March 19, 2024

South Central District CDE Day brings hundreds of students to Clarke County Fairgrounds

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, an estimated 840 Future Farmers of America participants from over 20 school districts converged upon the Clarke County Fairgrounds to learn more about careers in modern agriculture.

As part of the Career Development Event Day, students got an in-depth look at practices in areas such as milk quality, soil quality, agronomy, farm business management, vet science, and horse and livestock evaluation.

“I came here to do the horse judging,” said 15-year-old Levi Fritz from Grinnell High School; the session centered on muscle form, development, and proper movement.

Adult staff and volunteers presented valuable, real-world information to students, giving them the chance to test advanced techniques, as well as bring classroom lessons to life.

In order for the process to work, things have to flow smoothly, and according to local volunteer Robin Duffus, they’ve nailed it.

“Last years was the first time I participated in this event,” she said in a press release. “I was absolutely amazed by the volume of students involved in all aspects of agriculture. Over 800 students in attendance and so intent on subjects and participation you could hear a gate close.”

In addition to attending learning sessions, students put their new information to the test with a number of competitions judging knowledge and skills acquired over the day. An awards ceremony was held at 1 p.m. with buses rolling out about an hour later.

“With all of the tragic news gripping our communities,” said Duffus, “it is a very welcoming site to see so many young people coming together with a common bond and the goal of continuing our heritage.”