Cardinal FFA attend Farm Progress Show

Cardinal FFA has been busy so far this 2022-2023 school year. The year started off with several members attending the Farm Progress Show held in Boone, IA. The members also attended a field day hosted by Iowa State Extension. Students learned about the genetics involving tomatoes, manure management, farm business essentials, and they were also about to network with other FFA members in the area!

Members enjoyed a fun team building meeting at Harvestville in Donnellson, IA. Several members were then able to go to Iowa State University and participate in Dairy Day. Students received the opportunity to tour the dairy facilities, participate in a quiz bowl, and learn more about the dairy industry as a whole from current Iowa State students.

The members raised money with 4seasons with various holiday essentials including gift wrap and some yummy snacks for the holiday seasons! Cardinal’s FFA chapter was able to help pass out prepared lunches to farmers that were out in the field.

The chapter has also had several holiday parties, where it is a huge accomplishment and the majority of members are in attendance and so much fun is had by all! The members play holiday related games and hangout with their peers!

Chapter members helped the program this year by applying for a grant of $9,700 and being awarded this grant. The members prepared a presentation for the grant asking for supplies for goats and chickens. The project began in summer of 2021 and ended this last winter, with goats on the Cardinal Schools Property.

The goal for the goats is to raise them and then sell them at the local sale barn for a profit which will go back to the Cardinal Ag Program. The students will get to see the full life cycle of a goat and get hands-on experience at the same time. The students are excited about this amazing opportunity!

The members had the opportunity this spring to travel to the Iowa State Capital to visit with Rep. Hans Wilz and get a tour of the Capital. Members had so much fun and received the opportunity to speak with Rep. Hans on several political matters that were important to them. Members will also be going to Nichols Genetics this spring, up in Des Moines where they will get to see the production side of the cattle industry.

Members will participate in different contests at sub-districts, hoping to move onto Districts. The chapter will be putting on their annual Ag Day this spring for the elementary students, so they can learn about agriculture. Over the year, the chapter held several FFA Meetings covering fundraising, FFA contests, and many other activities.