Iowa FFA Today - Post National FFA Convention Edition - January 2014

FFA Today Iowa

Vo. 2 | Issue 3 | “Post National FFA Convention Edition” Published by the Iowa FFA Association | January 2014

Fuel Passion, Spark Action, Ignite FFA The 2013 National FFA Convention returns to Louisville to Ignite FFA

From the State of Iowa...

Meet your 2013-2014 Central Region National Vice President, Steven Brockshus

CONNECT Volume 2 | Issue 3 The official magazine of the Iowa FFA Association.

2013-14 Iowa FFA Officers President JOSH EARLL Secretary ABRAH MEYER Reporter BRAD PICKHINKE SW State Vice President LOGAN KELLY SE State Vice President LAUREN WEIRUP NC State Vice President TREY FORSYTH SC State Vice President JAMES LEONARD NW State Vice President DYLAN BROCKSHUS NE State Vice President TONY MOELLERS Iowa FFA Staff Executive Secretary MR. SCOTT JOHNSON State Advisor MR. DALE GRUIS Southwest District Officers President LOGAN KELLY Vice President MIKAYLA DOLCH Secretary ALLY SCHULTES Treasurer MICHAEL WITTROCK Reporter JACOB STEINBECK Sentinel DYLAN RAGUE Advisor MS. DANA WEEDA

Have you checked out the Iowa FFA e-Newsletter? Sign-Up to have your (s)TALK [super TALK] newsletter e-mailed directly to YOUR inbox to stay ‘in-the-know’ about what’s happening in FFA around the state!

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Southeast District Officers President LAUREN WEIRUP NE Vice President MOLLY McGUIRE S Vice President HUNTER HAMILTON NW Vice President DAKOTA OLSON Secretary KAYLA KAALBERG Reporter LAURA YODER Treasurer SETH WEIRUP Advisor MRS. ALAINA IMHOFF North Central District Officers President TREY FORSYTH Vice President BEN WEIS Secretary AMANDA ANDERSON Treasurer OLIVIA BISBEE Reporter REED BURRES Sentinel TATE JAEGER Advisor MR. BOB BAUMGARD South Central District Officers President JAMES LEONARD Vice President SYDNEY WEIS Secretary ERIN HAMMOND Treasurer COLE GRUIS Reporter HANNAH WILSON Sentinel JARED McCLANNAHAN Advisor MRS. SUSAN GREUBEL Northwest District Officers President DYLAN BROCKSHUS Vice President DEVAN VANDER VEEN Secretary REBECCA LAIR Treasurer KATIE GOODELL Reporter MARISSA PHAM Sentinel HUNTER EAST Advisor MR. DOUG GAUL Northeast District Officers President TONY MOELLERS Secretary ELISA RUSS Reporter ALANA PLATTE SW Vice President EMILY SAMUELSON SE Vice President ALLISON ZUMBACH NE Vice President AMANDA CROW NW Vice President MICHAEL TUPPER Advisor MR. RYAN HOLTHAUS

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Iowa FFA Today Post National FFA Convention Edition

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CONTENT

CONTENTS

FEATURES

4 Member Spotlight

6 National FFA Convention

Hear from FFA members across Iowa about their adventures at National FFA Convention!

See how FFA members in Iowa fueled their passion, sparked their action, and ignited FFA at the 86th National FFA Convention!

5 FFA Talent Band, choir, talent, oh my! Iowa FFA showed Louisville all it had to offer this year!

13 Leadership Conferences Iowa FFA members have reached their boiling point... Their leadership is overflowing!

18 Thank You What do you get when you mix Iowa FFA and Iowa State Football? Find out here!

18 Jokes of the Month Need a good laugh? Check out “The FFA Jokes of the Month”!

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10 A Convention to Remember For the first time in fifteen years, Past State Officer Steven Brockshus makes history as a National FFA Officer. Check it out!

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14 SLCDO Read how thirty-six of the brightest FFA members in Iowa learn to “Live In the Moment” at Fall State Leadership Conference for District Officers.

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17 Future Leaders WE WANT YOU! Help lead the Iowa FFA Association in the 2014-2015 year by applying for State or District Office!

