Fall 2013: FFA New Horizons by Journal Communications

preview the 86th national ffa convention & expo FFAnewhorizons.org

FALL 2013

contents

fall 2013

18 Features

Departments

cover story

4 Scrapbook

8 Once Blue, Forever Blue

Official FFA jacket celebrates 80 years in 2013

14 Pickin’ and Grinnin’

Alabama FFA hosts annual string band competition during state convention

18 Ignite Your FFA Spirit

Be a part of the action and reignite your fire for FFA during the 86th National FFA Convention & Expo On the Cover

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the official FFA jacket, we created a special corduroy tribute, using the same script used for FFA jacket personalization. Photo by Brian McCord

www.ffanewhorizons.org

FFA news and achievements, reported by FFA members.

6 FFA Faces See fellow members from across the country.

24 National Officer Q&A Learn the team’s favorite dance songs.

26 Ag 101 American-grown soybeans are used for food, feed, fuel and more.

27 Personal Growth Rediscover the power of the thank-you note.

28 Career Success Energize your future with a career in renewable energy.

29 Reconnect Meet Matt Eddy, a high school agriculture teacher from Iowa.

30 Living to Serve FFA member raises pink pumpkins to raise money for cancer research.

32 All About FFA Order a new FFA Carhartt jacket, get a special FFA Hard Rock Cafe pin and apply for scholarships. FFA New Horizons

Volume 61 Number 1

The magazine of the National FFA Organization Editor Kim Newsom holmberg FFA Publications Manager Julie woodard Content Team rachel bertone, hannah patterson, lisa scramlin, jessy yancey Proofreading Manager RAVEN PETTY Creative Services Director Christina Carden Graphic Design stacey allis, jake shores, laura gallagher, KRIS SEXTON, VIKKI WILLIAMS, kacey passmore, Matt West Creative Technology Analyst becca ary Color Imaging Technician alison hunter Photography Director jeffrey s. otto Photography Jeff adkins, Brian McCord, Michael conti, Wendy O’Barr, Frank Ordonez Web Creative Director allison davis Digital Project Manager Jill Ridenour Digital Products Designer Erica Lampley Website Design and Development david day, yamel hall, richard stevens, nels noseworthy Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants krystin lemmon, Patricia Moisan Accounting Diana guzman, maria mcfarland, lisa owens State FFA Inserts Kristy Giles Controller CHRIS DUDLEY Distribution Director Gary Smith Advertising Sales rhonda graham, Katie newbern

FFAnewhorizons.org Visit FFA New Horizons online to read more great stories, watch videos and download our FREE mobile app! special Delivery

Agricultural transportation moves grain and livestock ffanewhorizons.org

picture perfect

Illinois photographer shares farm life with the digital world

plus: four tips that put the “smart” in your smartphone

For advertising information, contact Katie Newbern, (800) 333-8842, ext. 212, or email knewbern@jnlcom.com.

digital magazine

2012-13 National FFA Officers President clay sapp, fl Secretary kalie hall, ga Eastern Region Vice President joenelle futrell, ky Central Region Vice President brennan costello, ne Southern Region Vice President wiley bailey, al Western Region Vice President lindsey anderson, cA

Want to see past issues of FFA New Horizons? Visit the Digital Magazine page to flip through issues back to 2010.

National FFA Staff National FFA Advisor steve brown Chief Executive Officer dwight armstrong Chief Operating Officer Joshua bledsoe FFA Executive Secretary sherene donaldson National Treasurer Marion Fletcher National FFA Board of Directors – Members Chair, USDE, VA Steve Brown Treasurer, State Supervisor, AR Marion Fletcher State Supervisor, GA Chip Bridges Teacher/USDE, CT bill davenport Industry Representative/USDE, CA Matthew Gonzales Teacher Educator/USDE, MO Tracy kitchel FFA Executive Secretary/USDE, NJ Erin Noble State Supervisor, NH les purcella State Supervisor, MI randy showerman State Supervisor, CO mike womochil Subscription Information: FFA New Horizons (ISSN 1069-806X) is published quarterly by the National FFA Organization, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art or any other unsolicited materials. For subscription information contact: FFA New Horizons Subscription Services, (317) 802-4235 or email newhorizons@FFA.org. Periodical postage rate is paid at Indianapolis, Ind., and additional mail offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to FFA New Horizons, P.O. Box 68960, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960.

summer 2013

Connect Even more online! Have you been to the new FFA New Horizons website? Go check it out! There, you’ll find: • Stories about FFA members and chapters • Career-planning resources • A page just for your state (and a new way to submit your own story to be posted there!)

FFA Mission 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. The Agricultural Education Mission Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems. The National FFA Organization affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer. The National FFA Organization is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, or supervise state association, local chapter or individual member activities. Educational materials are developed by FFA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education as a service to state and local agricultural education agencies.

www.ffanewhorizons.org

Enter to Win! Visit the FFA New Horizons website for your chance to win a gift card to the Shop FFA store. To enter, visit FFAnewhorizons.org/winFFAgear.

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FFA New Horizons

scrapbook

FFA News From Across the U.S. A place to celebrate your FFA achievements, chapter successes and good deeds

check your trees Have you inspected your family’s trees lately? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the trees in your backyard may be under attack from foreign invaders. The Asian Longhorned Beetle was accidentally introduced to the United States from Asia in 1996. Over the past 17 years, the destructive woodboring pest of maple and other hardwoods has been wreaking havoc on trees in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Ohio. Visit FFANewHorizons. org/TreeCheck to learn more about how to spot these beetles in your own backyard, and then spread the word to your friends, family and neighbors.

Horton, KS

Sign of Achievement Visitors to the town of Horton, Kan., now have a new welcome, thanks to FFA member Austin Spielman. Austin designed and built a new 12-foot sign for the entrance into town by using a computer-controlled plasma cutter in his school shop. Austin’s favorite career development event is agricultural mechanics, where he has excelled in district and state competitions. He works on his family’s farm and custom fertilizer business for his supervised agricultural experience program.

FFA New Horizons

www.ffanewhorizons.org

Litchfield, CT

Into the Wild Ten natural resource students in the Wamogo FFA agriscience program traveled to Yellowstone National Park for an alternative spring break. The weeklong trip included various topics each day in the areas of forestry, wildlife and geology. These adventurous students learned about wildlife tracking, and even took a trip to a wolf den.

Elk Grove, CA

Elk Grove FFA Keeps Jammin’ Several dedicated members from the Elk Grove FFA Chapter learned the lost skill of canning produce to be entered in the California State Fair this summer.

Rolla, ND

Spooky Fun Run Last year, the Rolla FFA Chapter hosted the first annual FFA Spooky Fun Run/ Walk to promote a healthy lifestyle for the chapter and community members. The participants were encouraged to dress in costumes to be judged during the event. The chapter received an Alliance Pipeline Grant through the North Dakota FFA Foundation, which helped provide T-shirts and refreshments.

Keep us informed! This is your chance to be a part of FFA New Horizons. Send us a short article about your latest chapter activities, awards you’ve received or even your involvement outside FFA.

www.ffanewhorizons.org

Want an easy way to send your story? Email a photo, your story and contact information to newhorizons@ffa.org. All photos need to be in color and a minimum of 1 MB in size.

The activity began five years ago with five students making only jam. Since then, it has grown to 34 members canning a variety of products, including pickles, barbecue sauce, jellies, jams and salsas. This gives all students an opportunity to participate in the fair. Over the years, the fair’s judges have awarded many Elk Grove students the top prizes for their canning entries.

your turn

Or, mail to: FFA New Horizons P.O. Box 68960 Indianapolis, IN 46268

FFA New Horizons

FFA faces

Meet Six FFA Shining Stars Wrangler, the sponsor of FFA Faces, will award a pair of jeans to featured members Jerred Blanton

Mary Grace Greer

Jerred is currently serving as treasurer for his FFA chapter. He is active in forestry and wildlife management and has won multiple reforestation awards. Jerred plans to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

This senior enjoys teaching people to ride horses. Mary Grace has competed in horse and livestock evaluation, ag sales, and ag issues CDEs. As chapter reporter, she has built a website for her FFA program.

Samantha Colombo

Jose Varela

Samantha served as her chapter’s president for two years, and today, she is attending college at Michigan State University. She raises and shows beef cattle, sheep, turkeys, ducks and geese.

Jose has raised market swine and steers, strawberries and orchids. He served as chapter vice-president and has participated in vegetable crop judging. Jose also serves as an aide for his agriculture teacher.

Dylan Antoff

Connor Vincent

Dylan has attended numerous FFA conferences and conventions, and he has earned his state FFA degree. He is a freshman orientator at his high school and plans to attend South Dakota State University.

Connor has served as an FFA chapter officer for the past two years. She raises and shows Border Leicester and Suffolk sheep, and she has represented Delaware in the National Make it With Wool competition.

Chapter: Bleckley County FFA, GA

Chapter: Pankow FFA, MI

Chapter: Winona FFA, MN

Chapter: Houston FFA, TN

Chapter: Westminster FFA, CA

Chapter: Delmar FFA, DE

Nominate yourself to be considered for FFA Faces by following the steps below. Questions? Email ffanation@jnlcom.com.

Go Online Visit www.ffafaces.com and click on Nominations. You can nominate yourself or another current FFA member. 6

FFA New Horizons

Describe Fill out the form to tell us about you – your FFA involvement, school activities, future plans and more.

Upload Find a great photo of yourself – head and shoulders photos work best – and upload it as part of the nomination form. www.ffanewhorizons.org

, e u l B e Onc

Fore ver Blue Official FFA jacket celebrates 80 years

A brief history of the FFA jacket

FFA New Horizons

1929

1930

1933

At the 2nd National FFA Convention in 1929, the official colors were adopted â&#x20AC;&#x201C; national blue and corn gold. These colors were inspired by the U.S. flag and the color of ripened corn, both of which were important to the organization. They would soon inspire the colors of the FFA jacket.

The first Official Dress uniform was adopted for Future Farmers of America members. The boys would wear a dark blue shirt, blue or white pants, a blue cap and a yellow tie to all FFA events.

Dr. Gus Lintner of the Fredericktown, Ohio FFA chapter, commissioned a local uniform company to produce a jacket for his FFA band members to wear at the national FFA convention in Kansas City, Mo. The jacket caught the attention of other FFA members and it soon became the official jacket for the organization.

www.ffanewhorizons.org

t’s the most recognizable symbol of the National FFA Organization, and if you ask FFA members past and present about their feelings for the FFA jacket, they’ll bubble over with pride when they talk about what the jacket has meant to them. Take, for example, Derek Schmidt of the Peabody-Burns FFA Chapter in Kansas. “If my FFA jacket could speak, it would go on for days,” he explains. “The jacket and I have been through a lot. It was there to help me step up and stand out throughout high school. I was always the shy kid who just went with the flow, until my first year as an FFA member. That very same year, I stood out and ran for an officer position in my chapter, and to my surprise, I was stationed by the flag! This bond with my jacket led me to become less shy and lead the chapter the next year when I was elected chapter president. Because I was able to step up and go beyond my comfort zone, I became interested in theatre and ended up receiving scholarships to college for my ability to act and perform on stage.” National FFA Chief Executive Officer Dwight Armstrong remembers receiving his first jacket as a freshman in high school after earning his Greenhand degree.

1935

1930s

The New Farmers of America was founded in Tuskegee, Ala., as a farm club for African-American boys. Many of the programs were similar to the Future Farmers of America. NFA members did not have an official jacket until the 1950s.

The earliest FFA jackets had snaps instead of zippers, embroidered emblems rather than sewn-on patch emblems, and square pockets instead of rounded. The emblem also didn’t have the eagle perched on top. www.ffanewhorizons.org

1947

1948

The first National FFA Band performed at the national convention. They were known as the “mailorder band,” since they were put together through an application process. A year later, the National FFA Chorus and Talent Program were added to the convention. Over the years, the National FFA Band and Chorus would be easily recognizable by the white slacks and skirts its members would wear.

The National FFA Supply Service begins operation, creating a shop for purchasing official FFA jackets and other merchandise. The jackets were made by Van Wert Manufacturing/Universal Uniform Company in Ohio.

