FFA Today Iowa
Vo. 1 | Issue 1 | “Post State Leadership Conference Edition” Published by the Iowa FFA Association | June 2012
Sad Endings, Enthusiastic Beginnings and Endless Fun State Leadership Conference ‘RECAP’ Edition
Meals from the Heartland 220,000+ Meals Packaged; Countless Mouths Fed
No Matter What
Alicia Hodnik Pushes for Us to Live in the Moment
Exclusive Interview
Iowa’s National Officer Candidate: Easten Lovelace
CONNECT
@bairbeck Beautiful day to flood Ames with blue jackets! #iaffa12
Vo. 1 | Issue 1 | “Post State Leadership Conference Edition” Published by the Iowa FFA Association | June 2012
Sad Endings, Enthusiastic Beginnings and Endless Fun State Leadership Conference ‘RECAP’ Edition
Meals from the Heartland
STAY CON WITH YOU NECTED R DISTRIC T
Northeast : @ne_iaffa
220,000+ meals packages; Countless lives saved
No Matter What
Alicia Hodnik pushes for us to live in the moment
Exclusive Interview National Officer Candidate: Easten Lovelace
DIGITAL MAGAZINE Visit the Digital Magazine to see the Iowa FFA Today online! http://www.iowaffa. com/iowaffatoday.aspx
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You know you’re at State FFA when you dream about blue jackets #iaffa12
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thursdays
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Iowa FFA Today Post SLC Edition
Number of Attendees at the
Iowa FFA Today
@marahuebner
84th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference
NATIONAL FFA RELEASES THE 2012-2013 THEME!
@rogerskrista9 I love my advisors. Thank you for pushing me all these years to get my IA degree #iaffa12
You know what this issue is? 100% recyclable!
CONTENT
MEMBERS SHOW HOW THEY BELIEVE IN SERVICE BY MAKING MEALS FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE
6 CONTENTS 4 Thoughts From Conference Hear what members thought about this year’s conference!
13 I Believe in Leadership The transfer of leadership through the eyes of Executive Secretary, Scott Johnson.
FEATURES
12 Past To Present
5 National Officer Candidate
Past President, Lindsay Calvert, passes the gavel to newly elected Steven Brockshus.
An exclusive interview with this year’s Iowa National Officer Candidate.
14 Results
6 Meals From the Heartland
Catch up on the results from State Leadership Conference.
17 Upcoming Events
18 FFA IDOL
What to look for this summer!
An interview with the champion!
As the wheels of First General Session began to turn, a successful end to the FFA’s hand in feeding the world closed.
10 No Matter What Alicia Hodnik, the current National Central Region Vice President, tells us to never forget to remember.
5
10
13
18 www.iowaffa.com | 3
FFA FACES
What’d you think about State Leadership Conference? Alysha Lofshut
Sarah Striegel
CHAPTER: Westwood FFA
CHAPTER: Tri-County Community FFA
“Well, I enjoyed meeting all the new officers for state and for all the districts. I also enjoyed seeing all the people I’ve met throughout my years in FFA. But most of all, I loved being able to meet new people and get involved in all our state’s activities through the years.“
“The part that I enjoyed the most about State Leadership Confer- ence would have to be when I walked across stage to receive my Iowa Degree. It was a rewarding moment for all of the hard work I had put into it that finally paid off and got me one step closer to my goal of receiving my American Degree in a few years.“
Logan Kelly
Shane Bockenstedt
CHAPTER: Coon Rapids-Bayard FFA
CHAPTER: West Delaware FFA
“This year’s conference was the best one I’ve had since freshman year. I learned a lot about the opportunities members have that makes the FFA a great organization!”
“This year’s conference was great! It was nice to see what FFA was all about and it’s an experience I won’t forget.”
Ashley Smeby
CHAPTER: Iowa River FFA
CHAPTER: North Polk FFA
“I enjoyed being a part of the nominating committee and being able to help select the state officer team. I enjoyed participating in the Meals from the Heartland and the FFA members night out!”