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Brooke Mead

Pleasantville FFA “...Collecting a signature from every state. I met a lot of

Macy Marek

Washington FFA

really incredible people by doing so, and many gave me great stories of their own experiences in FFA.”

“Being able to meet new people and see old friends that I don’t get to see very often!”

What made you IGNITE at the 86th National FFA Convention?

Hunter Hamilton

Lone Tree FFA “Wiley Bailey’s retiring address was awesome...

Especially his banjo-playing. I just bought a banjo actually.”

“Being able to see all of the blue jackets who had worked so hard to get where they were and got rewarded for their effort.”

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Isiah Brandt

Sumner-Fredericksburg FFA

Ally Klein Wapsie Valley FFA

“Competing at the National level and

talking to people about the differences in agriculture around the country.”

Iowa FFA Today Post National FFA Convention Edition

FFA TALENT

Nothing but Talent Each year the National FFA Convention hosts the National FFA Band, Chorus, and Talent. Incredibly talented members from across the nation participate and perform during each of the sessions at the convention, and Iowa was very proud to have members in all three of these groups. Iowa had multiple members in the chorus, who sang an incredible medley and rendition of popular songs that they entitled “Ignite” in honor of this year’s theme. From new favorites like Pitch Perfect to old classics, the members belted out their pieces in perfect harmony. Iowa FFA members also played in the band, where they demonstrated their extraordinary ensemble abilities and teamed up with the chorus to perform our National Anthem. FFA member Morgan Kahler also represented Iowa in FFA Talent. Morgan was given the opportunity to perform in front roughly 50,000 members during one of the general sessions with her beautiful singing voice. At the end of her performance, I could not find one person still sitting down.

Morgan and all of Iowa FFA’s band and chorus members did an amazing job and made all of us very proud. We look forward to seeing where these talents will take these young individuals in the future. www.iowaffa.com | 5

NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION

RESULTS

CONVENTION Ag Communications Montezuma FFA 5th Place Gold

Ag Issues Forum Des Moines FFA Silver

Ag Sales Muscatine FFA 3rd Place Gold

Ag Technical and Mechanical Systems West Lyon FFA Silver

Agronomy SumnerFredericksburg FFA 6th Place Gold

Creed Speaking Cole Moody LaPorte-Dysart FFA Silver

Dairy Cattle Sumner-Fredericksburg FFA Gold

Dairy Handler Maquoketa Valley FFA 2nd Place Gold

Environmental and Natural Resources Des Moines FFA Silver

Extemporaneous Speaking Willow Huber Benton Community FFA Silver

Farm Business Management Montezuma FFA 2nd Place Gold

Floriculture Muscatine FFA Gold

Food Science and Technology Charles City FFA 8th Place Gold

Forestry Nodaway Valley FFA Bronze

Horse Evaluation Denison FFA Silver

Job Interview Kathy Kaalberg West Liberty FFA 8th Place Gold

Livestock Evaluation Washington FFA Gold

Meats Evaluation Diamond Trail FFA Bronze

Milk Quality and Products Washington FFA Silver

Nursery/Landscape Muscatine FFA Gold

Parliamentary Procedure Wapsie Valley FFA Silver

Poultry Muscatine FFA Silver

Public Speaking Sarah Striegel Tri-County FFA Bronze

Veterinary Science Oelwein FFA Bronze

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Iowa FFA Today Post National FFA Convention Edition

NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION

Fuel Passion. Spark Action. Ignite FFA.

The 86th National FFA Convention and Expo

Fuel Passion. Spark Action. Ignite FFA. As FFA members, what better way to carry out this motto than by attending the National FFA Convention and Expo, held in Louisville, Kentucky this past October? The 86th National Convention proved to be one of many new, exciting adventures for the Iowa FFA. With a new location, participating in Career Development Events, getting involved at convention, and having a fellow member elected as a National Officer helped Iowa FFA members make this experience one to remember.

Louisville hosted this year’s National FFA Convention, a change from previous years, where it had been held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kentucky was a nice change for many Iowa FFA members, as the weather in Iowa at the time was about 15 degrees colder. The convention was held at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, whereas in Indianapolis, events were held downtown. The fairgrounds provided great facilities, easier parking, less traffic, and a wonderful experience for the FFA.

