Spring 2012, FFA New Horizons

®

ffa.org/ffanation

SPRING 2012

MISSION POSSIBLE

FFA helps prepare Indiana member for military career

SHEAR GENIUS

Kentucky member sells sheep wool on eBay

plus: SIX WAYS TO BECOME AN “AGVOCATE”

contents

SPRING 2012

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14 Features

Departments

10 Shear Genius

4 Scrapbook

Kentucky FFA member owns one of the largest flocks of purebred Border Leicester sheep in the nation.

cover story

14 Mission Possible

FFA helps prepare Indiana member for military career.

18 What Does a Farmer Look Like?

America’s farmers and ranchers are modern, progressive and innovative.

18 www.ffa.org/ffanation

On the Cover

FFA news and achievements, reported by you.

6 FFA Faces Meet members from across the country.

8 Ag 101 Fun facts about the poultry industry.

22 National Officer Q&A Welcome your new 2011-2012 officers.

24 All About National FFA

26 Premier Leadership Be an “agvocate” for agriculture.

28 Personal Growth Learn about the FFA Washington Leadership Conference.

30 Career Success Six ways to fast-track your career plans.

32 Reconnect Meet FFA alumnus Dr. Jeffrey Armstrong.

National FFA convention news and more.

Ashley Jones, sheep farmer and FFA member from Bell County, Ky. Photo By Brian McCord FFA New Horizons

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Volume 59 Number 3

The magazine of the National FFA Organization Editor Kim Newsom holmberg Associate Editor jessy yancey FFA Publications Manager Julie woodard FFA Communications Kristy Meyer Copy Editor Jill Wyatt Content Coordinator BLAIR THOMAS Proofreading Manager RAVEN PETTY Contributing Writer Jessica Mozo Creative Services Director Christina Carden Publication Design Director Murry keith Senior Graphic Designers Laura gallagher, janine maryland, KRIS SEXTON, VIKKI WILLIAMS Creative Technology Analyst becca ary Color Imaging Technician alison hunter Photography Director jeffrey s. otto Senior Photographers Jeff adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers todd bennett, antony boshier Web Creative Director allison davis Web Project Manager Noy fongnaly Web Designer richard stevens Web Development Lead yamel hall Web Developer nels noseworthy Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants krystin lemmon, Patricia Moisan Accounting Diana guzman, maria mcfarland, lisa owens Executive Secretary Kristy duncan Executive Vice President Ray Langen Sr. V.P./Operations Casey Hester Controller CHRIS DUDLEY Distribution Director Gary Smith Integrated Media Manager rhonda graham For advertising information, contact Rhonda Graham, (800) 333-8842, ext. 324, or e-mail rgraham@jnlcom.com.

2011-12 National FFA Officers President Ryan Best, NM Secretary Jason Troendle, MN Eastern Region Vice President Ken QUICK, NY Central Region Vice President Alicia hodnik, WI Southern Region Vice President Cain thurmond, GA Western Region Vice President Seth Pratt, ID National FFA Staff National FFA Advisor steve brown Chief Executive Officer dwight armstrong National Treasurer Marion Fletcher Division Directors Mark Cavell, rob cooper, Dale Crabtree, bill fleet, Bob webster, Kent schescke, Vicki settle, lee anne shiller, Tony Small, Bill stagg National FFA Board of Directors – Members Chair, USDE, VA Steve Brown Treasurer, State Supervisor, AR Marion Fletcher State Supervisor, GA Chip Bridges Teacher/USDE, LA Alice DuBois Industry Representative/USDE, CA Matthew Gonzales State Supervisor, CA Bob Heuvel State Supervisor, WI Jeff Hicken State Supervisor, DE Karen Hutchison Teacher Educator/USDE, FL Brian Myers FFA Executive Secretary/USDE, NJ Erin Noble Subscription Information: FFA New Horizons (ISSN 1069-806X) is published quarterly by the National FFA Organization, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960.

Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art or any other unsolicited materials. For subscription information contact: FFA New Horizons Subscription Services, (317) 802-4235 or e-mail newhorizons@ffa.org.

Periodical postage rate is paid at Indianapolis, Ind., and additional mail offices.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to FFA New Horizons, P.O. Box 68960, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960.

Copyright© 2012 by the National FFA Organization and Journal Communications Inc. The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

ffa.org/ffanation Visit FFA Nation to read past issues of FFA New Horizons, nominate a friend (or yourself) for FFA Faces and talk to other members in the online community!

digital magazine Careers Did you know there are eight career pathways in the field of agriculture? Learn more about each one in our 2011-12 College and Career Guide, hosted online in the careers section of FFA Nation.

Want to see past issues of FFA New Horizons? Visit the Digital Magazine page to flip through issues back to 2008.

Tell Your Story!

The FFA New Horizons Scrapbook page tells your FFA stories, so submit yours online.

ffanation.com Featured member

Connect

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Jessica Hemby

Chapter: Elsberry FFA, MISSOURI

Jessica’s favorite FFA memory is when a steer escaped from the school farm. She, along with her FFA advisor and fellow members, searched all over town, until they found it at a gas station.

like us on facebook

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Please recycle this magazine

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FFA New Horizons

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scrapbook

FFA News From Across the U.S. A place to celebrate your FFA achievements, chapter successes and good deeds

CeLEBRATE EARTH DAY Do you have plans for April 22? Now you do!

Each year, we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, and people around the world come together to celebrate our environment and work to preserve it.

Oroville, California

Go Team

Over the past months, the Las Plumas FFA officer team and advisors have come together as a team and as a family. We enjoyed an officer retreat last June, where we learned how to work together as a team and set goals for the year. On the last day of the retreat, the team visited a winery, where we learned all about the agricultural aspect of making wine.

As our year continues, we look back on this retreat and remember the good times we had and also the promises we made to ourselves, each other and our members.

– Hannah Neville, Las Plumas FFA reporter

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As agriculturalists, FFA members are well-positioned to help promote conservation and environmental awareness. Consider setting up a table during lunch at your school or hanging posters to show how U.S. farmers and agriculturalists are helping to save the Earth.

Learn more about Earth Day at www.earthday.org.

FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

Chickasha FFA, Oklahoma

Holiday Wishes to Heroes Last Christmas, our FFA advisor, Steve Clark, read an article in the local newspaper that encouraged people to send Christmas cards to recovering soldiers at nearby Fort Sill facilities.

FAIRFAX FFA, MISSOURI

70 Years and Counting The Fairfax FFA chapter was established in March 1941. So last April, current members and alumni celebrated its 70th anniversary during the annual chapter banquet. Doyne Swan and Gene Bradfield, two of the original 26 charter members, attended the banquet and received the Honorary FFA Degree. All banquet guests enjoyed seeing historical photos and memorabilia.

Burlington FFA, kansas

Quite a Drive

Mr. Clark brought the idea before our chapter officers, and everyone agreed that we should help make our soldiers feel appreciated, especially during the holiday season.

We distributed Christmas cards to our FFA members, and each was signed with gratitude to show support for our troops.

– Jake Grossnicklaus, Chickasha FFA reporter

This year, our FFA chapter members and advisor volunteered at a registration table for the school’s second annual “Drive One 4 Ur School” fundraiser. The event is sponsored by Ford Motor Co. and our local Ford dealer. The company gives the school $20 for each test drive, up to 300 total. Our FFA chapter enjoys volunteering at the event, which has raised $14,000 for the school.

– Thatcher Moddie, Burlington FFA treasurer Keep us informed! This is your chance to be a part of FFA New Horizons. Send us a short article about your latest chapter activities, awards you’ve received or even your involvement outside FFA.

www.ffa.org/ffanation

Want an easy way to send your story? Email a photo, your story and contact information to newhorizons@ffa.org.

All photos need to be in color and a minimum of 1 MB in size.

your turn

Or, mail to: FFA New Horizons P.O. Box 68960 Indianapolis, IN 46268

FFA New Horizons

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FFA faces

Meet Six FFA Shining Stars Wrangler, the sponsor of FFA Faces, will award a pair of jeans to featured members Bethany Carlson

Hunter Freytag

Bethany, a high school sophomore, raises honey for her supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. She also won first place in the state FFA Creed career development event (CDE).

This high school senior serves as president of his chapter. Hunter shows steers, plays on the drumline of his high school marching band and plans to pursue a career in agribusiness.

Chapter: Edgerton FFA, Ohio

Isaiah Govea

Chapter: Paradise Valley FFA, ArizONA

Isaiah currently serves as his chapter’s FFA president. He also enjoys working in the school greenhouse, nursery and aquaculture facilities, in addition to tending his own garden at home.

Caitlin Weathers

Chapter: Webberville FFA, MichIGAN

In her four years of FFA membership, Caitlin has been in the state FFA choir, the National FFA Chorus and a chapter FFA officer. She has been a contributing writer to her chapter’s FFA newspaper.

Chapter: YUMA FFA, ArizONA

Taylor Schroeder Chapter: Fairfield FFA, MontANA

Taylor, a high school sophomore, has participated in livestock judging, horse evaluation, meats, agricultural mechanics, soils, range, agriscience and envirothon. He lives on a barley and alfalfa farm with his family.

Gabrielle Woods Chapter: TUPELO FFA, OklaHOMA

Gabrielle lives in rural Oklahoma, where she shows cattle around the country and serves as chapter FFA president. She is also a pilot and hopes to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy after graduation.

Nominate yourself to be considered for FFA Faces by following the steps below.

Questions? Email ffanation@jnlcom.com.

1

Go Online Visit www.ffafaces.com and click on Nominations. You can nominate yourself or another current FFA member.

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2

Describe Fill out the form to tell us about you – your FFA involvement, school activities, future plans and more.

3

Upload Find a great photo of yourself – head and shoulders photos work best – and upload it as part of the nomination form.

FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

ag 101

Broiler Basics

A look at the modern U.S. poultry industry

P

oultry is big business in the United States. We are the world’s largest producer of poultry meat, and almost 18 percent of total production is exported to other countries. That other 82 percent of poultry meat, including chicken, turkey and duck, is consumed right here at home. In fact, U.S. per-capita consumption of chicken meat is the highest of all protein sources, ranking higher than beef or pork.

Top Broiler States Broilers are chickens raised for meat consumption, and the vast majority of broiler operations are located in the Southeast.

Georgia, Arkansas and Alabama are the top three broiler-producing states.

The Modern Poultry Industry Today’s poultry meat industry is vertically integrated, which means each segment relies on the one before it to supply what it needs.

Here’s how it works.

1 2 3 4

Primary breeders develop and reproduce strains of chickens that meet the genetic requirements of the company and then sell chicks to the breeders.

Breeder farms raise the breeder chicks to adult birds.

Breeding hens and roosters are kept under tight biosecurity to produce fertile hatching eggs.

A hatchery is a specialized facility to hatch fertile eggs received from breeder farms, usually in about 21 days.

Growout farms raise newly hatched chicks to market weight, usually about six to seven weeks. As a contract grower, the farmer provides barns, water, bedding, electricity and management. The company provides the chicks, feed and any necessary pharmaceuticals.

5

Processing plants harvest the birds by humane standards and enable USDA inspections.

85 pounds

That’s how much chicken the average American eats in one year.

Compare this to per capita chicken consumption in 1900, which was 1 pound per year, and even in 1965, 26 pounds per year.

Source: U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, www.uspoultry.com

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FFA New Horizons

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R A E H S G ENIUS Kentucky FFA member sells Border Leicester sheep wool on eBay

10 FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

W

hen Bell County, Ky., FFA member Ashley Jones leased a sheep from her neighbor for a 4-H project when she was 8, she had no idea it would turn into a business opportunity that would follow her into her college years. Now 20 and a sophomore at Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tenn., Ashley is the shepherd of a flock of more than 50 purebred Border Leicester sheep on her family’s 20-acre farm in Claiborne County, Tenn.

About Border leicesters Through her business, Blackberry Farm, Ashley raises and sells Border Leicester sheep, which are prized for their flavorful meat and long, lustrous wool. Her parents, Richard and Rosemary Jones, have helped her grow her flock and market the lamb and wool products.

“I started raising Border Leicester sheep because my neighbor owned some and wanted someone to show them. I agreed to take care of them, and I showed four sheep in 4-H my first year,” Ashley says. “I’ve always liked animals, and I fell in love with this breed because I’m petite, and they are medium-sized with a calm disposition. They’re very eye-catching because of their curly wool that has a lot of sheen to it. They are like the sheep featured in the movie Babe.”

Ashley began her own flock by purchasing two sheep from a breeder, which grew into 90 but has been reduced to a more manageable flock of 50. The family sells lamb meat in the fall after show season and sells wool year-round.

“My mom helps with the lambing and gives all the shots to the lambs because I don’t like needles, and my dad helps me sell the wool on eBay now that I am in college,” Ashley says. “If I have an early morning class, my dad will feed the sheep for me, and I’ll take care of them at

kentucky

Ashley Jones and her family raise Border Leicester sheep on the Kentucky-Tennessee line.

www.ffa.org/ffanation

photos by BrIAN MCCORD

FFA New Horizons 11

night. I’ve had to learn time management and prioritizing skills. It’s a lot of work on the weekends with shearing and deworming.”

three Great Pyrenees dogs and three horses.

The dogs are excellent guardians for the sheep, protecting them from other dogs and predators.

Marketing Lamb and Wool

National FFA Honors

Word of mouth has been Ashley’s primary advertising tool for her lamb meat, and the Internet has helped her market the wool.

“The meat business came on its own because a lot of people like lamb. So when they found out I raise sheep, they asked for it,” she says. “We started selling the wool at craft fairs and fiber festivals, but we found we could make more of a profit – about $12 a pound – by selling it on eBay. People buy it for everything from needle felting and hand spinning to making Santa beards.”

Ashley taught herself the art of needle felting and teaches needle-felting classes at women’s meetings, 4-H camps, sheep shows and the like.

She sells needle-felting kits to people attending her classes.

“People really have fun with it – it’s like PlayDoh with wool. You can make anything from hats and ornaments to figurines,” Ashley says.

“One lady I know needle felts nativity scenes and sells them.”

In addition to her sheep, Ashley cares for

In October 2011 at the 84th National FFA Convention, Ashley was named as the National FFA Proficiency Winner in Diversified Livestock Production. In addition to prize money, she won a trip to Costa Rica (slated for June 2012) where she will experience the local agriculture community.

Ashley says she would like to continue raising sheep after college, but she plans to transfer to Eastern Kentucky University in the fall of 2012 and study occupational therapy. Her parents have agreed to take care of her flock in her absence, but only if she sells some ewes and keeps her best 10 breeding sheep.

“I chose to study occupational therapy because I have diabetes, and I would like to help kids who also struggle with it,” she says.

Ashley’s advice to young FFA members is to embrace every opportunity.

“Raising sheep turned out to be a great thing for me,” she says. “If you see an opportunity you might like, go for it and see where it takes you

– Jessica Mozo

Border Leicester sheep are known for their high-quality wool, so Ashley realized a business opportunity and began selling the wool on eBay. She also taught herself how to needle felt and teaches classes in her community, in addition to her regular farm chores and college classwork.

12 FFA New Horizons

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FFA New Horizons 13

N O I S S I M POSSIBLE FFA helps prepare Indiana member for military career

14 FFA New Horizons

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Devon says that his FFA membership, including his lawn care supervised agricultural experience program, helped him develop the work ethic, time management and leadership skills necessary for a military career. These skills have helped him transition well into his studies at West Point.

