Chapter Challenge set to enter week No. 3

We're nearing the end of week No. 2 in the 2011 FFA Chapter Challenge and the John Glenn High School FFA Chapter in Walkerton, Ind., is in the lead with 203 votes from local farmers in their community. Missouri's West Plains High School FFA Chapter in West Plains is in second place with 186 votes.

There are 146 FFA chapters currently participating in this year’s Chapter Challenge, a pilot competition sponsored by Monsanto that is open to chapters in in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Georgia and Alabama and started March 7. The competition challenges FFA members to connect with local farmers in their communities, learn about their operations and connect them to their FFA chapter. In turn, farmers are asked to vote for their favorite FFA chapter online before May 1.

The top 125 chapters in the seven-state area that get the most votes will each receive a $1,500 credit line to buy FFA-related items and materials and use to cover costs associated with attending national FFA events.

The top vote-getting chapter will also receive a grand prize -- an all-expenses-paid trip for six FFA members and an adult advisor to October's 2011 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

For participating in the Chapter Challenge, each state FFA association will receive $1,500 cash.

Check out the competition at www.FFAChapterChallenge.com.