First FFA Chapter Meeting
By Sydney Hoffman on November 21, 2017
FFA is a national organization that focuses on leadership and the promotion of agriculture. This is an organization that continues to grow, as does the agriculture industry proven by the 21 million job opportunities in the agriculture and food sector. To be in FFA, however, you must be involved in an agriculture CTE class for at least one semester for every year you would like to participate.
Bridgewater-Emery FFA began recruitment for their chapter on open house night. This carried over to the second week of school when Bridgewater-Emery’s FFA Chapter worked alongside with FCCLA to advocate for their groups and organize an interactive game for the high school and middle school to play during the school day on Sept. 7. The FFA chapter stressed that their first meeting would be on Sept. 11 at 7 pm.
Every FFA meeting begins with the national organization’s opening ceremonies. Following that, reports are given by the officer. On Sept. 11, FFA chapter secretary, Sydney Hoffman, totaled 41 members present at the meeting. Treasurer Kristin Kotas gave a report reading $5,531.05 in our chapter account. Reporter Dustin Weber announced the chapter’s participation at the state fair, and he promoted the chapter website and social media accounts. Dustin also mentioned the opportunity for the Bridgewater-Emery FFA Chapter to be featured in the “Farm Families” magazine.
The chapter’s program of activities plan and new business was discussed by President Rebecka Hoffman and Vice President Lindsey Berg. They explained new opportunities and possible plans for the upcoming year. Activities discussed included the following: the Super Sandwich Showdown fundraiser in Mitchell, FFA alumni chapter, Fall Leadership Development Events, National FFA Convention, chapter officer leadership training, adult agriculture education classes related to career development events, chapter etiquette dinner, and possible community service projects like cleaning ditches on the highway or tying blankets to donate to hospitals.
“At the meeting, we discussed doing S.O.F.Y. again this year, which I am excited about because I believe it is important for kids to learn about farm safety and to spread the awareness of it,” junior and FFA chapter sentinel, Jevin Eddy said.
After discussion, closing ceremonies were completed and the chapter members concluded the night with root beer floats and an interactive game.
“The meeting went really well. I think the officer team did a great job of getting the old and new members to interact. I think the discussion also went well. There were lots of new ideas discussed and I’m excited to see how the members get involved throughout the year. The activities that were before and after the meeting really helped to make everyone feel included and welcome,” stated FFA advisor Karen Roudabush.
Upcoming FFA events for the Bridgewater-Emery Chapter include a land judging school in Parker on Sept. 19 along with the Southeast Regional Land Judging competition on Oct. 3. The FFA chapter will hold a S.O.F.Y. (Save Our Farm Youth) camp during the school day for the elementary on Oct. 6. Finally, the next FFA meeting will be on Oct. 17 again at the Emery site. Students will also begin practicing for their fall Leadership Development Events in the coming months with competitions in November.
“I plan to participate in Ag Sales in the fall and in a spring CDE next semester. I am really looking forward to a fun experience at the South Dakota FFA State Convention later this year,” senior and first time member, Matt Randall said.
Bridgewater-Emery FFA began recruitment for their chapter on open house night. This carried over to the second week of school when Bridgewater-Emery’s FFA Chapter worked alongside with FCCLA to advocate for their groups and organize an interactive game for the high school and middle school to play during the school day on Sept. 7. The FFA chapter stressed that their first meeting would be on Sept. 11 at 7 pm.
Every FFA meeting begins with the national organization’s opening ceremonies. Following that, reports are given by the officer. On Sept. 11, FFA chapter secretary, Sydney Hoffman, totaled 41 members present at the meeting. Treasurer Kristin Kotas gave a report reading $5,531.05 in our chapter account. Reporter Dustin Weber announced the chapter’s participation at the state fair, and he promoted the chapter website and social media accounts. Dustin also mentioned the opportunity for the Bridgewater-Emery FFA Chapter to be featured in the “Farm Families” magazine.
The chapter’s program of activities plan and new business was discussed by President Rebecka Hoffman and Vice President Lindsey Berg. They explained new opportunities and possible plans for the upcoming year. Activities discussed included the following: the Super Sandwich Showdown fundraiser in Mitchell, FFA alumni chapter, Fall Leadership Development Events, National FFA Convention, chapter officer leadership training, adult agriculture education classes related to career development events, chapter etiquette dinner, and possible community service projects like cleaning ditches on the highway or tying blankets to donate to hospitals.
“At the meeting, we discussed doing S.O.F.Y. again this year, which I am excited about because I believe it is important for kids to learn about farm safety and to spread the awareness of it,” junior and FFA chapter sentinel, Jevin Eddy said.
After discussion, closing ceremonies were completed and the chapter members concluded the night with root beer floats and an interactive game.
“The meeting went really well. I think the officer team did a great job of getting the old and new members to interact. I think the discussion also went well. There were lots of new ideas discussed and I’m excited to see how the members get involved throughout the year. The activities that were before and after the meeting really helped to make everyone feel included and welcome,” stated FFA advisor Karen Roudabush.
Upcoming FFA events for the Bridgewater-Emery Chapter include a land judging school in Parker on Sept. 19 along with the Southeast Regional Land Judging competition on Oct. 3. The FFA chapter will hold a S.O.F.Y. (Save Our Farm Youth) camp during the school day for the elementary on Oct. 6. Finally, the next FFA meeting will be on Oct. 17 again at the Emery site. Students will also begin practicing for their fall Leadership Development Events in the coming months with competitions in November.
“I plan to participate in Ag Sales in the fall and in a spring CDE next semester. I am really looking forward to a fun experience at the South Dakota FFA State Convention later this year,” senior and first time member, Matt Randall said.
