December 2010, FFA New Horizons

FFA

new horizons l o g o n at f fa n at i o n . f fa . o r g

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the magazi ne of the n ational ffa orga nization | December 2 010

Egg-cellent Work For college student Duane Unruh, poultry means profits

It’s

Good to

Be Green

Food Science

Savor the career opportunities in this tasty industry

Illinois high school prepares students for renewable energy jobs Create a profile. Add friends. Start a group. Voice your opinions. ffanation.ffa.org

ffa

Volume 58 Number 2

new horizons

®

December 2010

The magazine of the National FFA Organization

Kim Newsom

jessy yancey LISA BATTLES, JOYCE CARUTHERS

Julie woodard

Kristy Meyer

RAVEN PETTY CHRIS HAYHURST, JESSICA MOZO,

JESSICA WALKER

Christina Carden

KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET,

VIKKI WILLIAMS Chandra bradshaw, yamel hall, Alison hunter, marcus snyder

jeffrey s. otto

Jeff adkins, Brian McCord todd bennett, antony boshier

Yancey turturice

Leigh guarin

Tori Hughes

CHRIS DUDLEY

Cindy Hall

Rachael Goldsberry

Kristy duncan

Katie Middendorf

Patricia Moisan Diana guzman, maria mcfarland

shelly miller, Lisa Owens

Gary Smith

Keith harris

Ray Langen todd potter, Carla Thurman

Casey Hester

Teree Caruthers

Mark Forester

Natasha Lorens

Editor Associate Editor Copy Editors FFA Publications Manager FFA Communications Proofreading Manager Contributing Writers Media Technology Director Senior Graphic Designers Media Technology Analysts Photography Director Senior Photographers Staff Photographers Information Technology Director Web Designer Integrated Media Manager Controller Sales Support Manager Sales Support Executive Secretary Ad Production Manager Ad Traffic Assistant Accounting Distribution Director Marketing Creative Director Executive Vice President Sr. V.P./Sales Sr. V.P./Operations V.P./Content Development V.P./Visual Content V.P./Content Operations

For advertising information, contact Tori Hughes, (800) 333-8842, ext. 281, or e-mail thughes@jnlcom.com.

2009-2010 National FFA Officers

Levy randolph, CA

Bethany bohnenblust, KS

Alex Henry, MI

Randa Braune, TX

Chelsea Doss, TN

Chase Rose, MT National FFA Staff

Larry Case

Steve Brown

dwight armstrong

Marion Fletcher

Mark Cavell, Bill fleet Dale Crabtree, Janet Maloney,

Rob cooper, Kent schescke, Vicki settle, lee anne shiller,

Tony Small, Bill stagg,

will waidelich

Contents

6 cover story

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

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.

Copyright© 2010 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.

Please recycle this magazine

For Duane Unruh from Peabody, Kan., pastured poultry means profits.

12

National Advisor, Chief Executive Officer Executive Secretary Chief Operating Officer National Treasurer Division Directors

National FFA Board of Directors – Members

Larry Case Chair, USDE, VA

Steve Brown Secretary, USDE, VA

Marion Fletcher Treasurer, State Supervisor, AR

Jim Barbee State Supervisor, NV

Robert B. Calvin Agriculture Teacher/USDE, MO

Wilbur Chancellor State Supervisor, MS

Keith Cox FFA Executive Secretary/USDE, SC

Joel Larsen State Supervisor, MN

Curt Lucas State Supervisor, KY

Brian E. Myers Associate Professor/USDE, FL

John Rakestraw Business Representative/USDE, CO

Egg-cellent Work

2

Scrapbook

4

FFA Faces

It’s Good to Be Green

Illinois agriculture students prepare for ‘green collar’ jobs in the renewable energy field.

Read news, jokes and more.

Meet members from across the country.

10

National Officer Q & A

18

How To …

19

Cool Careers

20

News From FFA

Meet Eastern Region Vice President Alex Henry.

Do your holiday shopping while supporting FFA.

Savor the career opportunities in food science.

Enter the Risk Management Essay Contest.

12

18

20

On the Cover FFA members Travis Wyant and Shelby DeVito study renewable energy at Pontiac High School in Illinois. Staff Photography

ffanation.ffa.org

FFA

New Horizons

1

FFA scrapbook

Express yourself

Just Joking How do fish celebrate the holidays?

They hang REEFS on their doors.

What do you tell a stressed snowman?

Chill out!

What’s a snowman’s favorite Mexican dish?

Brrrr-ritos!

Why did the snowman put his friend on hold?

He had COAL-waiting.

Flying High This fall, two teams of agricultural science high school teachers and FFA advisors from Delaware were selected to participate in an experiment in microgravity. The teams, chosen by NASA and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), researched, designed and tested operations on board a modified Boeing 727 jetliner.

The teachers conducted an experiment called “Capturing Carbon From Fossil Fuels and Biofuels: Does Gravity Matter?” that focused on obtaining carbon from kerosene and ethanol, comparing the amount of carbon captured after burning these fuels, and deciding if gravity had an effect on the amount.

2

FFA

New Horizons

What’s a farmer’s favorite Christmas carol?

I’m Dreaming of a Wheat Christmas.

Convention Continues Online

Relive the excitement and fun of the 83rd National FFA Convention! Visit ffa.org/convention to watch convention videos, read articles, see award-winner lists, download the convention theme song, watch the national officer retiring addresses, and more. Also, don’t forget that the National FFA Convention Navigator, filled with information about careers in agriculture and college listings, is available online at ffanation.ffa.org/ convention2010.

ffanation.ffa.org

Aussie Agriculture With visions of kangaroos dancing in her head, Alex Cultra from the Indian Creek Chapter in Shabbona, Ill., embarked on a 10-month-long trip to Australia. In addition to living with a host family, she attends Wingham High School – a school that owns, raises and shows cattle.

