Indiana FFA IMPACT Winter 2013

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IMPACT

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

WINTER 2013

WHAT’S ALL IN HERE? INDEX C District Kick-Offs & Chapter Visits D Chapter Chatter E Conference Promotions F Live from Trafalgar G State Officer Highlight: Briley Fichter H Ag. Facts I State Fair J Live From Trafalgar K LDW Highlights L Fun in FFA M State Officer Highlight: Marshall Perkins N Leadership CDEs O Member Spotlight P Sponsor Highlight P LOLA

WHAT’S UP? CALENDAR December 08 State Crops, Forestry, and Entomology January 04-05 CDE Camp 26 State Dairy Foods & Meats CDEs February 01-03 LDW #2 16-23 National FFA Week

DISTRICT KICKOFFS CHAPTER VISITS

& {RECAP}

BY KATHERINE SPENCER

Chapter visit and District Kickoff season has sadly come to an end. The State Officer team enjoyed traveling the great state of Indiana, meeting new people and FFA members while spreading the importance of leadership and agriculture.

We hope all the members enjoyed the classroom presentations and the kickoff activities. The C.A.R. method will come into play in everyone’s life so we should always remember its importance. When good Communication is being used, we can properly take the Actions we need to in order to reach our desired Results. Whether we use this in our FFA Chapters, the

classroom, FFA contests, sports teams, careers, or as officers the C.A.R. method will come in handy. The State Officer team had a blast during classroom visits and kickoffs because the members made it fun. Seeing FFA members across the state meet new people, leave their comfort zones, work together efficiently, overcome obstacles and smell stinky shoes made the hard work and preparation put into Kickoffs well worth it. Thank you Indiana FFA members and Ivy Tech for making the three weeks of Chapter visits and District Kickoff traveling the best it could be!

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Chapter CHATTER John Glenn FFA With

By: David Cisney District II President

For the fourth consecutive year, John Glenn High School in Walkerton, Indiana, has hosted a fall festival. The purpose of the festival is to raise money for senior scholarships. Falloween is the name of this event that many people in the community and students get excited for.

This year, Falloween was hosted from September 21-23 . In the past three years, John Glenn High School has raised over $48,000 in scholarship money to give away to over 60 seniors.

The festival kicked off Friday with a parade at 5:45 pm. The parade winds the streets of Walkerton. There were over 40 participants in this year’s parade. During this three day festival, there is much to do. This year, we had over 45 indoor and outdoor vendors, over 15 carnival rides including “the Gravitron”, a ferris-wheel, and many more rides. People could watch homemade apple butter being made and buy apple dumplings. The Tyner IOOF had a fish fry, some local churches sold soups, potato dumpling donuts, and much more. During

Falloween, different school organizations have the opportunity to raise money. Tri Kappa had root beer floats for sale. The Theater Department sold pizza, the bus drivers sold soups and pies, and the FFA sells mums. In the last four years, the John Glenn FFA has sold over 1500 mums.

In addition to this, the John Glenn FFA also hosts a petting zoo on the Sunday of the festival, and in the past, has had a mechanical bull on Saturday. This year the John Glenn FFA had a childrens' pedal tractor pull. This event was a great success!

Don’t be fooled though. At Falloween, there is more to do than just buy food and flowers, and ride rides. There is plenty of entertainment throughout this three day festival. This year there was a teacher band, country singer Emilee Allan, the John Glenn First Edition and Rhythm Express show choirs, and much more.

Falloween is a great tradition in Walkerton.

Students, parents, teachers, and people from all over our community, and beyond enjoy the brisk fall weather, perfect autumn treats, and lots of festival fun.

“In the past three years, John Glenn High School has raised over $48,000 in scholarship money...”

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DON’T MISS OUT on

CONFERENCES Join us in Trafalgar!

By Mallarie Stookey

It is time for conferences! Make sure you talk to your advisor and get registered to attend!

FIRE

(Foundations In Reaching Excellence) November 16-18

LDW

(Leadership Development Workshop) February 1-3

JR. High Day APRIL 13

We hope to see you there! Make sure you check out our Facebook, Twitter, and website for more information!

