FFA members compete in first state convention

Tea Area FFA members competed in their first state FFA convention in April.

Adviser Clayton Sorum took 14 members to Brookings in mid-April to compete in the natural resources, ag mechanics, floriculture and livestock judging career development events.

A lot of chapters stay in Brookings for the three-day event. Sorum drove the mini bus back and forth each day, which meant some early mornings for members and their families.

“There were some early mornings so props to their parents for waking them up. Monday I think we left about 6:15 and we got back about 4, 4:30,” Sorum said.

While they did not have any senior members participate, juniors, sophomores and freshmen dove in and competed.

He said the students seemed to really love state convention. He thought the contests went pretty well and they were competitive for their first year.

“A lot of kids competed in the new precision ag building (at SDSU). I think the kids just absolutely loved it,” he said.

On the last day of the convention, the chapter was recognized as one of seven new chapters in the state.

In the first year, Sorum has been pleased with the involvement of the members. In the fall they had 35 students go to the soils contest out of the hundred members in the chapter. Their meetings have been well attended and have been working on community service projects.

“I think community-wise we’re really, really strong and we’re just going to keep building on what we have for success in contests,” Sorum said.

To wrap up the year, the chapter will host their banquet May 11.