Ag Update
By Miranda Segner, Exeter-Milligan Ag Ed Instructor and FFA
Advisor
The fall semester of agriculture classes has kicked off to a great
start!
Welding students have completed four weld tests using Shielded
Metal Arc Welding (Stick) and will be doing the same as we switch over to Gas
Metal Arc Welding (Wire).
The 8th grade class is currently covering the basics of animal
terminology and care. Coming up, they will be exploring careers in agriculture
followed by a shop unit where they will each have the opportunity to try
welding.
Plant Science class just completed plant growth trial experiments
testing a variety of factors dealing with light, temperature, and water which
built on their previous unit about soil in plant development. Their next unit
will focus on plant pests, including diseases and insects.
The Animal Science class put the finishing touches on their animal
housing models which included a feedlot, chicken barn, and horse stable as they
watched the Temple Grandin movie and learned about proper handling of
livestock. This class will be moving into the animal products unit soon.
In Agribusiness class, they enjoyed a guest speaker from
Generations Bank to finish up the financial unit where they learned about
balance sheets, income statements, and budgets. The next unit is focused on
commodity marketing where they will be competing in an online marketing
simulation competition against other high schools in Nebraska.
And finally, the EMF FFA chapter has had a busy fall so far with
members attending Husker Harvest Days, harvesting pumpkins with Farmers and
Merchants Bank in Milligan, and serving meals to farmers at four local
cooperatives. Some of our members also competed at District Livestock Judging
on Oct. 18th. The Junior Team of Keltyn Kirchoff, Cohen Harre, Hunter Svehla,
and Malorie Lawver placed 3rd and qualified for state. Coming up for the
chapter is our annual Gift Card Drive in November for organ transplant patients
at UNMC and competing at District Leadership Development Events in December.
Pictures:
Feed the Farmers - Jayden Capek, Josh Meyer,
and Carter Milton
Welding - Pictured is Tyler Due working on a stringer bead using
the SMAW process.