chapter highlights: portales ffa
The scent of popcorn and the rattling of rides fill the air at the Roosevelt County Fair. But for Portales FFA, the best part wasn’t the food or rides—it was lending a hand during “Special Needs Day.” Special Needs Day is an opportunity for kids with special needs to participate in hands-on activities covering multiple areas of agriculture. “They get the opportunity to show goats, and we get to help them learn how to rope the dummy,” says chapter Secretary Riley Howard. Members from the chapter served as volunteers for different activities, helping make it the best experience possible for the kids.
When they weren’t busy inspiring the next generation, members of the Portales FFA Chapter were winning big time. Member Riley Howard earned Grand Champion Market Lamb, Market Goat Champion Senior Showman, and Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Jr. Wether Dam. Trypp Hamilton won Grand Champion Market Heifer and Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer. These are just a few of the many awards Portales FFA took home from the Roosevelt County Fair. Featured below are some pictures showcasing members with their livestock.
On the topic of livestock, Portales FFA placed top 5 in the Livestock Career Development Event at State Judging last month. Chapter Reporter Klayt Hamilton placed 4th in the contest, with the team placing 5th. “Livestock is one of those contests that takes years and years to get good at,” explains Klayt. By remaining persistent, the Livestock team plans to hone their skills even more next year and aims to get 1st place. Portales FFA just barely missed out walking stage in Entomology—another extremely competitive contest—where they placed 7th.
Chapter Vice President Madison Strange recounts her opportunity to compete in the Prepared Public Speaking Contest at District LDEs as one of the most rewarding experiences of the last year. “People are not educated on agriculture as much as they should be,” says Madison. “It’s important to advocate for topics that play a big part in the future of the [agriculture] industry.” Chapter President Skyler Massey agrees with Madison. “We depend on agriculture… so agriculture depends on us,” she says. Taking the step to talk about something important is pivotal for the evolution of the FFA Organization and for agriculture.
Back in the chapter, members are demonstrating their community involvement through the skills they have learned in shop class. Members have been building fire pits for the community and target stands for the local police department. This year, the Advanced Welding Class is receiving their Advanced Welding Certification from Clovis Community College. The college is renowned for their impressive welding program, further illustrating the milestone this certification means for the chapter. The Advanced Welding Class is a great place for members who aren’t as involved in livestock-showing or competitions to find something they can pursue. “The work ethic it provides, whether you’re in livestock, CDEs, welding, or something else—it provides a work ethic that will make the real world easier to manage,” says chapter Sentinel Trypp Hamilton. Pictured below is one of the target stands Portales FFA made for the police department.
If there was a common thread between Portales FFA’s accomplishments the past year, it would be the teamwork it takes to achieve something greater than oneself. It would be the community that comes from the dedication of members pursuing something they’re passionate about. It would be the positive impact the chapter has on those around them. According to the chapter officers, the only word that could possibly describe such a community-centered chapter is “unified.”