February is very busy for Fillmore FFA! First, along with Santa Paula FFA, we will be attending the Tulare Farm Show on February 9th. There we will learn about tractors and different crops they have at their farm. Then on the 11th and 12th we will be traveling again to Tulare County to attend the Advanced Leadership Academy and the Made For Excellence Conferences in Visalia. There we will learn team working skills, communication techniques and take part in entertaining workshops. The workshops will help us discover who we are and what we have to offer to our community. A few days after the conferences, the Fillmore Chapter will be competing against other chapters in the Ventura Section in a Cooperative Quiz, job interviewing and public speaking contests. These are Career Development Events (CDE’s) which are designed to help prepare students for the job market by teaching them to think critically, communicate clearly and to perform effectively. On February 19thFillmore FFA will be having a Farm Cleanup for the School Farm. Not only will we be picking up trash, but also weeding and sweeping areas. This is necessary because on the 26th Fillmore FFA will be hosting a Tractor Contest. The day will consist of students competing in tractor driving and maneuvering competitions. All FFA Chapters from the South Coast Region are invited. As if February isn’t busy enough! On the 27thand 28th students will be applying for the Regional Officer Screening in San Luis Obispo. We have several students who will be attending this in order to obtain an officer position on the 2011-2012 South Coast Regional Team. We will interact with other FFA members from the region and be interviewed by past officers. National FFA Week is February 19th-26th. FFA Week is a chance for members to educate the public about FFA programs and Agriculture. Fillmore FFA is excited to show other students what our organization is about. If you would like to purchase a wonderful 2011 Fillmore FFA Calendar for $10, please email Booster member Kathleen Aguirre at fiveaguirres@aol.com or call the Fillmore High School to contact Mr. Joe Ricards.

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter