The Broken Bow FFA Chapter had an opportunity this past growing season to gain experience in learning more about the field of agronomy.

The idea for a test plot came when Tim Troxel, father of chapter President Samuel Troxel, offered to donate the use of 24 acres of cropland. This gave the members an opportunity to raise money for the chapter and get hands-on experience in agriculture. From there, other people in the community offered their support for the project.

 

Fontanelle, Pioneer, and Midwest Seed Genetics donated seed for a corn test plot. Also, Red Line Equipment and Art Anderson donated the use of equipment, and Mike Miller helped plant and harvest the corn. Trotter Fertilizer of Broken Bow donated the herbicide and fertilizer to produce the crop. It proves that it takes a community to educate our students.

On September 30, 2008 the Broken Bow FFA chapter harvested the test plot that members had worked on throughout the summer. Nebraska State Governor Dave Heineman, former Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, and Senator Deb Fischer all came to the field that day to show their support and meet with the members.

The students were able to share their experiences with them as well as discussing the tasks that they were responsible for during the harvest process. During this time members were asked questions and demonstrated those tasks by sharing the skills that they have learned.

Throughout the summer students went out to the field every couple of weeks. They learned how to take a population count, check for insects, and identify diseases with the assistance of Nolan Hueftle, Pioneer District Manager and Jason Skalsky of Fontenalle.

 

In all, about 20 members were directly involved in monitoring the crop. The members that helped in harvesting had no crop experience, so many skills were learned that day.

On the day of harvest, the members learned how to measure moisture, test weight and calculate the yield. The average yield was 139 bushels per acre on dryland corn, while the varieties ranged from 124 to 152 bushels per acre. The Agribusiness class contracted the corn with Adams Land and Cattle for $5.00 per bushel. This was harvested as high moisture corn.

The Introduction to Ag Science class now has the opportunity to develop a conservation plan for next year’s crop.

The Agribusiness class is working on selecting the crop and making a plan for the next crop.

Without the support of the community this would not have been as successful a project for the members.

The FFA Chapter is using the funds raised to purchase jackets for members to use in contests and leadership training, to help provide opportunities for members to attend PEAK (Pursuing Excellence Achievement and Knowledge), MFE (Made For Excellence) or other leadership conferences that the members would not have the chance to attend.

Members will be able to increase their leadership skills to be used in the community of Broken Bow.
The Chapter Officers for 2008-2009 are Sam Troxel – President; Drew Schendt – Vice President; Kelsey Christen – Secretary; Allyn Leick – Treasurer; Lacey Finney – Reporter; Collin Chytka – Sentinel; and Colton Williams – Parliamentarian. The chapter is planning on going to National FFA Convention and getting ready for District Leadership Skills Events coming up.