“I think this whole experience is about challenging me to push my comfort zone and learn to see how different people interact,” Alex says. “Being an exchange student makes you stop and think about how different your life really is from other cultures.”

In the future, Alex plans to attend college and join the Navy.

“This experience is the first of many great world adventures,” she says.

FYI

Like Mother, Like Son, Like Daughter For a family in Iowa, joining FFA is a family tradition.

This family’s story began with Sue Samson, who earned her Star Greenhand FFA Degree in 1976. “FFA made me a leader in high school and gave me the courage to go onto Iowa State University,” she says.

In 2006, Sue’s son, Marcus, received his star greenhand degree from the Diamond Trail FFA Chapter in Monroe, Iowa.

“Marcus raised sheep and welded in high school,” Sue says. “Now he is in his last semester of welding at Des Moines Area Community College.”

In addition, Sue’s daughter Alex recently earned her star greenhand degree, and the youngest child in the family, 9-year-old Maddie, is talking about earning one in the future.

ffanation.ffa.org

Your Turn

Prepare, Plan, Enjoy Preparing for the 2011 National FFA Week can be easy; just follow these tips to ensure a fun, successful experience for you and your chapter.

First, as a group, decide which activities you’d like to host. Plant a community garden, work with a collegiate FFA chapter to plan a special event or hold a clothing drive.

Next, decide how you’ll get non-FFA members involved in the fun. Consider inviting friends to participate, or pique their interest by giving away FFA pens or mints.

Lastly, don’t forget to spread the word about this special week before February rolls around. To accomplish this, hang posters around your school, and ask your town’s mayor or other official to announce the upcoming events.

Learn more at ffa.org.

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. Want an easy way to send your story?

E-mail 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.

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

FFA

New Horizons

3

FFA Faces

Win a Chevrolet T-shirt Chevrolet, the sponsor of FFA Faces, will award a T-shirt to featured members.

Nominate yourself by following the steps below. Questions? E-mail ffanation@jnlcom.com.

Go Online

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

Ryan Sigala

Describe

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

CA

Chapter: Soledad FFA

AR

Chapter: Harrisburg FFA

TX

Chapter: Kingwood Park FFA

Nick, a high school senior, serves as chapter FFA sentinel and district FFA president. Because he lives in a suburb of Houston, Nick believes his purpose in FFA is to help others overcome the perception that FFA members are only from rural areas. As a district FFA officer, Nick visits chapters in his area and shows students all that FFA has to offer them.

4

FFA

New Horizons

TX

Mechelle, a high school junior, participates in numerous career development events (CDEs) for her chapter and has been a member of eight state-qualifying teams in her two-year FFA career. As an active leader in her chapter, Mechelle helps chapter members and her advisors with anything she’s asked to do. She plans to achieve the Lone Star FFA degree this year.

Katie Moore

CA

Chapter: Sunny Hills

This high school junior was recently granted a USDA rural youth agriculture loan to start his own sheep-breeding operation. Ace purchased breeding ewes, rams and necessary equipment for his farm, and he is looking forward to his first lamb crop in early 2011.

His goal is to breed, raise and sell show-quality lambs to other FFA members.

Nick Clifford

Mechelle Underwood Chapter: Idalou FFA

Ryan, a high school junior, loves anything blue and gold. He says his birthday cake was shaped like the FFA emblem, his cell phone is decorated with FFA colors and the emblem, and even the bands on his braces are blue and gold. Ryan serves as his chapter’s reporter, and he films and edits videos for chapter meetings and banquets.

Ace Cooper

Upload

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

This high school sophomore has raised a heifer, market goat and chickens for her supervised agricultural experience program (SAE). For her chicken project, Katie creates custom egg carton, markets through advertising and delivers eggs to her customers.

She serves as her chapter’s FFA historian, and she attended the state FFA convention this year.

Brittany Perry

NY

Chapter: Granville FFA

This high school junior has competed in FFA talent, dairy handling and extemporaneous speaking. For her SAE, Brittany shows dairy cows at county and state fairs, and she runs her chapter’s farm store. Outside of FFA, Brittany is also in the top 10 for her class and is active in Drama Club and Future Business Leaders of America.

ffanation.ffa.org

Fresh

Business Photography By Antony Boshier

For Duane Unruh from Peabody, Kansas, pastured poultry means profits

D By the Numbers The stats behind Duane’s business: • 370 black sex-link hens • 1,000 Cornish-cross broilers per year (several consecutive batches of 250-300) • 2+ acres of pasture • 25 dozen eggs/day • $2/dozen: price for his eggs • $2/pound: price for whole broiler chicken meat

uane Unruh’s a businessman. He always has been, he says, or at least since third grade.

“I was in 4-H and needed a project,” Duane recalls. “Everybody I knew was getting into hogs.”

Back then Duane lived at home in Peabody, Kan. Today he’s a junior at Kansas State University and a collegiate member of the Peabody-Burns FFA. Pigs have never been his thing.

“My dad suggested I try something else,” he says. “So I thought of poultry.”

Poultry, it turns out, was the way to go.

“That first year I started with about 50 hens and butchered maybe 100 broilers,” Duane says. He put the birds on pasture, allowing them to graze the grass, eat insects and get plenty of sunshine. They ate grain, too, but not as much as they would have if they weren’t outside. The hens lived in one

spacious mobile shed, while the broilers, which Duane raised for meat, lived in another. Each day he’d collect eggs from the hens and move the pens to a new spot in the field. He sold the eggs; processed the broilers by hand; and sold the meat, by the pound, to friends, neighbors and other locals.

“I loved it,” he says. “So I kept at it throughout grade school, then in high school and FFA, and each year it’s grown a little bit bigger.”

This year, says Duane, who eventually named his business Unruh Pasture Fresh Poultry, he’s running 370 hens. He’ll also raise around a thousand broilers. “I have no idea how big it will get before we decide to stop.”

