Plymouth FFA gears up for spring career development events
PLYMOUTH – As the spring season approaches, the Plymouth FFA chapter is abuzz with activity, preparing for the upcoming Career Development Events (CDES).
These events are not just competitions; they are a cornerstone of the FFA’S educational programs, designed to enhance skills in teamwork, critical thinking, and decision-making.
Essential for the students’ future careers, these CDES offer a handson approach to learning that complements classroom instruction with real-world agricultural challenges.
Plymouth FFA Reporter Nicole Beverage submitted details of the efforts.
This spring, the Plymouth FFA is set to showcase its talent and hard work in a variety of events, including Ag mechanics, poultry, nature/wildlife, livestock, farm business management, public speaking, and dog grooming.
Weekly practices are in full swing, supported by a dedicated alumni network and coaches who provide invaluable guidance and support.
The Ag mechanics team, featuring students like Lily Weaver, Anthony Moore, Kamryn Hall, Isaiah Miller, Dillan Myers, and Hunter Shepherd, will tackle complex agricultural problem scenarios, requiring them to collaborate and devise practical solutions.
Under the mentorship of coaches Nick Laferty and Leonard Felty, these young minds are sharpening their skills in agricultural technology and mechanics, from compact equipment to environmental resources.
In the poultry judging event, participants such as Braden Montgomery, Madison Montgomery, Chiyo Harris, Katelyn Swingle, Kristen Swingle, Ava Stine, and Matthew Gillum will evaluate chickens and turkeys for both breeding and market purposes.
Coaches Sarah Hoak, Rosie Reer, and Douglas Reer guide them through the nuances of selecting live meat-type chickens for broiler breeding and grading ready-to-cook
carcasses, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of poultry production.
Nature/wildlife enthusiasts, including Ki Barber, Bri Flanagan, Gabe Hinkle, and Kansas Huston, with middle school participation from Makayla Ashby and Gwen Cave, are immersing themselves in the management and conservation of natural resources, a critical aspect of wildlife habitat preservation.
This CDE, fostering respect for laws related to outdoor activities, highlights the importance of environmental stewardship.
Livestock judging offers students like Aaliyah Grose, Addison Slone, Kendall Oakley, Morgan Follett, Rylee Gowitzka, Nicole Beverage, Taylor Dean, Kelsey Surgener, and Alyson Lewis a chance to make accurate observations of livestock, under the expert guidance of Monica Baxter, Jenny Beverage, and Paula Seaman.
This event emphasizes the selection and marketing of livestock to meet consumer demands and increase economic returns, reflecting the real-world challenges in agricultural production.
Farm Business Management teams, including Lincoln Distl and Braden Montgomery, analyze agricultural problems to produce comprehensive reports, a vital skill for the future entrepreneurs of the agricultural industry.
Public speaking participants, such as Jay Scott, Colton Hass, Armando Flores, and Anna Caughenbaugh, are honing their communication skills, developing informative and persuasive speeches. This event celebrates the power of effective communication in advocating for agricultural issues.
Lastly, the dog grooming event, with students like Kyrsten Caudill, Olivia Balkin, Addison Slone, and Camryn Wallace, focuses on the art and science of breed-specific grooming techniques, under the guidance of coach Megan Caudill.
This unique CDE allows students to apply their knowledge in a hands-on setting, preparing them for careers in animal care and grooming.
The Plymouth FFA’S dedication to these CDES, supported by the community and skilled coaches, sets the stage for a successful competition season.
Through these events, students not only prepare for their future careers but also develop a deeper appreciation for agriculture’s critical role in society. The comprehensive approach to learning and development evident in the preparation for these CDES exemplifies the core values of the FFA: leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
For more information on Ohio FFA Career Development Events, visit the Ohio FFA website.