Blue Jackets Gold Standards- Morgan Simpson

Hello! I am glad that you ’ re here! This issue of the Blue Jackets Gold Standards magazine is going to be a good one! If you are new to the magazine, I am happy to inform you that we are the one and only magazine that caters directly to North Carolina FFA Members. The FFA Organization has been a part of my life since I was twelve years old I joined as a seventh grader, and retired my blue jacket after competing at National Convention following the end of my senior year I have spent many of a bus ride, many of a career development event, and many of an hour in agricultural class while wearing the blue corduroy

editor, letter fromthe

Morgan Faith Simpson.

jacket. I truly believe that The FFA Organization is the best student organization out there. I am a Johnston County native that grew up as a part of the Meadow Middle and South Johnston High School FFA Chapters. I have served in the positions of South Johnston Chapter President and East Central Region FFA President while in high school. Additionally, I have competed on three National FFA CDE teams and have served as a National Delegate. I truly cherish each moment that I served in the blue jacket. The corduroy jacket has brought me many friends, has made me many memories, and has introduced me to my future career. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education at the University of Mount Olive, where I am currently serving as their Collegiate FFA (CFFA) President. Once I graduate from college, I hope to inspire FFA members by becoming an agricultural educator and FFA advisor Until then, I hope to share my experiences, my advice, and my passions to young FFA members through the platform of this magazine! I hope that you read something today that inspires you to take action in the future Enjoy reading!

GetOn

By: Morgan Simpson

If we have heard it once, we have heard it a million times, “Please sign up for this FFA event, this contest, or this field trip.” As agricultural students, we are quite often solicited to join FFA activities by our advisors, our administration, and sometimes our friends. Often, we do not know exactly what we are signing up for when we are offered these opportunities. These “FFA Activities” are sometimes last-minute competitive events, leadership retreats, or field trips needing a quota to attend. However, throughout the years, it has become prominent to me that sometimes the students that are “talked into” joining events are

The Bus

the ones that find themselves enjoying these events the most. Take my own personal high school agricultural teacher for example. He quickly paid his FFA membership dues out of fear when his agricultural teacher scared him by throwing a desk across the classroom Little did he know that he would enjoy his FFA experience so much that he would later enter the profession of agricultural education and become a FFA advisor himself It was teachers like him that inspired me to get involved with different FFA opportunities I was a FFA member for six years of my life, and my absolute favorite thing to do was to get on the bus

Truthfully, there was nothing special about any of the busses that I travelled on. Often, they smelt like mold or leftover trash, the seats and the floor would be dirty, and only sometimes would we have the luxury of air-condition However, this primitive mode of transportation is not what I am referring to when I say the phrase “Get on The Bus!” Instead, I say this to encourage you to take every chance that you get when faced with a FFA opportunity. Often times we get so caught up in our fears of getting on the bus that we don’t stop to think about the amazing experiences we can undergo if we just choose to commit ourselves. Some of my very favorite memories were either made on the bus, or at the destination that the bus was traveling to. My favorite memories include throwing Yoo-Hoos out the bus window trying to hit road signs, stopping at every Texas Roadhouse we had the opportunity to visit, and virtually keeping Bojangles in business by stopping for breakfast before every FFA trip As a FFA Alumni and Agricultural Education major, I can tell you that I have never regretted climbing on any bus Each experience is different, and every dollar spent towards bus diesel fuel was worth it

Therefore, I encourage you, when there is an FFA contest, get on the bus! When there is an FFA field trip, get on the bus! When there is a leadership retreat or camp, get on the bus! It reminds me of the quote from the famous hockey player Wayne Gretzky, “ you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” You never know who you might meet, what you might experience, or what interests you might find if you just take the opportunity and get on the bus Thankfully, it is currently September, and you have a whole year ’ s worth of FFA opportunities ahead of you I would like to share with you some of my favorite, yearly opportunities for North Carolina FFA Members to get on the bus!