A Better Chicken By “we,” Duane means his family. He runs his business on his parents’ property in Peabody, where there’s more than enough

• $4,500: his sales in 2010 Duane Unruh started raising chickens for 4-H. Now in college, he runs a successful poultry business.

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FFA

New Horizons

ffanation.ffa.org

acreage to keep his flocks happy. While

Their entire lives are spent healthy,

mouth,” he says. “People hear about

he’s in school, his dad does the day-to-

happy and outdoors.

us and want to give it a try.”

day chores, topping off the water and

“I have people buying chicken A Long Road

feed and moving the coops across the

from me who won’t buy it anywhere

field. On “harvest day,” sometimes a

else,” he explains. “Instead of going

cousin, or even his grandmother, will

to the supermarket, they’ll wait

Duane recalls, he “wasn’t that

assist with the butchering.

until my birds are ready and then

motivated.” He liked raising and

buy enough to last them until the

marketing chickens, but didn’t

next round.”

consider it a serious business. When

“They all help me along whenever they can,” he says.

All that work ultimately leads to

Duane sells both from home and

what he and his customers consider

at a local farmers market. He also

a top-of-the-line product. His birds

sells to a few local retailers.

never get hormones or antibiotics.

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FFA

New Horizons

“Most of my sales are word-of-

When he started high school,

he joined FFA freshman year, he says, that changed fast.

“My ag teacher really pushed me, and with all the contests and ffanation.ffa.org

Duane’s business, Unruh Pasture Fresh Poultry, took off thanks to his involvement with FFA. With the help of his family, he raises both hens and boilers, and has a loyal customer base that buys his eggs and meat at local retailers and farmers markets as well as through his home.

things, it started to become more

grew. Then, in 2009, as a sophomore

Peabody takes nearly two hours, so he

interesting.”

in college, Duane won a National FFA

makes the commute on weekends only.

Before long, Duane turned his hobby into his supervised

Proficiency Award for his work.

“That was pretty cool,” he says.

agricultural experience program (SAE). He honed his sales pitch, refined his operations, built his

He explains, “I’ll go back and move the hens or work with the broilers, whatever needs to be done.”

Big Ambitions Right now college takes up most

It’s then, says Duane, out in the fields, when it really sinks in why he

customer base, and, for the contests,

of Duane’s time. He’s majoring in

polished his presentations.

entrepreneurship, he says, and is

“I’ll go out there early in the

trying to earn a minor in animal

morning, see them running around,

evolved. I was always trying new

science. He’s also working toward his

do the chores, and then a lot of times

stuff, and when it worked I would try

American FFA Degree. The trip from

I’ll just sit down and watch,” he says.

to make it even better.” The business

campus to his parents’ house in

“For me it’s just calming. It feels good.”

“Each year,” he says, “things

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loves his work.

FFA

New Horizons

9

FFA National Officer

Q&A

A

My best advice is to serve others as you!

You don’t have to be extremely outgoing, super organized or the best public

speaker to serve others. Having a passion for leadership, willingness to grow, desire to serve and handle on who you are is all anyone could ask for. Be the best YOU that you can!

Q

Around the holidays, lots of FFA chapters do community service

projects. What are some of the most interesting or unique community service projects you’ve learned about this year while meeting FFA members from all over?

A

From the Food for America program to river clean-ups to petting zoos at local elementary schools, I’ve seen some

awesome community service projects this year. Check out how chapters are living to serve on their Facebook pages! The Caledonia

FYI Alex’s Favorites Here’s a fun fact about Alex: She won the county fair welding trophy three years in a row! Learn more interesting facts about this Michigan native.

Ice cream: Yes… As much as possible!

Moose Tracks is my favorite.

Type of music: Christian and ’90s Sport to play: Cross Country and Volleyball Color: Orange Board game: Pictionary CDE: Extemporaneous Public Speaking

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FFA

New Horizons

Chapter in Michigan does a homecoming cookout and donates all the proceeds to Relay

Alex

Henry

National FFA Eastern Region

Vice President

Alex Henry grew up in Elwell, Mich., or “right in the middle of the mitten” as she describes it. She joined FFA in the seventh grade and enjoys a supervised agricultural experience program (SAE) of agricultural communications and sheep production. After finishing her year as a national FFA officer in October, Alex is headed back to school at Michigan State University as a junior. Keep reading to learn more about Alex’s year.

Q

What advice would you give to FFA members who aspire to serve as an FFA officer?

for Life. The Haxtun FFA Chapter in Colorado shovels snow for the elderly and local day cares. The Sherando FFA in Virginia put on a Senior Prom for the elderly.

Q

What have you learned about your teammates this year?

A

Bethany has the loudest (but cutest) laugh known to man. Chelsea is the best at prank-calling people. Chase

does awesome impressions of people. Randa trips and falls a lot. And Levy is a beast when it comes to pillow fights.

Q

Can you sum up your national officer experience in just a few words?

A

Blessed. This year I have traveled to more than 40 states and met thousands of FFA members. I’ve made some of the strongest

friendships in my life, learned so much about agriculture and have gained more than I’ve given. I have been blessed with the best year of my life doing what I love – learning from others. ffanation.ffa.org

Its Good

to Be Green Illinois agriculture students prepare for

‘green collar’ jobs in the renewable energy field

Cover Story

Story By Jessica Mozo

C

staff photo

hances are you’re aware of the energy crisis the United States faces as oil prices climb and our nation depends on foreign countries to satisfy our energy needs. You’re also probably aware that companies across the country are working to create renewable forms of energy, such as wind and solar power and biofuels made from plant materials.

But have you ever thought about working in the alternative energy field someday?

“When our students’ parents were in high school, they probably didn’t even think about renewable energy,” says Jesse Faber, an agriculture teacher at Pontiac High School in Pontiac, Ill. “But it’s really a growing field. Renewable energy research is ever-evolving – we’re learning new things every day and finding new and better processes. There will be so much job growth in that industry in the foreseeable future.”

