Washington FFA Chapter reflects on a successful 2024

As we begin another year, the Washington FFA Chapter takes a moment to celebrate the achievements and milestones of 2024. February kicked off our year as members showcased their skills at the Sub-District CDE (Career Development Event) contest held at Van Buren High School. Taylor Bartholomew received a gold in Job Interview, Peggy Miller took home bronze in Ag Broadcasting, and Braydon Clough received silver in Creed Speaking. FFA Week brought many new activities, including Ag in the Classroom, where members taught third graders about soil and a plant’s life cycle, allowing students to take home their own plants. The week also featured a teacher breakfast, middle school Ag Olympics, and tractor day.

March continued the momentum as members excelled at the District CDE contest, with Taylor Bartholomew winning first place in Job Interview. Meanwhile, Land Lab members began seeding hay fields, with plans to bale the hay and sell it to area farmers. April was particularly noteworthy with the introduction of Taco Tuesday, a free-will donation, community dinner. The chapter also hosted a plant sale featuring plants grown by plant science students and sent eleven members to State Convention, where several received their state degrees. The month concluded with Animal Day, where members brought farm animals to local schools and nursing homes.

In May, the chapter celebrated its 77th Annual Banquet, where guest speaker Emma Humphreys, 2023-2024 State Reporter, inspired attendees with her FFA journey. Members, guests and alumni also celebrated members achievements throughout the year. June and July saw members involved in state floriculture and livestock judging events, while also tending to their Land Lab crops and exhibiting projects at the Washington County Fair.

August highlighted members’ involvement at the Iowa State Fair, where Taylor Brinning exhibited the Grand Champion FFA Market Pig. September included the Washington County Extension’s Fifth Grade Ag Safety Day, where members taught students about the care and life cycle of farm animals. In October, members prepared meals for local farmers during the busy harvest season, thanking them for their hard work. The month also featured 10 members attending the National Convention, gaining insights from industry leaders.

December wrapped up the year with community service projects, including making tie blankets to donate to the homeless shelter and donating clothing to the Washington High School Kindness Closet. Looking forward, the chapter is excited to plan for upcoming activities, including FFA Week and Taco Tuesday.