J

photos by BrIAN MCCORD

oining the military wasn’t something 19-year-old Devon Hudson of South Decatur, Ind., dreamed of all his life. Rather, it was a revelation that came to him during his sophomore year of high school.

“I took a military aptitude test, and my high school counselor was retired from the Navy,” Hudson says.

“He suggested a military career, and I was looking for the best education possible. That led me to West Point.”

completely paid for,” Devon says. “But it’s a very big commitment both physically and academically. You have to have your heart set on it and realize that as soon as you enter West Point, you are in the Army.”

Devon’s FFA Involvement

Many of the time management and leadership skills Devon learned through FFA and other high school activities have helped him transition smoothly into West Point.

West Point Bound “FFA promotes leadership and personal growth, and After completing a rigorous and highly competitive so does West Point,” he says. “At application process, Devon was West Point, they often set you up accepted to the world-renowned in leadership positions, and FFA United States Military Academy Indiana does the same thing, so it was at West Point in New York. He For his SAE, Devin Hudson great to develop those skills in joined West Point’s Corps of mowed lawns and sold high school.”

Cadets, a student body of about firewood in South Decatur, Ind. Devon’s high school FFA 4,400, in fall 2011 after projects included running a graduating from South Decatur woodcutting business and a turf High School in May and management project where he attending six weeks of basic mowed a three-acre cemetery. training in the summer.

“A friend of our family has “A military choice for college 70 acres of wooded ground, so came as a surprise to both I harvested and sold firewood to Devon’s mother and me,” says local customers,” he says. “At the Don Hudson, Devon’s father and cemetery, I was contracted to FFA advisor at South Decatur take care of the grounds since my freshman year of High School. “In his graduation speech, he mentioned high school.” that the events of Sept. 11 played a key role in his Devon also played football, basketball and baseball, decision to apply to West Point even though he was just which helped him gain the physical skills West Point in elementary school when it happened.” requires.

Devon has two cousins who serve in the Army, but “In addition to military classes and general he is the first in his family to attend West Point. Upon education courses like math, English, foreign language graduation, Devon will be an officer in the Army and and history, West Point is big on physical fitness,” will be required to serve at least five years active duty.

Devon says. “We have required military movement, “West Point is a great place to be – there’s a gymnastics and boxing classes. And every cadet has to guaranteed job right out of college, and school is www.ffa.org/ffanation

FFA New Horizons 15

Thinking about applying to West Point?

The Hudsons offer these tips to give it your best shot: • Check with your counselor or get online and find out as much as you can about the West Point admissions process.

“FFA promotes leadership and personal growth, and so does West Point.”

• Take advantage of community leaders in your area. They know the right people to put you in contact with.

• Strive to do your best in every activity. View each task as something worthy of your full effort.

• Start early on your application process, and try to attend the West Point Summer Leadership Seminar before your senior year.

• Be self-disciplined.

West Point looks for individuals who make the right decision, even when it may not be the popular decision.

online Visit ffa.org/ffanation and click on Careers to explore military career opportunities.

be involved in some sport.”

To other FFA members considering applying to West Point, Devon recommends taking on leadership roles where you serve other people.

“If you love being a leader, West Point is perfect because you train to be a future leader of the Army,” he says. “They like to see leadership roles on your application – not only that you were on the football team, but you were captain of the football team.

And not only that you were in FFA, but you were an officer. West Point is also very tough academically, so be on top of your grades.”

A Real Team Player Devon’s dad says FFA helped Devon learn to be dedicated to any team he was part of.

“Whether it was meeting before

school for FFA, choosing extemporaneous public speaking and parliamentary procedure for his leadership contests, or being a top citrus sales person for three years, Devon was all in,” Don Hudson says.

“As a seventh-grader, he wanted to coach our FFA basketball team, and all 4-foot, 6-inches of him showed up in a pair of dark shades and a T-shirt that read ‘Respect My Authority.’ His mother and I feel an overwhelming sense of pride for Devon and his sense of duty and service to his country.”

After West Point, Devon plans to serve the required five years active duty and explore all the options the Army offers.

“The Army has lots of branches you can go into, so I may make a lifetime career of it,” he says. “I can’t think of anything better than serving our nation.”

– Jessica Mozo

16 FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

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FFA New Horizons 17

WHAT DOES A

R E M R FA look like?

H

ard work, honesty, respect, appreciation, tradition, nurture and care. These are all words that come to consumers’ minds when asked their opinions of farmers. They like them, and trust farmers over doctors, teachers and police to make decisions for the public’s best interest.

But that’s where the consumer’s confidence in their knowledge about the farming profession ends. What is left is a gap between what a farmer does and how he or she makes a living, and the image that the consumer public has of the modern American farmer.

In 2010 and 2011, the Illinois Farm Bureau – in partnership with Illinois Farm Families; the Illinois Corn Marketing Board; and the Illinois soybean, pork and beef checkoffs – conducted research to determine how much the public knows about farmers and farming.

They found that while consumers trust farmers more than most and associate with them positive images such as tight-knit, hardworking families, more than half of consumers do not believe farmers will do the right thing when it comes to specific practices like using too many chemicals, treating animals properly and protecting the environment.

On one hand, consumers believe farmers are honest and hard-working, but on the other hand they have doubts and concerns about how the food they eat is being grown. And what causes this gap? Mainly a disconnect between the farmer and the consumer.

“We found that the majority of consumers were getting their information either from talking with farmers at a farmers market or by driving by a farm,” says Carla Mudd, consumer communications manager for the Illinois Farm Bureau. “They are open to learning about farmers and farming, but they don’t have any way to connect to them.”

Consumers’ main concerns about farming come down to the food they eat and they feed to their families. They expect farms to be efficiently run, environmentally conscious, family-run and active in the local community.

“Farms that are corporate-owned, use pesticides, use antibiotics and raise animals indoors didn’t test well with consumers,” Mudd says. “More than anything, they want to know what is in the food they are feeding their kids.”

The Center for Food Integrity conducted similar research in 2011 to determine the level of trust that exists between consumers and

18 FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

photos (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) antony boshier, JEFF ADKINS, GREG EMENS, ANTONY BOSHIER, J. KYLE KEENER, J. KYLE KEENER

America’s farmers and ranchers are modern, progressive and innovative

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FFA New Horizons 19

online Visit the online version of this story at ffa.org/ffanation to download these research findings. Great for speeches!

happens on a farm, not what they read on the Internet.”

These moms are consumers who haven’t spent any time on a farm before. They have questions about farming practices and pesticides and why there are so many animals in one space. Instead of turning to newspaper articles about sustainable and organic farming, they can ask the farmers about the tractors’ GPS systems and the antibiotics and the animals being raised indoors. They can see up close how advancements in technology and modern farming practices not only help the farmer produce more on less land, but also benefit consumers.

“We’re not hiding anything,” Mudd says. “We’ve even invited the moms to a hog farm. We tell them to ask questions, take pictures. We hope that they’re leaving with a better understanding, not only of what they are buying and eating but of how it is being grown and raised.

“We want them to see that farmers have nothing to hide. That’s how we’re going to change how consumers view us.”

— Blair Thomas

Consumers believe farmers are honest and hard-working, but they also have doubts about how the food they eat is being grown.

What causes this gap? Mainly a disconnect between the farmer and the consumer.

20 FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

photos (LEFT) JEFF ADKINS, (BELOW) JESSE KNISH

their food providers. This study uncovered the same issues: Consumers trust farmers because they believe farmers share their values, but consumers aren’t sure today’s agriculture practices still qualify as farming.

Because of the growing size of farms and the way they are owned and run, the geographic distance between farmers and those eating their food, and the technological advances in farming, consumers feel alienated from agriculture and practices in food safety, affordability, environmental sustainability and animal welfare. To put it simply: Consumers don’t feel connected to farmers and so they don’t feel connected to their food.

Along with other sectors of the food system, farmers are under ever-increasing pressure to demonstrate that they are running their farms in a way that is consistent with consumers’ values and expectations. Outside sources opposing today’s food system are pursuing litigation, pressuring branded food companies and initiating legislation to change how the system operates.

Farmers have to find a way to connect to consumers to prevent the gap in communication that causes them to look elsewhere for information about their food.

As a result of the research conducted in Illinois, the Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Farm Families have started a program that invites urban moms to spend a day on a farm and observe the daily operations and what goes into making their food.

“They see what is going on firsthand, and any questions that they have, they can ask directly to the farmers,” Mudd says. “They get their questions answered and hopefully learn something about what really

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FFA New Horizons 21

FFA national officer Q&A

Get to Know Your National FFA Officers

Q

What is your supervised agricultural experience program (SAE)?

Ryan: I raise breeding sheep, market lambs, market steers, market goats and breeding goats.

I have a small flock of Hampshire/Suffolk cross ewes to raise show lambs.

antimicrobial agents in eliminating E. coli growth in lettuce bags. Like many FFA members, my SAE involved a different side of agriculture.

for farm work. My junior year, I started growing 17 varieties of fruits and vegetables to sell at the farmers’ market and to a local grocery store.

Cain: I raise and exhibit Black Angus cattle for Meldon Farm in exchange

Alicia: I researched the impacts of genetic modification on edible film

timeline

Jason: I had a number of different SAEs, which really helped me explore careers. I volunteered at a state-run fish hatchery, did some landscaping and lawn care projects, and worked on some farms.

Ken: I grew up on my family’s dairy farm, where we milk registered Holstein cows. Dairy entrepreneurship became a natural fit for my SAE. I am also growing my own herd, which is currently about 30 cows.

An overview of the national FFA officer selection process, held during the national convention in October:

Seth: I worked on our family ranch and raised my own beef cattle, starting with just five head of my own. I was able to purchase my cattle through a youth loan.

Q

What’s something unique about your hometown or state?

Ryan: My tiny hometown of Elida, N.M., is probably most known for our speeding tickets. It’s been called the fourth-largest speed trap in the U.S. Jason: I enjoy fly-fishing, so I like that my hometown

Saturday Candidates arrive in Indianapolis and get ready for a grueling week!

Sunday

Monday Show off their writing skills and do first personal interviews.

Take a written test about FFA, agriculture and education.

of St. Charles, Minn., is the entrance to Whitewater State Park, which is filled with trout streams.

Cain: Jefferson, Ga., is the site of the first “successful” use of ether as an anesthetic, in 1842. (I don’t want to know what defines an unsuccessful one!)

Ken: I grew up in Granville, N.Y., which is the slate capital of the world.

Alicia: Kikkoman Foods Inc., America’s top soy sauce producer, has its main production plant in Walworth, Wis. Seth: My hometown of Blackfoot is the center of Idaho potato farming. In fact, there is a giant potato at the Idaho Potato Museum in our town.

Wednesday

The field is narrowed, and the remaining candidates prepare workshops to present to the selection committee.

Tuesday

Candidates are tested on ability to prepare and deliver a speech on a specific topic.

22 FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

“I was first inspired to join FFA at the encouragement of my family. My family has been involved in FFA for three generations.”

Q

What first inspired you to join FFA?

Ryan: I was first inspired to join FFA at the encouragement of my family. My family has been involved in FFA for three generations, beginning with my granddad.

Jason: The agriculture teacher asked me to join a natural resources class that included a weeklong canoeing and fishing trip. I met some FFA members and that motivated me.

Cain: My older brother was involved in FFA, so I saw the opportunities he was afforded and wanted to join myself.

Ken: When I was in ninth grade, my school

didn’t have FFA. So the business teacher and some students chartered the Granville FFA chapter. I joined because someone asked me to; only after did I realize it would be hands-down the best decision I would make.

Alicia: I was motivated to join FFA because I realized that it would give me the feeling of being a part of a family and having a place where the only person I have to be is me.

Seth: I have been exhilarated by FFA since my earliest memories with my dad, who was an agricultural instructor.

Now I love seeing exhilaration in the eyes of our members across the nation.

Friday Attend the National FFA Convention & Expo.

Ryan Best

national ffa president

This New Mexico native hopes to become an agricultural education instructor one day.

Jason Troendle national ffa secretary

Hailing from Minnesota, Jason’s love for the outdoors and fly-fishing was his first connection to FFA.

Ken Quick

national ffa Eastern Region Vice President

Ken grew up on a dairy farm in New York, where he realized his career goal to work in agribusiness.

Alicia Hodnik

national ffa Central Region Vice President

This Wisconsin native hopes to research aquaculture genetics for her career.

Cain Thurmond

national ffa southern Region Vice President

Cain lives on an Angus beef cattle operation in Georgia, and he is pursuing a career in ag economics.

Seth Pratt

national ffa western Region Vice President

Thursday

Candidates have final chance to impress the committee through a personal interview. www.ffa.org/ffanation

Saturday

The six new national FFA officers are announced!

Seth grew up on a cattle ranch in Idaho, and his ultimate career goal is to return home to raise livestock.

FFA New Horizons 23

all about ffa

FFA News You Can Use Start planning for the 85th National FFA Convention

1 1. Mark Your Calendars!

The national FFA convention is only eight months away, and the National FFA staff is already planning some exciting changes to the event.

• The National FFA Agricultural Career Show has a new name! It will be called the National FFA Convention & Expo, which means even more booths and vendors will be there. It will also feature a brand-new website.

For details, go to ffa.org/convention.

• This year’s convention will celebrate our Hispanic/ Latino heritage. If you would like to get involved in this celebration, please contact Erica Flores at eflores@ffa.org.

• If you are a musically talented FFA member, think about applying for National FFA Band, Chorus or Talent.

Applications will be available at ffa.org in mid-April, and

the deadline to apply is July 1. It’s definitely a memorable way to experience the convention.

2. Join the career network The Agricultural Career Network (AgCN) is up and running! By entering your accomplishments and awards into the system, FFA members will soon be able to more easily apply for awards and scholarships, prepare for college, and connect with potential employers. To get started, visit ffa.org and find the “MyAgCN” tab.

3. Scholarship recipients announced Soon Mark your calendars for May 7, when the National FFA Scholarship recipients will be posted on ffa.org.

24 FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

www.ffa.org/ffanation

FFA New Horizons 25

premier leadership

Be an ‘Agvocate’ for Agriculture Share your passion – and set the record straight – about agriculture

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n case you haven’t noticed, agriculture has gotten a bad rap in recent years. As anti-agriculture activists are leading the public to believe the industry is made up of uncaring, insensitive factory farms, farmers and other agriculture workers are fighting an uphill battle to set the record straight.

Farmers in America today are a minority group that represents only about 1.5 percent of the U.S. population.

Meanwhile, the majority of Americans are three or four generations removed from a farm, and many haven’t even visited a farm in five years or more. That means the average American lacks understanding about the important role agriculture plays in all our lives, and it’s up to us to educate them.

“If you care about agriculture being accurately represented, know that we need every voice in the conversation,” says Michele Payn-Knoper, founder of Cause Matters Corp., a company that works to give consumers a better understanding of where their food comes from. “FFA members have the rare opportunity to experience the diversity of agriculture through classes, SAEs [supervised agricultural experience programs] and CDEs [career development events]. Contrast that with your classmates, who eat without considering the people behind the food – or worse, believe misinformation promoted by anti-agriculture activists.”

An FFA alumna from Michigan, Payn-Knoper found her calling as a public speaker while competing on the

Want to be an agvocate, but not sure where to start?

Consider these possibilities:

• Work with elementary students to introduce them to agriculture.

Hands-on activities are best.

• Use social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to give urban

stage of the Michigan FFA Convention as a greenhand. Today, she travels all over the world to help quell misconceptions about agriculture.

“I found a real need for ag to have a stronger voice,” she says. “I’m deeply committed to helping more people in agriculture find their voices, whether at Starbucks, on Facebook, or in the hallways of school or work. If we don’t speak out, agriculture loses.”

Kansas FFA alumna Jill Casten works as the director of training and development for the American Farm Bureau Federation and says FFA members represent the future of agriculture, whether you intend to be a farmer or something else.

“You might be surprised by the influence you can have as an FFA chapter in communicating a positive image and educating others about agriculture,” Casten says.

The use of technology and social media has taken the opportunity to share agriculture to a whole new level.

“Setting up Facebook pages and Twitter accounts for your chapter can help promote your events,” Casten says.

“Just Tweeting and updating our statuses with positive messages will be a great way to get started. Some members may want to incorporate a blog and upload videos. These can be shared at the click of a button, yet have a great impression on those who follow you. That’s the beauty of it.”

– Jessica Mozo

residents a glimpse into a farmer’s life.

• Share pictures from the field, greenhouse, barn or your SAE on Facebook, and explain why they matter to you.

• Have a conversation with your friends about why agriculture is cool and why you participate in FFA. • Incorporate agriculture examples into projects for other classes.

• Have your chapter set up a booth at community events where you can pass out materials and farm-related goodies, such as sweet corn or milk.

26 FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

www.ffa.org/ffanation

FFA New Horizons 27

Personal Growth

D.C. or Bust!

Washington Leadership Conference draws FFA members from 45 states

I

f you like to help others and have a knack for leadership, listen up.

The National FFA Organization’s annual Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) is coming up in June and July, and it’s a once-in-alifetime opportunity for you to explore our nation’s capital, make friends from across the country and serve others.

“Participants should expect a conference unlike anything they have ever experienced – a conference that will challenge their thoughts, words and actions and entice them to grow into a better person, leader and servant,” says Whitney Danker, education specialist for the National FFA Organization. “We have students out of the hotel as much as possible.

The best classroom is Washington, D.C., itself.”

During the five-day conference, you’ll visit the U.S. Capitol, tour the American History Museum, observe the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, tour national monuments, and spend the final day serving the D.C. community.

The 2011 Washington Leadership Conference had 2,137 student participants and 263 advisors from 45 states. You can select which of the seven weeks you wish to participate in, so there is flexibility for busy summer schedules. The curriculum for WLC

changes every five years, but the focus is always on premier leadership.

“The new WLC curriculum for 2012 will be built on four pillars: selfawareness, diversity, advocacy and service,” Danker explains. “WLC isn’t just a conference, and it isn’t just a tour of Washington, D.C. You will learn what servant leadership is all about by diving into our nation’s history and exploring the lives of our founding fathers.”

In 2012, WLC will be moving to one hotel, as opposed to the former two, so the entire conference will take place under one roof. Danker says the hotel will be filled entirely with WLC participants.

A highlight of the week is always the WLC service day. In 2011, WLC participants contributed more than $85,000 worth of volunteer labor to the D.C. metropolitan area, packing food, doing house repairs, working at animal shelters and helping with community gardens.

At the end of the conference, you will have created a Living to Serve plan to put into action in your own community upon returning home.

“You should come prepared to brainstorm ways to impact your community and your chapter,” Danker says, “and you will leave with a detailed plan on how to carry out your service plan.”

– Jessica Mozo

Getting there:

The Washington Leadership Conference is designed for upcoming juniors and seniors, but it is open to all FFA members.

The cost is $700 for students. Many states have scholarship programs, and chapters can also hold fundraisers to raise money to attend.

Find more information at FFA.org/WLC. Registration opens March 1.

Program dates for 2012 are: Week 1: June 5-10 Week 2: June 12-17 Week 3: June 19-24 Week 4: June 26-July 1 Week 5: July 10-15 Week 6: July 17-22 Week 7: July 24-29

28 FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

www.ffa.org/ffanation

FFA New Horizons 29

Career success

Career Forecast: Sunny Six ways to put your career on the fast track this summer

“Do inventory of all your skills, awards, certificates, positions held, funds raised and volunteer work done,” Winston says. “A resume puts all your accomplishments on one paper and can really boost your self-esteem.”

2. Create a “Good Stuff Folder.”

“As you gain experience, certifications and recognitions, place the certificate or something to help you remember the accomplishment in your Good Stuff Folder,” Winston says. “That way, the next time you do a resume or have a job or college interview, you’ll have specific things to talk or write about.”

3. Identify possible references.

What people do you already know? Longtime friends, your parents’ co-workers, teachers, counselors, church members and FFA advisors are all possibilities.

“Ask around if anyone could use some free help in return for a letter of recommendation or reference,” Winston says.

4. Dress and act the part.

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ummer break is just around the corner, and you probably have visions of sandy beaches, county fairs, backyard barbecues and sleeping till noon dancing in your head. But hold that thought – summer is also a valuable time to start getting career experience in a field you are interested in.

This spring, consider lining up summer activities that will give you a taste of life after high school and college.

“Start by asking yourself what you are good at, what you love to do and how you can be most helpful,” says Denise Winston, a former Shafter, Calif., FFA member who is now a professional speaker and owner of a financial education firm, Money Start Here, in Bakersfield, Calif. “Then find something in that field. If you love to shoot video, offer to make a video for a local business or nonprofit to post on their Facebook page. If you love to draw, try a local art center or graphic design studio.”

Winston offers these six additional tips for gaining career experience this summer:

1. PUT TOGETHER A RESUME. It puts you a step ahead of people who only apply for jobs online.

Think about how successful people in the field you desire dress and act, and find ways to imitate them.

5. Do a strategic job search.

It could be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, job or internship. The point is to gain experience doing something you love.

6. Serve your community.

Nothing catches the eye of a college admissions officer or employer like a teenager who has already made the world a better place.

“Volunteer doing something you are passionate about – the military, the elderly, the homeless,” Winston says.

“Create your own movement or project with friends or schoolmates to support a common cause.”

– Jessica Mozo

online Visit www.ffa.org/ffanation and click on Careers for more information on internships and volunteering.

30 FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

www.ffa.org/ffanation

FFA New Horizons 31

reconnect

Dr. Jeffrey Armstrong Kentucky FFA alumnus now serves as president of California Polytechnic State University

Q

What is a typical day like for you?

Q

What advice do you have for FFA members who are unsure of the path to take after high school?

A

A

Q

Q

Name: Dr. Jeffrey Armstrong

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Home FFA Chapter: Lyon County High School

My overarching responsibility is to provide direction for the university and to keep everyone focused on our No. 1 priority – student success. I attend a lot of events and interact daily with students, faculty and donors. I also work with other presidents in the California State University System.

This is the largest university system in the U.S., and it provides strong support for Cal Poly and the other 22 institutions.

How did FFA and your farm upbringing influence your career path?

A

I’m confident that I wouldn’t be in a wonderful position such as this without my FFA experience. I’m actually not even sure I would have gone to college.

FFA was my main interest in high school, and my advisor, Ray Fowler, had a big impact on me. High school was such a formative time in my life, so the skills I learned came from FFA, my advisor and my family. I learned the importance of treating people well, working hard, setting goals and that sometimes you don’t always succeed – which was also an important lesson to learn.

There’s a lot of concern and questions about the U.S. economy. Many experts say, though, that the problem is not unemployment.

The problem is a lack of education.

Jobs are available, but a lot of people lack the training or education to get them. The unemployment rate drastically goes down as the level of education goes up. Get an education, get training. It will benefit you for your lifetime.

You are a strong believer in thinking and acting globally. How can FFA members begin to think that way?

Diversity and a global outlook – that’s the key to our future.

Students need to be system thinkers, to think and act globally. Get away from home and experience the world around you. Bring more people from different perspectives to share their stories with your FFA chapter. Do a service-learning project in a new environment and learn about the area. Travel out of the country every chance you get. Besides traveling, you can become more globally minded through participating in clubs and organizations that will stretch your view of the world.

Occupation: President, California Polytechnic State University

FFA Member For: Four years FFA Offices: Chapter FFA secretary and president, regional FFA president, state FFA secretary Education: Murray State University, bachelor’s degree in agriculture with minors in biology and chemistry North Carolina State University, master’s degree and PhD in reproductive physiology and endocrinology

32 FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org/ffanation

flip through our

state

inserts!

FFA New Horizons state inserts keep YOU connected to what’s going on in your state or others.

• State FFA news and achievements • FFA member profiles • Career information • Meet state FFA officers

To learn about creating a state insert for your FFA association, contact Kim Newsom at knewsom@jnlcom.com.

california FFA Spring 2012

State Officer Farewell

Check out our

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website

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www.californiaffa.org

Table of Contents

Page B-D State Officers: A Fond Farewell Page E Farewell Mr. Harris, Welcome Back Mr. Parker Page F-G Outstanding Chapter: Ferndale FFA Page H Service Beyond the Blue and Gold – CFFA Page I Opportunities Beyond the Blue and Gold – ATA

Page J State Conference Pump Up California Agriculture Plate Page K National Convention Winners Page L Life Goes On … Just Paint It! By Sam Doty Page M-P Chapter Scoops

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State Officers: A Fond Farewell

Dear California FFA, A few weeks ago, when we were asked to formulate a farewell message and reflect on our experiences of this last year, two words immediately came to mind: “thank you.” This year has been a rollercoaster of experiences, and as we’ve remembered each one, we’ve realized these memories and highlights all revolve around you, the members.

To the more than 100 chapters who hosted us this fall and winter, thank you for the chance to be immersed into your world and your hometown. We have loved getting to see the inner workings of your FFA chapters and getting to know the chapter officer teams through adventures from intense laser tagging all the way to “spa nights.” Our team has truly been humbled by the generosity that each host family has displayed. Thank you for taking us into your homes and inspiring us with your stories. Because of you, chapter visits have been an unmatchable opportunity that will remain a highlight of this year.

To the 51 delegates who traveled back to Indianapolis last October, thank you for representing our state with such professionalism, enthusiasm and passion. It’s so refreshing to see how powerful members like you truly make a difference in this organization day in and day out. Congratulations to all of the National Proficiency and Career Development Event finalists and champions. It was such a blast to watch the hard work of California FFA members finally pay off! We were so proud and honored to be able to witness your success.

To all the members who we have met at various conferences this year such as SOLCs, COLCs, MFEs and ALAs, and who we will soon see again in Fresno, thank you for your sheer passion and dedication to the FFA. At every event we’ve been to, we have continually been impressed with the ideas and actions of members like you who are serving their chapters across the state.

Now, in the final few weeks of our year of service, we will finish preparations for State Conference, in hopes to create an event, that, matched with your energy, passion and enthusiasm, will come alive in four short days. We can’t wait to not only see you, but celebrate your success and involvement in the California FFA Association! Thank you so much for every experience, memory and opportunity you have given us this year. We feel so blessed and humbled by the relationships we’ve formed, and we’re looking forward to ending this year with a bang!

Love, Nicole, Kenna, Mary, Jacob, Clay and Chris

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State Officers: A Fond Farewell, Continued

special thank you!

California FFA News sends a special “thank you� to the following individuals for their contribution to the Spring Issue of the CA FFA Insert: Charles Parker, San Joaquin Regional Supervisor Leslie Buckingham, Chico State Alpha Tau Alpha Chapter Officer Katelyn Montague, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Collegiate FFA Reporter

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Farewell Mr. Harris and Welcome Back Mr. Parker A farm boy in the Hughson community, Ken Harris never wore the blue and gold jacket of the FFA. His father was a farmer, and Ken did the work on the ranch and enjoyed athletics in school. Before heading to college, Ken served our country as a member in the United States Marine Corps. Having a strong agriculture background was instrumental in the decisions Mr. Harris would make in his life. He attended Modesto Junior College before transferring to Fresno State to receive his undergraduate degree.

Having a desire to share the exciting industry of agriculture, Mr. Harris attended U.C. Davis where, in 1964, he received his credential to teach agriculture to high school students.

His first and only teaching assignment began in 1963 at his alma mater, Hughson High School. In his 17 years at Hughson High School, Ken grew the program from 63 students to more than 300. The program provided an average of 20 state degrees for the last nine years of his tenure. In 1981, Ken became the first Executive Director of CATA and is largely responsible for the passage of SB 187 (Establishment of Standards for Agriculture Education) and the Agricultural Vocational Education Incentive Grant.

In 1982, he became the San Joaquin Region Supervisor where he was noted for his belief in SAEs, State and American Degrees and Proficiency Awards.

Ken served as CATA President, was selected as a Teacher of Excellence and is a recipient of the CATA Founders Award.

In retirement, Ken is spending time on his small ranch in the Kern County Foothills with his wife, Christine Dickson, enjoying reading, cutting firewood, and spending time with his sheep and cattle.

Even in retirement, Ken continues to Charles Parker poses with his provide assistance to mother after being awarded Star teachers as they work Chapter Farmer at the annual Future towards completing Farmers Parents and Friends Banquet.

Ken and Charles: Ken Harris and Charles Parker take a few moments to pose for a picture while officially transferring San Joaquin Regional Advisor duties.

record books and applications. He will be found in the coming months supervising contests at Fresno State, monitoring the new Program of Activities Contest, and providing leadership and guidance to the “new kid” on the block as Charles Parker moves into the San Joaquin Region.

Charles Parker, moving into the Agricultural Education Office at Fresno State, hopes to continue what Ken has enhanced in the San Joaquin Region.

Charles graduated from Wasco High School where he was a member of the Wasco FFA. While in high school he participated in Livestock Judging, Parliamentary Procedure, Cotton Judging, etc. Mr. Parker knew his freshman year, that he wanted to be an agriculture teacher. In 1980, he left Cal Poly with his credential in hand and began 13 years of teaching at Kingsburg High School. In his tenure as a secondary teacher, Charles was known for his leadership development program, and working with officers at the local, section and regional levels. In addition, he became a go-to source for record books as he coached successful teams in the Farm Records Contest. Leaving Kingsburg High School in 1993, Mr. Parker became the North Coast Region Supervisor for one year then served as the Assistant to Mr. Heuvel in Agricultural Education. In 1996, came the opportunity of a lifetime, Charles was asked to serve as the Assistant State FFA Advisor. Mr. Parker hopes that his 10 years working with the FFA is known for allowing students to develop their own programs. After a brief departure from Agriculture Education, Mr. Parker’s career is coming full circle, he is returning to his home and hopes to be of service to teachers and students in the San Joaquin Region. Although California Agriculture Education is sad to see Mr. Ken Harris retire, they are thrilled to have another wise owl back into the FFA world!

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Outstanding Chapter Ferndale FFA

Way up in Northern California, in the heart of grass fed beef and pasture based dairies lays Ferndale FFA! Just a mere 100 miles south of the Oregon border, population 1,200, housing more dairy cows than humans, Ferndale is a one-of-a-kind rural town. Our student body enrolls 127 with 68 current students enrolled in an agriculture class. This tight-knit community enables our students to have premier leadership success by continuously supporting our FFA chapter at nearly every fundraiser and consistently encouraging students to be involved in agriculture.

