by Zane Starks, Vice President
After months of hard work the Dundy County FFA Chapter earned a trip to the 79th state FFA convention on March 28th through the 30th in Lincoln. Thirteen DC members attended the convention to participate in state competitions and/or receive state honors. First year instructor and FFA advisor Mr. Nathan Behlke accompanied the students on the trip.

 

“This being my first year I really didn’t know what to expect, but we all had a good time in Lincoln. We learned a lot and it made for a great experience,” Mr. Behlke stated.

 

Highlights of the convention included a second place Proficiency Award in Specialty Animal Production for 2006 DCHS graduate Chelsea Tecker. Tecker kept records on her alpaca farm for three years before applying for the state wide award.

 

After passing the requirements of two years of business records, senior Dusty Birge was honored by receiving the State Degree. “All the hard work in starting my own business finally paid off as I walked among 465 seniors receiving Nebraska’s highest FFA honor; it was a really cool experience,” said Birge.  Birge’s SAE included sharpening lawn mower blades, winterizing small engines and general servicing of lawn mowers.

 

Other achievements included Zane Starks receiving a blue ribbon in agronomy, Shalee Roundtree receiving a red ribbon and Chance Raichart receiving a white ribbon in livestock judging, and Grant Jones earning a white ribbon in agriscience.

 

Other contestants included Jacob Elwell, Derrik Bundy, and Dustin Bundy in the agronomy contest, Logan Steele and Sye Tecker in livestock judging, and Amanda Downey, Taylor Lutz, and Gerald Ambrosek in agriscience. Ryan Sargent traveled to Lincoln to be a part of the courtesy corps, a group of people who take tickets and greet people before and after sessions. Birge, Roundtree, Steele, Raichart, and Sargent all took part in the tractor operators contest. They were tested on their abilities to back tractors with two and four wheel trailers and name tractor parts.

 

Members attended many leadership workshops put on by state FFA officers and agricultural educators. Speakers included Governor Dave Heineman, Anita Estes, a past National FFA officer from Stuart, Nebraska, assistant husker football Coach Bill Busch and inspirational speaker Justin Lookadoo.

 

“The convention gave many members an idea of some contests or events they may want to compete in the future. It was a great experience for everyone who attended,” said Mr. Behlke.