Agriculture Update

      “Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man.” This was said by our very own President George Washington. Gaining knowledge about an industry that feeds us and keeps us alive is always a valuable pursuit that everyone should have. On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, members of the Lewis Cass FFA chapter will head off to Miami County to compete for the Crops, Forestry, and Entomology contests. Each of these individual contests test a member’s unique skills. FFA members choose which contest they want to compete in and focus on that contest. 

Crops

     The Crops contest is a competition that not only allows FFA students to showcase their hard work but also teaches members valuable skills they could use throughout their lives. Senior, Trinety Gilem, vice president of the FFA, was asked what the crops contest entails, and Gilem said, “This contest includes identifying different crops and weed plants and seeds, as well as different machinery, diseases, and damages. You also have to take an industry quiz about a bunch of different things involving crop production and harvesting. You also have to do three different grain gradings at the area contest: one corn, one bean, and one wheat.” Crops contest offers an opportunity to enrich your skills regarding plants and how to care for them. Trinety was also asked how she prepares for the contest and answered, “I have been studying the crop and weed plants, and seeds. I have also been doing practice grain grading. I have reviewed the machinery and the damage and diseases of the plants and seeds. I have also been mentoring a younger member.” All in all, this could help future individuals if they inspire to grow plants on their own as young adults. 

Forestry

     Next, the Forestry contest tests FFA individuals on their knowledge of trees, leaves, diseases, and more. Junior, Isabella See, historian of the FFA, was asked what this competition included, and replied, “Identifying Indiana’s most common forestry leaves, seeds, wood, and diseases. There is also an exam about the forestry industry.”  Members have prepared for this contest by exposing themselves to all different types of leaves, trees, and wood diseases, and have studied mock tests to better prepare for the actual contest. Many members have done this contest for many previous years and have already gained plenty of experience they continue to build on. Isabella was asked how this contest could help her in the future and responded, “If I wanted to pursue a career in forestry or natural resources conservation, this would be great preparation and a way to be ahead. Otherwise, I will dominate in trivia, as long as it’s outdoorsy.” All in all, this contest helps individuals expand their knowledge of the forestry industry. 

Entomology

      Finally, the Entomology contest tests members on their knowledge of insects and how to classify them. This contest is more popular than some may believe. The contest allows FFA individuals to learn more about the creepy crawlers they see throughout their lives. This helps members educate themselves and others about which creepy crawlers we should be afraid of and which are safe. Senior, Lily Yax, president of the FFA, was asked how she has prepared for this contest, and responded, “I spend my extra time in Ag classes studying the bug samples we have.” All in all, this contest is a great opportunity for members to expand their knowledge on the insect industry. 

     Good luck to all the FFA members competing at this competition! The hard work members have put into this contest and the many others does not go unnoticed. Contests such as these instill skills into young people that they could not learn anywhere else. Their drive, determination, and hard work will help them reach success near and far. Wishing the Lewis Cass FFA chapter the best of luck on the Crops, Forestry, and Entomology contests on Tuesday, November 25!