Marion-Florence FFAers earn district awards

Several members of the Marion-Florence FFA chapter were recognized at the South Central District FFA Banquet Monday, April 17, as district proficiency award winners.

Cade Harms was the winner in the area of beef entrepreneurship. He sells registered Angus, Charo­lais, and Red Angus bulls in conjunction with his parents’ seed stock operation. Cade helps with many of the daily chores and helps make mating decisions to improve the genetics of his herd.

Harms also was recognized as the Star District Farmer in production for his activities with his Super­vised Agriculture Experi­ence Program.

Carley Stapleford received the district proficiency award in diversified horticulture. She works for Aunt Bee’s, where she helps make floral arrangements, makes deliveries, assists customers and helps in the greenhouse. She also helps in her family’s large garden at home.

Kaitlyn Goebel received the district proficiency award in small animal production and care. Her program consists of raising and selling rabbits. She has several does that she is breeding to produce rabbits and sells their offspring privately on the Internet as well as some at local farm supply stores.

Goebel also was recognized as the district winner in veterinary science. She works at the Animal Health Center of Marion and also has a work-study program there. Her activities include assisting the veterinarians with procedures, caring for animals and helping clean and sanitize the clinic.

Jarret McLinden received the district proficiency award in ag mechanics design and fabrication in part for his work at the 4M Ranch. McLinden has helped modify several trucks so they can be used for fire suppression and pasture burning. He has also helped to build fence as a part of his supervised agriculture experience.

Harms and Aidan Cairns also were recognized for qualifying for their state FFA degree, which is the highest FFA degree the state can bestow on its members.

Cairns served as the South Central District treasurer and helped organize the banquet as well as present awards to FFA members.

All district winners received a plaque and a cash award from the Kansas FFA Foundation. The banquet was at Buhler High School.

More from Elizabeth Hingst
4-H NEWS
• The Live Wires-Empire Best 4-H Club met Feb. 12 at the...
Read More