MI FFA Foundation Annual Report

LEARNING TO

do.

DOING TO

2014-2015

learn.

ANNUAL REPORT

EARNING TO

live.

LIVING TO

serve.

CONTENTS

1 Message from the FFA Foundation Chair 2 In the Words of Lucas Wielfart 4 Learning to Do 6 Doing to Learn 8 Strategic Direction 9 FFA By the Numbers 10 Earning to Live 12 Living to Serve 14 Star Partners 15 Career Development Event Sponsors 15 Proficiency & Awards Sponsors 16 Event Sponsors 16 Individual Giving Donors 17 Investment for the Future: Give the Gift of Leadership

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ELECTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Liza Moore, Chair Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith PC

Jim Anderson Consumers Energy

Bob Craig, Vice President Craig & Associates Consulting Inc.

Pat Coulter Tractor Supply Company

TL Bushey, Treasurer The Gemini Group

Barbara Dartt Grow: The Family Business Advisors

Troy Bancroft Individual Giving Committee Chair Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers

Doug Darling Michigan Farm Bureau

Melissa Rogers Event Committee Chair GreenStone Farm Credit Services Alex Schnabelrauch Corporate Solicitation Committee Chair Michigan Farm Bureau EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ramey Lunceford Michigan FFA Foundation

Matt Davis DuPont Pioneer Sarah Salmon Zoetis Inc. Alan Wallace Miller Canfield Madelyn Williams DTE Energy

PERMANENT ORGANIZATION DIRECTORS Tracey Hoffman Michigan Association of Agriscience Educators Mike Kaplowitz Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Fred Poston Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Jeff Haarer Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Randy Showerman Michigan FFA Association Dave Wyrick Michigan FFA Association Sherry Kiel Michigan FFA Alumni

LETTER FROM THE

Board Chair

Dear Friends, Thank you for your support of the Michigan FFA Foundation. All current and former FFA members know the beginning lines of the FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany:

“I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words, but of deeds. . . .”

By donating to the Michigan FFA Foundation, you show your commitment to that important creed and your belief in agriculture’s future—the youth of our state.

The Michigan FFA Foundation provides over $250,000 a year to the Michigan FFA Association, enabling our youth to benefit from all FFA has to offer. As you review our annual report, you will

Liza Moore Michigan FFA Foundation Board Chair

see some of the programs made possible by your donations, ranging from Glassbrook Grants to Career Development Events to Proficiency Awards.

What this annual report cannot adequately capture is the lasting positive effect FFA has on the lives of members. The leadership and technical skills cultivated by participation in FFA endure a lifetime. Your sponsorships and donations to the Michigan FFA Foundation Endowment ensure the 7,000 current Michigan FFA members develop the skills they need to succeed in and outside of agribusiness.

Thank you for your generous gifts to the Michigan FFA Foundation. If you have not yet given, please consider this your invitation to give and show your commitment to the future of agriculture.

Join us!

Sincerely,

Liza Moore Michigan FFA Foundation Board Chair 2015 Attorney, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.

The mission of the Michigan FFA Foundation is to impact youth leadership development in Michigan as it relates to FFA and agriscience education initiatives. Our goals as an organization are to develop premier leadership, career success and selfesteem in our members that will provide them a lifetime of personal success.

1

Something changed when my sister, Johanna, approached me after church one Sunday with an application in her hand. It was the application to the Lenawee Intermediate School District Technology Center’s Wednesday night natural sciences class. I was skeptical at first, but I decided to join because she mentioned FFA was a part of it. My dad, brother and sisters were all in FFA so it seemed like a no brainer. But, I had no idea what I was getting into.

As I walked into my first agriscience class, I literally entered a world of opportunity with endless potential. That winter, I competed in my first leadership contest, Geenhand Public Speaking.

Despite practicing night after night, my nerves got the best of me, and I didn’t advance in the competition. But I continued to value these contests and opportunities, and with hard work, I eventually made it to the national competition.

