S-E-M FFA Chapter Attends State Convention

The S-E-M FFA Chapter just wrapped up a very successful year at the 84th State FFA Convention in Lincoln, Nebraska March 28th, 29th, and 30th. FFA members put forth their best efforts, in a varieity of events, were graded on their records, and toured the Nebraska Air National Guard Base.

The Convention started with three Parliamentary Procedure teams competing on Wednesday Evening. And even though all three teams missed the finals and received bronze awards, the learning experience was great. On Thursday the convention really ramped up with competitions from speakers Dasie Nichols, Miranda Pierce, Sydney Glatter, Rachel Ibach and Brandon Trampe. Rachel and Brandon received Silver ratings while Dasie, Miranda and Sydney all garnered bronzes. Early in the Morning the Livestock Judgers started their efforts to evaluate livestock in 6 classes. The Senior team of Railen Ripp, Dillan Line, Rachel Ibach, and Kristen Karlberg was the overall state Champion!!! Rachel, Dillan, and Railen all received purple ribbons while Kristen earned a Red. The Agriculture Demonstration team performed their demonstration on how to use an ipad in your farming operation and received a Gold rating. The team consisted of Brandon Trampe, Brookelyn Trampe, Cy Barnes, and Dillan Line.

The Agronomy Team of Brandon, Brookelyn Joe Harshbarger and Austin Pierce received 6th in the state with Brandon tying for 10th place. The agriscience competition was in the afternoon and was made up of freshman or sophomore 1st year FFA members. For SEM the team consisted of Dasie Nichols, who received 5th place out of 300 competitors, Jake Buring who received a purple and Brayden Smith and Sydney Glatter who received blues. The team was 3rd out of 70! Ag Sales consisting of Miranda Pierce, Railen Ripp, Michaela Rost, and Chantz Klein had a favorable experience selling Jug Livestock Waterers.

Friday broght more competitions, with the Ag Communications team led by Brookelyn Trampe’s 6th place in Press release writing received 12th place. Other members of the team were Railen Ripp and Michaela Rost. The Floriculture Team paced by Shaylee Burr’s white ribbon enjoyed their time at the state convention. Other members of the team consisted of Brian Guerra, Nolan Smith, and Jessica Lourenco. The Natural Resources team of Aaron Simmons Jaden Pierce, John Sleicher, and Quinten Malcom had a tough time as only Jaden received a white ribbon.

The proficiency Finalists consisting of John O’Neill (diversified crop production), Shaylee Burr (Ag Mechanics), and Jessica Lourenco (Ag Processing), all received 3rd place, but enjoyed interviewing for the top honor and a banquest in which their families also attended.

Finally, Brandon Trampe was name the Nebraska State Star in Placement for his work in his SAE (supervised agriculture experience). Brandon works for four employers during the summer honing his ag skills while also establishing a Hereford herd of his own.

Mr. Bowder was quoted as saying "This is one of the best state conventions our chapter has had, all members put forth a lot of time preparing and I was happy with how we ended up in the competitions we participated in."

Members concluded the three day convention by touring the Nebraska Air National Guard base. Members enjoyed a tour of the base dining hall and food preparation facilities, a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane, and the Explosive Ordinance robot.

The FFA chapter would like to thank all the volunteers and members of the community that helped to prepare our teams and individuals the best we could, your help is always appreciated!