Since the start of the school year, our chapter has been extremely involved in numerous FFA activities. We began the year with our annual school and community-wide barbeque. Then was the sectional green hand conference, where our freshmen got acquainted with the rest of the Humboldt Del Norte Section FFA, as well as attended workshops and met the rest of the teachers in the section. Our Best Informed Green Hand team took first place overall at our sectional competition, along with our officer team placing second in the opening and closing competition.

Ferndale High prides itself on being a “family� atmosphere, so in the spirit of this motto, our FFA chapter does a unique activity each year. We fund, prepare and serve our entire student body, faculty and staff a Turkey lunch with all of the fixins the Thursday before the fall break. We are very proud to make this contribution to our school.

After the fall break, we participated in our sectional bowling activity bringing 30 members to bowl and show off our best costumes while eating pizza and enjoying the company of students from Humboldt and Del Norte counties.

Ferndale FFA poses for a picture while serving at their annual Welcome Back BBQ in September.

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In December, our FFA chapter collects warm clothes, blankets, toiletries and other necessities for the local homeless, which is distributed by one of our local humanitarians Betty Chin. We also have members of our officer team serve food at the local food banks over the holiday break. We do our best to contribute our service to the local and extended community.

Our next activity is our December FFA meeting where we host our annual gingerbread house building competition, along with going caroling to our entire community. We hop on our hay wagon, pulled by our chapter’s

tractor, driven by our retired agriculture teacher Mr. Bill Fales, and caroling we go!

Our last activity of 2011 was our town’s annual light and tractor parade. It’s a pretty big deal, it even made the top 10 light shows in America featured on The Learning Channel. This year our float featured a unique Holstein reindeer along with many members singing holiday tunes. We had a great time and received a few awards!

Ferndale FFA is quite a unique chapter, filled with tradition, community spirit and pride, supported tremendously by our local newspaper The Enterprise,

as well as all of our faculty, administration, staff and student body. We are so thankful and proud to be a part of the California FFA.

As members work hard, they stop to pose for a photo proudly displaying their hard work.

FFA members from Ferndale have a great time no matter where they are as demonstrated above.

A few members at State FFA Conference 2011.

Ferndale’s FFA members who participated in the Best Informed Greenhand Contest pose with the Chapter Officer Team.

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Service Beyond the Blue and Gold – CFFA After high school, there comes a time when every FFA member must hang up their beloved jacket. However, this does not mean their service to the FFA organization has come to an end. Collegiate FFA, or CFFA, is a club open to all college students with the purpose of “enhancing the collegiate experience through service and engagement to create premier leaders, enable personal growth, and ensure career success.”

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CFFA plays an active role at the university and in local FFA chapters. The Cal Poly CFFA chapter helps these chapters and students in many ways, whether it be awarding scholarships to involved members, or helping them with their competitions through judging and coaching. Last year, Cal Poly CFFA awarded approximately $800 in scholarships for Project Competition award recipients in our local region.

The club also assists in helping FFA members practice their extemporaneous and prepared speeches at monthly meetings. At the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, CFFA even participated in the San Luis Obispo Section’s relay race competition called “Go for the Gold,” where our team competed in numerous events, like tug-of-war, at Cayucos Beach. CFFA strives to maintain an active and supportive role in FFA, whether that be helping FFA chapters or competing right alongside them.

CFFA has grown immensely in the past few years. The club won the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Small Club of the Year award in 2010 and was proud to receive the Large Club of the Year award in 2011. In addition to helping local FFA chapters, CFFA lends their services to events at the university. This past spring, CFFA had the opportunity to cater and serve at the university’s retired faculty luncheon.

Cal Poly CFFA has had great success since its start on campus, but it could not achieve its accomplishments without the continued support of its committed members, the Agricultural Education and Communications Department, and Cal Poly’s President Armstrong. CFFA is looking forward to another year of service to the FFA, the university and being a club that “lives to serve.”

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Cal Poly CFFA’s 2011-2012 officer team enjoying their officer retreat in Groveland, CA.

CFFA getting ready to serve at the retired faculty luncheon at the Cal Poly Arboretum.

CFFA members wearing their ugly sweater outfits at the Ugly Sweater Social.

Opportunities Beyond the Blue and Gold – ATA

Above: ATA members outside West Valley High School after volunteering to judge the sectional Opening Closing Ceremonies Contest, one of three contests ATA helps provide judges for.

Left: Chico State Alpha Tau Alpha 2011-2012 Officer Team.

Founded in 1921, Alpha Tau Alpha (ATA) is a National Professional Honorary Organization for students interested in Agricultural Education.

ATA members participate in community service, fundraising, professional development, outreach and social activities. However for countless students around the country, membership in ATA means serving the agriculture industry beyond the loved blue jackets signifying membership of the FFA. One of the greatest aspects of ATA is that membership ranges from students who have never been in FFA to students who were highly involved all four years. ATA shares many similarities to FFA in the way that each chapter has a six-person officer team who has summer retreats, executes monthly chapter meetings for members and participates in leadership training.

The ATA chapter at CSU Chico has chosen to have its main focus be on service. So far this year the chapter has been involved in the community outside of agriculture by volunteering to help out at the Jesus Center and

local elementary school campuses.

Additionally the club performs an annual “pizza skit” to help young children understand where their food comes from.

However, the main focus of the club is to give back to the FFA program that allowed them to succeed in high school. The ATA chapter provides judges for FFA public speaking contests, facilitators for teambuilding activities, and offers interview training for those running for regional or state FFA office. Some members have reached out to local chapters to volunteer to coach judging or speaking teams. Not only does serving the FFA community help younger students, but it also helps future agriculture teachers undergo the transition from a student to an advisor. At monthly meetings, members can expect to listen to guest speakers answer questions about the profession, participate in fun activities or help out with a service project. ATA is a great way to use FFA experiences from high school to support current students during a unique hands-on college experience.

Below: An ATA member assists a child on the zipline at the annual event “Hoes Down” at Full Belly Farms. Each year ATA works to run this particular event.

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84th State FFA Leadership Conference – April 21-24, 2012 Dear California FFA Members, Growth, competition, celebration; this year at the California State FFA Leadership Conference, we will put these words into action as we push ourselves to grow, compete for state titles and celebrate the many stories of the California FFA members. At the 84th State FFA Leadership Conference we will be inspired by motivating keynote speakers, National Officers and State Officers’ retiring addresses. Members’ stories will come alive as we highlight their success in CDEs, proficiencies and scholarships. Also, expect to be entertained by State FFA band, choir, talent and more. Finally, we will develop California FFA’s next chapter as delegates debate constitutional amendments and elect the 2012-2013 State Officer Team. Join us at the 84th State FFA Leadership Conference where we challenge you to embrace the experience by creating new friendships and defining your role as the future of agriculture. On behalf of the 20112012 State FFA Officer team we are excited to see your story unfold. Welcome to the 84th Annual State FFA Leadership Conference!

See you there, Nicole, Kenna, Mary, Jacob, Clay and Chris

Enjoy a concert at the 84th State FFA Conference

by Eli Young Band!

Encourage your friends, parents and other FFA supporters to show their support for

CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE.

When you show your support for California agriculture with the purchase of a special interest license plate, you are investing in the next generation of our Ag industry’s innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.

Your purchase directly supports youth agriculture programs that have an established record of success. Invest in your future today and visit www.CalAgPlate.com.

FEES SUPPORT: Agricultural Education • Agricultural Career Awareness Agricultural Career Training • Youth Leadership Development

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National Convention Winners

Career Development Events

Ag Issues – Tulare, 2nd Place

Ag Mechanics – Visalia-Golden West, National Champions

Ag Sales – Elk Grove, 5th Place

Agronomy – Atwater, Silver

Creed – Gustine, Silver

Dairy Cattle – Hilmar, 4th Place

Dairy Foods – Hilmar, 3rd Place

Environmental and Natural Sciences – Grass Valley-Nevada Union, Silver

Extemp Speaking – Tino Rossi, Bakersfield-Frontier, 4th Place

Farm Business Management – Elk Grove, Silver

Floriculture – Madera-South, Silver

Forestry – Las Plumas, Bronze

Horse Evaluation – Clovis-East, 7th Place

Job Interview – Amika Osumi, Arroyo Grande, National Champion

Livestock Evaluation – San Luis Obispo, 2nd Place

Marketing Plan – Galt, National Champions

Agriscience Fair

Nursery – Perris, Silver

Parli Pro – Grass Valley-Nevada Union, National Champions

Poultry – Elk Grove, 8th Place

Prepared Speaking – Cottonwood-West Valley, Bronze

Agriscience Student of the Year

Proficiency Award Winners

Ag Processing – William Brewster, Hanford

Diversified Crop Production Placement – Kurt Parsons, Porterville

Environmental Science – Alexandria Macedo, Tulare

Equine Placement – Brittani Green, Chino

Sheep Production – Nolan Hildebrand, Templeton

Specialty Animal Production – Damon Pombo, Tracy

Zoology Division III – Marlen Diaz and Carina Partida, Ceres-Central Valley, National Winners

Mary Steves, Escalon, National Winner

Agriscience Teacher of the Year

Beth Knapp, Atwater, National Winner

Cal Poly President honors National FFA Convention Award Winners

California Polytechnic State University President Jeffery Armstrong and College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Dean David Wehner pose with Cal Poly students who were honored at the 2011 National FFA Convention.

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Life Goes On …

Just Paint It!

By Sam Doty

The national officer candidate process plus all my experiences in the FFA as a whole is something that I will never forget nor regret. This organization has made its mark on me and will continue to make its mark on each our lives.

Believe it or not, there does come a time where you finally have to take off that corduroy jacket and jump into reality. Life is a thorny mess of star thistle contradictions, underground rivers, those oh-so-unexpected curve balls, and no matter what you believe in, it is still pretty confusing. Yet, it is also a blank artist’s canvas – every life choice and experience you’ve gone through adds new colors to your artwork of life.

For example, the color red in Indonesia symbolizes joy, life, energy and creativity. Similar to the red apple there is the company Apple that recently hired me as a Specialist. Little to my surprise, it wasn’t just my county fair showmanship skills or all of my FFA experiences that helped me land the job. It was the joy, life, energy and creativity I got from doing sports, school plays, improv comedy shows, CASC, Interact, and the list goes on. The color red in my life demonstrates the importance of being well

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rounded and juggling some things we thought we couldn’t ever handle before.

On another note, Kermit the Frog is green.

One of the colors at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is green and where my parents met. It is also where I am attempting to pay through my education with a lot of green cash. When I think of green I think of trees on earth being the tallest living thing. So should our own pursuit of knowledge be aiming high and keeping the goal of our achievement (top of the trees) in high esteem?

At the same time that we are spontaneously creative with red, it is also very important to paint some goal oriented green in our lives.

Actions speak louder than words – you see, we are fed tons of reheated reused motivational corn casserole day in and day out. We all know that it gets old to hear and we tend to lose hope when life gets us down. No matter who you are, what you know, or how die hard of an FFA member you may consider yourself to be. Once in awhile, you just need to step back and reflect on those beautiful colors in your life. Yes, the FFA will give you some amazing colors, but after that door closes, there will be thousands of more to be discovered. What are your life’s colors?

Thanks for the memories, Sam Doty

Chapter Scoops

CALIFORNIA FFA NEWS WANTS YOUR CHAPTER TO BE THE NEXT BIG STORY!

Materials Due by 11:59 p.m.

Time Magazine is Published Monday, March 19, 2012 for Summer 2012 issue Wednesday, September 19, 2012 for Winter 2012 issue CHAPTER SCOOP 1) Submit an article about your chapter’s recent activity.

a. Article should be 100-150 words.

(If article exceeds 150 words, it will be adjusted at the editor’s discretion).

b. Please do not include members’ or advisors’ names within the article.

c. The “Chapter Scoop” should be about an interesting and/or unique type of FFA activity.

d. Please keep in mind the Chapter Scoop will be published two-three months after the due date, so keep information timely.

2) Attach a GREAT quality digital photo.

a. Ensure the photo is in color and showcases a picture to help further explain the submitted article.

b. Photos that are acceptable include members in appropriate clothing and displaying appropriate behavior.

c. Photos must be submitted in the form of a .JPEG file.

3) Email the above information to Michelle Jimenez at caffainsert@yahoo.com.

a. The Subject of the email must include your chapter’s name.

b. In the email, please include the author of the chapter scoop and their association with your chapter.

*If the Chapter Scoop does not meet the above qualifications, it may not be included in the publication. Materials sent after the respective due date will not be included.

South Coast Regional Update Submitted by Lauren Huffaker, Regional Reporter South Coast Regional Officer Winter Retreat, December 16-18 2011, Ventura, California – On December 16, six members of the South Coast Regional Officer team met up at Solimar Beach in Ventura for their 2011 Winter Retreat. On the retreat, team members were able to participate in various activities such as visiting California beaches near Ventura, going out to dinner at local restaurants, participating in a Secret Santa gift exchange, and enjoying time together and reflecting on their previous achievements as they jump into the New Year with even more exciting events up ahead. The purpose of this retreat was to allow our team to have quality time together before the start of ALAs, MFEs, State Degree Ceremonies, Regional Finals and all the other excited FFA events coming up. Our team loved our time together and looks forward to finishing the school year strong!

Santa Maria FFA Submitted by Yessica Hernandez, Chapter Reporter A few individuals of the Santa Maria FFA Chapter were fortunate enough to have the chance to meet Mrs. Karen Ross, State Secretary of Food and Agriculture this school year. The event took place in Nipomo and was organized by Assembly Man Katcho Achadjian. The event had a little more than 100 farmers and politicians in attendance from around the area. Before the conference began, a member of Santa Maria FFA was given the opportunity to lead the room in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Achadjian spoke about a few local topics before moving on to state topics. After the brief talk, both Assembly Man Achadjian and Secretary Ross answered questions from the crowd. Two Santa Maria FFA members were fortunate enough to have their questions answered. The event was a great way to promote Santa Maria FFA around the area, and we are grateful to interact with two influential individuals in our state.

Holtville FFA Submitted by Nydia Garcia, Chapter Reporter Holtville FFA is having a successful year inspiring their members along with their community to “Be the Seed to Success.” Knowing how intimidating entering high school can be, the officer team hosted a Greenhand Ice Cream Social at the start of the school year. At the social, the first year members officially met their chapter officers and learned all about what the FFA had to offer while cooling off and enjoying ice cream sundaes with friends.

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Chapter Scoops cont’d

Following the social, the officer team held a chapter pool party to welcome back all members to another school year at Holtville High School. The pool party was a success as members had fun while splashing around in the pool and partaking in a competitive volleyball tournament. The Holtville officer team and advisors are excited to end the 2011-2012 school year strong!

Gustine FFA New Greenhouse Increases Opportunities, Prepares Students

The retreat wasn’t all business. They also spent a day hiking and sightseeing in the majestic Yosemite National Park. For two of their officers it was the first time they had visited the mountains and seen snow! The officer team returned to Soledad refreshed, eager and ready to continue their year of service.