Compared to the spring, the fall semester is a much more relaxed time for North Carolina FFA members. Most agricultural programs are just beginning with their FFA officer teams, trying to get their FFA membership dues paid, and are juggling beginningof-school functions. However, even through the chaos of Thanksgiving and Christmas, the North Carolina FFA Association sneaks some opportunities in for their members to participate

Traditionally, Regional Leadership Conferences (RLCs) at each of the state’s eight geographical regions are held in the fall. These RLCs consist of regional and state officers hosting leadership workshops to each FFA member in the state that is willing to “Get on the Bus!” For larger regions, these events can have up to 600 people in attendance and can offer services such as career fairs to their attendees! Overall, these events receive high ratings and usually include a meal as well! Also held in the fall is the Vet Science Career Development Event (or “CDE,” which is a FFA competition), where members are exposed to modern veterinary science practices. Also in the fall are the Regional Livestock Evaluation competitions. At these competitions, members are tested on their ability to evaluate livestock for breeding and market purposes. However, you cannot talk about NC FFA in the fall without mentioning the state fair! Many FFA members have the chance to show livestock at the fair or have the opportunity to run a booth at the state fair as well!

“Often times we get so caught up in our fears of getting on the bus that we don’t stop to think about the amazing experiences we can undergo if we just choose to commit ourselves.”

However, I am quite biased when it comes to certain events during the fall semester. My two personal favorite events are the Land Evaluation CDE and the National FFA Convention & Expo. The land evaluation CDE evaluates students’ ability to classify soil, determine the slope of the land, determine land capability classes, and prescribe needed land treatments. This CDE consists of two days worth of activities. Again, I stress the importance of “Getting on the Bus.” A close friend of mine had a similar experience with the “get on the bus” philosophy as that of my high school agricultural teacher We had to beg this individual to participate in the land evaluation CDE We needed more upperclassman to participate so we could have a full senior-division team He started coming to practices, began to dive deep into soil science, and he ended up falling in love with the industry. He is now in his senior year of high school with plans to apply to NC State University to obtain his bachelor’s degree in soil science in the fall. If he had never agreed to compete and “gotten on the bus,” chances are, he would have never found his passion for soil science. On a much larger scale of events is the National FFA Convention & Expo that is held every fall in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seeing the sea of blue jackets from across the country is an amazing sight to behold. National CDE contests are held there, along with

concerts, a humongous expo floor, rodeos, leadership workshops, and a National Day of Service. It is truly an awesome, one-of-a-kind event to attend that I would recommend to any FFA member. There is truly something there for everybody.

The spring semester is when NC FFA members become really active. Different judging events occur throughout the spring including state livestock judging, horse judging, and dairy judging. Each of these contests evaluate students’ ability to judge animals based upon their use/purpose

A Packed Colt’s Stadium for Opening Session of the National FFA Convention & Expo, Indianapolis, IN, 2021

Members at NC FFA Land Evaluation CDE, West Jefferson, NC, 2019

(market/breeding for livestock and dairy, conformation/performance for horses) A special event that is also held during the spring is a large competition day hosted by the University of Mount Olive. The Marketing Plan CDE, Agricultural Sales CDE, and Farm Business Management CDE are held at this event. In the Marketing Plan CDE, students are asked to pretend to be a marketing agency that is actively pitching a marketing plan to any business of the FFA chapter’s choice. The judges are instructed to act as the owners/managers of the chosen business. In the Agricultural Sales CDE, the state FFA association selects any agricultural product/service prior to the competition date. Contestants then must pretend to make a sales pitch of that product to a judge In the Farm Business Management CDE, students must complete various math problems and challenges regarding agribusiness farm management The event draws hundreds of FFA members across the state to UMO’s campus. However, this competition-filled day is certainly not the largest FFA event that the University of Mount Olive hosts each year. Each spring, the university hosts “AgFest,” an all-things-agriculture career/experience fair to 2,000 FFA members across the state. They have over 70 booths representing various local companies, organizations, and advocates for agriculture. They also hold a concert, recognize upcoming UMO “TeachAg” signees, have a photobooth, and offer interactive experiences for FFA members to enjoy. It seems like the event gets bigger and better each year

Another special event that is held during the spring is Middle Grades Rally Each spring at North Carolina A&T University, hundreds of middle school FFA members gather to compete in competitions and engage with state officers in leadership

workshops The past few years, national officers have been present while leading workshops for North Carolina FFA middle school members Some FFA members go their entire lives without ever meeting a National FFA Officer. Therefore, meeting a National FFA Officer as a middle schooler is truly a thrilling experience. Outside of the leadership workshops offered, middle school members can compete in prepared public speaking, parliamentary procedure, exploring technology, and quiz bowl CDEs. This is a wonderful opportunity for young FFA members to “Get on the Bus” and see what the FFA is all about!