Chandler Smith “It was fun! I learned a lot and I am more comfortable talking to people I don’t know. I thought it was better than last year.“
608
IOWA DEGREES Seriously, there’s 608! Count them :)
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Iowa FFA Today Post SLC Edition
National Officer Candidate
NATIONAL OFFICER
CANDIDATE EASTEN LOVELACE
“ I T P R O V I D E S O P P O R T U N I T I E S . T H E S K I L L S G A I N E D A R E N OT J U S T H A N D E D TO I T S M E M B E R S , I T ’ S A N O P P O R T U N I T Y TO TA K E A D VA N TA G E O F A N D G E T I N V O LV E D W I T H I N T H E O R G A N I Z AT I O N .”
Q
BIGGEST INFLUENCE “I’d have to say my grandmother, Nancy. She works and runs her own business. Her relentless work ethic is amazing and I can only hope to be as amazing as she is. She is 60-something and she still works harder than anyone I know.”
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE) High School: Poultry Production College: Ag Placement Engineering Internship
Q A
Why did you decide to run?
Where are you from?
A
I am from Grand Mound, Iowa and attended DeWitt Central High School.
Q
I have to be prepared. State office was a tremendous experience and I missed it immensely. I want to be a part of others making a difference and getting people to grow, and national office has a lot of opportunities to do that. I’m looking forward to this experience!
What age did you get involved in FFA?
A
It was my freshman year when I was 14 years old.
Q
Q A
How has FFA prepared you for running for national office?
What is your biggest FFA accomplishment?
A
Being state officer because it was such a privilege.
Q A
I was lucky enough to be a state officer, which helped with additional training, instilling passion and experiences that just built on top of each other.
What are you going to school for?
I am studying Agricultural Engineering at Iowa State University.
Q A
What can FFA provide for the members?
It provides opportunities. The skills gained are not just handed to its members, it’s an opportunity to take advantage of and get involved within the organihttp://eastenlovelace.blogspot.com zation.
Check out Easten’s BLOG: ‘A View from the Back Row’
Q A
What are some plans for the future?
I know for sure I want to be in the agricultural industry, but unsure of what area to go into; food processing, equipment, buildings or something
www.iowaffa.com | 5
O T G N LIVI SERVE 1,000+ FFA MEMB ERS PACKAGE 220,000+ MEALS T O BE SENT TO HA ITI
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Iowa FFA Today Post SLC Edition
www.iowaffa.com | 7
There are so many people in this world that will tell you what you CAN’T do. What YOU have to do is look at them and say, “watch me.” “This was just the start of something huge,” was the response that Marshall Hay, the 2011-2012 South Central State Vice President, had to say about the ‘Meals from the Heartland’ service project done at the 2012 Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference. ‘Meals from the Heartland’ is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers who package meals for delivery to less fortunate around the world. Individuals, businesses, schools, churches and various civic organizations have come together to show the world what people who truly care can accomplish. At the 2012 Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference, more than 1,000 FFA members worked to package a goal of 250,000 meals. These meals are feeding hungry people across the world. Over 220,000 packages were made thanks to the hard work of the FFA members in attendance and many volunteers. But how was ‘Meals form the Heartland’ started? How was it organized to be done at the State Leadership Conference? 8|
Iowa FFA Today Post SLC Edition
And the big question, can it be done at a chapter level? The first glimmer of what this non-profit organization could truly be was back in 2007 at a food packaging event held by ‘Kids Against Hunger’ in West Des Moines. The great success of that event encouraged leaders to organize a community-wide food packaging event that would involve more volunteers to feed hungry children and families around the world. It was the dream of those leaders to create an even larger event. In 2008, ‘Meals from the Heartland’ went to Des Moines, which resulted in 12,000 volunteers who packaged more than 4 million meals in a week’s time. ‘Meals from the Heartland’ packages are composed of rice, soy protein, dried vegetables and vitamins. Each food package feeds six people and costs only $1.20 to produce. The packages were formulated by a nutritionist so they would be accepted by many cultures around the world. When cooked in boiling water, the rice expands, the soy adds protein and the dried vegetables and vitamin tablet provide additional micronutrients that are needed in order for the human body to perform. The leaders that started the
STATE REPORTER
MEALS FROM THE HEARTLAND
BY: C A S S I E G A L M
MEALS FROM THE HEARTLAND
WHAT’S IN A BAG? RICE SOY PROTEIN VITAMIN POWDER CARROTS ONIONS TOMATOES CELERY CABBAGE BELL PEPPERS
Each mea l package feeds six peopl e. To feed a fa mil y o f six costs j ust $ 1 .20.
