Students build relationships and compete at Empire Farm Days
Seneca Falls, NY August 21, 2017
From August 8th to August 10th 2017 students from all across the state traveled to Seneca Falls, New York to attend Empire Farm Days! Students had multiple opportunities to mingle with public figures, including businesses and industries across the North East. Not only did students help advocate for FFA and agriculture, they also competed in tractor driving and welding contests. Many opportunities like these occur throughout the year for students to take advantage of. Several chapters collaborated with Empire Farm Days to help support this event through manning information booths to parking thousands of cars that come to this three-day event.
Nearly 100 students competed in the tractor driving and welding contests. These contests are not only popular but serve an educational purpose for all students. Throughout the welding contest, students must demonstrate their ability and knowledge of using MIG and arch welders, as well as a cutting torch. The tractor driving CDE allows students to showcase how to safely drive a tractor while towing a 2-4 wheel trailer behind them. However before they are able to get behind the wheel, they must complete a safety and parts ID test. The top three welders receive a scholarship from Morrisville State College if they decide to attend; third place is $750, second is $1000 and first is $1500.
New York FFA had so many opportunities at Empire Farm Days. NYS FFA member and 2014-2015 District 8 President Karen Luong attended and received the 2017 Empire State Potato Growers scholarship! Members also received the chance to connect with people from around the world, including someone from South Korea. Ethan Keller, State FFA President, interviewed with Finger Lakes Radio and spoke about his decision behind joining FFA, what the FFA is, and opportunities members can experience. Ethan and Maria Martinez, New York National FFA officer candidate, attended a luncheon where they spoke with Cornell University CALS Dean Boor about the agriculture teacher shortage and the benefits of becoming an agriculture educator here in New York!
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education. For more information regarding FFA please visit either www.nysffa.org or www.ffa.org
Respectfully Submitted by,
Kimberly Doyle
NY FFA State Reporter 2017-2018