McFetridge, Curtis national FFA honorees

Published 12:34 pm Monday, March 16, 2015

Wallowa County Chieftain

Although 20 FFA Chapter members from Enterprise, Wallowa, and Joseph will be named to the highest FFA state degree level March 20-23 in Silverton during the FFA State Convention, Myranda McFetridge and Jacob Curtis from the Enterprise Chapter earned even higher honors than that when they were named FFA American Degree recipients at the National FFA Convention, held in Louisville, Ky., in October.

McFetridge, the daughter of Carl and Deena McFetridge, currently attends Eastern Oregon University where she’s pursuing a degree in agricultural science. She owns her own beef herd and works for JS Angus and McFetridge Ranch. Her FFA résumé includes winning state awards in forage production and raising numerous grand champion steer winners at the Wallowa County Fair. At EOU, McFetridge remains an active member of that school’s FFA program.

Curtis is the son of Roger and Debbie Curtis, also attends EOU, and is studying Sociology and military science. Curtis is also in ROTC. His FFA project includes working for Diamond D Ranch where his activities ranged from running equipment to changing pipe. A multi-year FFA chapter officer while in high school, Curtis also works for Mountain Auto Repair.

A special FFA accolade to be named at the state level in Silverton could go to Wallowa FFA member Calli Miller, who has won the Eastern Oregon FFA District Star Farmer competition for her sheep production project and is a finalist for the FFA State Star Farmer honor in that same sheep production category.

In addition, again at this weekend’s FFA State Convention, two members from the Joseph Chapter have advanced beyond sectional competition in public speaking and are among eight finalists in their respective categories vying for state honors. Annie Story, a freshman, will compete in the beginning public speaking category and senior Anna Rinehart in the advanced public speaking category. Storie will speak on the topic of genetic engineering and Rinehart on the topic of agricultural literacy.

District proficiency winners who will be competing at the FFA State Convention include, from Wallowa, Ashley Starner in specialty animal production; Jordan Ferré in nursery operations; and Maddi Tracy in poultry production. District proficiency winners who will compete at the FFA State Convention from the Joseph Chapter will be Anna Rinehart in ag education proficiency; Lindsay Kemp in food processing proficiency; and Claire Beck in diversified livestock production proficiency.