October 2008, FFA New Horizons

FFA

®

NEW HORIZONS THE MAGAZI NE OF THE N ATIONAL FFA ORGA NIZATION | October 2 008

Chop To It Food science is a flavorful career

Step Up, Stand Out

10 reasons to attend the 81st National FFA Convention

Dmvudi!

Qfsgpsnbodf Member wins national truck-pull event

( Join the Nation! Learn more about FFA’s brand-new online community at…

)

ffanewhorizons.org

EditoR’s note

What’s Inside

Members Unite in the FFA Nation As a proud FFA alumna, I consider October one of my favorite months. I’m sure you can guess why – the national FFA convention! I can’t describe the feeling I get when I pull into Indianapolis (back in my FFA days it was Kansas City, then Louisville) and see thousands of blue jackets lining the streets.

There’s something powerful about seeing FFA members from all Kim Newsom over the United States come together and unite as one. I’ll admit, I get emotional during opening ceremonies and even a little teary when the national ofďŹ cers give their retiring addresses. And, there’s no other feeling similar to the one I get when I see groups of FFA members meeting new friends from other states and exchanging e-mail addresses, so they can stay in touch once they head home. This unity and friendliness FFA members display during the convention is what I enjoy most.

Speaking of unity, friendships and staying in touch, we have a big announcement!

Now, FFA members have a special, unique place for communicating with other members.

This month, we’re launching FFA Nation – an online community where FFA members can create proďŹ les, add friends, upload photos, communicate on message boards and interact with one another. Check it out today at ffanation.ffa.org!

The online community is FFA-speciďŹ c, so you can add information to your proďŹ le about your supervised agricultural experience, favorite FFA memories, your chapter ofďŹ ce and more! On the Discussions board, you can start threads on FFA topics like idea-sharing for National FFA Week plans, tips on starting an SAE or even your favorite parts of this year’s national convention. And be sure to visit FFA Nation on Oct. 1, when we announce our incredibly awesome, you-won’t-believe-it giveaway. You’ll want to sign up right away!

And, in the coming months, we’ll have even more great features on FFA Nation, based on your feedback and ideas. So check out the site at ffanation.ffa.org and send us your thoughts on the Discussions board. We look forward to your feedback!

Kim Newsom, editor ffanewhorizons@ffa.org

FFA

Volume 56 Number 1

NEW HORIZONS

ÂŽ

The magazine of the National FFA Organization

JULIE WOODARD KIM NEWSOM JOYCE CARUTHERS JESSY YANCEY ANDREA BLOOM, CHRIS HAYHURST, KEVIN LITWIN, JESSICA MOZO, ABBY SELDEN KEITH HARRIS BRIAN McCORD JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, IAN CURCIO, KYLE KEENER, JESSE KNISH NATASHA LORENS CHRISTINA CARDEN HAZEL RISNER MELISSA HOOVER, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT LAURA GALLAGHER, VIKKI WILLIAMS ERICA HINES, AMY NELSON, MARCUS SNYDER, CANDICE SWEET MARCIA BANASIK, SARAH MILLER, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY GARY SMITH ANDY HARTLEY, YAMEL RUIZ RYAN DUNLAP, CARL SCHULZ TWILA ALLEN KRISTY MEYER, AMBER STRIEGEL RAY LANGEN CARLA H. THURMAN CASEY E. HESTER MARK FORESTER TEREE CARUTHERS JEFFREY S. OTTO BETH MURPHY

Editorial Director Editor Copy Editor Editorial Assistant Contributing Writers Creative Director Senior Photographer Staff Photographers Production Director Assistant Production Director Pre-Press Coordinator Production Project Managers Senior Graphic Designers Graphic Designers Ad Traffic

Distribution Director Web Project Managers Web Designers Color Imaging Technician FFA Communications Executive Vice President Sr. V.P./Sales Sr. V.P./Operations V.P./Visual Content V.P./Editorial Director Photography Director Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division JOHN LACEY Integrated Media Manager RACHEL MATHEIS Sales/Marketing Coordinator

For advertising information, contact John Lacey, (800) 333-8842, ext. 281, or e-mail jlacey@jnlcom.com.

National FFA Officers ZACH KINNE, MO BECKY SULLIVAN, KS TYLER TENBARGE, IN MORGAN PARKER, CO BRADY REVELS, FL KARI BOETTCHER, OR

President Secretary Eastern Region Vice President Central Region Vice President Southern Region Vice President Western Region Vice President

National FFA Staff LARRY CASE National Advisor, Chief Executive Officer Executive Secretary Chief Operating Officer National Treasurer Division Directors

STEVE BROWN DOUG LOUDENSLAGER MARION FLETCHER JULIE ADAMS, MARK CAVELL, DALE CRABTREE, TOM KAPOSTASY, JANET MALONEY, DENNIS SARGENT, KENT SCHESCKE, VICKI SETTLE, LEE ANNE SHILLER, TONY SMALL, BILL STAGG, WILL WAIDELICH

National FFA Board of Directors – Members LARRY CASE Chair, USDE, VA STEVE BROWN Secretary, USDE, VA MARION FLETCHER Treasurer, State Supervisor, AR ROBERT B. CALVIN Agriculture Teacher/USDE, MO WILBUR CHANCELLOR State Supervisor, MS THOMAS DORMODY Teacher Educator/USDE, NM DENNIS FISCUS State Supervisor, AZ IKE KERSHAW State Supervisor, OH BRUCE LAZARUS FFA Executive Secretary/USDE, AR JOEL LARSEN State Supervisor, MN JOHN RAKESTRAW Business Representative/USDE, CO Subscription Information: FFA New Horizons (ISSN 1069-806X) is published Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct. and Dec. 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 e-mail 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.

CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

CopyrightŠ 2008 by the National FFA Organization and Journal Communications Inc. The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. >ZSOaS `SQgQZS bVWa [OUOhW\S

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October 2008

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Contents

Clutch Performance cover story

This Tennessee member is a national truck-pulling champion

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Step Up. Stand Out

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Chop to It

10 reasons you can’t miss the 81st National FFA Convention

Food science is a flavorful career

departments

ffanewhorizons.org Check out our convention plans.

Scrapbook Read news, jokes and more.

National Officer Q & A Meet Vice President Brady Revels.

FFA Faces Win a Chevy T-shirt.

How To …

Make your meetings more interactive.

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5 26

What’s On

6 29

Healthy Lifestyles

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What’s Hot

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Find accurate books about agriculture.

Learn how to be safe with your SAE.

Check out our convention coverage plans.

Back Talk Learn why internships are important.

On the Cover Will Teasley, Springfield, Tenn.

Photo by Brian McCord

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Visit our FFA convention page, updated daily at

Visit ffanewhorizons.org for a complete convention countdown – all the news, information and insider secrets for the upcoming 81st National FFA Convention. There, you’ll find blogs, videos, audio, photos and more. Check back in once the convention starts on Wednesday, Oct. 22, for hour-by-hour updates.

ffanewhorizons.org

“I THINK THE MAGAZINE IS GREAT! IT’S NICE TO SEE THE VIDEO FROM THE 2007 NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION ON THE WEBSITE.”

– Megan Boone, Prairie View FFA, Kan.

Go online to see the 2007 convention video.

Photo slideshows

Kim Newsom

During the convention, check in hourly for our ¼ Convention Blog, with news and photos from the road.

WEB POLL What national FFA convention event do you enjoy most? =[d[hWb I[ii_edi

to comment on articles and our convention blog.

Listen to the “Step Up. Stand Out” theme song on Wednesday, Oct. 22 – the moment it’s released!

ffanewhorizons.org

DWj_edWb 7]h_YkbjkhWb 9Wh[[h I^em I^eff_d] CWbb 9Wh[[h :[l[befc[dj Events Vote online at \\Wd[m^eh_pedi$eh]$ Polls change all the j_c[" ie l_i_j e\j[d$

Need a past issue? Click on ¼ Virtual Magazine for current and archive editions.

Convention Giveaways Sign up for our convention giveaways, starting Oct. 1!

FFA scrapbook

Express yourself

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percent of all U.S. farms and ranches are owned by families, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

1988

is the year the national FFA magazine changed its name from The National Future Farmer to FFA New Horizons. Happy 20th anniversary!

Pumpkin Profit Every weekend in October, St. Helena High School FFA members in California set up a roadside stand to sell pumpkins they raised from early June to October.

“We raised $16,000 last year, and are able to send about 20 kids to the 2008 National Convention,” says FFA advisor Laura Mendes. “Every student harvests as an initiation into the agriculture program, and the kids love to get dirty and do work.”

The pumpkin project is a great marketing opportunity for St. Helena FFA and works as part of an educational outreach to the community.

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Just Joking Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?

He didn’t have any guts.

Brent Kendziorski, Harrison, Ohio What tops off a ghost’s ice cream sundae?

Whip scream.

Jenna Bennett, Arroyo Grande, Calif.

ffanewhorizons.org Have a good one? Submit your favorite jokes at ffanewhorizons.org.

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Learning To Lead As a former high school FFA member, miniature zebu cow farmer Steve Herndon knows that FFA members are hard-working and eager to learn.

So it comes as no surprise that Herndon called on the Trigg County FFA Chapter when he needed help halterbreaking his zebu calves.

At 21 to 23 inches tall, the miniature zebu calves were “just the perfect size to give the kids hands-on halter-breaking experience,” Herndon says.

The FFA members came to Herndon’s farm several times, successfully halter-breaking seven calves. Herndon saw the activity as mutually beneficial, allowing him to more efficiently halter-break his zebu calves while giving the FFA members valuable hands-on experience.

To learn more about Herndon’s zebu cows, visit www.zebucows.com.

Building Character

Steering Their Futures FFA advisor Jeff Sherfield of Spencer, Ind., is a big believer in hands-on learning.

Convinced that using conventional teaching methods didn’t give his Owen Valley Middle School students a realistic picture of what it’s like to purchase, process and retail meat, Sherfield came up with a better idea.

This fall, Sherfield’s classes are purchasing a hog and steer, touring processing plants, and selling the meat.