Iowa FFA members from all around the state represented Iowa well with the amount of participation and success with Career Development Events, National Chapter Awards, National FFA Band and Chorus, and many more. There were also 119 members who received the prestigious American FFA Degree.

Many of Iowa’s Career Development Event teams found success during their time in Louisville. The Muscatine FFA Agriculture Sales team placed third in the nation. The team consisted of Erin Lagone, Katie Friederichs, Anna Brooks, and Eli Joslyn. Also doing well was the Food Science and Technology Team from Charles City. The

team of Bailee Hejna, Ashley Vance, Myla Meyer, and Tate Jaeger placed eighth. The Farm Business Management team also excelled, receiving second place. The team, from the Montezuma FFA Chapter, included Courtney Petersen, Katelyn Gregory, Colleen Johnston, and Abigail Nelson. Montezuma FFA also placed fifth in Agriculture Communications with team members Vincent Bushong, Clara Johnson, and Alex Brenner. Madison Gibbs also did very well as an individual in the Dairy Cattle Handler’s Activity. Gibbs, from the Maquoketa Valley FFA, received second place. In the Agronomy CDE, the Sumner-Fredricksburg FFA placed sixth.

Their team was composed of Bridget Bouska, Isiah Brandt, Kristen Reno, and Lucas Wendland.

The Iowa FFA State Officer team enjoyed a fun-filled, busy week in Kentucky as well. From reuniting with friends from around the country to getting involved in delegate issues and discussions to meeting many new FFA members, the experience was incredible. The team was lucky enough to get seats in the third row from the stage and enjoyed a number of exciting sessions.

One of the biggest highlights for many FFA members has been attending the National FFA Convention and Expo. For many of these members, this year’s convention was one for the books. Now the challenge for the FFA members that attended is to take what they learned about leadership, agriculture, and service back to their schools, communities, and country to help fuel passion, spark action, and ignite FFA! Trey Forsyth North Central State Vice President

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A CONVENTION TO REMEMBER

From the Sta “If you are elected to national office… your time is no longer your own except for those few days a month when you travel home to reconnect with your family and friends.”

-- The National FFA Organization

The above is quote by the National FFA Organization; its original purpose was to give advice to national officer candidates on how to better serve if they are elected. I think it is fair to say that when reading that quote we all think of one individual in particular. That’s right, Steven Brockshus! And he did it. On November 2, 2013, he was elected to Central Region Vice President. Brockshus is the first Iowan in 15 years to hold a national position, and I personally believe there wasn’t anyone better for the position. If we look back to the quote from the National FFA Organization, we can see that Steven has served with that attitude all along.

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Iowa FFA Today Post National FFA Convention Edition

Steven served Iowa as Northwest State Vice President and State President before being elected to National Office, and I remember a conversation I had with Steven about putting miles on our cars. At the time I was complaining how I had put over 500 miles on my car that week, and Steven chuckled and replied with, “I have done that in one day.” Boy, do I believe it! While serving Iowa as a State Officer, Steven already embodied the advice written above. He knew how precious the time was that he had and was taking advantage of every moment. Trying to meet as many members as possible, attempting to remember every one of their names, or helping a school start a new program, Steven worked day in and day out to leave the Iowa FFA Association better than he had found it. He served knowing his time was not his own but that of the FFA members in Iowa.

Now the Sibley-Ocheydan member and Past State Officer is a National Officer. Steven will get to spend the next year traveling across the nation and creating the same strong bonds he has in Iowa. Steven says that he is most looking forward “to meeting people from many different walks of life. My heart just smiles when I meet someone who lives a fulfilling

A CONVENTION TO REMEMBER

ate of Iowa... life, regardless of where they grew up or the environment they were put in.”

