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INDIANA FFA NEWS INDIANA FFA NEWS INDIANA FFA NEWS INDIANA FFA NEWS
WINTER 2015
JACOB’S TIMELINE
GET THE FACTS Birthday: July 27 Parents: Jp & Michele Mueller Siblings: Sarah Mueller Hometown: Wilkinson, IN FFA Chapter: Eastern Hancock Advisors: Scott Jacobs & Sara Williams Favorite Food: Coffee & Cheeze-Its Favorite Movie: Les Miserables Favorite Pastime: Learning Favorite Sport: Cross Country Favorite Animal: Hippopotamus Favorite Color: Clear (like a window) Favorite Music: Irish Folk Music & Jay-Z BY DEREK BERKSHIRE
9th Grade - 1st Place State Crops Judging Team - 9th Place Individual at Ak-Sar-Ben National Livestock Judging Contest 10th Grade - 1st Place National Livestock Judging Team 11th Grade - 1st Place Royal Highlands International Livestock Judging Team - 1st Place State Meats Team - District DVIII Treasurer 12th Grade - 2nd Place State Meats Team - 2nd Place State Chapter Meeting Team - 1st Place Individual National Western Meats Judging - Chapter President - District DVIII President
FUTURE PLANS
Attend Miami University of Ohio to ma jor in Finance.
The TEAM VOTED JACOB... To be a millionaire and be on the cover of Forbes magazine. “For as long as I’ve known Jacob he has always been a go-getter. If he sets his mind to it he could accomplish anything, and when he told me he was going to run for state office I had no doubt in my mind that he could do it. I am extremely proud of him and I know that no matter where he ends up he will accomplish great things.” - Caleb Jessup, Friend
“As Jacob’s older sister, I am extremely proud of his many accomplishments in FFA. At home, FFA was an activity that Jacob and I did together and I have many fond memories of studying for contests and traveling with my brother. I am very thankful for the wonderful memories I have participating in FFA events with Jacob and I am anxious to see where his bright future takes him.” - Sarah Mueller, Sister
JACOB MUELLER
STATE SRVP
Muell er By: J acob
E V I L
R A G L A F A R T M FRO
The last few weeks have been a blur for my teammates and me. As I write this article, we are currently in the middle of one of the busiest seasons for Indiana FFA! On Saturday September 6th, Indiana’s national officer candidate, Cameron Mann, kicked things off at PLT or Premier Leadership Training. District officers, state band and chorus officers, and section directors learned about how to be more effective leaders by getting Inside Out. Sessions were led by Cameron herself, as well as former State Sentinel Micah Matlock, former state and national officer Tyler Tenbarge, and current national Vice President Wes Davis. This conference would not be possible without the support of CSX Transportation. The following weekend the state officers presented LDW 2014, our first conference of the year, sponsored by CSX Transportation and Indiana Farm Bureau. Chapter officers from around the state learned how to leave their mark like the land marks of which the 7 Wonders of the World are
composed. Chapter officers learned the specific roles in which their position casts them, they learned how to find their place in a team by analyzing personality traits, how to work effectively as a team, and how to resolve conflict efficiently. After learning these invaluable skills, officers were able to return to their
chapters in order to put them into practice. Immediately following the
conclusion of LDW, the state officers left Trafalgar to head north for the first week of district kickoffs and chapter visits. We travel in three groups, with each group visiting about three FFA chapters a day to present about the opportunities in FFA, the missions and traditions, and the three circle model. In the evenings the district and state officers facilitate district kickoffs. At these kickoffs, members from across the district come together to enjoy an evening of activities to build relationships outside their chapter and develop leadership skills. Thank you to Ivy Tech Community College for your support of all 12 district kick-offs. After the conclusion of chapter visits and district kickoffs, the state officers will be returning to Trafalgar to prepare for the first SOAR conference, sponsored by Helena and the Anderson’s, where we will host members from across the state in a weekend full of activities to help them seek opportunities and achieve results.
