Fall 2012 Impact

THE

THE

IMPACT

INDIANA FFA NEWS INDIANA FFA NEWS INDIANA FFA NEWS INDIANA FFA NEWS

FALL 2012

WHAT’S ALL IN HERE? INDEX C District Kick-Offs D Meet the State Officers E Living to Serve F Live from Trafalgar G State Officer Highlight: Cameron Mann H Farm Bill I Calendar of Conferences J Our Sponsors L State Convenetion Highlight M State Officer Highlight: Katherine Spencer N Test Your Knowledge O Member Spotlight

WHAT’S UP? CALENDAR

September 14-16 LDW #1 15-16 PLT 17 District I Kick-Off 18 District IV Kick-Off 19 District VII Kick-Off 20 District X Kick-Off 24 District II Kick-Off 25 District V Kick-Off 26 District VIII Kick-Off 27 District XI Kick-Off October 5-7 SOAR 08 District III Kick-Off 09 District VI Kick-Off 10 District IX Kick-Off 11 District XII Kick-Off 24-27National Convention November 16-18 FIRE

By Brandan Bergall

!

E R E H T BE

Does the fact that school started have you in the dumps?

Are you looking for an FFA event to give you a little pick me up? Well then your district kickoff is the event for you! On your district’s specified day, all chapters will convene in a central location and get the year started off right. It’s a fun

District 1: September 17 District 2: September 24 District 3: October 8 District 4: September 18 District 5: September 25 District 6: October 9

filled action packed night you won’t want to miss. At kickoff, you’ll have the opportunity to meet members from all over your district, get to know your district and state officers, and take part in fun games and team building activities. It’s a night you certainly won’t want to miss.

District 7: September 19 District 8: September 26 District 9: October 10 District 10: September 20 District 11: September 27 District 12: October 11

By Marshall Perkins

T C I R T S I D

S F F O KICK C

ey] k o o ie St r a l l y Ma

[B

a i d 3 In

e h t t 1 e 0 e 2 M 12-

S R E C I

F F O E T A ST 20

SHELBY RILEY

CAMERON MANN PRESIDENT CLOVERDALE FFA

KATHERINE SPENCER SECRETARY SOUTH PUTNAM FFA

REPORTER HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN FFA

BRANDAN BERGDALL SENTINEL BELLMONT FFA

BRILEY FICHTER SOUTHERN REGION VICE-PRESIDENT

MARSHALL PERKINS

D

A F F na

NORTHERN REGION VICE-PRESIDENT PRAIRIE HEIGHTS FFA

MALLARIE STOOKEY TREASURER WARSAW FFA

It’s cool what FFA members can do when they

Living to Serve

COME TOGETHER!

BY CAMERON MANN The words “living to serve” can be found in the FFA motto. Indiana FFA members were most definitely living to serve during the 83rd Indiana FFA State Convention!

Over 100 members spent the first day of convention performing a service project with Kids Against Hunger. The organization packages highly nutritious meals for starving or malnourished children in the United States and developing countries. Kids Against Hunger first became involved with the FFA by attending this past year’s National FFA Convention. After seeing the organization, Kids Against Hunger thought that the FFA would be a great partner to work with to feed hungry children. During convention, Indiana FFA members packed 22,088 meals for children facing hunger. One LaVille FFA member, Logan Jones, stated this about her experience, “We watched a video about what to do. After that, we got into groups and one person was assigned to each station. The

stations were chicken based flavoring, dried veggies, soy, and rice. Each package had to be between 390 and 400 grams. We passed the bags through the line, and then the bags were sealed. The experience was a lot different than I expected, but I ended up having tons of fun! It felt good to do something for someone else who needed it. There was a great turn out of people, and the job got done quickly; however, next year I would encourage more people to participate!” As Logan mentioned the job got done quickly. In fact, packing over 22,000 meals took less than two hours for this group of hardworking FFA members! The meals will be distributed to children in Indiana and all over the world!

For those FFA members truly living to serve, Kids Against Hunger will be hosting a Million Meal Marathon in November at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Contact the program director, Angie Mollenkopt, at 765-620-1493 or at

angie@kidsagainsthunger.net for more information on how you can help.

