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Norris FFA outlines test‑plot work and boosters deliver Learning Lab lease payment
Summary
Norris FFA detailed its year‑round test plot program and scholarship funding; the board approved the Learning Lab lease and accepted the boosters’ donation tied to the farm test plot.
The Norris FFA reported on Wednesday that its student chapter runs a 10‑acre test plot used for demonstrations, scholarship fundraising and applied instruction, and that the program supports leadership trips and scholarships for members.
FFA members described the plot’s history, rotations (corn and soybeans), experimental practices such as strip till and population trials, and how proceeds support scholarships such as Washington Leadership and state degree awards. Students and advisors said local farmers, seed dealers, co‑ops and agronomists contribute seed, machinery and technical input for the plots and help run on‑farm demonstrations and Wednesday morning test‑plot meetings.
During the business meeting the board approved a one‑year renewal of the Learning Lab lease with terms the boosters described as an annual donation to the Norris School District Educational Foundation. FFA Booster representatives delivered a check for $11,100 as the one‑year payment accompanying the lease. The superintendent said the lease includes language that asks the tenant to use its “best efforts” to make an annual discretionary donation; boosters said historically that amount has equated to $100 per acre but the exact language differentiates a discretionary donation from a strict cash‑rent obligation.
Board members asked about insurance, yields and the educational value of the plot; students replied that severe weather had reduced yields in a recent season, and that the plot’s educational value includes hands‑on learning, farm‑to‑classroom demonstrations and travel scholarships to national events.
Ending: The board approved the lease and accepted the boosters’ check; the FFA will continue test‑plot activities and scholarship disbursements under the existing arrangement.