FFA New Horizons

real inspiration for those who wore it early on in the “Getting a jacket was a big deal because FFA members ’30s, and it’s still a big deal today.” wore their jackets at that time as a normal jacket. It The jacket was first created by an FFA chapter from ranked right up there with the letter jacket that the Fredericktown, Ohio. In 1933, the Fredericktown FFA basketball and baseball players wore,” Armstrong band performed at the National FFA Convention recalls. “Since our school was so small, many had in Kansas City, and they wanted to both, which were worn with school wear something in addition to the pride. When I was elected district dress shirt and trousers of the vice president and put on that jacket, official FFA uniform back then. The the world of what FFA represented group opted for a corduroy jacket got much bigger. It was a It’s special to that would unify and evoke pride in defining moment.” me because it the band members, not knowing gives me their new uniform would become a Celebrating a Milestone national FFA tradition. Eighty years This year, the iconic blue corduroy something later, the jacket continues to instill a jacket celebrates its 80th anniversary. that’s bigger sense of pride and belonging in all Much has changed about the National who wear it. than myself to FFA Organization since then, but the official FFA jacket – in all its blue be a part of. and gold glory – has remained making a difference a steadfast cornerstone. “My morals, my standards, and the “The FFA jacket changes people’s way I live my life every day are sewn lives. When they first put it on, it into the seams of this blue and gold often brings tears to their eyes,” says Lee Anne Shiller, corduroy jacket,” says Angel Lawson of the Clear Falls director of Merchandise, Customer & Fulfillment FFA Chapter in Texas. “It’s special to me because it gives Services for the National FFA Organization. “It was a me something that’s bigger than myself to be a part of.”

1949

1952-53

The FFA Sweetheart jacket was introduced. The jacket was available in national blue or white, and the girl’s name and chapter could be placed on the right front of jacket. Later, the jacket was only available in white.

The official New Farmers of America jacket was introduced. The jacket was made of heavy gridiron twill in the NFA colors, black and gold. NFA members wore their jackets for official functions.

10 FFA New Horizons

1964

During the 1964 National FFA Convention, the one millionth FFA jacket was presented to member Eddie Wiederstein of Audubon, Iowa.

1965 The New Farmers of America became an official part of Future Farmers of America. The last NFA national president, A.D. Pinson, presented his NFA jacket to his FFA counterpart at that year’s national convention. The NFA jacket pictured here was donated by Adolphus Pinson in 1979 to be kept in the FFA archives.

www.ffanewhorizons.org

Gus Douglass, who served as West Virginia’s agriculture commissioner for 11 terms (44 years), remembers wearing his jacket during some of the most influential moments of his life. Douglass was the first national FFA president to hail from West Virginia, a role he filled in 1946 and 1947. “I presided over convention after World War II, and that was a benchmark in my life,” says Douglass, now 86. “I was so proud to wear that jacket of yesteryear, and the jacket I wore as national president is now in the archives of the National FFA Organization.” Douglass recalls wearing his jacket with his team of national officers when they met James Kraft of Kraft Foods and representatives from John Deere, General Motors and Ford, as well as U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture and other government officials. “I’ve been so proud to join the other blue jackets,” Douglass says. “One thing I learned in FFA was to gain all the

1969

Females were granted membership into Future Farmers of America, which meant that they would wear the coveted blue corduroy jacket for the first time. New female sizes were introduced.

www.ffanewhorizons.org

education and information I could get, and there was hardly any time in my role as agriculture commissioner when I didn’t refer back to those blue jackets and all the experiences and activities our ag teacher pushed us into.”

A Unified Symbol Deubrook, S.D., FFA member Kayla Nuese says the jacket is the symbol that unites all FFA members across the country. “The FFA jacket is special to me because there is so much meaning to it,” she says. “Not only have I made so many of my own memories in it, but there have been thousands upon thousands of extraordinary people who have worn that jacket before me.” Those who have worn the jacket before her include Peg Armstrong-Gustafson of Iowa, who became the second female elected to a national FFA office in 1977 when she served as national vice president. She was the first female state president in Iowa in 1976.

share your jacket story We want to know how the official FFA jacket has changed your life. Visit FFAnewhorizons. org/FFAjacket to share your jacket stories. The best ones will be printed in an upcoming issue of FFA New Horizons magazine, and all responses will be posted to the website. Former FFA member experiences are also welcome!

1973

1976

The first FFA official dress standards were adopted in 1973. A male member would wear a white button-up shirt, FFA blue tie, dark slacks, black socks, black shoes and an FFA jacket zipped to the top. A female member would wear a white blouse, FFA blue scarf, dark skirt, black hose, black heels and an FFA jacket zipped to the top. For females, dark slacks could be worn for outdoor activities.

Johnny Bowman of Aurora, Mo., was the lucky member to receive the two millionth FFA jacket. The jacket was presented by National President Bobby Tucker during the 1976 National FFA Convention.

Alaska becomes the last U.S. state to obtain a National FFA charter. Soon after, the first Alaska FFA jackets were available for FFA members from that state. Since then, FFA chapters have been chartered in several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, Micronesia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

FFA New Horizons 11

“I remember that we took very good care of our jackets, because they were kind of expensive – somewhere in the $30 range,” she says. “That might not sound like much, but for a farm kid back then, that was a lot of money.” Armstrong-Gustafson – who now owns Des Moines-based Amson Technology LLC, a company that provides consulting services in climate change, sustainability and carbon offsets – adds that her FFA jacket still hangs, protected in plastic, in her closet. She continues to value her jacket for the “wonderful memories” it brings to mind. “To this day, I still remember how hot those jackets could be in summertime in Iowa – better than any sweatbox,” Armstrong-Gustafson says, chuckling. “We would spend two weeks at the Iowa State Fair, wearing them every day. They were miserable, but it was well worth the sacrifice.” Armstrong-Gustafson says the FFA jacket is life-changing because of everything it represents.

1988 Future Farmers of America became the National FFA Organization, which created a change in the emblem and FFA jackets as well. Previously, the words on the emblem had read “Vocational Agriculture.” The new emblem, going forward, would read “Agricultural Education.”

12 FFA New Horizons

1988

Also in the year 1988, the three millionth official FFA jacket was presented to Crystal McDaniel, from Evadale, Texas. The presentation was made during the national FFA convention in Kansas City, Mo. This represented 12 years since the two millionth jacket had been presented.

“What I learned in FFA between the ages of 14 and 18, I continue to use every day of my life in business, community service or in my home,” she continues. “The jacket is a physical manifestation of what we value and believe in – the future of agriculture. I still wear the virtual FFA jacket every day – it’s a call to duty, a call to excellence.” – Jessica Mozo

more on our app www.ffanewhorizons.org

Get advice for back to school from the national FFA officer team. Visit page FFAnewhorizons.org to learn how you can download the FFA New Horizons app on your smartphone or tablet.

Lindsey Anderson

National FFA Western Region Vice President

Lindsey grew up showing swine and playing sports, but this Californian now loves to study math and science.

FFA New Horizons 25

ag 101

The Joy of Soy This versatile legume can be used for food, feed, fuel and more Soybeans made their way from Asia to the United States by way of missionaries and explorers. They were widely used for livestock feed but became more popular in the 1990s as researchers discovered they improved soil health. Soybeans are now used for more than animal feed and can be found in thousands of products. Discover all the amazing things this little legume can do.

Top Soybean States The United States produces 32 percent of the world’s soybeans. This crop thrives in Midwestern states, including Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and Indiana. Iowa is the top soybean producer, yielding 466.12 million bushels in 2011.

Soy is Everywhere! Find out what surprising products you encounter everyday are made from soybeans.

1 2 3

Crayons: One acre of soybeans can make 82,368 crayons. These crayons are biodegradable and renewable. Cosmetics: Many companies use soy in their cosmetics to reduce redness and smooth skin tone.

Car seats: Ford Motor Co.’s iconic Mustang was built with soy foam seats beginning in 2007. This type of foam can also be used in coolers and footwear.

Ink: Many companies are making the switch to soy ink for their offices. This ink is biodegradable and has fewer toxins than traditional ink.

85 percent

About 85 percent of the world’s soybeans are crushed and processed into soybean meal and oil.

Source: http://www.soyatech.com/soy_facts.htm

26 FFA New Horizons

www.ffanewhorizons.org

Personal Growth

An Attitude of Gratitude Rediscover the power of the thank-you note

wenty years ago, it was expected that whenever you received a gift or act of kindness from someone, you mailed them a thank-you note. But thanks to technology, hand-written letters have largely become a thing of the past. Most people today consider thank-you notes “old-school,” opting instead for email and text messages. While quick and convenient, they don’t take the place of a handwritten note. People of all ages will appreciate the effort you make to pick up a pen and card and mail (yes, snail mail) it to them. It will mean more to them than a text or email. Read on for tips on how to craft the perfect thank-you note:

1. Be prompt.

4. Write clearly. If the recipient can’t read your handwriting, it won’t benefit anyone. Take your time, and write neatly.

5. Close it well. End it in a friendly manner. Common closings include “With appreciation,” “Fondly,” “Sincerely” and “With thanks.” – Jessica Mozo

MORE ONLINE:

National officer Wiley Bailey adds his tips for writing a great thank-you note. Visit FFAnewhorizons.org/ thankyou to watch his video.

Send the note as soon as you can. Within one month of receiving a gift is ideal, but it’s better late than never.

2. Get personal. Choose thank-you cards with matching envelopes that fit the occasion or your personality. And handwrite the note; it’s the most sincere expression of gratitude.

3. Be specific. Address the recipient by name, mention the gift, and let them know what you plan to do with it. If the gift was cash, instead of saying, “Thank you for the $50,” say something like, “Thank you for the generous gift. I plan to use it to buy supplies for my college dorm room.” The giver will appreciate knowing your plans for the money. www.ffanewhorizons.org

FFA New Horizons 27

Career success

Energy Efficient Renewable energy careers create new opportunities for graduates

ind energy, biofuels and methane digesters may sound like daunting subjects, but careers in the fast-growing industry of

renewable energy go hand-in-hand with agriculture. Renewable energy comes from natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, rain, crops and geothermal heat. Today’s farmers are utilizing these natural resources for renewable energy in the forms of wind power, solar energy and biomass energy to help reduce pollution, generate electricity and produce fuel for cars and tractors.

A Thriving Sector As the need for clean, renewable energy grows, job opportunities within the field follow suit. “I believe that this career field is growing so rapidly due to rising gasoline prices, as well as the Renewable Portfolio Standard legislation requirement that has been imposed in many states,” says Zhiwu Wang, visiting assistant professor in renewable energy at The Ohio State University. This particular piece of legislation requires states to increase their production of energy using renewable resources. Ohio State University Visiting Assistant Professor Russell Yoder agrees. “In general, I tell students and educators that the industry will be seven times larger in 10 years than it is today,” he says. “Some of this growth will be organic and some will be the result of existing legislation.” According to Wang, the most popular forms of renewable energy include bioethanol, which is produced from corn; biomethane, produced from organic wastes; solar energy and wind energy, which is created using wind turbines. In those particular fields, Wang says some of the most sought-after careers are lab technicians, plant operators and sales personnel, who take care of the energy plants on a daily basis. Other careers include wind systems technician, digester operator, BioPlant construction worker and more. For those interested in the renewable energy field, who want something a little less hands-on, there are also indirect jobs such as working for component supply and fabrication, or lobbying for the industry.

Science and Math FFA members who have an interest in renewable energy can get a head start by building a solid foundation in high school sciences and mathematics. Bioenergy careers require knowledge in biology and chemistry, while wind and solar energy use lots of physics and math. If offered, high school technology classes would also be helpful in preparing for the field. Yoder suggests students read as much as possible about the industry and allow that reading to guide them toward a special interest. – Rachel Bertone

MORE ONLINE:

Want to explore more careers in agriculture? Read our past Career Success articles at FFAnewhorizons.org/careers. 28 FFA New Horizons

www.ffanewhorizons.org

reconnect

Matt Eddy Agricultural education teacher shares his passion for the job If you’ve never considered a career in agricultural education, it’s time to check it out. National Teach Ag Day is Sept. 26, and we encourage you to talk with your own agricultural education teacher to learn more about the opportunities in this career field. We’ve also interviewed Matt Eddy, who has taught for 10 years, to tell his story.

When did you first realize that a career in agricultural education was right for you?

I often say that I arrived at teaching agriculture by chance, but have stayed by choice. I didn’t plan on teaching this long, but time sure flies and I think I realized this was for me after my first year. Learning new things is one of my passions, so teaching allows me the opportunity to be a lifelong learner and awaken a passion for learning in others.

Q A

Working with talented colleagues through NAAE (National Association for Agricultural Educators) events, the TeachAg Campaign and CASE (Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education) programming keeps me excited and rejuvenated for teaching ag.

Q A

What advice do you have for ag education students?

Study as many subjects in agriculture as possible, don’t stop seeking out new information or teaching techniques, and participate in professional organizations. These have helped allow me the opportunities to “sharpen the saw” and propel me to becoming a better teacher.

