True Blue Nebraska News Leadership. Tradition. True Blue
JUNE 2016
Convention Memories Last a Lifetime As a past FFA member, the annual FFA state convention brings back so many fond memories for me. As I reflect on the special moments and the contests I participated in at the state convention, I look at the young people currently wearing the blue corduroy and smile knowing that the memories they are in the process of making will last them a lifetime. It was through the FFA program where I personally realized my passion for the agricultural industry, which ultimately led me to choose an agricultural career path. According to a recent USDA study, there will be 57,900 job openings in agriculture and natural resources fields with only 35,400 graduates from specialized colleges and university departments to fill them. It is through programs like Ag Ed and FFA where students will learn the skills necessary and hopefully light a spark within themselves to pursue a future career in the agricultural industry.
the FFA program has continued to grow, evolve and develop to assist students in finding their passions in the agricultural industry and discover the career opportunities available to them. As the previously mentioned study indicates – we have a high demand for agricultural students. That is why it’s encouraging to see the number of FFA members increase from 6,681 ten years ago to 7,697 members today. In that same time frame the number of FFA chapters has increased from 131 to 170 – an all-time high. I ask that you take a moment and reflect on your FFA story or memories – what was it that lit that spark within you? I encourage you to help the Nebraska FFA Foundation as we work to support Nebraska FFA members as they explore what sparks their interest. Please consider returning the enclosed donation envelope with your donation or go to neffafoundation.org/support_us. Thank you for investing in Nebraska FFA members’ futures.
Sincerely, While we continue to need students to go back to the family farms, we also need students to fill hundreds of other careers tied to agriculture industry like ag communications, banking, agronomy and the Christin Kamm food science industries – just to name a few. This is President, Board of Directors where the FFA program and its members will shine. Nebraska FFA Foundation As agriculture has continued to grow and change,
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I Believe in the Future of Ag
Spurs Chapter Growth and Local Engagement One by one, pairs of FFA members from across Nebraska shared what their chapters had done to raise funds for the 2015-16 I Believe in the Future of Ag campaign with industry partners. They gathered together during the State FFA Convention to celebrate the fundraising efforts of individual chapters and recognize industry partners who provided the matching funds participating chapters received. Students like Lydia Cantu and Cole Retchless, both seniors from the Bridgeport FFA Chapter explained how the I Believe campaign provided their school with instant connectivity to their local community, allowing their chapter to grow from a group of students meeting in a trailer behind their school to a chapter able to build a permanent classroom. They quickly set a new goal to build a greenhouse at the school, which will allow the chapter to offer students hands-on learning experiences. The I Believe in the Future of Ag campaign is focused on building financial capacity for the future of FFA at both the local and state levels. Chapters and statewide sponsors, through their retail outlets, ask agricultural producers, customers, employees, FFA members and community leaders to contribute to the campaign. Supporters can designate which chapter will receive their donation. From there, chapters receive a premium back from statewide corporate partners on every dollar they raise. On average, chapters earned 109% in 2015-16. The campaign is promoted through a special partnership with Husker Sports Marketing and Nebraska Radio Network. Using their media platforms, like signage and radio, the campaign message has been shared across the state, helping Nebraska FFA reach a level of financial support it has never seen before. “Since we took this program statewide, 1.1 million dollars have been raised and distributed back to Nebraska FFA chapters,” said Stacey Agnew, Executive Director of the Nebraska FFA Foundation. “We have added new chapters and new programs throughout our state because of our industry support.” Aurora Cooperative is one of the premier sponsors contributing to the success of the I Believe campaign and they gain just as much as they give. “Aurora Cooperative chooses to support Nebraska FFA
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Cole Retchless (right) and Lydia Cantu, Bridgeport FFA members, share how I Believe in the Future of Ag helped their classroom move from a trailer to a permanent classroom and greenhouse.
