MP FFA Chapter expands

MT. PLEASANT — Mt. Pleasant FFA Chapter Report Ella McNamee gives an update on chapter growth and activities for the year.

The Mt. Pleasant FFA chapter saw a huge spike this year. For the previous three years, the chapter maintained a steady 63 members. This year, that number jumped to 73.

In addition to growing membership, the chapter has grown their educational opportunities for students.

We now offer two new classroom courses, Agriculture Technology and Agriculture Communications.

Members pushed to strengthen Supervised Agricultural Experiences, which give students the opportunity to go outside of the chapter and classroom and get hands-on experiences that range from working with a farmer to stocking shelves in Walmart.

In an effort to obtain a Land Lab, the chapter formed a three-member committee in the fall of 2022.

Committee members Chase VanBibber, Cohen Apalara and Dakota Lange advocate for this resource through presentations to community members, board members and administration.

A land lab benefits not only the instruction we have in the classroom, but our FFA program as well.

The Land lab will give students hands-on experience.

It will also give more opportunities for firsthand experience to students that don’t come from an ag background

The committee continues to work on this project and will provide an update soon.

While the land lab was taking shape, our chapter held a FFA Bake Sale at the little kids wrestling tournament this last November.

The chapter would like to offer a special thanks to Nadine Meierotto for coordinating with community members to make baked goods for the chapter and setting up the stand with the students!

Our hope is to continue to hold this event annually.

Our chapter’s February 2023 Strawberry fundraiser exceeded previous year records.

In September, we sent Will Davidson, Erin Gavin, Elsie Lange and Addie McGehearty to Sub-District and District Soils events where they finished in the top 10.

Even though we’re excited about our placement, we have set a goal to earn a place in the top 5 next year!

We will send 17 members to compete in Sub-districts Feb. 20. Hopefully we will have members move forward to Districts March 4.

We currently have 21 members prepared to head to State Convention April 16-18.

Members Erin Gavin and Kamryn Hart received their FFA Iowa Degrees, this year.

The Iowa FFA Degree is the highest rank that given to active members by the Iowa FFA Association.

Only 5% of the FFA members in Iowa receive the degree each year. These two will receive their degree and pin at State Convention this spring.

While the chapter continues to expand membership, exceed fundraising goals, and kill it at competition, some things remain the same, like their support for the Henry County community.

Members volunteer at Old Threshers for Drive a Tractor and Pork Producers.

The chamber literally fed the community as they said thank you to high school teachers with a pancake breakfast and fed local farmers lunch.

They also continue to hold their Annual Clothing Drive in December, obtaining lots of clothing for people in need before Christmastime.

As we begin garden planning for the spring, it is looking like we will have huge success like years past.

Overall, participants in our FFA chapter would like to thank the community, school and families for supporting us year after year.

The program is growing strong and continuing to do new things. It is because of this support that we are able to give students a great learning experience!