SULLIVAN, Ohio — The Black River FFA chapter recently participated in the Ohio FFA Farm and Agribusiness Management Career Development Event. The Black River chapter earned ninth place in the state, out of 70 teams. Molly Cordonnier placed ninth out of nearly 800 competitors.
The following members also participated in the competition: Hope Diaz, Joe Mennell, Chloee Howard, Katlyn Kubitz, Kylie Leonard and Kennadi Fusco. The team and Molly will earn a top-ten plaque for their accomplishments.
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CRESTON, Ohio — Norwayne FFA had three proficiency candidates make the top four in their prospective agricultural fields this year. The three participants were Halle Miller, Caitlyn DeMassimo and Ellyssa Simmons.
These members have had active Supervised Agricultural Experiences since beginning the program and, now that they are seniors, have the opportunity to compete at the state level in their categories.
DeMassimo’s proficiency is entered in equine entrepreneurship. For her SAE, DeMassimo gives horseback riding lessons to people of all ages. She runs her own business by managing the scheduling of her clients, creating the cost for her lessons, and instructing the students during the lessons herself. In 2019, Caitlyn earned third place in the state for her proficiency, and in 2020 she earned second place.
Simmons competes in the proficiency area of agricultural sales placement. She currently works at her family’s butcher shop in Creston, Ohio, Whitefeather Meats. Some key points in her SAE are helping customers and creating the schedule. She also trains employees on the point of sales system and hires new cashiers for the front of house operations. She has been in FFA for five years and has held three officer positions.
Miller’s proficiency is entered in small animal production. For her SAE, she breeds bordoodle puppies, and sells them. She manages the genetics of her females and also tests the sperm quality of her males. Other key points in her SAE are practicing good breeding ethics, researching safe and responsible buyers and practicing early social stimulation techniques with her puppies. Miller has been in FFA for four years.
