Marion/Florence FFA Chapter recently competed in numerous contests.

Entomology

MHS had the top two teams, placing first and second, April 7 at the Hutchinson Community College Invitational Entomology Contest held in conjunction with the college’s Aggie Days activity.

Aaron Molleker and Patrick McCarty tied individually for second place.

Contestants were required to identify 50 insect samples and complete a written test about the insects.

The winning team included Molleker, Ronnie Wright, Corey Shields, and Clark Kroupa.

The third-place team was McCarty, Logan Maytum, Ryan Nelson, and Jacob Cope.

Mechanics

The chapter placed fourth April 7 at the South Central District Agriculture Mechanics Contest.

Sam Ehrlich, Danny Hett, Mitch Richmond, Zach Robinson, Mason Kukuk, Josh Hiebert, and Jonathon Vogel competed.

The theme of the contest was integrated pest management systems. Contestants were required to take a written test, identify various parts of a sprayer, calibrate a sprayer, and complete team activities in evaluating spraying equipment and costs as well as reading information in a technical manual.

Participants also completed a welding skill activity and took a written test about general welding knowledge.

Livestock

Members of the Marion/Florence FFA Chapter competed April 7 in the Greenhand division of the South Central District FFA Livestock Evaluation Career Development event hosted by Hutchinson Community College and held at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

Participants were Adam Cope, Taylor Harms, Shayla Rahe, Cody Carr, Jacob Cope, Colton Jeffrey, Kroupa, Christian Larson, McCarty, Molleker, Nelson, Montana Percell, KayCee Robinson, Shields, and Ronnie Wright.

They were required to evaluate and place eight classes of cattle, sheep, and swine. They also had to present oral reasons and answer questions.

Agronomy

The local FFA chapter earned fourth place April 7 at the South Central District Agronomy Contest.

Nick Klenda, Eric Vogel, Ryan Jones, Jessie Taylor, Andy Shipman, Joe Richmond, and Jared Vondenkamp participated.

Contestants were required to identify 100 samples of common crops and weeds, analyze seed samples for weed seeds, identify vegetative stages of different weeds, take a written test about agronomic information, and evaluate four samples of grain to determine the proper USDA grade.