Silent for the Last Three Months

    I apologize not posting anything for the past three months! With FFA and school I have had barely anytime to write. Here are my experiences from Area Banquet, District Contest, State Convention, and our Chapter Banquet.


    Area Banquet was held on March 25, it was a successful night. I got 2nd place in my Ag Education Proficiency and 6th in the Scrapbook Contest. Along with seven other members of my chapter, I earned my Area Degree.
    At the end of the banquet I was inducted as the 2014-2015 Area Vice President. As a new Officer Team we sat down and planned out the next year's activities and goals for Area VII. Last week seven of the nine officers traveled to the Lake of the  Ozarks to Area Officer Institute (I will talk about that more in my next post!).
    I was on the Ag Sales team this year, which I have to say this competition has been my favorite by far. There are four people on a team and there are three parts to the competition. The first part was a multiple choice test about the business sector of the agriculture industry. The test covered anything from ethics to customer relations. The second part was a sales presentation, each member would attempt to sell a product to the judge within ten minutes. My team sold Save- A- Calf milk colostrum. This was challenging for all of us because our goal was to sell it to a dairy operation; none of us were familiar with the Dairy Industry.  I ended up learning a lot about Dairies and how necessary colostrum is to a calf. The final part of the contest was the customer relations issue. There would be an issue that each member would have to handle and work with a judge. The goal was to solve the issue but also make sure it wasn't just the company's fault. I enjoyed this competition very much, it helped me with handling problems in a professional way and to be quick on my feet. This competition has actually helped me decide to advance my education by majoring in Agribusiness. At Districts my team received fourth place; advancing to State.

(Left to Right) Sydney, myself, Madi, and Alli. We consisted of the Ag Sales team. I am proud of these girls and had a wonderful time competing with them!

    State Convention was held at Mizzou Hearnes Center on April 24th and 25th. Our Ag Sales team earned a Group Two Rating. While at State Convention my friend Sydney and I worked backstage in the Media Room during the second session. This session presented all Area Proficiency winners. Sydney and I helped direct overall State winners to get their photo taken for press releases. The next day I was awarded my State FFA degree. Many get it as a senior so I was honored to receive it a year early.

Along with four other Cass Career Center FFA members I received my State Degree. Photo by Cass Career Center FFA.
  

  In May we had our Chapter Banquet, we had over 340 people in attendance that night. Everyone enjoyed the dinner and recognizing members of their accomplishments throughout the past year. At the end of the banquet the new officers were instated, I was given the role of Chapter Secretary.

Some of the 2013-2014 Chapter Officers before the banquet. Photo by Caitlin Hargis.

    These past three months have been a whirlwind of fun and excitement. I have enjoyed what FFA has given me in such a short time, I know my senior year will not be any different. I will keep you posted throughout the summer of my time in agriculture!