Chamber members learn about ag

PONTIAC – Members of the local business community learned a few things from Pontiac Township High School FFA members Thursday night.

The “mix and mingle” event was hosted by the Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce in an effort to focus more on the local agriculture industry.

“It’s not been something we’ve focused on a lot in the past or at least in the last few years it seems like,” said chamber executive director Mindi Terrell. “We are partnering quite a bit with the Farm Bureau so we are excited about that.”

Ag teacher Jesse Faber approached the chamber with the idea a couple of months ago and the organization quickly jumped on board.

“We thought it would be a great opportunity for us to kind of showcase the STEM-based projects we use here in ag education,” Faber said.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. Projects on display dealt with gardening and animal science. The school used grant money to buy tower gardens this year, which enables students to grow vegetables in the classroom. Some of the vegetables are given to the school cafeteria.

“We have students who have built models and prototypes that utilize hydraulics for movement,” added Faber.

PTHS junior and FFA member Amanda Fox was busy preparing ice cream for the event. Fox, who enjoys educating others on what the PTHS ag program is all about, actually helped to organize the “mix and mingle.”

“I asked Mr. Faber what he thought about it and he said it would be a good idea to get some important people in the community involved.”

Fox said everything is going well for the FFA chapter this year and she is looking forward to the upcoming PTHS FFA auction on Saturday, Feb. 17. The pork chop and ribeye meal begins at 3 p.m. with the live auction starting at 5.