South Putnam FFA is keeping busy

South Putnam FFA member Chandler Hayden recently participated in a grain bin safety demonstration through Co-Alliance.

The South Putnam FFA chapter recently had busy week including a grain bin safety demonstration, leadership development and soils judging success.

On Friday, Sept. 26 the chapter hosted Co-Alliance and its Grain Bin Safety Simulator.

Students were able to experience what happens inside a grain bin while the auger is running. Michael Williams, the Co-Alliance representative, taught over 250 students throughout the day that a person stuck in flowing grain up to their chest would require 625 pounds of upward force to free them from the grain.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1 there were 18 of the chapter members that traveled to North Putnam High School for a very successful District VII FFA Kick-Off.

Students were able to meet other FFA members including the 2014-2015 District VII Officer team and the 2014-2015 State Officer Team.

The South Putnam Chapter Vice President, Zane Crosby is also serving as the year's District Sentinel. As District VII Sentinel it is Crosby's responsibility to work with the other members of the district officer team to ensure a successful District VII Kick-Off and they did a great job.

To wrap up the exciting week for the SPHS FFA chapter the newly started Middle School Soils Judging team competed at the Area Soils Contest at the Parke County Fairgrounds on Thursday and placed second overall in their division. The team consisted of Evan Steffy, Alex Steffy, Delanie Maggart and MacKenzie Clark. Megan Rogers, an SPHS junior, competed at the senior level as an individual.

The middle school team also competed at the State Soils Judging contest in Harrison County on Oct.18.

"These kids make my job so easy," chapter advisor Amanda King said. "They work so hard to make the chapter an activity that is worth being in. I can't wait to see the things life has in store for them during the rest of the school year."

The South Putnam FFA Chapter also attended the 2014 National FFA Convention and Expo in Louisville on Oct. 29.

More than 60,000 FFA members from throughout the United States are expectedattended the convention and expo, which ran through Nov. 1. South Putnam FFA brought 10 of these FFA members as well as King along with guest chaperone and local agriculturist Lisa Berry.

Throughout the week, students attended more than 85 leadership and personal growth workshops. FFA members also toured industry destinations, including Papa John's international headquarters, Ford's Louisville assembly plant, Churchill Downs and more.

South Putnam students decided to participate in sessions on improving their self-esteem, titled Me, Myself, and I, and a session about international agriculture and their impact on it.

FFA members also participated in community-service initiatives throughout the week.

Students helped beautify the city, volunteer at a local food banks, harvest and distribute locally grown produce, package meals for families in need and much more.