CVA Partners with Humphrey FFA Chapter

For the second year, Central Valley Ag (CVA) is partnering with the Humphrey FFA chapter on its 15-acre plot.

CVA's partnership with the Humphrey FFA chapter is not just about providing resources, but about fostering a unique learning experience. CVA has provided expertise in various areas of the project, including soil testing, weed control, fertilizer application, precision agriculture applications, harvest assistance, and grain marketing.  However, it's the students who have the final say on the plot, allowing them to witness the real-world implications of their decisions. This hands-on approach is what sets this partnership apart, offering students a practical application of their agricultural knowledge.

"CVA's expertise is outstanding," said Humphrey FFA Advisor Robyn Graham. "They know what they're talking about in all aspects of this process. I'm grateful that they can share industry knowledge with the students."

Local farmer Bill Classen plays a crucial role in the project, working with the chapter to plant different populations of seeds in the field. This collaborative effort is designed to help members understand the impact of seed population on yields. In the 2023 crop year, the chapter experimented with three different seed populations, providing students with a valuable learning opportunity.

While students can learn in the classroom, FFA allows them to learn by doing.

"You can talk about things in a classroom until you're blue in the face, but it won't sink in as much as being able to go outside and see it in real life," said CVA Humphrey Location Manager, Kendal Bender. "These kids are making big decisions. They're farming it. If they make money, they did good. But they can lose money just as easily. This experience gives them a small taste of what life could be like later on, should they decide to become a farmer."

Many students in the agriculture classroom don't grow up around production agriculture despite being in a heavy corn and soybean production area. Those who do grow up on farms don't always see the variables and decisions that go into planting, harvesting, and everything in between.

"Any time I can provide my students with real-world applications, like this test plot, I think it's a huge opportunity to educate," said Graham. "If I can spark an interest in agronomy, grain marketing, or give them the tools to return home and be a better farmer, it's worth it."

The Humphrey FFA chapter, CVA, and Bill Classen will begin planting within the next month. CVA is proud to be a part of student's education on the different aspects of agriculture through this great opportunity provided by their advisor and school district.