Montezuma FFA earns four state championships

      The Montezuma FFA Farm Business Management Team continued the program’s winning ways by capturing a state championship honor and gold rating at the 96th FFA State Leadership Conference, held April 15-17, at Iowa State University in Ames. Bryson Stockman was high individual overall in the career development event (CDE) competition with Ellen Cook capturing sixth place individual overall. Pictured are, from left: Madison Cheney, Bryson Stockman and Ellen Cook.

By J.O. Parker
 
     The Montezuma FFA Chapter brought home four state championships at the 96th FFA State Leadership Conference held April 15-16 at Iowa State University in Ames.
      The Farm Business Management team of Madison Cheney, Ellen Cook and Bryson Stockman led the way by capturing one of the four state titles for the Montezuma FFA Chapter.
      Bryson Stockman was high individual overall in the career development event (CDE) competition with Ellen Cook capturing sixth place individual overall.
      The Farm Business Management CDE is designed to provide the student an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Farm Management. The 375 individuals who participated in the event each completed an objective test which had three sections: economic principles, records and analysis, and risk management. All team members worked together to solve a problem related to break even analysis. 
Ag Conduct of Meetings
       Also capturing top state honors and a gold rating was the Montezuma FFA Ag Conduct of Meetings team. Team members Vivian Cook, Leah Urfer, Sydnee Burgess, Rett Pargeon, Gracie Wilson, Rylee Thompson and Easton Hudnut are headed to nationals. Alternates were Letisia Wilson and Analeece Kercheval.
       Teams participating in this CDE event were composed of seven members organized to act out the duties of an officer team. Teams were required to perform opening ceremonies, demonstrate two parliamentary procedure abilities, and successfully close a meeting. This event aids in the development of leadership abilities of young members for present and future chapter activities.
Ag Sales Team
      The Montezuma FFA Ag Sales Team of Cruz DeJong, Makenna Johannes, Camryn Brennan and Madison Van Zee captured a state championship title at this year’s state FFA Convention.
        Camryn Brennan was top individual and Madison Van Zee finished in ninth place.
     FFA teams from 87 chapters participated in this year's CDE designed to provide the student an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Agriculture Sales. The 318 individuals who participated in the event each completed an objective test, made a sales presentation, and performed a customer relations practicum. All team members worked together to prepare a marketing plan and make an oral presentation of the plan to the judges. 
Ag Communications
       The Montezuma FFA Ag Communications CDE team captured a first place finish and state championship. Team members included Brady Boulton, Claire Erselius, Luke Erselius and Broox Stockman. Peyton Tindle was an alternate.
     FFA members from 21 chapters participated in this year's CDE. The event provided students the opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of agricultural communications. The 84 individuals who participated in the event completed several activities including demonstration of skills and problem solving in web design, video production, journalistic writing, and opinion writing, as well as presenting a team media plan.
State Proficiency Awards
       Montezuma’s Mia Boulton, a 2023 graduate, was the winner in the area of agricultural sales placement. Boulton spent five years involved in her chapter’s 4,000 square foot greenhouse. She contributed to the success of the greenhouse by implementing curbside-pickup during the pandemic as well as a flower program for gravesites during Memorial Day. Boulton is currently pursuing a degree in journalism and a minor in sports recreation management from the University of Iowa.
Iowa Degree recipients
       Montezuma had five students who earned their Iowa Degree. They are: Camryn Brennan, Cruz DeJong, Makenna Johannes, Jordan Ranfeld and Madison Van Zee. 
      The four state championship teams will represent Montezuma at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 23-26, in Indianapolis.

​       The Montezuma FFA Conduct of Meetings team brought home a state championship honor and gold rating at the 96th FFA State Leadership Conference, held April 17-19, at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left: Letisia Wilson, and alternate; Gracie Wilson, Rylee Thompson, Easton Hudnut, Rett Pargeon, Sydnee Burgess, Leah Urfer, Vivian Cook and Analeece Kercheval, an alternate.

​       The Montezuma FFA Ag Communications team was named state champions at the 96th FFA State Leadership Conference, held April 15-17, at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left: Peyton Tindle, alternate; Broox Stockman, Luke Erselius, Claire Erselius and Brady Boulton.

       The Montezuma FFA Ag Sales team captured a state championship and gold rating at the 96th FFA State Leadership Conference, held April 15-17, at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left: Makenna Johannes, Madison Van Zee, Camryn Brennan and Cruz DeJong. Camryn Brennan was top individual and Madison Van Zee finished in ninth place.