@khildreth23
Excited to package Meals from the Heartland w/ @FoodnFamilies & @BNorthey this morning at #iaffa12
MEALS FROM THE HEARTLAND
‘Meals from the Heartland’ project almost six years ago have watched it grow to reach not only numerous organizations within the U.S., but also families around the world. The FFA organization saw a great opportunity to follow the FFA creed, which states, “I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so--for others as well as myself.” All it took to plant the seed of a service event at SLC was a few FFA members and their advisor. While on a chapter visit, Marshall Hay was confronted by these members, and advisor. They stated that their high school had done an event with ‘Meals from the Heartland’. Hay went online to www. mealsfromtheheartland.org to collect more information. Then, having discussed the project with other officers and adult leaders in the FFA, they called the organization and found some willing sponsors; thus, the “snowball-effect” began. The first thought was that if there were 5,000 members that attended conference, it would take only about $10,000 for everyone to make one package. But thanks to the Iowa Food and Family project funded by the Iowa Soybean Association and their donation of $40,000, the goal of 250,000 meals was made. While first making contact with ‘Meals from the Heartland’, it was thought that this project could turn into something really big, and thanks to that “snowball-effect” it did. In 2010, there was an estimated 925 million hungry people in the U.S. alone. One in four elementary students don’t have food at
home. With over 220,000 packages made at the 84th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference that fed more than 1,320,000 hungry mouths, a true impact has been made. The trick of the trade for feeding all of the people in the world is as easy as a phone call. If you contact a representative with ‘Meals from the Heartland’, your school can do its own service project. Get active, set
a goal and make a difference! There are just three simple things that you, as members, need to remember: 1. It was a huge success at SLC thanks to your help! 2. Sponsors play a large part and are always welcome in the fight! 3. Chapters can plan it on their own! You don’t need to wait on the state- turn it into a community wide event! Invite other chapters in the area! There are more than 12,700 FFA members in the state of Iowa. If 1,000 could package over 220,000 meals in two days, think about the difference that every community in the state could make! There will always be those people who tell you that you can’t. What you have to do is prove them wrong and make a difference in the world.
~Cassie Galm
www.iowaffa.com | 9
No
R E T T A M WHAT
“LIFE MOVES VERY FAST” Alicia Hodnik: N a Central Region tional Vice President Life moves very fast, so in order to retain memories and still grow, I always tell myself, “No matter what happens, make sure you remember these days, these sights, and these smells…No matter what.” The 84th Iowa FFA
Leadership Conference reinforced my own mantra as FFA members from across the state gathered in Ames. When I walked into the arena of the Hilton Coliseum before the First General Session, my heart swelled with excitement to see more than 5,000 FFA members making their way to witness the magic of Iowa’s FFA Leadership Conference. The few days I spent in Iowa were incredible. From conversations about state talent performances with Hillary, to dinner with the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA, to jumping back in my seat as the fire spouted from the cannons during Lindsay’s welcome; the entire week was memorable. One of my favorite parts of the week
NO MATTER WHAT was witnessing the hundreds of members who zipped up their blue corduroy jackets to be a part of ‘Meals from the Heartland’ and package over 220,000 meals. I was in awe as bag after bag was filled, packaged and hauled off. The other moment that will never leave my memory was when the chorus stood to sing “Proud To Be An American.” Hearing FFA members sing this song always makes my skin fill with goose bumps and chokes me up. It is one of the most patriotic expressions that our FFA members make as our jacket stands for unity of our country and our industry. If there is one thing that FFA is truly one-hundred percent solid in, it is unity and patriotism.
