FFA Week 2020

FFA WEEK 2020 Sunday, February 16, 2020 | globegazette.com | SECTION C

SUBMITTED PHOTOS‌

Alec Eggers, Olivia Orchard, Olivia Brcka and Maycee Wilkie pose at the Clear Lake and Ventura Food Bank after delivering the holiday meal boxes.

Clear Lake’s ag program is booming With 78 students, new program is exceeding expectations GRACE ZAPLATYNSKY

grace.zaplatynsky@globegazette.com‌

‌The new agriculture and FFA program at Clear Lake High School is only halfway through its first year and already has seen some huge growth.

There are now 78 students in the program in the second semester, a growth from the first semester’s 50 members, and each student in the FFA program has to take an agriculture class as well, according to agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Elisa Russ.

Though the rapid growth can be a challenge, Russ said it keeps the program exciting, and having her students show energy and interest in agriculture and FFA by filling the classrooms and FFA meetings keeps her going.

“I always remind myself that the opportunities I am helping provide these students are ones they didn’t have before the program was started, so that helps keep me grounded,” she said.

Agriculture is a relevant and unique area for students to learn more about with a lot of diversity within the industry, so there’s always something to interest students, Russ said.

“When students can see the importance and the ‘why’ behind what they’re learning, it keeps them engaged and excited about the content,” she said.

Russ said she will offer more agriculture classes in high school next year, adding a plant science and animal science class in addition to her agriculture leadership and introduction to agriculture, food and natural resources classes.

“I am also hoping to get our middle-schoolers more involved in FFA,” she said.Working with students completely new to the agriculture world has been one of the biggest challenges Russ said, especially since she has been “surrounded by agriculture and FFA since I was born.”

“Trying to teach something that is like second nature to me can be difficult, but it’s incredibly rewarding for them to learn about FFA and show excitement for what they’re doing,” she said.

Sophomore Macee Wilkie, the Clear Lake FFA chapter sentinel, said she joined in August 2019 because she grew up on a small hobby farm, where she “got the feel of what agriculture was,” and she loved that aspect of it.

“The whole world is like agriculture – what you eat, it has to do with ag – and even just leadership involves ag, too,” Wilkie said.

Interacting with students who also love to learn about agriculture is her favorite part of the program, and she’ll definitely stay in the program next year, Wilkie said.With the launch of the new program, Wilkie said she feels like the students are more united, especially because students can learn about what they love and pursue a career in ag if they want to.

“Since we’ve had ag, I’ve found my clique in what I really like to do,” she said. “I get more excited to come to school because I get my favorite class in the day.”

Senior Julia Merfeld said she joined the program when it started because her dad and brother both work in the agriculture industry.

Merfeld owed all the success to Russ, saying she gave the students all the available opportunities in the program.

“She’s so excited about it, it

From left, back: Mason Murphy, Kjersten Ouverson, Easton DeVries, Alec Eggers and Meagan Paine. Front: Emma Pingel, Jessica Theobald, Olivia Orchard and Maycee Wilkie. These students attended the Iowa FFA Ignite and Amplify Leadership conferences. They attended a day-long leadership conference to learn more about FFA opportunities, the agriculture industry and how to serve as a better leader for their FFA chapter. just makes other people excited about it,” she said.Though in the beginning many people didn’t take the program very seriously, FFA is seen differently among the students now, Merfeld said.

“I think a lot more people arguing it now, and they just don’t think of it as like, oh just like farm kids do it,” she said. “Everybody’s realizing that a lot goes into it, and there’s a lot of ways that you can get involved and be successful.”

Merfeld said she somewhat wished she could stay next year and “just watch it grow.”

“I think Clear Lake’s going to be a successful chapter and do a lot,” she said.Students who are active FFA members participate in community service projects, monthly meetings, leadership conferences and a variety of From left: Olivia Brcka, Alec Eggers, Allexa Whitehouse, Julia Merfeld, Riley Cooney, Sara Faber, Jessica Theobald and adviser Elisa Russ stand in Please see CLEAR LAKE, Page C5 the Iowa State Capitol for the 35th Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium.

GHV Iowa River FFA: Growing, marketing its own grain Chapter ranked second in state for breeding gilts GARNER-HAYFIELD-VENTURA

‌The GHV FFA has had another great year.

The FFA has been involved in numerous activities this year. We helped with the Hancock County Fair and various activities for our community. The officer team helped grill burgers at the Garner Chamber Community Night in the Park, helped set up for both the Reliance Bank annual picnic, and Ag Awareness for third-grade students in Hancock County.

