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By Caitlyn Nicholson

Davie High FFA Reporter

The Davie County High FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter finished a busy 2023-2024 school year at the 95th Annual NC FFA State Convention.

The combination of growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture earned Davie students the Gold National Chapter Award, designed to acknowledge chapters that pursue the mission of the FFA organization.

As Davie County students look back on a successful season, they continue to prepare with excitement for the new year ahead.

FFA members devoted hours worth of studying and practice to develop the skill sets needed to participate in state-level competitions.

In the fall, the Junior Livestock Team secured Reserve State Champion for their ability to judge several classes of breeding and market livestock.

In February, Freshman Lochan Holcomb placed second at the NC FFA State Tractor Driving Competition.

With the spring season came the NC All Breeds Dairy Judging competition where Davie’s Senior Team was third, led by junior Caitlyn Nicholson who finished as the first place individual.

Joining more than 4,000 FFA members from across the state, Davie wrapped up the competitive season at the 95th NC FFA State Convention in Raleigh on June 27.

In the Meats Judging Contests, Davie earned Reserve State Champion Honors, led by a third place individual finish from junior Kyra Verkuyl.

In a crowded competition, the Floriculture Team placed third.

Senior Grayson Haynes earned second in Ag Education Proficiency, while Addison Hendrix earned second in the Agriscience Fair.

Davie graduates Grayson Haynes, Addison Hendrix, and Tori Cregar were honored to receive their Old North State FFA Degrees, the highest state-level degree awarded by NC FFA.

Members also competed in Milk Quality, Tool ID, Horticulture, and served as delegates for the NC FFA Association.

The Davie FFA chapter looks back on their season with pride as well as ambition for the upcoming school year.

Throughout the summer, students have given time to volunteering at the Storehouse For Jesus located in Mocksville. This gives FFA members the opportunity to cooperate with a non-profit Christian ministry by harvesting and donating produce they have grown throughout the year.

New structural additions are being made to the greenhouse and barn behind the CTE building at the high school to help with the growing livestock and nursery programs.

FFA members also harvested over 300 pounds of Busy Bee Honey from the school hives, which serves as a learning opportunity and fundraiser for the program. Honey can be purchased in the main office at the high school.

Students are excited for several events to start the new school year. These trips include an officer leadership retreat, sheep showing events at the Yadkin-Davie Livestock Show, Mountain State Fair in Asheville, and the Classic Fair in Winston, along with a visit to Indianapolis, Ind. for the National FFA Convention in October.

Davie FFA thanks all the community partners and parents who make these activities possible.