The Cannon Falls FFA stays busy all year long, and September has been no exception. This September, FFA members participated in the Stewartville livestock judging invitational, Region VIII fall leadership day, monthly community service, and monthly recreation.
The Stewartville livestock judging invitational is one of the first regional events of the year. It allows students to practice their livestock judging before attending the regional contest. Chapters from not only Region VIII but also Region VII were allowed to attend. This year, two general livestock teams, one dairy evaluation team, and one horse evaluation team participated in the invitational. Jocleyn Wichser, a member of the horse evaluation team says, “If you are in a livestock judging contest it is important to go to the Stewartville invitational contest to get practice for your upcoming contest at regions.” Not only did FFA members participate, but Mr. Pliscott’s agriculture exploration class did as well.
Each year, the regional officer team holds fall leadership day (FLD) as an opportunity for FFA members to expand their knowledge and leadership skills, and tour local businesses and facilities to learn about career opportunities. Dawson Sanford, a Region VIII assistant officer and the Cannon Falls FFA secretary stated, “FLD is important because it may be the first FFA event that someone goes to, and it shows them what opportunities they can do in FFA and members get tours of the companies in the region, and see opportunities available after high school.” After Fall Leadership Day, members participated in a ditch clean-up as part of the monthly community service. After the ditch clean-up, members gathered for a bonfire, enjoyed pizza and s’mores, played bags, and participated in line dances.
The Cannon Falls FFA chapter has had a pretty calm September, but definitely has a busy month ahead of them. Upcoming events include the fruit sale, chapter meeting, practicing for contest, national convention, community service, recreation, and the regional livestock judging competition.