One thing that you will discover as an active FFA member is that the spring passes very quickly, soon turning into summer During the summer, the North Carolina FFA Association offers countless opportunities to its members The largest single event held during the summer is State Convention (which is essentially National convention on a smaller scale). There is entertainment, contests, and an expo. State Convention happens every year around mid-June. Countless CDEs are offered at state convention including forestry (identifying trees), gator wars (fixing

John Deere lawnmowers), milk quality (judging the quality of milk), parliamentary procedure (evaluating ease of using Robert’s Rules of Order during a formal business meeting), job interview (evaluating ease of completing a formal interview), prepared public speaking (giving a prerehearsed speech), extemporaneous public speaking (giving a speech with little time to prepare), and more! It is a time of fun, fellowship, and learning for NC FFA members. Also held in the summer is Recreation Camp and State Leadership Conference at White Lake! For multiple weeks throughout the summer, members from across the state travel to Bladen county to participate in various sporting events (volleyball, softball, canoe races, etc ) for recreation camp Also held at White Lake is State Leadership Conference (or “SLC”) For one week during the summer, state officers will lead various leadership workshops and team building activities to strengthen the skillsets of FFA members across the state. Both events are wonderful, funfilled opportunities that any FFA member will be sure to enjoy. The camp ’ s newly renovated facilities are impeccable and the view of the lake is absolutely stunning. Going to White Lake is a must-have “Get on the Bus” experience for every NC FFA Member!

FFA Members at NC FFA Recreation Camp, White Lake, NC, 2023

I understand, “getting on the bus” can often be scary or even intimidating Especially as a new FFA member, seeing the blue and gold embroidered jacket in action, or witnessing opening ceremony for the very first time can be very overwhelming. Trust me, I have been there and have felt those same feelings. I was once a young, seventh grade student whose parents convinced her to “Get on the Bus” for the very first time to compete at the NC FFA Middle Grades Prepared Public Speaking CDE at Middle Grades Rally. Aside from my decision to become a follower of Christ, “Getting on that Bus” was the best decision I ever made. Participating and winning that contest allowed me to discover my passion, career, and calling in life. This may be the same for you if you choose to “Get on the Bus.” Don’t hold back, go ahead and sign up for that contest, that leadership workshop, that event, or that field trip, I promise you won’t regret “Getting on the bus.”

Simpson’s First FFA Bus Trip, Middle Grades Rally, North Carolina A&T University, 2018

OH the places You’llGo!

Highlighting career opportunities in Agriculture

By Morgan Simpson

Ask anyone on the street what they think of when they hear the word “agriculture ” Chances are, you might get a lot of responses tailoring to Old McDonald and his farm of chickens, goats, and pigs However, the scope of agriculture, and the career fields within the agricultural industry are much broader than that. One thing that the FFA Organization teaches agricultural students early on is that agriculture is more than “ cows, sows, and plows.” Instead, agriculture is a major contributing sector of America’s economy that contributes greatly to the country’s wellbeing by offering a variety of products and services to American citizens. The agricultural industry is an ever-changing and ever-growing industry that is looking for new bright minds to lead the industry in the coming years.

According to a study held by North Carolina State University, the sectors of Agriculture and Agribusiness (food, forestry, and natural fiber products) brought a grand total of $91.8 billion to the economy in North Carolina in 2017 alone. (The last published agricultural census was released in 2017. Results from the 2022 census are not set to be published until 2024.) In their study, North Carolina State University divided the jobs within the agricultural industry into four different sectors: processing, retailing, farming, and wholesaling Within the year of 2017, the “processing” sector (turning agriculture commodities into sellable products) contributed $37 5 billion to the economy and offered 147,965 jobs to North Carolina citizens The “retailing” sector (selling agricultural-related products) contributed $24 1 billion to the economy and offered 508,982 jobs to North Carolina citizens The “farming” sector

“With the contribution of almost 728,000 jobs comes the staggering statistic that 17% of North Carolina citizens are working in the agricultural industry.”

