The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA offers a service to the community that people in other cities wish they had.

In the Vinton-Shellsburg district, area farmers and businesses show their support for the FFA and its contributions to the community and the agriculture industry by participating in the annual labor auction.

The 2012 Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Labor Auction takes place this Thursday, April 5, at the VSHS gym.

"We have 25 students signed up to sell at this year's auction.  The labor auction helps us support our trips to state convention and national convention," says Ag teacher and FFA advisor Louise Fleming.

Each member will work 8 hours for the winning bidder. Area farmers, banks and ag-related business owners, along with FFA families, are among the regular attenders and bidders at the event. 

In the Independence school district, a farmer is organizing an effort to start an agriculture and FFA program. Other area districts are also trying to implement FFA programs, said Fleming.