It was a busy few days for some Hoven FFA Members. Between livestock shows, volunteering in the Ag Learning Center and Animal Nursery, and working with the South Dakota Pork Producers FFA members represented Hoven well at the State Fair. The State Fair started on Thursday, August 30th and wrapped up on September 3rd. Andy Rausch, the 2012-2013 State FFA Vice President, was at the State Fair representing the South Dakota FFA along with Daren Stoecker, the 2012-2013 State FFA Student Ambassador.
Ben, Dana, and Andy helping visitors with “Ag-tivities” in the Ag Learning Center and Animal Nursery.
Their responsibilities included managing the Animal Nursery and Ag Learning Center, assisting with the registration of livestock for the State FFA Livestock Shows, as well as running the different livestock shows that took place throughout the five day State Fair.
Hoven was represented by several FFA showmen. Sammy Keller, Shaye, Brady, Tyler, Brooke, and Chance participated in the FFA Beef Show. They also participated in other beef show offered at the State Fair and several won prestigious awards in those shows. Along with showing their beef animals in their respected classes several also participated in the Showmanship competition. Along with showing her breeding heifer, Shaye also showed a breeding ewe and market ewe lamb in the FFA Sheep Show. All in all it was a successful few days for these Hoven FFA Members.
Chance showing his steer in the FFA Beef Show
Shaye getting her heifer ready to go in the ring.
The State Fair was full of opportunities for Hoven FFA members to volunteer their time and effort. Members spent time working in the South Dakota FFA Animal Nursery and Ag Learning Center. They answered questions about agriculture, assisted visitors in agriculture related activities such as planting seeds and completing an Ag Trivia Scavenger Hunt, and handling animals so visitors to the center could have a hands on experience. Throughout the day the members also assisted with animal care, and making sure the facilities were kept clean.
Brooke, Tara, Kalecia, and Shaye in the animal nursery.
Brady doing his part to keep the animal pens clean
When they weren’t volunteering in the Animal Nursery the members were over helping the South Dakota Pork Producers at their stand. The members helped prepare, wrap and sell pork loin sandwiches. Several also had the opportunity to assist in public outreach programs the South Dakota Pork Producers were sponsoring during the State Fair. When it was time for a break the members enjoyed a few of the sandwiches they were helping prepare.
Lewus, Bailey, Jasmine, Ben, and Dana ready to serve up delicious pork loin sandwiches at the South Dakota Pork Producers lunchstand.
The Hoven FFA members that volunteered their time include: Reid, Lewus, Jasmine, Bailey, Tara, Kalecia, Shaye, Bre’elle, Traci, Caleb, Brooke, Shania, Sammy, Ben, Dana, and Isaac.