Tree Transplanting

 The Exploring SD Ag class worked hard as a team and transplanted a spruce tree on campus which had been growing into another tree.  With 8 shovels and a pry-bar going, the students made quick work of digging the tree out and digging a new hole in the campground area for the tree.

Here is a picture from a silage tarp we put on a couple of weeks ago.  It looks like the girls are walking on the clouds!

Technology in Agriculture

Watch the following video at http://www.connectedfarm.com/ (look on the lower right hand side and press the red triangle) and the questions posted below:
1.  List 3 ways technology was being utilized in this video:

2.  What do you think the future holds for precision agriculture technology?

3.  How does precision agriculture technology fit with a Biblical worldview?

A Biblical worldview

So often we talk about the term "Biblical worldview" here at SBA, and rightfully so, for it is the foundation for all of life.  Our very purpose rests in understanding God, His Word, and His creation which he has given us stewardship of for His glory!  Check out this biography of George Washington Carver, which gives a clear picture of a Biblical worldview lived out in his life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wv4qYIyJoM&feature=youtu.be

Questions for Plant Science and Leadership Class:

1.  Where did George Washington Carver earn his college degree and what made that degree so unique?

2.  What was the problem with planting cotton in the southern states?

3.  Why did Carver plant legumes such as peanuts and sweet potatoes?

4.  List 6 different products that came from Carver's work with peanuts and sweet potatoes:

5.  What was the name of Carver's lab?

6.  Why did he lock the door to his lab when working?

7.  Does the Bible tell about peanuts (summarize Carver's response):

8.  How does Carver illustrate a Biblical worldview in his life?  Describe someone you know who illustrates a Biblical worldview in their occupation in agriculture:  (2 Paragraph response)

Fun on the Silage Pile

Fall is a great time to be able to help neighbors with putting a tarp on their silage piles.  Each neighbor has their own unique way of protecting their silage pile from the elements.  Today, it was a little windy and all hands were kept busy as we rolled out the tarp and tried to keep it from flying away.  The students did a great job jumping in wherever a hand was needed and we were only a couple of minutes late getting back for their next class.

Turn the Calendar-October is here!

 On October 1, 4 students participated in the Central Area Range Judging Competition.  This was all their first time competing in a range competition and they did well, finishing 6th out of 9 teams.  The winning team from the area goes down to Oklahoma in the spring to a national competition.  I look forward to hopefully taking an SBA team to this event in the future!

 The junior high class is finishing up the HuntSAFE course and have had hands-on experience with firearms specially designed for education.

 Learning how to properly cross a fence with a firearm

Even the high school students got to spend a class period going over general firearm safety.  They look like they could be dangerous!

AET Assignment

We are using an online program called the Agricultural Experience Tracker to keep track of our students SAE projects.  Here are the following items that need to be updated on the AET website:http://www.theaet.com/Signin.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fAET

o   Time in classroom activities

o   Time in SAE experiences-hours from your time sheets!

o   Time in community service

o   Time in FFA office

o   Time in FFA committees

o   Time in competitions (range judging, livestock, horse judging)

o   Time in other FFA activities-meetings, seminars (Allan Savory), fundraisers

o   Financial entries-basic information even if you are not doing an entrepreneurship SAE