July 2015 by Texas Ag Ed

NEWS A Texas Team Ag Ed Publication

July 2015

The Way I See It Jack Winterrowd, Cedar Park

“A dream is a wish your heart makes when you’re fast asleep.” Mack David from “Cinderella” “What are your dreams?” As teachers, how many times have we asked our students that question? How many different answers have we received? What do we do when we get an answer that surprises or disappoints us? Do we consistently lift people up with their dreams intact? I have been blessed in my teaching career to have many students who were successful in various aspects of FFA. Some developed outstanding SAE’s. Others became successful leaders. Even more applied their knowledge and skills to jobs and careers. In each case they made individual choices and followed through to achieve their dreams. “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” - Colin Powell July is a month for dreaming in the FFA and agriculture education. We take students to the State FFA Convention and they leave the event inspired. For some, it will be lifechanging. I have heard many stories told by young people who, while attending their first state convention, dreamed of their future in the FFA and set the goals that influenced the remainder of their FFA career. It is so exciting for me to see the wonder in a greenhand’s eyes when they watch the opening session of convention

unfold. The state officers, sounds, lights, lasers, energy and collective strength of that experience makes a profound impact on many of them and for some, it changes their lives. One young man in particular began the journey of his FFA dream while attending his first convention as a very small boy. At the ripe old age of nine, he stood on the big stage and helped introduce his oldest brother’s retiring address and from that moment forward, he never wavered in his focus to someday return to that same big stage as a Texas FFA Officer. Along the way, he set and accomplished many other goals for his FFA experience. In addition, he set goals and dreamed of his life after the FFA and he worked hard to accomplish those dreams as well. On May 8, 2015 he stood on another big stage and delivered the Student Response at the College of Agriculture and Life Science Graduation at Texas A&M University. His dream of serving as Freshman Class President had happened. His dream of becoming the Mascot Corporal had been realized. His dream of being a leader in the Ross Volunteers came true. His dream of wearing senior boots and an Aggie Ring and graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree that would provide him with an exciting job opportunity had become a reality. Daylon Koster has achieved many great things in the time that I have been blessed to watch him grow

and mature. In many ways, he was the ideal student that ag teachers dream of teaching at least once in their careers. He dreamed big dreams, set high goals and then worked relentlessly to achieve them. He will freely admit that he didn’t achieve everything that he dreamed of. But I am certain that he would tell anyone that those things were minor setbacks and motivation for him to dream and achieve even more. “Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams.” -Benjamin Carson As teachers, I wonder if we sometimes don’t dream enough about our careers. We think about and talk about our “dream job”.

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VATAT News

The Way I See It Continued In some instances, our dreams can be nightmares! I have woken straight up several times from a startling dream about some school teaching fiasco. I can’t imagine how any teacher has not experienced that bad dream. Luckily for me, in each case the dream was totally unrealistic. Which brings me to a brick wall point. For some of our students, their dreams are unrealistic and in many instances, completely impossible. We are told and taught and coached that no dream is impossible. When, in reality, we know that is not true. So how do we balance those realities with our student’s dreams? Is it our job to crush or stifle their dreams? Who are we to do that to a child? Sadly, sometimes we may be the only voice of reason in certain situations. As teachers, we face many challenges in the whole dreams arena. Each of us have known a student that was limited by finances and their dream of winning a champion at a major show are by all intents and purposes, impossible. Or we have taught students who dream of attending a major university but are barely able to pass their basic high school classes. And possibly the saddest broken dream of all, the FFA member who dreams of serving as an officer but loses the election. In my 35 plus years of teaching, I have watched so many dreams broken and smashed by the harsh reality of life. So what keeps us going? Why do we tell our students to dream? Why do we dream of that ideal greenhand class where every student is anxious to memorize and recite the FFA Creed? Why do we travel for miles across this big state searching for that perfect show animal? Why do we even bother? “Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson It is simply the human condition to dream. And that is possibly one of the best reasons why I choose to teach. I think of myself as someone whose job is to help my students and my peers achieve their dreams. It has been said that when we stop dreaming we begin to die. Everyone has seen the TV commercial images of starving children in a third world country. Those images tug at our heart strings and sometimes bring a tear of sadness to our eyes. We can’t imagine that a child in that condition would have dreams but I assure you that they do. The organizations that assist them work hard to ensure that their dreams do come true. The FFA and VATAT are similar organizations because both are heavily invested in the concept of dreams. As FFA advisors, we work hard to inspire our members to dream about their ideal FFA experience and then we do our best to help those dreams become reality. As proof of that commitment, we spend a week in the Texas summer heat with thousands of kids wearing blue corduroy jackets. As teachers, we encourage our students to learn so they can achieve their dreams for their future lives as