Steven’s life forever changed when his name was read at the closing session of the 86th National FFA Convention and Expo in Louisville, Kentucky. When asked about that moment he said, “For starters, I didn’t even hear my name called, I just heard, “from the state of Iowa,” and my heart instantly jumped out of my chest! As I ran up on stage, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of gratitude.” It is also a tradition for the retiring officer to assist the new officer in putting on that National jacket for the first time. Retiring Central Region Vice President Brennan Castello was the one who helped Steven. “It felt surreal. Putting on your FFA jacket for the first time is simply an incredible feeling. It symbolizes the turning of a page in your life,” and so he is. Steven is beginning a journey that will change his life forever. He will speak at State FFA Conventions from coast to coast, facilitate State FFA Officer trainings, and complete his full cycle at the 87th National FFA Convention and Expo in 2014.

and FFA members will never be the same because of this incredible individual. “As I was tucking in my tallywacker and saw the FFA emblem resting over my heart, time seemed to stand still, and I realized FFA will always have it’s place there, whether I’m wearing the blue jacket or not.” Whether in blue corduroy or not, FFA members will always have a place for the 2013-2014 Central Region Vice President Steven Brockshus.

Brad Pickhinke State Reporter

Fortunately for the National FFA Organization, they have a truly amazing officer from the great Midwest. Fortunately for us, we get to share him with everyone else. Steven left an unforgettable mark on the Iowa FFA Association. He changed the lives of countless members and worked whole-heartedly for the future of agriculture and the organization that he truly loves. Those who have met Steven will not soon forget. Those who have not had much to look forward to from this young man.

I have no doubt the National FFA Organization

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LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES

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Iowa FFA Today Post National FFA Convention Edition

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES

212 360 DISCOVERY It is that time of the year again for the series of the 212°, 360°, and Discovery FFA Leadership Conferences!

With State Leadership Conference approaching, it is entertaining and educational to take a look back at the conferences that have already taken place.

In November, the 212° and 360° Leadership Conferences were facilitated by the State FFA Officer Team and National FFA Staff Members Levi Randolph and Andy Moravec.

These conferences allowed members an opportunity to develop as leaders in the FFA and grow as individuals in their lives. Starting promptly at 9 a.m., a day full of workshops and activities began. In 212°, members focused on personal growth and grew socially, mentally, physically, and emotionally throughout the day.

Morgan Hartson from the SumnerFredericksburg FFA Chapter attended 212° for her second year to learn and take even more skills

back to her local chapter and community. When asked what her favorite part of the conference was, Morgan replied, “My favorite part was meeting with the State Officers and getting to know them better. My favorite session was the life-long growth. When we were supposed to think about a mentor and what classified this person as a mentor, I thought about all of the positive people in my life and who has always helped me the most.” The facilitators’ goals at these conferences to send members back home with a desire to make a difference. Morgan further explained, “The biggest thing I took back to my chapter was the bullying activity we learned. I told my advisor about it on the way home, and she suggested I talk to our principal about it.” Seeing members stepping up and take action is a success in the eyes of this years’ facilitators.

Also in November, Past State Officers Michael Knight and Sarah Doese and Past State President Lindsey Calvert facilitated the Discovery Conference.

Middle school students enrolled in agricultural education classes all across the state flocked to the Enrichment Center for the conference that day. During their time, the discovery members prepared skits pertaining to different proficiency areas. These skits were fun and educational and gave members a chance to stand up in front of the audience and act out their parts. Additionally, it showed all members how diverse the FFA really is.

There is no better way to kick off the New Year than to hold the third and final 212° Conference on January 11th in Ankeny. These conferences are a great opportunity for members to discover skills they did not know they had, as well as better themselves as FFA members and individuals.

Hopefully we saw you at one of the conferences and look forward to seeing you at the many other FFA events coming up over the next few months. From the Iowa FFA, we hope you are excited to Ignite in the New Year!

Tony Moellers Northeast State Vice President

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SLCDO

PROUD

Iowa State Football Coach Paul Rhoads stated, “I am SO PROUD to be your football coach!” He shouted this quote to his football players with such passion and poise that any Iowan would be proud to see his care and compassion for his football team. Just like Coach Rhoads, the Iowa FFA has a lot to be passionate and proud about. As I have reviewed my year as Iowa FFA President to this point, I think that one word sums up my thoughts almost completely – proud.

In this year alone, I have had the opportunity to travel throughout many different places in this country, chair a National FFA Committee, speak at Greenhand Initiations and Chapter Degree Ceremonies, and be in the same room as over 50,000 FFA Members. I have seen a National FFA Talent Participant from Iowa, an Iowa FFA Member wearing his own blue corduroy jacket for the first time, and a National FFA Officer getting elected from this great state. Iowa has so much to be proud of as we start the 2014 year. As we roll into contest season, we are sure to better ourselves and others through our actions in FFA. As we contribute to our chapter’s success, we are sure to make many around us proud.