IN THE WORDS OF

Lucas Wielfart

Lenawee Technology Center FFA Chapter

“When I was little, I thought I’d grow up to be something great: a firefighter, police officer, cowboy, soldier—the list goes on and on. But never in a million years would I have thought I’d be returning to the family farm. Yet, as I got older, I started putting down the toy fire trucks and cowboy hats and picking up socket wrenches and garden trowels.

Since I was 5, I’ve always helped and worked on the farm. When my dad was diagnosed with progressive MS, I had to spend more time helping run the family business. In all honesty, there were times when I absolutely hated farming – like when I’d get dropped off at farmers’ markets at 6 a.m. in the cold November rain to sell produce.

2

After four years as an FFA member, I’ve come to realize you can sometimes learn just as much from losing as you can from winning. I’ve transformed from that shy little boy to a confident professional who is comfortable getting up in front of a group and giving a speech or presentation. I’ve started to value and cherish the time I spend working in my family’s greenhouse.

Things haven’t been easy as my older siblings have transitioned off the farm, leaving my mom and me to take care of the farm. It’s been challenging to watch my dad’s condition worsen and his hands-on role in the farm lessen. Yet I work every day, as an FFA member, farm manager, firefighter and bull rider, to dedicate myself to living with character, treating others with respect and getting my hands dirty to do him proud.

FFA has taught me that you may never know where your chosen path will take you. But by taking advantage of what life throws at you, that path will become clearer. It has taught me life skills to, not only prepare me to one day take over my family’s farm business, but become an active, responsible citizen who gives more than he takes.”

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds - achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

– First Paragraph, FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany

“After four years as an FFA member, I’ve come to realize you can sometimes learn just as much from losing as you can from winning.”

—Lucas Wielfart, Lenawee Technology Center FFA Chapter

3

LEARNING TO

do

Breckenridge FFA Chapter

4

Over the past year, FFA students at Breckenridge High School have been busy putting together a project with the potential to reach thousands of students and adults in their community.

The project all started with a couple of students’ big idea to bring some of the newest agricultural technology into the classroom. Thanks to a $1,500 Michigan FFA Foundation Glassbrook Grant and $1,000 contribution from the chapter’s alumni, their dream became a reality. “So many people think farming is easy and old school. We wanted to help our classmates and community understand the science and technology that’s part of modern agriculture,” Claire Laurenz, Breckenridge FFA president, said.

With support from the local alumni and Michigan FFA Foundation, Claire and her Breckenridge agriscience classmates built a quadcopter (also referred to as a drone) to utilize for the Demonstration Career Development Event and educate the public.

In January 2015, the students started purchasing the supplies needed to begin production. By February, construction was complete and Claire and her teammates had written and memorized a 15-minute presentation about the technology.

The group presented to an audience of spectators and judges at the Michigan FFA State Convention in March, taking home a gold award. They also entered the project in the Arthur Berkey

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Science Fair at the Michigan FFA State Convention. Over the summer, these students took their skills on the road to present to audiences at Food for America, the Gratiot County Fair for Youth, Food on the Farm and an annual local farm tour.

“The audiences we present to are amazed to learn drones can scout fields in a fraction of the time it would take a farmer on foot. Some drones can also selectively apply pesticide and fertilizer without damaging the surrounding crops, take pH measurements and stream live video of fields in a much more cost effective way than full scale airplanes,” Claire explained.

Bringing exposure to agriculture technology while educating the community has been the primary goal of the project. Through the tireless efforts of passionate students and educators, 220 middle and high school students have already learned from the FFA chapter’s presentation and had the chance to see the drone firsthand.

“We hope to eventually rent out the technology to local farmers so they can address problems in their own fields,” Claire added. “This project is all about showing people agriculture is innovative and technology driven. Today’s food industry is finding ways to do things better with fewer resources, and we’re excited to help promote just a small segment of those efforts.”

