The latest version of a huge annual agriculturally-oriented undertaking took place last week in Houston.
Staged once again at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Fairgrounds on North U.S. 63, the 2016 Missouri Future Farmers of America (FFA) Area 13 Competition featured more than 700 high school students from more than 20 school districts in the 26-district area that covers territory from the Arkansas border to north of I-44. Included in the throng were about 25 members of the Houston High School FFA program.
JOSH ROEHRS
Competitors participate in nine disciplines, including agriculture mechanics, dairy cattle, dairy foods, forestry, horse, livestock, meat, poultry and soils. Overseeing the event was HHS agriculture instructor and FFA adviser Josh Roehrs.
“The idea of these competitions is to get the kids hands-on experience and get them some experience in the ag-related disciplines they’re interested in, whether for college or career,” Roehrs said.
The event (held each year in March) is made possible by volunteer work done by numerous local residents and representatives of agencies including the Missouri Department of Conservation.
“It’s really amazing how many people are willing to help,” Roehrs said. “And it’s all about the kids – we’re all here for the kids.”
Teams more or less utilize the area competition to tune up for the even bigger district competition, which this year will take place next week in Rolla. Qualifying teams from districts will then move on to the state competition toward the end of April 21-22 in Columbia.
“This is all about teaching kids the skills to do something with their lives in the ag industry,” Roehrs said. “It’s good for them and it’s good for the community.”
“This is all about teaching kids the skills to do something with their lives in the ag industry. It’s good for them and it’s good for the community.”
– HHS FFA ADVISER JOSH ROEHRS