Moapa Valley hosts FFA Leadership Conference

By KEVIN NICOLAS

The Progress

Future Farmers of America Chapters from Clark County, Lincoln County, and White Pine County all descended on the Clark County Fairgrounds last week for the annual FFA Southern Zone and leadership conference.

Various workshops and competitions were held to prepare students for the Nevada FFA State Conference, which is scheduled for March 25-28 in Reno.

The aforementioned workshops and competitions included veterinary science, environmental and natural resources, floriculture, agricultural machines, creed speaking, milk quality and products, and horse judging.

In veterinary science, students were asked to identify various tools used in the veterinary field and medical conditions found in common domesticated animals.

Over at environmental and natural resources, students were tested on their ability to identify fishes, invasive species, domestic species, reptiles, and plants. Students were also asked to use hand-held global positioning systems to determine their live coordinates.

Floriculture had attendees create a floral arrangement. Students were then asked to determine the price of their arrangements – taking into account the costs of labor, supplies, plus taxes.

Agricultural mechanics had students showcase their welding knowledge, while creed speaking had first-year members of FFA reciting the entirety of the FFA creed to the best of their ability.

Finally, students in milk quality and products were asked to examine pints of milk and determine its quality.
“I competed in milk quality products,” said Shanaya McCauley, a member of the Moapa Valley chapter. “I thought it sounded like fun because my agricultural teacher said it was a delicious contest.”

McCauley wasn’t sure how well she had done as her knowledge base on the subject was still developing. “I did, however, learn a lot and had a great time!” she said.

Workshops were also hosted with attendees having the opportunity to expand their leadership abilities and their knowledge in various agricultural fields.

For lunch, students had a variety of food trucks to choose from, including Fixxology and White Boys Tacos.

Later, an awards ceremony took place in each of the various categories. Numerous students from both Virgin Valley and Moapa Valley won awards.
“I think it went well,” said Addysen Sherwood of the Moapa Valley chapter. “We had over 174 registered members from the Southern Zone which ranged from Lund to Panaca to Alamo to Mesquite to Moapa and to Las Vegas. I liked the event, because it was great to be able to meet new people and be in a competitive environment before we go to state in March. This event is a great place to have a mini-trial run of our contests to get us prepared for state!”