There were 43 GHV FFA mem00 1 bers showing at the Hancock

County Fair this year, winning many purple and blue ribbons.

This year we had 23 members showing at the Iowa State Fair.

The Iowa River FFA Chapter was ranked second in the state for breeding gilts and fifth in the state for market swine at the Iowa State Fair Swine Show.

Chapter members that participated in the Iowa State Fair were Ryan Darg, Joe Pringnitz, Caleb Turek, Zach Eichman, Erik Goll, Dakota Burress, Dakota Markla, Matt Barickman, Brielle Smeby, Jamie Hejlik, Jared Shaw, Zach Feld, and Emma Frohling. The GHV FFA has an annual test plot that has proven to be a great learning experience for the stu-

dents. The FFA members planted the test plot and continuously looked after it. The grain we grow is harvested and marketed by the Junior Ag marketing class and other FFA members. The test plot is an excellent opportunity for students to learn many different things. It teaches lessons about marketing, machinery operation, and agronomy. The FFA would like to thank Nutrien for the land and Dan Goll, Dan Boehnke, Legge Custom and Agvantage FS for chemicals, seed and equipment.

SUBMITTED‌ The FFA chapter had 7 memFirst row: Brody Boehnke, treasurer; Jayden Frank, vice president; Caleb bers; Jared Shaw, Sam Umbarger, Turek, president; Joe Pringnitz, secretary. Second row: Isaac Knutson, Please see GHV, Page C3 historian; Joseph Prohaska, reporter; Jared Shaw, sentinel.

FFA WEEK 2020

C2 | Sunday, February 16, 2020

Globe Gazette

SUBMITTED‌ PHOTOS

Front row, left to right: Brody Koenigs, president; Alexa Houser, vice-president; Morgan Drilling, secretary; Sophia Weaver, reporter; Theo Klaes, treasurer; Charlie Ring-Sentinel, Zach Gronwoldt, historian; Morgan Nosbisch, advisor. Second Row: Mitchel Marr, Issac Harken, Brynn Hemann, Adanna Warnke, Libby Miller, Mel McElroy, Wyatt Williams, Andrea Gronwoldt.

Third Row: James Beran, Tyrone Erickson, Shelbie McKimmy, Joy Beran, Lauren Hemann, Aubry Orth, Alexis Koenigs, Catherine Weaver. Fourth Row: Anthony Houser, John Langreck, Mercedes Leismeister, Ashley Koenigs, Josie Gansen, Hannah Sunnes, Hunter Gossman, Anderw Hovey, Makenzi Walker.

Riceville FFA Freshman Greenhand Fire-Up. Front, left to right: Makenzi Walker, Anthony Houser, Ashley Koenigs. Back, left to right: Joy Beran, John Langreck, Tyrone Erickson, Trenton Swenson.

Riceville FFA: Growth in numbers and activities offered RICEVILLE FFA

‌This past year, the Riceville FFA chapter has seen increased involvement in both the number of members participating in activities and also the number of events and activities attended. In this article, we will look back at some of the activities and events that Riceville FFA members participated in this year.

In February, we celebrated FFA Week. There were plans to have dress-up days such as dress like a farmer, official dress, FFA T-shirt day, and blue and gold day. Unfortunately, weather prevented most of those days from happening due to school being canceled. We also had a drive your farm vehicle to school day. Sub-district contests also took place in February. Andrea Gronwoldt participated in Ag Broadcasting and received a bronze. Morgan Drilling, Rylie Dunn, Catherine Weaver, Theo Klaes, Lauren Hemann, Mitchel Marr and Zach Gronwoldt received a gold for Conduct of Meetings and advanced to the District competition.

Our annual FFA banquet took place in March. At the banquet, we handed out awards to our members who excelled during the year in FFA. Also in March, the Conduct of Meetings team consisting of Morgan Drilling, Rylie Dunn, Catherine Weaver, Theo Klaes, Lauren Hemann, Mitchel Marr and Zach Gronwoldt advanced to the district competition and received a bronze award. Haley Gossman, Derrick Dunn and CJ Dunn received the Academic Achievement Award at the District Convention as well.