TRAVIS KOESTER
CHAPTER: North Posey FFA SAE: Diversified Ag. Production FAVORITE CDE: Entomology FAVORITE QUOTE: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” - Wayne Gretzky
COLE MIZE
CHAPTER: Manchester FFA SAE: Diversified Ag. Production FAVORITE CDE: Crops Evaluation FAVORITE PART OF FFA: Meeting so many new people and making so many friends!
MEMBER
By Skylar Clingan
SPOTLIGHT OUR MEMBERS MAKE US SHINE.
CODY CARPENTER
CHAPTER: West Central FFA SAE: Diversified Crop Production FAVORITE CDE: Environmental and Natural Resources FAVORITE QUOTE: “I would rather be on my farm, than be the emperor of the world.” - George Washington
KOLT KINSLER
CHAPTER: Delphi FFA SAE: Forage Production FAVORITE CDE: Soils Evaluation WHAT FFA IS TO ME: FFA is an opportunity to meet new people who have all the same interests of gaining leadership and life skills.
r i a F e t a Our St is a
. r i a F e t a t S t a e r G By Lindsey O’Hara
The Great Indiana State Fair was 17 days of action packed, entertaining and unique events! The fair buzzed with excitement as the FFA pavilion saw those from all over Indiana, surrounding states and even different countries. Nearly 955,000 fair goers visited the State Fair during the Year of the Coliseum! The team kicked off the fair by attending the opening celebration where we had the opportunity to combine the old soil from the coliseum floor with the new symbolizing the continued commitment to the youth of Indiana agriculture. The week picked up as we made new friends among the districts, educated the general public about FFA and hosted some great FFA entertainment. Each district work day was extremely successful and we appreciate those who came! One of my favorite parts of the Indiana State fair was talking with the public about FFA and
answering questions about various topics. This year we had a great entertainment lineup including: Mac Trotter (Past FFA Member from the Hope FFA Chapter), Walker County (Past FFA Members from the Shenandoah FFA Chapter), Drive One8e (Mr.Leu, Prairie Heights Ag Advisor) and Claire Baney (Hamilton Southeastern FFA Member). The officer team and I also enjoyed participating in the Indiana Farm Bureau Pancake Breakfast and thank them for their donation to the Indiana FFA from the proceeds
of the breakfast! As the state fair came to a culmination we closed on the best day of the fair, FFA Day! FFA Day kicked off with the team meeting the Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann for breakfast. We celebrated Indiana FFA and the National FFA Organization throughout the day modeling our passion for the organization! Reflecting back, I could not help but feel the same way I felt the first day the fair began. All the hard-work, effort and talent paid off. The Great Indiana State Fair has been a part of my life as 4-Her for a very long time and this year I was blessed to be impacted in a whole new way! Our state fair is truly a great state fair and the best in the United States.
Lindsey’S TIMELINE
GET THE FACTS Birthday: September 1, 1995 Parents: Dan & Loni O’Hara Siblings: Jesse and Andy O’Hara Hometown: Claypool, IN FFA Chapter: Warsaw Advisors: Mrs Markley, Mr. Hays, & Mrs. Jarrett Favorite Food: Pickles Favorite Movie: Secretariat Favorite Pastime: Working with livestock Favorite Sport: Showing Livestock Favorite Animal: Cattle & Sheep Favorite Color: Red Favorite Music: Country, Christian, & Red Dirt BY DEREK BERKSHIRE
9th Grade - 2nd Place State Creed Speaking - 2nd Place Individual at State Dairy Foods Evaluation 10th Grade - 1st District Farm Business Management Demo - Chapter Degree - Ran for chapter office but didn’t get it 11th Grade - Chapter President - Ran for district office but didn’t get it - 3rd Place District Job Interview - Chapter Star Farmer 12th Grade - Chapter President - District II Sentinel - 3rd Place State Sheep Production Placement
FUTURE PLANS Attend Western Illinois University to ma jor in Agricultural Education.