through the I Believe campaign because it benefits every chapter within our company’s footprint. We operate in 55 communities, so I Believe gives us a way to give back to all our farmer members,” said Dawn Caldwell who leads the Government Affairs division of Aurora Cooperative. She explained that their involvement extends beyond their sponsorship. The company encourages staff to be involved at a local level through volunteer activities ranging from being guest lecturers in classrooms to serving as judges during the Nebraska FFA State Convention. “Both our Board of Directors and senior leadership find this relationship rewarding because it’s a fulfilling way to make the future of ag more robust, allows us to spread resources among several communities and allows us to interact with members to discuss our wide array of employment opportunities.” Chris Davis, General Manager of Husker Sports Marketing, shared how pleased he is with how the campaign has been able to affect educational opportunities for FFA youth across Nebraska. “It’s pretty awesome to have a positive impact on the youth of our state in our number one industry – ag,” Davis said during the event. He commended the students present, as well as all FFA members for their hard work in making the campaign successful for their schools. “I’m excited to see you guys continue to grow the I Believe in the Future of Ag campaign. It has a proven track record and I can’t wait to see where it goes next. Congratulations!”
Past State Officer Update: A
25 Year Reunion three daughters. He does sales and marketing for Dow AgroSciences. Eric Ritz is a farmer in Comstock. His is married to Rebecca and they have two daughters. Scott Heinrich is the agronomy sales manager for Farmers Cooperative. He lives in Hickman with his wife Connie and his son and daughter. Jennifer (Pick) Brungardt and her husband Tom are registered pharmacists and own Med & More Pharmacy in Norfolk. They have a son and two daughters.
Above, the 1990-91 State FFA Officer team poses for a photo during the Celebration of 88 Years of Nebraska FFA. The team was honored this year - 25 years after they stood at the podium as State FFA Officers.
Lee Thurber is an ophthalmologist at Drs. Dotson, Mota, Thurber, and Tanner. He lives in Lincoln with his wife Heidi and two sons.
We were able to catch up with them and here’s where they are now: (Pictured from left to right)
Vanessa (Jindra) Cumming is a farmer with her husband Brian in Saint Edward. She has six children, three boys and three girls.
Jeff Jacobs is a family practice physician with a CHI Health Clinic’s Family Medicine Florence Residency in Omaha. He and his wife Kristi live in Omaha. They have a son and two daughters.
(not pictured) David Acheson is the Vice President of US Sales at Circassia Pharmaceuticals. He and his wife Sarah have four children and live in Holly Springs, North Carolina.
Chris Haun lives in Scottsbluff with his wife Alena and his
We were unable to locate Daren Merryman.
Donor Spotlight: Teresa and Greg Ibach The town of Sumner, where Greg and Teresa Ibach call home, didn’t have an FFA program when they attended high school there. However, a chapter was established by the time their triplets – that’s right, triplets - were in 7th grade. Naturally, when the Ibach triplets joined the Sumner FFA Chapter, Greg and Teresa learned a lot about FFA in a short time. “We didn’t know a lot about FFA, but got to learn a lot through our children. We got to see how FFA developed leadership qualities in our children, boosted their self-confidence, offered public speaking opportunities and inspired them to achieve,” Teresa said. The Ibach children each earned many honors during their years in FFA and have embarked on successful careers, but a single photo that Teresa shares on social media every year during state convention reminds Greg and Teresa why they continue to support the Nebraska FFA Foundation with their Gift of Corn pledge, and by mentoring other FFA students from the Sumner FFA chapter.
“We had a very young FFA advisor, Mr. Boyd Bowder,” Greg began, “but he was knowledgeable and very driven and he inspired our kids a lot. They developed an admiration of his skills.”
Greg and Teresa’s kids are pictured here walking with their FFA advisor, Boyd Bowder, after receiving their American degrees.
Teresa continued, “We have a fantastic picture of Mr. Bowder and our children walking away from us together at National FFA receiving their American degrees. That’s our inspiration for our continued support.”
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Dvorak Recognized For Influencing Bassett Community The Nebraska FFA Foundation presented Ann Dvorak with the 2016 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award at the Nebraska FFA State Convention on April 6. This award recognizes a Nebraska agriculture teacher and FFA advisor for going above and beyond the day-to-day duties of their job. Dvorak is the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor for Rock County High School. Numerous students, fellow teachers, community members, parents, and school officials supported her nomination of this award. Bethany Blackburn, former student wrote that Dvorak has stepped up in the community and shown commitment for her rural community that is declining in population. Dvorak helped establish Rock County Growth Inc. and has served on the Ranch Expo Board, Rock County Ag Society and Bassett Tree Board. Dvorak was also instrumental in helping nearby community, Keya Paha, establish an agriculture education program. In addition, she showed concern for others needs after an FFA member’s family lost their home to a fire. Dvorak quickly responded by organizing a food, clothing and furniture drive for the family in need.
master’s degree in December, while working full time and having her second child.
Kristine Gale, Director of Economic Development in Bassett said, “Mrs. Dvorak’s leadership is important because she is a young professional and serves as a role model for other young professionals to begin taking on leadership responsibilities in our community.” Gale acknowledges Dvorak’s accomplishments from the past year. She earned her
Dvorak was announced as the award winner during the Nebraska State FFA Convention in Lincoln. She received a plaque and $500 cash award from the Nebraska FFA Foundation.
Dvorak, left, received the Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award at the 2016 Nebraska FFA State Convention.
The FFA officer team at Rock County explained that Dvorak is the perfect example of a great FFA advisor and leader in the community. They noted that she started the Back Pack Program at their school. She also works with the Game and Parks Commission to have a pollination garden in the community. They feel that Dvorak has done much more in the school and community than what is expected of her.
State Officers Elected at Convention
Nebraska FFA State Officers for 2016-17 were elected at the recent convention. They will represent Nebraska FFA and travel throughout the year meeting with FFA members, chapters and ag industry leaders.
(Pictured from left to right) Kaitlyn Hanvey, President, Verdigre FFA Manuel Acosta, Vice President, Bayard FFA Cheyenne Gerlach, Vice President, Tri-County FFA Nic Taylor, Secretary, Logan View FFA Christy Cooper, Vice President, Waverly FFA Collin Swedberg, Vice President, Wallace FFA Halle Ramsey, Vice Presient, Ord FFA 4
Hensley Receives Nebraska FFA VIP Award Karl Hensley, Nebraska FFA Foundation Board member, was awarded the VIP Award during the Nebraska FFA State Convention. Hensley, Senior Vice President of Agronomy with Central Valley Ag (CVA), has been on the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board of Directors for the past six years. During his time on the Board he has helped implement programming for industry supporters to engage with agricultural education students in the classroom. He also helped to grow and develop the I Believe in the Future of Ag campaign. Hensley has a great passion for agricultural education, FFA and careers in the ag industry. “It was truly an honor to be recognized,” said Hensley. “This award should really be for the employees of CVA. Many employees have contributed to the success of the I Believe in the Future of Ag campaign and worked with local FFA chapters, to build the CVA brand and its relationship with FFA.”
Alpha Gamma Rho & Sigma Alpha Donate 48 FFA Jackets Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) and Sigma Alpha (SA) joined forces this year to raise funds for the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program. An annual Hog Roast, a barbecue pork meal during the University of Nebraska– Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) week, was held at the AGR house, with all proceeds going to the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program. This program is a way to support an FFA member with the gift of a jacket and scarf or tie through an $80 donation. Students students gathered to attend the Hog Roast to benefit the Blue apply for an FFA jacket by submitting an application CASNR Jackets. Bright Futures. program. in August. The amount of jackets given out each year depends on how many donations are received compete in their blue jacket. directly for the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program. “We exceeded our expectations this year for funds we could pass on…and are glad we could help a This year’s Hog Roast went above everyone’s cause and organization that has affected so many of expectations. Over 470 peopled attended.There us,” said Cody Kuester, AGR member. were many generous donations from various individuals and businesses across the state. Their Thank you to AGR and SA for the generous contributions will fund 48 FFA jackets for the donation. program. A couple of the past state officers in AGR suggested donating the money to fund FFA jackets. AGR and SA felt that it was a great way to help students in need become more active in FFA and be able to
Donations are accepted for the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program each August. Look in the next newsletter for details on how you can support FFA members with a donation to the program.
Save the Date September 14, 11:00 a.m. Nebraska FFA Tire Auction | Husker Harvest Days, Grand Island, NE April 5-7, 2017 Nebraska FFA State Convention | Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE 5
Sponsor Recognition The Nebraska FFA Foundation would like to thank corporate sponsors who have partnered to support the mission of the Nebraska FFA Foundation. The companies listed below have partnered with Nebraska FFA and the Nebraska FFA Foundation by donating at least $5,000. Thank you for your continued support to programs that develop the agriculture youth of Nebraska.