adults and outstanding citizens of our great country where we have the freedoms to dream and dream big. The upcoming VATAT Conference is a place where dreams are also made. Months of planning and preparation have gone into the development and production of this event so that we are better prepared to do our jobs in an exemplary manner. “Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” - Napoleon Hill Whether the dream begins in Corpus Christi or Waco, I challenge anyone who reads this to dream big and to help others achieve their dreams. And that’s the way I see it…

INSIDE THIS ISSUE VATAT................................................................1 - 5 Texas FFA...........................................................7 Foundation....................................................8 Texas FFA Alumni..........................................12 Young Farmers.............................................14 - 15

VATAT News

84th Legislative Wrap-Up Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director The day after the session ended, the Austin AmericanStatesman summed up the 84th Texas Legislature with the headline, “It Could Have Been Worse”. In January, one hundred eighty-one well-meaning individuals descended on Austin and left one hundred forty days later with a balanced budget on the Governor’s desk. That is their constitutional mandate and they did it. In addition, there were other measures considered, with many proposed and few passed. When the dust clears, Texas will become an open carry state, with parts of college campuses carry-zones. Border security was beefed up, and much debate was had about how to regulate marriage in Texas. The promised tax relief for homeowners came in the form of an increase in the homestead exemption. Retired teachers had their medical insurance funded for at least the next two years, with no long-term solution in sight. School finance was pushed down the road to wait for the Texas Supreme Court to force action. $1.8 billion dollars was infused into public education, just enough to almost return to pre- 2011 levels. A state salary schedule is still in place based on tenure, which has been in use in one form or another since 1948. The bad news is that there was no increase in it. Many legislators brush this off by saying that only eleven districts in Texas pay state base. They seem very content to let local districts increase salary-or not. School voucher advocates who want to see tax money invested in private, home, or parochial schools were once again rebuffed. They will be back. House Public Education Chairman Jimmie Don Aycock made a great effort to bring equity to school finance, but his bill was doomed by lack of support from conservatives and school administrators. If a special session is called next year to address school funding, some aspects of this bill may be revived. Chairman Aycock announced his retirement effective at the end of his term. However, he will still be in his position until January 2017. We complain about our state government based on our own set of biases. We try to figure out winners and losers. The bottom line is that our system of government is the best in the world, and even with its imperfections, I wouldn’t trade it for any other.

Conference Attire: Monday, July 27 - Casual Tuesday, July 28 - Business Professional Wednesday, July 29 - Business Casual Thursday, July 30 - Business Casual Friday, July 31 - Business Professional

Are You Retiring This Year? We would like to honor members who are retiring this year. Please contact Karen@vatat.org or call (512) 472-3128. 3

VATAT News

SCHOLARSHIP GOLF

TOURNAMENT

MONDAY - JULY 27, 2015

Battle Lake Golf Course (254) 876-2837 4443 Old Waco Rd. Mart, TX. 76664 6:45 a.m. Check-In | $70.00 Entry Fee | Registration Deadline: July 20 Benefits the VATAT Scholarship Fund

ALL PLAYERS MUST BE CURRENT VATAT MEMBERS

SCHOLARSHIP Fun Run, Walk or Crawl MONDAY - JULY 27, 2015 Doris D. Miller Park Waco, Texas

6:30 a.m. Check-In | $20.00 Entry Fee Benefits the VATAT Scholarship Fund 4

VATAT News

SCHOLARSHIP 3D Archery Tournament MONDAY - JULY 27, 2015 Huaco Bowmen Archery Club Waco, Texas 8:00 a.m. Check-In | $30.00 Entry Fee Benefits the VATAT Scholarship Fund

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss our workshop at

VATATJuly2015 27 - 31 th

iCEV Tips & Advice from Current Subscribers Workshop Listen to current subscribers as they describe how they use the iCEV platform in their everyday classroom teaching as well as to help train both LDE and CDE teams. From using TEKS-aligned course playlists to managing class rosters to offering industry-backed certifications, learn implementation strategies for your program. New and upcoming features will also be discussed as well as new certification offerings.

