Haxtun FFA hosts Jan. 21 Ag Night with fire relief goals

Haxtun FFA held the annual Ag Night basketball game on Jan. 21 in conjunction with the Haxtun versus Holyoke basketball game. Ag Night began as a joint effort between the Haxtun and Holyoke FFA chapters during the 2018-19 basketball season in an effort to promote local agriculture businesses and to showcase the importance of agriculture in our community.

At the basketball game Friday night, Haxtun FFAs goal was to not only promote local agriculture, but to raise money for Kansas fire relief. On Dec. 15, 2021, wildfires raged across parts of Kansas. These fires decimated farmland and livestock.

Haxtun and Holyoke FFA members worked together to plan a silent auction and ticket drawing to benefit those affected by the fires. Wilson Repair and Haxtun FFA partnered to purchase a grill sold by Napa for a ticket drawing.

In total, there were 33 items donated by local businesses and community members for the silent auction. Those who donated to the silent auction include Ryan Kanode, Lone Star FFA, McConnell Enterprises, Jake's Feed, Tim and Laurie Fetzer, Larry and Jean Anderson, Britney Hanes, 4S Feed, Elenna Firme, 21st Century Equipment, Charlotte and Emerson, Biesemeier Farms, Turquoise Chandelier, Heidi's Cakes, CHS, ToGo Ag, Lori Biesemeier, Knode Realty and Auction, Dutch Oven, Brandi McConnell, Mickey Plumb, Brooke's Custom Leathercraft, Case, Central Plains Equipment, Bank of Colorado, Seaboard Foods, Red J Welding, and South Platte Vet Supply. Paoli Farmers Coop, Barkwell Animal Care Center, Schram Farms, Lenz Farms, Ballyneal Foundation, Gueck Seed, First Pioneer National Bank, Holyoke Veterinary Service, Sandbur Land and Cattle Company, Brightwater Cattle Co., SAS Realty, Steggs Flying Service, Sound Agronomics, and Fryrear Farms also contributed to fundraising efforts.

Combining ticket sales, silent auction results, and other donations, $13,100 will be sent directly to those affected by the fires. A portion of the funds heading to Kansas includes a designation of $500 originally intended for the Haxtun FFA Chapter.

According to Vicki Fuesz, the Haxtun United Methodist Church recently recognized local FFA members and Advisor Jeff Plumb for their many acts of service including setting up tables and chairs fort the annual free community Thanksgiving dinner. Upon receiving the donation and hearing of the devastation from fires in Kansas, the Haxtun FFA Chapter has opted to include the $500 in the funds sent for relief efforts to farmers and ranchers affected by the fire.

This year, Haxtun FFA worked to involve the whole school in Ag Night with a "Dress Like a Farmer" costume contest for preschool through 12th grade students. The winners were selected during the winter pep rally that afternoon. The following is a list of winners: elementary, Lio Ayala; middle school, Wyatt Goodwin; and high school, Isaac Anderson. Ayala won the best costume overall.