Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri – "The Future Farmers of America organization makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education," according to the National FFA website.
Each year students participate in Career Development Events and area competitions to hopefully move on to the district and state levels. Dexter students have made a commitment to their FFA organization and competed last Wednesday, March 6th at the Twin Rivers High School.
Participants were expected to observe the National FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket during the event.
Trevor Link competed in Creed Speaking and placed 4th in the contest. The FFA Creed outlines the organization’s beliefs regarding the industry of Agriculture, FFA membership and the value of citizenship and patriotism. The purpose of the Creed speaking event is to develop public speaking ability of FFA members as well as develop their self-confidence and contribute to their advancement in the FFA degree program. Participants must memorize the Creed and are asked various questions. Congratulations Trevor, job well done!
The Dexter FFA Knowledge team consisting of Hannah Craft, Madison Bishop, and Garrett Kyle placed 4th in the competition. The Knowledge Team students are recognized for their knowledge of agricultural issues and evaluated on how well they can apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Congratulations to Madison, Hannah and Garrett!
These students will advance to the District level competition, which will be held in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on Saturday, April 6th.
In the Record Book competition, Hannah Craft and Madison Bishop both placed 1st. They will attend the State FFA Convention in Columbia, Missouri on April 18th and 19th where their books will be on display.
The Record Book competition which falls in the category of the FFA Books competition also includes, scrapbooks, record books, treasurer's book and secretary's book. 
The Record Book requires students to display their ability to keep accurate and neat financial records, record financial information in a proper format, and calculate financial statements, cash flow and profit and loss records. They must also maintain an inventory of agricultural produce or products and a record of leadership activities.
Students must also enter the utilize the Missouri Agricultural Record Book or the Missouri Farm Business Record Book. These computerized records may be used to help complete the paper book submitted.
Autumn Lesley placed 1st in the FFA Scrapbook competition and will have the Dexter FFA Scrapbook on display at the State FFA Convention in Columbia. The Scrapbook is a record of activities engaged by the FFA Chapter and must cover the time period between the first day of March and the last day of February of the preceding year.
Each Scrapbook is scored and must list the activities engaged by the FFA chapter, FFA officers, and FFA members, a list of degrees and the recipient's name awarded during the year as well as record any honors received by the FFA Chapter. All copies of news clippings written by a reporter, announcements, programs concerning chapter activities and photos taken must be placed in the Scrapbook as well. For the Dexter chapter that is a handful of work, well done Autumn on your accomplishment!
The Dexter FFA is under the advisement of Mr. Ronnie Shipman, Agriculture Instructor at Dexter Senior High School. We congratulate all the FFA Members who attended the competition on a job well done.