Visit our booth to explore the new

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Other Available Certifications: Meat Evaluation Principles of Floral Design Professional Communications Principles of Livestock Selection & Evaluation

Booth #204

www.icevonline.com 5

VATAT News

Working Together

For today’s students

The TEXAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD is a proud partner of the FFA, and works with districts across the state to offer classes and services designed to help students become happy, successful citizens. n Project H.E.A.R. teaches students how to safely avoid, prevent and report bullying. n Career Directions is an all-in-one guide designed to help students set goals and plan their future careers. n And More! Classes include fitness, financial planning and paying for college. For information on how your district can partner with the National Guard, contact your school’s recruiter, or call (512) 782-5076.

“Helping Today’s Blue Jackets Become Tomorrow’s Ag Leaders” $100,000 Corporate Sponsorship

$10,000 VATAT Sponsorship

$5,000 + Ag Ed Scholarships www.seitzfundraising.com 6

VATAT News

UPDATE Texas FFA Convention Notes Tom Maynard, Executive Director The 87th Texas FFA Convention is upon us and a few updates and reminders may be in order to help you create a great experience for your students. The change in the officer election process will result in a few schedule and procedural changes. The twenty candidates advancing to be considered by the delegates will be announced in the opening session on Tuesday. In the third general session on Wednesday afternoon, your delegates will be considering only two candidates from their respective area. The top ten will be announced on Thursday morning with a single round of voting later in that session. The new process will also create a slightly different installation ceremony on Friday morning. It will be worth seeing. Fun night voting will be electronic through the Texas FFA Convention Smart Phone App. Delegates will sign in with their credentials as they have done in the past, but will sign in to vote by using the number on their printed delegate credential. This will greatly speed the vote counting. There are a number of features that should be noteworthy for you and for your students: • The nationally recognized marketing team WebbMason is presenting a leadership workshop on Tuesday morning. • 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the FFA-NFA merger. The last National NFA President, Adolphus Pinson will appear on Thursday morning to commemorate this occasion. • Governor Greg Abbott will address the convention on Thursday morning. • Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller will address the convention on Wednesday afternoon. • Former Harlem Globetrotter Melvin Adams is the keynote speaker for the opening session. • Jim Bob Solsby, former FFA member, USDA Executive Director and professional speaker will keynote the Wednesday morning session. • Fun Night will feature celebrity judges, including Jake Worthington, who was runner-up on NBC’s “The Voice,” and social media sensation Dale Brisby. • Cody Johnson, a former FFA member and talent competition participant will play the kick-off concert on Tuesday evening. • Members will have two Wednesday evening options during the Lone Star Degree ceremony—a Leadership Workshop presented by the Oklahoma FFA Officers and a hypnotist performance by Dr. Al Snyder, which will be repeated on Thursday night opposite the dance. Please be cognizant of official dress requirements, which are monitored for access to the delegate floor and to walk

across the main stage. It might be productive to review the Texas FFA Official Dress Standards on the Texas FFA website under the membership tab and then go to official dress. There is an ongoing discussion concerning dress code standards at the convention dance which is managed by the VATAT. Please look for e-mail updates on this item. Registration is the same as it was in 2014. Weekly registration is $40. If you are in the official housing block, you are eligible for a registration discount of $10 per member and teacher registration is complimentary. Teachers who are working as convention volunteers are comped whether their housing is in the block or not. The business session is on Wednesday. Texas FFA will not print materials, but once again be offering cool door prizes for students who show up properly prepared with their delegate materials. Agriscience Fair judging is now held on Tuesday morning, instead of Wednesday morning.