In April, members attended and participated

Front, left to right: Brody Koenigs, president; Alexa Houser, vice president; Morgan Drilling, secretary; Sophia Weaver, Reporter; Theo Klaes, treasurer; Charlie Ring, sentinel; Zach Gronwoldt, historian; and Morgan Nosbisch, advisor. in the State FFA Convention. Kaleb Asfahl, Haley Gossman, Austin, Dereck, Lee, CJ, and Chad received their Iowa degrees. Theo Klaes received a silver in the Greenhand Quiz contest. Hope Nightingale and Alexis Koenigs participated in the State FFA Chorus and Morgan Drilling participated in the State FFA Band. James Beran and Chris Eastman helped out at the convention by participating in the Courtesy Corps as well.

Through the summer months, the members went to many activities. In June, we had our monthly meeting at Lake Hendricks where we inducted our new officers. Brody Koenigs became president, Alexa Houser became vice-president, Morgan Drilling became the secretary, Theo Klaes became the treasurer, Sophia Weaver is still the reporter, Charlie Ring became the sentinel, and Zach Gronwoldt became the historian. The new officers went to the C.O.L.T. District Leadership Camp

in Iowa Falls at Ellsworth Community College. The Howard County Fair also took place in June. Hannah Sunnes showed her horse, Carson Hale and Morgan Drilling showed their beef cattle, Alex Franzen showed her rabbits, poultry, and goats at fair.

The Mitchell County Fair took place in July. Members showing at this fair included Lee Fox and Theo Klaes, who exhibited cattle; Chris Eastman and Theo Klaes, who exhibited sheep; and Sophia Weaver, who showed swine. The Officer Retreat was July 23-25. Officers stayed at a cabin owned

by Mrs. Nosbisch’s family.

The officers talked about the upcoming FFA year. The officers did team bonding games, swam in Clear Lake, and went mini-golfing in Mason City.

In August, members participated at the Iowa State Fair. Bailey Dohlman, Morgan Drilling, Brody Koenigs, Charlie Ring, and Alexa Houser showed pictures in the photography division. Hannah Sunnes

showed her horse at the State Fair as well. Morgan Drilling, Brynn Hemann, and Adanna Warnke participated in the FFA State Fair Grandstand Ushers as well.

In September, we had two teams participate in Soils Judging at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. Team one for the Riceville FFA chapter placed fifth and advanced to the State Soils contest. Team members included Brody Koenigs, Zach Growoldt, Alexa Houser and James Beran. James received 15th place, Brody received 17th place, Zach received 85th place and Alexa received 118th place. Team two which consisted of Mercedes Leismeister, Mitchel Marr and Theo Klaes received 35th place. We also had seven freshmen attend the Greenhand Fire-Up at Ellsworth Community College. Trenton Swenson, John Langreck, Tyrone Erickson, Makenzi Walker, Ashley Koenigs, Anthony Houser, and Joy Beran all

50th Anniversary of Females in FFA Celebration. First row, left to right: Alexa Houser, Makenzi Walker, Alexis Koenigs, Lauren Hemann. Second row, left to right: Merceds Please see RICEVILLE, Page C6 Leismeister, Hannah Sunnes, Megan Percival.

Thank you FFA for building the future of Agriculture!

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National FFA Convention. Front, left to right: Alexa Houser, Sophia Weaver, Andrea Gronwoldt, James Beran, Mercedes Leismeister. Back, left to right: Joy Beran, Morgan Drilling, Theo Klaes, John Langreck, Zach Gronwoldt.

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FFA WEEK 2020

Globe Gazette

Sunday, February 16, 2020 | C3

Forest City FFA: Jefson sisters make FFA part of their everyday life ALYSSA AND NATALIE JEFSON

‌ rom Alyssa Jefson: F For me, FFA has not always been an interest of mine. In fact, I didn’t join the organization until I was a sophomore. Freshman year I thought that FFA was all about farming, which I didn’t know much about. At that time, Derek Straube was the Forest City FFA chapter advisor. I remember every morning when I walked past his room he would tell me, “Good morning Jefson,” with a smirk on his face because he was trying to get me to join.

He had just roped my sister, Natalie Jefson, into the organization the year before. She was always telling me something fun they were doing as a chapter, or in the classroom and about Mr. Straube. I finally gave into Straube my sophomore year and I decided to take an Ag class. I enjoyed having Straube as a teacher, just as much as my sister told me I would, so I decided to join FFA right away.

I was having mixed feelings about attending my first FFA meeting, but I went with my sister and I’m glad I did. It was one of the first

extracurricular activities that I instantly fell in love with because of the people.

The people involved with this particular organization didn’t judge me for any reason, they knew how to have fun, they listened to everyone’s opinions, they included everyone, and they created a bond with me that will last forever.

