FFA news round-up

The Newberg High School Envirothon team that competed at the North American competition in Bozeman, Montana was made up entirely of FFA members, Lillia Huiras, Margaret Halstead, Cayd Erickson, Jacob Volkman, Brennan VandenHoek and coached by Bob Beckner.  Of the 50 US States and 5 Canadian provinces that competed, Newberg (with a "young" team) placed in the middle of the pack overall. The North American Envirothon tests teams on their knowledge of soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife and a current environmental issue. Each team's knowledge is tested under the supervision of foresters, soil scientists, wildlife specialists and other natural resource professionals. Teamwork, problem-solving and presentation skills are evaluated as each team offers a panel of judges an oral presentation with recommendations for solving the specific challenge that is presented during the competition. The current environmental issue for this year's competition was sustainable rangeland management: achieving a balance between traditional agricultural uses with non-agricultural uses on Montana rangelands.

Yamhill County Fair
Newberg FFA had 14 different members competing in swine, sheep, beef, goats, poultry, rabbits, cavies and livestock judging. Many blue ribbons and championships were won.

Oregon State Fair 
Chapter Landscape Design - 3rd place
State Tractor Driving Contest - Dan Womack - 2013 State Champion Overall
Goats - McKenzie Halleman very competitive with her Boer goats
Dairy Cattle - Tia Piscitelli very competitive with her Jersey heifer
Swine - ShaeLee Barnett - 2013 Oregon State Fair Premier Swine Exhibitor, 1st place Fall gilt, Champion Feeder pig, Champion Young Breeders Herd, and competitive with her other pigs
Cavies -  Katie Noragon - Grand Champion Cavy Showman & Champion Cavy
Cavies - Karissa Noragon - Reserve Champion Cavy Showman
Poultry - Karissa Noragon - Champion Novice Showman, "Best in Show" with her duck

Potato Project
Potatoes are almost ready!  Harvest should begin right after school starts.  The chapter will be selling enough spuds to pay for the project for another year.  Once that amount is reached, the balance will be donated once again to F.I.S.H.  Look for more announcements from the students.