Lindhurst FFA is off to a busy start

Farming: It's not just for farmers anymore. Agriculture in our classrooms is actually a bigger subject than most would believe thanks to the Future Farmers of America. The FFA is an organization that teaches kids about the world of agriculture and its opportunities. The Lindhurst High School FFA chapter has played a huge role in bettering the community and giving its many members the tools to succeed after high school.

The new school year promises to be a busy one for the LHS FFA, with a national convention in Indianapolis, state convention in Fresno, the Yuba-Sutter Fair and COLC, just to name a few activities that chapter members are involved in.

Under the guidance of Jennifer Burden and Jim Rogers, LHS FFA members have begun fundraisers so that these amazing opportunities will be in reach for those who want to better their knowledge of agriculture.

The 2009-2010 officer team — President Dominique Earsery, Vice-President Haley Wilden, Secretary Shelby Bolton, Reporter Delaney Thome, Treasurer Kameron Dansby, Sentinel David Silva and Historian Amber Foster — will lead the LHS FFA chapter. Through them, the other members will learn more about the program and follow their example.

FFA is split into three categories: SAE (or supervised agricultural experiences), classroom and leadership. Good grades and the courage to strive for excellence are very important aspects for FFA members.

SAEs are a huge part of the FFA experience. The purpose of an SAE is to give the student a chance for some hands-on experience, which can range from welding a trailer to grow plants in to raising an animal, such as a hog or a steer.

A great example of this is LHS FFA's own breeder hog, Kiss. Kiss is a Hampshire mix show hog who had a bad break before the fair. Her leg went, and Kiss was unable to make it to show; thankfully, two dedicated and loving students nursed her back to health and still care for her today.

Kaitlin Webb and Natasha Washko, FFA members since their freshman year and 2009 LHS graduates, have taken extraordinary care of Kiss. Each has admitted to the difficulty of caring for Kiss and raising her first litter. But even with all the work, they both believe it's worth it to go out to the farm and see their agriculture venture run up to greet them every day.

Through all the dedication and hard work of the members and advisers, LHS FFA has prospered. The welding shop, which had looked like a hurricane had hit it — and then some — has been masterfully restored by Mr. Rogers. Ms. Burden continues to drive students to better themselves in the classroom and on the farm with the animals and plants, and the farm has never looked better. The members are active and optimistic, ready for the new year.

Kameron Dansby is a senior at Lindhurst High School. His column appears about every sixth week in Education.