Meeker FFA team heads to state competition

MEEKER I The Meeker FFA chapter will be participating in the State FFA Agricultural Issues Forum Career Development Event (CDE) April 30 during the 2012 Colorado State FFA Career Development Event Competition in Fort Collins, Colo. Members of the team are Kaitlyn Dinwiddie, Tristan Nielsen, Kaylynn Dunham, Torrie Gerloff and Brittany Smith. The team is coached by Trina and Quentin Smith.

“Event participants identify, research and present information on agricultural issues that are relevant to their communities, thus creating an inherent connection between the members and their presentation,” said Melissa Dunkel, national FFA CDE education specialist.
FFA members present on a current issue facing agriculture to local community groups prior to competing in the state event. In the presentation, both sides of the issue are addressed, allowing audience members to form their own opinions.
The members of the Meeker FFA agricultural issues team have researched and are presenting the pros and cons of domestic horse slaughter, and whether or not it should be federally funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.
These students have already presented this information to the Meeker 4-H Sheep Club, the White River Riders and the Meeker 4-H Horse Club, and the Rio Blanco County Fair Board.
The team is also scheduled to speak at the Meeker Chamber of Commerce (April 5), the Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Material Center (April 17), the Meeker School District Board of Education (April 19), the Range Call committee (April 25), and at the annual After Birth Ball (April 21).
These students are also hoping to present to additional regional or state organizations impacted by, or interested in, this issue.
If you are interested in learning more about domestic horse slaughter, its subsequent funding, or in having this group of students present to your organization, please contact Trina Smith at 970-309-1652 or at [email protected].