I enjoyed FFA my sophomore year so much, one may think that’s why I decided to run for a chapter officer position my junior year, but that’s not true. My sister, Natalie, is the ultimate reason why I decided to run for an officer position. Natalie has always been a smart, outgoing person, but most importantly, she has always been my role model. I’m not ashamed to say I want to follow in Natalie’s footsteps.

My junior year I was chapter historian alongside my sister being vice president.

This year, my senior year, I am the chapter president and so far I have enjoyed it.

End of summer 2019, Straube announced his decision to resign in order to be closer to home. I was mostly sad because my favorite teacher and a person

that truly made a difference in my life was leaving my senior year. I wanted him to wait until after my senior year, but I knew he needed to move closer to home.

So, this year we started with Larry Vold as our interim advisor until a new one could be hired. At the beginning of the year, our chapter also found a new beginning with a new advisor. It has been absolutely wonderful so far! Ms. Haley Hinrichs has already made a difference in our chapter and I am looking forward to see how she can be the leader we need to increase our numbers and be a strong, active chapter.

Natalie Jefson: “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.” Thomas Jefferson saw the value of agriculture even when our country was in its beginning years.

Today, in a time when our population is rapidly growing agricultural education is extremely important.

As a high school student, FFA was extremely important. The skills that I learned in my time as an FFA has been vital to my develop-

ment as a person. FFA helps educate students on important agricultural topics. Students learn how to calculate chemical equations, grow plants in the greenhouse, and terms for many livestock animals.

Agricultural education classes help students develop career skills that are necessary for being part of the workforce. Environmental conservation is a current issue that students can be educated on through taking agricultural classes. One of my favorite memories of agricultural classes is learning about soil. We were able to look at the components of soil, how it becomes damaged, and how it can be conserved. I am now prepared to purchase a home on good soil because I know what components to look for.

Students learn skills that prepare them for careers right out of high school. They learn how to use equipment that is used in many workplaces. In our high school we had a plasma table, which is used in many manufacturing businesses. Students are able to operate the table and create their own designs.

Not only do students learn

GHV

Fred Greder

we would like to have a fun annual FFA Week. We are looking forward to having many activities during FFA Week within our FFA chapter. Monday, we are going to hand out our chapter shirts that we made and have FFA officer elections, Tuesday, we have the CDE leadership contest, in Forest City.

Thursday, we are having donuts in the morning, donated

by Farm Bureau, and Friday is our annual Ag Skills Night with lots of fun games, pizza donated by Clear Lake Bank and Trust, and ice cream. The activities we are having at Ag

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Skills Night are: nail poundSome goals for the GHV ing, creeper races, bag tour- FFA upcoming year are to be naments, and the nut and more involved in the community, have at least three bolt challenge.

prepared to serve on boards, committees, and attend business meetings than their peers. Almost every FFA member will tell you that their public speaking skills have increased tremendously because of the organization.

Perhaps the biggest benefit FFA has given me is a sense of belonging and purpose.

Agricultural teachers always have big hearts and a passion for students. Through my time as a member, I have found my purpose. Thanks to the FFA advisors in my life, I have grown tremendously as an agriculturist and a person.

cock County Fair, and have five different career development events that advance to district and state level.

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about agricultural topics, they also learn important life skills that they will carry with them for the rest of their life. Through my time in FFA I have learned how to be responsible and work as a team. FFA members have a chance to serve on officer teams. This opportunity allows students to learn communication and cooperation.

Contests give students the opportunity to learn valuable skills. I participated in parliamentary procedure.

FFA members who participate in this contest are more

First row: Isaac Knutson, historian; Jared Shaw, sentinel; Joseph Prohaska, reporter; Brody Boehnke, treasurer; Joe Pringnitz, secretary; Jayden Frank, vice president; Caleb Turek, president. Second row: Abigail Panhoff, Brook Barkema, Sam Umbarger, Bailey Dosio, Cougan Shropshire, Colton Bruce, Jace Hanson. Third row: Carlee Frayne, Jamie Hejlik, Tyler Leerar, Ty Gardner, Ben Furst, Cade Steenhard, Caleb Graff, AJ Tusha. Fourth row: Ashley Homann, Maddie Graham, Kelsey Watson, Paige Roberts, Brock Gouge, Max Tusha, Reece Bruggeman, Dalton Konz. Fifth row: Jada Nganyange, Alayna Welsh, Zach Feld, Jake Burres, Rafe Van Dusseldorp, Rhett Steenhard, Braden Renner, Austin Richardson. Cole Monson. Sixth row: Emma Kudej, Payton Harle, Shelby Greiman, Sam Turner, Ben Marshall, Braden Boehnke, Ryan Darg, Collin Merry, Matthew Obermann.