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Y RILE Y B EL

E V I L H BY: S

R T M O R

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So much has happened in the four months that my teammates and I have been living in the land of Trafalgar and serving as Indiana FFA State Officers.

From the heat of the Great Indiana State Fair in August, to the cooler weather of LDW in September, we are always doing something new and exciting! I have had a blast meeting new faces from around the state, as well as having new experiences and lots of bonding time with my team. And I cannot forget to mention the new addition to National FFA, Flyte the Owl! This new mascot was debuted at our very own Indiana State Fair, and has been showing up all over the place ever since. We had the pleasure of spending time with him, as well as some members from around the state at an Indianapolis Indians game in August, where National FFA and FFA Alumni were being promoted. Speaking of National FFA, we had the opportunity to spend some time with State Officers from Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan, as well as a few members from the Martinsville FFA Chapter and shoot the video for National Convention! Whether it was going to Becknology Days, spending time with

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new Greenhand FFA members at Danville, or getting to climb up into the combine in the shop at Mt. Vernon @ Mt. Vernon, everything I do keeps me on the edge of my seat wondering what we will be doing next. I even got to put my feet in the Ohio River during District Kick-offs and chapter visits, which is a big deal for someone who grew up north of Indianapolis! We have gotten to see some of the CDE events, including Vet Science in New Castle, and Horticulture and the Livestock Skill-A-Thon at Purdue. It was awesome to see members putting their skills to the test! Traveling and presenting is not the only thing that we do, though; on the weekends that we are at the center, we like to make homemade meals and watch movies together after a full day of working. Not to mention our random dance-offs, and Cameron and I doing the Wobble in the middle of the road on our way home at night on occasion.

Whatever we do, we make the most of every moment and find the fun in every situation. So far, it has been one wild ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything and I am looking forward to the rest of the year!

GET THE FACTS Birthday: February 6, 1994 Parents: Larry & Rochelle Fichter Siblings: Alex, Andrea, & Sarah Hometown: Newburgh FFA Chapter: Castle Advisor: Susan Wagner Favorite Food: Cookie Dough Favorite Movie: A Walk to Remember Favorite Pastime: Hunting, fishing, and hanging with her little brother, Alex.

Favorite Sport: Archery Favorite Animal: Cow Favorite Color: Sunshine Yellow Favorite Music: Country, especially Luke Bryan Favorite Quote: “Life isn’t perfect, but everything is fine.” - Josh Turner BY: Marshall Perkins

Briley’S TIMELINE: 9th Grade - Joined FFA - Lost District Quizbowl 10th Grade - Lost District Animal Science Demonstration 11th Grade - District X Vice-President - Chapter Vice-President - 3rd Place Area Dairy Judging 12th Grade - Section IV Director - Chapter President - 3rd Place District Leadership Ambassador

The Team Voted Briley...

Most likley to wear a camouflage dress at her wedding

FUTURE PLANS Attend Western Kentucky University to double ma jor in Ag. Communications and Ag. Business.

BRILEY FICHTER

STATE SRVP G

GET THE FACTS on

Agriculture By: Mallarie Stookey

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Indiana is the 2nd largest producer of popcorn in the nation.

Indiana produces more ducks than any other state in the nation.

The average age for an Indiana farmer is 55 years old.

Average Indiana Farm Size: 242 acres Number of Farms in Indiana: 61,000 Twenty two million American workers produce, process, sell and trade the nation's food and fiber.

7. Eating about 20 tart cherries a day could reduce inflammatory pain and headache pain.

8. In the United States, lettuce is the second most popular fresh vegetable.

9. As bell peppers mature, their color changes from green to red and they become sweeter.

10. About 97 percent of U.S. farms are operated by families – individuals, family partnerships or family corporations.

11. There are 47 different breeds of sheep in the U.S. 12. Like snowflakes, no two cows have the exact same pattern of spots.

