Submitted by Cedar Springs FFA
The Cedar Springs FFA Chapter has been involved in many activities this fall season. These events include: the annual Ag Olympics, and Farm Harvest Day, visiting Klackles Orchard, volunteering at the North Kent Community Services, annual fruit sale, and land lab harvest.
The hay bale toss was part of FFA Olympics.
The Ag Olympics were held on September 20. At this event, 17 members participated in several agricultural related games. These games included: a corn husking contest, egg toss, goat milk chugging, hay bale toss, nail pounding, onion chucking, a sack race, and a watermelon eating contest. They were awarded gift cards for first place, king size candy bars for second place, and fun size candy bars for third place. Those who didn’t win a prize were still happy to participate. The members enjoyed being competitive among one another and were happy to accept the challenges of each and every activity. In addition to this event, eight members drove their tractors to school to commemorate the fall “Drive your Tractor to School Day.”
On Red Flannel Day the FFA received 3rd place in division three for their parade float. Many members spent several hours preparing the float and were very happy to see that their hard work was rewarded.
Second graders get a ride to the corn maze.
Farm Harvest Day took place on the 19th of October. During this event, the entire group of Cedar Springs second grade classes were divided into small groups and guided through the corn maze by FFA volunteers. The on-campus corn maze was provided by the FFA. After going through the corn maze, the children had a chance to experience farm animals first hand in the farm animal petting zoo. When finished with their activities the children were provided refreshments and fun, informational activity books about agriculture. In total over 200 second graders, 19 FFA members, and 4 adults participated.
All this activity led the members to plan an evening of fun at Klackles Orchard.
Thirteen members gathered for an evening of fun around the bonfire and other fun activities.
November 12th saw seven FFA members donate three after school hours as a community service helping out at the North Kent Community Service Center. Members prepared Thanksgiving baskets, unloaded pallets of food, and sorted and hung clothes. The members agreed that it was a worthwhile investment of their time.
The FFA land laboratory consists of twelve acres on school property. The eight acres located by the high school were used as community sites for ten area residents and corn grown for experience and profit for the chapter. The other four acres located by the middle school were used for field corn as well. Wayne Marsman was instrumental in preparing and planting the corn and Jake Gebhardt was primary in the harvest. Despite a poor growing season, the fields averaged over 100 bushels per acre. Seed corn was donated by Crop Production Services and Steve Alt.
As they transition into winter, the club is distributing the products from their annual fruit sale and wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