“It gives the students the opportunity to see the real-life process,” says Sherfield.

“To me it’s more real-life experience.”

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Last fall, the Liberty-Benton FFA Chapter in Findlay, Ohio, spent countless hours building a playhouse, only to give the completed product away.

True believers in the spirit of community service, the FFA members included their playhouse in a raffle to benefit Special Kids Therapy, a charity that provides medical necessities and fun activities for children with special needs.

FFA members designed and built the two-story playhouse, with parents and community volunteers helping.

“The students had a common goal and knew it was bigger than themselves,” says Liberty-Benton FFA advisor Mark Badertscher.

Other Ohio FFA chapters also built playhouses, including Arlington, Cory-Rawson and Van Buren.

–Abby Selden

FYI YOUR TURN

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. Be sure to include a high-quality color photo and your contact information.

Want an easy way to send your story? Visit ffanewhorizons.org and click on ¼ Tell Us. Or, send to: FFA New Horizons P.O. Box 68960 Indianapolis, IN 46268 newhorizons@ffa.org

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FFA National Officer

Q&A

Q

What new things can we expect at the upcoming national FFA convention?

A

Well, it may not be new, but expect to be amazed by the return of the laser light show! We are also excited to see the amazing things FFA members accomplish through career development events and proficiencies, as well as the achievements from the Days of Service.

Q

What is the meaning behind the theme, “Step Up. Stand Out”?

A

FYI

Brady

Revels

BRADY’S FAVORITES

The best Halloween costume this FFA member ever wore was Leonardo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The secondbest? Dressing up as his high school principal.

Read on for more of Brady’s favorites.

Book: To Kill a Mockingbird Fruit: Pineapple Singer: George Strait FFA Historical Event: The 1969 inclusion of women into FFA. Why? Because his parents met at an FFA event.

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National Southern Region Vice President Serving as the 2007-08 National FFA Southern Region Vice President has been a dream come true for Brady Revels. He’s been involved with agriculture his entire life, growing up on his family’s cattle operation in central Florida and joining FFA in the seventh grade. In fact, this October’s convention will be Brady’s seventh one to attend as an FFA member.

Q

What was your favorite part of the national FFA convention as a high school member?

A

My favorite part was the time I spent bonding with my chapter. Every night of convention included a trip to Sonic and usually a late night of movies.

We believe that as agricultural education students and FFA members, it is our duty to step up our leadership in today’s America. In turn, we stand out as leaders among our peers, because we are serving as role models for other students, both those involved with agriculture and those who aren’t.

Q

What has been your favorite memory from this year?

A

My favorite memory? All of them! I have to say, the time I’ve spent with FFA members just being Brady – not national officer Brady, but just me. Those chances to find out who members really are and see them as a person, not a member – that’s where my favorite memories are.

Q

Do you have a favorite motivational quote you live by?

A

When we stop comparing and start performing – that’s when leadership happens.

ffanewhorizons.org Find links to more news from the national officers about the national FFA convention.

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Cover Story

Clutch

Performance Tennessee FFA member is a national

truck-pulling champion Story by Jessica Mozo

W

of truck pulling, and I got my truckpulling license when I turned 16.”

After making huge strides in regional competitions and becoming the champion in his circuit in 2006, Will was invited to compete in the National Farm Machinery Show & Championship Tractor Pull in Louisville, Ky., in February 2007.

PHOTOS BY BRIAN M C CORD

ill Teasley was pulling tractors before he even started kindergarten.

“My dad’s been pulling antique tractors since I was born, and I started pulling when I was 4,” says Will, who graduated from Springfield High School in Tennessee in May. “Then my dad got into the big leagues

Will Teasley uses knowledge learned in his agricultural education classes in both of his major endeavors. He grows plants in his greenhouse through hydroponics and performs mechanic duties on his modified Dodge Dakota.

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“When I found out he qualified for that invitation-only event, I thought, ‘He should do well,’ ” says Bryan Lively, Will’s FFA advisor and agriculture instructor at Springfield High School. “Then he turned around and won it.”

A group of 25 of Will’s fellow FFA members traveled to Louisville to support him at the qualifying session the night before the finals.

“Many of them had never been to a truck or tractor pull before, so it was neat to see them take part in the grandeur of it,” Lively recalls. “It was a really excited crowd. The announcer recognizes FFA chapters in attendance, and when Will came up to pull, they recognized our chapter. The kids loved that – it was about building a memory. A lot of people wait 30 years to win something like this, and Will won at the age of 17.”

Will competed in front of about 17,000 spectators. He says having his classmates’ support made all the

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BRIAN M C CORD

Cover Story

Will’s truck, named Bad Boy, helped him win the 2007 title at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky. His fellow FFA members were there, cheering him on. Will also farms with his father, raising crops, hay and beef cattle.

difference in the world.

“I could hear them cheering for me – they were pretty loud,” he says.

“They even had on T-shirts with a picture of my truck. It made me feel good and calmed my nerves a bit.”

If you’re not familiar with truck and tractor pulling, it’s probably because unlike many sports, truck and tractor pulling is confined to certain regions of the country.