In fall 2009, Faber and his fellow agriculture teacher Parker

ffanation.ffa.org

Austin Moore, an FFA member in Pontiac, Ill., studies samples showing the sequence of waste vegetable oil to finished biodiesel fuel.

FFA

New Horizons

13

Bane introduced a comprehensive

landfill in the country, and it gets

renewable energy course to their

filled out of Chicago. So our kids see

junior and senior students to give

that waste every day,” Faber says.

Immke signed up for the renewable

them a head start on learning

“We’re also a town sitting on historic

energy course out of curiosity.

about things like biodiesel, ethanol,

Route 66, so the students are used

wind turbines and hydropower.

to seeing a lot of fueling stations.”

“We’ve seen colleges creating

High school students everywhere

money abroad.”

Pontiac High School senior Adam

“It was something new on the curriculum that I’d never seen offered,” Adam says. “We’ve been

renewable energy programs, but as

can appreciate renewable energy

getting windmills in our community,

far as I know, we’re the only high

because they’re already used to

and I wanted to learn about how they

school offering it,” Faber says. “We

paying top dollar for gas.

work. Alternative energy is a big

“We look at it as an air- and

issue today, and I knew there would

and I’ve been contacted by several

water-quality issue because it’s

be careers in that field in the future.”

other high schools wanting to establish

everyone’s responsibility to care

similar ag program components.”

about air and water quality,” Faber

use a college textbook for the course,

The program is a perfect fit for Pontiac High School students.

“I have a buddy who never

importance of using products grown

throws away his water bottles

locally instead of sending that

because he wants to recycle them,”

staff photo

“We have the second-largest

says. “But we also talk about the

Adam even recruited friends to sign up for the course.

Pontiac FFA members Travis Wyant, left, and Shelby DeVito, right, work on a model wind turbine with their agriculture teacher Jesse Faber, center. In fall 2009, Faber introduced a comprehensive renewable energy course to his junior and senior students.

14

FFA

New Horizons

ffanation.ffa.org

he says. “So I told him this class would be right up his alley.”

One class project Adam enjoyed was making samples of biodiesel fuel.

“We learned about how the oil has to be filtered, and we tested our samples at different temperatures to see whether temperature affected it,” he says. “This class offers a whole different type of learning. We use a college textbook, so we’re working through problems we normally wouldn’t even get into yet. It’s a brand-new course, and it’s only going to get better.”

While the course is completely new, Faber points out that renewable energy has been around for centuries.

“The original diesel engines ran off peanut oil. Before petroleum, everything was renewable,” he says.

“The sun and burning wood have been used for heat for thousands of years. In recent years, we’ve leaned more on coal, natural gas and petroleum, and we’re seeing the need to go back to renewable fuels.”

And that need will create thousands of “green collar” jobs.

“Our students will be close to the first-generation work force in renewable energy,” Faber says.

“Windmills and turbines create jobs for engineers, operators and mechanics. There will be jobs in ethanol facilities, hydroelectric plants, and in the solar- and wind-

power sector.”

At least one of Faber’s students plans to study renewable energy in college.

“Illinois State University in

agricultural experience program], he helped us build a biodiesel reactor.”

Adam is also excited about the career possibilities.

“I plan to farm, but my dad

Normal has a degree program on

probably won’t be ready to retire

renewable energy just kicking off

when I get out of college,” he says.

in their College of Technology,” Faber

“If opportunities in the renewable

says. “One student plans to major

energy field are available, I will

in it. With his SAE [supervised

definitely pursue them.”

Visit the Careers section for more information on Green Industry Careers.

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FFA

New Horizons

15

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Title of publication: FFA New Horizons Publication number: 1069-806X Date of filing: Sept. 28, 2010 Frequency of issue: 6 times/year Number of issues published annually: 6 Annual subscription rate: $12.00 for non-FFA members; $2.25 for FFA members (as part of their $5.00 total national membership dues) 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: FFA New Horizons, National FFA Organization, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960 8. Complete mailing address of the head­ quarters of general business offices of the publishers: same 9. Full names and complete mailing address of publisher, editor and managing editor: Publisher, Julie Woodard, National FFA Organization, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960; Executive Editor, Kim Newsom Holmberg, 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067.

10. Owner: (If owned by a corporation, its name and address must be stated and also immediately thereunder the names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, the names and addresses of the individual owners must be given. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, its name and address as well as that of each individual must be given.

If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, its name and address must be stated.) National FFA Organization, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960 11. Known bondholders, mortgages, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 12. Not applicable 13. Publication title: FFA New Horizons 14. May/June 2010 15. Extent and nature of circulation

Average no.

Actual no. of

of copies each copies of single

issue during issue published

preceding 12 months nearest

to filing date A. Total number of copies (net press run) 532,820 521,086 B. Paid circulation 1. Mail subscriptions (paid and/or requested)

452,089 439,361 3. Sales through other non-USPS paid distribution

70,182 72,205 C. Total paid and/or requested circulation

522,271 511,566 E. Total free distribution (sum of 15D)

10,549 9,520 F. Total distribution (sum of 15C and 15E)

532,820 521,086 G. Copies not distributed 6 ,989 9,778 H. Total (sum of 15F and G)

539,809 530,864 I. Percent paid 98.02% 98.17% 16. This statement of ownership will be printed in the Nov./Dec. 2010 issue of this publication.

17. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

Julie Woodard, National FFA Organization

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FFA

New Horizons

FFA how to

Holiday Gift Guide

The Gift That

Keeps Giving Do your holiday shopping and support FFA, all at the same time

T

he biggest shopping season of the year is here again. But while you’re out doing your holiday shopping, don’t forget to shop FFA. Not only does FFA offer great gift items, but when you buy FFA merchandise, the money goes back to support FFA programs and activities.