Over the coming months, Claire and other Breckenridge FFA members will be working to finetune their presentations to reach more people.

Nearly 7,000 Michigan FFA members participate in projects, contests and events, like the Breckenridge drone project, to hone their leadership and technical skills through agriculture education. With generous support from Michigan FFA Foundation sponsors, some of which are listed on page 14, these students receive hands-on education and experience in the largest youth organization in the country.

The mission of the Michigan FFA Foundation is to impact youth leadership development in Michigan as it relates to FFA and agriscience education initiatives. Our goals as an organization are to develop premier leadership, career success and selfesteem in our members that will provide them a lifetime of personal success.

5

DOING TO

learn

Ethan Haywood, Hastings Chapter FFA Even as a college sophomore, Ethan Haywood is proof the skills and lessons learned in FFA last a lifetime.

A sixth generation dairy farmer, Ethan farms the same ground his family has been working for over 100 years. His family’s Sand Creek Dairy LLC, in Hastings, milks 1,200 cows while integrating new technology and innovations.

With this agriculture foundation, Ethan joined the Hastings FFA Chapter in the sixth grade and actively participated in many FFA contests, including the Arthur Berkey Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Science Fair.

“So many people forget agriculture is science based. I really enjoyed participating in the agriscience fair because it helped me use the scientific method to improve our on-farm practices while also getting field research experience before graduating high school,” Ethan said.

Throughout his two-year research project, Ethan studied the effectiveness of nitrogen stabilizers in corn silage on his family’s farm. His family and farm employees helped him with the project, especially at harvest time while he was keeping records of weights. One of his favorite experiences in FFA, Ethan competed with his project at the state and national level, finishing 6

second in the nation in 2013. He was able to spend time at the fair and explain to others what his project was about while teaching them how to do their own projects.

“Participating in the national contest helped me discover there is always room to grow, improve and do better,” Ethan said. “The agriscience fair is a great way to explore a career in agriculture research, and I like encouraging younger students to explore science in a hands-on, practical way.”

Beyond his success in FFA contests, Ethan served as the 2014-2015 Michigan FFA state vice president. His experience in contests was helpful as a state officer, answering questions and helping others understand the organization’s direct tie to agriculture. “As good as it felt to compete in contests myself, it felt even better to help others as a state officer,” Ethan affirmed.

When asked why a young person should join FFA, Ethan answered, “The opportunities in FFA are endless—there are so many things you can do in FFA. From contests to leadership opportunities to travel, there are so many opportunities to grow, learn and prepare for a lifetime of success.”

Ethan is a sophomore at Michigan State University, majoring in animal science with a minor in agronomy. A busy student, he is also studying food science and agribusiness.

His career goal is to return to the family dairy farm and conduct further research projects to improve the operation. The skills Ethan learned by participating in the FFA Agriscience Fair help him both in the classroom and in his future career path.

A multitude of programs and Career Development Events allow students, like Ethan, the chance to try on real-world skills, challenge their knowledge and compete for recognition in the form of awards and scholarships. Thanks to donations from the sponsors listed on page 15, the Michigan FFA Foundation is able to provide opportunities for students to explore a specialized segment of agriculture, grow their skill set and explore potential careers.

“Participating in the national contest helped me discover there is always room to grow, improve and do better. The agriscience fair is a great way to explore a career in agriculture research, and I like encouraging younger students to explore science in a handson, practical way.� —Ethan Haywood, Hastings FFA Chapter

7

Michigan FFA Foundation Strategic Direction GOAL 1:

GOAL 2:

Increase the Michigan FFA Foundation Endowment to $8 million in order for the returns to cover commitments to the Michigan FFA Association, Alumni and Michigan Association of Agriscience Educators.

2014-2015 Endowments $3.6 million – 45% of Goal

Raise $26,000 annually from individuals to support the yearly operating needs of the Michigan FFA Foundation.

Gather $25,000 from events to help offset the Michigan FFA Foundation’s annual operating needs.

