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On April 9, the Floriculture and Nursery Landscape FFA teams made the trip to Colby to put their skills to the test.
In the Floriculture Contest, members were challenged to identify 30 different plants, rank two classes of 6-pack annuals, and tackle two practical exercises, including a floral practicum and a general practicum. Representing the team were Ryan Prewo, Kaden Graham, Case Ashmore, and Rhett Kats. Their hard work paid off with a 5th place team finish! Individually, Ryan earned 8th place, Kaden came in 14th, and Case placed 19th.
Switching gears, the team also competed in the Nursery Landscape Contest, where they had to identify 30 trees, shrubs, or pieces of equipment, complete a challenging exam, and analyze a landscape blueprint in a practicum.The team placed 2nd overall! Individually, Kaden placed 3rd followed by Ryan in 5th, Rhett in 8th, and Case in 21st.
Logan FFA Students Hit the Road for a Hands-On Ag Career Tour Across the Midwest
From Kansas City to Arkansas and everywhere in between, Logan FFA Chapter members embarked on a whirlwind agricultural career tour from April 2 to April 7—exploring farms, factories, and food production facilities that showcased the depth and diversity of the agriculture industry.
Day 1: From Bread Loaves to Alpacas
The tour kicked off in Lenexa, Kansas, with a fascinating visit to Flowers Baking Co., where students saw the entire bread-making process—from mixing ingredients in giant vats to shaping dough, baking, slicing, packaging, and shipping products like Wendy’s hamburger buns.
Next, the group traveled into Missouri to meet some four-legged fiber producers at Ya Ya’s Alpacas. Students learned how to care for alpacas, how they’re sheared, and all the quirky facts about these lovable animals.
Later, they toured Show Me Genetics in Strafford, MO, getting an inside look at artificial insemination technology, semen collection, storage labs, and even the bulls on site. After a quick pit stop at Buc-ee’s, the team headed to Jonesboro, Arkansas, for the night.
Day 2: All About Rice and Peanuts
The second day kicked off at Riceland Foods, where students toured a massive rice facility. They observed the entire operation—from parboiling and drying rice to removing hulls, polishing, and packaging the grains for shipment via rail or truck.
From there, they headed to the Rice Research Center, where they learned about soil conditions, flooding techniques, and cutting-edge research behind successful rice crops. The day wrapped up with a tour of Delta Peanut, where students witnessed peanuts being cleaned, shelled, sorted, and prepared for shipment. They even learned how peanuts are planted and grown. That night, the group stayed in North Little Rock.
Day 3: Through the Storms and Into History
Although severe weather—including flooding and tornado warnings—forced them to take shelter overnight, the group safely continued their tour with only two cancellations. They began at the Agricultural Plantation Museum, where they learned about early 1900s tenant farming, saw a cotton gin demonstration, and discovered the history of the boll weevil.
Next was the Keo Fish Farm, where Mike, the guide, walked students through every step of raising striped bass and grass carp—from egg spawning to shipment. Afterward, they enjoyed a farm-to-fork lunch at The Grumpy Rabbit in Lonoke and visited Me and McGee Market in Cabot, meeting a miniature zebu calf and browsing local produce, meats, and flowers.
Despite the weather, the day was packed with learning and memorable experiences. That night, the group traveled to Mountain View, AR.
Day 4: Sheep, Seeds, and Craftsmanship
At HavenCroft Farms in Mountain View, students toured a working sheep dairy, home to Friesian sheep used for milk and cheese, and Jacob sheep known for their multiple horns. They also make handcrafted wool rugs and even brooms made from broom corn.
From there, it was off to Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company in Mansfield, MO, for their spring festival. Students explored the greenhouses, shopped the store’s vast heirloom seed selection, and enjoyed local food vendors and colorful flower displays. That evening, the group made their way to Fayetteville, AR.
Day 5: Wood, Pecans, and Mushrooms
The final day featured three unique stops. First, at Penny Hardwood, students saw exotic and local woods, the kiln-drying process, and how wood is turned into beautiful live-edge slabs and flooring.
Next was Miller Pecan in Afton, OK, where they followed pecans through cleaning, cracking, and packaging for shipment to candy makers. The final stop was a J-M Farms mushroom plant in Miami, OK, where students got an up-close look at button mushroom cultivation—from compost prep and sterilization to harvesting. The smell may have been strong, but the learning was even stronger!
A Journey of Learning and Discovery
This five-day tour gave Logan FFA members first hand exposure to countless agricultural careers and industries. From rice and peanut processors to fish hatcheries and sheep dairies, students gained a deep appreciation for the hard work and innovation behind our food system.
Special thanks to Jennifer Burmbaugh and Chris Delimont for their dedication in driving and supporting the group throughout the trip. And heartfelt appreciation goes to the parents, administration, and supporters who made this eye-opening adventure possible.
The Ag Career Tour wasn’t just a road trip—it was an unforgettable educational experience that broadened horizons and planted seeds for the future.