(producing crops, aquaculture, ornamentals, forestry, turf, and livestock products) contributed $17.8 billion to the economy and offered 28,024 jobs to North Carolinians. Lastly, the “wholesaling” sector (middlemen reselling commodities to other buyers) contributed $12 4 billion to the economy and offered 42,801 jobs to North Carolina citizens Therefore, combined, the agricultural industry offered 727,722 jobs to North Carolina citizens alone in 2017

Also, according to the 2017 census, the average age of a farmer in the state of North Carolina is 58.1 years old (and the census was taken 6 years ago). Therefore, these farmers are entering retirement age. There is a high job outlook for agriculturists. Young agriculturists are needed to take over the careers of these retirement-age workers. With the contribution of almost 728,000 jobs comes the staggering statistic that 17% of North Carolina citizens are working in the agricultural industry. In these everchanging times, the agricultural industry will always be an “essential” industry In the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, our society saw thousands of workers being laid off of work, being labeled as “non-essential” business employees That is certainly not the case for people in the agricultural line of work. People will always have to eat, will always have to drink, and will always need clothing and housing. Agriculture is, and always will be a very

“

essential” business. Therefore, there is extreme job security and a great job outlook rate for the agricultural field.

There are many different careers in the agricultural field. The plant science industry offers careers in agronomy, horticulture, landscaping, weed/pest specialties, and plant genetics to name a few. The animal science industry offers careers in veterinary science, animal

nutrition, farrier work, animal training, auctioning, genetics/breeding, livestock animal production, and more. The agricultural mechanics industry offers career opportunities in engineering, welding, operating equipment, careers in building/construction, and manufacturing equipment. The food industry offers the careers of food science, food technology, food processing, food manufacturing, food sanitary work/inspections, butchering,

cooking, nutrition, and more. The earth/environment industry offers careers in soil and water science, careers in the wildlife office/game warden positions, and careers in the logging, fishery, and surveying industries Other notable agricultural career mentions include that of agricultural educators, agricultural extension agents, and truck drivers It is also important to not forget about the agribusiness industry offering jobs in the business professional sector of agriculture. These careers include (but are not limited to) agricultural attorneys, agricultural communicators, economists, lobbyists, and loan officers fighting for agriculture in the business setting. It is hard to fathom all the jobs within agriculture. Take all the different industries within the agricultural field, then give each of them business professionals working behind the scenes to support that industry. Each of these industries listed have their own business professionals, marketing professionals, salesmen, and

commodity manufacturers working behind the scenes to keep the economy running smoothly. The career opportunities within the agricultural industry are truly endless.

Preparing for a future career as a middle or high school student can be hard to think about Some individuals know from a very young age which career they want to pursue upon graduation from high school However, there are some full-grown, working adults that still do not know what they want their future ideal job to be. Regardless of your age, a great tool to use to gauge your interests and find careers suited to you is www.agexplorer.ffa.org. It is a wonderful tool to assess one ’ s interests, evaluate one ’ s passions, and discover future agricultural careers that a user may have never previously thought about. The website provides the educational requirements, the day-today job duties, the salary, the job outlook, and potential FFA connections

for each career. Also, at the bottom of each career ’ s information page are other related careers available for users to explore. Thus, leaving users the ability to navigate potential career interests easily and efficiently The website is incredibly user friendly and is a wonderful way for users to expose themselves to the agricultural careers available to them

It is never too early to start planning for a career! Remember that every commodity on the food plate, every material used to build a house, and every stitch of clothing has the potential of having hundreds to thousands of employees working to get that product to consumers. Between the increased profitability of the agricultural industry’s careers, the job security of the agricultural industry, and the diverse agricultural careers available, I hope that you will consider a career in agriculture for yourself!

References

Agexplorer: National FFA Organization. AgExplorer. (2023, September 12). https://agexplorer.ffa.o rg/

Draft 2023-2024 North Carolina FFA Association Calendar. North Carolina FFA Association. (202 3). https://ncffa.org/as/ncffa/i/chan/documents/DRAFT 2023-2024 NC FFA Calendar-7-1923.pdf

Elwell, J. (2021, July 27). More resources for careers in agriculture. #TeachKyAg. https://www.teach yag org/lessons/careers-in-agriculture

NC State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. (2019). Economic contribution of North Carolina agriculture and Agribusiness. https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/20 20/10/Economic-Contribution-Value-of-N C -Agriculture-Booklet CALS-NC-State-FINAL p df?fwd=no

Webb, P. by D. (2019, September 26). Got to be NC!. USDA. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/201 9/09/26/got-be-nc#:~:text=The%20average%20age%20of%20%a,46%2C000%20farming%20op erations%20in%20NC