Members of ODY’s chapter of FFA traveled to Buffalo, NY last week with their advisor, ODY technology teacher Richard Dando, to participate in the FFA State Convention at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
The annual convention hosted over 2,000 FFA members, advisors and honored guests from across the state to hear from inspiring speakers, peers and agricultural professionals. Students spent three days and two nights in the area touring farms, participating in workshops, competing in contests, learning from inspirational speakers and stepping out of their comfort zones.
Students departed the ODY campus at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 3, and had a busy first day on the road. The first stop was a tour of Lamb Farms in Oakfield, where students experienced an awe-inspiring tour of this high-tech dairy farm that milks 2,900 cows in a robotic rotary parlor. Discussions included the many technical skills needed to work in such a facility, and jobs available in the dairy industry.
Welker Farms welcomed ODY students for a tour of their registered Hereford beef and registered Southdown sheep operations, where students learned about their diversified operation and sustainable practices including rotational grazing, no-till cropping and using donkeys as guard animals. The Welker family (Zack and Alana) even welcomed our FFA members into their home for a pizza dinner. Their “mini tour guide,” David, was excited to join his new ODY friends for a picture before everyone departed for Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls at night was an awe inspiring sight for all of our students, especially those who had never experienced this amazing site.
On Saturday, McKenna Salisbury and Maxwell Pullis served as delegates at the FFA Convention, participating in committee and business meetings.
Several ODY students competed in contests at the convention:
Connor and Adam competed in the Jr Tool ID contest - which was a great first CDE (Career Development Event) experience for both of them.
McKenna and Maxwell competed in the Discussion Meet contest. McKenna advanced to the 2nd round and Maxwell progressed all the way to the finals and placed second. He received his award on stage in front of more than 2,000 people. A very exciting accomplishment!
The FFA Quiz Bowl contest tested students' knowledge of FFA and agriculture. Owen, Lily and Leo's team advanced to the 2nd round of play. Maxwell, McKenna, Sarah and Nina's team advanced through three rounds of play. Both teams showed tremendous improvement from last year. Way to go, teams!
And finally, ODY was recognized as one of the FFA chapters in the state with the largest growth this school year.
Throughout the convention, students had several opportunities to participate in workshops that were of individual interest to them. The Expo Hall was a popular attraction, offering the chance to chat with many agricultural colleges, companies and organizations.
General Sessions with the entire student body are an exciting and motivating way to experience the energy and the variety of opportunities that NYS FFA has to offer. Pre-session always includes a dance party and several ODY students were able to get up on stage to show off their moves.
Speakers included state officers, a national officer, motivational speakers, and Mr. Richard Ball who is the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Maxwell even had the surprise opportunity for a ‘meet and greet’ with both Mr. Ball, and the Deputy Commissioner of NYS Agriculture and Markets before one of the general sessions.
Thank you to Mr. Dando for accompanying our students to the convention, helping them to prepare for the convention, and encouraging them to make the most of every opportunity while they were there. Also, a special thank you to the students’ bus driver for transporting them safely.
After a successful convention showing, everyone is excited to see the FFA program at ODY continue to grow and thrive!