Submitted by Gustine FFA Reporter Tony Lopes

Ventura FFA

The 2011-2012 school year has ushered in new times for the Gustine FFA Chapter and for Gustine High School. In addition to the popular Agricultural Mechanics, Woodshop and Food Science Classes, Gustine High School now offers an Environmental Horticulture class for students to take. The new greenhouse allows for more students to be involved in Agriculture classes and allows them to gain experience in the huge, fast-growing career field of Horticulture. Because of this class, many students who wanted to have the experience in Agriculture Education but were not interested in Woodworking or Agricultural Mechanics, can now take advantage of the career and leadership opportunities that are part of the FFA program through our new greenhouse. The greenhouse was built over the summer and was completed in early August, and it will be a great part of our FFA program for years to come!

Submitted by Sean Riddle, Chapter Reporter

SOLEDAD FFA Who Says Planning Can’t Be Fun? Submitted by Soledad Chapter President, Ryan Sigala Each school year the Soledad FFA chapter officer team participates in not one, but two planning retreats – one during summer vacation and one during winter break. This winter break, the Soledad FFA officer team went to Yosemite and Bass Lake, CA for their annual mid-year

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winter planning retreat. During the retreat the officer team planned out in detail all of the FFA chapter events for the rest of the school year. Among those activities planned were all of the FFA week festivities, drive thru BBQ fundraisers, organizing and strengthening committees, and ideas for selling more Cal Ag plates.

Early on in the 2011-2012 school year, the Ventura FFA Chapter officer team competed in the annual Cardboard Boat Races at Ventura High School. The Cardboard Boat Races are an annual event held at Ventura High School where clubs, sport teams, or a group of friends build a boat out of cardboard with only a limited supply of cardboard and one roll of duct tape, finally racing them in the high school pool. The members of the Ventura FFA Chapter annually participate in this event. The officers and green hands worked through the morning creating the boats that would hopefully bring victory to the Ventura FFA. Alas, the officer team’s boat nosedived into the pool as they shoved off. The green hand team came close, placing second place in their heat. Though the Ventura FFA lost, everyone had a great time and is pumped up for next year’s race.

Chapter Scoops cont’d

Living to Serve

Across California, FFA members strive to serve year round.

Below are examples of how local chapters served their communities during the 2011 holiday season. The following chapters worked hard to make a difference in their individual communities; what can your chapter do to give back to your community as well?

thumbs. The Orange County Animal Shelter was the focus of this past holiday season! Sunny Hills met its goal of delivering a truck load of blankets, towels, cat litter, grooming supplies, etc. to the dogs and cats that spent Christmas alone. The satisfaction of ‘giving rather than receiving’ has brightened up this years’ holiday season for our chapter members.

San Marcos FFA Raises Animals to Donate to Local Shelters

LOS BANOS FFA

Los Banos FFA Puts ‘Giving’ in Thanksgiving Submitted by Alexis Garza, Los Banos FFA Reporter At Los Banos FFA November chapter meeting on November 7, 2011, it seemed that every member was in a giving mood. Students had been told a month prior to the meeting that canned foods and foods with a high shelf life, such as macaroni and rice, would be accepted to be donated to the local Salvation Army to help with the community holiday food baskets.

Submitted by Ashley Therien, Chapter Reporter San Marcos FFA has been very busy raising livestock animals to donate the meat to the local North County Serenity House, among others. These local shelters house numerous women and children affected by drug and alcohol abuse. Being positive members in the community, our chapter members and officers want to reach out to these families to help provide some quality meals. While assisting these families, the chapter will demonstrate the true meaning of service, an action taught very well by the FFA organization. Although this has been a tradition in FFA for some time, our chapter has re-introduced this idea through the help of our advisor and community partners.

Between the members in attendance, officers and even students who were unable to attend due to sports, 1,448 cans and food items were collected. This is by far the best turn out for Los Banos FFA’s annual canned food drive. Los Banos FFA would like to continue to carry on this tradition next holiday season of 2012 because the smallest donation can and will make the biggest impact.

Sunny Hills FFA Season of Giving

Submitted by Nicolette Lee, Chapter Reporter This past holiday season, Sunny Hills FFA chapter was extremely eager to give back to the community. Therefore, on December 2, 2011 the Sunny Hills FFA chapter took part in the Season of Giving; however, instead of exchanging secret Santa gifts or itchy Christmas sweaters, the chapter decided to give to a less fortunate group. This less fortunate group we decided to help never has the luxury of eating a hot Christmas dinner let alone the gift of opposable

Templeton FFA Creates a Supportive Presence in the Templeton Community Submitted by Kayla Hildebrand, Chapter Reporter Templeton FFA’s Winter Community Service has indeed been very jolly and successful this past season! In December, Templeton FFA started the month out with our Clothe the Needy Drive; students were able to bring in a whopping total of 127 lightly used coats!

Following the coat drive, the Templeton FFA held our annual Toys ‘4’ Tots fundraiser. With the help of our members,

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Chapter Scoops cont’d

La Habra FFA

Templeton

Makes a Difference, One Toy at a Time Submitted By Alissa Waldron, Chapter Reporter In the efforts to bring out the holiday giving spirit of the La Habra community, the La Habra FFA Chapter members donated toys to the “Toys for Tots” foundation to help those in need. This selfless deed didn’t go unrewarded. The members then spent their day at Knott’s Berry Farm. In order to prepare for future events such as FFA Week, the Officer Team also had a game night to bring the team closer and create a friendly, positive atmosphere. The members also boosted their holiday spirit by participating in Ice Skating with more than 250 members at Anaheim Ice. Members said they had no idea how to skate, but were glad they went because they learned how and met many new friends.

Templeton FFA was able to collect 116 toys! Ending the season of giving, our students on the last day before winter break, stood in front of the school for an hour waving “Good Morning and Happy Holidays” to all cars that passed! We are looking forward to our spring Adopt a Soldier Drive and continuing to be a supportive presence in the community.

Lodi FFA Embraces the True Meaning of the Holidays Submitted by Samantha Correia, Chapter Reporter This year the Lodi FFA Officer team wanted a way to embrace the holiday spirit and include many of our FFA members. After the Holiday Party at our school, more than 50 FFA members hopped onto a bus and headed to the famous Dell’Osso Farms, where we participated in their “Holiday on the Farm” celebration. Our members and advisors enjoyed snow tubing and ice skating, along with lots of laughs, train rides, pictures with Santa, roasting over the bonfires and various other joyful activities. Many great memories were made, and a tradition has begun with our chapter. The members got to share their holiday cheer with their fellow members and advisors, and the night was a success. We look forward to carrying on the tradition for years to come!

Check it out!

The following colleges and universities have ways for you to stay connected with the FFA! Chico State – Alpha Tau Alpha Cal Poly, Pomona – Collegiate FFA Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo – Alpha Tau Alpha and Collegiate FFA Fresno State – State FFA Conference Committee

Lodi

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UC Davis – Collegiate FFA

Illinois ffa association Spring 2012

Meet Your State Reporter: Chris Steppig

G Check out our

website

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H

www.illinoisffa.org

Table of Contents Page B

Page D-E

Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

National Convention Wrap Up

Page G Meet Your State Reporter

Page C

Page f International Leadership Seminar for State Officers

State CDE Results

Page H Officers’ Tracks

Illinois – A

Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

Officers present the colors in the opening session.

The Officers tested their knowledge with Executive Secretary James Craft during trivia night held to support Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom.

As the weather became cooler in December, the Major State Officers traveled by train to Chicago for the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting. The meeting was held downtown at the Palmer House, where Mike, Jim, Chris, Jacob and Clayton attended sessions to learn more about the Farm Bureau and its affiliated companies. After sitting in on sessions, there was no shortage of sights to see or activities to keep busy. Among these activities was listening to keynote speaker Richard Picciotto. Picciotto is the highest ranking firefighter to survive the September 11, 2001 collapse of the World Trade Center, and he gave an inspirational speech about his experiences that day.

B – Illinois

Many sessions at the Farm Bureau meeting were held in the elegant Crystal Ballroom.

Although the officers kept a busy schedule, there was some time to relax. During the evenings, the Majors took to the streets with 4-H Representatives Brad Braddock and Perry Harlow and explored the nightlife. Walking Michigan Avenue, seeing Navy Pier, exploring Millennium Park and indulging in deep dish pizza were just a few of the festivities.

State CDE Results

Ag Sales Olney

Team Members Kenna Benton, Maggie Bromm, Audrey Burgener, Kelsie Ochs and Adam Riggs

Agronomy Galva

Some unique shirts worn by the Rochelle FFA chapter to the State Dairy Foods CDE.

Team Members Cassadee Hepner, Matt Johnson, Devon Peterson and Seth Strom Dairy Foods Prairie Central Team Members Erin Ifft, Seth Miller, Kati Rudin, Ed Shaffer and Clayton Teubel Forestry Cumberland Team Members Jerry Brockett, Colin Cole, Jaylynn Maxey, Zoe Ray and Connor Shupe Horse Reasons Hardin County Team Members Chelsea Cornell, Allie Cox and Jaci Jenkins

Illinois – C

National Convention Wrap Up Nationally Placing CDE Teams and Individuals Agricultural Communications: Midland FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Agricultural Issues Forum: Midland FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Agricultural Mechanics: Central FFA Chapter at Breese – 10th Place Agricultural Sales: Cissna Park FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Agronomy: Paxton-Buckley-Loda FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Dairy Cattle Evaluation: Prarie Central FFA Chapter – Shanna Slagel – 1st Place Individual Dairy Foods: Prairie Central FFA Chapter – 10th Place Environmental/Natural Resources: Midland FFA Chapter – Gold Emblem

Hans Vick – 8th Place Individual

Farm Business Management: Prairie Central FFA Chapter – Gold Emblem

Floriculture: Paxton-Buckley-Loda FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Food Science and Technology: Midland FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Forestry: Cumberland FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Horse Evaluation: Hardin County FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Livestock Evaluation: Highland FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Marketing Plan: Olney-Bronze Emblem Meats Evaluation and Technology: Prairie Central FFA Chapter – 9th Place Nursery and Landscape: Glenbrook South FFA Chapter Parliamentary Procedure: Paxton-Buckley-Loda FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Poultry Evaluation: Paxton-Buckley-Loda FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem

Some of the Illinois State Officer Team lines up for a picture during National Convention.

Section presidents serving as delegates for Illinois at the National Convention get ready for the road trip to Indianapolis.

D – Illinois

Individual CDEs Creed Speaking: Abbey Burgener, Central A&M FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Extemporaneous Public Speaking: Mike Shively, Paxton-Buckley-Loda FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem Job Interview: Michaela Frailey, Hardin County FFA Chapter – Bronze Emblem Prepared Public Speaking: Olivia Harris, Heyworth FFA Chapter – Silver Emblem

National Proficiency Award Winners Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship: Austin Potthast, Greenville FFA Chapter Food Science and Technology: Alexis Raybon, Chicago Ag Science FFA Chapter Nursery Operation: Kimberlee Gerardy, Stillman Valley FFA Chapter

National Convention Wrap Up, cont’d American Degree Recipients Ashton-Franklin Center: Adam Herwig Chadwick Milledgeville: Rachel Rahn Oregon: Robin Etnyre Rochelle: Cody Koch Stillman Valley: Jade Glendenning Bethany Myelle Aiwood: Dana DeSutter Bureau Valley: Donna McCune Kewanee: Brandon LeSage Sherrard: Andrew Smith Stark County: Jeremiah Shaner Mercer County: Kayla Hyett Jenny Lincoln

Cissna Park: Ashley Luhman Calvin Lynch Dustin Reetz

Paxton-Buckley-Loda: Ella Herges

Clifton Central: Ellie Bretzman

Charleston: Jacob Bough Justin Thomas

Herscher: Tyler Hinspeter Lauren Wells Tri-Point: Brian Hills Liberty: Meredith Brinkman Alexea Neisen

Tuscola: Shannon Breen Nokomis: Ida Hand

Newton: Kimberly Dhom Stewardsburg-Strasburg: Katie Pieper Bluford: Emily Marlow Nashville: Cody Gill

Payson: Sarah Sprague

New Athens: Erika Laumbattus

Unity (Mendon): Adam Tallcott

Valmeyer: Amy Burns

Warsaw: John Roskamp

Cisne: Hayden Byars Kate Pond

West Prairie: Kiersten Dorethy Bluffs: Alicia Pool Carrollton: Kathryn Brannan

North Clay: Amy Britton

Midland: Katherine Girone

Hartsburg-Emden: Josh Clark

Olney: Nicholas Boehl Corey Steber

Mendota: McKenon Biers Heather Kiner Kyle Rod

PORTA: Michael Paulsmeyer

Wayne City: Trevor Shreve

Highland: Kristalynn Raymond

Goreville: Dustin Childers Jamie Maze

Somonauk-Leland-Sandwich: Thomas Warhurst Pontiac: Jake Ralph

Greenfield: Ted Ballard

Jerseyille: Tiffany Phillips Central A&M: Kayla Burgener Kaitlyn Zindel

Trico: John Edgar

Cerro Gordo: Elise Krause

Vienna: Caroline Bremmer

Marion: Jamie Gravatt

After a long week in sessions and workshops, the delegates and former State Officer Amie Burke enjoyed a steak dinner at Bynam’s Steakhouse.

Illinois – E

International Leadership Seminar for State Officers After enjoying a few weeks off on Christmas break, Mike, Jim, Chris, Jacob and Clayton were able to take part in something they had been looking forward to since they were elected: the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO).

On January 4, Mike, Jim and Clayton flew to Los Angeles from Chicago to meet Chris and Jacob, who flew out of Saint Louis. After a day of Orientation, the Officers from Illinois, along with almost 60 other officers from across the country boarded a plane for Beijing, China.

Although there were some concerns about traveling halfway across the globe, the excitement of the trip countered any doubt. After a nearly 13-hour flight, the team arrived in the Chinese capital city of Beijing, where the 12-day trip of discovery and exploration began.

During the seminar, the officers took planes, buses, boats and trains to explore the cities of Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and Suzhou.

Between visiting tea farms, cattle and sheep operations, goose breeders, dairy farms, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall and so much more; it was a good thing that Illinois’ officers started off well rested. By the time the trip was over, everyone was exhausted.

However, the memories made and the knowledge gained from ILSSO was definitely worth it!

F – Illinois

Meet Your State Reporter Chris Steppig

With my year as a State Officer more than halfway over, I’ve been reflecting on a lot of things lately.

Some of the first things that come to mind are my family, my friends and my time with the FFA. Whether it was my mom urging me to give everything my best effort, bonding with my dad during numerous home improvement projects, bugging my older sister Tera, or hanging out with my twin brother Nick, my family has shaped me into the person I am.

When I’m not hanging out with my family, I can be found with my close group of friends. One of my best memories from high school was graduating on the baseball field with the school baseball team that Nick was on. Because our baseball team would be competing in the State Baseball Playoffs at the same time as our graduation ceremony, our school coordinated a special event for the baseball team on our baseball field. Although I wasn’t on the baseball team Nick was, so I was able to participate in the ceremony

and attend the State Baseball Finals.

It was certainly a unique experience, and my friends and I have a special memory to go along with our high school graduation. Even though we’ve graduated from high school, I sometimes wonder if we’ll ever grow up, and with that said, I hope we never grow apart.

While I’ve enjoyed some incredibly memorable times with my family and friends, my experience over the past few years with the FFA is one that I will never forget. As you have probably heard me mention before, my career in the FFA began with some contention; I wasn’t all that excited to be a member. To tell the truth, I was only joining the FFA to get participation points for an Agricultural Engineering class my freshman year. It’s amazing how quickly perception can change.

