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By Caitlin Nicholson
Club Reporter

The new year marks a season of opportunity for the Davie County FFA chapter, as students at Davie County High School kick their competition preparations into high gear.
Several chapter teams have dedicated themselves to countless hours of practice, sharpening skills to boost their competitive edge for Career Development Events (CDEs) hosted by the National FFA organization. Beyond preparations, chapter members are taking the lead in projects on the schoo campus and throughout the community.
Building on their exceptional performance at regionals, the members have been committing time every day to prepare for state-level competitions. Some of the chapter’s teams and individuals have already shown considerable promise.
In November 2024, the Davie FFA Ag Mechanics Team secured a second-place finish in the region, earning them a spot to compete at the N.C. State contest in June 2025. The team members include Cole Anders, Lochan Holcomb, Jeffrey Miller, and Matthew Ramsey.
This event allowed the contestants to exhibit their technical skills and problem-solving abilities through an exemplary display of teamwork. Their skills in managing agricultural machinery, electrical wiring, mechanical systems, and welding were tested through questions and procedures.
Cole Anders, the Davie chapter’s Senior Sentinel, placed third individually. When suggesting members for the team, Anders proposed those passionate for the Ag mechanics field, saying it would ensure “energy and commitment” when preparing.
Upon reflection of the team’s efforts, Anders said: “We felt a big sense of accomplishment. All of those hours of practice had paid off, and we had our tickets to states.”
After celebrating the team’s achievements, the members continue with a renewed focus and strengthened sense of determination to hone their agricultural mechanic skills.
While staying dedicated to their team preparations, the FFA continues to shine as leaders, managing a lineup of projects throughout the high school campus.
The chapter hosted an aluminum can drive to support the school’s National Technical Honors Society. Over the past several months, students, staff, and other community members were able to contribute to the drive, collecting more than 580 pounds, or $475 worth of recycled cans that would in turn be used to finance NTHS dues.
FFA members also seized the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and play a hands-on role in building an extension to the barn.
Last summer, with the help of their intern Nathan Harris, the chapter began expanding the dimensions of the barn to provide additional space for the species of livestock – pigs, sheep, dairy heifers – they house each year. This year, the chapter’s leaders and alumni were able to navigate collaborations with companies such as Lowes to fund and supply the agricultural program at the high school. With these donations, the chapter intends to continue expansion to the west wing of the barn.
The approach of spring guarantees a busy schedule.