The sport originated in Missouri and Ohio and is now most common in those regions and along the East Coast.

Truck and tractor pulling is a motorsports competition wherein drivers of beefed-up trucks and tractors see who can pull a 40,000-pound weight transfer sled the farthest distance.

“The goal is to make a full pull, which is the distance of 300 feet on most tracks,” Lively explains. “It’s all about distance, not speed. They go one at a time, and the distance is measured by a laser. The driver’s skill, the amount of horsepower and vehicle balance all affect how far you can go.”

Will’s prized vehicle, “Bad Boy,”

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is a 2004 Dodge Dakota that’s red and orange with yellow flames.

“It has a 526-cubic-inch motor with 2,500 horsepower,” he says.

“I’ve had it for two years, and my dad had it for a year before that.”

When he isn’t attending truckpulling competitions, Will helps out on his family’s farm in Pleasant View, Tenn.

“We have about 500 acres for hay and crops, and we lease 2,000 acres where we have 500 Black Angus cattle,” he says.

Will joined FFA at the beginning of his junior year.

“I think it’s a great organization because it teaches you that hard work will take you where you want to go,” he says.

He has competed in welding competitions with FFA, and those skills he learned have carried over into his farm life.

“It’s helped me because when equipment breaks on the farm, we don’t have to pay somebody to fix it,” Will says.

Will started at Austin Peay State University this fall and is majoring in agricultural business. He says it

took him a while to decide he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a farmer.

“I didn’t think I would like it at first, but it’s growing on me,” he says. “I like farming because it’s different every day. One day I’m moving hay rolls; another day I’m helping give the cows shots. I also like it because it gives you the reputation of a hard worker.”

And by all accounts, that’s Will, in a nutshell.

“He’s good with his hands, and he doesn’t mind work. That’s one thing I couldn’t teach Will,” Lively says. “He shows a lot of poise and ease in what he does. He’s just a class-act guy who represents our school, chapter and community well everywhere he goes.”

Despite his title as a national champion, humility is another trait that defines Will.

“Had we not been on the sidelines of the national competition, I don’t think anybody at school would have known Will won,” Lively says. “He’s not looking for attention or an ego boost. He just does it for the love of the sport.”

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Step

Right Up 10 reasons you can’t miss the 81st National FFA Convention

Story by Kim Newsom n less than a month, more than

I

and this year, it’s ready for us to use!

3. NATIONAL DAYS OF SERVICE

50,000 of you will be bound for

Home of the Indianapolis Colts, Lucas

Indianapolis – ready to create

Oil Stadium will be used for several

memories at the 81st National FFA

convention events, including state

Convention. The convention, themed

photos, concerts, the food court, the

“Step Up. Stand Out,” kicks off on

Stars Over America pageant and the

Wednesday, Oct. 22, and ends on

American Degree Ceremony.

In its third year, the FFA National Days of Service has become a favorite convention event. FFA members become Indianapolis volunteers during their visit to the city, by giving their time to support local organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Gleaners Food Bank.

This year, the event sponsor, Toyota, is providing lunch to all Days of Service participants, and a mini-celebration will be held at each site in recognition of the contributions made.

Saturday, Oct. 25. So what’s in store for you? A lot of good times, motivational experiences and new friends to meet!

But more specifically, here’s

2. CONVENTION CONCERTS This year’s Wednesday-night convention concert is a true treat – former FFA member and major

our top 10 list of what’s new and

country music artist Taylor Swift

note worthy at this year’s

is performing! Joining her will

convention. As many of our

be James Otto, and on Thursday,

returning attendees know, you

Michael Peterson takes the stage

can’t fit all that’s great about

along with Living Illusions.

the convention into one list. So

You’ll also see more great

4. THE LASER SHOW Back by popular demand, convention attendees will enjoy a thrilling laser show at each general session. If you’ve never seen a national FFA convention laser show, get ready to be amazed!

after you finish reading our top

entertainment in the food court,

10, head to ffanewhorizons.org for

where up-and-coming artists will

even more exciting announcements

be performing as part of the Chevy

and news!

acoustic stage. Check out convention.

5. CAREER SHOW

ffa.org for information on purchasing

The National FFA Agricultural Career Show gets better and better every year! Be sure to visit this year’s show to see the new booths, favorites from previous years (everyone loves the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile) and win great prizes.

1. LUCAS OIL STADIUM If you attended the past two

concert tickets and the full lineup.

And as always, you should make

national FFA conventions, you likely

plans to attend the National FFA

attended some events in the RCA

Band and Chorus concert and the

Dome. You probably also saw the

various other venues where FFA

construction on a brand-new facility,

members show off their own talents.

Members of the national FFA chorus perform during a national FFA convention general session. PHOTO BY BRIAN M CORD C

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6. CONVENTION SOUVENIRS

Keynote Speakers Step Up Dana Hee kicks off the convention as the opening session speaker. An Olympic gold medalist in the sport of tae kwon do and an award-winning Hollywood stuntwoman, Hee knows about courage, perseverance and the secret to the pursuit of excellence.