2014-2015 Corp. Commitments $257,518 – 64% of Goal

2014-2015 Individual Giving $22,519 – 87% of Goal

Exceeded Goal in 2015: $34,319

64%

87%

GOAL 6:

Lower the income to expense ratio so overhead costs represent just 5% of donations.

2015 expenses = 15% of income

15% 8

GOAL 4:

Garner $400,000 annually in corporate commitments to support the annual operating needs of the Michigan FFA Foundation

45% GOAL 5:

GOAL 3:

2014-2017 GOALS

Connect with more corporations and individuals each year.

Corporate Supporters:

Individual Donors:

2013-2014 - 57 Sponsors 2014-2015 - 67 Sponsors

2013-2014 - 215 Donors 2014-2015 - 243 Donors

18% increase

18%

13% increase

13%

$34,319

|

$25,000 GOAL

FFA By the Numbers FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

$3.6 million in endowments support FFA members statewide.

There are FFA chapters in

67 businesses and 243 individuals the Michigan FFA Foundation donates over $250,000

Thanks to the support of

16 of the 20 largest U.S. cities, including New York City, Chicago and Houston.

annually to FFA members.

Michigan’s

Over 6,700 Michigan students

FFA membership has increased

from 108 active chapters

five of the last six years.

36 Career Development Events 7 Conferences and Conventions 51 Proficiency Awards

benefit from:

Nationwide, FFA members earn

$4 billion through Supervised Agricultural Experiences.

9

EARNING TO

live

Emily Erffmeyer, Ravenna FFA Chapter

“Pull!”

When Emily Erffmeyer first called for a clay pigeon while shooting trap at the age of 9, she had no idea the anticipated one-time outing with her dad would turn into an FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), lifelong passion and potential Olympic bid. In fact, she couldn’t even keep her eyes open while pulling the trigger.

What followed was a seemingly endless stream of radio and TV interviews accompanying a $15,000 check. While earning the title took immense shooting prowess, the interviews put another set of skills to the test – skills Emily attests came not from her pink shooting vest, but her blue corduroy jacket.

“I shut my eyes and prayed I’d hit it,” Emily remembered. “Even though I couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn at first, I absolutely loved shooting! Every Thursday night, I’d slip on an oversized hot pink shooting vest and head to the local shooting club to try again.”

“Serving as my FFA chapter’s secretary and competing in contests helped me transform from a shy girl into a professional young woman, able to articulate my thoughts with poise in front of reporters,” she explained. “FFA helped push me outside of my comfort zone. My Outdoor Recreation SAE – including trapshooting, hunting and volunteering for the 4-H shooting sports club – helped me discover opportunities to turn my passion for shooting into a potential career path.”

After that first outing, Emily shot diligently every week, hitting only two clay pigeons her first year. But with a lot of practice and a new gun, by the age of 11 she had drummed up the confidence to shoot competitively.

In the height of her preparations, she spent over 30 hours a week perfecting her craft—eight hours practicing and 25 hours loading shells.

And her hard work has not gone unrewarded.

In 2012, Emily competed in the 10-day Grand American, shooting trap with competitors spanning from Brazil to England. After breaking 24 of the 25 clay pigeons in the first round of a nine-person shootout, only two competitors remained. Shot after shot, Emily broke clay after clay, hitting 25 consecutive targets and earning second overall in the all-ages, ladies division.

10

In 2013, the same year she was named Michigan FFA state winner in the Outdoor Recreation Proficiency, Emily earned the chance to compete for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team. Unfortunately, she took eighth, two places shy of the Olympics.

Far from discouraged, Emily still manages to make time to shoot trap as a sophomore at Grand Valley State University. She plans to utilize FFA communication and leadership skills along with trapshooting determination to help coach kids with diabetes as a registered dietician.