Seventh row: Caitlyn Bjoraker, Karlee Young, Aleah Brown, Rachel Briele, Sarah Schmidt, Addi Hejna, Morgan Krein, Becca Hejlik, Emma Goll, Andrea Fox. Eighth row: Josephine Frohling, Keagen Buchda, Jacob Hansen.

From C1

Jayden Frank, Kelsey Watson, Joe Pringnitz, Brody Boehnke, and Jamie Hejlik, who attended the National FFA Convention. They gained valuable leadership skills and attended the career success show.Another project that we have been working on is an energy-saving and shade curtain that will save 45% of the energy cost for heat in our greenhouse and protect the plants in the summer from too much sun.

We use the greenhouse to grow flowers for our annual spring sale and for various plant experiments.

In May 2019 Grace Greiman, Brielle Smeby, and Jace Pringnitz, who were FFA officers went to Iquitos, Peru. They intended to help develop a fish farm through GoServ Global. The purpose of developing a fish farm for the Peruvians was to give them sustainability, a source of income, and a source of protein for their diets. The students are looking forward to traveling back to Peru someday to see the developments of the fish farm and see how it is benefiting the Peruvians.

We have had an outstanding year for our FFA and

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Natalie and Alyssa Jefson.

We’re proud to support the FFA’s commitment to teaching those who will feed our future. A better tomorrow is already growing thanks to the next crop of America’s farmers. Trust in Tomorrow.®

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FFA WEEK 2020

C4 | Sunday, February 16, 2020

Globe Gazette

SUBMITTED PHOTOS‌

From left to right: Emma Wagner, Joryn Hanson, Lauryn McFarland, Lena Polekha, Genasee Clayton, Alexa Thyer and Haley Muhs practice for the conduct of meeting competition at sub-districts.

Osage FFA students prepare for sub-districts

SUBMITTED‌

Back Row, left to right: Ben Popp, Meirick Huffman, Andrew Thyer, Nolan Byrnes, Mary Ann Fox, Joe Sullivan. Fourth row: Alexis Meyer, Kaitlyn Baer, Whitney Hemann, Garrett Meitner, Josie Popp.

Third row: Hannah Koch, Ayla Kline, Karlie Wagner, Kaylee Klaes, Shelby Blake, Kourtney Chambers.

Second row: Gwen Voaklander, Ally Mullenbach, Josie Keck, Skye Pozanc, Emma Lindeland. First row: Ashlynn Brock, Chloe Goodale, Allison Schallock, Brittany Baer.

HANNAH BATES

Osage FFA: 33 new members and a new greenhouse OSAGE FFA

‌ his year has been a busy T year for our chapter and members. We had 33 new members join in on the fun. Throughout the past year, members traveled to Ames for the State Convention, Indianapolis for the National Conventions and Washington, D.C., for the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC).

Along with that, the excitement for the construction (set for spring) of our greenhouse is growing! In honor of National FFA Week these members wanted to share why they became involved in FFA and memorable experiences: “I joined to learn more about leadership skills, knowledge of agriculture, and good work ethic. My favorite memory is WLC because I learned a lot about leadership skills and I met a lot of people.” -Skye Pozanc (sophomore)

Elizabeth Hinders looks forward to showing rabbits at fair and participating in contests. She says: “I was really interested and FFA gives good opportunities.”

“I wanted to try FFA. My siblings were out and it seemed fun. It makes you more involved and I wanted to be a part of it.” says freshmen Debby Baer. Her favorite thing so far has been the 50year event celebrated by our sub-district. She looks forward to participating in Ag Broadcasting competition.

Hannah Koch (junior) says her favorite memories are going to WLC and National Convention. “I wanted to become a better leader in agriculture.”

“FFA sounded fun. My sister was in it and had a great time, so I went out for it. I went to National Convention.

That was a cool experience and I liked meeting people from Hawaii and Alaska.”—

Osage High School‌

‌My passion for FFA has inspired me to learn more about sub-districts.

I’m fortunate enough to have my FFA teacher, Ms. Meyer, who digs deep to change the program and make it better. I was able to spend some time with her and learn what the students are doing in sub-districts and who’s involved.

Many people wonder what sub-districts are. Sub-districts are a competition where the North Iowa districts compete with other sub-districts to see who’s the best at their specific topic. The winners of their topics will advance onto district champs.There are a total of 18 people in sub-districts. Everyone has been practicing for a good three weeks already with sub-districts competition on the Feb. 18. The kids have been practicing really hard hoping to advance to district champs.

