HANOVERTON, Ohio — United Local FFA will host a petting zoo at Robert Bycroft’s workshop Oct. 4 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
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CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — On Aug. 29, four of the Zane Trace FFA officers attended the annual farm bureau meeting in Frankfort, Ohio.
Beau Bilek, Amber Ginter, Shanna Elam, and Kasandra Dalton were the senior officers who had the privilege to come to this event, along with one of their advisers, Jennifer Johnston.
David Daniels, Ohio’s Director of Agriculture gave a short speech. He talked about a few issues going on in the farming world in Ohio. These problems don’t only affect farmers though, they also affect all the other residents in Ohio. After Daniels spoke there was a secretary and treasurer report. Then it was time for all of the farm bureau members to vote on a few issues, and appoint new leaders.
The FFA members’ votes didn’t count in the tally, but they still read through all the issues and marked down their opinions.
Zane Trace Animal Science Students Complete Stream Quality Testing on Sept. 11, twelve members of the Zane Trace Animal Science class visited nearby Kinnikinnick Creek to complete a stream quality analysis report. The class used the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Stream Quality Reporting system, which involves collecting and categorizing various small aquatic organisms along with measuring water temperature, pH and clarity. The students used tools such as a seine, digital pH and temperature meter and specimen collection jars to gather the aquatic “critters” from the creek and measure the data from the water flowing in it.
After their sample collection was finished, the students then used dichotomous keys, stereomicroscopes and other tools to identify the animals and classify them into three categories based on their tolerance for pollution. Students found several types of organisms from the group one and group two taxa, which are the two categories most sensitive to pollution.
This indicated that Kinnikinnick Creek had a healthy water source flowing through it. The pH level was 7.2 which also measured within the healthy range for a shallow creek. Through this activity the students learned about classification and taxonomy as well as how animals can be used as bio indicators to monitor the level of contamination in water systems.
Everyone enjoyed the lab and the opportunity to collect and identify the animals, especially Nat Mavis who decided to take a dip in the creek while trying to catch a crayfish.
