Newman Grove FFA Enjoys State Convention

The Nebraska State FFA Convention is one of the biggest events for any FFA chapter, and Newman Grove is no exception. Wednesday March 28, the chapter headed down to the capital city of Lincoln to attend the 84^th Nebraska State FFA convention. With many members qualifying, everyone was busy preparing for competitions.

Megan Nelson and Brooke Pieke were accepted into the Agricultural Issues Academy along with 33 other members around the state. Megan and Brooke were able to talk to some members of the Nebraska Legislature about particular issues or concerns about agriculture. Child Labor Laws, the Nebraska pipeline, and conservation of water and soil were some of the most popular topics of the day.

The floriculture team of Joan O’Brien, Demi Edgell, Cristina King, and Kendra Nelson also traveled to state with Demi bringing back a red ribbon for her efforts. The Jr. Livestock Judging Team made up of Alex Wiese, Billy O’Brien, John O’Brien, and Jacob Haase qualified for state with a 3^rd place finish at districts, with Alex finishing 1^st out of 83 competitors. Receiving 9^th place in the state, John placed with a purple ribbon, Alex with a blue ribbon, and Billy with a red ribbon. The Livestock Management team also qualified for state competition. The team is made up of Jason Kaufman, Brock Donelson, Alex Wiese, John O’Brien, Billy O’Brien, and Jacob Haase. We are proud to announce that the Livestock Management team placed 1^st in Beef Production in the state, and placed 12^th overall in the contest. Agronomy members Alisha Dunlap, Darienne Pokorny, Megan Nelson, and Brooke Pieke qualified for state competition with the team finishing 2^nd at districts. Alisha Dunlap also qualified for state competition in Job Interview with a 2^ndplace finish at districts, and Brooke Pieke being the state alternate.

Other items of business at State Convention included Brooke Pieke and Cristina King volunteering at the People’s City Mission.  Demi Edgell attended the Agriculture Teacher Lunch-In because of her hopes of someday becoming an agriculture educator.  Kendra Nelson, Demi Edgell, Kleo Edgell, and Sage Robak served as our chapter delegates.  Tom Thompson, Kendra Nelson, Demi Edgell, Sage Robak, and Cristina King helped with contests and sessions as Courtesy Corps members.  7^th and 8^th grade members Joe O’Brien, Andy King, Nolan Wondercheck, Esmer Arreguin, Celine Dunlap, Mya Donelson, and Hannah Haase participated in the Jr. High Quiz Bowl and leadership workshop.  All members attended the Blue and Gold Experience the Power of Red on East Campus, the hypnotist, and convention sessions. 

After three days in Lincoln, the chapter traveled back to prepare for the spring. The chapter kicked it off by holding the FFA Easter Egg Hunt in the city park. There was a big turn out this year and we even ran out of candy! The chapter is now busy preparing for the annual FFA banquet and labor auction, and summer fundraisers and activities.