Name: Matt Eddy Occupation: Agricultural education instructor, Southeast Polk Community Schools, Pleasant Hill, Iowa Home FFA Chapter: Osceola, Iowa FFA SAE: Beef Entrepreneurship, Agriculture Production Placement

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Seeing the progression of students from freshmen to seniors is very rewarding. Knowing that I played a role in that development is exciting and makes for a very fulfilling career. I really enjoy the special responsibilities we have during the summer and the involvement that we can have in agriculture at all levels.

How do you continue to stay passionate about your career as an agricultural educator? www.ffanewhorizons.org

Agricultural education teacher Matt Eddy, at left, traveled with his students to meet U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, third from right. FFA New Horizons 29

living to serve Pink pumpkins from the pink pumpkin foundation

Pumpkins for a Cure FFA member connects with national foundation to aid cancer research

aggie Roth hopes there will be as many pink pumpkins adorning doorsteps this fall as orange ones. The sophomore member of the Holcomb FFA Chapter in Kansas has been working with the Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation to help raise awareness and join in the fight against breast cancer. Roth says breast cancer research is an important cause to her, and once she found the foundation’s website, she knew she wanted to be a part of it. “I believe that at some point in life, everyone is affected by cancer,” she says. “Whether it is someone they know, a friend of a friend or

30 FFA New Horizons

themselves, it’s a big deal.” The foundation was created in 2012 by America’s pumpkin growers as a way to aid breast cancer research. Growers agree to give proceeds from the pink pumpkins they sell to the foundation, which in turn awards grants to research organizations.

Maggie’s Journey After discovering the project, Roth contacted the foundation’s president, and asked him about getting FFA chapters involved. They set up a plan for chapters to obtain seed and plant pink pumpkins in

their communities. Chapters would sell the pumpkins and at the end of the season, donate 50 percent of proceeds to the foundation. Roth started with her own chapter in Holcomb, and then she contacted a few others to see if they were interested. Within just 48 hours, more than 12 chapters throughout the country were on board. Since then, Roth has contacted as many state officers as possible and says at least 40 out of 50 states have both FFA and 4-H chapters involved. When she began, she thought they would get 10 at most, but her hard work paid off in a big way. www.ffanewhorizons.org

FFA member Maggie Roth is helping fund breast cancer research, one pink pumpkin at a time. Besides raising pumpkins herself, she focuses on getting others involved in the campaign.

Persistence Pays Off Not only has Roth’s persistence helped other chapters become involved in service – an important FFA value – but she’s setting a leading example as well by heading up the project. “I met Maggie when I attended the Kansas State FFA Convention, and was impressed by the service mindset she has,” says Brennan Costello, National FFA central region vice president. “She was excited by how much growth her project had already seen. This project could reach a national scale, and Maggie has the capability to take it there.” www.ffanewhorizons.org

Planning for the Future Roth says she isn’t stopping anytime soon. “By the end of my senior year, I hope to have chapters from every state involved, and I plan to keep working with the foundation after graduation. I’ve realized just how much service touches other people, while teaching you about yourself at the same time.” To learn more about the Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation and how you can get your chapter involved, visit www.pinkpumpkinpatch.org. – Rachel Bertone

STORIES BY STATE What’s your story? Read more stories about FFA members and chapters from your state. Every FFA New Horizons story is posted online at FFAnewhorizons.org, plus more that won’t fit in our print magazine. Go visit your state’s page now, then sign up to receive email notifications when new stories are posted. Want us to post your story? Email your FFA stories to newhorizons@ffa.org for a chance to be in the magazine or on the FFA New Horizons website.

FFAnewhorizons.org FFA New Horizons 31

all about ffa

The 2012-13 National FFA Officer team models the new FFA Carhartt jacket, available now on the Shop FFA website, FFA.org/shop.

News from National FFA Check out the new FFA Carhartt jacket, FFA Hard Rock Cafe pin and more get your FFA style The 2013-2014 Blue FFA Apparel & Gift Catalog will arrive in your chapter’s mailbox any day now. This year’s catalog features a tribute to the “Year of the Farmer” along with a celebration of the 80th anniversary of the blue corduroy jacket. In a salute to the official blue jacket, we are introducing the FFA Carhartt jacket, a brand-new casual style that represents the same values as the blue corduroy jacket. Check it out at FFA.org or look for it in the new Blue catalog.

FFA hard rock pins Just as the blue corduroy jacket is a cherished symbol of the National FFA Organization, so is a Hard Rock Café collectible pin, one of that 32 FFA New Horizons

company’s signature items. Through a licensing agreement with the National FFA Organization, Hard Rock Café will produce an FFA pin for the 86th National FFA Convention & Expo, and they will donate 15 percent of the pin’s total sales revenues to the National FFA Organization. Make sure to stop by the Hard Rock Café in Louisville, Ky., during the national convention and expo to purchase your one-of-a-kind collectible pin honoring FFA.

sign up for success Just graduated from high school and looking for a way to stay connected to FFA? Try FFA Link, an exclusive group of college students and young professionals connecting their love

of agriculture with real-world career skills. To learn more, visit FFA.org/ffalink.

scholarship news Times are changing and so are the 2014 Scholarship Application deadlines! The 2014 Scholarship Application will be available beginning Nov. 15, 2013. The deadline to submit an online application has been changed to 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 1, 2014. The Signature Page required to complete eligibility must be postmarked by no later than Feb. 8, 2014. Mark these important changes on your calendars. Even with earlier deadlines, you’ll still have 10 weeks to submit an application. Questions? Email scholarships@ffa.org. www.ffanewhorizons.org

Illinois association FFA Fall 2013

Planting Your Potential

PAGE

State Officer Team & Officers’ Tracks

Meet Your 2013-2014 State FFA President

Check out our

website

www.illinoisffa.org

Table of Contents

Page D – Meet Your State FFA President

Page B – National Chapter Awards,

Page E – Stars Over Illinois

National Chapter Finalists, Pontiac FFA

Page C – 2013-14 State Officer Team, Officers’ Tracks

Page f – State CDEs Page G – Top 10 Presidents/Reporters Page H – Joliet Junior College

Illinois – A

National Chapter Award Winners & Finalists National Chapter Award Winners

Blue Ridge

Oregon

Carlyle

Orion

Illinois Bankers State Winner Pontiac

Chicago High School for Ag Sciences

Paxton-Buckley-Loda

Cumberland

Pittsfield

Student Development State Winner Marion

Goreville

Pontiac

Chapter Development State Winner Pontiac

Greenville

Scales Mound

Hardin County

Seneca

Hartsburg-Emden

Somonauk-Leland-Sanwich

Community Development State Winner Hoopeston Area (NE Vermilion) Goreville

Steeleville

Marion

Taylorville

National Chapter Award – Illinois FFA National Finalists

Mattoon

Tri-Point

Mendota

Unity-Mendon

Mt. Vernon

Valmeyer

Ashton-Franklin Center

Nashville

Waterloo

Athens

Newark

West Carroll

Pontiac FFA The Pontiac FFA Chapter truly does, “Make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.” With more than 200 members in their FFA chapter each year, they are always doing some kind of practice for CDEs, community service and different activities that help their chapter even more to reach its full potential. Their chapter functions with guidance provided by their two advisors, Mr. Bane and Mr. Faber, and is ran by the 10 FFA officers. What sets them apart from other officer teams is that they are not appointed to a specific office; instead, they consider themselves a team with equal responsibilities and duties. After rechartering 10 years ago, their chapter has expanded in size dramatically and developed new activities and programs to intrigue member involvement. One of the activities they created is called Trick or Treat for the Troops. In this activity, members go throughout the community and other surrounding towns on Halloween and go trick-or-treating. After compiling all the goodies, they then send the troops stationed across the world a box full of candy, a chapter T-shirt and a note thanking them for their service. Troops are very appreciative of these boxes and call it a “taste of home!”

B – Illinois

Another activity that they are proud of is Ag in the Classroom. Here, they come up with lesson plans that are agriculturally related that can be taught to elementary school students. To make this all possible, they pick out a topic that they feel is age appropriate for the group of students, pick out a story that goes along with the topic, create a worksheet that goes with the lesson, and prepare a snack to end the fun-filled day of learning. Their FFA members love interacting with elementary school students and promoting agriculture. The Pontiac FFA Chapter also strives to do hands-on learning and get out of the classroom and explore what the world has to offer. Each year they travel, with around 20 members, to a different state and do a chapter exchange with another FFA chapter. So far, they have traveled to Florida, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Minnesota and Oregon. They have had the opportunity to interact with other FFA members and see what agriculture is like in that particular state. Their members love meeting new people and getting out of their comfort zone to try something new. The Pontiac FFA Chapter is creating leaders that will go forth and make a difference. The students are very passionate about their organization and will always keep trying harder to reach their goals.

2013-2014 State Officer Team President Sam Detwiler, Flanagan-Cornell FFA Chapter “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Vice President Rachel Hawk, Mercer County FFA Chapter “ Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” ~ Mary Ann Radmacher

Reporter August Schetter, Southwestern FFA Chapter “ A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” ~ George Benard Shaw

Secretary Cody Carman, Sullivan FFA Chapter “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

Treasurer Joe Heavner, Valmeyer FFA Chapter “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

1. Chloe Carson, West Carrol FFA Chapter 2. Andrew Klein, Amboy FFA Chapter 3. Stephanie Adams, Sherrard FFA Chapter 4. Adam Lloyd, Mercer County FFA Chapter 5. Austin Pletsch, Putnam County FFA Chapter 6. Travis Hughes, Genoa-Kingston FFA Chapter 7. Bryan Temple, Serena FFA Chapter 8. Xavier Morgan, Chicago Agriculture Science 9. Emily Bloemer, Heyworth FFA Chapter 10. Amy Loschen, Tri-Point FFA Chapter 11. Kayla Peterson, Southeastern FFA Chapter 12. Gracia Ramp, Farmington FFA Chapter 13. Willow Krumwiede, Pittsfield FFA Chapter 14. Hayle Johnson, Athens FFA Chapter 15. Amy Raymond, Highland FFA Chapter 16. Tyler Stewart, Sullivan FFA Chapter 17. Elizabeth Miller, Monticello FFA Chapter 18. Megan Humphres, Kansas FFA Chapter 19. Tommy Justison, Hillsboro FFA Chapter 20. Cody Morris, Mattoon FFA Chapter 21. Blake Uchitjil, Odin FFA Chapter 22. Renee Kinzinger, New Athens FFA Chapter 23. Michaela Smith, Wayne City FFA Chapter 24. Austin McAllister, Shawnee High FFA Chapter 25. Jaci Jenkins, Hardin County FFA Chapter

Officers’ Tracks Blast Off/IAVAT “As a state officer team, we commit ourselves to: be brave in all situations and have a faith higher than ourselves; we will support each other to consistently accomplish the common goal, with a passionate and progressive attitude to serve others and unlock their true potential!” Sam, August, Cody, Joe and I worked together at Blast Off to develop this team mission statement. As a team, we spent June 17-20 in Bloomington participating in Blast Off training and attending IAVAT functions. We had a great week learning from Blast Off facilitator Denise Mills and talking with agriculture teachers from all over the state! Looking forward to a great year together. ~ Rachel Hawk

Heritage & Cooperative Tour Illinois Farm Bureau rewards FFA members who have dug deep to find their heritage to learn about their rights, and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen. The cooperative program encourages FFA members to participate in cooperatives through their FFA chapter. The section winner of each program, Heritage and Cooperative, may send two members to the Annual Heritage and Cooperative Tour. Sam, Rachel, Cody, Joe and I were able to see historical sites in Washington, D.C. The tour included a stop at George Washington’s farm, Mount Vernon, Gettysburg, the White House, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, World War II Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial and even the Spy Museum. If you’re interested in learning about your heritage or working with others to make money, ask your advisor and you could be on this trip next year. ~ August Schetter

Leadership Camp FFA members packed up their bug spray, sunscreen and sleeping bags for the 2013 Illinois FFA Leadership Camp. On Tuesday July 23, FFA members from all over Illinois gathered at the 4-H campgrounds near Monticello, Ill., for Leadership Camp. Campers enjoyed making friends with FFA members from all corners of the state by taking part in several group activities. Some of the camper’s favorite parts of their week included the red vs. blue water balloon war, the dance and FFA Olympics. The four-day camp focused on developing the leadership skills of members through team building exercises and activities that bring teams closer together. ~ Joe Heavner