Thanks to my awesome pair of advisors Tim and Mindy McDermott, by the end of my freshman year, I was excited to sign up for another Agriculture class and be in the FFA once again.

Between football, track, tennis, the FFA and keeping my grades up, free time was at a premium.

I didn’t really mind though, I was improving myself through the skills I was learning.

One contest that really drew me in was Parliamentary Procedure.

Although it was hard to get a feel for it at first, I was able to compete at the state level twice, once as a floor member and another as chairman.

Parliamentary Procedure taught me to think on my feet and to be more comfortable speaking in front of others. Not to mention it gave me the confidence to express myself.

While Parliamentary Procedure may not be for everyone, I have come to learn that the FFA has something for those of all interests.

Some members choose to focus on their Supervised Agricultural Experience project while others train themselves to be the best at their favorite Career Development Event. The experiences within the FFA are as diverse as our members; there are dairy people, beef people, poultry people, grain folks, and those who are more interested in the technology of agriculture. No matter what you enjoy, there is a spot for you in the FFA. As this year’s state convention approaches, and my term as State Reporter comes to a close, I’d like to share with everyone the impact that the FFA has made on my life.

I stand by our motto of “premier leadership, personal growth and career success”. I have grown both personally and professionally as a result of the events and activities that I was a part of through the FFA. As you look to improve your local chapters, reach out to your classmates who may be skeptical of the FFA and encourage them to be a part of the greatest student organization in the world. To those who give our organization a chance, it truly will open doors.

Illinois – G

Officers’ Tracks

USDA Commemorative Logo In 2012, the United States Department of Agriculture will celebrate its 150th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, they designed a logo to use during 2012. To start the celebration, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited the Old State Capitol in honor of Abraham Lincoln who played a key role in the creation of the USDA. The Major state officers, along with students from Athens and Taylorville had the exciting opportunity to be a part of the unveiling ceremony.

Salute to Agriculture Day Before the Thanksgiving break, Mike, Jim, Chris, Jacob and Clayton took a trip to the University of Illinois to celebrate the Salute to Ag Day. Here, they listened to several speakers talk about the importance of agriculture and enjoyed a delicious meal. After the meal, those who had tickets stuck around for the University of Illinois football game.

Elite Conference

Orion Samuelson was one of several speakers at the U of I Salute to Ag Day.

While Mike worked diligently in the office, Jim, Chris, Jacob and Clayton drove to Bloomington for the Elite Conference. Held at the Illinois Farm Bureau building, the conference helped students considering a teaching career to learn more about the field. Whether it was through workshops, speeches or an open discussion with veteran teachers, the Elite Conference enlightened those in attendance to the opportunities of teaching.

December State Officer Meeting Right before the holiday break, the section presidents met up with the Majors, Mr. Craft, Mr. Dry and Mr. Hepner in Springfield for the December state officer meeting. The state officers heard from former state officer Austin Ashby during one night of the two-day meeting. In light of the holiday season, the state officers boxed up more than 170 care packages to be sent overseas to our troops. A huge thank you goes out to the Athens FFA Chapter, who brought in over 5,000 items for care packages.

212 Conference Right after the Majors returned home from ILSSO, it was time to get back to work. Their first assignment was the 212 conference, where Jim, Chris and Jacob headed to Schaumberg, and Mike and Clayton drove to Collinsville. For those in attendance, it was a unique opportunity to discover their potential as FFA members and to step out of their comfort zones.

H – Illinois

The Michigan FFA Creed Spring 2012

The Michigan FFA Creed 108 Natural Resources - East Lansing, MI - 48824 www.michiganffa.org - association@michiganffa.org Phone: (517) 353-9221 - Fax: (517) 432-5632

C I Believe In...

J Future Farmers of Egypt!

Check out the beliefs of your State Secretary

Agricultural Education is sweeping the nation of Egypt!

D Chapter Chatter

M Fun Page

Find out what six members across the state are up to

See if you can find the upcoming events

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F Our Motto In Motion

N The Rest of the Story

Learn about what sponsors, chapters, members and individuals are doing to make the motto part of their life

Creed Staff

Sr. Managing Editor: Jr. Managing Editor: Sr. Advising Editor:

Sara Fosburg Casie Forbush

Marie Hruby Jasper Cunningham Michelle Sidel

Writers

Learn more about three of your state officers

State Officers President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Reporter: Sentinel: Region I VP: Region II VP: Region III VP: Region IV VP: Region V VP: Region VI VP:

Addie Spolyar Caitlin Pell Casie Forbush Katie Jo Gentner Lindsey Garner Mallory Weber Bethany Schreur Brittny Bommarito Rebecca Gulliver Jennifer DeClerg Sara Fosburg Connor Hubbard

The Michigan FFA will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, marital status, weight, sexual orientation or disability. Any student requiring an accommodation as a result of a disability should contact the chapter advisor to arrange such accommodation.

B

I Believe In...

By: Casie Forbush

I believe in living each day like it’s your last.

Life is short, and there’s no reason not to soak up every last bit of it while we’re here. I believe that Lee Brice sums up what I believe in, in his single debut “Love Like Crazy”, very well: Be a best friend: in life, we ALL need someone there to lean on and to gain support from. In order to get that support, we have to give it. Give everything you have to your friends and it will be returned. Reach out, to and help others who may not have many friends, gain new ones. Be the best friend you can be and you will truly be blessed with best friends yourself.

Tell the truth: You will get nowhere in life if you aren’t trusted and respected by those around you. People will listen to those they trust, and if you make a mistake, just admit it. Don’t let things drag out forever. Be the most trustworthy person you can be, even if others around you aren’t doing so. Keep your integrity gauge in check and people will remember you as such a person.

Overuse I love you: today could be your last day. You never know when it will end, so every chance you get, tell people how you feel. Remind them of it all the time, because it’s better to be tired of hearing it than to never be told at all.

Don’t outsmart your common sense: there aren’t enough breaths in your lifetime to waste it away. Believe and trust in your common sense, and follow your heart wherever it takes you, all the while keeping your head on straight. The path to your destination will remain straight and true despite all of the curves you’ll encounter on this road called life if you follow your common sense.

Never let your praying knees get lazy: remember that everyone has different values, but God has a plan for all of us in one way or another. Don’t forget to thank him and all those around you for all that you have. Take advantage of all of the opportunities he offers you and accept the challenges he presents with determination.

Go to work: whether going to work is plowing the fields, finishing your homework, bussing tables at the local restaurant or studying for your FFA contest, nothing ever gets handed to us for free. Somewhere along the way, work was done by someone to accomplish something. Always work hard and in the end, the results are far sweeter when you helped contribute to the finished product.

Love like crazy: put passion, hope and trust into all aspects of your life. Don’t be afraid to celebrate the small accomplishments because they lead to bigger ones. Laugh like you’ve never laughed before, smile like it’s the last time you can, tell those around you thank you, believe in yourself and most importantly love like crazy in every aspect of your life.

Do your best: my dad always told me to do your best and the rest will work out in the end. Even when others see it as a failure, just remember: if you did your personal best, there is nothing more anyone can ask of you. If you do your best in everything you do, no matter how difficult it may be, then you will always be successful.

Life isn’t meant to be spent standing outside the fire. We were made to do tough things. The beauty behind all of the emotions we experience in life helps mold us into who we are, and who we want to be. Believe in yourself and your own abilities, and the successes will line up one at a time. When you can learn to do that, then you are living each day with purpose; each one to its very last second; and like it could be your last.

Dates to Remember:

April

March

1: FFA Alumni College Scholarship TBA: Lansing Lugnuts Game Applications due to the State Alumni Office 8: FFA Board of Directors Meeting - MSU 5-8 p.m.

2: Marketing Plan Papers Due & Ag Skills

Contests Registration Due 15: Agri-Entrepreneurship, Proficiency State Winner’s, National Chapter and 20: Ag Skills Contests American Degree Applications are due to the state FFA office 21: Horse Judging

7-9: State FFA convention MSU Auditorium 22: FFA Board of Directors Meeting MSU 5-8 p.m.

May

C

Chapter Chatter Region 1 Hastings FFA

The Hastings FFA chapter is experiencing recent commitment and activity with several students attending National Convention and hosting a well attended Halloween bonfire and hayride. However, they are just starting to get busy as they have four students participating in the Fall Leadership Conference and their whole chapter is busy selling Christmas wreaths as a fund-raising activity. They are also excited to host a contest at their school this year. Give it up for such a hard working and dedicated group of FFA members!

Region 2

Jackson Area Career Center FFA

This past summer the Jackson Area Career Center FFA Chapter raised over 12,000 dollars in scholarship funds to help cover animal costs for students. This money was raised by auctioning off the steer of a former classmate, Hollie Riggs, who passed away earlier this year. The FFA was important to Hollie, so JACC’s advisor, Jason Gerkhe, asked one of Hollie’s classmates to take care of the steer and show it at the fair. The JACC FFA Chapter was very proud to raise money in memory of Hollie.

Region 3 Alma FFA

Alma FFA kicked off the new year with their summer garden program. The program taught over 25 students in fourth and fifth grade about food and fiber. Activities included: planting a garden, learning healthy food choices, along with learning how to work together to be successful. Current chapter president, Caleb Loomis said that “some of the other activities included going to a farmer’s market and skill building games.” Alma FFA continually builds their chapter by reaching out and educating the youth in their community.

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Region 4 Mason FFA

Mason FFA has been busy lately. Recently, 17 members participated in the chapter co-op and exhibited pigs, lambs and poultry at the Ingham Co. Fair. Animal waste that is produced is composted and used in the greenhouse. Here, members have the opportunity to grow, care for and harvest produce that is marketed. One main event for the chapter is harvesting maple sap for syrup. Members tap trees and give tours. Mason FFA has many dedicated members and we look forward to their continued success.

Region 5 Montcalm FFA

The Montcalm Area Career Center is embarking on a new endeavor that highlights the county’s agricultural heritage. The project is headed by Seth Wolfe, a MACC alumnus,and Lane Grieser, a MACC student.

The two work with Heritage Village volunteers and the Montcalm Community College. The “Threshing Project” will provide students with experience in the restoration of unused land and equipment. The project has already provided the class with practical skills in soil testing.

Region 6

Stephenson FFA

The Stephenson FFA Chapter is 420 miles away from the state FFA office but remains active. Members show livestock and compete in leadership and skills contests. Each November, chapter officers present the official flag folding ceremony at the Veterans Day assembly in front of the school and local veterans.

FFA promotes leadership and good citizenship, the flag folding ceremony shows the members care.

Stephenson FFA also participates in a few FFA activities with the state of Wisconsin including sectional workshops and chapter visits.

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Learning to Do The Cass City FFA chapter is truly living out what learning to do is all about. For the past 21 years the chapter has been nonexistent but they knew that it was time to bring it back! Especially since Cass City is a rural and agriculturally active community. This has been made possible by a few important people including FFA advisor Ms. Gibson and their agricultural advisory committee.

This first year, the chapter has done some amazing things. The most impressive is the FFA barn that was built at the school. This barn was built completely by donated money and products from community members and past Cass City FFA members. When the barn was first being revealed they had a celebration where donors, community members and current and past members were in attendance.

Within the barn they have had 160 broiler chickens for the state broiler contest, seven calves, sheep and goats, along with six feeder pigs and a sow. With these animals the students are trying different feed trials and management practice. Also the six feeder pigs that are being raised are to be shown at the Green and White show at Michigan State University by students.

Many of the members are interested in participating in FFA events at the local, state and national levels.

They took 10 students to National FFA Convention in October and during that trip they attended the sessions, career show, FFA shopping mall, Purdue

By: Katie Jo Gentner

& Bethany Schreur

University and a hypnotist show. They also had a few different entries in the broiler contest this November.

The members are also excited for leadership contests.

Recently, the members were working on putting together a parliamentarian procedure and demonstration team. It was great to see that these new high school members are so interested in all of the opportunities that FFA has to offer to them.

Chapter president, Macey Messing, said that she wants to see the chapter grow into a chapter that can achieve and succeed at anything that is thrown at them.

The chapter is also participating in different events and activities. One of those events is a turkey trot.

This event was a food drive for a Thanksgiving dinner. They were going to try to have a United Way presentation at the event and also honor all of the people who participated in the Thanksgiving dinner.

Another event that they are planning on doing is Food for America which would be similar to Project R.E.D. (Rural Education Day). During this event they want to set up different types of agricultural and food stations in their barn. This event will take place in the spring or summer and will be meant for second grade students. The last activity that they would like to do is a drive your tractor to school day. For this event, anyone in the high school can participate and different awards will be given out.

Advisor, Ms. Gibson deserves a lot of credit for her chapter’s success in this first year. She has gotten a lot of members interested in trying new things. She said that she wants to see the chapter grow and people getting more involved. She also wants to keep the members interested in agriculture because of the area they live in. She said it has been a lot of work trying to establish the program and push it to the limits and do as much as possible.

We are always excited to have new FFA chapters in our state. Thank you to Cass City FFA chapter for pushing it to the limits and taking the advantage of having an FFA chapter in your school. Good luck with all of your undertakings.

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Doing to Learn Mandie and Katie Collier are two 18 year old seniors who grew up on their family farm in Hopkins, Michigan. From raising and caring for their 60 head of cattle, more than 3,500 pigs, to working in their fields of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay, they are two busy and proud farm girls. Although the twins have worked side by side on the farm their whole lives, they have their own identities on the farm.

Katie keeps herself busy working with the pigs and this year she will be able to fill out the proficiency application for swine production. The Colliers have been raising pigs all their lives. They have always bred their own pigs and moving them from the farrowing barn into the nurseries is one of Katie’s favorite parts of raising pigs. Katie is also busy making sure that all the pigs stay healthy, fed and comfortable. Amongst all the work, Katie makes sure that she leaves time to play with the animals. Katie says “the more they get used to you, the easier they are to train and the more they will listen to you when the time comes.” Katie says that she knows all this hard work from her supervised agricultural experience will pay off in the long run.

While Katie is sharpening her skills with the pigs, Mandie is busy working with the cattle and filling out her proficiency application in beef production.

Although the Collier family has only been raising cattle since the twins were 7 years old, there is no doubt that they have a special place on the farm. Mandie takes care of all her own cattle. From feeding and bedding to administering all their medications, Mandie takes the lead. However, what Mandie is most proud of is that they breed and show all of their own cattle. “When I walk into the show ring, it isn’t just to walk out with a big ribbon. I’m there to showcase all the hard work I’ve put into the animals from the day they were born.”

Showcasing that hard work is something both of the girls love to do and they are no strangers to the show ring. Mandie and Katie have been showing pigs and beef cattle since the age of nine. Not only do they show at the Allegan County Fair, but also at the Michigan Winter Beef Expo and the Allegan County Beef Show in the spring. “Dawn [Punches], who is a family friend, is one of our biggest supporters when it comes to showing. She is always there to help us and has taught us how to go out there and really show our animals,” says Katie. “She has taught us everything from the basics to the little things that can make all the difference,” adds Mandie. Although they don’t get to travel very much to show the pigs, Katie says, “given the chance, I would love to get that experience.

Hopefully we can someday soon!”

