Saturday, October 11, 2008

FFA Progress Expo - 2008

The first FFA Progress Expo was held September 4th and 5th on the Half Century site. Four hundred fifty two FFA members from 18 schools participated in the rain plagued event. Plans to harvest corn and soybeans were canceled due to rain, and some classes were moved to Grissom Hall ( Special thanks to airport manager Bill Clayton for helping with the last minute arrangements).

Students attended classes on soil judging, yield calculations, farm safety, GPS technology, and other areas on interest. A tractor operators contest was held both days. The event was well recieved by the students and their instructors.

FFA Progress Expo's will be held in even numbered years when there is no Half Century of Progress Event. Members of the FFA Organization, (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) are students in vocational agriculture programs in high schools. Over the years, FFA has, in combination with the dedicated vo-ag instructors, helped not only "future farmers", but leaders in agribusiness, agricultural education, and even non-ag related fields get the education, skills, and experience they needed to excel in their chosen endeavors.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

John Deere Secondary Event

I received this from Marilyn Moore a few days ago.
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John Deere Friends and John Deere Clubs will gather for the "Legends of Time" in Rantoul, IL during the Half Century of Progress IV, August 27-30, 2009.,
  • You will see a fully mounted 8 bottom Plow working. This will be the largest gathering of 8010's ever.
  • A 1/32 Show Tractor 8010 with a plow or just the Tractor may be purchased.
  • A Seminar on repairing the starting Pony Motor on the Diesel Tractor will be presented by Earl Seamands in the John Deere Tent.
  • A Raffle with First prize as a Child's Wagon, with side boards, loaded down with John Deere merchandise for Mom, Dad and Child, Second Prize will be a Child's Pedal Combine, and Third prize will be a beautiful decorated JD Tool Box with John Deere Tools.
  • John Deere Merchandise Internet Store will be in the tent.
  • Show T-Shirt will be available soon.
Contact Persons: Dean Blackford, (217) 841-5914, Darrel Fischer,(815) 383-4367, and Earl Seamands,(217) 586-3604.