The Elmwood FFA has kept very busy with the numerous activities they participated in during the month of September.

On Labor Day, the chapter conducted a pedal pull at the Hancock County Fair. Thanks to the nine members who helped out, it was a huge success for the nearly 50 contestants.

Participants were divided into weight classes ranging from 24-100 pounds and attempted to pull a weighted sled 28 feet in length. The top six in each class were rewarded for their efforts with a rosette while every contestant received a participant ribbon and FFA pencil.

FFA members assisting with the event were Brittany George, Shelby George, Richard McBrien, Jessica McGrain, Jessica McKenzie, Michelle Sander, Cassandra Shaffer, Isaac Shaffer, Kim Simons and Sadie Tracy.

One week later, another pedal pull was conducted for the Hancock Railroad Club. Nearly 25 contestants showed their strength by competing in an event that was similar to the week before. Prizes were presented to the top four youngsters.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, the chapter's Ag Mechanics Team competed in the Eastern Regional contest held in Springfield, Mass. Members of the team included Lewis Stearns, Andrew Lewallen, Tom Elgin and Kyle Benschoter. The competition sported some of the top teams from 13 states in the Eastern U.S.

During the competition, contestants were confronted with problem solving and skill completion in the areas of building construction, GPS, small engine failure analysis, and general questions on plant processing in agriculture.

The Elmwood team represented Ohio well as they ranked first of all the competing teams. Individually, Lewis Stearns ranked first, Andrew Lewellan ranked second, Tome Elgin ranked third, and Kyle Benschoter ranked fourth.

On the day before, Elmwood was also fortunate enough to have a second team to compete at the regional event. That team was the Parliamentary Procedure Team. The team was composed of six members. Each member was given a Parliamentary Procedure ability to perform during the mock meeting, as well as debating four times.

The team members were Kim Schnipke, Jessica McKenzie, Sarah Laborie, Kyle Benschoter, Emily Curtis and Josh Schnipke. The team advanced out of their room, and later that day they competed in the final round of competition. At the conclusion of the contest, Elmwood found that they had placed second overall.

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Riker Farm Seeds near Bowling Green, six chapters met to participate in an agronomy training event. The schools consisted of Eastwood, Elmwood, Otsego, Woodmore, Cory Rawson, and Arlington.

The main focus of this event was on plant genetics, root development, and career possibilities in the areas of soybean and corn production. During the event, Monsanto introduced their new line of products known as Smartstax. FFA State President Jeremy Grove attended this event as well as District One President Jenny Warrick.

The companies that helped sponsor this event were Sunrise Cooperative, Monsanto, and Croplan Genetics.