I had the pleasure to talk to Ashlynn Brock, Osage 2019-2020 vice president. This is her first year going to sub-districts. She’s looking forward to learning more at the contest.

Ashlynn also hopes to advance to district champs and wants to complete sub-district yet again when she’s in college next year. I also asked her what brought her into FFA, and she said, “I went to WLC (Washington Leadership Committee) as a freshman, loved it,

Brody Wolf Nate Havel enjoys showing swine and competing in contests. “My favorite thing so far has been Farm Business Management.”

“I joined FFA for the simple fact that I wanted to meet new people, go to new places, and try new things. My favorite FFA memory has definitely been WLC. It was a great experience. I came home with tons of knowledge, new friends and even stronger relationships with the people in my chapter that I went with!”—Brooke Carlson (junior) Noah Sletten (senior) followed his sisters’ steps by and joined. “My favorite memory was freshman year when we got to go on stage at state for conduct and got 6th.”

With so many new members that have joined, we are excited to see where their FFA journey takes them and what memories they will create!

Ashylnn Brock standing next to the FFA flag. and decided I wanted to get involved in FFA.” Ashlynn is currently working toward her Iowa Degree and wanting to become a state officer. Ashlynn even gave a word of advice to the upcoming FFA members next year: “Take as many Ag classes as you can because Ag is such an important part of our lives. You’re not just getting involved in Ag, you’re also getting involved in FFA. FFA changed my life and gave me a whole other outlook on education and future job areas. I’m able to talk to crowds and in front of my classes, whereas before I couldn’t. Just make the most of FFA and enjoy it.”

Ms. Meyer has touched students’ lives at Osage Community School District. She has given them opportunities to participate in competitions they may not have known about.

Charles City FFA: 18 members head to Nebraska for flood cleanup CHARLES CITY FFA

I‌ t has been a busy past year for the Charles City FFA. Members have traveled the country, taken part in leadership events, competed in many different contests, and served our community. Here are some of the highlights of the past year: Eighteen members of the Charles City FFA traveled to Schulyer, Nebraska, to help Drew Wolfe and his family clean up their family farm after the devastating floods this past spring.

Many of the members who went said that this was the best experience of their high school careers.

Service is a key part of the FFA, and when members give up their

weekend to help others they are truly living to serve.

The Iowa FFA offers 32 different career development events (contests) for members to participate in. The Charles City FFA took part in 24 of the events. The events range from leadership events like mock parliamentary procedure and extemporaneous speaking to contests on career skills like livestock judging and food science. Some results of the year at state competition were fourth place in food science, fourth place in parliamentary procedure, seventh place in ag mechanics, and 10th place in marketing plan.

The Charles City FFA has 11

members earning their Iowa FFA Degree this year, which is the highest honor the State of Iowa can bestow on its members. To earn the degree members need to earn and invest $1,500 in the supervised agricultural experience, have 400 unpaid hours of work, or a combination of the two. The members who earned their degree are Cassie Debower, Jacie Wink, Bronson Forsyth, Lynn Hoeft, Anna Krumwiede, Lauren Connell, Max Deeter, Nathan Shultz, Marissa Daniels, Blake Frascht and Laurie Hart.

One other highlight of the year is always the county and state fair.

Charles City FFA had 53 members exhibiting projects at the

SUBMITTED‌

Charles City FFA. Floyd County Fair and 23 members exhibited at the Iowa State Fair. Members exhibit everything from livestock to wood projects

to photography. The Charles City has another big year planned and we can’t wait to share next year’s success with you!

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FFA WEEK 2020

Globe Gazette

Sunday, February 16, 2020 | C5

From left: Branden Kuhlemeier, Carter Markwardt, Carter Morey, Maycee Wilkie, Olivia Orchard, Darby Dodd, Tristan Cookman and Jackson Frazier stand on their FFA float in the Homecoming parade for Clear Lake High School. This was one of the first things they did as a chapter and one of the first times they were visible in the community.

From left, front: State Sen. Amanda Ragan, Jessica Theobald, Sara Faber, Julia Merfeld and adviser Elisa Russ.

Back row: Olivia Brcka, Allexa Whitehouse, Riley Cooney and Alec Eggers. The students stand for a group picture in the Iowa State Capitol for the 35th Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium.

Clear Lake From C1

competitions, and the officer team is responsible for planning meetings, social events and service projects as well as getting students engaged in the FFA, according to Russ.