Illinois – C

Meet Your President Sam Detwiler

hen I entered my freshman year of high school, I knew that FFA was an organization that I wanted to be a part of. Almost all of my older siblings had been involved with the organization, so I heard many stories about FFA contests, and I saw my siblings wear the blue and gold jackets all the time. Although I was the last one to wear the jacket in my family, little did I know how much the jacket would change my life. Being the youngest in the family, I was often called the “baby” of the family. I was the last to do everything. I said my first word last; I was the last to learn to walk; and yes, the last to go through high school. Being the youngest had its advantages, and even a few disadvantages. One of these disadvantages was trying to go through school following the footsteps of six older brothers and one older sister. All of my siblings were involved in sports, music/ band, just about any organization my school offered, and they all managed to graduate in the top three of their classes. Needless to say, I had some large shoes to fulfill. For the longest time, I felt like I had to live up to my

family’s name. I had to be involved in so many activities and clubs that high school didn’t even seem fun anymore. The pressure was so overwhelming and overbearing that I thought I was going to snap. One day after school, I came home and just fell apart. I couldn’t handle trying to live up to my siblings’ legacy. Anything and everything I did was compared to them, but never good enough. The only person home that afternoon was my mom. Mom listened to my frustration, and like all moms do, she sat down and gave me the best advice. She said, “Sam, why are you trying to be like your siblings? God made you the way you are for a reason. Be yourself because that’s who he intended you to be.” I let her words sink in as I went to clear my mind. What my mom told me was so true! We are all different for a reason. We shouldn’t try and make ourselves become someone else. How often do we let other people’s pasts get in the way of our future? We decide that we are going to leave a bigger and better mark than what they left. Rather, we are going to try and trump their legacy, when really we should examine their legacy, learn from it, and then go and leave our own. I struggled trying to find my place to grow my legacy. That is where the blue and gold really started to work on me. I tore my ACL my junior year of high school. I required surgery and had to sit out the entire year of sports. Since I

D – Illinois

couldn’t participate in sports, I had more time to focus on FFA and other activities. I attended FFA Camp, Farm Bureau Youth Conference, and just about any other activity that was offered to me. In that year off, I was able to start growing my own legacy. It took me awhile to accept the fact that I was not going to trump my siblings’ legacies. They had left their mark, and now it was my turn to do the same. FFA members, don’t try to make your legacy better than someone else’s. We are all different; we are made that way for a reason. Everyone should have a different legacy that they leave behind him or her. It takes some people longer to accept their legacy, like it did me. Don’t feel like you must live up to others’ expectations; instead, be yourself. What influence do you want to leave on your school, chapter, or other organization? I challenge you to find your passion, grow your legacy and make your mark! However, never stop growing! Illinois FFA, grow your legacy!

Stars Over Illinois

Star Farmer Trey Fecke from the Tri-Point FFA Chapter is the 2013 Star Farmer of Illinois. He is the son of J.R. and Denise Fecke of Cabery, Ill. His advisor is Diana Loschen. Trey’s farming operation includes 130 acres of corn, 100 acres of soybeans, 31 litters of swine and 16 cows. He grew his beef operation from four to 16 cows and uses artificial insemination in his breeding practices. He raises purebred Hampshire, Yorkshire and crossbred swine, and sells them primarily as show pigs and markets the rest on a lean-value basis.

Star in Agribusiness The 2013 Illinois Star in Agribusiness is Mikayla Massie from the Cisne FFA Chapter. She is the daughter of Clayton and Shelia Massie of Mount Erie, Ill. Her advisor is Jennifer Timm. Mikayla owns and operates her mowing business, MMC mowing. She mows yards, cemeteries and commercial businesses. Her first year she mowed for the local township, eight cemeteries and two yards. Throughout the year, she has grown her business to include eight cemeteries, three businesses and three yards.

Star in Agricultural Placement Collin Hesseman from the Nashville FFA Chapter is the 2013 Illinois Star in Agricultural Placement. He is the son of Keith and Candace Hesseman of Hoyleton, Ill. His advisor is Julie Bond Ledford. Collin is an intregal part of his family’s grain and livestock farm; they farm 2,000 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat, and raise 28,000 head of swine wean to finish. With an ample supply of hog manure, they inject nearly 6 million gallons of manure on their corn crop and are able to plant corn on corn, or continuous corn. Collin also raises Angus cattle and shows them around the country.

Star in Agriscience The 2013 Illinois Star in Agriscience is Amy Loschen from the Tri-Point FFA Chapter. She is the daughter of Gary and Diana Loschen of Kempton, Ill. Her advisor if Diana Loschen. In Amy’s first year with her Agriscience research, she added Paylean to a group of market hogs’ diet to determine if they were able to get to market weight quicker than the others. She later compared the rate of gain of bottle fed pigs to fostered pigs. Finally, she wrapped up her agriculture research testing on the ideal storage temperatures of semen.

Illinois – E

State CDEs

Creed Speaking 1st Kira Eidson, Payson-Seymour 2nd Brooke Schafer, Clifton-Central 3rd Kylie Newell, Waltonville

Livestock CDE

2013 State FFA Ag Mechanics CDE

Reasons

1. Mt. Vernon 2. Serena 3. Pontiac 4. Highland 5. Mercer County Non-Reasons 1. Ridgeview 2. Fieldcrest 3. Flanagan-Cornell 4. Farmington 5. North Clay 6. El Paso-Gridley 7. South Central 8. Eureka 9. Mt. Pulaski 10. Taylorville

State Dairy CDE 1. Prairie Central 2. Greenville 3. Wesclin 4. St. Elmo 5. Altamont 6. Eureka 7. Sycamore 8. Nashville 9. North Boone 10. Peotone

State Horticulture CDE 1. Glenbrook South 2. Paxton-Buckley-Loda 3. Byron 4. Wesclin 5. Seneca

2013 FFA Public Speaking Results Prepared Public Speaking 1st Keely Acheson, Rushville Industry 2nd Rachel Edgar, Trico 3rd Leah Carter, Fairfield

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Prairie Central Unity-Tolono Newton Goreville Central-Breese

2013 State FFA Ag Business Management CDE

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Prairie Central Princeville Highland Galva Pinckneyville

Illinois FFA State Agriscience National Finalists avid Gulley, Southeastern D Matthew Runyon, West Richland Janaye Barnfield, Cisne Kade Gambill & Garrett Bates, Sandoval Alec Higgason & Adam Stepping, Taylorville Cole Emerson & Austin Norris, Taylorville Brittany Twidwell & Abbie Thompson, Southeastern Allie Lambert, Southeastern Alex Thompson, Southeastern Nicole Jordan, Cisne Elizabeth Allen, Mt. Pulaski Parrish Smith, A-C Central Cheyenne Stockton, Orion Aaron Shull & Alex Wessel, Waterloo Hannah Riedle & Samantha McCarty, Mt. Pulaski Ali Kerr & Dexter Redenius, Southeastern

Illinois FFA Chapter Scrapbook Winners

1. 2. 3. 4.

Nashville FFA Cobden FFA West Prairie FFA Lawrenceville FFA

Extemporaneous Public Speaking

Illinois FFA Convention Chapter Exhibit Winners

1st Kelsey Faivre, DeKalb 2nd August Schetter, Southwestern 3rd Samantha Klein, Heyworth

1. 2. 3.

F â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Illinois

Southwestern FFA Hillsboro FFA Putnam County FFA

Outstanding Officers Top 10 Chapter Presidents Name Brooke Krippendorf Andrew Klein Bobby DeBaillie Cassie Rogers Charles Herrera Maria Wilkening Cole Baker Betsy Kueker Emily Schwartzkopf Cody Crider

Section Chapter 1 Stockton 2 Amboy 3 Orion 7 Somonauk-Leland-Sandwich 8 Chicago Ag Sciences 10 Cissna Park 14 Hartsburg-Emden 21 Mt. Vernon 21 Nashville 25 Hardin County

Top 10 Section Presidents Name Section Christian Thurwanger 6 Austin Granby 7 Sam Detwiler 9 Melanie Behrends 10 Taylor Hardy 11 Sarah Sellars 13 Cody Carman 16 Kaitlin Magsamen 17 Bradley Braddock 21 Morgan Doggett 23

Top Chapter Reporters Name Allyssa Barnes Alexandra Ruwe Cody Wrobel Claire Kepner Paige Jones Jessica Perjak Taryn Weatherly Sarah Johnston Haley Brokate Marissa Martin

Section Chapter 24 Shawnee 16 Maroa-Forsyth 7 Somonauk-Leland-Sandwich 1 Stockton 9 Ridgeview 21 Nashville 25 Hardin County 4 ROWVA 17 Paxton-Buckley-Loda 10 Herscher

Top Section Reporters Name Tommy Justison Brooke Krippendorf Mikaela Wieland Morgan Dodson Emily Bloemer Willow Krumwiede

Section Chapter 19 Hillsboro 1 Stockton 5 Princeville 21 Nashville 9 Heyworth 13 Pittsfield

Heritage awards Triple Crown – Top Five Winners Chapter Section Placement Goreville 24 1st Newark 7 2nd Seneca 7 3rd Taylorville 16 4th Ashton-Franklin Center 2 5th Section Winners Chapter Section Eastland 1 Ashton-Franklin Center 2 Galva 3 West Central 4 Midland 5 Hinckley-Big Rock 6 Newark 7 Chicago Ag Sciences 8 Pontiac 9 Peotone 10 Southeastern 11 Cuba 12 Pittsfield 13 Gillespie 15 Taylorville 16 Paxton-Buckley-Loda 17 Armstrong 18 Greenville 19 Oblong 20 Mt. Vernon 21 Olney 23 Goreville 24 Eldorado 25

COOPERATIVE awards TRIPLE CROWN – TOP FIVE WINNERS Chapter Section Placement Goreville 24 1st Clifton Central 10 2nd Pinckneyville 24 3rd Newark 7 4th Oregon 2 5th SEction winners Chapter Section Eastland 1 Oregon 2 Galva 3 West Central 4 Midland 5 Hinckley-Big Rock 6 Newark 7 Pontiac 9 Clifton Central 10 West Prairie 11 Illini Central 12 Calhoun 13 Gillespie 15 Taylorville 16 Mahomet Seymour 17 Armstrong 18 Greenville 19 Oblong 20 Mt Vernon 21 Marissa 22 Olney 23 Goreville 24 Vienna 25

Illinois – G

H â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Illinois

Creed The Michigan FFA

Fall 2013

Michigan FFA Association

Creed Staff

108 Natural Resources - East Lansing, MI - 48824 www.michiganffa.org - association@michiganffa.org Phone: (517) 353-9221 - Fax: (517) 432-5632

Managing Editor: Advising Editor:

Jasper Cunningham Michelle Sidel

D Taking A Step

Check out an update of the 2013-2014 State FFA Officer Team

Learn more about two of the 2013-2014 State Officers

State Officer Stats

F Local Food Movement J Regional Officers See how the local food movement is expanding in reach

Meet Michigan’s 2013-2014 Regional Officer Teams

H Editor’s Choice

N Student’s Perspectives

View Michigan’s food science programs

Read our State Reporter’s perspective of his food science experiences

L to R: Alan Green, State President; Abigail Schreur, Region I State Vice President; Chris Presley, Region II State Vice President; Sarah Crosby, State Vice President; Richard Southward, Region V State Vice President; Laryssa Bates, State Sentinel; Nathan Frahm, State Reporter; Alyssa Tyrrell, Region III State Vice President; Nick Webster, Region IV State Vice President; Devin Irion, State Treasurer; Dani Heisler, State Secretary; Amber Eagling, Region VI State Vice President

The Michigan FFA will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, marital status, weight, sexual orientation or disability. Any student requiring an accommodation as a result of a disability should contact the chapter advisor to arrange such accommodation.

Quirks, Facts & Fun

By:

Nathan Frahm

Every year, twelve unique individuals are elected to serve as Michigan FFA Officers. But who are they? Learn more about the 2013-2014 state officer team. 1 "I cannot fall asleep without my purple blankie. Who am I?"

13 "I really enjoy living on a dairy farm and showing beef steers. Who am I?"

2 "I own 48 pairs of shoes. Who am I?"

14 "I love fishing and showing beef steers, pigs and sheep. Who am I?"

3 "My family and I raise purebred Border Collies. Who am I?" 4 "Pigs are my favorite animal. Who am I?" 5 "My biggest fears are feet and birds. Who am I?" 6 "I participated in the 2012 National FFA Chorus. Who am I?"

16 "I have fenced for the past five years. Who am I?" 17 "I race sled dogs and I love to hunt and fish. Who am I?" 18 "I drive a stick shift. Who am I?"

7 "I am five feet tall and my nickname is Biggs. Who am I?"

19 "I touched all five great lakes before I was twelve years old. Who am I?"

8 "I have never served as a chapter or a regional officer. Who am I?"

20 "My favorite color is gray. Who am I?"

9 "I love cheesecake! Who am I?"

21 "I hope to someday teach agriscience in Africa. Who am I?"