Each year, thousands of FFA members, like Emily, earn $4 billion while discovering their passions and future career paths through SAEs. Thanks to generous support from individuals, businesses and stakeholders investing in agriculture’s future, listed on page 15, the Michigan FFA Foundation is able to bestow proficiency awards to these high achieving students.

11

serve

LIVING TO

Troy Bancroft, co-founder, president and CEO Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers Many know the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Yet, for over 7,000 Michigan FFA members, it takes a fully-vested army of passionate past members, local sponsors and corporate donors to support the organization’s mission of premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

Troy Bancroft, co-founder, president and CEO of Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers, is one of these behind-the-scenes supporters who has seen the FFA difference firsthand, not as a member but as an employer, passionate about the future of his business and the agriculture industry.

“Our company has contributed to 4-H for decades, but it wasn’t until I saw state FFA officers in action at an event in 2011 that the light bulb came on,” Troy explained. “Once I witnessed what FFA was doing to equip members with leadership, public speaking and parliamentary procedure skills, and offering contests that provide and promote experience in agriculture, I realized AgroLiquid was missing an opportunity.”

An opportunity his company and family has embraced with open arms.

Starting with the family business, Troy began supporting the Michigan FFA State Convention and crop-related Career Development Events.

He didn’t stop there. With help and support from his wife, Jill, and their three adult sons, 12

also involved in the business, the Bancroft Family FFA Endowment was created in 2013. The fund helps cover the Michigan FFA Association’s operating costs as well as agriculture-related field trip grants for FFA chapters.

“The future of the Michigan FFA lies in the hearts of individuals who believe in the organization, its mission and what it can do for students. Troy Bancroft is a supporter who has given not only of his treasures, but time and talents as a volunteer and advocate,” Michigan FFA Foundation Director Ramey Lunceford elaborated.

“When people can effectively communicate for a cause, intelligently articulate their position to a group of people or move items of business along in a board meeting, that eloquence and poise builds students’ potential to positively influence others and contributes to our industry. FFA is one of a select few associations that not only teaches these skills, but gives students real-world opportunities to try them on,” Troy explained. “Many hold back from supporting causes like FFA because they don’t think they can afford it. In my mind, we can’t afford not to.”

A big-picture thinker, Troy rallies behind the idea that FFA is not only a training ground for those going back to the farm, but an educational platform building the next generation of agricultural advocates and informed consumers.

He sees his FFA contributions as an imperative investment, more than an obligatory expenditure.

From multi-million dollar corporate sponsors to individuals, like Troy, with a consistent annual pledge, past members and current supporters can all make a difference in the lives of FFA members. Page 16 includes a listing of individuals who have stepped up to support over 7,000 Michigan FFA members.

“Many hold back from supporting causes like FFA because they don’t think they can afford it.

In my mind, we can’t afford not to.”

—Troy Bancroft, co-founder, president and CEO Agro-Cultrure Liquid Fertilizers

13

Star Partners DISTINGUISED STAR SPONSORS ($25,000 OR MORE)

★★★★★ FIVE STAR SPONSOR

★★★★ FOUR STAR SPONSOR

($20,000 - $24,999)

($15,000 - $19,999)

★★★ THREE STAR SPONSORS

($10,000 - $14,999)

★★ TWO STAR SPONSORS

($5,000 - $9,999)

★ ONE STAR SPONSORS

($2,500 - $4,999)

CORPORATE SPONSORS (UP TO $2,499)

14

Tom Haag Inc.

Lynn Island Farms Severs Family Foundation

Career Development Event Sponsors

Proficiency and Award Sponsors

Agricultural Communication Kirk and Katha Heinze

Greenhand Public Speaking *Open Sponsorship*

Agricultural Communication Kirk and Katha Heinze

Fruit Production ChoiceOne Bank

Star in Production *Open Sponsorship*

Agricultural Issues Forum Zoetis Inc.

Greenhouse Crop Production Bonnie Plants Inc.

Agricultural Education *Open Sponsorship*

Goat Production *Open Sponsorship*

Agricultural Mechanics TechMark Inc.