The Shop FFA Official Online Store (www.ffa.org/shop) is brimming with gift ideas. It is a one-stop shopping destination with items from all three FFA catalogs, including Blue (apparel and gifts), Gold (chapter supplies and awards) and Core (educational resources).

“Members can and do shop all three; however, Shop FFA Blue is the e-destination for FFA members seeking official FFA merchandise,” says Mickie Miller, senior marketing and licensing specialist for the National FFA Organization.

The Blue online store carries everything from Official FFA Dress to the latest fashion for members, along with favorite brands such as Carhartt and JanSport. There are FFA logo clothing and accessories, from toys and picture frames to water bottles, ties and more. You can also sign up for weekly Shop FFA e-mails with specials and deals.

Another fun part of the Blue Catalog is the annual Chapter Tee Design Contest. Now in its ninth year, the contest gives FFA chapters the

chance to enter up to five clever, original T-shirt designs. National FFA then selects 12 of the best designs from hundreds of entries, and members vote for their six favorites through Facebook and ffa.org.

“The winning designs are sold in the Blue Catalog, and the winning chapters receive 50 percent of the first year’s profits from the sale of the winning design,” Miller says.

Chapters can enter their design ideas until the end of February 2011.

Need a gift for your advisor or anyone who loves agriculture? In the FFA online store, you can buy museum-quality reproductions of agricultural art that graced the pages of FFA calendars from the 1950s through the 1980s. Choose from six different vintage prints that are reproduced using giclee (pronounced zhee-clay) printing, a process used by museums that lasts for generations. They range in price from $19 to $149.

– Jessica Mozo

ffanation.ffa.org

food science

Food

The Science of Savor the career opportunities in this tasty industry

I

f you’re always ready for the next meal, a career in food science may be ideal for you.

Individuals in this field spend their time focusing on the products that fuel our bodies daily, working to offer healthy, safe fare.

FFA cool careers

processing methods, allowing foods

also work to prevent and treat

to stay fresh and edible longer

illnesses and may run food service

Aspiring food engineers should obtain a four-year degree.

systems for hospitals and schools Because of the public’s increased interest in healthy living,

3.

NUTRITIONIST

they may be asked to prepare

Nutritionists promote

literature for distribution.

healthy eating habits, suggest diet modifications and scientifically examine their clients’ diets. They

A four-year degree is necessary to work as a nutritionist.

– Jessica Walker

1.

FOOD CHEMIST Food chemists may work in research and development, food production, or sales and marketing Some may study properties, composition and structure of food, while others work to ensure products meet specified standards.

Marketing or sales representatives sell and offer technical information related to food products. A four-year degree is recommended.

2.

FOOD ENGINEER Food engineers research, develop, process, evaluate, package and distribute foods. They also work to provide nutritious foods to the public, as well as countries facing hunger epidemics.

In addition, they develop new

Visit our brand-new Careers section to learn more about many more agriculture professions.

ffanation.ffa.org

FFA

New Horizons

19

FFA News

Essay Contest

Washington

Write This Way to

Risk Management Essay Contest gives FFA members the opportunity to explore Washington, D.C.

FYI I

f you’ve ever dreamed of touring our

hunt that takes them across the city.

nation’s capital, here’s your chance. The

Students can also do congressional visits,

National FFA Organization and the U.S.

see the monuments and tour the Capitol –

how to enter

Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management

Saturday is always a free day when they can

Agency are teaming up for the 14th annual

do whatever they want.”

• Entrants must be current FFA members in good standing.

Risk Management Essay Contest, and 10 FFA

• Essays should be three to seven pages in length (no less than 1,000 words).

• Deadline to enter is February 1, 2011.

• The Washington, D.C., trip will take place in May 2011.

Interested in a free trip to Washington,

members and their advisors will win an

D.C.? Mantey offers these seven tips for writing

all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

a winning essay:

“I know high school students aren’t always up for writing, but to write an essay and win a free trip to D.C. is pretty awesome,” says Jill Mantey, program manager for the

1. Keep good records on your SAE, and use those records to analyze your risks.

2. Study resources available from the USDA Risk Management Agency.

Risk Management Essay Contest. “It’s a great

3. Get advice from industry professionals.

experience you can get from simply writing

4. Ask yourself, “What could put me out of

an essay.”

The contest encourages students in agricultural education to become aware of

business, and how could I manage?”

5. Make a list of all the risks associated with your SAE.

• Find out details and read last year’s winning essays at ffa.org.

the risks involved with production agriculture

experience program (SAE) as a basis for their

• Questions? Contact Jill Mantey at jmantey@ffa.org or (317) 802-4263.

instructor as well as an English teacher

essay, analyze the risks involved and

to review your essay and provide feedback.

and understand how to minimize those risks.

Entrants use their supervised agricultural

describe their risk management strategy.

Winning essays are selected based on

medals and are recognized in FFA New Horizons magazine.

“The winners really enjoy meeting USDA officials. They might never have

flown into D.C. from all over the country,

gotten this opportunity otherwise,” Mantey

and we start the experience with a pizza

says. “The experience helps them see that

party to get to know one another,” Mantey

D.C. isn’t just about government, and

says. “Then they get to tour the White House,

agriculture isn’t just about farming. It

meet with USDA officials in a special ceremony

doesn’t all happen on a tractor in a field.”

recognizing the winners, and do a scavenger New Horizons

In addition to the Washington, D.C., trip, winners receive certificates and

grammar, organization, originality and “The winners and their advisors are

FFA

outline, and then develop a draft essay.

7. Ask your agricultural education

content, adherence to the assigned topic, creativity.

20

6. Organize your thoughts first into an

– Jessica Mozo ffanation.ffa.org

flip through our

state

inserts!

FFA New Horizons state inserts keep YOU connected to what’s going on in your state or others.

• State FFA news and achievements • FFA member profiles • Career information • Meet state FFA officers

To learn about creating a state insert for your FFA association, contact Kim Newsom at knewsom@jnlcom.com.

