Agribusiness-Grain Bridge Project

Our Agribusiness class is going to be working on a project simulation through Grain Bridge where they will assume the position of producers.  The students are given 1280 acres to create a diversified operation of crops and livestock.  They will estimate input costs, expenses and projected yields and then keep track of their investments over the course of the semester and hopefully beyond!

Here is a link to the website: https://grainbridge.com/FFA/SD

Below are a couple of useful resources when looking at average crop yield numbers and livestock carrying capacity formulas:

https://www.mitchelltech.edu/media/files/Programs%20Offered/Agriculture%20&%20Transportation%20Technologies/SDCFRM/SDCFRM_2014_Annual_Report_Linked.pdf

http://globalrangelands.org/inventorymonitoring/carryingcapacity

Horse and Livestock Judging Resources

Here are some good on-line resources for horse judging:
http://www.cowgirldiary.com/archives/1169

http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/anatomy/quartertypeconf_030107

http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/anatomy/geldingconformation_051906/

http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/anatomy/mareconformation_061506/

**Horse and Rider Magazine has a great conformation clinic in each one of their issues!

Here are some good on-line resources for livestock judging:
http://www.judging101.com/


http://www.livestockjudging.com/free_livestock_judging_practice_classes.aspx

Class Pictures

 We've been able to get out of the classroom this week and do some hands-on projects.  The Agribusiness class assembled calving pens for a neighbor.  Their team picture is above.

 The landscaping class transplanted a couple of silver maple trees on campus and make quick work of things with many shovels going at once.

 We put the watering wagon into gear watering trees this week as we are experiencing hot, dry, windy conditions.

 The students are showing off one of the bare-root trees we transplanted.

Here is a picture of the crew at work putting together the calving pens.  This was designed as a "mission" where the students had a drawing and basic directions, then had to work together as a team to accomplish the mission.

FFA Week 2016

Here are some pictures from our FFA Week back in late February.  The students did a tremendous job putting together an animal nursery, safety demonstrations, art contest, and school-wide assembly.  

 These pictures are all from our animal nursery including the set up, teaching experiences, and hands-on activities with the students.  We had a calf, mini horse, sheep, and goats to teach and play with during the day.

Hardiness Zone Map

Link to hardiness zones in the United States:
http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/InteractiveMap.aspx

Link to precipitation map of South Dakota and other states:
http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/pcpn/sd.gif

Link to Persecuted Church Prayer Map:
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/resources/documents/WorldWatchMap.pdf

Class Pictures

 Our Agri-business class was privileged to have Erin Yost from American Bank and Trust come and talk to us about the lending process.

She taught on the 6 C's of Credit: Character, Capital, Capacity, Collateral, Conditions, and Cranium.  We are blessed to have professionals in the community supporting our program and we enjoyed hearing her
experience in the banking industry from an agricultural perspective.

 The landscaping class is reinforcing the benches for our fire-pit area.

Power Equipment Safety

Please read the safety information on the equipment you are assigned to and come up with a 3-minute safety presentation to give to the class on your piece of equipment.  The presentation will be recorded so be creative in your approach.  Costumes are highly encouraged!

Lawn Mowers:
http://www.briggsandstratton.com/us/en/support/maintenance-how-to/push-mower-engines/lawn-mower-safety-tips
http://safetyandhealth.ext.wvu.edu/r/download/22008

Chainsaws:
http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/vista/html_pubs/saw/saw.html
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3269-10N-05-english-06-27-2007.html

String trimmers:
http://safety.ucanr.edu/files/3142.pdf

Leaf blowers:
http://www.stihlusa.com/information/how-to-guides/safe-and-courteous-use-of-leaf-blowers/

Skid Steer:
http://extension.psu.edu/business/ag-safety/vehicles-and-machinery/other/top-10-suggestions-for-skid-steer-safety
http://articles.extension.org/pages/64425/skid-steer-safety

UTV:
http://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/AEX-597.1
https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/BSE/BSE-44/BSE-44NP-PDF.pdf

Hedge Trimmer:
http://nasdonline.org/919/d000763/using-hedge-trimmers-safely.html
http://www.greenindustrypros.com/article/10233992/hedge-trimmer-safety-tips

Tractor/PTO
http://extension.psu.edu/business/ag-safety/vehicles-and-machinery/tractor-safety/e33
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/agsafety/equipment/ptosafety.cfm