In the classroom, they learn about the agriculture industry and all the possible careers within it.

“The primary focus of the program is to help students better understand the agriculture industry, its impact on their lives and, hopefully, spark an interest in having a career in agriculture,” Russ said.Competitions are starting up soon, and the FFA students have been preparing for them by attending leadership conferences and watching competitions in the fall.

At the end of January, seven Clear Lake FFA members went to the Capitol in Des Moines to build character and promote citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism.

The Clear Lake FFA members were among more than 560 high school students wearing blue corduroy from 87 schools that flooded the state Capitol Building in Des Moines on Jan. 28.

The students visited with legislators, exhibited skills learned in the agriculture classroom and learned the importance of citizenship. This was all part of the 35th Annual Iowa FFA Legisla-

From left: Olivia Brcka, Julia Merfeld, Jessica Theobald, Maycee Wilkie, Darby Dodd and Emma Pingel attended the 92nd National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. They attended sessions and leadership workshops and engaged with agriculture professionals from around the country. tive Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol.During the morning, FFA members heard from Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Hill, about the importance young agriculturalists can play in the agriculture industry. Then, Julie Kenney, Iowa deputy secretary of agriculture, addressed the students about the importance of agriculture in Iowa and abroad. Kelsey Tyrrell of the World Food Prize addressed students about the

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Clear Lake FFA members Jessica Theobald and Austin Warnke wrap boxes for the chapter’s Christmas meal box service project. With help from Iowa Select Farms, the Clear Lake FFA donated 24 holiday meal boxes that included a pork roast and fixings to the Clear Lake and Ventura Food Bank.

Day at the Capitol was made possible with support from Iowa Farm Bureau Federation through the Iowa FFA Foundation.

Russ said she wanted to thank the school and community for their report, saying starting an agriculture program “truly takes a village.”

“I truly believe the program would not be as successful as we are if it weren’t for the unwavering support from the school, parents and community,” Russ said.

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future of Iowa agriculture and the importance of being involved with statewide issues.

Gov. Kim Reynolds presented and signed the FFA Week Proclamation, declaring February 2229, the week of President George Washington’s Birthday, FFA Week in Iowa. The proclamation signing took place in State Capitol Tuesday afternoon with the Iowa FFA State Officer team.

The 35th Annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA

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We salute the local FFA chapters!

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FFA WEEK 2020

C6 | Sunday, February 16, 2020

Animal Science and Precision Agriculture Day. Front, left to right: Alexis Koenigs, Lauren Hemann, Megan Percival, Ashley Koenigs, Makenzi Walker. Back left to right: Zach Gronwoldt, Theo Klaes, Andrew Hovey, John Langreck, Anthony Houser, Tyrone Erickson.

Riceville From C2

participated in the Greenhand Fire-Up. Riceville FFA members also attended the Precision Ag and Science Day on Sept. 11 at the ISU Research Farm and Borlaug Center in Nashua, Iowa.

They learned many different things about agriculture and ag science.

Ten members attended the National FFA Convention at Indianapolis in October and November. Morgan Drilling, Andrea Gronwoldt, Alexa Houser, Theo Klaes, John Langreck, Mercedes Leismeister, Joy Beran, Zach Gronwoldt, James Beran and Sophia Weaver all attended the National FFA Convention. While at the Convention, they mingled with thousands of other FFA members from all over the United States.

They also got to learn many things and bring them back to share with the rest of the Riceville FFA chapter. Brody Koenigs, James

Beran, Alexa Houser, and Zach Gronwoldt participated in the State Soils Judging Contest in Ames on Oct. 12 and received a bronze award.

Fruit, meat, cheese, candy, cookie and apple cider sales took place in November. The top salespeople included Rylie Dunn who, was the top salesperson; Joy Beran, who was second top salesperson; and Charlie Ring, who was the third top salesperson. Joy Beran sold the most from the freshman class, Theo Klaes and Wyatt Williams tied to sell the most from the sophomore class, Rylie Dunn from the junior class, and Chris Eastman from the senior class.

This year we did reach our goal for sales so we had our bowling party on Jan. 20 with a short meeting before we bowled. Thank Great Job FFA Participants!

You make us all proud.

you to everyone who bought our products! On Nov. 8, several Riceville FFA female members attended the 50th Anniversary of Females in FFA at Nashua High School.

Lauren Hemann, Megan Percival, Alexis Koenigs, Mercedes Leismeister, Alexa Houser, Hannah Sunnes, and Makenzi Walker learned about how females in FFA began and about several career options in agriculture.

