2015-2016 Kansas FFA Foundation Annual Report by Kansas FFA Foundation

2015-2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM LEFT: Dr. Steven Harbstreit, K-State Agricultural Education; Kelly Hoelting, Mission Valley High School; Kevin Harris – Secretary, Harris Crop Insurance; Jill Casten, Kansas Farm Bureau; Greg Krissek – Chair-Elect, Kansas Corn Commission; Halley Nett, Cargill Meat Solutions; Matt Baxter, Kansas FFA Alumni; Karl Dawn Stover, Ellsworth High School; Mike Smith, Ag 1 Source; Melanie Mainquist – Treasurer, Land O'Lakes; Tom Hemmer – Chair, Solomon Corporation; Troy Soukup, Citizens State Bank and Trust.

NOT PICTURED: Jeff Bechard, Rich Connell Agri-Search; Scott Bokelman, Frontier Farm Credit; Kurt Dillon, Kansas FFA Advisor; John Gilliam, Klenda, Mitchell, Austerman Zuercher, LLC; Sam Hands, Triangle H; Mary Kane, Kansas FFA Executive Secretary; Jackie McClaskey, Kansas Dept of Agriculture; Terry Nelson, Nelson Farms, Inc; Randy Reinhardt, Zephyr Products, Inc; Jessie Smith, Kansas FFA Alumni Association; Karl Wilhelm, 2015-2016 Kansas FFA President.

NEWLY ELECTED FOR 2016-2017: Randy Galle, Steel and Pipe Supply Company; Elizabeth Meyer, 2016-2017 Kansas FFA President; Luke Oplinger, Spring Creek Farms; Larry Steckline, LS Media; Yancy Wright, John Deere.

Tom Hemmer BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR

Dear Friends of the Kansas FFA Foundation:

Amplify was the theme of the 2016 Kansas FFA Convention, a theme that reflected the great momentum we are seeing in the agriculture industry and in agricultural education today. The National FFA Organization recently announced its membership is at a new record high of 629,367. Kansas followed the trend as our state organization grew to more than 9,000 members in 186 chapters. Kansas was also well represented at the 2015 National FFA Convention where our students excelled in their respective National Chapter, Career Development Event (CDE) and Proficiency areas. As a state we are experiencing high student involvement and the benefits of educators who selflessly devote their talents and energy to their students.

There is a lot to be excited about in the Kansas FFA and the Kansas FFA Foundation; we are proud to share with you some of the successes of the past 12 months.

In November 2015 the Board of Trustees met at the Kansas Department of Agriculture to begin laying the foundation for a robust strategic plan that would frame our work through 2020. Out of this process, five new funding priority areas arose in response to increased need and successful fulfillment of the past areas of priority. Months of visioning and dedicated effort have led to a strategic plan that we are proud of and believe will be our roadmap to a future where we can more fully support our students and educators.

With opportunities for growth and an aggressive strategic plan came the need to create a new giving tier system, as shown on the following page. This system will also allow us to offer more exposure to our corporate partners and more fully recognize our individual donors for their generosity. In January we welcomed two new partners to our 5-Star circle of friends: Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, LLC, and the Kansas Corn Commission. We are honored that they recognize the impact of supporting our FFA members and future leaders. Many of you celebrated National FFA Week with us by revisiting your own memories of the blue jacket and by giving to the Foundation. One-hundered percent of that support went into student programming such as the Leader Lab held in March.

We recognize that our students see success because of the dedication of the agricultural educators in our state. We proudly supported our teachers with scholarships as they student taught and attended professional development events. With your help we were also able to fund the Teacher Success Program, a mentorship program for teachers in their first through third year of teaching.

The achievements of our students and educators were celebrated at the 88th Kansas FFA Convention in Manhattan. Your support funded a premier Convention that included awards and recognition of our members, leadership workshops, opportunities for donors to meet the students they support and a Career Fair attended by 1,400 high school students.

Jodi A. Mason EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

We are so grateful for your support. And we are honored to serve as a way for you to leave your legacy. In the following pages of this report you will see how your support has impacted students, assisted educators and helped us do the important work of developing our country’s future leaders and agricultural innovators.

Thank you for your belief in agricultural education and the Kansas FFA and for the vital role you have played in building our Foundation and the opportunities available to our FFA members. You are making an impact!