Furthermore, here is a group of 36 individuals that are very near to my heart. These 36 individuals represent each district throughout the state of Iowa. They are your 2013-2014 Iowa FFA District Officers. Not only have I witnessed these individuals do many great things to better their district, I have seen them better themselves.

This group has truly made me proud.

At the 2013 Fall State Leadership Conference for District Officers (SLCDO), there was a “unique” feeling in the atmosphere. The entire group of State and District Officers were ready to ignite as individuals and teams, as they dove into SLCDO entitled “Living with Purpose.”

Fall SLCDO started Sunday, September 29th at the FFA Enrichment Center. The conference started with the theme of the first day entitled “The Importance of Now.” During the first few sessions on Sunday evening, District Officers learned the impact of the decisions they are currently making.

Remember how I said that there was somewhat of a “unique” feeling to this conference? SLCDO definitely took a unique turn on Sunday evening when the Iowa FFA Enrichment Center was taken over by zombies! The District Officers were split into groups, as they tried to keep each other safe and guard the Enrichment Center.

SLCDO was not only fun and games but also a lot of hard work. On Monday, officers learned “The Importance of Tomorrow.” Monday included the District Officers determining ways to keep FFA relevant for the next 85 years. The conference was concluded with an address from Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and reflections on the entire conference. What a proud moment for Iowa FFA. As you start up second semester in FFA, what is it that you are proud of? There are many things to do in FFA such as receiving your Iowa Degree, being in the Talent Contest, or participating in the Job Interview CDE. There are many things that can make so many different individuals proud. This year, you have the opportunity.

Make someone proud.

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Iowa FFA Today Post National FFA Convention Edition

Josh Earll State President

SLCDO

as part w ie e t i r o v b My fa the zom fun, n w o d uch hands ad so m naline h I . y t i adre activ ot my g t i d an up!

It’s nic that str e having ong ne twork of agri culturi sts around you.

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SLCDO

I opport love the unity t o & skills from m gain ideas e share t mbers he sam wh e passion o betteri in ng my self.

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IOWA FFA SPONSOR

Thank You To The temperature was frigid, it was Senior Night, and the Iowa State Cyclones were one and nine.

The tension in the field was high, but the excitement in the crowd was overpowering. This was not only a big night for the senior football players and Iowa State fans but also for the Iowa FFA Association.

Producers Livestock Marketing Association, a co-op that sells livestock in some of the biggest western markets, had promised the Iowa FFA Association $100 for every touchdown that Iowa State scored during the football season.

Watching from the Jacobson Hospitality Suite in Jack Trice Stadium were Josh Remington from the Iowa FFA Foundation, State FFA Officers Abrah Meyer and Lauren Weirup, and representatives of Producers Livestock Marketing.

During a break in the third quarter the representatives of the Iowa FFA and Producers Livestock Marketing were brought down the field, where Producers Livestock Marketing presented the Iowa FFA with a check in the amount of $5,400.

The night concluded with a huge celebration and a successful Senior Night as the Cyclones pulled off a win of thirty-four to zero against Kansas. We appreciate the continued support and contribution that Producers Livestock Marketing Association provides to the Iowa FFA Association. Thank you!

Join the Iowa FFA at the State Capitol on

January 27th for

Lauren Weirup Southeast State Vice President

The FFA Jokes of the Month Q: Why are carrots good for your eyesight?

Q: Did you hear about the magic tractor?

ANSWER:Rabbits don’t wear glasses... (LOL!)

ANSWER: It drove down the lane and turned

into the field!

Q: Why can’t the bankrupt cow complain?

ANSWER: He has no beef!

Q: Where did the sheep get its haircut?

ANSWER: The baa-baa shop!

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Iowa FFA Today Post National FFA Convention Edition

FUTURE LEADERS

WE WANT YOU!

Are you interested in running for District or State FFA Office? Visit www.iowaffa.com or talk to your advisor to apply! www.iowaffa.com | 17

Iowa FFA Association FFA Enrichment Center 1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway Ankeny, Iowa 50023