March was packed with competitions, events, and learning experiences.
by KENDALL FARRAR, Bok North FFA reporter
photos by JENNIFER WILLIAMS and HAYLEY NEAL
While some FFA chapters slow down after the fair season, Bok North FFA is still running full throttle. March was packed with competitions, community events, and learning experiences that showcase the dedication and passion of our members.
National FFA Week, Quiz Bowl Victory, and Alumni Support
We closed out February with National FFA Week, bringing our school community together through themed dress-up days and exciting activities. Students dressed like farmers showed off their patriotic spirit and wore FFA blue and gold. The celebration wrapped up with a pizza and dance party, where members bonded over food, fun, and learning new line dances. FFA Week ended on a high note with the Polk County FFA Quiz Bowl, a Jeopardy-style competition testing knowledge of FFA history and current events. Congratulations to Brianna and Emily for securing first place! To conclude the week, members supported our Alumni’s annual Fishing for Farmers event. With over 50 boats participating and plenty of raffle prizes, it was a successful fundraiser, thanks to the unwavering support of our Lake Wales FFA Alumni.
Ag Literacy: Spreading Agricultural Knowledge
Our commitment to ag literacy continued with visits to Garden Grove, Polk Avenue, and Janie Howard Wilson elementary schools. Students learned about dairy cattle in Florida and the importance of pollinators, tasting delicious cheeses, and receiving seeds to grow their own pollinator gardens. By May, we expect to reach between 3,500 and 5,000 elementary students, fostering a love for agriculture in the next generation.
Community Engagement and Petting Zoo Fun
March also took us to Bunch Ranch for Kiwanis’ Day Without Disability, where we brought some of our beloved land lab residents to a petting zoo. Bunnies, goats, and our gentle calf, Angel, were a hit among visitors. We also participated in Victory Ridge Academy’s Spring Field Day Celebration, further strengthening our ties within the community.
Guiding Future Agriculturalists at Agri-fest
Several of our members served as group leaders at Polk County’s Agrifest, where they guided fourth-grade students through hands-on experiences in industries such as citrus, beef, floriculture, forestry, and mining. This event provided an excellent opportunity for young students to learn more about Florida’s agricultural industries while allowing our members to step up as mentors and educators.
Exploring Agricultural Science and Industry
Our AgriScience Foundations class had the unique opportunity to tour the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. Students explored the history of the citrus industry, dissected psyllids, toured the packing house, and even conducted gram staining, deepening their understanding of Florida’s essential agricultural sectors.
Strawberry Festival Success
Brianna and Laura Lynn proudly showcased their heifers, Angel and Sunny, at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Competition was fierce, but Brianna and Angel secured second place, while Laura Lynn and Sunny placed fourth. Brianna also earned second place in Intermediate Herdsman. Madison and Emily joined them for a livestock judging contest, where they placed fourth in the junior division.
AEST Certifications: Academic Achievements
Several members took their AEST Agriculture Systems Associates certification exams, with 20 students earning their certificates. These certifications could potentially translate into college credit, further preparing our students for future careers in agriculture.
Representing Bok North on the National Stage
Bok North FFA was also proudly represented at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, where member Lane traveled to Texas to compete with his Red Brangus bull, M&M’s Mr. 844L4 Legend. This prestigious competition showcased top livestock from across the country, and we are incredibly proud of Lane for competing at such a high level.
Advocating for Agriculture at Ag on the Hill
Spring break didn’t slow us down, as some of our members traveled to Tallahassee for Ag on the Hill. While at the Capitol, they met with leaders from the Florida Farm Bureau and Florida FFA, attended workshops on advocating for agriculture, and toured Florida A&M University’s food sciences department. The trip included legislative briefings, meetings with Florida Senators, Representatives, and the Commissioner of Agriculture, while networking with fellow FFA members from Lake Wales High School, Bok South, and other chapters.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we are gearing up for district Ornamental Horticulture demonstrations, the Central Florida Youth in Agriculture Showcase, Florida FFA State Land Judging, and the Conduct of Chapter Meeting Career Development Events. Our commitment to agricultural education and community service remains unwavering. March was an incredible month, and we are eager to see what April brings!
Stay tuned as Bok North FFA continues to lead, learn, and grow!