While many members were kept busy at the Armory working with Kids Against Hunger, some other members had the opportunity to help clean up the West Lafayette and Tippecanoe County areas. One member, Seth Allen, from Madison FFA stated, “We went to Tippecanoe County Amphitheater Park, and we cleaned up the nature trails. We cut limbs off trees so when people walk on the trails or ride bikes down the trails they won’t hit their heads on the lower tree limbs.” When Seth was asked how he felt about helping out during Indiana FFA’s day of service he stated, “I felt it was a fun activity to do to take some of the stress away that comes along with convention. It was an easy task, but it was helpful to many people!” FFA members learned that no matter the size or level of difficulty of the task, every chance to perform a service project is appreciated!

fd fd

s

fd

fd

f fd w fd f

E

EY OOK T S IE LLAR A M BY

E V I L

F

R A G L A F A

F

R T M O R

Picture something that you really want. You want this so bad that you are willing to leave your home, family, friends, and everything you know for one whole year. You are so close to it that you can smell it; it is tangible, almost like walking into your house after a long day and smelling your favorite dinner on the stove that your mom is making. But there is a twist: she makes you sit down and just look at the delicious meal, and doesn’t let you take a single bite. This was how I felt before State Convention. FFA State Office was so close, yet so far away.

Standing in a room outside of Elliott Hall of Music, I was so utterly nervous. While all of the State Officer Candidates waited to see if slate passed, we were entertained by the National FFA Officer, Ken Quick.

He told us all a joke about a whale which really helped to lighten the mood in the room. When the slated officers were asked to exit the holding room we were all extremely anxious. Travis Olinske looked at us

and said “Congratulations! You are the 2012–2013 Indiana FFA State Officers!” We took off at full speed to the front of the stage. At that moment in my life I felt as if I was in a dream. Looking back now, it still seems like a fairy tale. After being selected there was no time to waste.

I went home and began packing in preparation to move down to the Leadership Center. Before I knew it, I was behind the wheel of my little slug bug beginning my journey to the magical land of Trafalgar. If we’re being honest, the center is in the middle of nowhere; even my GPS couldn’t figure out how to make it to the center! However, after doing multiple U-turns, I finally arrived.

BLAST Off Training began promptly after all of my teammates arrived.

Indiana had the honor of having Natalie Ryan from California to facilitate the event. My teammates and I learned many new skills during training, and we are so excited to be able to utilize them this upcoming year. Even with the training, we still

managed to have some team quality bonding time. While cooking dinner the first week, we established that our team will be the “singing” team.

If we were not rocking out in the kitchen, we were enjoying the amazing lake at the center. We were able to paddle boat race around the lake, and even go night swimming.

We even went through opening ceremonies for the first time ever while we were in the lake late at night. Even though I was moderately terrified of the thought of fish nibbling at my feet, I will always be fond of that memory, and I know that we have only had a glimpse of how great this year will be. Even with the extreme heat, we were still able to take every chance possible to enjoy this beautiful place that we can now call home. It still feels like a dream to me, but my teammates and I are honored to been selected to serve the 9,600 Indiana FFA members. We are so overwhelmed with excitement and are ready to serve Indiana FFA!

GET THE FACTS Birthday: June 18, 1993 Parents: Rob and Malinda Mann Siblings: Chelsey, Courtney and R.T. Mann Hometown: Cloverdale FFA Chapter: Cloverdale Advisor: Tiffany Douglass and Tiffany Ludwig Favorite Food: Steak and Potatoes Favorite Movie: Toy Story Series Favorite Pastime: Showing hogs and spending time with family.

Favorite Sport: Basketball Favorite Animal: Pig Favorite Color: Purple Favorite Music: Anything Favorite Quote: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” - John C. Maxwell

By Katherine Spencer

CAMERon’S TIMELINE: 9th Grade - Won State Freshman Prepared Public Speaking - Greenhand President 10th Grade - Chapter Secretary - Lost State Ag. Sales Demonstration Essay - Lost District Extemporaneous Speaking 11th Grade - DVII Vice President - Chapter Vice-President - Lost National Extemporaneous Speaking - Lost State Livestock 12th Grade - DVII President - Chapter President - Won State Prepared Public Speaking, Job Interview, and Leadership Ambassador - Lost State Livestock

The Team Voted Cameron...

Most likely to die from Diet Coke intake!

FUTURE PLANS Attend Purdue University and ma joring in Agricultural Communications Cameron lives her life with integrity and passion. She is truly a role model and leader in every aspect. It is inspiring to see a young lady keep her faith and family at the top of her priority list. Her love for FFA and agriculture has made her a great asset to our organization!

-Tiffany Douglass, Advisor Cameron has such a great outgoing personality. She has a great work ethic and leadership abilities. She has been able to achieve many of her goals because she has always put the time and hard work in them. She will make the Indiana FFA proud as she serves a year as President!

