PLYMOUTH — the Plymouth FFA chapter joined many other chapters from across the nation at Indianapolis, Indiana, to take in a host of activities and cheer on previous Plymouth FFA members Jamie Miller, William Flaherty, and Peyton Young who were awarded one of the most difficult FFA degrees to earn, the American FFA Degree.
Members who receive the American degree are less than half of one percent of all FFA members in the nation. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and time to earn this degree.
William Flaherty is the son of Brian and Shannon Flahery. Will’s Supervised Agricultural Experiences for FFA included working at the Willard Veterinary Clinic, raising rabbits, goats and cattle, chickens, and sheep, as well as working at the African Wildlife Safari in Port Clinton.
One of Ringler’s favorite SAE visits was experiencing the African Wildlife Safari with Will and several FFA Alumni members. Will is currently employed with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Jamie Miller is the daughter of Joe and Chris Miller. Jamie’s SAE included raising dairy beef feeders and working in the meat and seafood department at Meijer in both Mansfield and Dayton where she is attending school at Wright State University pursing a degree in English.
Peyton Young is the son of Darryl Young and Kerri Young. Peyton’s SAE included raising dairy and beef feeders and steers as well as market goats. Peyton is currently employed by Milliron Inc. in Mansfield.
While at the National FFA Convention, the Plymouth chapter went on many farm tours and learned about a cow’s comfortable life on a dairy farm. The farm showed us how they milked cows and the automatic milking robots utilized on the farm.
At another division of the farm, Fair Oaks, the group learned how pigs were raised, they were separated in different rooms based on age and necessary care. Any time the workers went into the pig pens they shower before and after to ensure they didn’t contaminate any of the animals on the farm or negatively affect their health.
At the bee farm Plymouth FFA members were able to taste test the different types of honey ranging from clover, to flavored honey such as blue raspberry, watermelon, sour orange and many more.
Members were able to hold a piece of a hive with bees on it and we got to sample the honey and honeycombs, from 100% all natural honey with no added ingredients. Members also got to see the products that resulted from the honey produced including beeswax lip balm, gourmet spun honey, honey stix and honey filled candy.
While on the trip members also toured Lincoln Tech’s campus and learned about the educational training opportunities available there.
The Plymouth FFA Chapter would like to thank the Plymouth-Shiloh Board of Education, Transportation Department and Administration for making this celebration, leadership and learning experience possible.
