March 2021
FFA FFA Makes Makes A A Splash Splash Into Into Spring Spring — Ariana González, General Reporter Agriculture plays a huge role in North Dakota’s “While attendance has been lower, our consistent members culture, as well as North Dakota’s economy. As stated by continue to show up, and are doing a great job of encouraging Commissioner Doug Goehring, “North Dakota’s 30,000 new members to join,” Wanner said. “As the state is opening farmers and ranchers are among the very best in the world.” up more, there are more and more opportunities becoming FFA is an intra-curricular organization that focuses available and returning to the calendar.” on growing students into leaders. It provides hands on There are many aspects to their contests and events that experience and a perfect opportunity to gain skills for the have changed, and students have had to learn new techniques future. This is the case for junior Ashton Boehm, who is a to adjust to these changes. member of FFA. Like many other students, growing up in “Agricultural sales contestants usually shake hands with this environment peaked her interest in FFA and agriculture. their judges, and in the past have provided business cards,” “My family had been in FFA, so it was kind of a family Wanner said. thing,” Boehm said. “I also grew up on a farm and ranch, so FFA instructor Leah Kessler, and her students recently I was very into the agriculture type things and leadership.” incubated and cared for baby ducks. At the moment, FFA is working on a couple of projects, “In class during this time, we were covering wildlife including some career development events. and environmental topics such as wetlands conservation, “In FFA, we are currently working on our CDE’s,” Boehm waterfowl identification, and waterfowl care,” Kessler said. said. “We have agronomy, egg sales and livestock judging, “This gave students hands on application of the topics being Agriculture in North as Dakota’s as well which are some career development events.” plays a huge role learned, well asculture, experience in as the responsibilities of North Dakota’s economy. As stated by Commissioner Doug Goehring, FFA teaches students important life skills by applying caring for animals.” “Northwith Dakota’s 30,000and farmers ranchers arewho among thebe very best them to real world settings dealing agriculture its and For students might interested in joining, one is in the world.” After all, North Dakota takes first place in the production elements. encouraged to go to an FFA meeting. The Mandan FFA durumBoehm wheat, said. dry edible springtakes wheat, honey, flaxseed andits members, and the “I want to be a much betterofleader,” “I alsopeas, chapter pride in being run by canola. In 2018 alone, North Dakota earned around $7.7 billion for want to grow and improve my career skills.” advisors are there to serve as aids inits developing the chapter agriculture. Not only that, 39.1 million acres of the land, which iswould 90% like of it to go. FFA advisor Tanasha Wanner is one of the three instructors in the direction members North land area, and consists of farms and ranches. who are in charge of FFA. They takeDakota’s care of managing supervising the members of FFA. FFA “I teach AgriScience Technology I atisthea High School, and Introduction to High School-Exploring Ag. at the Middle School,” Wanner said. FFA focuses on encouraging students to develop and improve their leadership skills. The primary areas of focus include premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. “There are contests related to leadership development, as well as contests devoted to expanding your knowledge in the area of a particular career,” Wanner said. All students who are in an agriculture class have the opportunity to join FFA. “Any student enrolled in agricultural education is considered an FFA member,” Wanner said. “Each student has the opportunity to be involved at any level, without having to pay the dues associated with joining.” Photo by Ariana González Unfortunately, like most organizations, FFA has Sophomore Alexis Ritzmann holding a duck. The ducks been negatively impacted by COVID-19 too.
pictured are one of several animals that FFA has taken care of.
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