13. One acre of soybeans can produce 82,368 crayons.

14. A hive of bees flies over 55,000 miles to bring you one pound of honey.

15. A pig can run a 7-minute mile.

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. m e h t e s U . m e h t w Kno

l u f s s e c c u S r e h t o An Year at

a n a i d n I t a e r G The . r i a F e t Sta

By Brandan Bergdall

Mooooving into August we reached a time of the year that many of us have grown up enjoying.

The 2012 Indiana State Fair was no different! With many activities to do and animals to see around the state fair, hundreds of thousands of people came to check out the 2012 state fair. Most of this traffic came through the Indiana FFA Pavilion. Being one of the largest buildings around the grounds, the Indiana FFA Pavilion, attracts thousands of Hoosiers from across the state, whether they are FFA members or not. This year chapters and districts from all around the state came to the fairgrounds two weeks prior to the state fair opening. The members endured the heat, sweat, and the long “to do list” in order to set up the pavilion and make it even better than in the years past. This year the Indiana FFA Pavilion received a face lift.

Advisors and members revamped

the pavilion with a new concert stage in the courtyard, a café social media center along the back wall, and new floor in the country market wing all before opening day on August 3rd. This year the Indiana FFA Pavilion offered a variety of fun activities for the family both young and old. From the free 18 hole putt putt golf course with animal facts at every hole, to the Old McDonald’s petting zoo where kids can pet and feed animals, and finally the amazing Country Market where you could pick up Indiana products such as: ice cream, FFA gear, candles, popcorn, and apple cider.

The Indiana FFA Pavilion also held free concerts on the new concert stage built in the beautiful courtyard every weekend.

Hundreds of visitors came to set in the shade, enjoy a cold drink, and listen to an amazing performance

by South Six 5 and Walker County.

South Six 5 was a high-energy, teen rock band comprised of four great friends (12-13 years old). They performed a mix tunes from several genres including Rock, 90's, 80's, current hits, as well as originals. Also performing on stage during FFA Day at the State Fair was Walker County. This family band blended a great mix of country, rock, pop, and soul to make for a very entertaining show.

We also had a special visitor at the FFA Pavilion this year, the National FFA Organization introduced its first ever Mascot, “Flyte”, a big owl wearing a FFA jersey.

In the end we were all sad to see the end of the 2012 Indiana State Fair. We had grown to love the pavilion, all the new faces we had met, and the members that helped make it another successful year for Indiana FFA and the 2012 Indiana State Fair.

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all an Bergd BY: Brand

E V I L

R A G L A F A R T M FRO

As I sit outside typing this article, I can’t help but look around at nature’s beauty here at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center. The leaves are beginning to change, the weather is becoming cool and crisp, and farmers are beginning to harvest their crops.

It truly is “Harvest time” in this little town. Although this column may be titled “Live from Trafalgar,” this particular article will be more of a “Live from Indiana.”

After wrapping up 3 weeks of chapter visits, I have had the opportunity to visit over 20 different schools and all 12 districts from all over this great state meeting thousands of FFA members and teaching them the importance of “C.A.R.” The presentation helped students understand the importance of communication, action, and results and how we can apply them in our everyday lives whether it is on the sports field, in the classroom, or in FFA. Jumping right out an exciting weekend of Lassoing leadership at our first LDW camp, Cameron and I loaded down my pick-up truck and hit the road for District 1 in Northern Indiana. The kick off that night was held at Twin Lakes in Monticello, IN

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home to Indiana Beach, which is famous for its motto, “There’s more than corn in Indiana.” Indeed there is more than corn, there are beans too!

After District 1 we worked our way further South visiting Districts 1, 4, 7, 10 by following the curvy highways and the hilly country roads with rock formations on either side.

At the end of the first week, I had traveled parts of Indiana that I had never seen before. Being from Northeast Indiana in Adams County there aren’t many hills, rock formations, or curvy roads. It is mostly flat, straight roads with fields on both sides. Besides putting 1,000 miles on my pick-up I had the opportunity to meet some amazing individuals and see the beauty that our state possesses.

