn is going to be dry, (as) we got lots of heat. But when it cooled down, everything just kind of slowed down. So, you'll notice the corn stayed greener, the grass is staying greener. A lot of that is because of the cool temperatures. Things aren't maturing as fast."
Geiger also talked to the students about the various opportunities in agriculture.
"I encourage you guys to jump into the soil judging as well as some of the agronomics and even the livestock judging," he said. "I know sports are fun and really appealing. I played sports through school, and that's all exciting, but the life skills you're generating here will go beyond high school."
He said the key to earning a profit in agriculture is understanding the numbers.
"In agriculture today, that's what it takes to be successful—understanding your costs and understanding what it takes to make a profit."
Preparing for this event, FFA members grilled pork burgers, made brownies, collected door prizes and set up the pavilion for guests. The event was held at the New Paris ball diamonds.
Lehman said this night showcased not only the FFA plots but also the chapter's positive direction. The chapter has roughly 80 members. In addition to Lehman, other officers include Macy Morehouse, vice president; Amelia Green, secretary; Austin Gall, treasurer; Raegan Lehman, reporter; and Hayleigh Sherman, sentinel. Another member, Landon Beasy, is serving as District 2 treasurer.
Karrin Koontz is the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.
She said the officers recently returned from a retreat, where they planned events for the upcoming year. She applauded them for taking charge of the evening.
"This is how it's supposed to be run," she said. "The officer team takes over. It's a student-run organization, and they are all doing a fabulous job."
The next event on the Fairfield FFA calendar is Chapter Fun Night on Sept. 16.
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