10 "I bought my very first tractor when I was twelve years old. Who am I?" 11 "When I was in seventh grade, I was fired from picking strawberries. Who am I?" 12 "I have been playing the piano for ten years. Who am I?"

15 "I work with standard bred race horses. Who am I?"

22 "I am the only true red-head in my immediate family. Who am I?" 23 "I own a 2001 mini van whose name is Betty. Who am I?" 24 "I can only see out of one eye. Who am I?"

1-Dani, 2-Sarah, 3-Ricky, 4-Amber, 5-Laryssa, 6-Nick, 7-Alyssa, 8-Devin, 9-Abigail, 10-Sarah, 11-Alan, 12-Nick, 13-Dani, 14-Chris, 15-Chris, 16-Nate, 17-Amber, 18-Abigail, 19-Alyssa, 20-Alan, 21-Devin, 22-Nate, 23-Laryssa, 24-Ricky

Answers:

Taking A Step Steps. They're something that's so small and basic, but they are essential in order to get anywhere in life. With the help of our parents, we learned to take our very first steps, and we continue to expand upon them as we grow older. Just as we take our very first steps as toddlers, the 2013-2014 state officer team and I have spent the past few months taking our very first steps into our year of service. The places and experiences we have encountered so far have clearly defined what being in this position is all about. We kicked off our year of service with a conference â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Blast-Off. To say the least, Blast-Off was all about building ourselves as individuals as well as building friendships and a stronger team. We met for the threeday conference in Lansing and started with a meeting about upcoming events and responsibilities. After our meeting, Dr. Showerman and Mr. Wyrick began passing out things like books, pens and name tags followed by our brand new FFA jackets. I think I can speak for our entire team when I say that it was an incredible feeling zipping up our association jackets for the very first time. After our meeting, we began the conference with our facilitator, Anne Knapke, a past national officer from the state of Ohio. Over the period of three days, Anne worked with us to talk about a wide variety of topics like diversity, personal mission statements, public speaking skills and servant leadership. Anne worked with us to write our very first speeches, and when we were done we all

presented them right after another. Our team provided 'gems' and 'opportunities' so that we would be able to grow as public speakers. At the end of the conference, we did a chalk talk to answer the question "Why servant leadership?" Our silent, yet powerful conversation was a reminder to all of us how we want to serve the state this year. Two weeks later, our team took two vans up north to St. Ignace for another conference called NLCSO - the National Leadership Conference for State Officers. This conference was much different than BlastOff; instead of just having our team there, state officer teams from Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee joined us for the week! It was so much fun being able to host the conference in our state and being able to show others what Pure Michigan is all about. The conference started Monday morning with a few sessions where we talked about expectations, vision and mission statements, as well as how to work together as a team. After Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sessions concluded, we were fortunate enough to take a sunset cruise with the other officers and state staff. Our ferry ride gave us on an awesome tour of the area; first we went right

Into Service

By:

Alan Green

the Grand Hotel, the Arch Rock, as well as the stables where all of the horses on the island are housed. To say the least, we all had a great day. The final two days of the conference were dedicated to workshop development and facilitation. We were given free time to work with our partners to develop our workshop activities and brainstorm ideas with other officers. With that we spent a large portion of time discussing tips and strategies underneath the Mackinac Bridge, which is about how to present our workshops in stunning when you ride underneath it, and an effective way. We also participated then we cruised around Mackinac Island. in two more summits that talked about current agricultural issues as well as the Our conference continued on Tuesday National FFA delegate process, which our morning, and we again spent the day learning team will be participating in later this year. about more topics. We also participated in our first of three leadership summits, which So far, this summer has been a great way to were facilitated by Lindsey Anderson, a kick-off our year of service and prepare us to national officer who spent the week with serve our state association. The memories and us. Our first summit dealt with agricultural experiences that we have gained from these education and FFA issues, and we had the two conferences have built a foundation for opportunity to talk to other states about us over the next year, and we are excited issues within their association. Our team to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;take a stepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; into our year of service. walked away with a lot of creative ideas that we are excited to implement this year. On Wednesday we were able to spend almost all day at Mackinac Island. Some officers rented bikes while others went swimming in Lake Huron, but the group I was a part of went on a carriage ride around the island. With this we were able to drive by a lot of historical places including

Farm Fresh Foods In recent years, there has been a large push towards healthier and wholesome school lunches with an increased emphasis placed on locally grown foods. Pairing school budget cuts and the push to improve health and nutrition for school lunches, many institutions have become eager to purchase locally grown food.

Surveys conducted by the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) indicated that not only are institutions eager to put more local food on their menus but area farmers are interested in supplying it. Dr. Michael Hamm, CRFS Director, states that there has been a “steady growth in local purchasing by food service directors across institutions since 2004, which points to increasing potential for farmers to generate new business in these markets and for institutions to provide the fresh, local foods

valued by their customers.” Community organizations, agricultural commodity groups, universities, school administrators, parents and community members are all supporting the efforts to make farm to school a reality. The state government is also in support of these initiatives – increasing and expanding farm to school programs can help meet one of the goals of the Michigan Good Food Charter: that Michigan institutions purchase 20% of their food from local growers, producers and processors by the year 2020. Since research started in 2004 about 90% of schools and districts are interested in purchasing local food, and the number of schools currently purchasing local food has been growing – more than half of schools now purchase local food. A motivator for purchasing local food includes supporting the local economy, Michigan farms and businesses. Another driving force is the access to fresher, higher quality food. Whole fruits and vegetables are the main area of interest for these institutions when compared to meat, dairy, grain and bean items. The primary barriers reported include the limited seasonal availability of items, food safety concerns and budget constraints. However, according to surveys conducted,

In Schools the number of school food service directors participating in farm to school nearly tripled between 2004 and 2009. Meaning that schools are overcoming these barriers and making local food a priority in school meals. This farm to school initiative doesn’t limit growth efforts just to offering local foods in school cafeterias, it also offers school garden programs. Michigan Farm to School acts as a portal for information and a venue to share ideas, tools and resources to support these and other efforts to increase the links schools have with local agriculture in Michigan. Funding for the Michigan Farm to School Grant Program is made possible by the WK Kellogg Foundation. There are two grants that are available to receive funding, including the MI Farm to School Planning Grant and The MI Farm to School Implementation Grant. The planning grant helps K-12 schools and early child care and education programs plan for integrating fresh, local foods into cafeterias and develop a farm to school action plan to implement a farm to school program. The Implementation grant, acts as the next step, it helps these institutions put existing farm to school plans into action and develop a

By: Rebecca Gulliver

farm to school sustainability plan to keep the program going and growing in future years. Not only are schools and early childcare programs on board for the shift towards farm to institutions sales. As of December 2012, 114 of Michigan’s nearly 150 hospitals

had committed to locally source 20% of their food, by the year 2020, through the Michigan Health and Hospital Association’s Healthy Food Hospitals initiative. The research supports the theory that local food purchasing is a practice that will continue to grow among K-12 schools, early childcare and education programs and hospitals. CRFS organizers envision a thriving economy through food systems in local regions that are centered on healthy, green, fair and affordable food.

Food Science in MI The agriscience programs and FFA chapters below offer food science curriculum and courses - introducing students to the vast careers and opportunities in the development, processing and manufacturing stages of the agri-food system.

Sanilac Career Center Sanilac FFA Robert Sollman

Caledonia High School Caledonia FFA John Schut & Stacy Bender

Calhoun Area Career Center Calhoun FFA Cordelia Squire

Jonesville High School Jonesville FFA Kimberly Salsbury

State Officer Stats Sarah Crosby State Vice President Chapter: Lowell College:

Grand Rapids Community

SAE:

Agricultural Education

Theme song: “I’m In a Hurry’”

Alyssa Tyrrell Region III State VP Chapter: Ubly College:

Michigan State

SAE:

Agri-business

Theme song: “The Chain of Love”

Abigail Schreur Region I State VP Chapter:

Branch Area Career Center

College:

Kellogg Community

SAE:

Fruit Production

Theme song: “If the World Had a Front Porch”

Favorites: Movie:

Walk the Line

FFA event:

Banquets

T.V. show:

White Collar

Food:

Steak

Hobby:

Tractor Restoration

Favorites: Candy:

Blow Pops

Hobby:

Driving Tractors

Sports team: MSU Spartans Movie:

Mrs. Doubtfire

Food:

Chicken Casserole

Favorites: FFA Event:

WLC

Musician:

George Strait

Hobby:

Raising Livestock

Candy:

Snickers

Book:

The Bible

Meet Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Region I

Region II

Region III

Regional Officers Region V

Region IV

Region VI

The Michigan FFA Foundation is the fundraising arm for the Michigan FFA Association. The Michigan FFA Association consists of over 5,300 members from 111 chapters. FFA is a diverse organization, operating in rural, urban, and suburban schools. Students ages 12-21 enrolled in agriscience and natural resources education programs are eligible for membership. The Michigan FFA Foundation supports annual FFA programs by seeking funds from individuals, business, and industry. Many organizations have agreed to become sponsors for specific FFA contests, leadership programs, and career development events. In addition, continual support is fronted from FFA Alumni, FFA Chapters and educators to ensure that every FFA program is fully funded. Contact the Michigan FFA Foundation at: Michigan FFA Foundation 446 West Circle Drive, 408 Agriculture Hall Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 Ph: (517) 432-2482

Food Science:

A Student’s Perspective

By: Nathan Frahm

It was the end of my junior year at Caledonia High School and it was time to sign up for classes for my senior year - being a third year FFA member, I decided to take most of the classes that my advisor taught. (I’m sure that most of us have done the same thing.) Veterinary science, FFA, and food science were quickly added to the “classes wanted” list. I was not worried about any of these classes being very difficult for me, my dad is a veterinarian, I had taken FFA before and I ate food every day! Senior year was going to be a blast. Fast forward a couple months and it’s the first day of school. I breezed through my first three classes and felt confident as I walked into my fourth class of the day - food science. Over the next few weeks I was fed information about food, how it was made and how to safely handle it, all adding up to more information than I thought was ever possible to know about food. The best part was that it was not only an informational class, but it also had many hands-on opportunities. Nearly every Monday we were split up into

groups and told to bring in some part of a meal to make in class on that Friday, and once everything was made, we were the official taste testers of each other’s cooking, (though it might not have always been a good thing). Even though we were all having fun, we still learned some vital information about food safety, including how to properly handle raw meats, how to create a food nutrition label in case of food allergies, and the list goes on and on. The food science course was an amazing experience that I had in my high school career, and I know that I will use some of the skills that I learned later in my life.

MISSOURI FFA TODAY Fall 2013

Opportunities Abound in Agriscience Missouri FFA members make their mark nationally

experiments creative, fun BY LAURA WOLF

hree winning Missouri Agriscience Fair projects went on to receive honors in the 2012 National FFA Agriscience Fair during the 85th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The contest includes an experiment, report and presentation. Miranda Allison and Annie Blackwell of the Walnut Grove FFA Chapter placed first in Division IV Social Systems. Lauren Haley of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter placed second in Division I Animal Systems. John Sparrow of the Tuscumbia FFA Chapter placed second in Division I Plant Systems. Miranda Allison and Annie Blackwell studied the effect of sleep deprivation on farm safety. “We had fun with the experiment,” said Bruce Blakemore, Walnut Grove FFA advisor. The girls set up a lock-in with their classmates to test balance, hand-eye coordination, driving and fine motor skills. Tests included a kinetic video game, an online keyboarding test, a racing video game and an exercise used in hospitals facilitated by an occupational therapist. “Our teacher is kind of creative, and he helped us with the idea for our project. It was our second

Table of Contents Page B The President’s Position

Page C Meet the 2013-14 State Officers

Tuscumbia FFA member John Sparrow’s agriscience experiment examined the germination of seeds after ultrasound treatment. He placed second in Division I Plant Systems at the 2012 National FFA Agriscience Fair.

project, so he knew we could do a good job as a team,” Allison said. Blakemore attended the 2012 DuPont National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Academy and continues to look for more ways to CONT’D ON PAGE D

Page F

PAge I

Discover a Unique SAE

Challenge Your Chapter

Page G

Page J

Get Involved in Fall Speaking

In their Words

Page H

Page M

State Officer Q&A

Calling all Video Contest Entries

THE PRESIDENT’S POSITION Grow Your Love of Agriculture with Your SAE

2013-14 State FFA Officers Area Officer 1 Tanner Adkins West Nodaway

2 Taylor Washurn - Secretary North Harrison 3 Miriam Martin Meadville 4 Tessa Chambers Fayette 5 Mason Browning Monroe City 6