The Second week would only get better. During this week I was traveling with Mallarie in her little silver Volkswagen bug. We began the week in District 2 were we had stayed the night at Mallarie’s Family dairy farm. The smell of silage and cow manure reminded me of home and the beauty of Indiana farms and how thankful I am for the farmers.

The Third week, I was partnered up with Cameron and Shelby visiting the

Northeast side of the state. Although I have lived in this area my whole life I couldn’t help notice the beauty of the fresh cut cornfields, the combines and grain carts running underneath the light of a harvest moon.

After traveling for 3 weeks all around the state presenting and meeting thousands of members and seeing all the beautiful landscapes that Indiana has to offer, it has made me realize how blessed we are as FFA members and Hoosiers to live in such a beautiful state.

This time of year is that time when we need to slow down, look around, and begin to appreciate and be thankful for what we have been blessed with. Take an afternoon off and relax with your family or friends, whether it is cheering on your school at the football game, going on a hike with your family, or just sitting around a bonfire roasting marshmallows.

Whatever you’re doing enjoy the beauty of Indiana and take advantage of what nature has to offer.

Lassoing ip LDW Leadersh d Members enjoye a great success! re s we wa W ip LD sh er at ad rs : Lassoing Le s. FFA membe The Fall LDW teammates and the State Officer ercome obstacles, and how ov eir to th w th engths, ho s a blast and bonding wi t their teams’ str ekend of LDW wa e those of ou we ab e Th rn e. lea nc to re able e a diffe pe to se attitude can mak ry 1st-3rd. We ho having the right to miss out on r LDW on Februa te nt in wa W t e n’ th wo ve u ha yo in February; W we cannot wait to LD ll Fa e th come to you who did not e! nc rie pe the ex

By Kathe rine Specne

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Fun in FFA: By: Cameron Mann

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Y Q U A R F

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It’s not hard to find.

B I Y S O H F C J R Z T Q Q Z B H S Q G G O M E Z S E R V I C E A S T S E T N O C A K A Z B L E D H S F R I E N D S K U W V D S U K S R G E C L R X U T J N A V Z L I L N N O C B X N H B C C O N O I T N E V N O C M E T Z L X F X K L C A S Z Z R E A E A L G S P T D N J L V T R B O Y C H R N S N N F A Q E S R G P I N P E L J L C R P N J B F R F A Z K G J T G C C U X J O H S A Z Q P E P U J T E E P S F M N P Q X S

Convention Friends Dances Concerts Service Contests Conferences Traveling Speakers

MARSHALL’S TIMELINE

GET THE FACTS Birthday: December 8, 1993 Parents: Kirk & Lynne Perkins Siblings: Trevor, Darcie, and Kendall Hometown: Stroh FFA Chapter: Prairie Heights Advisors: Mr. Ron Noll & Mr. Ben Leu Favorite Food: Thai Favorite Movie: The Book of Eli Favorite Pastime: Riding Horses Favorite Sport: Basketball Favorite Animal: Holstein Cow Favorite Color: Orange Favorite Music: Everything Favorite Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

BY BRILEY FICHTER

9th Grade - Star Greenhand - Lost State Freshman Prepared Public Speaking 10th Grade - 3rd Place District Public Speaking - Chapter Reporter 11th Grade - Lost State Prepared Public Speaking - Chapter Vice-President - 4th Place State Parliamentary Procedure 12th Grade - Section I Director - Chapter President - 1st State Dairy Judging

The Team Voted MARSHALL...

Most likely to become President of the United States.

FUTURE PLANS Attend Purdue University to double ma jor in Ag. Education & Ag. Communications.

MARSHALL PERKINS STATE NRVP M

Top 10 reasons to do

LEADERSHIP CDE’s

By Cameron Man

It’s that time of the year again, and no, I am not talking about the holiday season. For FFA members, the smell of district convention preparation is in the air! Leadership contests are right around the corner, and the state officers are looking forward to traveling the state! For the team, some of our fondest memories from our high school FFA years are from district conventions. We remember the thrill of competing, the fun of meeting new friends, and if we were lucky enough the excitement of bringing home some hardware. Since the time to start thinking about competing in a leadership career development event is now, we decided to share a few of the benefits of competing in a contest at your district convention.

