Sibling duo share their passion for natural resources

FISHERS, Ind. — Being able to compete and participate in a FFA Career Development Event or Leadership Development Event is an experience in itself, especially when you can compete together with your friends or family.

That is the case for Maddox Rose and Ruthie Rose, a brother-and-sister duo from Randolph Central FFA.

During the 92nd Indiana FFA State Convention, the pair competed in the Natural Resources LDE state finals.

The siblings’ demonstration focused on how to get sap from a tree to turn it into maple syrup, including showing how to put a tap in the tree they had with them.

Ruthie said sap looks like a tree is bleeding and by setting up a tap an individual can collect sap and eventually after the sap is processed maple syrup can be made.

“Older trees have darker bark,” Maddox said, which means they are more mature and the sap will be a darker brown.

Collecting 10 gallons of sap makes 1 gallon of maple syrup, Rosie said.

The sibling pair worked so well together that they won the Indiana FFA State Natural Resources Demonstration.