Indianapolis Colts fans will especially enjoy our third-session speaker. Tom Zupancic served as the Colts’ strength and conditioning coach until 1999 and is now senior vice president of sales and marketing for the team.

Laughter will likely fill Conseco Fieldhouse during our fourth session, when multi-talented comedian Mark Scharenbroich takes the stage.

He’s acted in a movie, performed in a comedy troupe and is now writing a motivational book.

Just next door to the career show, you can find all sorts of FFA merchandise to commemorate your trip to the 81st National FFA Convention. Visit more than 30 stores, including John Deere, Cowpoke, Tractor Supply Co., DEKALB WingWear and more.

7. NATIONAL FFA OFFICERS During the convention, we’ll hear powerful speeches from Zach, Becky, Morgan, Brady, Kari and Tyler, then be able to thank them for their year of service as we welcome six new National FFA Officers for 2008-09.

8. BRONCS, BULLS AND MORE Bring your boots and cowboy hats for two great Western events.

The World’s Toughest Bulls and Broncs event on Thursday night will crown champions in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. On Friday, the Xtreme Bulls

event highlights 40 of the world’s top bull riders, all vying for $85,000, during two shows.

9. TOURS AND DAY TRIPS More than 30 tours and day trips have been organized for the national FFA convention. So take a day during the week to learn more about agriculture in the area. You could tour agricultural businesses like Dow AgroSciences or even tour a gourmet popcorn farm. The full listing of tours can be found at convention.ffa.org.

10. IT’S ALL INTERACTIVE And the best part of the national FFA convention? You can enjoy it from anywhere. Even for those of you who can’t make it to Indy next month, you can watch the general sessions on RFD-TV or at convention.ffa.org. You can also go online for the latest news and updates at ffanewhorizons.org.

Musician Michael Peterson shares his songs and motivational message during the seventh session. A Grammy and CMA nominee, Peterson combines his love for music with his heartfelt message of encouraging students to live with uncertainty.

STAFF PHOTO

Fred McClure, our ninth-session speaker, is no newcomer to FFA. He served as the National FFA Secretary in 1973-74. Active in numerous political campaigns and committees, McClure has also been named one of America’s 50 most promising leaders 40 and under by Time magazine.

For many members, the convention is about bonding as a chapter.

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Story by Jessica Mozo

All in Good

Taste

Food science

is a flavorful career

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safety, nutrition, food processing and food technologies,” says Donna Keener, academic coordinator for the Food Science Department at Purdue University. “Some of our graduates go into product development, processing, regulatory agencies, management, sales and more. There’s a place for every personality.”

f you love food (and let’s face it – who doesn’t?) and have a knack for science too, then a career in food science might be for you.

For starters, it’s a growing career field, so jobs are plentiful.

“People always have to eat, so food companies will always be around,” says Carol Cooper, undergraduate advising associate for the Food Science and Technology Department at the University of California – Davis. “There will always be jobs in food science, especially in quality assurance and food safety. Food scientists produce food, ensure its safety, develop new food products – anything to do with food until it gets to your stomach.”

There are lots of different types of jobs in food science, ranging from overseeing production lines, working in a lab or hands-on food manufacturing, so the industry has something for people of all interests.

“The food science industry incorporates food chemistry, food microbiology, food

JEFF ADKINS

COOL CAREERS Even better than the variety of jobs in the industry is the fact that many of them are really cool. Food scientists develop new products, test new flavors and colors, and even make ice cream, candy and soft drinks.

“There are lots of cool jobs. How about the student that graduated a few years ago and recently developed the Nestle Nerd Jelly Beans?” says Rich Hartel, a professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. “Another student develops new cookies for Target’s brand Archer Farms. Another recent grad develops new products for Wrigley and is traveling in Russia to work with factory production.”

Martin Yan, famous chef and host of the national cooking show “Yan Can Cook,” received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in food science at the University of California – Davis. And Cooper says he’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the amazing things their food science graduates are doing.

Careers in food science involve jobs to improve milking processes, above, or in laboratories, creating new products, left.

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SECURING OUR SAFE SUPPLY If you’re considering a job in food science, an especially “hot” career may be in food safety.

“The food safety issue is becoming more important in consumers’ minds,” says Ed Schafer, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. “As a result, there is a need for more inspectors, more research, more warehouses and more good food handling practices. And we now have a new element – terrorism. We have scientists looking at how to prevent terrorism, but also how to respond.”

FYI

SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU FFA members and chapters can take an active role in teaching others about food safety and proper handling practices.

“Contamination can come from many sources,” explains Ed Schafer, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. “We can’t control what happens to the product once it’s in the consumer’s hands. Good cooking and eating habits are just as important as the work we do to ensure food safety at all levels.”

For more safe practices and ideas for educating consumers, visit ffanewhorizons.org.

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Schafer adds, “There are even jobs that many people don’t realize

Protecting Our Food NAIS PROGRAM HELPS LIMIT THE SPREAD OF ANIMAL DISEASE

are food-science related.”

