FFA members compete at state

Custer High School’s new Future Farmer’s of America (FFA) program is taking off running. It sent six students to the state competiton at South Dakota State University in Brookings April 22.
Still in its first year, the program does not yet have an official advisor, but principal Tobey Cass accompanied the students to the competitions.
FFA participants Colter Gerard and Kenley Perker spoke about the new program at the May 9 Custer School District Board of Education meeting.
“It was a lot of fun to just get around and talk to people about agriculture,” said Gerard. Gerard transfered to Custer High School from Edgemont, where he competed in FFA previously. This year, he competed in the horse evaluation event, but previously has competed in business events.
Another student, Kenley Parker, competed in the veterinary science event. One part of the event involves a  test on parasites, tools, equipment, breeds and dosages for certain animals.
“Regions is a lot more relaxed, but there’s still a lot of nerves. At state, it’s really fun. You go and you meet a whole bunch of new people,” said Parker.
After returning from competition, two more students joined the program, bringing their number of participants up to eight.
“It’s just really cool,” said Parker, about the new program.