Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northwest Team Wins 2024 Michigan FFA Greenhouse Crop Production Contest

The Michigan FFA is thrilled to announce the winners and finalists of the 2024 Michigan FFA Greenhouse Crop Production Contest, held on April 19 on the campus of Michigan State University. This event was a key component of the Michigan FFA Agricultural Skills Contests, which attracted a record-setting 2,972 students competing across 16 events, marking an increase of over 250 participants from the previous year.

The Oakland Schools Technical Campus NW PM 2 Team, consisting of Jordon Varty, Duncan Gordon, Lotus Kerwin and Fiona Maclean, emerged victorious as the winners of this year's Greenhouse Crop Production Contest. The runner-up position was secured by the Ionia AM 1 Team, composed of Jaymi Stahl, Gracie Windeler, Maya Hoppes and Kelsey Leik.

In the individual rankings, Lotus Kerwin from the Oakland Schools Technical Campus NW PM FFA Chapter claimed first place, with Chelsea Scherrer from the Oakland Schools Technical Campus SW PM FFA Chapter in second place. Fiona Maclean from the Oakland Schools Technical Campus NW PM FFA Chapter secured third place, while Bryant Janetzke from the Ionia PM FFA Chapter came in fourth and Deidre Bickel from the Kalamazoo FFA Chapter placed fifth.

The Greenhouse Crop Production Contest challenges students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in greenhouse management, plant propagation, pest and disease management and crop scheduling. Participants are evaluated on their ability to produce high-quality greenhouse crops and to implement sustainable growing practices. The contest aims to prepare students for careers in horticulture, greenhouse management and plant production.

William Barnum, the 2023-2024 Michigan FFA state president, applauded the participants, stating, “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the Greenhouse Crop Production Contest. This competition underscores the importance of greenhouse management and plant production in modern agriculture. I commend the dedication and expertise shown by our FFA members in mastering the skills necessary for success in greenhouse crop production. They are shaping the future of agriculture and horticulture.”

The Greenhouse Crop Production Contest is generously sponsored by the Kalamazoo Flower Group, whose support is instrumental in promoting education and innovation in greenhouse crop production. The Kalamazoo Flower Group has more than 100 acres of greenhouses, specializing in supplying the highest quality bedding flats and potted annuals, along with trendy hanging baskets, decorative patio planters, vegetables and herbs.

About Michigan FFA Association
The Michigan FFA Association is a dynamic youth organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.