30 RTCC Students Will Attend Vermont Farm Show Next Week
By Martha Slater

Thirty students from the Randolph Technical Career Center will attend the 2007 Vermont Farm Show in Barre next week.

Students from the ESNR (Environmental Science and Natural Resources), Truck and Diesel, and Rec. Ag. Mechanic programs at RTCC will attend the show (which runs Jan. 23-25), on its middle day, Wednesday, Jan. 24.

According to ESNR teacher Gerry Reymore, many of the students in those programs are also members of the FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter at the school.

"The day we’re going is FFA Day at the show, so we plan to participate in FFA meetings and events and talk to other chapter members from throughout the state," explained Reymore. "It’s great for the kids to experience being part of a national organization." He and Chuck Lyman, who teaches the Truck and Diesel program at RTCC, are co-advisors for the FFA chapter at the school. One of their goals is to revitalize that chapter.

Although the local FFA chapter is not entering any of the competitions as a group, Reymore noted that some individual students are. Joe Angell, for example, is entering syrup and silage samples through his own family farm. in Randolph Center

Not only will the students be able to see animals, equipment, demonstrations, and more, Reymore explained, "but when we go every year, I have them do research exercises on plants and insects and use those as a kind of kickoff to their work during the spring growing season. Last year, we also got a lot of good information on composting. It’s a valuable show for them to go to since they can get all that information under one roof. The students really enjoy it."

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