The McCool Junction FFA chapter has been busy with the start of their second year as a new FFA Chapter.  The summer was spent with several activities including: COLT Conference for the officers, Horse Evaluation Contest, Tractor Driving Contest, hosting Blood Mobiles, meeting with LEAD alumni and Omaha North FFA members, and the York County Fair. Exhibiting at the County and State Fair was new for most the our members, but several members did very well in a variety of areas.
Several FFA members attended a Monsanto Field Day in August and enjoyed learning about new technologies in agriculture. The entire chapter attended Husker Harvest Days in September and enjoyed a variety of different workshops and sessions. 
September was also busy with the annual McCool Junction community days, “Mustang Round-up.”
Our chapter provided a very well attended petting zoo and greased pig contest for the young and young at heart.  We also enjoyed decorating a float for the parade with a fun theme, “These Are My People, This is Where I Come From.”
All members wore matching t-shirts as they rode through town. 
Sophomores and Seniors attended the Cornerstone Bank Careers in Ag Day on September 24th in York and learned more about a future career in agriculture. 
They also had the opportunity to listen to Mike Johanns as the Keynote Speaker at the event.   Twenty-six members participated in the District Land Judging competition near Nelson, Nebraska on October 8th. 
Several members improved their land judging abilities and placed at this years contest. 
Several members assisted with the State Hand Corn Husking Contest in York on October 11th again this year.  Members of our chapter and York FFA helping with concessions, timing, gleaning and other tasks that helped the contest run smoothly. 
Seven members attended the Stockman’s Challenge Livestock Judging Contest in Seward on October 18th and did very well.  The junior high team won top honors as a team and each of the 7 students attending placed as individuals in one or more species at the contest.
Seven FFA members and Mrs. Hall attended National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 21-October 25th. 
They enjoyed the following tours: St. Louis Science Museum, Crossroads Greenhouse and Southside Landfill, and the Indianapolis Speedway.  They also attended the career show, a variety of workshops and sessions and the talent show.  The enjoyed the company of Heartland, Nebraska City, Palmyra and Falls City on the charter bus. 
Members raised and sold mums to raise money for purchasing lights and equipment for their new greenhouse. They plan on growing a variety of plants this winter and spring. 
Members have an event filled fall and spring planned with more blood drives, a busy FFA week, fruit and nut sales, district contests, state convention and much more!