Sincerely,

Tom Hemmer

Jodi A. Mason BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Youth Leadership Development

Strategic Objectives

1. Expand the current program offerings for Kansas FFA members.

2. Forecast costs for programming through 2020 to better develop accurate yearly budgets.

3. Increase scholarships to offset the expense of Washington Leadership Conference.

4. Align donors to FFA programs where they find passion and excitement.

Scholarship & Career Development

Strategic Objectives

1. Increase Career Development Event funding to $3,000 per state CDE.

2. Increase Proficiency Award funding to $600 per state award area.

3. Double the number of Supervised Agricultural Experience program grants awarded each year through 2020.

4. Enhance the opportunities for students to enter trade careers through focused scholarships.

Individual Giving Development

Strategic Objectives

1. Define and develop a brand image that better communicates our presence as a viable foundation.

2. Enhance outreach to current and potential individual donors.

3. Offer a strong portfolio of giving options for individuals and families.

4. Gather, manage, analyze and report funding data to donors.

State Convention Development

Strategic Objectives

1. Develop an annual Donor Experience during the Kansas FFA Convention.

2. Expand available funding for State Convention speakers.

3. Increase the overall funding available to the Kansas FFA Association.

4. Explore ways to enhance the Convention experience for all attendees through Foundation partnerships.

Agricultural Education Development

Strategic Objectives

1. Increase scholarship opportunities for educator professional development.

2. Explore options to financially assist Teaching Interns during their internship semester.

3. Build a partnership with corporate donors and schools-in-need, utilizing a grant process.

4. Provide support and collaboration for the Teacher Success Program.

NEW GIVING LEVELS, BEGINNING 2016-2017

As part of the Strategic Plan, the Board of Trustees has revised the Foundation's giving recognition levels, as outlined below. For additional details on opportunities available at each giving level, please conatct the Foundation office.

Corporate Partners

Individual Donors

The Board of Trustees began developing the new Strategic Plan during a retreat held in November of 2015.

Total Annual Gifts

Fiscal Years 2009 – 2015

Gift Designations

2016 STARS OVER KANSAS

The Star Awards represent the best of the best among Kansas State FFA Degree recipients. Finalists for the award have mastered skills in production, finance, management and/or research. These members have gone above and beyond in their supervised agricultural experience.

The Stars over Kansas program is sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas.

2016 STAR IN AGRIBUSINESS

Austin Nordyke, Hugoton FFA Chapter

The Star in Agribusiness Award is sponsored by ICM, Inc.

Nordyke’s Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAE) is in Plant Systems Landscape Entrepreneurship, in which he runs his own lawn care service, Austin Nordyke Lawn Care. He has built a customer base of approximately 30 customers, and manages the schedule, billing and equipment maintenance of his business.

He plans to attend Kansas State University and major in agricultural engineering. Austin is the son of Paul and Shannon Nordyke. His advisor is Les McNally.

2016 STAR IN AG PLACEMENT

Cole Riggin, Riverton FFA Chapter

The Star in Agribusiness Award is sponsored by Kansas Farm Bureau.

Riggin’s Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAE) is in grain production, working as a custom grain harvester for the past nine years. He travels the U.S. harvesting wheat and other crops with his family’s business. He has advanced to operating one of the largest combines in the business, and is working to acquire skills to better communicate with their multilingual workers.

He plans to attend college and then take over the harvesting business. Cole is the son of Earl and Mary Riggin. His advisor is Jacob Larison.

Samantha Beauchamp, Holton FFA Chapter

The Star Farmer award is sponsored by United Bank and Trust.

A recent graduate of Holton High School, Beauchamp’s SAE programs are diversified livestock production, swine entrepreneurship and placement in veterinary science.

“My swine business is 15 breeding stock, and they were producing about 80 piglets. Most of the piglets go to 4-H members. Any left are sold as feeder pigs,” Beauchamp said. “My diversified livestock includes my cattle herd, which consists of one cow-calf pair and a heifer.”

Beauchamp worked with her cattle throughout her four years in FFA, and was responsible for the health of her animals on her family’s farm in Mayetta.

After an application process and several interviews, Beauchamp was recognized as the Northeast District star farmer earlier in the year.

Beauchamp’s district win automatically qualified her for the state competition. Beauchamp said she enhanced her application and completed another round of interviews in May, this time competing against the five other district winners from Kansas.

Beauchamp said she was “surprised but happy” when her name was called as the state winner. “I was a little worried because, compared to some of the other students, my herds were a little small,” she said. “But one of my interviewers had said that he could tell that I was doing all of the work with my animals and wasn’t receiving much help.”

Beauchamp is only the third female in Kansas FFA history to receive the honor. The last time a female won the award was in 1995. Beauchamp is also the third Holton High School student to receive the award.

In high school, Beauchamp served as her FFA chapter president and was a member of the Holton horse judging team that won the national competition in Louisville, Ky.

