The 48th annual Winnsboro FFA Hay Show was held Sept. 28 at the Winnsboro Civic Center. Local businesses and community members helped push auction proceeds beyond the $40,000 mark.
“We have been blessed with the love and support from our community for the past 48 years. Agriculture is vital to Winnsboro, and we have a support system here that goes above and beyond to supply our students and the agriculture program with the tools they need to be successful. From trips to national contests to scholarships, our booster club provides these funds, but they all come from our loving community and the money we generated tonight at our hay show,” adviser Hillary Davis said.
Monday’s auction included 136 items ranging from the practical to the pretty to the delicious. Chain saws, hay rings and ratchet straps were mixed in with tote bags, toy tractors and homemade goodies.
FFA officers collected 33 hay samples at the Aug. 7 Hay Show Breakfast and in the weeks that followed. Samples were sent to Texas A&M University for analysis, with results announced during the hay show. Jace Mitchell claimed first place, Rickey Reneau finished second and 5B Farms placed third.
A barbecue meal was prepared and served by members of the Winnsboro High School barbecue teams and Culinary Arts Department.
Hay Show proceeds directly support more than 500 students in eighth through 12th grades who participate in program activities and competitions.