by EMILY FOSTER, Polk County FFA Federation Vice President
March was a busy and successful month for FFA members across Central Florida. At the beginning of the month, many students showcased their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects at the Florida Strawberry Festival, where their dedication and hard work were on full display throughout the event. Bartow Senior FFA President and Polk County FFA Federation Vice President Karysa Browning earned the Jim Thompson Award. She demonstrated her commitment to arriving at the barn as soon as it opened and remaining until closing each day, ensuring the facility stayed clean and welcoming for visitors. Browning shared that “Before I had won the buckle, it felt like I was hitting a dead end in my work and everything I did felt unnoticed. But sitting in those stands and hearing my name get called for the special awards felt like God was directly showing me that his timing is right and not to doubt His plans. I’m forever grateful.” Another successful student at the festival was Kacie Anderson, who earned third overall Senior Showman with her heifer, Birdie.
Additionally, FFA members from across Florida competed in several state-level Career Development Events (CDEs), including Floriculture, Nursery and Landscape, Land Evaluation, and Horse Evaluation. Auburndale Senior FFA achieved outstanding success, earning first place in the state for Nursery and Landscape. Congratulations to all participants for their accomplishments. State and American Degree applications were also submitted at the beginning of the month. These degrees require students to meet rigorous criteria. Good luck to everyone who applied.
To close out the month, members participated in the Central Florida Youth in Agriculture Show, a four-day event where students exhibited and had the choice to sell their beef, swine, and lamb projects. Participants also had the opportunity to enter Agricultural Mechanics projects, which could be sold if awarded Grand Champion. Mulberry Senior FFA Sentinel Layne George earned Grand Champion in the wood project category with his handmade picnic table, allowing him to sell his project. Overall, March was a highly productive and rewarding month for Polk County FFA members.
Mulberry Senior FFA Sentinel Layne George with his grand champion handmade picnic table.
Bartow Senior FFA President and Polk County FFA Federation Vice President Karysa Browning with her Jim Thompson Award
Auburndale Senior FFA 1st in the state for Nursery and Landscape CDE