During the Second General Session, I was given the privilege to address the body of Iowa FFA members for a keynote speech. As they began to introduce me I distinctly remember butterflies flooding my stomach as I was about to step onto a stage and speak in front of the largest crowd I’ve had to opportunity to address thus far. Even though my knees shook and my heart raced, I found that the instant the crowd roared with welcoming enthusiasm, I knew it would be a moment that I’d never forget. In my speech I spoke about how today is a promise; tomorrow isn’t. What can we do to live our life and not feel as though it zipped by before we had a chance to take it in? Though I have only lived twenty-one short years, I’ve found that if I stop waiting for a countdown, live in the small moments and let time stand still every once in a while, then I can live each day of my life as if it were the only one I knew was promised
to me. I found that in the beginning of my national officer year, time whizzed by much too quickly. I hardly had time to soak in a memory before I had to focus on something new; so I had to do something to change it.
“No matter what happens, make sure you remember those days, those sights, and those smells… No matter what.” I have found that if I can be self-disciplined enough to follow my own mantra, then life can slow down and I can have a chance to feel gratitude every single day for the blessings I’ve been given. In the same, as we venture through middle school and high school, some days flash before our eyes. As FFA members, we really can live this out by initiating one and not waiting for a countdown to give us the “Go!” Through that, we are able to live in the small moments, thus allowing time to stand still long enough to feel gratitude for each moment. This year as a national officer has been incredible. However, don’t be fooled by the glam and glitz of the job, because behind every speech, workshop and travel comes countless hours of preparation and diligence to keep up on a consistent to-do list. Every moment has been worth it and I wouldn’t give it up for the world. My five other teammates are wonderful individuals who have helped me grow in ways I could not have imagined prior to this year; we have chemistry on our team that is unlike any team I have ever been on. We all come from very different backgrounds and very different lifestyles, yet still find that we have an unimaginable amount in common in order to help one another. My FFA advisor, Mr. Henningfeld, always said “If you surround yourself with the right people, good things happen.” In the same, more than 5,000 people from different backgrounds and lifestyles came together at Iowa’s FFA Leadership Conference to celebrate another year of the Iowa FFA Association. We were able to have positive things happen because we were truly surrounded by like-minded people who could help us grow. ‘Meals from the Heartland’, all of the general sessions and the FFA fun night and barbeque all allowed us to slow down a bit and take in the conference. Just remember that where ever you are, “No matter what happens, make sure you remember those days, those sights, and those smells… No matter what.”
~Alicia Hodnik www.iowaffa.com | 11
CONTINUOUS LEADERSHIP
PAST PRESENT TO
2011-2012 President Lindsay Calvert passes gavel to new President, Steven Brockshus. Fire, hairnets, industry leaders and 5,000 blue jackets all left a lasting impression in Ames, Iowa, on April 23-24, 2012. The 84th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference was welcomed back to Ames and Iowa State University for the first time in four years. Iowa FFA welcomed special guests Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, former U.S. Senator Harris Wafford and other key industry leaders to the event. As I was hanging out backstage in between awards during the sessions, I kept a tally of the number of times industry leaders and other guests stood there in sheer awe. You might have guessed this already; I lost track because I would have needed to grow an extra hand to keep an accurate count. Although many of them were impressed by the fire that came shooting up from the front of the stage, taking the eyebrows off many front row students (mine included), supporters of the FFA were more impressed by the spark within each member of the Iowa FFA. This spark was showcased by our record-breaking 608 Iowa degrees, over 220,000 packaged meals that were sent to Haiti, career development event participants, FFA chorus members singing “God Bless the U.S.A.” and audience members tapping their feet as the Iowa FFA band played “Don’t Stop Believing.” The conference theme for the 2012 year was “I Believe.” Those simple words are some of the very first ones spoken by a Greenhand FFA member. As we move on to receiving our chapter, state and even American degrees, those words are a simple reminder of what the future of agriculture has in store. The flames from the 84th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference may have sizzled down, but the spark within us should continue our drive so that we may always follow our motto, “learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve.” ~Lindsay Calvert 12 |
Iowa FFA Today Post SLC Edition
I was told to write about State Leadership Conference from my eyes... but to be quite honest, words cannot describe the sights, thoughts and feelings I experienced at SLC. Sure, it was amazing to see months of planning come to life and see Hilton be transformed from “Cyclone Alley” to a “Party-Rockin” stage for recognition; but none of that got my heart pumping as much as seeing the flood of FFA members come in! The pure rush of being able to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger, yet at the same time know that you have so much in common, is simply AMAZING! Every time I zip up that blue corduroy jacket, I instantly know I am part of a family so much greater than anyone could possibly dream of. That is what I love about the FFA. No matter who you are, where you come from or what you know; in the FFA, you can always let the true ‘YOU’ shine through. This is what made the 84th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference so exciting; people weren’t afraid to be themselves. Whether that was participating in a CDE, dancing like a complete fool while doing the interlude or high-fiving a total stranger; everyone’s true ‘ness’ showed through. So now that SLC is over, how do we keep that excitement going? It’s simple... KEEP BEING YOURSELF. Whether that means shouting out ‘Marco!’ in a large crowd, posting #iaffa12 after every tweet or acting like a ‘dork’ in front of your friends; always be yourself. This year is going to be a great one and if we aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and let our true self shine through, GREAT THINGS are going to happen! Before walking into my first interview ever, my father told me, “Just be yourself, that’s all anyone wants to see.” So think about this one for a while... Are YOU being yourself?