He gives an example of Dr. Katherine Ralston, a recent

A big part of food science is protecting consumers from bad food. One way to do that is with the USDA’s National Animal Identification System (NAIS).

veterinary graduate who is now

The NAIS is a free, voluntary federal program that asks livestock and poultry producers to register their farm, ranch or processing facility and, if they choose, to also register each animal with individual IDs. The goal of the program is to help producers and animal health officials respond quickly to animal disease events in the United States by efficiently tracing animal disease back to its source.

to her veterinary degree than

employed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a food safety inspector, a different application what one might consider.

STARTING NOW As the name implies, a food science major involves lots of science.

It includes required courses such as general and organic chemistry, biological sciences, physics, calculus, and statistics as well as optional

“We have to be able to track origin through our processing facilities,” explains Ed Schafer, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. “Our trading partners want to know how we do these things – keeping up with the product’s entire path, even back to its original source.”

To investigate a disease outbreak without the NAIS, animal health officials have to rely on sales receipts, telephone calls and human memory to trace animal movements. With producer participation, the NAIS would bring that process up to today’s technology-savvy world.

courses such as meat science, dairy science and quality assurance.

If food science interests you, you can make the most of your high school years by taking as many upper-level science courses as possible. Especially important are chemistry and biology.

“That’s also a way students can make sure science is what

they really like,” Cooper says.

Experience is also a good gauge of your interest.

“Internships are vital,” Schafer adds. “Seek out internship opportunities and summer jobs.

They often tell you if you like a certain career or not. The practical application of what you’ve learned helps prepare you for any career in this industry.”

More information on food science can be found at the Institute of Food Technologists’ website, www.ift.org. The Institute of Food Technologists is a nonprofit society with 22,000 members working in the food industry, and the organization offers more than 40 undergraduate college scholarships for which incoming freshmen can apply.

“The field is growing quickly,” Keener says. “We have 100 percent job placement, and many of our grads have more than one offer when they graduate. It’s a very good job market and will continue to be – people will always need to eat.”

FFA has partnered with the USDA to increase awareness about the NAIS and to educate members about the issues as well as how they can take a proactive role.

FFA advisors can request a free NAIS resource kit for their chapters that includes information, fliers, brochures, posters and ideas for civic engagement.

An awards program has been established, and the top four or five FFA chapters who promote the NAIS will be awarded a trip to Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit ffa.org.

U.S. Secretary of agriculture Ed Schafer, left, discusses the NAIS program with food safety inspectors Dr. Katherine Ralston and Dr. Joseph Kitzman.

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FFA Faces

Members in action

Win a Chevrolet T-Shirt Chevrolet, the sponsor of FFA Faces, will award a T-shirt to featured members. Nominate yourself or a fellow FFA member by sending us the following details about the nominee: name, grade, address, FFA and academic achievements, interests, and extracurricular activities. To be considered, submissions must include a high-quality color photo.

Send to: FFA New Horizons P.O. Box 68960, Indianapolis, IN 46268 Or e-mail to newhorizons@ffa.org

OK Bryan Till Chapter: Watonga FFA

Bryan, a college freshman, started his SAE in beef production by showing cattle at local fairs, and now owns his own Angus cattle.

He earned the Star Chapter Farmer Award and his State FFA Degree. In addition to being a three-sport athlete, Bryan served as chapter president. He now attends Oklahoma State University, majoring in mass communications and journalism.

IL

KY

Cindall Marsh

Kayla Buntin

Chapter: Stillman Valley FFA

Chapter: Crittenden County FFA

As a college sophomore, Cindall used her FFA supervised agricultural experience (SAE) to develop career skills. She raises dairy goats and was named the district and sectional proficiency award winner in Specialty Animal Production. Cindall also performed with the National FFA Chorus. She currently attends Joliet Junior College, majoring in animal science.

This high school senior enjoys developing her speaking and leadership skills in FFA. Kayla placed first in the state goat impromptu speaking contest. She served as the chapter president and regional secretary and was named the county Star Greenhand.

Kayla hopes to attend Auburn University and become a largeanimal veterinarian.

AR

MI

Raymond Walter

Darcy Lipskey

Chapter: Mountain Home FFA

Chapter: Ubly FFA

Raymond, a high school senior, is very involved in FFA career development events (CDEs). He competed in the Farm Business Management and Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDEs. Raymond earned his Discovery, Greenhand, and Chapter FFA degrees, and he attended the national FFA convention. He plans to attend the University of Arkansas and major in mathematics.

A high school freshman, Darcy already has a long list of FFA experiences. She competed in the Creed Speaking CDE, was named the state runner-up in the junior high public speaking contest and served as the chapter junior high treasurer. Darcy shows rabbits at county and state fairs and also spends time helping physically disabled students show sheep.

MN

WA

Zachary Meier

Heather Harder

Chapter: Red Rock Central FFA

Chapter: Colfax FFA

Through his diverse SAE programs, this high school sophomore raises meat goats, ducks and beef cattle. Zachary was named the regional champion in the soils judging CDE and helped his team place fourth in the state contest. He is a member of his school’s concert band, jazz band and choir. Zachary plans to attend college and major in agricultural engineering.