THe Team Voted Lindsey Most Likely... To strike up a conversation with any random stranger. “Dreams come true, but only if you work hard to make them come true!” That quote truly describes Lindsey! She’s always been a hard worker who chases her biggest dreams! Becoming a state officer has been her biggest dream and goal ever since I first met her 7 years ago! I’m so proud of all she’s accomplished! With her love for agriculture bigger than her heart, she’s done a great job at being an advocate for agriculture! She’s made my passion for agriculture much stronger than it was before. I am so glad to have a best friend like Lindsey who shares a passion for agriculture like me and knows how to brighten anyone’s day! - Ashley Ferrell, Best Friend “I have known Lindsey since kindergarten, yet she still finds ways to amaze me. I could write a whole book just about Lindsey. She is the nicest, most caring, funniest, most eccentric, loving, and most determined person I have ever met. Really, there aren’t enough adjectives in the English language to capture Lindsey’s personality. But seriously, I don’t know if it’s her crazy obsession with cows, her incredibly humble heart, or golden smile, but something about her just inspires people to be better. I’m proud to call her my best friend, not only because she has literally always been there for me, but because she is always there for everyone, whether she knows them or not. For five years, I watched Lindsey dream about becoming a state FFA officer. I also watched her overcome monstrous obstacles, never once lose sight of her goal, and never stop paying it forward. I am so blessed to have a friend like that.” - Mikaela Conley, Best Friend
F
LINDSEY O’HARA
STATE NRVP
SPONSOR
SHOUTOUT
Behind every great organization are the unsung heroes supporting it. The following are some of the unsung heroes supporting the Indiana FFA Organization. Thank you to all of these sponsors for your donations. Without a doubt, the organization would be much different without your generous contributions.
Diamond ($25,000 and Up)
PLATINUM ($15,000 - $24,999)
Gold (10,000-14,999) Bridgestone America’s Tire Operation, LLC CountryMark Dow Agrosciences DuPont Pioneer Farm Credit, Mid-America
Florida Fruit Associaiton Helena Chemical Company Ice Miller, LLP McCartney Produce The Anderson’s, Inc. Vincennes University
BY KATHLEEN JACOBS
Hydrojet I/M/O Agri-Systems, LLC IAB Financial Bank IMO Agri-Systems, LLC IN Terra Credit Union Indiana Forage Council, Inc. Indiana Independent Ag Indiana Irrigation Co., Inc. Indianapolis Colts Jenner Sales Corp. Silver (5,000-9,999) K & J Enerprise Army ROTC Koesters Body & Frame Beck’s Superior Hybrids Kreider Fencing CHS Foundation LaGrange County Farm Bureau, Inc. Core Farms LLC LG Seeds Crop Production Services Little Blessings Partner ($500-999) Little Creations Elanco Animal Health Land & Hog Co. MacDon Industries, Ltd. Indiana Statewide Assoc. of REC Brown Clay County Farm Bureau Mack Sales and Service of Decatur, Inc. Ivy Tech Community College Dairyland Seeds Marriott Springhill Suites Indianapolis Jarden Home Brands Daylight Farm Supply Downtown MacAllister Agriculture Division IAAE Melbourne Rd. LLC Marion County Farm Bureau, Inc.Indiana State Poultry Association Merritt Contracting, Inc. Indiana Turkey Marketing Milan Center Feed & Grain Purdue University Development Council NDY Mfg. Rose Acre Farms Kent Feeds New Holland Tri-County Langdon Barber Groves Newton County Farm Bureau Bronze (1,000-4,999) Maple Leaf Farms Nineveh Fire Department MeMe’s Custom Embroidery Northern Gases & Supplies, Inc. 2012-13 Indiana FFA State OfMutual Savings Bank Not Just Popcorn ficer Team News Talk-WOWO Oliver Gang