Abrea Mizer - President

Marshall

7 Alex Haun Holden 8 Dan Haynes Nichols Career Ctr 9 Connor Scott Miller

10 Mitchell Blehm - 1st V.P. Morrisville 11 Jonathan Bellis Aurora 12 Morgan Coday Seymour 13 Grant Talburt Dora 14 Jeremy Mathis Potosi 15 Rylyn Small East Prairie 16 Carlee Buckner Alton 4

Jaelyn Bergmann - Past Pres. Paris

Department of Elem. & Sec. Education P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102 Phone: (573) 751-3544. District Supervisors: Leon Busdieker, Oscar Carter, Keith Dietzschold, Lisa Evans, David Higgins & Steven Rogers Missouri FFA Today • Joann Pipkin, Editor 3674 S. State Hwy N • Republic, MO 65738 Email: joann.pipkin@att.net Phone: (417) 732-8552

BY ABREA MIZER STATE FFA PRESIDENT

ast summer I attended FFA camp. It was my first time ever going to camp, and I was extremely nervous because I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I eventually was able to come out of my shell and meet new people. I wanted to be able to develop my leadership skills, so I went to many leadership sessions. As I was walking down to a leadership session my advisor stopped me. He said to me, “Abrea, have you thought any more about running for a state office?” I had always thought about being a state officer but had put it on the back burner in my mind. My advisor continued by telling me a story from the Bible, Matthew 25:14-30. He said to me in this bible story, God gave each of his slaves talents, but I’m going to tell the story using fish. So, to the first slave he gave him five fish, to the second he gave two fish, and to the third he gave one fish. The first slave took the five fish and was able to acquire five more fish. The second slave took the two fish and was able to acquire two more fish. The third slave, angered that he had only received one fish, took

his and buried it in a hole in the ground. When God summoned them back, the first and second slaves were praised because they had doubled what they were given. Yet, the slave that had buried his fish was seen as worthless. When my advisor finished telling me this story, he had made his point very clear. I finally realized that it was my turn to use the talents that I had been given and share them with others. I needed to serve others using these talents, and I realized I was going to do this by becoming a state officer. So, I challenge each of you FFA members to use the talents that you have been given and to go out and serve. Make a difference in the world!

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to Department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Office of the General Counsel, Coordinator – Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI/Title IX/504/ADA/Age Act), 6th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-526-4757 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

2013-2014 Missouri FFA Officers Who’s who on this year’s team

Front Row L-R

Middle Row L-R

Back Row L-R

JAELYN BERGMANN Past President • Paris

jonathan bellis V.P., Area 11 • Aurora

Connor Scott V.P., Area 9 • Miller

Miriam martin V.P., 3 • Meadville

jeremy mathis V.P., Area 14 • Potosi

Rylyn Small V.P., Area 15 • East Prairie

mitchell blehm 1st V.P. • Morrisville

Mason Browning V.P., Area 5 • Monroe City

Dan Haynes V.P., Area 8 • Nichols Career Ctr.

Tanner adkins V.P., Area 1 • West Nodaway

Tessa Chambers V.P., Area 4 • Fayette

Grant Talburt V.P., Area 13 • Dora

Carlee Buckner V.P., Area 16 • Alton

Taylor Washburn Secretary • North Harrison

Alex Haun V.P., Area 7 • Holden

abrea mizer President • Marshall

Morgan Coday V.P., Area 12 • Seymour

Opportunities in Agriscience Continued from Page A

incorporate agriscience in the classroom. “Presenting an agriscience fair project made us better at interviewing, which will help us stand out as future job applicants,” Blackwell said. Lauren Haley examined how fasting affected the success of a treatment for barber pole worm in goats. “Barber pole worms are a serious problem in goats,” Haley said. The worms feed on the blood, which causes anemia, dehydration and other symptoms. Moxidectin is a chemical treatment that penetrates the nervous system of the barber pole worm. Lauren fasted her goats before she treated them with moxidectin to allow more time for the chemical to come in contact with the worms. She tested the worm levels by collecting fecal

samples to examine under a microscope. “Lauren’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is raising goats, and she’s very passionate about them,” said Lance Martin, Chillicothe FFA advisor. Haley began participating in science fairs in middle school. She won the Missouri State Junior Academy Science Fair, and her advisor offered her the opportunity to compete in the state agriscience fair as a freshman in high school. “Chillicothe has a good group of middle school teachers who are agriculture-centered and encourage students to try science fairs and focus on ag-related topics,” said Martin. “Through this project, I’ve been able to meet new friends and

develop my presentation skills. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take something you’re passionate about and share it with others,” Haley said. John Sparrow investigated the effect of ultrasound treatment during corn seed priming for germination percentage and seedling growth. “This topic is important to the industry because better germination means a more uniform crop and better yields. Seedling growth provides for better root penetration and more access to water,” Sparrow said. Sparrow began research and science fair projects in sixth grade through an honors program and continued to research in FFA. “I like to compete and I like to talk, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Lauren Haley checks on her goats during her barber pole worm treatment experiment. A Chillicothe FFA member, Haley began participating in agriscience fair projects while in middle school.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE so the biggest thing I learned was how to put it all on paper for the research report. I also learned that you can never be too prepared or practice presenting too many times,” said Sparrow. Annie Blackwell and Aiden Siers of the Walnut Grove FFA Chapter test hand-eye coordination using an online keyboarding test as part of an agriscience project in their agriculture education program.

“A lot of the students who compete already have a drive to research. They enjoy thinking of a problem in science that they can try to solve or improve upon,” said Kyle Tallant, the Tuscumbia FFA advisor. The Tuscumbia science and agriculture departments share resources and ideas by offering a class for science research each week. Students who conduct research for agriscience fair projects work closely with the science department and contact qualified scientists from various universities and the business sector to help guide their projects according to Tallant. “Participating in competitions like this looks really good on applications. It shows that you have a background in research and that you have enough devotion to what you want to do that you’re willing to put in the time and effort it takes to do research well,” Sparrow said.

Discover Unique SAEs

Agriculture comes alive at summer camp

campers grow food, learn BY LAURA WOLF

ntroducing a younger generation to agricultural science through gardening, nature walks, cooking and more is the mission of three Higginsville FFA Chapter members in their supervised agricultural experience program. Higginsville High School senior Rachel Simmons and juniors Kristen Burkeybile and Josie Skinner worked at Camp Agape, a children’s daycamp in Wellington, Mo., in summer 2012. The campers experienced the entire food-growing process, from garden to table, with guidance from their counselors. “We raised vegetable, fruit and herb plants with the kids,

watering and weeding even in the heat of the summer,” Skinner said. “It was sometimes hard to get the children to work with us on those hot days, but it was worth it when we got to prepare the food they helped grow and teach them about healthy food alternatives.” They also participated in weekly field trips to places such as Shatto Milk Company in Osborn, Mo., Burr Oak Nature Center in Blue Springs, Mo., and the Kansas City Zoo. “My favorite trip with Camp Agape was to the Kansas City Zoo,” Simmons said. “The children were amazed by the animals they had never seen before, and it was fun to get to point them out as we explored the zoo.” Nature walks were another fun way for children to learn some of the basics of agricultural science.

“The kids got to collect leaves as they learned the names of different plants, and press them for crafts and other activities. We pointed out poison ivy and other important plants to be able to recognize, and we identified bugs as we went as well,” Burkeybile said. The FFA members were able to use their experience in agricultural science courses as well as FFA Career Development Events, such as forestry and entomology, to guide their methods in the garden and their teaching on nature walks and other excursions. “We had learned a lot in ag classes about how to grow garden plants – everything from what to plant and how much to water to what to watch for as far as weeds and bugs,” Burkeybile said. They were all from a rural community, but most of the campers were not the children of farmers, Simmons explained. “We were able to grow a successful garden using what we had learned in classes and contests, CONT’D ON PAGE K

Higginsville FFA members Rachel Simmons, Kristen Kurkeybile and Josie Skinner worked at a children’s daycamp where they brought agriculture to life for campers through gardening and field trips. Their experiences helped build their own SAE projects.

Speak Out Opportunities abound for speaking contests this fall

Mo Institute of Cooperatives http://www.mic.coop/ Contact: Kristi Livingston LivingstonK@missouri.edu

Mo sheep producers http://www.missourisheep.com/youthprograms.htm Contact: Scott Kaden rollakadens@embarqmail.com

Mo pork association http://www.mopork.com/Youth_FFASpkngCntst.asp Contact: Diane Slater diane@mopork.com

Mo Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association www.mocattle.com Contact: Mike Deering mike@mocattle.com

mo assoc. of soil & water conservation districts http://www.maswcd.net Contact: Peggy Lemons peggyl@maswcd.net

mo young farmers/ young farm wives assoc. Contact: Lisa Evans lisa.evans@dese.mo.gov

Mo farm bureau www.mofb.org Contact:Eric Volmer evolmer@mofb.com

Mo Pet breeders assoc. www.mpbaonline.org Contact:Debbie Grosenbacher info@mpbaonline.org

State Officer Q&A Who’s that underneath the blue corduroy? listened to the motivational speaker they had that year. I was inspired by the speaker to set my goals to whatever I dream. One of those goals was to become a state officer. I also attended WLC last summer where I really found my drive to become a state officer.

TANNER ADKINS FFA Chapter: West Nodaway FFA Hometown: Elmo, Mo. College/Major: University of Missouri-Columbia with a major in pharmaceuticals. SAE: I have raised Balancer cattle since I was in 8th grade and own six cows right now. I also rent 40 acres of land that I pasture and hay for my herd. I have an ownership lawn care business during the summer. I also have a placement SAE at Snodderley Lumber Company in a nearby town.

What motivated you to want to become a Missouri FFA Officer? There are two reasons why I knew I wanted to be a state officer. When I was a sophomore I attended national convention and

alex haun

I could help and accomplish as much as she had through the FFA.

FFA Chapter: Holden FFA

Who is your hero and why? I would have to say my hero is my dad. He has always been there for me and even though I won’t be able to be around to help him as much this summer, he is very excited and supportive of me and my achievements.

Hometown: Holden, Mo. College/Major: State Fair Community College/Agri-business SAE: My SAE is a combination between entrepreneurship and placement. The placement part of my SAE consists of our family’s Angus cattle operation as well as 1,200 acres of cropland where we raise corn, soybeans and wheat. My family is also a dealer for Producers Hybrids and Wilcross Soybeans. On the ownership side, I run 16 head of Angus cattle, as well as 130 acres for soybean and corn. My brother and I also operate a square baler to sell straw bales.

Who is your hero and why? The statement, “Always do the right thing,” came from my hero. That would be my father. Growing up, I have always looked up to him for advice. We could sit down and talk about anything that was on my mind, and we would find an answer. My father has helped shape me into the person I am today.

What motivated you to want to become a Missouri FFA Officer? What really motivated me to become a state officer was during my first year in the FFA I knew one of the officers pretty well, and I saw how much she had gotten out of the organization and how much she was able to help other FFA members. I knew that I wanted to be like her. I started working as hard as I could, so that

What are your plans for the future? In the future I plan to attend State Fair Community College and get my degree in Agri-business and then go back to work on the family farm. What advice do you have for FFA members? The best advice I can give is get involved early. Also, meet as many people as possible because the best people I know I have met through the FFA.

CAMERON WINS FFA CHALLENGE GET INVOLVED: MONSANTOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHAPTER CHALLENGE

FFA MEMBERS EARN cash, trip

he Cameron High School FFA chapter won the grand prize in the interview and documentary division of the 2013 Chapter Challenge, sponsored by Monsanto. More than 265,000 FFA members in 3,800 FFA chapters across 15 states began competition in the 2013 Chapter Challenge in January. To enter the competition, FFA members had to either interview and document the lives of agriculturalists in their local communities or build a portfolio of interviews, develop a social media plan and produce a video that promotes agriculture awareness. Entries were submitted to the National FFA Organization and judged in March by a panel of marketing, communications and education professionals. FFA chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin were eligible to compete in the 2013 event. As one of two grand prizewinning FFA chapters, Cameron FFA earned both a $2,000 certificate of credit with the National FFA Organization that can be used to cover FFA-related expenses throughout the year and an all-expenses paid trip for up to six students and their FFA advisor to the 2013 National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville,

CHAPTERS WIN IN CHALLENGE VOTING WEST PLAINS FFA

$1,500.00

HERMANN FFA

$1,000.00

SANTA FE R10 HS FFA

$750.00

WARSAW FFA

$750.00

LAKELAND FFA

$500.00

CARL JUNCTION FFA

$500.00

HIGGINSVILLE FFA

$500.00

Ky. Each grand prize is valued at $12,000. The top FFA chapters in each division of the competition earned a line of credit for use on FFA expenses, including supplies or convention and conference registration fees. Those prizes ranged from $2,500 to $500.