Horse Judging *Open Sponsorship*

Agricultural Mechanics Techmark Inc.

Grain Production Michigan Wheat Program

Swine Production Michigan Pork Producers Association

Agricultural Sales Syngenta Crop Protection

Job Interview CSX Transportation

Grain Production BASF Corporation

Creed Speaking Cooperative Elevator Co.

Junior High Conduct of Meetings Bay Port State Bank

Agricultural Processing Dairy Farmers of America & Star of the West Milling Company

Crops Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers & Michigan Potato Industry Commission Dairy Cattle Judging Zoetis Inc. Dairy Foods Michigan Milk Producers Association Dairy Handling *Open Sponsorship* Demonstration Thumb National Bank & Trust Company

Beef Production *Open Sponsorship*

Home and/or Community Development T & W Construction Inc.

Junior High Quiz Bowl Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee

Dairy Production ANIMART Inc.

Landscape Management Jay Tuggle

Diversified Agriculture Production DuPont Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.

Nursery Operations Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association

Diversified Crop Production DuPont Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.

Outdoor Recreation Foremost Farms USA

Land Conservation Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers Livestock Judging W.A. Hereford & Sons Inc. Marketing Michigan Bean Commission Meats Evaluation Byron Center Meats

Extemporaneous Public Speaking Zoetis Inc.

Nursery/Landscape Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association

Floriculture Michigan Floral Association Food Science Michigan Farm Bureau & Michigan Foundation for Agriculture

Greenhouse Crop Production *Open Sponsorship*

Junior High Public Speaking *Open Sponsorship*

Environmental Skills Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers

Farm Business Management GreenStone Farm Credit Services

Agricultural Sales Syngenta Crop Protection

Parliamentary Procedure Michigan Wheat Program Poultry Miller Poultry Prepared Public Speaking Michigan Association of Agriscience Educators

Forestry Hardwoods of Michigan Inc.

Tractor Driving *Open Sponsorship*

Greenhand Conduct of Meetings Northstar Bank

Veterinary Science Zoetis Inc.

Diversified Horticulture Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers Diversified Livestock Production Zoetis Inc. Emerging Agricultural Technology Michigan Potato Industry Commission Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers Equine Science Zoetis Inc. Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee Food Science and Technology Michigan Farm Bureau & Michigan Foundation for Agriculture Forest Management Hardwoods of Michigan Inc.

Turf Grass Management Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Urban Agriculture *Open Sponsorship* Vegetable Production ChoiceOne Bank Veterinary Science Zoetis Inc. Wildlife Management National Wild Turkey Federation Inc.

Poultry Production Miller Poultry Sheep Production Michigan Sheep Breeders Association Small Animal Production and Care Zoetis Inc. Specialty Animal Production Miller Poultry Specialty Crop Production Michigan Sugar Company Star in Agribusiness *Open Sponsorship* Star in Agriscience Zoetis Inc. Star in Placement *Open Sponsorship*

15

Event Sponsors

Individual Giving Donors

Broiler Contest

Albright Pork Enterprises LLC

CHS Foundation

State Leadership Conference for Chapter and Regional Officers

Miller Poultry Fall Leadership Conference

Consumers Energy Foundation

The Andersons Inc.

State FFA Convention

CSX Transportation

Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers

Golf Outing Bay Port State Bank Braun, Kendrick, Finkbeiner, PLC Breckenridge FFA Alumni and Boosters Charles and Ann Arensmeier

Archer Daniels Midland Company The Andersons Inc. Consumers Energy Foundation Corn Marketing Program of Michigan GreenStone Farm Credit Services

Consumers Energy Foundation

Michigan Farm Bureau & Michigan Foundation for Agriculture

Craig & Associates Consulting Inc.

Zoetis Inc.

Dave Wyrick Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.

State FFA Officer Business and Industry Tour

Green Valley Agricultural Inc.