DECEMBER 2010

NORTH CAROLINA FFA 2010-2011 North Carolina FFA State Officer Team Greetings, On behalf of the North Carolina FFA State Officer team, we congratulate you for holding such a valuable magazine in your hands. We have some truly exciting things planned this year! From a statewide service project to piloting a cutting-edge home school membership program, we are absolutely thrilled to see each student reach the next level of leadership.

As an FFA member, you have endless opportunities to improve your home, school and community, as well as develop personal leadership skills through events and activities within our great organization.

We thank you for getting involved and making the North Carolina FFA Association one of the best associations in the country.

As you read the following pages, take time to review the state schedule of events. Pick out an event you or your chapter would like to get involved in, and jump in head first. Make the most of this year to develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success. If you find that you need help along the way, please don’t hesitate to ask us. We are here to serve you. If at any time you would like a state officer to attend an event or make a chapter visit, please e-mail Mr. Jason Davis with your chapter’s information. Lastly, this year we will be having a Facebook page just for the members of the North Carolina FFA Association. You can share ideas, connect with other members across the state, and interact with the state officers. Use this page as another tool to ensure a successful and fulfilling year in the North Carolina FFA Association.

We look forward to seeing you,

2010-2011 State FFA Officer Team

Check out our

website www.ncffa.org

What’s Inside This Issue True Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

82nd North Carolina State FFA Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

State Leadership Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

North Carolina FFA Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ROPE and Regional Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2010 North Carolina National Chapter Award Winners . . . . . . . . . .

Important Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Guiding and Inspiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B C D E E F G H

True Blue North Carolina has more than 50,000 students each year enrolled in an agricultural education class, yet North Carolina FFA has only 16,633. This year it is time to make North Carolina True Blue and reach our goal of 20,000 members. The North Carolina FFA Association 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.

If we truly believe in our mission statement, then it is integral that we strive to include every student enrolled in an agricultural education class. It is impossible for students to benefit from the opportunities available in FFA if they are not FFA members.

At the core of our organization is the mission to develop students through one of the most basic and noble professions, agriculture. However, in recent years, questions have arisen about the relevance of agriculture education in preparing students for

B • NORTH CAROLINA FFA

college and the job market. The North Carolina FFA Association’s True Blue campaign is an answer to the questions raised about agriculture education’s relevance in North Carolina’s schools. We want to share the opportunities that abound in FFA, not just with our current members, but with every student enrolled in agricultural education. The first step though, is reaching our goal of 20,000.

This year it is up to you to help reach this goal.

The stretch for 20,000 is an attainable goal, but it won’t happen without the involvement of amazing members like you. We need you to recruit. We need you to advocate for your chapter, for agricultural education, and especially for North Carolina FFA.

82nd North Carolina State FFA Convention It was Tuesday morning when the 82nd North Carolina FFA State Convention kicked off. The Raleigh sun beat down on a sea of corduroy as busses unloaded in front of the Raleigh Convention Center. As if by some magnetic field, students were drawn toward the convention center, registration and a big week.

After registration, students packed the ballroom for the opening session of the 82nd North Carolina FFA State Convention. The grand ballroom at the convention center was cool and dark, a welcome change after the 90 plus degree weather outside. The air was electric with the excitement of the students, teachers, guests, state officers and state staff.

A short 30 minutes after the doors opened the ballroom was at capacity for the opening session. The excited chatter continued until the music signaled the entrance of the state officers. Immediately tunnels formed over each of the isles toward the stage.

As the music blared, the officers ran through the throngs of cheering members toward the stage for the beginning of another convention and the end of another year.

TAP TAP TAP. Sharp taps from the gavel sounded as Ms. Carrie Hoffner called the convention to order.

Convention had officially started.

The session was a blur of activity with remarks from the state FFA Advisor, Mr. Joshua Bledsoe, recognition of proficiency award winners, and a keynote address from TLC star, Mr. Matt Roloff.

Seventeen career development events, an agriscience fair, a career show, national delegate interviews and several workshops later, it was time for another general session. Members and advisors crowded once again into the grand ballroom, and students prepared to recognize some of the people who have shaped the North Carolina FFA Association and made state convention possible as Lifetime Achievement Award winners and our Premier Partners were honored.

After the reserved atmosphere of the general session, the students were ready to cut loose at the block party.

Students, teachers and guests headed outside to listen to some great live music and relax after a long day of workshops and competitions.

Thursday came too soon. Convention was coming to a close and all that remained was the final session where results of career development events and national delegates would be announced, retiring addresses would be heard, and the new state officer team would be elected and installed.

A year’s worth of recognition crammed into three days came to a close on this Thursday morning. As awards were presented, individuals recognized, and officers installed, a mixture of sadness and anticipation filled the convention center, sadness for the end of a great year and anticipation for the year to come.

North Carolina FFA members look over the balcony while waiting for the convention hall to open

FFA members begin to form a tunnel as the state officers enter the convention hall

FFA members participate in pre-session activities at state convention

Morning came early on Wednesday, the second day of convention. This was to be a day filled with leadership workshops, interviews and of course, career development events.

FFA members and advisors entering the convention center

North Carolina FFA members receiving awards on stage at state convention

NORTH CAROLINA FFA • C

State Leadership Conference Every summer students in North Carolina have the opportunity to travel to the oldest FFA camp in America to attend the annual State Leadership Conference. This year’s conference theme was 212 Degrees, which challenged students to go the extra degree. The two paths offered were COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training) and 360 (designed to discover the potential in chapter members). Both tracks experienced an actionpacked week full of learning, fellowship and fun at the North Carolina FFA Center in White Lake.

Throughout the week, members attended workshops that prepared them to have the most successful year possible. While the COLT group devoted time to planning activities that will increase involvement amongst the members in their chapters, the 360 group found ways to develop their strengths and recognize their weaknesses. The workshops were conducted by past state officers, current state officers and past National President, Paul Moya.