Overall, Monsanto provided nearly $300,000 in prize money for the FFA chapters competing in the 2013 Chapter Challenge. For more information about this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition, including photographs, news releases, video submissions and more, visit www.FFAChapterChallenge.com.

In Their Words Up close with your Missouri State FFA Officers

was about to do. I got ready and made the brave leap to the ground. When I landed I heard a pop, and I knew something was wrong. I ended up spraining my ankle. All because I wanted to show off this “cool” new trick I had learned.

MIRIAM MARTIN I was shaking in my shoes. Two hundred and fifty people were staring at me. Why was I giving a speech? It was too late to back out now, so I pulled out my notes, set them on the podium, turned on the microphone, and surprisingly words started coming out of my mouth. Thank you Lord. It got easier, and pretty soon I started smiling and remembered to breathe. Since then I have spoken at the National Ag Day banquet in Washington, D.C. and competed in the National FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking Contest in Indianapolis, Ind. However, if I had not had the courage to give that first speech, I never would have had the chance to have those really awesome experiences. Stepping out of my comfort zone was something that was extremely difficult for me. I wasn’t a natural; I was the kid in the corner who was cool with “just watching”. But the first time I went to FFA Camp I was challenged to not just let life go by as I sat on the sidelines and watched. I was once told that there are two kinds of people in this world – givers and takers. Takers eat well, givers sleep well. We can go along in life selfishly keeping our talents to ourselves and not contributing to those around us. Or we can decide that we want to make a difference. We can choose to give. That night at FFA camp, when I gave my first speech, it was the stepping-off point. From then on I continued to push myself to

MIRIAM MARTIN State Vice President, Area 3

improve on my speaking ability. Yes, sometimes I still get nervous, but that isn’t what’s important. What matters is being willing to do something hard. FFA members, we are privileged to be part of an organization that challenges its members to do hard things. I encourage you the next time you get a chance to sit on the sidelines or get in the game, to choose to make a difference.

MORGAN CODAY One afternoon I was getting dropped off at my house from staying the night at a friend’s house. When the car stopped, I jumped out of the vehicle and onto our trampoline as fast as I could. I wanted to show my friend this new “trick” I had learned. I learned to jump from the tarp of the trampoline to the ground, without touching the metal rim and getting shocked. So I started jumping as high as I could go. I shouted at my friend and sister to watch what I

MORGAN CODAY State Vice President, Area 12

Sometimes in life we get caught up in wanting to show people the “cool” new things we learned. That is called pride. There is nothing wrong with being proud of our accomplishments, but we can’t take it too far. Like in the story, I was so proud of what I had done I wanted to share it with everyone. All it got me was a sprained ankle. FFA members, we need to be careful how we present ourselves. Remember the old saying: “Pride comes before a fall.” I cannot even begin to express how true this statement is. We can’t let our head get so big with that one thing, for we have more hurdles and obstacles in the way. If we are so focused on what we just did, we aren’t looking at what is ahead. We can’t show off our new “trick” to

people because we think we are so good. We need to be proud of our accomplishments and look to what is to come.

mitchell blehm

MITCHELL BLEHM State 1st Vice President

CONT’D FROM PAGE F and we could explain the steps to the kids on their level,” said Simmons. “Because of the summer we had, we needed to explain to them that some of the plants didn’t grow as well due to the effects of the drought too.” “After we taught the children about plants, how they grow, what can help them grow and other things like that, we got to pick the fruits and vegetables as well,” Skinner said. Her favorite task was preparing food grown in the garden from new recipes and letting the kids try the food they had helped to grow. The counselors taught their campers about agriculture, but

they learned valuable lessons and developed career skills, too. The biggest challenge they faced was motivating the children to work in the garden, especially when it was hot outside, the FFA members said. Encouraging their efforts and being consistent with the campers helped them to overcome that challenge. The counselors learned how to work with children and fellow counselors, as well as parents and supervisors. With the campers, they cultured how to give explanations that the children could understand. Most importantly, they accomplished how to tell the story of agriculture through something as simple as a nature walk or a vegetable garden.

The third paragraph of the FFA creed begins, “I believe in leadership from ourselves…” These six words are my favorite part of the creed, and they mean a lot to me as there have been numerous times I have failed to believe in myself. On the other hand I have had experiences where believing in myself has helped me in outstanding ways. How do you expect anyone to believe in you as a leader if you fail to believe in yourself? Often people are worried about others not believing in them, and they try to do anything to get people to believe in them - even though they doubt their own ability. They are missing the most important step, which is believing in themselves! CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

In Their Words Up close with your Missouri State FFA Officers CONT’D FROM PAGE K If you can believe in yourself with your heart, believe that you can accomplish great things, and then put those beliefs into actions others will soon believe in you. They will see your dedication, pride, and that your heart is set upon accomplishing the goal. If you don’t believe in yourself you will not get too far in life. Give everything you do in life 100% of your effort. Have confidence in everything you do. If you fail at doing something, show you believe in yourself by getting right back up and trying again until you achieve it. Thomas Edison had over 3,000 attempts at making the light bulb.

He believed he would accomplish his goal. When he was asked about his attempts he said, “I didn’t fail 3,000 times. I found 3,000 ways not to make a light bulb.” FFA members, look back at the third paragraph of the creed. Believe that you are a leader, believe that you can have dedication like Edison and believe that others will believe in you!

Grant Talburt When I was younger I would constantly play with the thermostat at my house, always turning it up and down. I was amazed

GRANT TALBURT State Vice President, Area 13

that turning a dial changed the temperature and made me feel comfortable again. I would look anxiously at the thermometer to see whether the temperature would rise or fall. The thermometer reflects the temperature while the thermostat sets the temperature. This illustration, given in the book called “Habitudes” by Dr. Tim Elmore, gives us a great example of leadership. Most people are like thermometers – they reflect the culture around them from clothes to music to language and lifestyle. Some people take it a step further and become a thermostat. They set the climate around them. They set the emotion level of the group and are excited about what they do. FFA Members, you have two choices in life; you can be a thermometer or a thermostat. You can be a thermometer by reflecting the culture around you. You can be a follower, rely on others, and choose not to be a leader. Or you can go one step further by becoming a leader. Be a thermostat - set the mood, goals and drive for others around you.

Video Contest Calls for Entries Help educate others about agriculture

entries due december 20 BY LAURA WOLF

ntries are being sought for the fourth FFA Video Contest. Sponsored by eight major state agriculture organizations, the contest is for Missouri FFA chapters, and includes a video submission on any or all of three broad agricultural topics. The topics are: - Farmers work hard to care for their animals - Farmers provide safe, wholesome food - Farmers are good stewards of the environment The 2013 winners were announced at the 85th Missouri FFA Convention in Columbia, Mo. in April. First place went to the Bourbon FFA Chapter, followed by the Dora and Troy FFA chapters. Prize money was awarded in the amounts of $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 for the top three respectively and $500 for other district winners. “The farm bureau video contest is an excellent way to get students thinking of how agriculture affects them in many different ways and gives them an avenue to educate others about agriculture and the FFA,” said Matt Ketcherside, Bourbon FFA advisor. Bourbon FFA entered the contest using a video they recorded as a team-building activity for their officer team. Paula Bodenhamer, advisor of the Dora FFA Chapter, said the chapter’s goal in entering was education. She encouraged students

in her program who were not from traditional agricultural backgrounds to enter the contest and use it as a learning experience. “I suggested it to broaden their technical knowledge of agriculture and develop a true sense of what farmers really do,” Bodenhamer said. The Dora FFA Chapter utilized their prize money to fund their chapter banquet and summer activities for members. The Bourbon FFA Chapter plans to use the prize money for community service and to offset student costs for National FFA Convention in October. The fourth-annual contest entries will be due Dec. 20 to allow chapters time to focus on the contest before career development events and other state convention preparations begin. Sponsors include Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Pork Association, MFA, Inc., Missouri Beef Industry Council, Midwest Dairy, FCS Financial, Missouri Corn Growers’ Association and Missouri Soybean Programs. Unlike previous years, the prizes will be structured differently to allow for more winners, according to Rebecca French Smith of Missouri Farm Bureau. “First, second and third place winners will be chosen in each district this year,” Smith said. A grand prize will also be awarded. Bodenhamer recommends entering the contest as an opportunity for non-traditional agriculture students to learn and help educate others about the industry. “It can also be used to

recruit new members and build cooperative activities among academic disciplines like English, multi-media journalism and agriculture,” Bodenhamer said. “This has been one of the most rewarding and motivating activities my students have been involved with in recent years,” Ketcherside said. He said Bourbon FFA members, parents and the community were all excited that the students had represented them well and been rewarded for their efforts. “In times like these when some of our FFA programs are being cut, positive publicity goes a long way with school board members and administrators,” said Ketcherside.

FFA Calendar Missouri FFA is on the move

September 1

BOAC Grant Project Completion Deadline

october

2-7

National Fox Trotter Show—Ava

American Royal Entry Deadline

5 Horticulture & Agro Forestry Research Ctr— New Franklin

10 Ag Ed/FFA Day—MU Bradford Farm, Columbia

Northeast District Trapshoot—Prairie Grove

5-18

South Central District Postal Trapshoot Dates

Preview Mizzou—Columbia

Ag Ed/FFA Day—SW Center, Mt. Vernon

Meet Mizzou Day—Columbia

10 South Central District Grasslands Contest— TBA

15-21

National Farm Safety & Health Week

Preview Mizzou—Columbia

17 Thompson Farm Research Center Field Day— Spickard

15 Angeline Conservation Area Ecology Day— Shannon County

17 State Grassland Evaluation Contest— Columbia vicinity

MU South Farm Showcase—Columbia

24-27 American Royal Invitational Youth Rodeo Hale Arena, Kansas City 24-28

Delta Fair—Kennett

25 Ag Ed/FFA Day—Forage Systems Research Center, Linneus 26 Ag Ed/FFA Day—Hundley-Whaley Center, Albany 27 Ag Ed/FFA Day—Graves-Chapple Farm, Corning 27-28

American Royal Pro Rodeo—Kansas City

october

23-11/3 American Royal Livestock Show—Kansas City 26 CAFNR Ag Alumni Homecoming Tailgate— MU, Columbia 30-11/2 National FFA Convention—Indianapolis, Ind.

November

1 FFA Field Day—MU Barton Ag Research Ctr SEMO 9

Meet Mizzou Day—Columbia

12 South Central District Fall Speaking Contests —Rolla

1 FFA Field Day—MU Barton Ag Research Ctr SEMO

13 Northwest District Fall Speaking Contests— Cameron

NWMSU Fall CDE’s—Maryville

Northeast District Grasslands Contest—TBA

13 South Central Fall Speaking Contest—UCM Warrensburg

Southeast District Grasslands Contest—TBA

3 Northwest District Grasslands Contest— Maysville 3

Central District Grasslands Contest—TBA

Southwest District Grasslands Contest—TBA

MU Wurdack Farm Ag Ed Day—Cook Station

3-6

Ozark Fall Farmfest—Springfield

14 Southwest District Fall Speaking Contests— MSU Darr Center, Springfield 14 United Sportsmen’s Wildlife Conservation Grant Apps. Due 18-20 State PAS Conference—Mineral Area College Park Hills 19 Northeast District Fall Speaking Contests— South Shelby

oklahoma outlook Fall 2013

FFA Responds to May Tornadoes

C.L. McGill is an ag teacher in Tuttle, Oklahoma. Mr. McGill was instrumental in coordinating Oklahoma FFA’s response to the disasters, but he is very quick to share the credit. I wouldn’t consider myself the statewide coordinator because there have been plenty who have done way more than I have. I just put people together who needed to be put together. Tell me about how the Tuttle chapter responded to the tornadoes. We got together as a chapter a couple days after the tornadoes happened. We wanted to do something to help. We decided to collect bottled water, diapers, wet wipes, those kinds of things. And while you were doing that here in Tuttle, you also sent an email out to all the chapters… We sent it to the state office, and they emailed it to every chapter in Oklahoma. It got to some Texas and California chapters, also. We’ve dealt with a lot of Texas chapters. The kids from Texas, my kids and the kids from Moore unloaded two big stock trailers full of stuff. A lot of other chapters are doing it on their own. They just decided there was a need and said, “Let’s go do it.” There are plenty of them out there that have done stuff. Obviously, one of the most important things about FFA is community service. It’s always there, but when there is a crisis, how much does that get amped up? What is the effect of that on the students? I think the FFA members get a good feeling about helping others. They can see that they’re making a difference. That’s the basis of our program – helping others. When you took the students to Moore, were you at a place where you could really see the damage? When we left, I took my students and the Texas kids, and we drove through all the damage. I stopped at the end and got out, and the Ag teachers who were with me just shook their heads. They were just baffled by the damage that was there. I think it was good for the kids to see that. They needed to know what happened and what was there. It looks different live than it does on the television, for sure.