Heather first joined FFA to develop her public-speaking skills. She competed in the Creed Speaking CDE and placed third at the national competition. She also participated in the job interview and food science CDEs. Heather was named the chapter FFA Star Greenhand and is chapter reporter. In addition, she participates in sports and serves as the junior class president. – Andrea Bloom

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FFA How-to

HAve interactive meetings

Get

Up!

chapter’s annual Fall Fun Fest,

“You hear about some other

which is held in conjunction with

chapters where they just have their

their October meeting.

meeting and sit around and talk,”

“We do an entire fall theme,” Gower

he says. “Our goal is to keep it fun.”

says. Before the actual meeting, where

When officers are planning

the real work is done, there are hayrides,

their next meeting, Chris says, they

a bonfire and a hot dog cookout.

brainstorm activities that everyone

Following the meeting, members bob

will enjoy.

for apples, bake pumpkin seeds and

“As officers, we’re all students.

Learn how to make your

take part in corn-shucking contests,

We think about what we find fun,

chapter meetings

among other things.

and just try and go from there,” he explains. “You just try to get a

interactive and fun KEEPING IT LIGHT Other meetings, while scaled

L

et’s face it: Monthly chapter meetings can be a bore. Sure, you get a lot done. But for the most part, it’s an hour’s worth of opening ceremonies, sitting around, listening, tossing out a few ideas and making plans for upcoming events.

You can speak up, voice your opinion and make a difference, but it’s work.

You’d be hard-pressed to call it fun.

But what if it was? That’s a question an increasing number of chapters are trying to answer.

They’re taking a new approach to the tried and true, putting an exciting twist on what traditionally has been anything but. The results? We traveled to Fort Recovery, Ohio, to find out.

GOING BIG The Fort Recovery FFA Chapter in west central Ohio has all the ingredients for a great program.

“We’re a small, rural farming community,” says Michael Gower, who, along with Joe Hawk, serves as chapter advisor. “There are a lot of good farm kids here. Everyone’s eager to be here.”

In a school of 300 students, Gower says, 118 are in FFA. For an idea why, consider the

24

FFA

NEW HORIZONS

simple, fun game and take a very laid-back approach to it, so that

down a bit from the big fall festivities,

everybody feels welcome to

are still entertaining. Yet they also

participate and get involved.”

accomplish a lot.

In the end, Gower says, when

“Everyone knows there’s a

the meeting is over and it’s time to

meeting to get through first,” Gower

hang loose, you’ve just got to laugh.

says. “They’re 20 to 25 minutes long,

Forget the big sports tournaments,

and during that time we keep things

he says, and instead try something

focused and serious. The whole idea

like beanbags or miniature golf.

is to make it not only productive, but also attractive to students.”

FFA member Chris Gehret agrees.

“Do something different every time,” Gower says, “and no one gets bored.”

– Chris Hayhurst

Fort Recovery FFA members bob for apples during the fall Fun Fest.

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FFA What's on

web

media buzz

books

news

Agriculture Accuracy

Going to Market Have you ever visited the FFA Marketplace? If not, you’re missing out!

Visit ffamarketplace.org to find out about (and purchase) great items from DEKALB WingWear, Bass Pro Shops and FFA merchandise. You can also learn how to save big on travel and vacations.

FFA receives a percentage of proceeds from every purchase you make, so visit the website often!

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NEW HORIZONS

Many FFA chapters rely on children’s books when teaching youngsters about agriculture.

But did you know that there are more than 160 books that are recognized for being agriculturally accurate? Many children’s books may not tell the “full story” about agriculture, but the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has found the best ones for use.

Books like How Do Apples Grow and Lily’s Garden give children an appropriate view of our industry. For the full list, visit ffanewhorizons.org and click on In This Issue.

You Be the Judge Have you ever wondered what it would be like to judge livestock 50, 60 or even 70 years ago? This year, FFA members can do just that at the You Be the Judge exhibit, located at the National FFA Archives in the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis library.

Visitors can learn how livestock judging has changed over time by using current criteria to judge historical photographs of livestock and old criteria to judge modern photos. The exhibit will remain open during the week of the convention from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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ffanation.ffa.org FFA’s exclusive online community

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28

FFA

NEW HORIZONS

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Being Safe

FFA Healthy Lifestyles

Proceed With

Caution safe

Being around agriculture isn’t just for farmers – it’s important to your SAE, too

B

y all accounts, farms are glorious places. With fresh air, peaceful pastures and wide-open spaces, what’s not to love?

But hold that thought – did you know that every year more than 20,000 people are injured on farms, and hundreds more are killed in farm-related accidents? In fact, agriculture is considered to be the most hazardous industry in the United States.

But you don’t have to be a farmer to benefit from learning about farm safety. Sooner or later in life, we all come into contact with agriculture. For some FFA members, farming is a daily experience. The only time others set foot on a farm is for a summer job or for their supervised agricultural experience (SAE). No matter how often you visit a farm, however, one thing is certain: They can be dangerous.