“FFA has definitely taught me about public speaking and time management,” she said. “I’ve learned about hard work and taking responsibility for things.”

Beauchamp currently attends Kansas State University. She hopes to obtain a doctorate in veterinary medicine. She is the daughter of James and Melisa Beauchamp. Her advisors are Jason Larison and Alex Bartel.

2016 PROFICIENCY AWARD WINNERS

Proficiency awards honor Kansas FFA members for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.

Agricultural Communications

Ryan Stewart, Washington County

88TH KANSAS FFA CONVENTION

Students awarded scholarships

At the 88th annual Kansas FFA State Convention 141 Kansas FFA members from 72 chapters were awarded $61,000 in scholarships. Scholarships were awarded for students for continuing education in either a two- or four-year college. Other high school students were awarded scholarships to attend the Washington Leadership Conference this summer in Washington D.C. In 2016 a total of $155,450 was awarded to Kansas members in state and national scholarships through the FFA.

State scholarship donors include:

• Ford Trucks “Built Ford Tough”

• Kansas Crop Improvement Association

• Orscheln Farm & Home

• Stihl Nursery/Landscape

• Joyce Casten Memorial

• James Ryan Family

• Boydston Family

• Washington Leadership Conference

View video highlights from the 88th Kansas FFA Convention at https://youtu.be/-xY8r2ueFw4.

Chapman repeats as Triple Crown Winner

For the fifth straight year, the Chapman FFA Chapter was awarded the prestigious Triple Crown Award. The Triple Crown award is given to the FFA chapter that performs the best in the National Chapter Award program, which recognizes chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization in three separate divisions: Student Development, Chapter Development and Community Development.

Chapman FFA received $1,000 and the Garlow Memorial Trophy, which is sponsored by the Bill Garlow Family in memory of past Kansas FFA officer Bob Garlow.

Winners in the three divisions were:

Student Development –

Chapman FFA Chapter

CDE winners advance to National Convention

Career Development Events (CDEs) help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly, and perform effectively in a competitive job market. At the state level, there are 23 CDEs, covering job skills in everything from communications to mechanics. Winning teams at the state level will compete at the 89th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October. 2016 Kansas FFA CDE winners were:

• Agribusiness Management: Team—Buhler; Top Individual—Trevor Herman, Buhler Sponsored by AgMark, LLC

• Agricultural Communications: Team—Cherryvale; Top Individual—Trenton Smedley, Cherryvale Sponsored by High Plains Journal and KFRM-550 AM Radio

• Agricultural Mechanics: Team—Buhler; Top Individual—Mason Volmer, Labette County Sponsored by Kansas Electric Cooperatives

• Agricultural Sales: Team—Labette County; Top Individual—Bratten Baker, Washburn Rural Sponsored by Bayer Crop Science

• Agronomy: Team—Buhler; Top Individual—Matt Guara, Buhler Sponsored by Kansas Grain and Feed Association and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association

• Creed Speaking: Top Individual—Allison Dale, South Central Sponsored by Kansas FFA Alumni Association

• Dairy Cattle: Team—Jackson Heights; Top Individual—Joel Nelson, Jackson Heights Sponsored by Midwest Dairy Association

• Dairy Foods: Team—Louisburg; Top Individual—Georgia Wilde, Louisburg Sponsored by Animal Health International

• Entomology: Team—Stockton; Top Individual—Allison Dix, Stockton Sponsored by DuPont Pioneer

• Environmental Science: Team—Mission Valley Sponsored by Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission

• Extemporaneous Public Speaking: Top Individual— Elizabeth Meyer, Marion-Florence Sponsored by Casey & Tammy Niemann

• Floriculture: Team—Louisburg; Top Individual—Madelyn Yalowitz, Louisburg Sponsored by CHS Foundation

• Food Science & Technology: Team—Paola; Top Individual—Georgia Wilde, Louisburg Sponsored by Ag Processing, Inc.

• Forestry: Team—Holton Sponsored by Kansas FFA Foundation

• Horse: Team—Arkansas City; Top Individual—Joel Nelson, Jackson Heights Sponsored by Keystone Steel & Wire Company - Red Brand

• Job Interview: Top Individual—Taylor Doner, Valley Heights Sponsored by Mid Kansas Cooperative

• Livestock: Team—Uniontown; Top Individual—Trace Mulligan, Scott City Sponsored by Bayer Animal Health

• Meats: Team—Satanta; Top Individual—Zack Steed, Cherryvale Sponsored by Cargill Meat Solutions

• Nursery / Landscape: Team—Washington County; Top Individual—Rebecca Zach, Washington County Sponsored by Keith & Sherri Westervelt

• Poultry: Team—Louisburg; Top Individual—Faith Seuferling, Louisburg

Did you know?

