Elizabeth Bailey
For Decatur County, agriculture has been both an historic stronghold and a continuing legacy for the community and the individuals within it. Following in this tradition are members of the North Decatur FFA Josh Fry, Nick Meyer and Andy Hellmich.
Fry lives on a farm, he said, and has assisted at home in raising crops. Friends, he said, recommended the program as something fun in which he could participate. During his three years in the FFA, he has been involved in soils judging and has assisted during Ag Day each spring as well as participating in a variety of competitions.
He has not decided on future educational plans, but he knows he wants to continue his family tradition on the farm.
Meyer, 4-year member, and Hellmich, a 3-year member who transfered from Greensburg schools in order to participate, are involved in food science, competing by making ice cream, they said. The two will participate in state competition in this area on June 15, they said.
They are also involved in practical forestry, and Hellmich participates in dairy evaluation in area competitions. For them, being a part of FFA is continuing a family tradition. They also specifically pointed out that the fruit sales were a draw for them.
All three members are seniors who have been impressed by the wide variety of ways in which they can be involved. They also speak highly of attending the national convention.
“Seeing 50,000 people in blue jackets is amazing,” they said.
For Hellmich, there is a distinct way to describe the experience.
“It sends chills down your spine,” he said.
The national convention is a reminder, the trio said, of being part of something important, a community with something in common.
Outside of FFA, Fry works at his family’s farm as well as at Pulskamp’s Auto Body. Meyer works at Marsh and at TnT Tool, and Hellmich is employed at Fry’s A&W; Drive-In.