~Steven Brockshus
CONTINUOUS LEADERSHIP
The 2012-2013 State Officer Team
President: Steven Brockshus, Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA SE Vice President: Heidi Andresen, DeWitt Central FFA SC Vice President: Michael Knight, North Polk FFA NE Vice President: Nolan Zumbach, West Delaware FFA Reporter: Cassie Galm, Spencer FFA
I Believe in Leadership The Iowa FFA Leadership Conference returned to Ames in April for the first time in four years. The 84th version of Iowa FFA’s annual meeting wrote the final pages of a chapter in Iowa FFA’s history that can be best defined by the word transition. As the authors of that chapter, the 2011-2012 Iowa FFA Officers did an outstanding job of showing what Iowa’s youth in agriculture can accomplish. This dynamic and talented group of FFA leaders impacted the lives of Iowa FFA members through chapter visits, district activities and the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference. I will always
SW Vice President: Marshall Dolch, Reno Smith FFA NC Vice President: Theresa Fitzgerald, Boone A&M FFA NW Vice President: Josh Earll, Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA Secretary: Matt Hefti, CAL FFA Advisor: Dale Gruis
appreciate this team’s ability to be able to perform independently and help me as I transitioned into the position of Executive Secretary. So, to Lindsay, Sarah, Shaniel, Patrick, Logan, Marshall, Nicole, Steven, and Michael: thank you for your dedication and leadership. Now, the page has turned to another year of FFA in Iowa. Its authors, the 2012-2013 Iowa FFA Officers, have already begun to write the script of a historic year that will culminate with the 85th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference. I am excited to see what this group of young and passionate FFA leaders can accomplish in their brief time of leadership and influence in Iowa. To Steven, Matt, Cassie, Marshall, Josh, Theresa, Michael, Nolan, and Heidi: congratulations and good luck—I am sure that Iowa FFA will grow from your leadership and influence.
Iowa FFA members, remember that these leaders are here to serve you, so get involved! The only way anyone ever truly loses in FFA is by standing on the sideline and being a spectator. Step up, take a chance and be a part of something! “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!” --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~Scott Johnson
Scott Johnson EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
High School SAE Projects: Dairy Production, Grain Production, and Forage Production State Officer: 1997-98 Most Excited For: To see what kind of growth the Iowa FFA can accomplish and what we can put in place to encourage continued growth. www.iowaffa.com | 13
This Year’s...
RESULTS
Stars over Iowa STAR IN AGRICULTURAL DREW MOGLER CHAPTER: WEST LYON FFA at INWOOD
Mogler credits his SAE with developing skills in record keeping, animal husbandry, being a team player, as well as working efficiently as an individual.