-Tiffany Ludwig, Advisor Cameron has always been motivated to achieve in FFA activities including contests and service. Cameron strives to give back all she receives especially through FFA. Cameron will take her passion and gifts to serve throughout all her future endeavors.

-Rob and Malinda Mann, Parents

CAMERON MANN

STATE PRESIDENT G

H

BY MARSHALL PERKINS

.

D E N I A L P EX

THE FARM BILL

WHY DOES IT MATTER TO ME? When I was in third grade, my absolute favorite thing to do at recess was play on the teeter-totter. One day, I was sitting over by the teeter-totters with nobody to play with, until Gus, the Milford Elementary School bully, walked over. He said that he was willing to play with me, and since he hadn’t ever done anything wrong to me, I decided to trust him. There we were going up and down, up and down – then it happened.

While I was high in the air, he jumped off, sending me crashing to the ground. There I sat in the gravel hurt, confused, and a lot wiser. You see, I learned a very important lesson that day. I learned that balance is important!

Today, policy makers in Washington are trying to find a balance between free market economics and policies that will effect our national – and global – food supply, in the 2012 edition of the Farm Bill. They realize, just like my third grade self, that balance is a principle that can make or break the situation. As FFA members, it’s important to be knowledgeable about major things happing in our industry. Let’s take a look at a few simple questions and answers.

So, what exactly is the farm bill? In short, the farm bill is a piece of legislation that is shaped and passed every four years. It provides money for farm programs, and largely nutrition programs such as food stamps. In fact, 80% of spending in this massive piece of legislation goes to these programs. The title “farm bill” is actually misleading. Only 20% of this spending is used on farm.

What’s new for the 2012 farm bill? The 2012 farm bill is getting a facelift. The main difference is that it will not include direct payments to farmers in the form of subsidies. Subsidies are payments to producers from the government to produce or not produce certain crops. This confuses market signals and in the end, creates a messy market situation. In 2012 and beyond, farmers will be protected with crop insurance. This ensures that farmers will be able to produce whatever that market is calling for, while our food supply is still being protected. Think of it as adding a safety net!

Why does this matter to me? You might not live on a farm, you might not like animals, and you might be petrified by the thought of driving a tractor. Yet the farm bill is something that affects all Americans. Think about what would happen if our food supply wasn’t protected. It would make us vulnerable. So in effect, it’s a matter of national security.

Now that you know the answer to some of the basic questions people might have about the 2012 farm bill, be sure and speak up next time you have the opportunity!

THE CALENDAR OF CONFERENCES September

By Katherine Spencer

-LDW #1 [14th-16th]: Leadership Development Workshop is a camp designed for chapter officers.

-PLT [15th-16th]: Premier Leadership Training - Retreat for all District Officers & Advisors, Section Directors, State Band & Chorus Officers, and State Officers.

October

-SOAR [5th-7th]: Seeking Opportunities and Achieving Results - Leadership workshop developed for 7th - 10th graders. This conference is developed for first year members to introduce them to the opportunities FFA offers.

November

-FIRE [16th-18th]: Foundations in Reaching Excellence - Conference designed for Juniors and Seniors in high school. During this conference, members are given the tools to experience personal growth.

February

-LDW #2 [1st-3rd]: Leadership Development Workshop is a camp designed for chapter officers.

-Jr. High FFA Day - A one day workshop developed for Junior High students

I

SPONSORS MAKE IT POSSIBLE. 2011-2012 Indiana FFA Corporate Sponsors Diamond ($25,000 and up)

Platinum ($15,000 and $24,999)

J

THANKONE TODAY!

BY SHELBY RILEY

Gold (10,000-14,999)

Farm Credit Services Ivy Tech Marion County Farm Bureau McCartney Product Company National Wild Turkey Federation Pioneer Hi-Bred International Pioneer Hi-Bred ($5,000-$9,999) International Silver

Beck’s Hybrids Bill Estes Chevrolet CHS Foundation Core Farms LLC CountryMark Cooperative, LLP Elanco Animal Health Indiana Statewide Assoc. of REC Jarden Home Brands Reynolds Farm Equipment Rose Acre Farms The Andersons Vincennes University

Bronze ($1,000$4,999)

ADM-Beech Grove ADM-Frankfort AgReliant Genetics Agrigold Hybrids Allen County Farm Bureau Blue Freedom Farm Market Boone County Farm Bureau, Inc. Bunge North America Cargill Castongia’s Inc. CF Industries Cline Grain Cole Hardwood Cottage Garden, Inc. Country Gardens Custom AG Solutions Dean Foods

FarmWorld/MidCountry Media, Inc. FMC Foremost Farms Gilsinger Implement Co. Greene County Farm Bureau Hy-Line International IH Collectors: Indiana Chapter 7 Indiana AGRINEWS Indiana Assoc. of County and District Fairs Indiana Assoc. of SWCD Indiana Beef Cattle Assoc.

Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance 2010-2011 Indiana FFA State Officer Team Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association Indiana Packers Corporation Indiana Pork Producers Indiana Rural Safety and Health Council JBS United, Inc. Kent Feeds Kokomo Grain Milk Promotion Services of Indiana Morton Buildings Ohio Technical College Remington Hybrid Seed Company Scott County Farm Bureau Sullivan County FFA Alumni Trupointe

Partner ($500-$999) Brown Land & Hog Co. Easterday Brothers Grain Co. Inc. Florida Agriculture Marketing Association Florida Indian River Groves Indiana Prairie Farmer Indiana State Poultry Association Johnson County Farm Bureau Pee-Jay’s Fresh Fruit Premier Ag Co-Op

Shelby County Farm Bureau Singles in Agriculture Vivayic, Inc.

Contributor ($1-$499)

CISCO Harvest Land Coop.

Indiana Forage Council Langdon Barber Groves, Inc. Maple Leaf Farms Mark Fraley Produce Morgan County Farm Bureau River Star Farms LLC

Individual Contributor ($1000 and up)

John Bradley Brian and Elisha Buchanan Chaudion Family Mike Jackson Frank & Cathy James Robert and Francene Juncker Jeff Lehman Family Dan and Jennifer Maruszewski David and Ann Parker Matt and Melissa Rekeweg David & Susan Sheets Eric and Jennifer Steiner Mark Timm Family Doug Vawter Dean Warren Bryan Webb Family

K

83rd Indiana FFA

By Briley Fichter

STATE CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS AN EXPERIENCE WORTH REMEMBERING Purdue’s campus plus blue and gold jackets mixed with TONS of mini buses? Yupp! It’s State Convention time. As the SOC’s put banners up and drew “I Believe” on the sidewalks with chalk, they were busy getting prepared for the upcoming three days of convention. Monday and Tuesday of Convention was filled with nervous energy as all the members prepared to compete in their Career Development Events with the ultimate goal of taking their talents to the National level. Throughout those three days, members were able to hear from our National VicePresident, Ken Quick, as he got the members pumped up and ready for the sessions! Members were also able to hear from an exceptionally inspirational key note speaker, Scott McKain, as he advised members “Don’t miss the good stuff. Slow down. Make every day count.” With members inspired and ready to go, it was time to start handing out proficiency awards in 49 different areas and give out the over 300 Hoosier degrees. One person was

L

awarded Star Farmer, Mallarie Stookey, as well as one Star in Agriculture Placement, Katelin Schomber, and one Star in Agribusiness, Chad Jones. Each member of the 20112012 State officer team gave their final remarks in their retiring addresses during each of the sessions. Jacob Mattox, the 2011-2012 state Vice-President, kicked off Convention with a powerful retiring address during the first session, reminding members to “not take life too seriously,” and Convention was concluded in the last session as Casie, Jacob, Ross, Sarah, Travis, Gianna, and Rachel took off their FFA jackets and proudly received their Alumni blazers. Finally, it was time for the newly elected 2012-2013 officer team to tap the gavel for the first time and begin their 365 days of service. Indiana FFA is so thankful for all of the sponsors giving us their time to make the 83rd State Convention such a great success! It was truly a successful and memorable experience.

KATHERINE’S TIMELINE

GET THE FACTS Birthday: October 5, 1993 Parents: John & Michele Spencer Siblings: John Earl & Clayton Hometown: Fillmore FFA Chapter: South Putnam Advisor: Larry Bottorff & Karen Nelson Heavin Favorite Food: Chinese Favorite Movie: The Lion King Favorite Pastime: Canning Favorite Sport: Football Favorite Animal: Penguins Favorite Color: Blue Favorite Music: Country Favorite Quote: “Wherever you go, go with your heart.” - Confucius

By cameron mann

9th Grade - Lost Chapter Freshman Creed Speaking - Won District Quiz Bowl 10th Grade - Chapter Reporter - Lost District Food Science Chapter Contest - Lost District Quiz Bowl & Parliamentary Procedure 11th Grade - Chapter President - Lost District Natural Resources Demonstration & Horticulture Demonstration - Lost Section Parliamentary Procedure 12th Grade - District VII Secretary - Chapter President - Lost District Job Interview - Lost District Leadership Ambassador - Won District Extemporaneous Speaking

The Team Voted KATHERINE...