Premier Sponsors
University of Nebraska–Lincoln, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication
6-Star Sponsors
5-Star Sponsors
MEMBER FDIC
FVC
Frenchman Valley Coop fvcoop.com
Your Premier Service Provider
4-Star Sponsors
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National Association of Agricultural Educators Syngenta AGP Ag Spray Equipment BASF The Chemical Company Crop Production Services Dultmeier Sales
Green Plains Inc. Heartland Ag Heartland Tank, LLC Helena Chemical Co. John Deere Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau Mosaic Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation
Nebraska Corn Nebraska Ethanol Board Reinke Manufacturing Company, Inc Sargent Irrigation Simplot First National Bank Union Bank & Trust Company US Army ROTC
Janssen wins Agriculture Mechanics Repair and Maintenance - Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award mechanical issues, performing service routines and restoration of antique and collectible mechanical pieces as part of his Supervised Agricultural Experience.
Seth Janssen, a member of the Waverly FFA Chapter, is the winner of the 2016 Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award. He gained skills in troubleshooting
The award, sponsored by the Braden Badertscher “Power Your Potential” Endowment, is in memory of Braden Badertscher, the 2013 winner of the award. In addition to the plaque, Janssen will receive a $1,000 cash award. He is pictured here with Braden’s parents, Tony and Jane Badertscher.
Find Nebraska FFA State Convention Results Online Almost 100 awards are given out at state convention each year for events ranging from the Agronomy Career Development Event to the Senior Public Speaking Leadership Skill Event. We are so proud of Nebraska’s agricultural education students who put in the hard work to prepare for state convention and are very grateful for the many sponsors who contributed to make these award programs a possibility. If you want to see the comprehensive results of state convention, go to neffafoundation.org.
It’s Easy to Find a Reason to Contribute! If you believe in FFA, it’s easy to find a reason to contribute. There are many ways to support the Nebraska FFA Foundation including:
get students connected to the ag industry and supports ag teachers and Nebraska FFA Association staff.
General Fund You can provide support for the Foundation’s year-round efforts to support agricultural education, sustain relationships with current supporters and broaden our base of support among individuals and organizations.
Blue & Gold Society You can support Nebraska FFA through a planned gift. These gifts can be used to meet various needs at the state and local levels. Supporters who want to make an impact with a planned gift will be recognized as members of the Blue & Gold Society.
Leadership Gifts Your support in the form of a leadership gift helps the Foundation grow FFA in more communities,
For more information on giving to the Nebraska FFA Foundation, contact Stacey Agnew at 402-472-5846 or stacey@neffafoundation.org.
Get Connected to the Nebraska FFA Foundation! facebook.com/neffafoundation
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neffafoundation.org information@neffafoundation.org
2015 – 2016
Board of Directors Shane Belohrad Gallagher Grace/Mayer Craig Frederick Seward Public School Represents the Nebraska Agricultural Educators Association Jill Goedeken Represents the Nebraska FFA Alumni Association Kyla Habrock Nebraska Pork Producers Association Craig Head Nebraska Farm Bureau Karl Hensley Central Valley Ag Rich Herink First National Bank – Lincoln Mark Holoubek, Secretary Seitec Genetics & Farmer Blake Johnson, Treasurer Bunker Hill Farms Christin Kamm, President Nebraska Department of Agriculture Kent Kirchhoff Plains Equipment Group Matt Kreifels Nebraska Department of Education & University of Nebraska–Lincoln Represents the Nebraska FFA Association Jack Nemec Retired Jeff Rudolph Hi-Gain Feedlot Justin Troudt Landmark Implement Tom Volk, Vice President DEKALB & Asgrow Anita Wollenburg Nebraska FFA Association Represents the Nebraska FFA Association Stacey Agnew, Executive Director Nebraska FFA Foundation Ex-officio Sarah Mullen, Program Manager Nebraska FFA Foundation Ex-officio
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PO Box 94942 Lincoln, NE 68509-4942 neffafoundation.org
In This Issue
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I Believe in the Future of Ag Spurs Growth and Engagement
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Past State Officer Update: A 25 Year Reunion
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Dvorak Recognized For Influencing Bassett Community