ADM-Frankfort Pacers Sports & Entertainment Olympian Candies AgReliant Genetics, LLC Pee Jay’s Fresh Fruit Parker Industrial Safety, Inc. AgriGold Hybrids Penton Media POET Biorefining AgVenture McKillip Seeds Preferred Popcorn, LLC PolyTech, Inc. Schrader Real Estate & Auction Potawatomi Inn & Conference Center Allen County Farm Bureau Sechler’s Pickles Precision Planting Bane-Welker Equipment, LLC Showring Beauty & Bling Pure Heart & Clean Hands Bill Estes Chevrolet Steyer Seeds, LLC Quality Craft Tools Boone County Farm Bureau, Inc. Vivayic, Inc. Renaissance Indianapolis North Bunge North America Contributor (1-499) Rim Guard Inc. CAERT, Inc. ADM Alliance Nutrition River Star Farms, LLC Agridry, LLC Rumley Allis Chalmers Museum Cargill Agrifinancial Services Schroeder Insurance Agency, Inc. Castongia’s Inc. AgroChem Inc. Science Central Ceres Solutions, LLP Agronomic Solutions, LLC Shoup’s Country Foods CF Industries American Hunting Lease AsSikkema’s Equipment City Barbeque sociation Sleepin Angel Farm Cline Grain Archbold Equipment, Inc. Smith Implement Franklin Barefoot Athletics SO-IL Service, Inc. Cole Hardwood Bartholomew County Farm South Bend Chocolate Co. Country Gardens, Inc. Bureau Specialty Hybrids Crossbred Classic, Inc. Black Hawk College SPNC Corporation Custom Ag Solutions B-Safe The CISCO Companies Dean Foods Byron Seeds, LLC The Daugherty Companies, Inc. FarmWorld C & G Salsa Company, LLC The Farmers Exchange Century Trading Company, Inc. The Glittered Pig FMC Corporation Childrens Museum of IndiaThe Olive Twist Foremost Farms USA napolis Thorp Marketing GreenMark Equipment, Inc. Cisco Companies Thunder Creek Equipment Harvest Land Coop. CJ Brown Toby’s Tool Box Hog Slat, Inc. Clay City Pottery Topeka New Holland Hurricane Ditcher Co., Inc. Courtyard by Marriott DownTradeexpos, Inc. town Indianapolis TransCanada Corporation Hy-Line International Trouble Free Lighting IH Collectors: Indiana Chapter 7 CowPokes CrazyPinz Troxel Equipment Indiana AgriNews Crop Insurance Specialists, Inc. Valentine Farms Indiana Association of County Crown Battery Systems Van Horn Bolt Services Fairs, Inc. Custer Products Ltd. Visit Ft. Wayne Indiana Beef Cattle Assoc. DeLaval Dairy Science Williamson Insurance Agency DeSchepper Farm Supply Indiana Farmers Mutual InsurDubois Distributors ance Individual Gold Level Donors Allen Ag & Turf Indiana Nursery and Landscape East Eel River Steelworks, Inc. ($1000 and up) Association EF Rhoades Nels Ackerson Indiana Packers Corporation Embassy Suites Lawrence & Glendia Beck Indiana Pork Producers Fairfield Inn & Suites by MarJohn A. Bradley Indiana Rural Safety and Health riott, Ft. Wayne Lima Rd. Brian & Elisha Buchanan Farm Boy Ag Council David & Lisa Chaudion Farm Credit Mid-America Ingredion Inez Elliott Greencastle JBS United, Inc. Amir Faghih FFA National Foundation Frank Gladen Johnson County REMC Florida Agricultural Marketing Steve & Sandy Hageman Kokomo Grain Association Florida Indian River Groves, Inc. Robert & Francene Juncker Land O’ Lakes Foundation Fort Wayne Komet Hockey Club Jeff Lehman Family Lucas Oil Products, Inc. Fort Wayne Tin Caps Dan & Jennifer Maruszewski Midwest Ag Finance, Inc. Four Star Services Donald & Victoria Poynter Milk Promotion Services of Frame-Rite David & Susan Sheets Indiana Glascock Equipment Sales Jack and Linda Simmerman NIPSCO Harvest Lights Eric & Jennifer Steiner Family Hickoryworks, Inc. Ohio Technical College Mark & Ann Timm Family Hobart Institue of Welding Poynter Sheet Metal Tyler Tuttle Technology Premier Ag Douglas Vawter Holiday World Remington Seeds, LLC Donald & Joyce Villwock Huntington County Farm Reynolds Farm Equipment Dean Warren Bureau, Inc.
