FFA - The Leaders of Tomorrow

Across Montana, there are currently 109 Chapters of FFA (Future Farmers of America) that have 6,684 members enrolled. Malta's FFA Chapter was started in 1938 and the Charter was signed January 27, 1939.

The history of the organization is extensive, the Chapter at one point in time had 75-100 members. Today with the issues and challenges facing school districts with trying to hire and retain teachers, the FFA program has had some setbacks on the local level.

Yet, there are dedicated individuals that want to see the program continue through this, the 85th year, and into the future.

With no teacher for the vocational aspect of the program, Malta School District found itself with no leadership to continue the program. The last teacher was Christina Murphy, who left the school to pursue opportunities as the County Extension Agent.

Ryan and Lynnel LaBrie signed up as Advisors for the Malta FFA Chapter in October and have been learning, right along with the FFA members, which now stands at 11 members. While the numbers may be down, the drive, the enthusiasm, and a desire to compete while striving for improvement remain strong; not to forget the love of FFA and what it stands for.

Currently, the members are preparing for the State FFA Meeting in Billings, Mont. on April 3rd-6th. Looking forward to competing in the contests will be the livestock team horse evaluation team (Karlie LaBrie, AJ Marquis, Kenzie LaBrie and Shaylee Hines), vet science (Danika Wilke, Amanda Volk, Karlie LaBrie and Kenzie LaBrie) and meats, (Bradley Brown). Also attending the State meeting will be Kaden Green, Skylar Gilkerson, Hannah Volk and Lola Snell.

Usually a team consists of four members to place, however, Bradley Brown placed high enough individually to secure a spot as a team for the meats team.

The local Chapter just observed National FFA Week in February and prepared and served breakfast to the community.

Other projects of the FFA include the garden which will be worked in cooperation with the FCCLA of Malta High School. This will allow the FCCLA to use fresh vegetables for canning experience this fall, as well as fresh seasonings and spices.

The Chapter also works with the Head Start program and plants pumpkins for the class to carve and paint in the fall.

The garden spot at the school has both raised beds and an area to grow the vine plants, such as pumpkins. They would accept donations of plants and seeds for this year's garden.

During school, the members meet every Tuesday and they meet regularly to practice for their competition. Come fair time, there will be three members showing their finished beef projects in the show ring.

They will also be taking their shifts at the lemonade stand, which is one of their fundraising projects. Be sure to plan on stopping by and supporting the youth with their projects at the County Fair in Dodson on August 1-4.