Green Mountain-Garwin FFA members on the steps of Hilton Coliseum in Ames during the 97th Iowa FFA Convention held April 13-15. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

AMES – The GMG FFA Chapter traveled last week to the 97th Annual Iowa FFA Convention held at the Iowa State University in Ames where members participated in two busy days of leadership and fellowship with chapters from across the state.

On Monday, April 14, GMG attended the career show where Kenzie Bartel and Violet Jackson competed in the Chapter Display contest, earning a silver award. That same day, GMG attended the opening session which included keynote speaker Dan Ventiche, known as ‘Iowadairyfarmer.’ Through social media, Ventiche advocates for the dairy industry.

As is the custom, GMG members thoroughly enjoyed the dance party held on the floor of Hilton Coliseum.

On Tuesday, April 15, four GMG members took part in the State Poultry Judging Contest including Bryleigh Bartel, Skyler Murty, Ryann Bessman, and Regann Bessman. These four freshman girls judged live laying hens, live broilers, interior egg quality on 10 eggs, exterior egg quality on 10 eggs, fresh poultry parts ID, further processed poultry products, and took a written test over poultry production. The team earned a silver award and placed in the top half out of 140 teams in attendance.

GMG capped off the Convention by watching two of its own – Jay Bru and Jacob Cornwell – earn the highest award a member can earn at the state level, the coveted Iowa FFA Degree.

GMG FFA members Jay Bru, left, and Jacob Cornwell pictured with their Iowa FFA Degrees on Tuesday, April 15, in Ames. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Congratulations to Jay and Jacob on their accomplishments!