Havre High FFA gain sees success at Ag Expo

By Havre High FFA Chapter Reporter Daceen Verploegen and FFA advisor Allison Denton

Editor's note: Watch for more on the renewed FFA chapter at Havre High School in an upcoming edition of Havre Weekly Chronicle.

A total of 33 Havre FFA members traveled to Bozeman November 13-16th. The chapter spent their time competing at Ag Expo, sponsored by John Deere. This is single-handedly the largest competition offered to all chapters across the state besides the State Convention in April. Ag Expo provides opportunities for the next generation of leaders to improve their personal and professional skills, while interacting with peers of the same interest. This Expo also offers leadership workshops and a motivational speaker to inspire members. Ag Expo offered 41 competitions in all, and Havre FFA competed in 19 of those competitions. The results are in, and we are very proud of our success this year.

In the Floriculture Career Development Event, members placed 2nd overall with individuals consisting of Callie Bebee (3rd individual), Cadence Kallenberger (4th individual), Heydon Olson (11th individual), and Maisie Ford (18th individual). Brooklyn Wilting was short by a few points from the team but placed 20th as an individual. There were a total of 209 members and 50 teams competing in this event. The Junior Range Evaluation team placed 3rd overall with Kaden Weigel representing his team by himself. He single handedly beat out other teams across the state who had four members on a team. Amazing work! The Farm and Agribusiness Management team placed 4th out of 25 teams, consisting of Rainee Komrosky (4th individual), Lynsie Molitor (10th individual), Callie Bebee (20th) and Lily Smith. In the Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event, Havre placed 4th as a team, consisting of Trent Naber (15th individual), Royce Reum and (16th individual), Jevin Jenkins, and Ethan Stortz. There were 339 competitors and 72 teams in total.

The Food Science team placed 4th overall out of 47 teams with members consisting of Kodi Sparks, Linkin Cloninger, Royce Reum, and Daceen Verploegen. The Livestock Evaluation team placed 8th with members consisting of Aiden Nitz, Maddelyne Dean, Abigail Peters, and Kami Scheele. There were a total of 295 competitors and 72 teams. In the Meat Evaluation Career Development Event, Havre FFA placed 5th out of 34 teams with members consisting of Maisie Ford (7th individual), Alice Bold (16th individual), Lynsie Molitor, and Kodi Sparks. The Senior Range Evaluation team placed 5th out of 16 teams with individuals consisting of Alice Bold (3rd individual), Ty Baker (18th individual), Jevin Jenkins, and Ethan Stortz. Lastly, the Marketing Plan team placed 3rd overall with members consisting of Rainee Komrosky, Cadence Kallenberger, and Callie Bebee.

Havre FFA also hosted a Thanksgiving party with the members where they created Thanksgiving cards for the nursing homes in the community. There was more than one way that our chapter could spread kindness during the holiday season. Lynsie Molitor, Chapter Parliamentarian, asked a few members what they are thankful for this holiday season.

Kaeden Weigel stated, "I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of FFA as a freshman, as I've been accepted and included with open arms by the older members. I am also very proud of myself for placing so well at Ag Expo, all by myself."

With the same question from Lynsie, Kodi Sparks responded with "I am thankful for all the relationships I've built through FFA that makes our chapter a family."

Royce Reum answered the question with, "I am very thankful for agriculture this season because without agriculture, we wouldn't have food on the table to make thanksgiving dinner."

Lastly, Lily Smith is "thankful for how many members are joining this year."

Havre FFA is extremely grateful for the community's support throughout the year, and is appreciative of the continuous encouragement. Havre FFA wishes you and your loved ones a happy holiday season!