The Sleepy Eye FFA members had a fun-filled day of learning on the Summer Ag Tour. Pictured at Louriston Dairy - L to R, Front: Ella Arkins, Emma Bluhm, Brynne Jacobsen, Miah Rayas, Alex Dominguez. Middle- Breanna Lopez, Rita Bocanegra, Madi Martinez, Paola Gonzalez, CJ Martinez, Breckin Peterson, Karina Martinez and Madison Seifert Back - Elsie Trebesch, Isabella Robb, Kenley Jensen, Ethan Feucht, Carson Sellner, Colten Case and Michael Pool. 

On Tuesday, June 16th, 20 Sleepy Eye Future Farmers of America members visited a variety of places from the surrounding communities in order to learn about each and the career opportunities within them.

Alyssa Mitchell (Sleepy Eye FFA Advisor), and Sarah Jensen (Summer Assistant) attended the tour as well.

The first stop of the tour was at Rustic Designs Flower Farm in Belgrade, Minnesota. Students toured the farm site and were able to see where the flowers started as seeds before being moved outside to continue to grow. When they are ready for harvest customers are able to make their own arrangements in the shop.

Next, the group traveled to Nova-Tech in Willmar, Minnesota. Here students learned how Nova-Tech creates robotic machines for agricultural and aquaculture industries first hand. 

The tour continued at Louriston Dairy near Murdock, MN. Students explored the 10,000 head dairy seeing all sides of the operation from their rotary parlor to how they recycle manure into bedding.

The day ended with bowling and pizza at Granite Bowl in Granite Falls, Minnesota.

Each year, Sleepy Eye FFA conducts one-day tours in the summer with at least three educational stops. This is a fantastic way for our members to gain first-hand knowledge of different aspects of careers and explore the various career pathways. From innovative food technology to conservation efforts the trip provided a range of career opportunities.