At the end of each day events were wrapped up in small group sessions. The purpose of those meetings was to reflect on what the students had learned, and to encourage deep thinking about what their impact will be in FFA. The small groups developed a close bond during the week as did the entire camp.

In addition to the workshops, members had all week to look forward to the FFA dance on Thursday night.

Students gathered in the outdoor rec hall to enjoy an evening of dancing with old and new friends made throughout the week. On Friday morning, campers were refreshed and prepared to go that extra degree. mp

ca enjoying the dancing and FFA members nference Co ip sh er ad e Le social at Stat

FFA mem bers from the South FFA chap western ter partic Randolp ipating in h a worksh op

Past National FFA President, Paul Moya, presenting a workshop at SLC

Students and State Officers at State Leadership Conference Week Two

D • NORTH CAROLINA FFA

North Carolina FFA Camp In the 82 years that the North Carolina FFA Center has been in operation more than 130,000 North Carolina FFA members have participated in FFA Camp. North Carolina offers four weeks of FFA Camp at the FFA Center located at White Lake.

FFA Camp is a chance for members to let their athletic abilities shine while competing in events such as: volleyball, basketball, miniature golf, softball, canoeing, water ball, water run, long jump and pull up contests.

These competitions provide an opportunity for members to achieve recognition for their talents while developing leadership skills and fostering teamwork.

Along with athletic events, FFA Camp also offers morning devotions and nightly vespers, a jam-packed talent show on Wednesday evening with performances from FFA members and camp staff, and an amazing dance on Thursday night. There are also leadership workshops, but most importantly, time for people to build lifelong friendships!

FFA members competing in Shuffleboard for points towards the FFA Banner

FFA members doing daily morning exercises at FFA Camp

The most anticipated event of the week occurs on Friday morning when the winning chapter is presented with “The Banner”. At each event throughout the week points are tallied up for each chapter, and the chapter with the highest points at the end of the week is deemed the winner. The 2010 camping season winners were: Southern Alamance, Southern Guilford, West Rowan and West Carteret.

ROPE and Regional Officers North Carolina FFA is broken down into eight regions. Leading each region are highly motivated Regional Officer Teams. Regional Officer Team duties include presenting workshops to FFA members and conducting Regional Rally. Regional Rally is the end-ofyear event that gives FFA chapters 2010-2011 West FFA Regional Officer Team the chance to compete in CDE competitions. Regional Rally is also where we recognize many FFA members on their numerous accomplishments throughout the year.

“ROPE” (Regional Officer Preparation Experience) is help for each Regional Officer team at the beginning of each year. State officers are to deliver this course to the officers to teach them many necessary skills. Workshop methods of delivery, tips for presentations, and many lessons on character and goal setting are taught through this course. The day-long course is full of fun, food, team bonding and learning.

NORTH CAROLINA FFA • E

2010 North Carolina Chapter Award Winners

National Chapter

Wake Forest Rolesville FFA Chapter – National Chapter – 3rd Place

Rosewood FFA Chapter – National Chapter – 1st Place

Beverly Hampton, State Star Farmer – West Rowan FFA Chapter – sponsored by Carolina Farm Credit

T

he National Chapter Award allows chapters to receive recognition for their hard work in not only chapter development through FFA events, but also through student development and community development. Each chapter that receives this award must keep records of each activity along with photos of each activity.

Out of the top chapters in the state, the top three are selected by a committee of judges based on their goals, objectives, a thorough plan of action, and an evaluation of the results of the chapter’s program of activities.

This year the third place chapter in our state was the Wake Forest Rolesville FFA Chapter, second place is the Millbrook FFA Chapter, and the first place team is the Rosewood FFA Chapter.

The members of the Rosewood FFA chapter directed a community service effort called “Trick or Can F6 •• NORTH NORTH CAROLINA CAROLINA FFA FFA

Milbrook FFA Chapter – National Chapter – 2nd Place

Garin Kluttz, State Star Agribusiness – West Rowan FFA Chapter – sponsored by Carolina Farm Credit

Food Drive Competition” to benefit the local food bank. The goals of the project were to involve at least 30 FFA members and 30 other club members, collect at least 500 items, and have one local newspaper cover the event. The event was highly publicized through letters encouraging participation of various clubs, chapter members signed up to participate, and the chapter president received a $100 donation to award the club that collected the most items. On the night of the event, three neighborhoods were assigned to each club and they were encouraged to visit as many areas as possible. When the project concluded, members had more than doubled their original 500 items to more than 1,200 items, and 47 FFA members and 34 other club members were involved.

Additionally, two local newspapers included pictures and a summary of the event. Rosewood members also

Coleman Phifer, State Star Placement – West Rowan FFA Chapter – sponsored by Carolina Farm Credit

Emily Phillips, State Star Agriscience – JF Webb FFA Chapter – sponsored by Carolina Farm Credit

taught a seed germination lesson to classes of second grade students and hosted a group of Future Farmers of Japan during a study abroad experience held by the North Carolina FFA Association. Chapter members continue to be active in leadership activities, community development, service activities and the agricultural community.

Title text Notes Important Subhead or Continued DATES TO REMEMBER February 3

State Truck and Tractor Safety Skills, State Fairgrounds

March 11

Middle Grades Rally, NC A&T State University

March 17

Ag Sales, Farm Business Management, Marketing Plan and WLC Scholarship Interviews, NCSU

March 19-20

MEGA Conference, Embassy Suites Hotel, Greensboro, NC

NEW CHAPTERS IN NORTH CAROLINA Heritage

Granville Central

South Creek

Madison Middle

Riverside

Grantham Middle School

High Rock

Cuthbertson

Bladen Agriscience Academy

Corinth Holders

Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina

Cleveland

Wheatmore

Holton Career Center

Southeastern Randolph Middle

Cox Mill

Stars Ov er North Carolina State Sta r

Farmer – Beverl y Hampto n, West R owan FFA State Sta Chapter r in Agrib usiness – Garin Kluttz, W est Rowa n FFA Ch State Sta apter r Placem e nt – Colem an Phifer, West Row an FFA C State Sta hapter r in Agris cience – Emily Phillips, J. F. Webb F FA Chapte Agri-Entr r ep Rebeka reneurship Winn er – h Moore, South Ro wan FFA Chapter

Here by the Owl

By Joshua Bledsoe, State Agricultural Education Leader and State FFA Advisor The North Carolina FFA Association had an incredible 2009-2010 year.

