State's Ag teachers compete in Reardan

REARDAN —High school agriculture teachers from across the state converged on the school’s softball field to participate in the 34th annual Eastside versus Westside softball game Monday, June 19. The educators from the eastern side of the state defeated their rivals 14-9, before shaking hands and dining on pulled pork and sausage nuggets prepared by the school’s FFA state championship barbeque team.

“After winning the game two years in a row, we can now be considered a dynasty,” Cheney agriculture teacher Allen Skoog quipped.

The friendly game of softball was one event teachers took part in as part of the Washington Association of Agriculture Educators conference held at Northern Quest Resort between June 18-22.

“Traditionally we schedule a softball game and barbeque to kick off our weeklong conference,” Reardan FFA teacher and event organizer Dan’a Borland said. “It’s a great opportunity for our delegates to get to know each other and to have fun.”

WAAE state president Erica Guhlke-Whitmore, who grew up in Reardan and teaches at Deer Park High School, said that more than 210 teachers attended this year’s event.

“Each year we gather for professional development and encourage our delegates to engage in professional activities with stakeholders,” she said. “We also plan our future activities and make decisions for the betterment of our FFA students.”

The conference kicked off with keynote speaker Geoff Schulz of Reardan talking about the culture of farming, its traditions and the importance of a strong work ethic. In addition, he acknowledged the impact of FFA on his family, including his son Andrew, the recently elected FFA state president.

On Tuesday, June 20, the delegates visited the Reardan Seed Company, Spokane Hutterian Brethren and the Buck Knives factory, along with a worm farm, brewery, dairy and a cannabis grower.

“This conference is super important,” Colfax teacher Michael Heitstuman said. “It’s a great opportunity to come together, get professional development, learn from each other and to tap into agriculture.”