Michigan Farm Bureau & Michigan Foundation for Agriculture

GreenStone Farm Credit Services

Potato Industry Commission

Loretta Towne Michigan Farm Bureau & Michigan Foundation for Agriculture

State FFA Officers Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers

Michigan Pork Producers Association

GreenStone Farm Credit Services

Michigan Sugar Company

Washington Leadership Conference

Montague FFA Alumni Michigan State University Institute of Agriculture Technology Todd Davis, Spartan Insurance Agency LLC T & W Construction Inc. UHY Advisors Varnum LLP Vortexx Pressure Washers Wayne and Wauneta Ritter

16

Michigan Farm Bureau & Michigan Foundation for Agriculture Michigan Milk Producers Association

Diamond Donors ($1,000+) Charles and Ann Arensmeier Troy and Jill Bancroft Chad and Marguerite Bellville Ronald and Harriet Converse Mark Girard Shelly Schell James and Vickie Schiller Randy and Patricia Showerman Charles Snyder Jay and Nancy Tuggle Gold Donors ($500-$999) Peter and Mary Alexander Kevin Ball and Molly Avis-Ball Kenneth Bollinger John and Barbara Dilland Kirk and Katha Heinze Michelle Robinson Tim and Melissa Rogers Kenneth and Diana Timmerman Silver Donors ($250-$499) Alan Alaga Floyd and Judy Beneker Robert Butcher Philip and Kathryn Carter Andrea Chomistek Frank and Karen Corrin Brian and Barbara Dartt Harold and Patricia Elenbaas John and Michelle Engler Willard and Carolyn Fowler Royce and Kaela Humm Jeffrey and Kimberly Leipprandt Marjorie Martindale Wayne and Wauneta Ritter Daniel and Anna Schulz Vic and Tammera Verchereau Carroll and Marlene Wamhoff David and Irene Wyrick

Bronze Donors ($100-$249) Maggie Anstett Adam Armbruster David and Debra Armbruster Karen Batora Anthony and Nadene Berthiaume Dallas and Carolyn Birchmeier Kurt and Carolyn Bloodworth Erin Bosch Edsel and Linda Brooks Dale and Jean Brose Charles and Beverly Courtade Robert Craig Joyce Daglow John and Marjorie Deppong Craig Edgerly Kurt Ewald Hubert and Elizabeth Fisk Mark and Anne Forbush Tate and Mina Forbush Bruce and Yoshiko Green Gerald and Diane Heck David and Sharon Howell Dean and Jean Hyde Oliver Juengel Edward and Megan Merrill Gene and Jean Miller Roy and Myrtle Miller Liza Moore Mary Nesman John Norton Kevin and Melinda Oberly Peter and Anne Ostrowski Claude Palmerton Robert and Marie Pangman James and Chantal Paxton Charles and Marjorie Reep Richard and Linda Ries George and Janet Schnierle Wallace and Elizabeth Scott

Charles and Karen Scovill John and Kara Schut Nicole Sevrey Comer Skinner Lawrence Smith Douglas and T. Elizabeth Sweeney Timothy and Lisa Wahl Steven and Carolyn Wallenwine Don and Donna Wheeler Jordon Wyant John Wyrick

INVESTMENT FOR THE FUTURE

give the gift of leadership Whether you’re a past FFA member or interested community member, small agribusiness or worldwide corporation, we’re looking for partners to come alongside the Michigan FFA Foundation to encourage and grow the next generation of leaders – in agriculture and beyond.

If you’d like explore ways to donate your time, talents or treasures supporting local FFA chapters in your area or the statewide program, contact the Michigan FFA Foundation at 517-432-2482. There is also an online giving feature on our website www.michiganffa.org/foundation.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Michigan FFA Association and the real difference it makes in students’ lives, please visit www.michiganffa.org or www.facebook.com/MichiganFFA.

Michigan FFA Foundation 446 West Circle Drive, Room 319 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1039

michiganffa.org

•

517-432-2482