FFA toy show supports ag science, life learning skills

PINE PLAINS —  “It’s not just about farming,” said Amenia farmer Bob Casler about the FFA Farm Toy Show and Auction held on Saturday, March 18 at Stissing Mountain High School. Event co-organizer Stephanie Rhoades agreed.  The annual event, which drew 160-plus paying attendees even before its popular afternoon auction, highlights family, community, and qualities of good citizenship regardless of occupation or life choices.

Rhoades commended agriculture advisory board members John Boadle, who facilitates communication with the vendors, and Mike Miller, owner of Millerhurst Dairy Farm, for their parts in the show aspect of the event, while board members Bruce Pecorella and George Angier managed the food booths and other logistical matters. Rhoades herself was in charge of “corralling the students and giving them their jobs to do” while seeming to be in several places at once.

Like many others present, Boadle, Miller and Rhoades were FFA members as teens, returning in adulthood to take on responsibilities as board members and as a teacher of agricultural science courses.

Asked about differences between then and now, Rhoades pointed out that the primary focus on actual farm production, while still applicable, has given way to other career orientations. The Pine Plains district is lucky, she said, in that there is still a good number of working farms, though there are “fewer and fewer as time goes on, unfortunately.”

Now, an FFA member may well become a vet, or operate a nursery, for example. The leadership skills are what FFA can offer, in order to prepare for any related field. While most members come from farming families, not all do, and some gain interest in farming-related pursuits by belonging.  Valuable personal and life skills like organizing an event like this, understanding the logistics, and helping vendors set up build confidence and character.

Bob Casler and his wife, Pam, the proud grandparents of Kody Lawrence, winner of the 8-year-olds’ division of the tractor pull event, talked about the overall value of the FFA organization. Both stressed the usefulness of learning “live” presentation skills from an early age. “Kids understand from the start that what they learn while pursuing their special interests will have to be communicated to others.”

There are various clubs within the greater FFA for those wanting to learn about animals, clothing, and specifics of farm production.

Pam Casler continued, noting that confidence in communication was just one aspect of the life learning offered through FFA membership. Inculcating a sense of responsibility in many ways, including early insistence on keeping record books, makes it a clear boon to a young person’s education. “In addition, it carries a reasonable cost,” she pointed out — another advantage for large or frugal families.

Vendors at this year’s event ranged from locals to people well beyond the Pine Plains area, some traveling hundreds of miles to take part. They gather here yearly to see each other, to admire new acquisitions and old favorites, and to keep a very particular community alive well into the future.

Eight-year-old Kody Lawrence, foreground, with her first-place trophy for the (human-powered) tractor pull of 60 pounds. Her mother, Trisha Lawrence, and grandparents Pam and Bob Casler were proud observers. Photo by Deborah Maier

Debbie Beam, left, with her daughter, Sarah, recounts the lifelong fascination of her father, Horst Vogel, with crafting and collecting figures and dioramas of farm life, including these intricately-carved draft horses and appurtenances. Photo by Deborah Maier

Stissing Mountain High School’s gym was packed with collectibles and fascinated onlookers for the FFA’s 29th Farm Toy Show and Auction on Saturday, March 18. Photo by Deborah Maier

The Cornelias and a fair coordinator take stock in front of the collection of Dave Cornelia, third from left. From left, Paxton Cornelia with his red ribbon for the tractor pull, father DJ and grandfather Dave. At right is Stephanie Rhoades, FFA leader, agricultural studies teacher, and one of the several people responsible for the fair’s smooth operation. Photo by Deborah Maier

Eight-year-old Kody Lawrence, foreground, with her first-place trophy for the (human-powered) tractor pull of 60 pounds. Her mother, Trisha Lawrence, and grandparents Pam and Bob Casler were proud observers. Photo by Deborah Maier