• Kansas has had a shortage of agricultural educators for 5 years, making this the perfect time to join Ag Ed!

• Agricultural educators educate about all sectors of the agriculture industry along with developing leadership and career skills in 186 communities across the state.

• Kansas has 100% job placement for Agricultural Education Graduates.

• There are currently 223 agricultural educators in 186 Kansas high schools.

The Kansas FFA Foundation provides $11,200 in scholarships for teachers to attend the two-week CASE Institute. CASE is strong, researched based program that provides a system of curriculum and professional development for agricultural educators promoting rigorous and relevant student learning opportunities. The CASE Institute also leverages partnerships with public and private entities to provide resources to teachers and students to facilitate change while positioning Agricultural Education to be a solution to academic challenges in secondary education.

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION SUPPORT

Preparing and developing agricultural educators key to continued success

Last year 13,000 teenagers enrolled in agricultural education in Kansas. Some were drawn by the idea of growing rows upon rows of flowers in a greenhouse. Others by the promise of learning how commodities are traded or basic veterinary science. And some by the simple desire to see sparks fly as they learned to sharpen drill bits and weld a bead. Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of knowledge in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems. Through agricultural education, students are given opportunities for leadership development, personal growth and career success. Instruction in agricultural education is provided through three components: classroom and laboratory instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, and the National FFA Organization.

Understanding the importance a strong classroom component and the impact it has on FFA members, the Kansas FFA Foundation is focused on improving the recruitment, retention, and professional development of Kansas's agricultural educators. For the past five years Kansas has experienced a shortage of agricultural educators graduating from state colleges. The natural rise in baby boomers retiring has fueled this shortage, making recruitment key. In response, the Kansas FFA Foundation awarded $8,000 in scholarships to agricultural education students in Kansas, including teaching interns and juniors majoring in Agricultural Education.

Additionally, the Foundation supported Kansas Agricultural Education by donating $17,000 for several events. These events included the Teacher Success Program: a program for first through third year teachers, Teach Ag Events that recruit high school students to agricultural education, State FFA Advisor travel stipend, Delta conference, and KAAE awards and programs.

Because of the generous support of our partners, the Kansas FFA Foundation was also able to give $11,200 in scholarships for this summer’s Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources course through CASE training. The Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education provide a high level of educational experiences and curricular materials to ensure quality teaching and professional development.

Thank you to all of our individual and organizational partners who support agricultural education. The future of our country is bright because we are continuing to educate and further develop our agri-scientists, researchers, salespeople and producers. And our FFA members are developing into their fullest potential because of teachers who believe in their abilities and future.

The Kansas FFA Foundation supports Agricultural Education students during their teaching internships, including these Kansas State University students who received scholarships while student teaching during the spring 2016 semester.

Kansas FFA Members recognized for Supervised Agricultural Experience programs at National Convention

The Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs of two Kansas FFA members were recognized at the 2015 National FFA Convention as the best in one of 47 areas. SAEs give students hands-on learning experience in an agricultural career.

GRAIN PRODUCTION – PLACEMENT

Deven Foster, Labette County FFA Chapter

Working on the family farm of nearly 7,000 acres, Deven Foster of the Labette County FFA Chapter has experienced every aspect of the grain production farming process.

The family plants, on average, 3,000 acres of corn and 2,500 acres of wheat. He assists in the tillage of the soil and practices vertical tillage for weed control. Foster has learned how to properly set planters for corn planting season, combines for harvest and GreenStar monitors and operate APEX systems. He plans to attend college and return to the family farm where he can become a contributing partner and focus on precision farming systems.

Foster is supported by his parents, Therese and Kenneth, and his FFA advisors, Dustin Wiley, Jeff Faulkenstein and Kyle Zwahlen.

DIVERSIFIED HORTICULTURE

Stone Hayden,

Chapman FFA Chapter

Stone Hayden of the Chapman FFA Chapter has owned a landscape business since he was 12 years old. While he started mowing lawns for neighbors, he now works as a cemetery groundskeeper and cares for the grass, removes old flowers, and trims around headstones.

When other people heard about his work at the cemetery, he received additional contracts to provide landscaping services. He has installed landscaping beds, planted trees and shrubs and provided basic pruning services. He plans on entering the landscaping industry professionally as a maintenance technician or installer for a progressive nursery and landscaping company.

