GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Just days into the new school year and recovering from a very eventful showing at the fair, Gridley FFA students held an AG Showcase for their new members.

On August 31st, from 6-8 PM in the Guardian Building, the Gridley High School FFA invited new students to the program and their families to get a closer look at what the program had to offer.

At the end of each school year GHS FFA holds an AG Discovery Day where incoming freshmen visit the high school campus and the Ag departments to take a look at the Ag pathways and what opportunities await them as part of the FFA program. As a freshman joining the FFA program, the AG Showcase is somewhat a follow up to AG Discovery Day and more.

GHS FFA chapter reporter, Annie Woods says, “This event is really just the welcoming of any members who aren’t really involved in FFA so far. To understand what we have to offer and how much leadership skills and life skills in general you can learn from FFA.”

Woods goes on to inform the Herald that the showcase educates new or potential members about key aspects of the program. New FFA members learn more about CDE teams (Career Development Events), LDE teams (Leadership Development Events), and what pathways they can choose within the FFA umbrella. These include Ag Mechanics, Animal Science, Agri-Science, and the Floral/Horticulture pathways. 

Besides providing a lot of information that helps new members find their path in the department, the Ag Showcase was a lot of fun.

A requirement of being in FFA is to participate in an SAE or Supervised Agricultural Experience. Some choose to raise animals while others turn to welding or floral projects, all of which encourage creativity through the learning of a new skill.

Students brought in their examples of SAE’s which ranged from Miss Woods Laser Engraving. The Sophomore has turned her SAE project into a lucrative business–from designing awards to engraving wine glasses for wedding gifts. Another fun example of an SAE project would be Paige Sutherland’s very popular rebuild of a 1965 Ford Galaxy, Tanner Hansen brought his award-winning sheep and Tanya Talamantes brought her adorably cute, puppy project. Championship Banners were hung all over the place, reaffirming this group’s level of dedication and excellence.

Booths were spread throughout the building focusing on each pathway, with examples of potential projects for inspiration and FFA/AG peers available to answer questions. The FFA Department merchandise table was a hot stop on the circuit and before leaving, everyone was encouraged to have a scoop of homemade ice cream.