New FFA Adviser at Watford City High School

This year the Watford City Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter gained a new adviser, Bailey Hawbaker.

Hawbaker grew up on a small grains farm outside of Portal, North Dakota and attended school in Stanley, ND. Throughout her life, she has had a passion for agriculture. She started showing livestock at the age of eight and continued to do so throughout her schooling. She was an active member of her local 4-H and FFA chapters.

Hawbaker was Stanley High School's FFA President for three years. Throughout her FFA career, she has participated in Livestock Judging, Meats Judging, Agriculture Communications and Dairy Handling contests.

In 2013,Hawbaker placed 8th place in the National Livestock Judging Team, and 11th place in the National FFA Livestock Team and she was also a part of the North Dakota State Champion Livestock Judging Team for both 4-H and FFA.

"I was very active in FFA throughout my high school career, and I always enjoyed my Ag Classes. I really enjoyed getting to know Ag Teachers from all over the state when I was in High School and I also really enjoyed my time within the organization, which helped me decide on my career," explained Hawbaker.

Not only was Hawbaker involved with 4-H and FFA, but she also held a position on The North Dakota Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Board and was the 91st Little International Manager within the NDSU Saddle and Sirloin Club. She currently serves as one of the North Dakota Junior Beef Expo Committee Chairs for the ND Stockmen's Association.

Hawbaker attended college at North Dakota State University (NDSU) where she double majored in Agriculture Education and Agriculture Economics with a minor in Animal Science. She was inspired to pursue a degree in agriculture because of her strong agricultural background and her love for organizations such as FFA. "I like that FFA offers something for everyone. In high school I was not very good at the actual shop part of class; however I thrived when we learned about Animal and Plant Sciences as well as Agricultural Business. You will likely not be the best at everything within the agriculture curriculum, but there is usually something that you can excel at with what the classes have to offer," said Hawbaker.

This year, Hawbaker teaches Ag 1 and Ag 2 classes at Watford City High School and 6th-grade agricultural classes at Watford City Elementary School. She has many goals for the local FFA Chapter. "I would like the Watford City FFA Chapter to be active within the community. This may be through building projects needed, or simply just volunteering at local events. I also hope to get all of our students involved within our chapter through both Supervised Agricultural Experiences and FFA Career Development Events. I want our students to be involved in Agriculture Education not only within the school day, but taking what they learn in the classroom and using it in their everyday life," said Hawbaker.

Hawbaker noted that this year the FFA Chapter created three goals. The goals are: taking pride in the FFA organization, communicating in an appropriate, purposeful, and positive manner, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Hawbaker explained, "This year I feel students have been very eager to learn about the Agriculture Industry. We have several students volunteering to help with concessions at the football games along with competing in contests at the upcoming District Leadership Competition on October 3rd."

Hawbaker is looking forward to working with the students this upcoming school year. She said, "I feel it will be a great year! This being my first year of teaching I know I have a lot of learning to do, but I'm excited to see what the year brings."