BG FFA chapter competitive, charitable

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The Bowling Green FFA chapter has had a very busy and successful year thus far. Just this winter, FFA
members have been active in the classroom, studying for contests, and helping the community.
Members have spent a great amount of time studying and preparing for a variety different contests
recently.
These contests called career development events (CDEs) have included Parliamentary Procedure, Food
Science, Job Interview, Public Speaking, Ag Communications, and the Ag Sales contest. Many more contests
will be happening in the coming months. Team members were very successful in the various contests.
The Bowling Green FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team received fourth place with the highest rating, a Gold
Rating, at the recent CDE. The Food Science CDE team was first in the district and placed 11th at the
state competition. Team members included Ben Wilhelm, TJ Hart, Ashley Baden, and Madalyn Fletcher. The
Ag Communications team competed in the district contest where they placed first. The team then went on
to place ninth at the state competition. Team members were Steven Speck, Susan Johnson, and Rosa Bowen.
Bowling Green will be participating in the Job Interview and Public Speaking CDEs on Feb. 3 and Ag Sales
on Feb. 13.
In November, the Land Lab was harvested by Black Swamp Ag. They volunteered to harvest the 10 acres of
corn planted in the Ag Department’s Land Lab last spring.
The Advanced Ag Science class of 31 students conducted a poultry feeding trial. Six different feeds were
evaluated as they were fed to Cornish Rock broilers in the Ag shop. Members also had the opportunity to
learn about poultry from raising chicks to harvesting broilers and then wholesale and retail cuts of the
processed birds. Management practices, handling, judging, and anatomy of the birds was also taught, all
through a hands on approach.
This school year the chapter has conducted many new activities. The FFA held its first ever Square Dance
in November and it turned out to be a lot of fun for the people who came and participated. The FFA hopes
to grow the even in the future. All donations from the square dance will also go to The Children’s
Miracle Network. Special thanks to Doug Michaelis, our DJ, and the Wood County Fairgrounds for the use
of the Junior Fair Building.
The chapter members also designed a chapter T-shirt that businesses and individuals helped sponsor. The
chapter extends "huge thanks" to the various people and businesses who sponsored the shirt.

The Bowling Green Behavioral Connection Center and the FFA worked together to construct woodworking
projects. Each adult was paired with FFA members who helped and guided them through their projects.
After covering safety in the woodshop, and use of the woodworking equipment, each connection center
member chose a project to make and the FFA helped. Members made bird feeders, boxes, cutting boards,
signs, and wall hangings. All materials for the project were provided by the Bowling Green FFA.
The annual fruit sale was a success this year. The FFA members sold more than 35 tons of product. They
also surpassed this year’s goal of $67,500 by selling $73,000 worth of product. They continued to sell a
variation of products from the usual fruit and nuts, to beef jerky and barbecue sauce. The sale is
always loved and fruit was said to be exceptional this year.
The members of the FFA helped to brighten the holidays for more than 100 families through numerous
projects. Fifty hardwood maple wooden cars were made in the Ag woodshop. Four different designs were
used as members constructed, sanded, hand rubbed a finish of mineral oil, and assembled the toys.
Laborie Enterprises was generous enough to donate the lumber. The toys were donated to the "Dear
Santa Project."
Senior officers, Amanda Barndt, Madalyn Fletcher, and Taylor DeSmith also went on a shopping spree to buy
about $300 worth of toys, books, and clothes at a local store for a family that the FFA adopted through
the "Dear Santa Project." The students wrapped and delivered the presents before Christmas.

The chapter also donated citrus fruit cases, fruit baskets, and nuts to families of the "Dear Santa
Project." The "Christmas Dreams" program also received the FFA’s help by the chapter’s
donation of more than 2,000 square feet of wrapping paper to give along with the toys they collect
during the holiday season. Also first-year FFA members, in the two Agricultural Science classes, enjoyed
making 150 candy cane reindeer to give to the Wood Haven Nursing Home.
The BG FFA Is looking forward to FFA Week activities, Dance Marathon, Parent/Member Recognition Banquet
and State Convention which are all coming up before the end of the school year.

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