He is supported by his parents, Ted and Joan, and his FFA advisors, Trenton Horn and Walter Pitts.

What is an SAE?

An agricultural education program is made up of three integrated parts: classroom instruction, FFA and a supervised agricultural experience (SAE).

The SAE is a required component of a total agricultural education program and intended for every student. Through their involvement in the SAE program, students are able to consider multiple careers and occupations, learn expected workplace behavior, develop specific skills within an industry, and are given opportunities to apply academic and occupational skills in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. Through these strategies, students learn how to apply what they are learning in the classroom as they prepare to transition into the world of college and career opportunities.

Learn more at http://bit.ly/2cA3Kqp

The Kansas FFA Foundation supports members beginning or expanding their SAEs through $500 SAE grants. This past year, the Foundation awarded eight grants. The Strategic Plan calls to expand that to 32 grants per year by 2020.

“This year, I received a SAE grant sponsored by Harris Crop Insurance.

My SAE is swine production where I breed, raise, and show pigs. At the current time I have two sows, four gilts, five young market pigs, and five pigs ready for market. This year I also had two gilts farrow for the first time. I plan on using the grant I received for paying off feed costs and to purchase supplements that will improve the quality of my pigs and allow me to expand my SAE. I am very thankful for the generosity of my grant provider and the Kansas FFA Foundation for supporting this program.”

Elizabeth Wright, Blue Valley FFA Chapter

2015-2016 KANSAS FFA FOUNDATION SPONSORS

Five- Star ($10,000 and up)

Cargill Meat Solutions

WICHITA

• Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE

• Novice Parliamentary Procedure CDE

• State Conference for Chapter Leaders

• State Officer Leadership Program

• Blue Jacket Grants Program

• CASE Scholarship

• Proficiency Award Program

• Glimpse of Cargill

• "I Believe" Fund

CHS Foundation

ST. PAUL, MINN.

• Floriculture CDE Parliamentary Procedure CDE

• State Convention Keynote Speaker

• Leader Lab

• Blast Off

• Teach Ag Campaign and Scholarships

ICM, Inc.

COLWICH

• Blue and Gold Celebration

• Leadership Quiz Bowl Event

• State Star in Agribusiness

• Educator Curriculum and Lab Kits

• “I Believe” Fund

Kansas Dept. of Agriculture

MANHATTAN

• State Convention Keynote Speaker

• Novice Teacher Program

• Agricultural Education Support

• SAE Support

Kansas Corn Commission

GARNETT

• Diversified Crop Production – Entrep. Proficiency

• Speak Ag Program

• Kansas FFA District Banquets

• “I Believe” Fund

Animal Health International GARDEN CITY

• Educator Mentoring Program

• CASE Scholarship

• Veterinary Science CDE

• Milk Quality and Products CDE

• Proficiency Award Program

• International Leadership Seminar for State Officers

• State Conference for Chapter Leaders

• SAE Grant Program

Farm Credit Associations of Kansas

• "I Believe" Fund

• National Chapter Award-Community Development

• Proficiency Award Program

• State Convention Leadership Workshop

• Stars Over Kansas Video Production

• Stars Luncheon

• State Convention Ice Cream Social

Tyler Phillips, Mission Valley FFA Chapter was the winner of this year's Proficiency Award in Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship, sponsored by the Kansas Corn Commission, represented by Stacy Mayo

Kansas Farm Bureau

Foundation for Agriculture

MANHATTAN

• State Star in Ag Placement

• Educator Mentoring Program

• New Chapter Start-up Program

• Farm Bureau Community Grants

Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, LLC

WICHITA

• Speak Ag program

• “I Believe” Fund

• Urban Ag Initiative

K-State College of Agriculture

MANHATTAN

• State Convention Laser Light Show

• District Officers’ Conference

• State Career Development Host

• State FFA Officer Program

• State FFA Band

• Executive Committee Host

Midwest Ford Dealers Association

OVERLAND PARK

• Built Ford Tough Scholarships

• WLC Scholarships

• Proficiency Award Program

• Kansas FFA Truck Sponsorship

Kansas John Deere Dealers and John Deere Agriculture and Turf Division

• Gator Giveaway

• Land Evaluation CDE

• “I Believe” Fund

Orscheln Farm & Home

MOBERLY, MO.

• Orscheln Scholarship Program

• “I Believe” Fund

Ryan Stewart, Washington County FFA Chapter, won a new John Deere Gator 625iXUV at the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention in June. Pictured with Ryan, representing Kansas John Deere Dealers and John Deere Agriculture and Turf Division are Yancy Wright from John Deere and Troy Leith from CTI.

