FFA News
by Brooke Widner

Miller County FFA members recently competed in the local FFA Agricultural Tractor & Machinery Operations & Maintenance Career Development Event. The event was held at Miller County High School on August 28, 2007. We had 15 participants in this CDE, and the participates were Matt Chambliss, Justin Chandler, Patrick Haverty, Erica Rigsby, Jenna Phillips, Dustin Mathis, DJ Hunt, Adam Worsley, Joseph Parker, Malcolm Horne, Shelton Pickle, Matthew Houston, Nick Rawlings, Courtney Brownlee, and Zach Whitaker. Joseph Parker placed first; Adam Worsley came in second, and Dustin Mathis, third. Courtney Brownlee was the girls' division winner. The boys will compete against each other on September 6, at the Baconton competition to determine who will represent our chapter at the Area 5 competition at ABAC on September 18. Courtney Brownlee was the girls' division winner.

The Agricultural Tractor & Machinery Operations & Maintenance Career Development Event allows students to demonstrate the skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate a tractor. Participants in the event take a written exam and answer problem solving questions related to tractor servicing, safe operation, care and maintenance. Participants also drive a tractor and are tested on tractor operations.

FFA is a national organization of over 449,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program in public schools. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Special thanks to the Miller County FFA Alumni for the prize money, Albany Tractor and Mr. Jerry Torbert for the tractor, the Miller County Road Department and Mr. Earl Cox for the course cones, Mr. Horace Lovering for the grain drill, Mr. Wes Pace and the Miller County FFA Middle School for the drinks, and Mr. Von Peavy, Area Ag Mechanics Teacher that judged the competition.

Don't forget to pay your dues by October 10. If you plan on going to the EXPO, dues must be paid, and you must sell five Chicken-que tickets. The Chicken-que will be September 14, from 4:30-6:30 at the Miller County Lunchroom. If you want tickets, see Mr. Bill Spooner in the Ag Office. Also, if you purchased a Miller County FFA t-shirt, they are in the AG Office. You can pick them up any time. See y'all next week.