The Crops team from the Cannon Falls FFA chapter won first place at state competition in April of 2023. On November 1st, 2023 the Crops team will be competing in Indianapolis, Indiana in the Agronomy contest representing not just Canon Falls, but the entire state of Minnesota. The members of the Crops team are Cameron Addington, Gideon Anderson, Lucas Erickson, and Ryan Johnson. Cameron Addington placed first individually, Lucas Erickson placed third, Gideon Anderson placed tenth individually, and Ryan Johnson placed thirty-fourth individually on the state level. Madison Dettman is the team alternate at Nationals. The Cannon Falls FFA Alumni and Supporters Organization has chosen to cover the entire expense of the team members’ trips noting that they want to support this level of performance from chapter members. Chapter advisor, Mr. Pliscott, attributes the team’s success to the hard work of the team members and the expertise of their team coach, Mr. John Hobert.
John Hobert has helped coach teams from Cannon Falls from 2014-2023 with regional winners most of those years. This included a state-winning team in 2017 as well, advancing them to the National competition. The 2017 team was ranked as a silver team at the 90th National Convention. This year the Crops team holds a lofty goal of being in the top ten teams in the nation. The team practiced every Tuesday and Thursday last year learning about grain grading, insects, fertilizer, and identification of different plants. To prepare for the national competition the team started their prep in June. They now practice together 3 times a week, including twice on weekends. The agronomy event includes insect and disorder practicums, ID, written tests, and soil surveys they have been working on perfecting their scores with Mr. Hobert helped to guide them toward their goal. The team also couldn’t have done it without the support of their family and friends.
“After walking off the stage from receiving the first place plaque at the Minnesota FFA Convention, our crops team was beyond excited. Having two senior members on a team that had been together for two years, it was our goal to be state champions, and we are ecstatic to have the opportunity to compete at the National Convention,” said Cameron Addington. Most of the members on the crops team have been doing the crops contest since they joined FFA. Making it to the national level in a contest is an amazing achievement. After an FFA member goes to nationals in a contest they are not allowed to compete in that competition anymore. After the national competition, Anderson and Erickson will continue their education at college, learning more about their passions and developing their careers. Addington and Johnson will both start competing in the Farm and Agribusiness Management contest. Cameron also plans to compete in a speaking event as well.
The team is all very excited to compete and do their best at the national competition. The Cannon Falls FFA chapter is so proud of this team and can’t wait to see what they do with all the preparation they have put into getting ready for the national competition. Wish the crops team luck as they compete on November first.
