High school students from area FFA chapters started the contest season at Central College and the Career Academy of Pella Tuesday.

The subdistrict leadership competition featured members from Pella, Knoxville, Pleasantville, Twin Cedars, Melcher-Dallas, and nine other schools.

Caleb Rietveld with Pella FFA says participants prepared to compete in ten total categories, which reflect the diverse range of opportunities in the agriculture field.

“I can go on and on about all kinds of different professions in ag that don’t have to do with farming, it’s unreal the possibilities you can have,” he says.

Twelve Knoxville students advanced to Districts, which take place at Graceland University on March 12th, including Chapter Vice President Jenna Kauzlarich, who participated in the Ag Sales contest. She told KNIA/KRLS News it takes a lot of hard work to succeed in the various Career Development Events.

Seven events from Pleasantville advanced as well, as did Jordyn Sanders at Twin Cedars.