Farm Hand Relays

The Rockford FFA chapter met on September 30th, 2024 at 6:30 pm. After the meeting ended the Rockford FFA held a relay race. The relay race involved students carrying 6 hay bales into a marked-off square. From there, they took turns screwing and unscrewing a screw into a wooden plank. They then had to carry 12 eggs over a distance of around 20 feet. The last part was they had to carry water back and forth to fill up a bucket. In order to finish the race, the team had to cross the finish line all together. We had 4 teams complete and the winners were the Sigmas, who consisted of Corbin Harris, Jack Dwyer, Quentin Peters, and Sam Bohemer.

Written by, Maryssa Walker

Farm Safety Day

On Farm Safety Day, we brought a group of officers and some freshman volunteers. Our topic was the importance of grain bin safety. We put together a script and a trifold. With the help of the Charles City Fire Department, we demonstrated the use of proper safety equipment and the equipment used to pull out a victim. Overall, it was a great day; the students were very engaged, and our members put together a good presentation.

Written by, Maggie Buseman

Test Plot

We harvested our beans off of our fields. We had Tony Schmitt, Colbie Schmitt, and Justin Abell help us combine. Tony brought a combine for us and Justin brought a seed tender to weigh the beans so we could figure the yield. We had 14 different varieties that we combined separately to see which ones yielded the best. We also decided to do some soil sampling and sent them off to Frontier Labs in Clear Lake. They were able to make maps of the farms for us, so we know what to do for fertilizer for next year. We also took some students up to tour Frontier Labs. It was very interesting to see how they test the soil and make recommendations for the farmers. 

Written by, Kylen Enabnit

Harvest Meals

This year’s harvest meal was a great success! We made 50 meals and delivered them to local farmers that were nominated by the community. The meals consisted of steak sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, green beans, candy, and water. The farmers were very appreciative when they got their meals.  

Written by, Kylen Enabnit

Food Drive for Amy’s Food Pantry

The past few weeks, the Rockford FFA held their annual food drive. They collected from each classroom on the elementary side and RTI group on the high school side in total they collected a near 1300 items! The winner of the elementary side was Ms. Staudt’s Preschool! The winner on the high school side was Ms Osmonson’s RTI group! Thank you to everyone who donated. We appreciate the never-ending support!

Written by, Danika deBuhr

Pumpkin Carving

At our October meeting, we had a blast carving pumpkins! Everyone brought their own pumpkin, and we set up tables inside to carve on. First, we scooped out all the seeds and guts. It got a little messy, but it was tons of fun! Then, some members drew their designs on their pumpkins while others decided to paint their pumpkins. Some members went for a classic design, while others went for a rather unique design. Once we started carving, there was tons of laughter and teamwork as we helped each other out. After all the fun was done, members brought their pumpkins into the cafeteria. The next day, students at lunch got to vote on each member’s pumpkins. The final winner was Danika deBuhr.

Written by: Rockford FFA’s Vice President, Grace Schmitt and Sentinel, Dillon Borchardt