Cedaredge FFA has kept busy with trips, projects
Photo submitted Cedaredge FFA members toured Superior Farms while attending a leadership conference in Denver in October.Winter is upon us and, reflecting back, Cedaredge FFA members were kept busy this fall. Their activities started with the 3rd annual Taste of Agriculture Tailgate party on Sept. 7, offering people attending the football game many local agricultural products.
The FFA Chapter fed over 200 people who enjoyed the pork, beef, lamb, goat and a variety of local sides!! The activities didn't stop there.
On Oct. 9, the chapter had its annual petting zoo at Cedaredge Elementary School. Young children had the opportunity to interact with and learn about animals from the animals' owners. It was a great experience for not only the FFA members, but the elementary school students as well.
Late October found members busy at the Applefest FFA Alumni pancake breakfast. FFA members served all-you-can-eat pancakes, ham and cider to the community. As a thank you the Alumni helps provide funds to send students to Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
Excitement was at an all time high when nine members traveled to Kentucky and Indiana for the 85th National FFA Convention. Members toured various attractions and venues such as: Churchill Downs, Keeneland Racetrack, the Louisville Slugger Museum, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey Distillery, a pig farm and Fair Oaks Dairy, as well as the convention sessions themselves. During the sessions, there were many speakers present. Those keynote speakers included Walter Bond, Scott Hamilton, Josh Bleill, and the retiring addresses of the National FFA Officers.
The most memorable part of the trip for attendant Ryan Latta was the chapter's visit to an orphanage. According to Ryan, "We didn't get to interact directly with the kids, but we raked leaves and also went shopping for board games to donate to the orphanage. It felt good to make a difference in their lives." The service didn't stop after leaving Indianapolis.
Photo submitted These two members of the Cedaredge FFA help load up boxes of fruit for delivery.In addition to National Convention the chapter has also been attending numerous conferences to help members become better leaders, members and students. On Sept. 25, the BIG Conference took place, and Cedaredge sent 26 participants. The purpose of The Big Conference is for the upcoming Green Hands. Oct. 13-15 found members at the Made For Excellence and Advanced Leadership Development conferences in Denver. One member who went, Austin Bowen, says, "You need to be confident, helping people, and he thought it was a very good experience and that members should attend this trip." This message and others were shared with the 30 FFA members who attended. As well, the trip concluded with an eye-opening tour of Superior Farms, the nation's largest lamb slaughter facility located in Denver. Students were able to witness the lamb processing procedures from start to finish.
Currently the fruit sales fundraiser for the FFA is underway. If you missed the initial sales, contact the high school for a opportunity to submit a last minute order. Funds generated through the fruit sales help the program with expenses associated with leadership development and trainings.
The FFA Service activities will continue to take place through the winter season as well. The Cedaredge Chapter will be participating in an Adopt A Family activity this holiday season, providing a family with a holiday they may not have been able to provide. Also, they will be helping with a luminary project, the Delta County Livestock Association annual banquet, and we will help at the Tractor Supply Montrose.
Lastly, the FFA Chapter is hosting a Baling Twine Recycling program. There will be apple crates at drop locations including both Sisson Feed stores, the Delta Sales Yard, Crop Works in Eckert and Cedaredge High School. If you have twine that needs to be picked up, please contact a Cedaredge FFA member or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 970-302-5233. The chapter is hoping to gather as many semi loads as possible. The recycling campaign will continue throughout the year.
Although the holidays are upon us, that doesn't keep the Cedaredge FFA members from furthering success among our chapter. We will be attending several events during the wintertime. Members are working hard to finish the year off strong in our chapter and are preparing for an adventurous New Year.
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