Kansas Farm Bureau presented grants to 11 chapters, including the Holcomb FFA Chapter, at the State FFA Convention to encourage and stimulate projects between the local FFA chapter and the county Farm Bureau associations. Kansas Farm Bureau CEO Terry Holdren presented the grants.

FOUR-STAR

Harris Crop Insurance LLC, Abilene

Tom & Maggie Hemmer, Salina

Heritage Tractor, Baldwin City

High Plains Journal, Dodge City

Kansas Ag Bankers Association, Topeka

Kansas Association of Ethonal Producers, Topeka

Kansas Crop Improvement Assoc, Manhattan

Kansas Electric Cooperatives Inc, Topeka

Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, Lebo

Jeremy & Emily Lehning, Westermoreland

Manhattan Town Center, Manhattan

($2,500 – $9,999)

Mid Kansas Cooperative, Moundridge

Midwest Dairy, St. Paul, Minn.

Monsanto Company, Saint Louis, Mo.

Nutrients for Life, Washington, D.C.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Johnston, Iowa

Reinhardt Family Charitable Trust, Leavenworth

Seitz Gift Fruit LLC, Fredericksburg, Texas

Stihl Distributors, Marble Hill, Mo.

Tractor Supply Company, Brentwood, Tenn.

United Bank and Trust, Marysville

US Army/ROTC

Keith & Sheri Westervelt, Manhattan

Carly Whorton, Dallas, Texas

THREE-STAR

AgMark LLC, Beloit

Bayer Crop Science, Atlanta, Ga.

Clint Blaes, Topeka

Scott Bokelman, Marysville

Bruce & Rita Boydston, Centerville

Dr. Bill Garlow, Salina

Sam & Janet Hands, Garden City

Bill & Lori Harlan, Manhattan

K•Coe Isom, Salina

Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association, Topeka

Kansas Association of Agricultural Educators, Russell

Kansas Feed and Grain Association, Topeka

Kansas FFA Alumni, Manhattan

Kansas Pork Association, Manahttan

($1,000 – $2,499)

Kansas Soybean Commission, Topeka

KFRM Radio-550AM, Clay Center

Landmark Bank, Manhattan

Landoll Corporation, Marysville

Melanie Mainquist, Mora, Minn.

Rick Malir, Dublin, Ohio

Jackie McClaskey, Manhattan

McPherson County Feeders Inc, McPherson

John & Jennifer Niemann, Garden Plain

Tammy & Casey Niemann, Waukee, Iowa

Mike Smith, Hesston

Solomon Corporation, Solomon

Larry & Carla Steckline, Garden Plain

SWA Trade Association, Kansas City

The 15th Annual Convention Career Show, sponsored by the Kansas Ag Banker's Association, offered more than 1,400 FFA members and guests attending State Convention the opportunity to meet with prospective employers and colleges, preparing them for Career Success.

The District Officer Conference, sponsored by the K-State College of Agriculture, helps the 42 District Officers develop their leadership skills and prepare for their year of service to the seven Kansas FFA Districts.

TWO-STAR ($500 – $999)

Abilene Machine Inc, Abilene

American Implement Inc, Garden City

Halley Beekley, Wichita

Bluestem Farm & Ranch, Emporia

Michael Burns, Jetmore

Carrico Implement, Beloit

Jill Casten, Manhattan

Central National Bank, Junction City

Central Valley Ag, York, Neb.

CTI John Deere, Concordia

Chad Epler, Columbus

Kurt & Pam Dillon, St. George

Farmway Co-Op Inc., Beloit

Larry Gossen, Springfield, Mo.

Great Bend Farm Equipment, Great Bend

Hiawatha Implement, Hiawatha

Hummert International, Earth City, Mo.

Jay Bohnenblust Family, Clay Center

KanEquip, Wamego

Kansas Veterinary Medical Assoc, Topeka

Sandy & Andy Klein, Wamego

Landmark Implement, Holdrege, Neb.

Jodi Mason, Manhattan

National Wild Turkey Federation-Kansas Chapter, Manhattan

Rick Perkins, Wichita

Pittsburg Ford, Pittsburg

PrairieLand Partners, Hutchinson

RiverStar Farms LLC, Mercedes, Texas

Sod Shop Inc, Lawrence

Triangle H, Garden City

United Mosquito and Fly Control, Mission

Harry (Ken) & Diane Wagner, Baldwin City

Jerrod & Amy Westfahl, Manhattan

Larry & Laura Whipple, Lenexa

Pat & Janel Wiederholt, Hartford

Dennis Will, Chapman

Zenger Farm & Land Management Inc, Manhattan

ONE-STAR ($250 – $499)

2015-2016 Kansas FFA Officer Team

Jeff Bechard, Dublin, Ohio

Harmon & Diana Bliss, Jetmore

Kasie Bogart, Arkansas City

Rex Boley, Ellsworth

Cattle Fax, Englewood, Colo.

