Unbeknownst to many, FFA is more than just “cows and plows.” The Sheridan John B. Kendrick FFA chapter encompasses everything from speaking skills, volunteering for the community, developing leadership skills, and, of course, the agriculture aspects of society.

 For this chapter, the first thing on their agenda for this month is heading to the state convention with eleven CDE (Career Development Events) teams. State FFA takes place in Cheyenne from April 8-11, and while there, high expectations are being held for this Gold-Emblem chapter.

 “The chapter has had a really good year so far. All the teams have done very well at the various competitions prior to going to Cheyenne, so I fully expect to have every team walk across the stage at state,” said FFA advisor Nick Siddle.

 All of the teams, ranging from meat judging, to agronomy, to extemporaneous speaking, have practiced at least once a week to be as prepared as they can for this state competition.

 Prior to state, all of the teams competed in various regional competitions, with some going to Powell and Casper to practice against many of the teams they will see at state. Many of the teams and individual members did very well, with senior Jin Woo Kim becoming regional champion in Extemporaneous Speaking, sophomore Chaney Peterson becoming regional champion in prepared speaking, the Horse Judging team winning first at Casper, the Natural Resources team coming in second in both Powell and Casper, and with all other teams placing decently, too.

 “This year, we’ve had some of the most active groups I’ve seen work hard to compete and win in their competitions. A lot of the new members have stepped up and worked hard to support their teams, and the experienced members are improving upon what they know already,” said Ward Cotton, the other FFA advisor.

 The FFA advisors, ag teachers Siddle and Cotton, have also been there each step of the way to help prepare the members in their respective CDE’s. Along with the advisors, the more experienced members of the teams take on leadership positions to teach the newest members the ropes of the trade.

 “Everything has really gone well this year for the club. There’s been lots of volunteering from all the members which is what we try to get the chapter to do more often. Overall, too, i think that state is going to be fun for this group and that we’re going to represent Sheridan well while there,” said senior and fourth-year FFA member Hayden Legerski.

 Besides practicing for state in their teams, the chapter still takes the time to volunteer in the community and getting all the members active in an assortment of activities. This year alone, FFA has gone out to clean the highway, help fund for the T.V.’s around the school, run an Ag Expo for all the fourth graders in the county, and volunteered to serve dinner at various group events in the community, just to name a few.

 Once back from Cheyenne for state, the chapter goes right into interviewing for the new officers for next year, and getting ready for the FFA Banquet, being held May 2 at the Elks. At the banquet, all those who have helped the chapter are honored, along with scholarships to some of the members being presented and the newly-elected officers being installed into their offices.

 Through all of the hard work this chapter has done this year, everyone now is looking forward to seeing even more improvement and greatness for next year’s members. All the current officers want the membership in the club to increase next year and have many more dedicated students participating in FFA.

  “We were definitely glad to see lots of new members coming out this year. We’ve never had this much variety in a group in what all the students do outside of FFA. For next year, anyone and everyone is welcome to come out and join- there is something in FFA for everyone,” said FFA chapter president senior Jin Woo Kim.

  Sophomore Chaney Peterson also added, “No plows, cows, or pigs are necessary to join! It’s an awesome opportunity to travel the state, meet new people with a wide variety of hobbies and interests, and get scholarships along the way.”

  Overall, Sheridan’s FFA chapter has had an extraordinary year full of learning, volunteering, and practicing. This club breaks the agriculture stereotype that only those with “cows and plows” can join FFA by welcoming everyone who wants to have fun and make a difference, while still learning a little along the way. The best of luck goes out to those teams at state convention this week with all their CDE competitions.