Scott County Farm Bureau Seed Consultants Select Seeds Shirk’s International Stewart Seeds Sub Surface Indiana Sullivan County FFA Alumni Tractor Supply Company Trupointe Wilhelm Construction
Bryan Webb Family
MRS. CARi BUTCHER
HERE BY THE OWL ADVISOR SPOTLIGHTS
Caston FFA
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I enjoy teaching agriculture and being an FFA Advisor because of my kids! Seeing them achieve a goal or do well in a CDE that they weren’t sure about makes it all worth it!
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QUICK FACTS 1. Joseph B. Whitehead Educator of Distinction Award Recipients in 2012 & 2014. 2. Teaching for 12 years. 3. Lives in Flora with her husband and two children. 4. In 2014, Caston had the state winning Agricultural Communications team and their first state officer.
“I will forever remember the lessons taught and the opportunities gained because of Mrs. Butcher. No matter the situation, she was always there for me. Whether it was district contest, the chapter hog roast, or preparing for the next big move in my life. Mrs. Butcher was always my mentor, my encourager, and my role model. I have always admired her ability to relate and inspire others to live to their upmost potential. I could not have asked for a better advisor throughout my high school career. Mrs. Butcher’s advice, motivation, encouragement, and support has meant all the world to me, and I am forever thankful for her dedication and passion for her students and this organization.” - Derek Berkshire “Mrs. Cari Butcher - a single name that means so many different things to so many different people. She’s more than just our Ag. Teacher and FFA Advisor. She’s the one thing that keeps ups going and encourages us through teh struggles - even though sometimes her assignments might be the root of those struggles. Always pushing us to be better and to do better things, Mrs. Butcher has helped the students in the Ag. program to acheive more than winning plaques, trophies, and banners. Through her we have learned responsibiliyt, persistence, and belief in the future of agriculture. Although she lovingly reminds us alamost daily that she is “not our mother,” she cares for us as any mother would. Mrs. Butcher is the root of our “little family” and all of the success that has come to it. Of course, with such great success comes much hard work, and Mrs. Butcher’s work ethic has certainly rubbed off on many of her students. It’s apparent that no one else could do her job as well as she. She is irreplaceable, irrevocable, and indubitably an asset to our program. We wouldn’t be where we are and who we are if it wasn’t for her. Mrs. Butcher has truly impacted our lives and will continue to touch lives for many years and many more generagations of Ag. students to come. Mrs. Cari Butcher is certainly a name that none of us will ever forget.” - Addie Sarver
MRS. Aleesa Dickerson Hope FFA
QUICK FACTS 1. IAAE District XI Outstanding Young Member 2. Teaching for 3 years 3. Sees 155 students each day 82 are FFA members!
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The greatest reward for me is when a student, who says they can’t, actually does. That’s what is unique about being an Ag. teacher - our day doesn’t end with the last bell. The best part is that these young people inspire me so much more than I could ever wish to inspire them.
I am so incredibly blessed to have had Mrs. Dickerson as my agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor for my senior year. Even in the short year that I had her, she has never ceased to amaze me. If anyone could be wonder woman it would defintely be her. She did a phenomenal job this past year serving as not only the Hope FFA but also the District XI Advisor. While being a mother to her adorable son, a wife, being involved in various other things, and being an ag. teacher and FFA Advisor on top of that is not an easy task. I only hope that I can be as amazing as her. She has always supported my crazy ideas and she was there for me while I was running for state office. Along with my other two advisors, Mrs. Dickerson has inspired me to pursue a career in agriculture education.” - Brittany Young “Mrs. Dickerson has made an impact on my life because she has shown me that stepping out of my comfort zone opens up so many doors. Without her showing me what I could do, I would not be where I am in FFA and in my own life. One of my favorite memories of Mrs. D is from our car ride to Kings Island whens he decided to freestyle and sing to us all. Thank you Mrs. Dickerson for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone!” - Kortney Wallace