PLACEMENT STAR IN AGRICULTURAL
Ag Broadcasting
Ag Issues
Top Individual Overall
Top Team Proceeding to Nationals
Katie Goodell Harris-Lake Park FFA
Agri-Power FFA
Runner-up
Alternate to Nationals
Courtney Hoover Bloomfield FFA
Columbus Junction FFA
Ag CSI
Ag Sales
Top Team Overall
Top Individual Proceeding to Nationals
Clay Central FFA
Alec Osland Muscatine FFA
Runner-up
Alternate for Nationals
Oelwein FFA
Michael Gruetzmacher Wapsie Valley FFA
Ag Impact
Chapter Program
Top Team Overall
Top Team Overall
Muscatine FFA
Troy Mills FFA
Runner-up
Runner-up
Oelwein FFA
Oelwein FFA
MATT KERNS CHAPTER: MOUNT AYR FFA
“I was shocked! I wasn’t expecting to win after hearing about the other finalist’s amazing SAEs, so that just added to the excitement! I am extremely honored!”
BUSINESS STAR IN AGRICULTURAL ERIC MAGNUSSEN
Results from...
CHAPTER: SOUTH O’BRIEN FFA
He received first place in the State Forage Production Proficiency Area. He has served as the chapter’s reporter, president and test plot manager.
PRODUCTION
14 |
Iowa FFA Today Post SLC Edition
608
Iowa Degrees
Members who participated in CDEs
“I felt completely overwhelmed with excitement and very blessed for the opprotunity. It was the perfect way to end my high school FFA experience.”
1000+
CHAPTER: SOUTH O’BRIEN FFA
5,091
ERIN BRASSER
attendees
STAR IN AGRISCIENCE
RESULTS
State Leadership Conference! Ag Broadcasting
Creed Speaking
Top Team Proceeding to Nationals
Top Individual Proceeding to Nationals
West Union FFA
Trevor Fannon Edgewood-Colesburg FFA
Alternate to Nationals
Alternate to Nationals
West Liberty FFA
Emma Haselhuhn Eddyville FFA
Chapter Website
Discussion Meet
Top Team Overall
Top Individual Overall
Clay Central FFA
Kate Sennert Sioux Center FFA
Runner-up
Runner-up
Oelwein FFA
Miriam Free - East Sac FFA
Conduct of Meetings
Experience the Action
Top Team Proceeding to Nationals
Top Team Overall
Montezuma FFA
Audubon FFA Runner-up
West Union FFA
Mediapolis FFA
Students earned
We put the AG in SWAG #iaffa12
@DaFeld15 Going crazy to the Interlude #iaffa12 weeeee!!! “Come on people... Let’s keep our tallywac kers tucked in.”
Hey you wearing the corduroy jacket, you’re looking pretty fine :)
@ABrockshus
17 million from their SAEs
@Lizer53
@austinjacobs
Dollars
Meals Packaged
220,000+
Alternate for Nationals
#iaffa12
This is #iaffa12 I high-5 people I don’t know #great
www.iowaffa.com | 15
RESULTS
This Year’s...
Results from...
AG TEAC H
ERS
Where do you go when you need support?
S FFA MEMBER Where do you go for extra help?
PARENTS Where do you go to learn more about FFA?
COMMUNITY MEMBERS Where do you go to show your support?
WLC Scholarships Event Chaperones SAE Grants CDE Judges Agricultural Advocates College Scholarships Exciting Conferences
Extemp. Speaking
Reporter’s Scrapbook
Top Individual Proceeding to Nationals
Top Team Overall
Ashley Tomlin Muscatine FFA
East Sac FFA
Alternate to Nationals
Runner-up
Brad Pickhinke East Sac FFA
Liz Welter Prairie Valley FFA
Job Interview
Secretary’s Book
Stefanie Newhouse Hudson FFA
Celina Young Waverly-Shellrock FFA
Alternate for Nationals
Runner-up
Marena Bartz St. Ansgar FFA
East Sac FFA
Parly Pro
Treasurer’s Book
Wapsie Valley FFA
Jessie Erhardt Wapsie Valley FFA
Alternate for Nationals
Runner-up
West Union FFA
East Sac FFA
Top Team Overall
Top Team Proceeding to Nationals
Top Team Overall
Top Team Proceeding to Nationals
Community Involvement 38
birthday 74
50
124
blue 72
great
1305
iowa
ready
36
Iowa FFA Today Post SLC Edition
ffa
16 |
286
99
www.iowaffaalumni.com
degree
#iaffa12 38
Check us out online!
state
love
The FFA Al umni does all this and more!