Their support system doesn’t end there. “We have a lot of people standing behind us, all the time,” Katie

By: Mallory Weber

& Sara Fosburg

shares. Mrs. Couch, their FFA advisor is always there to encourage the girls to do their best and reminding them that they can do anything they put their minds to. Their dad, Paul Collier, is out in the barn with them every day helping them make sure their animals are healthy and ready to be shown. Pauline Collier, the girls’ mother, isn’t involved much with the animals but she is always there taking care of the little things the girls need, especially the delicious cookies she never forgets to bring!

Their career goals are another thing that sets the girls apart but they know that the work from their supervised agricultural experiences will help them later on in life. Mandie plans on going to school to be a veterinary technician. She says, “learning the basics of taking care of animals, knowing what to do to take care of them and having an idea of how they are going to react is really important. Being around the animals and learning these things from such a young age will definitely help to get further in my career field.”

Although Katie isn’t going into a field directly related to agriculture, she says her SAE will still help her find success. “I want to work with kids, and even though it’s different than animals, they both need time and respect. Not only that, but the work ethic I have learned from my SAE and from working on the farm will help me out a ton wherever I go in life,” states Katie.

One piece of advice that Katie says has stuck with her through the years, is just to remind yourself that “what you put into something is what you will get out of it.” If you want to gain something from an experience, you have got to put work into it. Mandie said one of the main things she has learned from all her experiences working on the farm is that if you “work hard and set high goals, you’ll learn more from that than watching someone else do it.” Mandie and Katie Collier are two very good examples of how Michigan FFA is doing to learn.

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Earning to Live Growing up on a family owned cash crop farm in Lenawee County, agriculture has always played a major role in Emily Ries’s life. Her passion for agriculture was very evident when she stated “as a youngster I loved being out on the tractor and combine.” With the loving support and positive influence from her parents she was able to expand her leadership skills and network with students and agriculture professionals around the state and country. Emily continued to further define her interests in agriculture and pursue her personal goal of becoming a communicator for the industry to help make a difference in agriculture.

It was the passion she developed as a child that led to her involvement in 4-H and FFA. Emily played an active role in her local FFA serving as an officer for her chapter along with Region II. In 2006 she had the privilege to serve the Michigan FFA Association as the State Reporter. Michigan FFA Executive Secretary, Mr. Wyrick stated that “Emily brought a positive can-do attitude to state office that was infectious.” These opportunities made Ries a more confident speaker and taught her all about what it meant to be an effective leader. With Emily’s “FFA toolbox,” as she referred to it, stocked full of good advice from mentors and skills she had acquired through the years she was ready for the next step in her life.

By: Brittny Bommarito

& Rebecca Gulliver

members come first and she always gets them the information they need in a very timely manner. She works closely with the county farm bureau members to help their counties succeed.

She also had a tremendous impact on the NRCS grant program.

Emily is a great asset to our organization.” Lori Chamberlain, the Manager of the Young Farmer and Rancher division at Michigan Farm Bureau, states working with Emily as being a pleasure.

Chamberlain describes her as “a very polished and accomplished professional.”

Along with working at Michigan Farm Bureau, Emily is a strong leader on the Michigan FFA Alumni Council. Michigan FFA Alumni supports and promotes the Michigan FFA Association, FFA activities and agri-science education on the local, state, and national levels. The alumni also strives to promote greater knowledge of the agriculture industry and support education in agriculture.

Emily firmly believes in the mission statement of the Michigan FFA Alumni Association.

Lori Chamberlain stated that “she is a strong leader on the council and is always looking for ways to improve FFA Alumni programs.”

Emily is committed to serving the Michigan FFA Alumni to help support Michigan FFA members throughout the state. According to Mr. Wyrick, “as a young professional Emily still exhibits her positive, “can-do” attitude in her work performance” at Michigan Farm Bureau and serving on the Michigan FFA Alumni Council.

Michigan FFA’s State Advisor Dr. Randy Showerman was impressed with Emily’s ability to communicate with others about the FFA, when he first met her as a student at Sand Creek. Showerman referred to Emily as being “an excellent role model for others.” When asked what advice Emily had for young agriculturalists and FFA members she replied that “agriculture is a great industry and community to be a part of. No matter what you are interested in, there is something for you in agriculture.

Michigan needs good leaders like each of you. Get out there and make a difference for Michigan.”

After high school, Ries attended Michigan State University where she majored in Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications. Emily had the opportunity to intern with Michigan Farm Bureau for multiple years which later turned into a full time position. Today, Emily is the Agricultural Ecology Specialist at Michigan Farm Bureau based in Lansing.

Ries works to promote good environmental stewardship practices to farmers across the state of Michigan. Saginaw Valley Regional Representative, Karen Stoneman, said that “Emily makes sure the

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Emily is the true definition of an “agvocate.” She has a deep love and passion for agriculture and strives to better inform people of the industry.

Dustin DuFort Petty stated that “there is nobody in this world like Emily Ries. She approaches life with a sort of grace and gentleness that is rarely seen.

Everyone she encounters can feel her passion for life, agriculture, and others. If there is someone who truly represents the agriculture in the 21st century, it is Emily Ries.”

Living to Serve Raising quality hogs can be a difficult process, but it is something that Daniel Flynn takes pride in.

Daniel, a 15 year old freshman from and member of the Branch Area Career Center (BACC) FFA Chapter, has been breeding, raising and selling swine for four years. His Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) started when he showed a gilt as a 4-H project at his county fair. The experience was fulfilling enough that Daniel decided he was going to expand his project.

He looked into what it would take to breed pigs successfully and made connections in the industry.

By fall, Daniel had purchased his first bred gilt and farrowed his first litter of pigs in March. His initial experience encouraged him to expand his operation.

Daniel currently owns two sows and one gilt that he has bred with selected boars. Once the piglets are old enough, he plans to sell them to various outlets, such as show pigs, breeding gilts and feeder pigs.

Daniel’s SAE has given him numerous hands-on experiences. By owning and breeding animals he has learned how to properly feed and medicate his sows.

He has benefited by assisting his sows farrow and helped while a cesarean section was performed.

Daniel also breeds his sows to make sure the litters will have the genetic traits he prefers.

By: Jennifer DeClerg

& Connor Hubbard

Daniel admits that he would not have been such a success if it weren’t for several people in his life. He credits his agriscience teacher and 4-H leaders who have constantly encouraged him. Many farmers in the industry always have advice and he appreciates the fact that his father is a veterinarian and can learn techniques and proper procedures from a reliable source.

A good work ethic is essential when it comes to owning a pig operation, which is something that Daniel definitely possesses. Through his experience he has learned proper bio-security and health practices to maintain his herd. He also finds that his observation skills have improved and that his financial decisions are properly thought out. Daniel recalls, “I can’t think of anything that has happened during my SAE that has been wasted – even the mistakes and set backs are something to learn from.” Daniel hopes to sharpen his record keeping skills and continue to learn new concepts to prepare for his future.

In addition to those who assist Daniel with his SAE, he also acknowledges that his involvement in the FFA would not have been adamant it if weren’t for a friend offering to drive him to a chapter meeting. He liked what he saw and decided he wanted to get involved.

Now, Daniel enjoys teaching others what he has learned, not only from his project but from FFA as well. He is always ready to share with someone who is willing to listen.

In the future Daniel plans to attend college and has a strong interest in swine genetics.

Daniel has had success not only in owning and managing his project but also with showing and marketing his hogs. He has received top honors at the Calhoun County fair and has done several research projects based on his SAE that have been award winning. “I like the challenge of breeding better pigs,” Daniel said.

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The Future Farmers of … Egypt!

By: Sara Fosburg

The growth of agriculture is something that has continued to hold America together and has influenced our economic growth throughout the years. It is no surprise that the idea of agriculture and the National FFA Organization ties our hearts and minds to America. In recent years, the country of Egypt has taken notice of the ambitious spirit of agricultural education students and FFA members. America’s love of leadership and agriculture has infectiously spread to other nations.

The country of Egypt has fifty three agricultural technology schools that focus on teaching agricultural skills to students, yet leadership is a value which until recently has not been taught. For years the FFA has worked to improve leadership skills among the youth of our nation. By observing various central Michigan FFA chapters, Egypt has realized the benefits of instilling leadership and what it can accomplish. Egypt chose to observe Michigan chapters because they were open to the idea of working with another country and for Michigan’s strong reputation of solid Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource Education programs within the United States.

On October 7th through the 15th of this year, Dr. Randy Showerman, the Michigan State FFA Advisor, and Dr. Kirk Heinze, a retired Agriculture and Natural Resources Education and Communication Systems department chairperson from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University, traveled to Egypt to assist in the development of their agricultural education programs. The two trained teachers from fifteen different schools and assimilated various aspects of the FFA into the FFE. While in Egypt, Dr. Showerman said “we were

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welcomed with open arms and that the teachers were excited about the development of the FFE and how it would help their students and country.” The plan for the FFE is to start small and ensure strong growth.

They will have FFE clubs rather than chapters like the FFA. Each club will be able to have fifty members who will be broken into smaller groups to accomplish group tasks and projects. The tasks these groups focus on will be very similar to the FFA’s supervised agricultural experience projects. Different projects the FFE will work on include perfume development, rabbit farming, water management, smoking awareness campaigns and bee keeping. The projects will have a committee structure and will be student driven, helping promote leadership among Egyptian students. Students will be able to pick their own project, develop a marketing plan and carry out the projects on their own. Not only will this improve their agricultural skills, but it will also help to hone their business and leadership skills. Drs. Showerman and Heinze recommended that the FFE starts out small with local competitions this year and hope for regional and national competitions to come in the future. Student awards will be given out during banquets similar to our programs.

In Michigan our communities are very involved with FFA. In Egypt, community involvement is very hard to come by and they are working on ways to get different agricultural-based businesses and local

groups to support the newly founded FFE. There is tremendous growth potential for the FFE and there are several value added products that students work with to improve on a daily basis.

He would also like to expand different programs and opportunities for the students. “It is my goal to eventually link up a Michigan FFA member with an Egyptian FFE member.” This goal will be a great challenge because few schools in Egypt have the internet so students may have to write letters instead of e-mails. FFE is currently funded by the Midwest Universities Consortium for International Activities, Inc. (MUCIA), as a special project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

What is agriculture like in Egypt? Egypt is a “true desert” said Dr. Showerman. Many Egyptian families partake in sustenance farming. You may have one family raising sugarcane, sorghum and chickens.

Goats, sheep, potatoes, olive, grapes and beef cattle are also all very popular types of agricultural commodities found in Egypt. The Nile is the “life blood” of Egypt and the entire Country’s agriculture system is supported by the water from the Nile.

What does the future of The FFE look like? In the future Dr. Showerman is planning to travel back to Egypt with a group of teachers to train even more teachers and establish more FFE chapters. Michigan FFA state officers may even get the chance to travel to Egypt to work on leadership training with students who are interested in the FFE. Dr. Showerman would also like to bring another group of FFE teachers back to the United States to visit different FFA chapters.

When we think of the FFA we think of the emblem, the cross section of the ear of corn representing unity, the eagle symbolizing freedom, the rising sun signifying progress, the plow representing labor and tillage of the soil and the owl representing knowledge.

The emblem defines our beliefs and ethics within the National FFA Organization. Our emblem is displayed on a corduroy jacket that we now proudly wear. The emblem for the FFE will be displayed on a blue cotton jacket. The emblem will consist of the rising sun representing the future of agriculture, the Nile River stands for the lifeblood of Egypt, King Tut on behalf of the rich history of Egypt and the plant represents the future of Egypt’s success in agriculture.

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“I employ more than one million Michigan residents —24% of our work force.”

—Michigan Agriculture

Support our youth!

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Spring Has Sprung Some Fun!

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The Rest of the Story

Lindsey Garner State Reporter

Jennifer DeClerg Region IV State VP

Mallory Weber State Sentinel

Chapter: Byron FFA

Chapter: Durand FFA

Chapter: Hopkins FFA

SAE: Diversified Horticulture Production

SAE: Diversified Livestock Production and Turfgrass

SAE: Swine Production

College: Michigan State University

College: Michigan State University

College: Lansing Community College Major: Agricultural Education

Major: Agricultural Education

Major: Animal Science

Favorite Sport: Football

Favorite Book: “To Kill A Mocking Bird” - Harper Lee

Favorite Candy: Swedish Fish Favorite Homemade Meal: Hamburgers and sweet potato fries

Word used to describe self: Passionate

High School Activities: National Honors Society, 4-H and Student Council

Favorite Athletic Team: Michigan State Spartans

Favorite FFA Activity: Washington Leadership Conference

Personal Hobby: Working with animals

Favorite thing to do with friends: Go to the movies

Favorite FFA Activity: Leadership contests

Favorite Musician: The Beatles Favorite book: The Lucky One Theme Song: “I Was Here” Lady Antebellum Word used to describe self: Spontaneous People looked to for strength and guidance: God Favorite Sport: Football

Personal Hobby: Reading

Favorite Movie: Forest Gump

Favorite Movie: Saving Private Ryan

Favorite thing to do with friends: Telling Laffy Taffy jokes

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Personal Hobby: Listening to music

enhance Michigan’s

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More than you imagined.

www.canr.msu.edu | 800.810.0MSU P

Oklahoma Headline Headline Deck deck deck deck

Outlook

Spring 2012

The Washington Leadership Conference National FFA’s premier annual leadership conference attracts over 2,000 student participants from 45 states.

Participants grow and develop in the areas of self-awareness, diversity, advocacy and service, with Washington, D.C., as the “classroom.”

Former Oklahoma FFA state president, Whitney Danker, is now the Educational Program Manager for the National FFA Organization in Indianapolis. She is in charge of the WLC program.

“WLC participants should expect a conference that will challenge their thoughts, words, and actions and entice them to grow into a better person, leader and servant. Students should come prepared to brainstorm ways to impact their community and their chapters, and they will leave with a detailed plan on how to carry out their service plans.”

Whitney attended the conference as an FFA member in 2002. “As a student I loved the bus trip! The experience of being surrounded by Oklahoma FFA’s brightest young leaders and having the opportunity to grow and learn from them was incredible. I truly made lasting friendships on that trip – people I consider some of my closest friends, even ten years later.”

The bus trip takes 147 Oklahoma FFA members to the conference during the first week of June. “When week one rolls around and students from Oklahoma take over WLC, I am overwhelmed with pride. I love that I can give back to FFA members, but I love it even more when I can give back to Oklahoma FFA.”

WLC changed how I look at my own life.

-Wade Arthur

photo identifier Kurt Murray, Oklahoma FFA Alumni Advisor, recently represented Oklahoma on a task force to enhance and improve the WLC experience. “The WLC is an advanced leadership conference for juniors and seniors who are trying to find where they’re at leadership wise. They do a lot of advocacy and a really good community service activity.

“There’s probably not a more appropriate place to talk about advocacy of something than in D.C. The students get out in the city, meet with their legislators, and go to the capital, where they can see lots of good examples of leadership.”

Through the generosity of various sponsors, donors and the FFA Alumni Association, Oklahoma FFA provides nearly 50 WLC scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1,000.

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Not every participant will get a scholarship, but many local chapters will help cover the costs for some of their members, and some students pay their own way.

Micaela Danker, a senior at Wellston High School, attended WLC during the summer of 2011. “We talked about leadership and teamwork, about our purpose in life and what we can do to change our town, our community, our state and our world. It changed my perspective on the world. This conference really opens your eyes to the needs in this world and how many people are starving every night and how many people have lost their homes from a disaster.

