Osceola Big Chief FFA members travel to National Convention
By Gwyn Elsamiller
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| Osceola Big Chief FFA members Allen Taylor, Lance Henrichs, Spencer Abbott, Jared Jackson, Konner Brimm, Tyler Wilkie, Molly Curnes, Emily Kent, Kim Stearns, Gwyn Elsamiller, Rebecca Cameron and Randi Browne stand in front of Land O’ Lakes/Purina Feed Purina Research Farm. |
“Lead out Loud” was the theme for the 82nd annual National Convention, which was held in Indianapolis, Ind. from Oct. 21–24. Members who attended from Osceola Big Chief Chapter were Emily Kent, Kim Stearns, Molly Curnes, Randi Browne, Gwyn Elsamiller, Rebecca Cameron, Spencer Abbott, Lance Henrichs, Allen Taylor, Konner Brimm and Tyler Wilkie.
Early on Oct. 20 the Osceola FFA Chapter loaded a charter bus with four neighboring chapters, and headed to Rocky Ridge Clydesdale, in Odessa, Mo. While visiting this ranch they got to see some of the tasks that are needed to take care of these giant creatures. The students learned how expensive a team of Clydesdales could be: $75,000 wagon, $15,000 harness, 9,000 pounds of feed per month.
Later that day the students traveled to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri in Columbia. The first topic brought to their attention was biosecurity. They had to wear rubber booties and walk through disinfectant to ensure no diseases were spread.
The students toured the facility viewing surgery rooms and saw an underwater treadmill used for physical therapy in dogs. They were impressed by the use of computerized records and animal x-rays. They learned about the application process, entrance exams, and scholarships.
The next day they students loaded the bus and went to Land O’ Lakes/Purina Feed Purina Research Farm, which is in the charge of feed trials that study growth and development, palatability (taste), and digestibility of their feed products. The farm is split into specific areas depending on the species and type of feed study. The students were impressed with the many different technologies that this company has included into their business. From transmitters on the necks of calves to Calan gates to regulate the feeding, to treadmill fitness tests.
Two highlights of the tour were watching as a horse ran 20 miles per hour on a treadmill, and watching a scientist collect rumen (stomach) fluid from a cow. The Scientist then showed the students live stomach “bugs” such as protozoa, bacteria, and fungi. They even saw a protozoa going through mitosis (splitting of cells).
After their tour the students traveled to Plainfield, Ind., where they got checked into their hotel. Near the end of the day the students got to go to a fun concert in Lucus Oil Stadium – Home of the Indiana Colts. Toby Keith was the main performer. Eli Young band was his opening act. The students enjoyed this and also got a chance to relax before a busy week.
The next morning they watched their first session of the week in Concesco Fieldhouse – home of the Indiana Pacers. They listened to different speakers but the main keynote speaker was Mike Rowe from “Dirty Jobs”. He spoke about stereotypes and how agriculture offers many different opportunities. Afterwards the students got a chance to walk through the career show. There were 250 business and colleges recruiting FFA members. Members learned what it takes to work for some of the leading agricultural industries. They could also go to different workshops where they would meet people from all around the country and do different activities that built teamwork and other leadership qualities.
Later that week the Osceola FFA chapter received a National Chapter Award for its chapter’s program and activities. The students also listened as Josh Sundquist, a para-Olympian for the US ski team spoke about life and how to make the most of what life hands you.
The students all enjoyed National Convention.
Spencer Abbott said, “The best part of Convention was making new friends on the bus and going to the Toby Keith concert.” President Emily Kent thought that the career show was the best part, and it was just a great experience. “Listening to Mike Rowe talk was the best part,” said Vice President Kim Stearns.
Overall the week was spent learning more about agriculture, attending fun leadership workshops, visiting the Career Show, listening to different keynote speakers and getting the chance to go out and meet different people from all over the United States of America and Puerto Rico.
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