Brandie & William Disberger, Wamego

Cory Epler, Lincoln, Neb.

Family Center of Harrisonville In, Harrisonville, Mo.

Denise George, Nashville, Tenn.

Steven & Elizabeth Harbstreit, Manhattan

Lindsey Huesman, Ellsworth

Mary Kane, Manhattan

Bob & Kay Lee

Larry Lyder, Hughoton

Marion High School, Marion

Dorothy Neely, Chanute

Nellie Norwood, Cunningham, Texas

Rabo AgriFinance, St Louis, Mo.

Jennifer Ryan, Pratt

Suzanne Shultz, Olathe

The Hageman Foundation, Indianapolis , Ind.

The Trust Company, Manhattan

Shawn Turner, Ottawa

Wakefield Farmers Co-Op, Wakefield

Shannon & Andi Washburn, Manhattan

Kevin & Brenda Wilhelm, Holton

Matt & Donelle Wolters, Atwood

Jake Worcester, Manhattan

BLUE ($1 – $99)

Jamme Abendroth, Wichita

Greg Andres, Salina

Erma Bauer, Paola

GOLD ($100 – $249)

Mike and Jill Arensdorf, Hays

Bob & Kathy Atkisson, Stockton

Kent Blakeslee, Ellinwood

Blue Valley High School, Randolph

Chad and Mandy Bontrager, Holton

Don & Rosemary Boggs, Manhattan

Keith Bryant, Garden City

Buhler FFA Chapter, Buhler

Steve Buss, Meridan

Jeff Carter, Wichita

Centre FFA Chapter, Lost Springs

CGB Diversified Services, Lexington, Ky.

Chaparral FFA Chapter, Anthony

Scott Clark, Silvis, Ill.

Clay Center Livestock Sales Inc, Clay Center

Staci DeGeer, Glen Carbon, Ill.

George & Angela Denton, Blue Rapids

Dr. Larry & Donna Erpelding, Manhattan

Kyle Essley, Iowa

Bruce Fouts, Westmoreland

Kevin & Brenda Gleason, Uniontown

Gottschalk Equipment Sales, Great Bend

Greater Horizons, Kansas City, Mo.

Merle Hadachek, Cuba

Mark & Kim Harms, Lincolnville

Joseph & Megan Hobbs, Newton

Gaea Hock, Manhattan

Kelly Hoelting, Mission Valley

J.C. Livestock Sales Inc, Junction City

Kansas Dairy Fieldman & Haulers Assoc, Manhattan

Kansas Soybean Commission, Topeka

Sarah Frick, Wichita

Bob & Cheryl Gregory, Paola

Melissa Hamilton, Wichita

Kansas FFA Members received the American FFA Degree at the 2015 National FFA Convention

Katie Blick-White, Wichita

Lawrence Booker, Wichita

Tracy Booker, Wichita

Billy Brown, Manhattan

CE Brehm Foundation, Bozeman , MT

Chad Clark, Wichita

Donna Clark, Wichita

Lexi Coberly, Manhattan

Sandra Cooper, Wichita

Michelle Davis, Wichita

Joseph Detrixhe, Concordia

Justine Dlabal, Wilson

Ann Domsch, Manhattan

Colin Dresher, Wichita

Amy Harns, Maize

Ashley Herndon, Wichita

Joyce Hunt, Louisburg

Daniel & Sheryl Johnson, Wichita

Nancy Kaiser, Wichita

Howard & Ann Langvardt, Chapman

Carol Little, Potwin

LQ Management LLC, Irving, Texas

Jill Mason, Randolph

Karen Matlick, Wichita

Andrea Mattas, Wilson

Daniel May, Mount Hope

David McDonald, Wichita

RC McGehee

David Key, Manhattan

Jackie Klenda, Wichita

Robert Kohman, Abilene

Sharita Knoblach, Dahlonega, Ga.

Kelsey Lee, Stillwater, Okla.

