Lauren Estes-Velez

Hartselle Enquirer

The Falkville FFA program has seen many successful years in their school club, so 2016 wasn’t any different as it was recently given new leadership under Falkville and Auburn graduate Ashley Holmes.

Holmes helped guide last year’s program through many successful endeavors and hopes for the same  triumphs through this years programs.

“The Falkville FFA Land CDE team won the Morgan County FFA Land Contest held last September,” Holmes said. “The contest was sponsored by the Morgan County Farmer’s Federation and the Morgan County NRCS. The team members were Austin Orr, Gavin Lee, Bryce Bryan, and Briar Kimbrell. Gavin Lee was the individual high scorer of the entire contest. Also County Commissioner Don Stisher and NRCS representative Foy Kirkland were present.”

After winning the 2016 State Championship in the Alabama FFA Forestry CDE, the Falkville FFA Forestry team was invited to compete in the National FFA Forestry Career Development Event (CDE).

“The National FFA Forestry CDE is a competitive event that tests students’ skills and knowledge in the area of forest management,” Holmes said. “The event components included a general forest knowledge exam, tree identification, timber cruising, tree/forest disorders identification, a chainsaw practicum, forestry issues interview, and a team activity. The event was held in conjunction with the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, consisting of three, ninth grade students and one tenth grade student, was awarded a Silver emblem after finishing 17th in the nation. Members also competed for individual awards with 150 other participants. Briar Kimbrell received a Gold emblem, while Austin Orr, Chris Jackson, and Jakob Richards each received a Silver emblem. The team members included: Jakob Richards, Austin Orr, Briar Kimbrell, and Chris Jackson. In addition, representatives from Husqvarna and John Deere, which sponsored the national forestry contest, were present.

After being named one of the top five chapters in the state of Alabama in 2016, Falkville FFA qualified to compete in the National Chapter Award program as part of the 89th National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from across the country that successfully completed an annual set of required activities that encourage members to grow as individuals, work as a team and serve others in their communities.

“After the applications were judged, Falkville FFA finished with a 3-Star Ranking, which is the highest ranking awarded,” Holmes said. “Bryan Holmes, former Falkville FFA President,  accepted the National Chapter Award on behalf of Falkville FFA.”

The Falkville FFA Land CDE team placed fourth out of 42 teams at the North District Land CDE contest that was held in Cullman County in November. This placing qualified them to compete in the State FFA Land Judging contest along with the other best teams from across the state. The team members included Briar Kimbrell, Bryce Bryan, Gavin Lee, and Austin Orr.

“The Falkville FFA Forestry CDE team won the Morgan County FFA Forestry Contest held in early April,” Holmes said. “Winning this contest qualified the team to compete in the North District FFA Eliminations. The contest was sponsored by the Morgan County Farmers Federation and Littrell Lumber Mill. The team members included Isaac Behan, Jaden Wilkins, Bryce Bryan, Gavin Lee, and Tristin Bynum.  Bryce Bryan was the individual high scorer of the entire contest.”

The Falkville FFA Forestry team placed second in the North District FFA Eliminations held at Wallace State Community College in April.

“Gavin Lee was the individual high scorer of the entire contest,” Holmes said. “This placing allowed them to advance to the state Forestry contest in June, in which they ended up finishing fifth in the state as 7th graders. The team members included Isaac Behan, Jaden Wilkins, Gavin Lee, Bryce Bryan, and Tristin Bynum.

The Falkville FFA Nursery Landscape Team also placed second in the North District FFA Eliminations held at Wallace State Community College in April. This qualified them to compete in the state contest held at Auburn University in June. The team members included: Jakob Richards, Chris Jackson, Briar Kimbrell, and Austin Orr.

The Falkville FFA Chapter was awarded recognition in June at the 89th Alabama State FFA Convention for having 100% of the 187 students enrolled in the Agriscience program also serving as National FFA members,” Holmes said. “Brea Bryan, our FFA Vice President, received the award on behalf of the Falkville FFA Chapter.”

The Falkville FFA Nursery Landscape Team placed second at the Alabama State FFA Nursery Landscape Contest held in June at Auburn University.

“The contest consisted of a general knowledge test, plant propagation, an interview concerning customer relations, landscape design, and identification of plants, equipment, and disorders,” Holmes said. “The team members included Jakob Richards, Briar Kimbrell, Chris Jackson, and Austin Orr.”

Last, the Falkville FFA Chapter was recognized with a 2017 Superior Chapter Award at the 89th Alabama State FFA Convention. This award is based on the chapter’s program of activities, student work experience, chapter service and program innovation. After being named one of the Top 5 chapters in the state, Falkville FFA’s application has been forwarded to National FFA and will be judged to determine the chapter’s ranking at the National level. Falkville FFA will be recognized for this ranking at the 90th National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis in October.