The Ellis FFA Chapter had their Harvest Appreciation Tour on Friday, June 24. Every year, FFA members plan and organize this event to give back to the farmers as a simple “thank you” for their hard work during harvest.

This community service project lasted two days, the first to cook and prepare and the second to drive across Ellis County visiting harvest crews in the fields. FFA members prepared homemade trail mix, cookies, granola bars and other snacks to hand out to farmers. Each farmer received a handful of snacks and an ice cold drink. Farmers that pre-registered also received a special Ellis FFA can koozie.

The 2016 FFA officer team set their goals high, hoping to exceed their record of 37 farmers last year. Their goal was to visit and meet around 50 farmers. This goal, however proved to be far too easy for the team. By lunch, they had already exceeded their goal, and at the conclusion of the tour had met 100 farmers and harvest crew members across Ellis County.

Chelsea Whittle, Ellis FFA adviser, is excited to see the community service project continue to grow in upcoming years.

“This was a great opportunity for our FFA members to get out in front of the community, especially to the heart of the Ellis agricultural industry,” she said. “The smiles on the farmers’ faces, and the overall experience is one that these students will never forget.”

The 2016 Ellis FFA Officer team consists of Lindsay Augustine, Lane Fischer, Jaylinn Pfeifer, Joshua Smith, Cameryn Kinderknecht, and Lane Kohl.

If you are interested in learning more about the Ellis FFA Chapter, contact Whittle at (785) 726-3151.