UPCOMING EVENTS
State Leadership Conference! Ag Communications Farm Business Mngt. Top Team Proceeding to Nationals
Top Individual Proceeding to Nationals
Montezuma FFA
AJ Long Montezuma FFA
Alternate to Nationals
Alternate to Nationals
Hudson FFA
Tyler Swenson Montezuma FFA
Ag Communication Farm Business Mngt. Top Individual Proceeding to Nationals
Top Team: Proceeding to Nationals
Katelyn Gregory Montezuma FFA
Montezuma FFA
Alternate for Nationals
Alternate for Nationals
Abigail Nelson Montezuma FFA
St. Ansgar FFA
Ag Sales
Marketing Plan
Top Team Proceeding to Nationals
Osage FFA
Montezuma FFA
Alternate for Nationals
Alternate for Nationals
St. Ansgar FFA
Oelwein FFA
This page has
Where the fans live...
45%
13 PUERTO RICO 3 GERMANY 2 IRAQ 5 CANADA 3 INDONESIA 2 BELGIUM 3 PAKISTAN 2 VENEZUELA 3,018 3 INDIA
USA
July 22-28 RAGBRAI
August 9-19 Iowa State Fair Des Moines, IA
August 25
August 28-30 Farm Progress Show Boone, IA
3.2 K likes!
Most of the fans are MALE
FEMALE
Livestock CDE Ames, IA
Meats CDE Ames, IA
Top Team Proceeding to Nationals
Notifications
June 18
FEMALE
55%
Most of the fans are
18-24 years old
www.iowaffa.com | 17
FFA IDOL
Back in the Day... FFA IDOL
The FFA Idol competition at this year’s 84th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference took place at Iowa State University’s Hilton Coliseum where an array of members put their musical talents on display while entertaining the over 5,000 spectators that were in attendance. Josh Earll and Marissa Pham, members of the Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA Chapter, took home the bacon with their rendition of “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” a country song made famous by the couple known as Thompson Square. Josh and Marissa’s phenomenal harmony filled the air and added to the excitement while everyone’s eyes were fixed on the duo as they spiced up the act by tossing red roses into the crowd. Josh, a recent graduate of S-O, will make Ames his home as he becomes a Cyclone this fall with the intentions of pursuing a degree in agricultural education. Marissa will continue her musical career as a sophomore at S-O.
Q: What was your favorite part about FFA Idol?
A: My favorite part of FFA Idol was the opportunity to compete against some of Iowa’s most talented individuals. Also, it’s not every day that you get to perform in front of thousands of people.
Q: Were you nervous? If so, how did you deal with it?
A: I was not too nervous do-
ing Idol. It was my third time being in the contest, so I was starting to get used to the whole process of the competition. It also helped to have an awesome partner, Marissa Pham, by my side! We thank everyone who participated in the FFA Idol and are looking forward to many great performances in the future! ~Marshall Dolch
The FFA Jokes of the Month You know you’re an FFA Member when...
- Someone hollers, “Hey you in the blue jacket” and 50,000 people turn around. - You think a good time is watching a pig birthing. - You know the advisor’s part better than the advisor.
- You tell your teachers that you are going to be gone and they automatically know it’s for FFA. 18 |
Iowa FFA Today Post SLC Edition
When was the first State Leadership Conference? The first State Leadership Conference was held on May 17th, 1929 in Ames, Iowa!
How Many Chapters Attended? There were a whopping 23 chapters in attendence!
The only yea r in Iowa FFA his tory that we didn ’t have a State Lead ership Conference was 1944-1945 Who were the State Officers? The President was Bryce Tucker from the Denison FFA Chapter, the Vice President was Richard Davison from the Clarinda FFA Chapter and the Secretary was Loyal Lowman from the Kelly FFA Chapter!
Who was the State Staff? The Advisor was G.F. Ekstrom from Des Moines and the Executive Secretary-Treasurer was H.M. Hamlin from Ames!
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Iowa FFA Today Post SLC Edition