Here are the top 10 reasons!

6. Resume Builder! Competing in a leadership oriented contest can’t hurt your chances at polishing up that resume for extracurricular activities and college!

5. Victory! The chance to bring home a shiny plaque or felt banner is always a plus!

4. Networking! Many of the judges at district contests are involved in the agricultural industry. It is an excellent opportunity to meet prominent individuals in a future career area!

10. Mini Bus Memories! The chance to travel to district convention with your chapter is sure to leave you with some great memories to cherish!

3. Career Skills! Leadership CDE’s help equip competitors with career success, communication, cooperation, presence, and professionalism. These are just a few of the skills contests can help members learn to possess!

9. Exhibits! Seeing all of the stellar exhibits that chapters have put together to go with this year’s state convention theme is always a bonus!

2. The satisfaction members receive from competing in a contest after working hard to prepare is indescribable no matter what the results turn out!

8. Catching up with the District Officer team and State Officers is always an enjoyable time!

1. Finally, who wouldn’t want to zip up the blue and gold one more time? Convention is another opportunity to show off your FFA Jacket and represent it proudly!

7. New Friends! District convention is the prime time to meet new people from around your area and make friendships that will last a lifetime!

Don’t wait!

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Compete this year!

HANNAH ALLABEN

CHAPTER: Hamilton Southeastern SAE: Specialty Animal Production CDE: Horse Judging FAVORITE THING ABOUT FFA: All of the friends that I have made and all of the fun that I have had with them.

DAKOTA WESTPHAL

CHAPTER: Tri-County SAE: Ag. Education and Home and Community Development CDE: Soil Judging FFA TAUGHT ME: Leadership and how to accept others while forming longlasting relationships with them!

MEMBER

By Shelby Riley

SPOTLIGHT

OUR MEMBERS MAKE US SHINE. ALLIE ABNEY

CHAPTER: Franklin FFA SAE: Landscaping, Ag. Sales, and Environmental Science and Natural Resources CDE: Meats Judging FFA TAUGHT ME: FFA has taught me that together we can make a difference.

ETHAN McNEELY

CHAPTER: Scottsburg FFA SAE: Forage Production Entrepreneuership CDE: Livestock Judging & Extemporaneous Public Speaking FAVORITE THING ABOUT FFA: The opportunities that are given to every member and as the District XI President, I am very grateful to O make an impact on members.

T H G I L H G I H R O S SPON

By Shelby Riley

Indiana FFA is proud to be partnered with Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, and would like to recognize them for everything that they do for our organization. They understand the importance of investing in the lives of young agriculturalists through FFA, and play a large role in making sure that there are opportunities for FFA members to grow and learn. Summer Goldman, Regional Vice President for Farm Credit Services and Chairman of the Indiana FFA Foundation Board, believes that investing in the younger generation

will make for a brighter future. “Investing in the Indiana FFA Foundation is a meaningful way for Farm Credit MidAmerica to meet its mission to serve agriculture and rural America. Our sponsorships fund programs that develop leadership skills in young people that will, not only be our future members and employees, but also the future leaders of the agriculture industry and the nation.”

We are so thankful for all of our partners and look forward to a bright future in agriculture!

Laughing Out Loud IN

AGRICULTURE

By Briley Fichter

Why was the cucumber mad?

Because it was in a pickle.

What does an evil hen lay?

What’s a scarecrow’s favorite fruit?

Deviled eggs.

Straw-berries!

What do you call a cow with no legs?

Why are farmers cruel?

Ground beef.

Because they pull corn by the ears.

What did the baby corn say to the mama corn? What do you call a crate of ducks?

A box of quackers!

Where’s pop?

What sickness do horses hate the most?

What day do potatoes hate the most?

Hay fever!

Fry-day!

Why did the sheep run off the cliff?

He missed the ewe turn.

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