by Taylor Massey
Republic FFA was allowed to hold various events and participate in competitions throughout the school year, even with the restrictions that most clubs faced. Because of this preparation, several FFA teams performed well at districts and will be given the opportunity to compete in Columbia, Missouri for state.
Since August, FFA has been able to host and attend various activities. They hosted monthly meetings, small events, and even competitions at RHS. They were also able to attend the Greenhand Conference and take trips around the area to learn more about agriculture and the organization.
This year, districts took place at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds over a span of three days. There were specific days for each event that students can compete in. Republic had three judging teams that placed first: Conduct, Division I, and Poultry.
“Districts was a three-day process. There was one day for Leadership Development Events (LDE) and two days for Career Development Events (CDE). In every contest, the top 5-7 teams qualify for state,” said Sophomore Emma Hankins.
Hankins has participated in FFA for the past two years and is going to be the Area XII First Vice President. She is also one student on the state-qualifying Dairy Cattle team.
Besides their accomplishments at districts, Republic FFA is constantly working on new projects on the school grounds. Since January, they have built bail rings, a trailer, and mineral feeders, as well as started to build a new barn at the high school. They have also discussed starting a cattle show team and designing a new food science class for students to take.
Hankins said that she enjoys what FFA has provided to her so far.
“I enjoy being able to participate in contests that help me prepare for my future in agriculture, along with meeting people who know and live the same life as me.”
State qualifying teams:
Conduct: 1st
Division 1: 1st
Poultry: 1st
Food Science: 2nd
Dairy Cattle: 4th
Meats: 4th
Floriculture th
Knowledge: 5th
Entomology: 5th
Horses: 5th
Dairy Foods: 9th