(More tornado coverage on pages B, C, and H)

Look for extended interviews from this issue on our website, www.okffa.org.

FFA Members Help with

Carrie Jacobs is originally from Wisconsin. After high school, she moved to Stillwater, got an ag ed degree, did her student teaching in Durant, and then got a job teaching ag at Moore. She was there when the tornado came through on May 20, and since then she has been organizing relief efforts, including two FFA clean-up days on June 25 - 26. Let’s talk about May 20. What was your day like? It was like a normal day, just getting ready for the end of the year. We got a call that morning from the principal who said we couldn’t be in our building after 1:30 because they were expecting bad weather. I went home and turned the weather on right away. At that point the storm was building. They were saying that it was coming down 149th and I’m thinking of all the things that are on 149th, including the school farm that is right there. I saw the hospital had been hit and heard the schools were digging out kids … it was just shocking. You couldn’t get in touch with anyone, roads were shut down, and you couldn’t get anywhere. The tornado came right through town. There were neighborhoods that were just leveled. A crisis like this is a horrible thing. But it really does bring out the best in people, doesn’t it? It does. The flood of prayers and support, money, supplies and volunteers was very heartwarming and overwhelming, but we didn’t even know what we needed. I think that’s what I replied to several people. “I appreciate your concern, your thoughts and prayers, but right now we don’t even know what we need.” Tell me what you’ve done since the 20th until now. Our FFA kids brought in supplies – water, personal hygiene items, and food. We set up an area in our show barn with clothes, bedding, toiletries and baby things. Our chapter members and 4-H kids who lost everything, we had them go through and just take what they needed. We donated the leftovers to the Salvation Army. We decided we were going to organize a clean-up day, call it FFA Clean-up Day, just highlight what our kids do, not only Moore, but FFA in general. We didn’t have to beg for volunteers. This is strictly people coming forward every day. We realized right away that we need to organize this or we are going to have chapters every single day. So we decided to designate these two days as our FFA days. Let’s talk about some of the specific things you’ll be doing. Several schools still have a lot of debris left. We will be cleaning up debris: small stuff

Clean-up After the Storms

the size of baseballs everywhere. A lot of insulation and that kind of thing. We will be raking it up and bagging it and moving it to the curb. There is some minor tree work that needs to be done around the campus here, and several other schools. Then on Tuesday, we will be working in some of the fields around, picking up debris so tractors and machinery can go through and harvest wheat. We talked a lot about the impact this activity will have on the community. Tell me about the impact you hope this experience will have on your students. I hope we instill in our kids that you’ve got to give back to the community that supports you. They gave back to a community that was severely damaged and hurting. I hope they have some pride that they have given back and helped out. That’s my goal. Also, because Moore is a very suburban population, a lot of community members don’t even know what FFA is. I hope the FFA as a whole gets a positive light shining, a pat on the back from some of those community members who don’t know what it’s about. We’ve got a pretty special group of kids that we work with. No question about that. Typically when we think about community service in a given FFA chapter, we’re talking about the local town. Today, we’re talking about community in a larger sense. How does that work for you and your kids? I think this event has really opened kids’ eyes to the fact that community service is not just something for your own community. There are always chapters that need help; there are always communities that have fallen on hard times. So many people have helped us. It is our turn to say, “You came to us, now we can go to you.” Keep passing it on. I hope that we have a chance to help another chapter. Anything else you’d like to add before we wrap this up? I’m just so thankful for everything. I don’t think that is said enough, whether you volunteered, put a check in the mail, took stuff to the Red Cross – anything you’ve done. I don’t think as a chapter we’ve said thank you enough. I hope chapters and anyone involved in this realizes, how thankful we are for any support, help, prayers and emails. Those mean a lot. We’re very thankful for everything. Here are the final numbers for the activity, as compiled by Ms. Jacobs after the fact: We had 16 different chapters travel to Moore to assist with the clean-up and a total of 37 adults and 202 students! It was an amazing effort. We were able to fill about 200 trash bags with debris, and then on Tuesday, we were able to clean up 200 acres of wheat and alfalfa fields.

Meet Your 2013 Allison Christian

“Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do.” -Orison Swett Marden As a chubby, awkward middle school girl, my goal in life was to become a basketball superstar. I worked hard in practice, worked hard at home and felt that my goal was within my reach. My whole family was heavily involved in sports, and I felt like that was what I was supposed to do. However, that was exactly the point. I played basketball because I felt that was what everyone else wanted me to do, not because I actually enjoyed it. One afternoon, my dad and I were out checking cattle. I remember saying, “Dad, I want to show a calf.” The look on his face was priceless, as this was something my family would have never pictured me doing. As a middle school girl, I was about as girly as I could get. We purchased my first calf the summer before my

Central District VP

freshman year, however, and I was more than excited to show it. When it came time to enroll in high school, I was faced with a choice. My schedule was full, and I had to choose between enrolling in agricultural education or basketball. I remember my grandpa distinctly telling me, “Al … you’re never going to be Michael Jordan.” As hard as it was for me to face this, he was right. And I truly didn’t love basketball. I was only playing to please my family. So I made the decision to enroll in agricultural education and join FFA. That was the best decision I have ever made! FFA members, I encourage you to find what you are passionate about and aim high. You are responsible for your own happiness, and it is up to you to chase your dreams. There is absolutely nothing holding you back from accomplishing your biggest goals. You are only given one chance on this earth to make a difference and achieve what you have always wanted. Do not let anything hold you back. Just do it!

Allison’s first vehicle was a 3/4-ton Dodge Mega Cab.

2014 State Officers Bray Haven

SW District VP

A traveler was passing through a town on his way to a neighboring city. He accidently turned down a remote road. After traveling several miles trying to find his way back to the highway, he decided to pull into a small station to fill up with fuel. As the attendant approached his car, the driver called out, “I need your help. I’m lost.” The station attendant smiled and asked, “Do you know where you are?” “Well, I know the name of this town,” answered the traveler. “I saw a sign a few miles back.” “Do you know where you want to go?” asked the attendant. “Yes,” the traveler replied, and named his destination. The attendant finished filling the tank, handed the receipt to the traveler and said, “You’re not lost. You just need directions.” He then told the traveler how to get back to the highway. When you ask people what they want, you will typically get vague answers. Few people actually know

what they want. Many haven’t bothered to determine their true, individual purposes and are drifting through life feeling lost and discouraged. Failure is not because of lack of ability, knowledge or courage, but because individuals have never organized their energies around definite purposes. I found my purpose in FFA. It gave me a reason to be me. I found my true strengths. I overcame my fear of public speaking and learned that it was something I truly enjoyed. I developed so many positive relationships with friends whom I would otherwise never have met. I found my calling as a leader, first in my chapter, then my school and community and now serving you as a state officer. What is your PURPOSE? What do you specifically want out of FFA – or life in general? What can you do to inspire, enrich and serve those around you? When you feel something is missing, never be discouraged. Define what it is you truly want. Then pursue it with confidence and passion.

Bray killed a bear with a bow when he was only 15.

Meet Your 2013 Garrett Reed

NE District VP

“Don’t be a grasshopper.” I remember how strange those words sounded coming out of my mother’s mouth. I thought to myself, “Has she gone crazy? What in the world is she talking about?” I was curious to see where she was going with this, however. She was actually referring to a story in the Bible found in the book of Numbers. The Israelites sent 12 spies to explore the land God had promised them. After 40 days, the spies returned with all kinds of news. They found a paradise that flowed with milk and honey, but this Promised Land was also occupied by heavily fortified cities and giants. Two of the spies saw the great benefits and opportunities the land had to offer, while the other 10 saw only the challenges and obstacles they would have to face in order to live there. One of the 10 spies said, “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” Because the 10 spies saw

themselves as small as grasshoppers and didn’t trust and believe they could overcome these giants, they were never allowed into the Promised Land and missed out on an abundant life. How you see yourself is how others are going to see you. We may not always be able to escape the giants, but we have a choice; do we look at them as challenges or as opportunities? When you look for the good things in life, you will find them. If we go through life only seeing the negative side of things, we will never be able to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities the world has to offer us. FFA members, we only have so much time to wear these blue jackets, so why not make the most of things? Run for that chapter office you’ve always wanted, start showing a heifer, write and memorize a speech or start judging livestock! Just remember, be the person you want to be, and you can overcome any giants you face in life. And don’t be a grasshopper!

Garrett is a distant cousin of Merle Haggard!

2014 State Officers Tyler Schnaithman

“What’s your passion?” This was always a frequent question for me growing up. At the age of 9, I finally realized one of my first true passions in life. I’ll never forget the day I was given the opportunity to operate the hay swather. I was now officially involved in our family’s farming operation! My passion for production agriculture continued to grow from that day forward. As the years passed, my involvement in our operation continued to increase. It wasn’t until my eighth-grade year that I found my other true passion, FFA. I still remember sitting in my first small group at Alumni Leadership Camp and hearing about all of the opportunities available in this organization. I couldn’t wait to expand my Supervised Agricultural Experience project and start competing in numerous career development events such as livestock evaluation and public speaking. I finally found something that made me tick, something that kept me up at night and got me out of bed in the morning.

State Secretary

FFA members, my challenge to you is to find your true passions. Find that one thing that really makes you tick and gives you energy. The FFA is a great place to do that because of its diversity. I truly believe this organization has something to offer every member. One of the main reasons people don’t follow their dreams or go after their passions is fear of failure. Everyone fails, however, and faces adversity at some point in their life. You may not remember, but I’m sure you fell the first time you tried to walk. You probably didn’t hit the ball the first time you swung a bat. You probably didn’t ride your bike perfectly the first time you took off your training wheels. You are much better off trying and failing than not even trying at all. FFA members, the clock is ticking. You only have a certain amount of time as a member of this great organization. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, the time is now!

Tyler’s legs glow in the dark.

Tornado Relief Efforts

State Officers’ Response Your new state officers were elected on May 1. The Moore tornado happened less than three weeks later. The officers hadn’t even gotten organized yet. Even so, they initiated an amazing statewide FFA response to the tornado’s devastation. We got the story from Joshua Haven, the State FFA Reporter, with whom we spoke on June 7. Tell me about the state officers’ response to the tornadoes. At what point did you all decide you needed to do something? When we knew the tornadoes were hitting, we started a group conversation online. We knew we were heading to Stillwater the next day to start our training for the upcoming year of service. Somebody suggested that we all meet different chapters in different locations across the state on our way to Stillwater that night. The district officers put on their Facebook pages where and when they wanted to meet their chapters the next day. They made

those stops along the way, picking up donations from 25 different chapters. It was just amazing to see how quickly everybody responded after we started putting it on Facebook, to see how many people got involved. Not only got involved with us, but also doing their own thing with their chapters. It’s a testament to what we can do when we pull everybody together. The donations they collected that day filled five trailers and several pickup beds. Obviously it was the officers’ initiative to put this together and to collect the stuff. But we also want to give credit to all the chapters across the state that contributed to this. Yes, as well as those who didn’t contribute to us, but made it their own thing. It wasn’t just that we gathered up all this stuff, it is the fact that we started the chain of different chapters across the state taking their own initiative to do the same thing. Why did you all think it was important for you to do? We thought it was important to give back and this was a good way to serve. That’s what we were elected to do. We were elected to serve, not only our members, but also the state. We felt it was extremely important for us to do

everything we could to help those people who were in such need at that time. That’s what FFA is all about, isn’t it? Yes. Serving is our main focus, and that’s what we want to do. It was because we knew those people needed things and we wanted them to know what we were about and to know that we were there for them, whatever they needed. We were going to do everything we could to help them out.

The El Reno FFA Chapter joined forces with American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union on June 11 to help area farmers and ranchers who were hit hard by the May 31 tornado outbreak. The wheat harvest was fast approaching and many farms were still clogged with debris from surrounding structures. Sheets of tin, wood planks, shingles, insulation, fencing and other types of debris littered the otherwise harvestable fields. Debris left in the fields could result in thousands of dollars in damage to valuable harvest equipment. The help came right on time, as harvest crews were already lining up waiting for clean fields. The event brought in 15 FFA chapters from across Oklahoma, many AFR/OFU employees, insurance agents and cooperative members, and more than 250 volunteers from Oklahoma, southeast Texas and several Midwestern states, who cleaned more than 400 acres of farmland.

Coming up in our next issue: The World’s Youngest Rodeo Announcer!