Malta FFA Students Celebrate National FFA Week

The Malta FFA students had a busy week from February 22-25 celebrating National FFA Week.

With no school on Monday, they started the week off with some trivia in the school during study halls.

"That kind of started us off for the week," said Lela Domire. "It was a fun way to start off."

On Wednesday, the FFA officers held a meet and greet with the seventh graders.

"We introduced ourselves and gave a little presentation on all of the things that we do in FFA and what kinds of things they can expect," said FFA Officer Jo'Vahn Velesquez. "We answered any questions that they had. It was a fun time. There are quite a few of them that seem really interested in FFA."

"It was really cool to have that conversation about FFA and what we do," said FFA teacher Mrs. Murphy. "Just trying to get them intrigued for when they come in as eighth-graders. I've started an eighth-grade program to where all eighth-graders actually come through our ag program as almost a core class. Mr. Bleth and I have it set up so that they all can come through unless there's something really strange about their schedule."

On Thursday morning the FFA held their pancake breakfast.

"We had a decent turnout," said Mrs. Murphy. "I realize it's a tough time for everyone in the community that usually comes to the breakfast. With the cold weather and calving going on. But we fed all of the students and faculty and had a few of the diehards from the community come in. We are going to hold another breakfast, not at the high school, where the weather will be warmer and not as hectic on the ranches."

On Friday, a few of the FFA members spent the afternoon with the Malta Elementary students.

They started off eating lunch with the kids and then they had an ear tagging activity with the fourth and fifth graders and read some animal-based books to the younger kids, tying in with I Love to Read Month.

"I think the kids really had fun today," said Draven Lageson. "Some of the kids know their stuff. They knew all of the answers about ear tagging."

Mrs. Murphy said that the FFA students have a busy month coming up as well.

"On March 5, we will be in Conrad for the Conrad Seminars. That covers mechanics, Vet. Science, and agronomy. The kids will have a workshop in the morning and then compete that afternoon."

"On March 21-22, we have CDE Days (Career Development Event), in Miles City. That one covers Horse Judging, Vet. Science, Floriculture (flower arrangements), and selling. A couple of kids will be competing in a tractor operation CDE. They're showing their skill's on how they can drive a tractor in an obstacle course."

"And at the end of the month, March 30 through April 2, we have the State Convention in Bozeman. We have a senior competing at the state level in prepared speaking. Tamra Dowell will be presenting her speech on tobacco farming. We have a decent size crew going down. The kids will be able to go on tours, and go through a trade show and talk to trade professionals, and explore the world of agriculture and what that means, and what is out there for them."