No one knows that better than Marilyn Adams, founder of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, a nonprofit organization based in Iowa that works to increase awareness of the hazards to children and teens on the farm. In the fall of 1986, Adams’ 11-year-old son Keith suffocated in a gravity flow wagon of shelled corn while helping with the first day of

FFANEWHORIZONS.ORG

harvest on his family’s Iowa farm.

A year later, while helping her daughter Kelly with an FFA speech about farm safety, Marilyn was surprised to learn that 300 children are killed every year in farm-related accidents. She started Farm Safety 4 Just Kids in 1987 as a constructive outlet for her grief and to help save other families from experiencing similar tragedies.

“Many people are unaware of the dangers lurking in the rural environment,” says Keely Pearson, marketing and community relations director for Farm Safety 4 Just Kids.

“Others are aware of the risks but believe nothing bad will ever happen to them. Youth are full of dreams for the future and are often oblivious to dangers in their paths.”

What’s worse, those dangers are often hidden, especially to people who have never lived on a farm.

Farm machinery possesses powerful cutting mechanisms, while livestock are capable of biting or crushing a person. People can drown in creeks and manure lagoons, and grain bins are suffocation hazards. Even an innocent-looking shed or silo can contain chemicals or harmful amounts of poisonous gases.

That’s not to say you should be

afraid of farms – but you do need to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Whether or not your SAE has you doing hands-on farm work, it’s important to realize the hazards involved and educate others about staying safe. FFA chapters across the nation promote farm safety in their communities in a variety of ways. Many host Farm Safety Days to teach kids and adults how to be safe on the farm. Others, like the Mattoon, Ill., chapter, come up with their own unique projects.

In March 2008, Mattoon FFA members received a $1,200 grant from the Illinois FFA Foundation and used it to buy farm safety supplies such as SMV signs, flashers and first-aid kits. They distributed the supplies free of charge to farmers.

“We kept some supplies at school, and took a lot to the local Farm Bureau office for farmers to pick up,” says Ryan Wildman, Mattoon FFA advisor. “The flashers were a huge hit with the farmers, because they’re about $20 apiece.

The SMV signs are $6 each, and that really adds up if you have a lot of equipment.”

For more on promoting farm safety, visit ffanewhorizons.org.

– Jessica Mozo

FFA

NEW HORIZONS

29

FFA What's hot

Cool stuff to know

Convention on TV If you won’t be attending next month’s national FFA convention, be sure to check it out on RFD-TV. The network will feature gavel-to-gavel coverage of the entire convention, with special pre-session shows that explain more about the convention and FFA program. For programming information, visit www.ffa.org.

Join the Nation If you’re a big fan of online communities – Facebook, MySpace, Friendster, etc. – you’ll love the brand-new, FFA-specific network called FFA Nation. At ffanation.ffa.org, you can create a profile, upload photos, add friends, write your own polls, sign up for free giveaways and more! Our first giveaway is really special – starting Oct. 1, you can sign up to win great prizes from our FFA Nation sponsors. Be part of history – visit ffanation.ffa.org today, FFA’s premier online community!

Visit Our Convention Booth Have a great story idea? Want to learn more about the FFA Nation network? Looking for a chance to win great prizes? Come by our booth during the 81st National FFA Convention. We’ll be set up just outside the main doors of the FFA National Agricultural Career Show.

Come by, and you might even have your picture taken for the magazine! See you there!

30

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FFA Back Talk

Former members Reflect

Crissa

Fruechte is now a local field advisor associate for Monsanto, building relationships with

Fruechte Q

farmers and helping them decide what crops to plant.

South Dakota FFA Alumna learns the value of a

summer internship

How does your new job relate to your FFA SAE?

A

I definitely feel that my SAE sparked an interest in agronomy and agribusiness. My SAE focused on

building relationships. In order to make a sale, I needed to have trust and empathy with the local farmers. The relationship-building skills that I learned through FFA are directly related to my career today. It’s again my turn to “be there” for the farmer.

Q

Why do you think it’s important for FFA members to gain career experience?

A

When you’re looking at your résumé, the education section is only one line.

The majority of your résumé is filled

with leadership and work experience. That’s why it’s very important to start building your résumé early, even in high school.

Crissa Fruechte tests a field of corn during her summer internship.

Q

W

hile an FFA member at South Dakota’s Webster High School, Crissa Zenk Fruechte found a career interest in agronomy. For her supervised agricultural experience program (SAE), Fruechte owned and operated her own grass, forb, corn and soybean dealership. On a competitive level, she enjoyed a seventhplace finish in the National FFA Agronomy Career Development Event.

As a student at South Dakota State University, she soon realized that education wasn’t enough. In 2006 and 2007, she interned at Monsanto, where she conducted grower visits and interviews to determine customer satisfaction. Because of her internships,

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How have your FFA experiences translated into your career?

A

FFA has been a great foundation for beginning my career. It opened my eyes to the global agriculture market

and importance of relocating to get a broader experience. Yes, moving away from home is often necessary for the best opportunities!

I’m very fortunate that Monsanto appreciates what I have gained from my experiences with FFA. It’s a perfect fit.

ffanewhorizons.org Click on In This Issue for more from our interview with Crissa Fruechte.

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