Highland FFA harvested its field in October

The Highland FFA Chapter had a busy start to the 2024-2025 school year. This year’s FFA officer team members are President Olivia Edwards, Vice-President Emma Cole, Secretary Sandra Edwards, Treasurer Mallory Fesler, Chapter Reporter Emily Herrig, Sentinel Brock Thomann, and Historian Erica Thomann.

This past summer FFA members were busy with their SAE and fair projects. In June, the officer team had the opportunity to attend the COLT, Chapter Officer Leadership Training at North Scott High School in Eldrige, Iowa.

In July, Emma Cole showed swine at the Washington County Fair and the Iowa State Fair in August. Joining Emma at the state fair was Katelyn Waters who exhibited her sheep. Washington County Fair exhibitors were Chloe Sexton showing goats, Mallory Fesler and Chloe Sexton had photography exhibits. Chase Robinson exhibited goats.

In August, Highland students found many agricultural electives offered for the new school year. Ms. Shayla Seils, our FFA Advisor and agriculture teacher keeps busy with middle school ag exploratory, intro to agriculture, plant science I & II, animal science I & II, careers in agriculture, and ag business & communications.

In September, the chapter came together and enjoyed our annual barnwarming event held at our FFA members Brock and Erica Thomann’s house. Everyone enjoyed games, fellowship, and a cookout.

October was filled with harvesting the FFA field. The Greenhand Fire Up was held at the Cedar Rapids Prairie High School which involved freshman FFA members along with any new members to the chapter. We traveled to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. We attended workshops, general sessions, career fairs, and many guest speakers throughout the week including Temple Gradin. The chapter was able to attend a rodeo and concert with Megan Moroney to top our week.

November, the Highland FFA Chapter hosted a community walking taco night in conjunction with the high school fall play. Students were busy with fruit and cookie dough sales.

Students traveled to Des Moines to the state capital for the Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium. Ms. Seils along with members Olivia Edwards, Alan Nass, Emily Herrig, and Brock Thomann heard from Governor Kim Reynolds, Ag Secretary Mike Naig, Farm Bureau Federation Vice-President Brian Feldpausch. Students visited briefly with Senator Driscoll and House Representatives Hora and Lawer. The Washington Farm Bureau gave our chapter a nice donation last week. Upcoming events: Elementary Winter Carnival, Southeast Sub-Districts at Danville High School, FFA Week, and Farm Safety Day in April.