VATAT News

UPDATE FFA Changes Lives Ken Johnson, Texas FFA Foundation Board of Directors President “We are today where our thoughts of yesterday have brought us, and we will be tomorrow where our thoughts take us. Because what we envision we create, and what we anticipate, we become.” - James Allen The 87th Texas FFA Convention is almost upon us. I look forward to seeing everyone in Corpus Christ, July 13 – 17. It will be great to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and say thanks to the educators, government, business and agriculture leaders that believe in and support the Texas FFA. In July 1973, I attended my first Texas FFA State convention. It was a life changing experience. I returned home determined to make the most of my FFA opportunity. Three years later, in July 1976, I was honored to be elected Texas FFA President. Two summers later, I returned to address the convention as the 50th National FFA President. Those six important years shaped my life, educational goals and career. I know firsthand the powerful and positive impact the Texas FFA Experience can have on a student. We Must Grow and Strengthen the Texas FFA Experience: Today, I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Texas FFA Foundation Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of an outstanding group of government, business and industry leaders that are committed to securing the resources needed to ensure the Texas FFA Experience will continue far into the future. We understand the importance of preserving the strength and enhancing the future of agriculture science education and the Texas FFA program. Our goal is to empower each successive generation of Texas FFA members to excel and reach for greatness. Texas Team Ag Ed Working Together: The effort to grow, improve and preserve the Texas FFA Experience is a collaborative effort of the Texas FFA Association, Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas and the Texas FFA Foundation. Leadership of these three organizations has worked to establish independent strategic plans and budgets that mesh into a shared plan for Texas Team Ag Ed. Simply stated, preparing students to become responsible citizens, ethical leaders, while 8

providing them with knowledge and skills upon which they can build their lives and careers, is the mission of Texas Team Ag Ed. Much Has Been Accomplished: Texas FFA looks different in many ways than it did back in 1973. Membership has more than doubled. We have more local chapters and Agriculture Science Teachers than ever before. It’s now hard to find a facility big enough to hold state convention. There is greater diversity and depth in the agriculture science classes offered to our students. Tens of millions of dollars are added to the Texas economy through SAE projects annually. Opportunities to develop personal and career skills through LDE and CDE competitions have never been greater. Scholarships and awards given to Texas FFA members total in the millions of dollars each year. We have more students continuing their education beyond high school and achieving scholastic success than ever before. Today, agriculture science education and the Texas FFA offer unparalleled opportunities for personal growth and career success. Much Remains to Be Done: Preparing the next generation to feed, clothe and lead our communities, state and nation is our challenge. The task could not be more important. Research shows agriculture science education and Texas FFA is empowering students to excel in their academic and career goals. But all of us must work smarter and harder to get the job done. We must improve our organizational culture. Continuous improvement of everything Texas Team Ag Ed does must be our focus. And of course, millions of dollars must be raised to fund those efforts. We Must Communicate With Each Other and Those Outside Texas Team Ag Ed: To grow and strengthen the Texas FFA Experience we must engage in the process of setting strategic goals for Texas Team Ag Ed. Planning how we will fund and achieve those goals will require communication, team work and commitment. Just think of the great programs like L.E.A.D., Foundation Ambassadors, Ethical Leadership Fellows and Texas FFA/Ford Leadership Scholars that are taking root and showing results. Moreover, our efforts cannot be limited

VATAT News to looking inward; we must share our story and that of agriculture with the public. Exciting plans are in the works to take this important next step. Conclusion: We can build the organization we envision if we work together and do the right things. It won’t be easy, but the track record of the past 30 years indicates we can improve an already great organization. I believe this mission is worth the effort because it will make Texas a better place to live, work and raise our families. We are fortunate that business, industry and many generous individuals share our passion and have chosen support the mission of Texas Team Ag Ed. I look forward to seeing you at convention. It will be impressive and I’m confident the experience will continue to change lives.

Fresh Country Supports the VATAT with a Annual Donation!

www.FreshCountry.com

FFA SUPPORTERS ENJOY AN EXTRA 15% SAVINGS La Quinta® Inns & Suites is the official hotel chain for Texas FFA Association and Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas! Save 15% at over 820 locations across the U.S., Mexico and Canada for Texas FFA members, families, friends and supporters. FREE Bright Side Breakfast® • FREE high-speed Internet • Pillowtop Beds Swimming Pools & Fitness Centers at most locations

“Second place is not an option. it’s blue ribbon or it’s medium rare.”

BOOK NOW: Visit LQ.com/FFA or 800-SLEEPLQ (753-3757) and ask for promo code FFA *15% discount is available at participating La Quinta hotels nationwide for FFA Members, their families and supporters. Offer subject to availability, advance reservations required, tax extra. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or offer, not valid during special events or blackout dates.

wake up on the bright side®

| 9

VATAT News

THANK YOU

MAHINDRA IS PROUD TO SPONSOR:

FOR NURTURING OUR MOST IMPORTANT NATURAL RESOURCE — OUR CHILDREN.