Most likely to pretend to be the mother of a pet penguin!

FUTURE PLANS Attend the University of Indianapolis to ma jor in nursing.

“Katherine Spencer is a master of time management. What she is able to accomplish in a twenty-four hour period is impressive.

Katherine graduated at the top of her class while maintaining a full-time job outside of her duties on her family farm, participating in the Alpha Program which allowed her to take classes at DePauw University while still attending high school and volunteering in numerous school and community organizations. Katherine will not be out-worked! She is a role model for young people everywhere of how a positive attitude and a strong work ethic can be used to influence not only on her life but for others around her.”

- Karen Nelson Heavin (Advisor) “Katherine has always been very independent and determined to reach the goals she has set for herself. Helping others and working hard is her nature. She is very thrifty and manages her time very well. We are very proud of all her accomplishments and the young woman she has become.”

- John and Michele Spencer (Parents) “Katherine Spencer is the most down to earth, loving person I have had the pleasure to meet. That is why I am blessed to call her my best friend. She is such a kind hearted person there is no way someone could not like her instantly. These are only a few of the reasons I love her so very much.”

- Sarah Cheatham (Friend)

KATHERINE SPENCER STATE SECRETARY M

TEST YOUR

By Shelby Riley

KNOWLEDGE!

ANSWER BANK: Ducks 1793 1881 160-190 97 98 1867 Popcorn 50-100 2009 1946 10 1. Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin.

2. Hybridized corn was produced.

3. Barbed wire was invented.

4. Each U.S. farmer produces food. and fiber for 154 people.

5. The first National School Lunch Act enacted.

6. Percent of the U.S. Population that does not come from farm families.

7. Percentage of disposable income that Americans spend on food each year.

8. Percentage of all U.S. farms that are owned by individuals, family partnerships or family corporations.

9. Which agricultural commodity does Indiana rank 1st in?

10. Which agricultural commodity does Indiana rank 2nd in?

11. How many days are in Indiana’s growing season?

12. How many glasses of milk does one cow produce in one day?

1. 1793, 2. 1881, 3.1867, 4. 2009, 5. 1946, 6. 98, 7. 10, 8. 97, 9. Ducks, 10. Popcorn, 11. 160190, 12. 50-100, 13.

N

RYAN SCHLIPF

CHAPTER: Wawasee FFA SAE: Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance CDE: Soil Judging & District Leadership FAVORITE THING ABOUT FFA: Opportunities, meeting new people, lasting relationships, and, of course, mini bus rides!

LAURA CROSBY

CHAPTER: Southwestern Shelby FFA SAE: Dairy Placement CDE: Soils & Parliamentary Procedure FFA TAUGHT ME: I can do anything I want and all I need is a little work, and I have my FFA family to help me along the way!

MEMBER

By Briley Fichter

SPOTLIGHT

OUR MEMBERS MAKE US SHINE. DESIREE STEINKAMP

CHAPTER: Seymour FFA SAE: Equine Entrepreneurship & Agricultural Education CDE: Public Speaking & Soil Judging FFA TAUGHT ME:: Never restrict yourself due to your own fears and to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things.

JUSTIN BERRY

CHAPTER: South Putnam FFA SAE: Swine Production CDE: Natural Resources, Farm Business Demonstration FAVORITE THING ABOUT FFA: Meeting the friends that you will keep in contact with the rest of your life.

O

Laughing Out Loud IN

AGRICULTURE

By Brandan Bergdall

What did the farmer say when his fat pig wouldn’t fit into the pen?

“There’s more there than meets the sty.”

How does the pig farmer get to the fair?

He rides piggyback.

Why did the farmer call his pig "Ink"?

Because it was always running out of the pen.

P

How did the farmer fix his jeans?

With a cabbage patch What is a horse's favorite sport?

Stable tennis!

What kind of things does a farmer talk about when he is milking cows?

Udder nonsense!

What do you call a joke book for chickens?

A yolk book!

What is the easiest way to count a herd of cattle?

Use a cowculator!

What animal always goes to bed with its shoes on?

A horse!

What time does a duck wake up?

At the quack of dawn!