Less than two months remain until a deadline for securing the necessary funds to keep much of the agriculture program at Warrenton High School intact. A large push toward that goal is expected to take place at the annual FFA Labor Auction, which is scheduled for Feb. 26 in the high school gymnasium. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m., with the auction starting at 7 p.m.

The Warren County R-III School Board voted at its November board meeting to eliminate one of the two agricultural teaching positions at the high school in an effort to reduce spending and balance the budget. 

Concerned about the loss of 38 percent of the district’s agriculture classes, community members came together in an attempt to save the programs through a grant fundraising effort.

“The kids are eager to help so we can continue to see the program thrive, because they don’t want to see it cut in half,” said R-III agriculture teacher Diane Miederhoff. “We’ve had numerous outpourings of donations from past members. They’re stepping up to offer silent auction items.”

All of the proceeds from the labor auction this year will go toward the ag program grant.

While the FFA program would not be directly impacted by the district’s budget cuts, many of the students in the organization are also heavily involved in the impacted agriculture courses. Miederhoff said the students realized more than ever their role in making a difference in the future of the program. 

The FFA Labor Auction auction is a deeply-rooted tradition that dates back around 70 years.

“The FFA members voted back in December that they wanted to go ahead and proceed with having the labor auction,” said Miederhoff. “It was something very important to them.”

As of this week, 36 members have each agreed to provide eight hours of labor to be auctioned off during the event. Members will be available for a variety of services, from yard work to cleaning barns, babysitting or shoveling snow. The hours may also be dispersed over a period of time and do not have to be used all at once by the winning bidder.

“Normally these funds are used to cover expenses with going to National FFA Convention,” said Miederhoff. “We haven’t been able to go to our normal travel activities due to COVID, and we’re financially stable as a chapter, so that’s why we’re able to not have to rely on the money for usual purposes but instead focus on this grant.”

Beyond the hours of labor being auctioned off, also up for bid will be items including four custom-made fire pit rings provided by an alum, picnic tables made by students in the agricultural construction class, as well as certificates to visit the green house and partake in the harvest.

The ag grant committee needs to raise $78,000 by an April 1 deadline in order for the district to extend a contract for the second agricultural teaching position and keep the programming intact for another school year.

“There’s a lot of pressure, so to speak,” said Miederhoff. “I definitely have a strong hope that the community will come in and support us. FFA members go out and contact potential bidders and buyers for the auction, so we expect a good turnout. We’ll continue to advertise and try to recruit new folks who’ve never heard about the labor auction in the past.”

Traditionally the auction includes a meal, but due to social distancing requirements, that will not be offered this year. Masks will also be required. Phone bids are welcome as long as the buyer pre-registers by Feb. 24. They may do so by calling Miederhoff at 636-359-4085.