In January, senior members have been working on filling out Iowa Degree applications and other members have updated their SAE record books for the start of the new year. Other members are also preparing for Sub-District contests coming up in February. Mercedes Leismeister,

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State FFA Convention Participants. Front, left to right: Hope Nightingale, Haley Gossman, Theo Klaes, Derrick Dunn, Kaleb Asfahl, James Beran. Back, left to right: Morgan Drilling, Alexis Koenigs, CJ Dunn, Chad Eastman, Chris Eastman.

John Langreck, and Makenzi Walker also attended the FFA Legislative Symposium in Des Moines on Jan. 28. They spoke with state Sen. Waylon Brown, visited the library in the capitol, and toured the Secretary of State’s Office.

The Riceville FFA Chapter will be celebrating National FFA Week Feb. 22-28.

Chapter members will have dress-up days/activities throughout the week. Iowa Degrees will be reviewed on Feb. 5 at West Fork High School. Sub-district competitions will take place on Feb. 18 at Charles City High School. The Riceville FFA Chapter would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our parents, community Riceville Soil Judging Teams. Front, left to right: Mitchel Marr, members and supporters Mercedes Leismeister, Alexa Houser. Back, left to right: Theo over the past year.

Klaes, James Beran, Brody Koenigs, Zach Gronwoldt.

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Iowa State Fair Grandstand Ushers. Left to right: Brynn Hemann, Morgan Drilling, Adanna Warnke.

Globe Gazette

Craig Eisenman,Agent 1429 Main St.Osage, IA 50461 • (641) 732-5313

Proud FFA Supporter

Thank You 2020 Lake Mills FFA Alumni Sponsors • STAR LEVEL $250 AND HIGHER •

Abrams Drainage Service Agri-Sales & Building Supply–Northwood All States Ag Parts Bayer Crop Science–Scott Gaskill Corporate Farmer Farmers Coop Association Five Star Cooperative Gavilon Grain Golden Harvest Seed *Groe Electric, Inc. Kibble Equipment LM Pump Service–Owner, Nathan Ostrander *Manufacturers Bank & Trust Mittelstadt Funeral Home & Cremation *Norske Pork–Eric Christianson POET Biorefining–Hanlontown Right Start Farm Supply Rognes Brothers Excavating Inc. Singelstad Hardware & Rental

*Smith Seed & Agronomy–Zach Smith Stensrud Insurance Services *Stoneyford Agency Inc.–Kendra Hanson *Storby Seeds–DeKalb/Asgrow TSB Bank Viafield Cooperative Wyffel’s Hybrids *Young Plumbing & Heating Valeda Abbey–In memory of Gene Abbey & John Abbey Gorden & Denise Anderson– In memory of Gorden Anderson Sr. & Mylan Johnson Jean Nelson–In memory of Robert (Bob) Nelson Carol Abbey Jeff & Sheila Chose Mike & Deb Gaskill Brian & Crystal Nelson

• GOLD LEVEL $100-$249 •

Ag Advantage Systems Inc.–Thompson Arnold’s of Alden Brakke Implement, Inc. Christiansen Farms–Sleepy Eye, MN Consolidated Energy Co. County Line Seeds Dave’s Auto Service David’s & Fallgatter’s Market Place Engebretson Seed Farmers Trust & Savings Bank *Hanson Storage Helgeson Drainage HyVee–Forest City K.C. Nielsen Ltd.–John Deere Kevin Hanson Trucking, LLC Kirschbaum Electrical & Plumbing

Knutson Oil Co.–H&K Propane, Glenville Lake Mills Lumber Co. Leading Edge Development Services Liqui-Grow Mason City Red Power Mike Swenson Crop Insurance NSB Bank–Northwood, Mason City Price Is Right Construction R&D Applications Inc.–Kris Rugland Ray Gaskill Show Pigs Wagner Tire, Inc. Steffensen Family–In memory of DeVere Steffensen Doug & Candy Hanna Ron & Sherry Penning

• BLUE LEVEL $25-$99 • Advanced Foam Solutions AgVantage FS, Inc. Don’s Motor Mart *Hanson LP Gas Lake Mills Graphic

NAPA Auto–Lake Mills Northern Country Coop *Turf Trimmers Plus Randy & Patti Oswald

*Also a major contributor to LM FFA Alumni Pie Auction

We strive to promote and advance agriculture in our community, and to assist and encourage those young people currently studying or seeking further education in an agricultural profession.

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