The BerMis FFA Chapter traveled to Lincoln for the 89th State FFA Convention on April 5 – 7, 2017. As they mingled with others, they were able to take part in many different activities throughout the three days. There were thirty four members that took part in 13 different competitions.

On Wednesday, the Agricultural Demonstration team demonstrated about general horse care and won the entire competition! Other teams competing on Wednesday were Natural Resources, Agriculture Mechanics, Agriscience, and Farm Management. The members also got to watch Sarah Pelton perform in the choir at the first General Session.

Thursday brought an early morning for the welders and Food Science participants. As their competitions went on, the rest of the members present went to the morning session where they watched award presentations, and also listened to a state officer give his retiring address. Later in the afternoon, the Livestock Management team headed out for their competition. At the same time, Adyson Furlong competed in her Extemporaneous speaking and received a bronze medal. Her topic was the effect of President Trump’s campaign rhetoric on foreign trade. Jade Gonzalez competed in Natural Resources and spoke on the benefits of wind turbines. Sarah Pelton spoke on how cooperatives benefit the economy, the community, and employment in Cooperative speaking. Both Sarah and Jade received silver medals in their contests.

Thursday evening was filled with many exciting activities. Some of the members started the night by attending the signing for future UNL students. These members were recognized for choosing to attend the university this fall.  All enjoyed Rock the Rec and got to participate in lots of fun activities at the Campus Rec Center.

Friday was a great day for our livestock judgers.  Both junior and senior teams started their competitions at 6:30 A.M.  at the UNL Animal Science Arena.  The livestock judging senior team placed second overall.  Leading the team was Tigh Renken in 2nd place and Cooper Grabenstein in 4th place.

The BerMis FFA members and advisors would like to thank both Loomis Public School and Bertrand Community School administration and staff for their support.  Also,  we greatly appreciate Sandy Dannehl, Jackie Holt, and Mishelle Wallander for going along as sponsors as well as Kelly Thorell who was our bus driver at State Convention.

Results from the BerMis FFA members competing at State FFA Convention:

Ag Technology & Mechanics –

Blue Ribbon: Jory Holt

White Ribbon: Austin Hahn

Participants: Avery Goldfish & Creighton Peterson

Team: Red ribbon

Agronomy –

Purple Ribbon: Cale Abramson

Blue Ribbon: Thomas Crandall &  Noah Renken

White Ribbon: Isaac Wahls

Team:  10th Overall & Purple ribbon

Farm Management –

Blue Ribbon: Jade Gonzalez

Red Ribbon: Katrina Sell

White Ribbon: Amanya Pavelka & Brooke Rademacher

Team: White ribbon

Food Science –

Blue Ribbon: Jenna Kuck & Treianne Park

Red Ribbon: Katlyn Einspahr

Participant: Eden McCain

Team: Red ribbon

Natural Resources –

Purple Ribbon:Thomas Crandall & Noah Renken

Red Ribbon: Lindsay Schutz

Participant: Haley Brink

Team: Blue ribbon

Welding –

Red Ribbon: Adyson Furlong in MIG Red ribbon

Participants: Tigh Renken in MIG & Brandon Wallander in OA

Livestock Management –

Team members – Jennica Dannehl, Cooper Grabenstein, Courtney Philips, Tigh Renken, & Brandon Wallander.

Team:  Purple ribbon

Junior Livestock Judging –

Participants:  Jennica Dannehl, Kassidy Drain, Jory Holt, & Emma Larson

Team: Red ribbon