INTRODUCING MAHINDRA PRIDE TEACHER APPRECIATION PROGRAM To thank those dedicated to educating and inspiring our youth, Mahindra — the world’s #1 selling tractor — is offering special pricing to teachers and administrators. To learn more, visit MahindraUSA.com

VATAT News

UPDATE Texas FFA Alumni Convention Schedule & Other Information Kelly White, Texas FFA Alumni President

Tuesday & Wednesday at 3:00 PM

Major Contributors to Alumni Auction

3:00 PM Affiliate Basket Contest: Penny-A-Vote: Vote for your favorite basket. The winning basket will win a traveling trophy.

We would like to thank the follow contributors: McCoys, Jim Prewitt – Landmark Nursery, Priefert, Tru Test, W Silver, La Quinta, Ag Workers Insurance, Seitz Fundraising, River Star Farms, Superior Trophies, Creative Awards, Fresh Country, Weighat Graphics ,and Clay Ewell Educational Services

Thrusday 3:00 PM Meet the Council/General Session 6:00 PM Alumni Dinner (tickets purchased at the door) 7:00 PM Alumni Auction: Auction Items include Priefert Livestock Equipment, Hotel Stays, Boots, Power Tools, Western Art, Fencing Material, Affiliate Baskets, and MORE.

Scholarships, Grants and Awards $1,000 Texas FFA Alumni Scholarship Benjamin Johnson - Spring Branch FFA Wyatt Maher - Friends of S&S FFA $500 Texas FFA Alumni Scholarship Michaela Cross - Decature FFA Kord Davis - Florence FFA Maddison Evans - Gilmer FFA Blake Mosley - George West FFA Madalynn Thamm - Lake Travis FFA $500 Texas FFA Alumni Grants In Memory of Kelly Prewitt Stewart Canyon Lake FFA Cedar Park FFA Decatur FFA Elgin FFA Florence FFA Gilmer FFA Lake Travis FFA Spring Branch FFA Warren FFA Weimar FFA

Outstanding Affiliate

Weimar FFA

Texas FFA Alumni Chapter Basket Contest Tuesday, July 14th

You are asked to fill a basket and enter your FFA alumni chapter in the Texas FFA Alumni Chapter Basket Contest. Each alumni chapter may enter one basket. It may have homemade jellies, items made by local companies, home-made items, items from the local ag department, caps, etc. Baskets should be delivered to the FFA Alumni booth by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10th. The baskets will be judged on a penny ($.01) per vote. The basket with the most votes will receive the rotating “Basket Winner” plaque. The baskets become the property of the Texas FFA Alumni Association and will be sold in the auction on Thursday evening.

Contest Rules • Baskets need to be delivered to the FFA Alumni booth by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. • Contest ends on Wednesday when the exhibit hall closes and the votes will be counted that evening. • A list of the items included in the basket should be clearly labeled on the basket. • The basket can be of any creation. • No alcohol should be included in the basket.

VATAT News

Think Big, Print Big • 806.794.7752 • slategroup.com

VATAT News

UPDATE Notes From the Executive Secretary Don Beene, Texas Young Farmers Executive Secretary Summer is here and it brought hot weather. I hope everyone has their tanks full and crops growing well after the rain most of the state received in May. Grass is growing and the cows should be full lying around chewing their cuds. I understand with summer comes a busy schedule for most involved with agriculture education. The Texas FFA Convention is just around the corner and I hope that each of you will come by the Texas Young Farmer Booth in the exhibit hall. We will also be at the VATAT Conference and will have a little of something for each of you. Please come by and visit, I like to see you and it helps me when I receive a call or an email

from you, I am able to put a face to the message. Please note our scholarship winners featured in this issue. To the best of my knowledge this will be the first Young Farmer Scholarship for each of these chapters. If I can be of service to any of you please let me know. I want to remind everyone that you are required to file an income form or e card each year. You have five months from the end of your physical year. Enjoy the summer and be sure to come by and visit us at Convention and Conference.