Matt Machin, Junction City

Lucas Maddy, Manhattan

Krista Mauck, Hoxie

Minneapolis FFA Chapter, Minneapolis

Jennifer & Ashley Mongeau, Holcomb

Meghan Mueseler, Wichita

Clement Neely, Chanute

Connie & Fred Nuefield, Inman

Kelsey Olson, Manhattan

Onaga FFA Chapter, Onaga

Lloyd Oswald, Gorham

Brad & Elizabeth Parker, Silver Lake

Wendie & Hugh Phelps, Garden Plain

Kerry Priest, Manhattan

Denis Rockers, Overland Park

Elmer Schmitz, Highland

Jay Sherrod, Neodesha

Michael and Christy Springer, Neodesha

Jed Strnad, Russell

Mervyn Stuckey

Doug Wareham, Holton

Rob Wareham, Holton

Stanley Watt, Manhattan

Kerry Wefald, Manhattan

Alan Weiser

Jill Zimmerman, Winfield

Vickie McKnight, Mulvane

Fred & Jennie Miller, Paola

Paul Mugler, Salina

Tiffany Poet, St. Francis

Erin Rahim, Wichita

Francis Reichart, Overland Park

Amanda Ring, Wichita

Brady Rott, Goddard

Nute & Brenda Rucker, Newton

Lance Russell, Rose Hill

Steven & Katie Sanders, Benton

Dan & Kandee Schaefer, Wichita

Joan Scherman, Garden City

Tammy Schreurs, Wichita

Emily Scriven, Wichita

Sedan FFA Chapter, Sedan

Shad Marston Family, Canton

Lori Sherman, Wichita Chelsey Smith, Hays

St Francis FFA Chapter, St. Francis

Jennifer Stone, Wichita

Patti Walters, Paola

Kate Wheeldon, Wichita

Julia Woods, Sterling, Va.

BLUE JACKET Golden Memories

By Kelli Schrag, Kansas FFA Foundation Intern

110 Umberger Hall - KSU

Manhattan, KS 66506

Phone: (785) 410-2576

Fax: (877) 872-6250

jodi.mason@ksffa.org www.ksffafoundation.org

8 9 th Kansas FFA Convention

May 31-June 2, 2017, Manhattan

Blue & Gold Celebration

June 2, 2017, Manhattan Kansas FFA Foundation

The blue corduroy jacket is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the National FFA Organization. If you were to ask an FFA member either past or present about their experience, they would probably talk your ear off with stories of their time spent in the blue jacket.

Most members’ FFA journey begins with the purchase of a new jacket, one that has their own name stitched in corn gold on the front. Oftentimes, the member will wear the jacket while it is still stiff from shipping. But the pride felt from wearing it, stiff or broken in, is irreplaceable. The jacket guides FFA members through the four years of FFA.

I remember receiving my first FFA jacket. I felt honored to be representing not only myself and my chapter, but also my state and the National FFA Organization. The blue corduroy was always present in times of nerves, joy, or sadness. It was there for my first speech contest, stuffed with Kleenexes because I was so nervous and had to do something with my hands. It was there for my first state CDE, the comforting corduroy replacing my nerves with confidence. It was there when I interviewed for a district office position, and when I experienced National Convention for the first time. I remember getting called “Kansas” and taking pictures with people from other states, proudly showing the back of our jackets to the camera. It was with me when I travelled to Washington D.C. for Washington Leadership Conference- I still keep the key I received in the inside pocket as a token of worth and a reminder to do what I can with what I have where I am.

Society may wonder why blue corduroy means so much to an FFA member. The jacket is much more than the official dress of the National FFA Organization. For some, it may be the only “jersey” they ever wear. It shows students that they belong to something bigger than themselves. I always get chills when I see a National Officer’s jacket, with the sole emblem in stark contrast of the blue background. The jacket is a common thread running from chapter to chapter, connecting students across the nation: from the state of Alaska to Puerto Rico and from the state of Maine to Hawaii. The jacket gives students a sense of pride in an organization that provides them with leadership and career building opportunities.

One of the most heartbreaking moments in my FFA career was unzipping that jacket for the last time. I tweeted to the National FFA Organization explaining it was my last time, and the love and support I received from members across the country is something I’ll cherish forever. Currently, my jacket is hanging in my closet, each memory I created sewn into the folds of the corduroy.

However, because of the cost not every member today has that opportunity. YOU can give them that opportunity. For $75 you can purchase a FFA jacket and tie for a deserving young person — and you can change their life. I am forever in debt to the donor of my jacket, for without them I would not have the memories, skills, or leadership abilities that I do today. The price of the jacket is incomparable to the lifetime of priceless friendships, talents, and memories that FFA has to offer.

To sponsor a jacket for a student contact the Kansas FFA Foundation or visit the Paypal link on the Foundation's webpage.