County Commissioners Hears FFA Members Presentation

Recently, the Sheridan County Commissioners heard a presentation from the John B. Kendrick FFA Agri issues team members.

FFA advisor Chaney Beyer talked about the team.

One of the groups they chose to talk to was the Sheridan County Commissioners at their first March meeting.

FFA Advisor Clay Christensen was at the meeting, and introduced the team to the board.

Brett Oetken FFA members, spoke to the board and then asked each actor in the skit to introduce themselves and what they would be speaking on.

He added that last year this increased by 1.6 million acres. Each FFA member spoke on the different facets of foreign landownership in Wyoming.

Each of the actors in the skit introduced themselves and their expertise on the subject.

There was this exchange on the pros and cons of the issue.

Currently, according to the American Farm Bureau, 48% is timber, 29% crop land 17% is pasture is foreign owned. Some of the pros are that investors can create consistent demand for projects and helps to support other sustainable sources of energy. Foreign investments can improve relationships with other countries.

But, foreign ownership can be a national security issue.

He added that land can not only be used for farming, but also for surveillance and data interception. So, we look at where land is, not just who owns it.

Foreign ownership can also have an impact on the environment as well.

The commissioners also questioned the team members on the topic.

Chaney Beyer added that John B. Kendrick FFA has around 50 active members, most of the teams are teams of four, ag issues is the only different one. She talked about some of the contests that the FFA Chapter will be competing in this spring.

One member, Eleanor Tippin, will go on to state in prepared speaking. Her speech is about rural health care.

“We are really excited this year, we have a really good, solid group of students working really hard.”

Photos by Clint Wood.