2015 Texas Young Farmers Scholarship Winners Dakota Cline is a member of the Lumberton FFA Chapter and the son of Don Jason and Kimberly Cline. He plans on attending Stephen F. Austin University and majoring in Agri-Business and Forestry and is interested in pursuing a career in forestry. Dakota has participated in many LDE and CDE events and holds the Lonestar Degree. His SAEP varied as he started with a pen of rabbits and also showed pigs and steers. His primary interest was farm shop and he built a gate and trailer of which he exhibited in the local fair. Since Dakota was very active in the shop he has been selected to receive the Billy Harrell Young Farmer Scholarship. Each year we present a Billy Harrell Scholarship as he was very instrumental in getting the Young Farmers involved in the Ag Mechanic Show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Devin Hampton is a member of the Mineral Wells FFA Chapter and the son of Tim and Deeann Hampton. He plans on beginning his college career at Weatherford College and transferring to Tarleton State University where he will receive a degree in agriculture business. His primary goal is to be in veterinary drug sales. His grandparents own a peach and pecan orchard that he will be taking over when the time arrives. Devin holds the Lonestar Degree and has been very active in CDE and LDE events. His SAEP program started with swine but as time went on he expanded into showing beef cattle at all major and local livestock show. He as assisted the local young farmer chapter with several of their activities, especially the livestock shows. His parents are active in the Mineral Wells Young Farmer Chapter. They were instrumental in getting the program started a few years back.

VATAT News Kyler Hancock is a member of the Mexia FFA Chapter and the Limestone County Young Farmers. Kyler is the son of Kyle and Cheryl Hancock. Kyler plans on attending Texas A&M University and pursuing a degree in Environmental Architecture. He graduated 9th in a class of 104. He participated in several CDE and LDE events with Mexia FFA and his primary SAEP was a swine project for the Limestone County Fair. The Limestone County Young Farmers play a big part in many community activities. They cook many meals each year for different community, church and non-profit endeavors. Another of their events is frying turkeys for Thanksgiving for individuals and businesses to purchase. Kyler is always there for these activities giving a helping hand to his local young farmer chapter.

Emma Wick is a member of the Halletsville FFA Chapter and the daughter of Terry (deceased) and Sara Wick. Emma plans on attending Texas A&M University and majoring in Biomedical Sciences for a career in veterinary medicine. Emmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SAEP was primarily steers. She has shown at all the major shows and was selected for the showmanship drive at the Houston Livestock Show. She also raised beef heifers. She participated in many of the CDE and LDE contests. Her Dad was the ag teacher in Halletsville and had a very active Young Farmer Chapter so this meant that Emma was involved in all the activities. Halletsville brought a group to the National Young Farmers Convention in 2013 that was hosted by Texas in San Antonio.

Courtney Wilkins is a member of the Cayuga FFA Chapter and daughter of Donna Hutcherson and Chris Wilkins. Courtney plans on attending Texas A&M University and studying Agri-Science/Business and plans to teach agriculture. She graduated 5th of 59. Courtney has participated in many LDE and CDE events in her 4 years at Cayuga High School. She has also been very active in Cayuga Young Farmers by assisting them with their fund raising projects and helping at local livestock shows. Her parents are also active members of the chapter. She holds the Lonestar Degree and her SAEP included various types of livestock which she has shown at all of the major shows as well as the Henderson and Anderson County livestock shows.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE

TEXAS YOUNG FARMERS

Our Association provides education and training to men and women engaged in agricultural production. Our Association introduces our members to agricultural leaders who understands the needs of Texas agribusiness. Discover how our Association can benefit you.

TXYOUNGFARMERS.ORG

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VATAT

614 East 12th Street Austin, Texas 78701

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Professional Development Conference Highlights Sunday, July 26

Monday, July 27

4:00 pm VATAT Board of Directors Meeting

Tuesday, July 28

8:00 am Certification & Training Workshops

7:00 am Registration

1:00 pm Registration

8:30 am Opening Session

7:00 am Exhibit Show

1:00 pm Exhibit Show

11:30 am Taste of Texas

6:00 pm New Teacher Workshop

Wednesday, July 29 7:00 am VATAT Board of Directors Meeting

1:00 pm Area / District Meetings

Thursday, July 30

Friday, July 31

8:00 am Exhibit Show

8:00 am Closing General Session

8:30 am Professional Development Workshops

8:00 am Exhibit Show 8:30 am Professional Development Workshops

10:15 am Area Meetings

6:00 pm Family Night

YOUR PARTNERS IN PRINT HIGH QUALITY SALES CATALOGS Call Don Denny Today!

Office 806.794.7752 | Cell 806.789.7712 slategroup.com

Contact www.vatat.org

(512) 472-3128

vatat@vatat.org

Officers Jack Winterrowd, President

Ray Pieniazek, Vice President

Shane Crafton, Secretary/Treasurer

Staff Barney McClure, Executive Director

Ashley Dunkerley, Communications

Karen Jones, Membership Services