“The biggest thing we did was our Living to Serve Plan and that’s what our main focus was. At the end of the week we went on a community service project. I went to Habitat for Humanity and helped them organize their warehouse, which was really cool because we got to put what we learned during the week into action.

Wade Arthur is a senior at Sequoya High School. He also attended WLC in 2011. “WLC was probably my most memorable and favorite FFA event ever. It was really neat to see Arlington Cemetery, the White House, the monuments, all up close with people who know about it and can teach you about it.”

“They did a really good job of showing us how good we have it here in our nation, that sometimes we need to slow down and try to do something for other people.”

“WLC changed how I look at my own life. I’ve always known that I wanted to be a doctor, but now I think I’d like to do something for the less fortunate in other countries.”

Total cost for the bus trip and conference registration for Oklahoma FFA members is $950. Deadline for scholarship applications is March 1, 2012. Deadline for bus registration is May 15.

You can find more information about WLC on our website: www.okffa.org

Oklahoma FFA Wins Big in National Speech Contests!

Oklahoma FFA has had a top four finalist in all three national speaking events for three years in a row! We have won the national Prepared speaking event for three years in a row, won the national Extemporaneous speaking event two years in a row and placed in the Creed event four of the last five years.

Kaylen Baker, from the Yukon FFA Chapter, is this year’s National Prepared Public Speaking Winner.

She is the 7th Oklahoman to win this event!

Kaylen chose a very interesting and unusual topic for her speech: miniature cattle. She prepared for her speech by doing a lot of research on the Internet. She also went to OSU and talked with Animal Science professors to get additional information to use in the Q&A. Kaylen’s unique topic set her apart from the other contestants, but what was more important was being so well prepared for the Q&A. “Once you get to that point in the competition, everybody’s going to sound good, so the way you answer the questions is what will set you apart.”

Tim Herren is Kaylen’s advisor.

He helped Kaylen with her delivery, but the majority of the work was helping with additional research, meeting with content experts and preparing for the Q&A. “We wanted to make sure that her subject knowledge and ability to answer the judges’ specific questions was there, and that we had enough research that they could

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not ask her something she did not know.”

This year’s winner of the National Extemp Speaking contest was Kyle Hilbert of the Depew FFA chapter. Here’s a part of how Kyle describes his preparation for that contest: “Before I went they provided me with four different categories that the topic could be under. That basically told me it could pertain to almost anything dealing with agriculture. I spent hours on the computer doing research. We interviewed Ron Hays (Oklahoma Farm Report) and Tyler Norvell at Oklahoma Farm Bureau, we worked with Mr. Staats, Mr. Boggs and Mr. Murray in Stillwater, and we had two practice sessions with Kelly Barnes.

“In Extemp, a lot of times speakers bobble quite a bit, but because of all the preparation I had going in, I didn’t bobble one time. I think that helped a lot – the preparation and work beforehand.”

Brian Campbell is Kyle’s FFA Advisor. His advice for FFA Advisors who want to help their students compete at the national level is to provide all the help you can on your local level and then help your student connect with acknowledged subject matter experts and other resources.

Lori Burns is the FFA Advisor at Kingfisher high school. In the last five years, her students have won first place in national Extemporaneous Speaking once and Prepared Speaking twice and have placed in Creed Speaking four times.

“I get them started fairly early and I’m on their case quite a bit, making sure they have their stuff memorized. We work a lot of hours in a day, before and after school, and weekends. I don’t really give up on anybody – even if they want me to.

Ms. Burns also provides her students with lots of opportunities to practice and deliver their speech in front of people. “We’ll go to five or six contests before we go to the qualifying events. That way we’re sure that by the time they get to qualifying events, they’ve said their speech to at least 15 different judges, so they’ve had lots of questions and they’re more confident with their presentations.

Her advice for other advisors: “Just help each kid fulfill his or her goals. Every kid is different.

Capitalize on what they have to offer. And don’t be afraid to work too hard.”

Look for extended versions of these articles, including interviews and

You Can Be A Winner, Too! Tips from the Pros

An agricultural reporter for the Oklahoma Farm Report and Radio Oklahoma Network, Ron Hays has been covering FFA in Oklahoma since 1977. He has judged FFA speaking events at the state and national level and has observed the top four speakers in the national finals for many years.

Rising to the Oklahoma standard of success in speech competition does not come easily, but it is something every Oklahoma FFA member has the opportunity to achieve. Here are some tips from Ron: “If you’re just coming into FFA, participating in the Creed contest is a great way to get your feet wet. There are two things you have to be able to do. Number one, you have to be able to say it correctly, without any errors.”

“Secondly, really know the background and history of the Creed. Look at all the various phrases and paragraphs. Get your own story about what each of those

paragraphs mean and be able to express that, because you have to be able to answer questions.”

After mastering the Creed, the next logical step is Prepared Public Speaking. “You’ve got to pick a topic, research it, and do a good job writing your speech. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from an English teacher or from some other folks, even outside the FFA program. Then practice, learn it, and compete in all the various contests that are available to you.

The ultimate level of speech contest in FFA is Extemporaneous.

“The best way to prepare for Extemp is to speak at least one year and have some success in Prepared Public Speaking. That gives a good feel for choosing a topic, developing it, and then defending your position with questions. You really need to have some comfort in being able to deal with questions before you tackle Extemp.”

“If you look at all the other youth organizations that are available in American schools, there are no other organizations that will pull together all those skills as well as FFA.” Kelly Barnes is a professional speaker on the national stage, working throughout the country, inspiring students and adults alike. He was a 2002-03 Oklahoma FFA association State Vice-president and the 2003-04 State President. Since that time he has served as a mentor and coach to the Oklahoma FFA State officers, as well as individual FFA members.

Kelly told us about several traits

that are common to successful speakers. The first trait he mentioned, no surprise, is the ability to get over the fear of speaking. “The number one fear in America is fear of speaking. Seinfeld makes a good joke about that: if you have the option of being the one speaking at a funeral or being the one in the casket, you’d rather be the one in the casket. Fear of speaking is bigger than the fear of death.

“People feel like they should be nervous – and they should. If you want to do a great job at something, you’re going to be a little nervous about it. For me, the thing that works the best is having a thorough understanding of my topic. When I really have a good understanding of what I want to talk about, what stories I want to use, then I walk in with much more confidence.”

“Gaining that confidence is, number one, understanding your material, doing the research ahead of time and putting in the hours – practicing like you’re going to give the speech in front of people. The more you practice, the easier it becomes and the more confident you feel.”

Another key point: your speech should be your speech.

Resist the temptation to let someone else write it for you. You’re going to spend a lot of time working on your content and your speech, so make sure it’s something you’re interested in. Also, when you write your own speech, it’s much easier to memorize because you’ve been focused on it the whole time.”

more tips from Ron Hays and Kelly Barnes, on our website: www.okffa.org

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Your 2011-2012 Kaleigh Lynch, State Reporter From that fateful day forward, I gave FFA events and activities 100 percent. I participated in everything I could, including public speaking contests, other career development events, and even showing hogs.

Every time I put on my blue and gold jacket, I felt an amazing sense of pride because I was representing so much more than just myself, or even my chapter. I was representing the state of Oklahoma, which has one of the greatest FFA Associations in our nation.

Texas, Germany, Colorado, Iowa, and Oklahoma . . . these are the places I called home during the first 10 years of my life. Dad was an Air Force captain and moving was just a part of our life. While I loved the adventure of moving around the country, it made me shy and I kept to myself rather than going out of my way to meet new people. By the time I reached my freshman year, I only had a small, close group of friends.

In eighth grade, I joined the FFA, but sat in the back of the room, too scared to get involved. This all changed the day my Ag-Ed teacher challenged me to memorize the FFA Creed and compete. I accepted this challenge, and while I didn’t win my first speech contest, I found myself starting to change. I had discovered new confidence and passion that I never knew existed. I had found a place where I belonged, and I began to meet the people that today are my best friends.

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I will be eternally grateful to FFA because it has given me so many amazing opportunities and friends and, more importantly, it has been instrumental in molding me into the young lady I am today.

FFA members, you only have a short time to wear the blue and gold. The FFA is not a spectator sport, so get off the sidelines and get involved! Make the most of all the opportunities so that you are able to look back on your FFA experience with no regrets!

Kaleigh loves roller coasters, and her favorite FFA activity is public speaking

State Officers!

Andrew Aldridge, Central District Vice President members, as students, as leaders, and as individuals. I think all of us have had times in our lives when we feel like no one believes in us. Or we think maybe our dreams are just too big to reach.

If you have ever seen the movie Miracle, you probably know the meaning behind its name. At the 1980 Winter Olympics, the USA hockey team surprisingly took home the gold medal. No one believed a group of 20 guys who had never played together could prepare for and compete as a winning team in the Olympics.

After several losses leading up to the Olympics, Coach Herb knew he had to do something that would allow his players to believe in themselves and come together as a team. He knew it would take a miracle for this team to win the Olympics. But Coach Herb believed in miracles!

Right before the Olympic games were to begin, Coach Herb huddled his players together. “Great moments are born with great opportunities,” he said.

“Now is your time. Go out there and take it!”

Thinking about the impact this movie had on me, I realize how relevant it is to our everyday lives as FFA

FFA members, I am absolutely sure you will experience many great moments in the near future. And with great moments come so many opportunities. I want to challenge you to believe in yourself. This is your time!

Go out there and take it! Set your goals high, and every day move one step forward towards reaching your dream. The opportunities you will encounter along the way are greater than you can ever imagine.

The 1980 USA Olympic hockey team not only pulled off a miracle but also gave America a renewed sense of hope. We began to dream again. We began to believe again.

FFA members, I believe in you! Like Coach Herb said, “Now is your time. Get out there and take it.”

When Andrew was only five years old, he sang on stage with Tim McGraw

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Looking Forward to our My favorite memory would be my senior year State Convention 2011 at the State Degree Banquet. I loved getting to sit and eat with the friends I have made over the past four years. It was an awesome experience, getting to share our accomplishments with each other.

-- Joshua Conaway, NW District VP

Jeff Civillico:

Comedy in Action

Jeff is a Vegas-based headline entertainer who blends juggling with friendly audience interaction and insane amounts of energy.

His zany lifestyle, boundless energy, and contagious spirit create an unforgettable entertainment experience.

See it to believe it!

The State Convention is what inspired me to get fully involved in this organization. As a first year member, the convention showed me how many lives our great organization has touched. It also developed the passion I have for our great organization because I saw how life changing it is.

Some of the highlights of the convention are the amazing concert, the inspiring keynote speakers and the phenomenal FFA talent.

-- Courtney Maye, State President

-- Andrew Aldridge, Central District VP

Grant Baldwin: Reality Check Grant has always enjoyed challenging and inspiring those around him to overcome obstacles and be something significant -- turning hardship into hope. His keynote will captivate with humor, innovate with creativity, and motivate with passion.

I believe it is important to have an annual conference because it gives Oklahoma FFA members an opportunity to come together and celebrate our successes!

-- Kaleigh Lynch, State Reporter

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2012 Convention dates are Tuesday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 2

2012 State Convention Josh Shipp: The Dr. Phil for Teens Josh was abandoned and abused as a child, but was able to triumph over the tragedy.

He says, “You can’t change the past – so why not focus on building an incredible future?”

Josh offers up a healthy dose of what he calls “advice with an attitude.”

State Convention is a time for us to recognize our achievements, grow as individuals, and reunite with good friends!

My favorite memory would be experiencing the first general session of my eighth grade year. It was my first time to attend State Convention as an FFA member. I can just remember the adrenaline rush when the laser lights first came on and opening ceremonies started. That’s a moment you never forget.

-- Justin Turner, SW District VP

Some of my favorite memories have been seeing the new officers get elected (you can feel the adrenaline rush), getting to meet new people from all across the state, and getting to sing “Amarillo Skies” in the state FFA talent program on the convention stage. These are memories I will cherish forever.

-- Brandon Baumgarten, State Secretary

-- Hannah Nemecek, NE District VP The highlights of the conference?

Seeing everyone that you only get to see once or twice a year but you know you are best friends anyway; also listening to some awesome speakers!

-- Kristal Williams, SE District VP

Concert: The Josh Abbott Band One of the fastest rising stars in Texas country Performing to packed houses in Texas, Oklahoma and the surrounding states Tuesday, May 1, 10:00 p.m.

Cox Convention Center Arena $10 General Admission

This is our 86th annual state convention.

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Future Agricultural Education Teacher Academy and Scholarship Program “An ag teacher is more than just someone who teaches us about agriculture. An ag teacher is there for you when you need them, to push you out of your comfort zone just a little bit, and support you when you need them the most.”

These are the words of a participant in last years’ Future Agricultural Education Teacher Academy, a week-long camp for FFA members who are considering a career as an Ag-Ed teacher.

Dr. Jon Ramsey, who teaches Agricultural Education at OSU, is a Director of the Academy. He tells us that being an ag teacher is not just a job - it’s a career. “A career is your calling, it’s your passion, and it’s what you are excited about doing everyday. (Being an ag teacher) becomes the essence of who you are and what you do and how you interact with other people.”

Current ag teachers agree. Emily Hogland just finished her third year as ag teacher at Union City. “It’s such a rewarding job. It’s busy and can be stressful, but it is so rewarding. There’s nothing like seeing a kid learn, succeed and get excited about something – there’s just nothing like that.”

Ms. Hogland sees the Future Teacher Academy as a giant step ahead for students.

“It’s a chance to come and network with other students and current ag teachers, get questions answered, and squelch any of those doubts you have about being able to do it.”

David Turner is an ag teacher at Eufaula, Oklahoma. He says that some of the biggest big payoffs for being an ag teacher happen when former students take time to say “thank you” for making a difference in their lives. “That makes you think back to your own time in ag. I felt the same way – that this was a place I belonged, like an extended part of my family.”

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Mr. Turner has that same feeling as an ag teacher. “In Oklahoma, the Ag-Ed family – OSU, the staff at CareerTech, all the ag teachers, we all take care of each other. It’s a career you can get into and we’re all very much a part of the family.”

Jonathan Holloway, who teaches ag at Owasso, adds this, “One of the things I value most about my job is the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives. Not just in teaching them about the ag industry, but life and life skills, in general.

Zach Hollingsworth, a member of the Claremore FFA chapter, was a student at the 2011 Future Ag-Ed Teacher Academy. Like many FFA members, he was inspired by his high school ag teacher. “I saw what my ag teacher did and how he inspired so many kids and so many kids looked up to him. He became a big influence in my life because I wanted to be like him.”

Zach recommends the academy because, “It’s the best camp ever. It’s like Alumni Camp, but more about your future career. If you like to work with kids or inspire kids, you should go to it.”

Another thing about the ag education profession – it is full of opportunities.

On the day we interviewed Dr. Ramsey, there were 20 teaching positions open in Oklahoma. “We definitely have a need for teachers. At OSU we work hard to get the best and the brightest and the most qualified people out there. Anyone who wants to teach, who completes the program at OSU, can get a teaching job.”

The 2012 Future Agricultural Education Teacher Academy will be held at OSU from June 18-22. College scholarships are available to Academy participants. The deadline for applications is March 15.

Application forms and additional information are available at www.okffa.org