FFA students harvest test plot

The FFA Chapter at Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School has been working with Jon Graham over the past several months on a test plot.

Starting in mid-April, a group of students went out to plant a variety of soybeans donated by the local seed dealers.

Over the summer months FFA members checked on the field and had guest speakers come out to inform the group about different aspects of farming.

“Real life experiences are what get students truly interested in learning,” said advisor Tejlor Strope. “Students were able to participate in the test plot from planting to field days to harvest and marketing.”

Jon Graham organized all the speakers and donors for the plot. “I wanted to give these kids a chance to see how much time and effort goes into producing a good crop,” commented Graham. “It was an educational experience that was hands on and we are already looking into some more ideas for next year.”

A total of 20 students attended the harvest last Wednesday. Each student got an opportunity to ride in the combine, test the moisture levels, and calculate yield of each variety.

Not all students in the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge FFA chapter live on a farm or have family members that farm. “Unless the students grow up on a farm where they work closely with their parents, many of them would never have this experience,” said Strope, “Students are also able to see many of the possible careers in agriculture aside from simply the farmer.”

The LCC FFA chapter would like to thank all of the sponsors and can not wait to expand on their new knowledge. “Without the support of the community donating their time, land, seed and expertise, none of this would have been possible,” said Strope.

Though the soybean test plot is done for this year, the students will continue to use what they have learned. Applying their new gained knowledge from the field in the classroom, students will be able to see education materials in a different light.

“It was a great experience to show us the close up view of how important our community is to agriculture,” said FFA president Sarah Karnes.

— Madalynn Graham FFA Reporter

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