This special North Carolina section of FFA New Horizons highlights the successes of FFA members across our great state that made that success possible. We had an incredible state convention, a wonderful camping season and awesome leadership conferences this summer. Congratulations to each member and advisor for your individual and collective efforts to make North Carolina FFA one of the best in the nation!

Now a new school year has started.

A new school year brings new experiences, new opportunities, new beginnings and new growth.

It is a chance to renew our commitment to improve our communities, our schools, our chapters and ourselves. Let’s take that challenge and work together to continue to grow our association. Let’s meet our membership goal this year. Let’s maintain our focus on service this year. Let’s continue to make a positive difference!

Thank you to our partners for making this North Carolina insert possible, and thanks to our state officers and state staff for writing and compiling the articles.

North Carolina Agricultural Education: Quality People, Quality Programs and Quality Partners.

Best wishes for a successful year!

NORTH CAROLINA FFA • G

Guiding and Inspiring The Next Generation of Agricultural Education Teachers Charles Keels remembers like it was yesterday how his favorite teacher at Wesley Chapel School in Union County disciplined the students: without saying a word.

“He would stare at you,” Keels says with a chuckle. “If you were doing anything wrong, he’d stop what he was doing and just burn a hole in you.”

In addition to being a great disciplinarian, Keels says, this particular agriculture teacher, Wayne Mangum, who he describes as “the best in the world,” also “inspired all of the boys involved in the program at that time to reach their highest potential. He was a terrific role model.”

Fueled by this inspiration and guided by an innate desire to help young people, Keels committed his professional career – and much of his personal life – to agricultural education. He also continues to give to the FFA Charles Keels Scholarship Endowment, which provides support to immediate past state FFA officers.

a rveying Keels su

field

“Having worked with FFA officers for many years, I believe that state officers, as they finish their terms of duty, should get some kind of financial help to continue their education,” Keels says. “ They give a year of dedicated service to the FFA and deserve recognition and thanks.”

The youngest of eight children, Keels was born in Union County in 1935. Raised on the family farm, he became part of the FFA program at age 13.

“FFA provided me with many extended opportunities for learning,” Keels says. “There were competitive events and activities that encouraged leadership and citizenship development.

As a young farm boy and rural resident, I benefitted tremendously from the program.”

ring his Keels du Charles h school ig h in r ea senior y

After serving the state for 40 years in agricultural education, Keels remains actively involved in FFA, today serving as Executive Treasurer of the North Carolina FFA Association and President of Capital Area FFA Alumni Association.

He hopes that his scholarship endowment not only will create opportunities for students in agricultural education, but also will inspire others to give.

Charles Keels with one of the recipients of the Charles L. Keels State FFA Officer Endowment Scholarships

H • NORTH CAROLINA FFA

“The organization’s number one need is for caring, committed, capable teachers,” Keels says. “My hope for FFA is that it continues to exist to provide the kinds of learning experiences that I and others have been privileged to have.”

✂

DECEMBER 2010

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION FFA FFA in the Spotlight Meet Your 2010-2011 Illinois Association FFA State Treasurer Jeffrey Barnes | D

Camp | B

Check out our

website

Fair | C

Officers’ Tracks | H

What’s Inside This Issue National Alumni Development Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B Illinois State Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C Meet Your 2010-2011 State FFA Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D National Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E Officers’ Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H

www.illinoisffa.org

National Alumni Development Conference LEADERSHIP CAMP More than 250 FFA members from across the state gathered in Monticello, Illinois on July 27, 2010 at Allerton Park. After registration, the members met their teammates and began using their teamwork skills on the challenge course!

The members were involved in many activities throughout the week including team building exercises, FFA quiz bowl, the talent show, Ag Olympics, and the red and blue war!

FFA members learned about leadership skills and teamwork. Throughout the week each student set goals for themselves, made new friends and were impacted by evening reflections.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to participate in the Illinois FFA Leadership Camp, talk to your advisor and check out www.illinoisffa.org to learn more.

National FFA Alumni Development Conference The National FFA Alumni Development Conference was a huge success as the Illinois FFA Alumni hosted this conference in Rock Island, Illinois.

The Illinois Alumni along with Clay Zwilling and the five majors.

Attending the conference was FFA Alumni members from across the country and the National FFA Alumni Council. The five majors had the opportunity to attend and hear from Dr. Larry Case, the National FFA Advisor along with Dr. Dwight Armstrong, National FFA COO. Over all, the week was a great experience not only for the five majors but for all who attended.

B • ILLINOIS FFA

Illinois State Fair Sale of Champions The Sale of Champions was held on August 17 during Agriculture Day activities at the State Fair. The Grand Champion of each species shown in the Junior Show was sold.

Ten percent of the sale proceeds benefit the FFA Foundation.

Congratulations to all champions!

FFA Barnyard The Illinois FFA Barnyard was on display during the Illinois State Fair.

The five majors along with the 25 section presidents spent their time holding chicks, ducklings, rabbits, and looking after piglets, sheep and a calf.

Thousands of people visited the FFA Barnyard throughout the fair to see the animals.

Excellence in Teaching Award Congratulations to Mr. Mike White from Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School – the 2010 Excellence in Teaching Winner!

District 1 – Mr. Willard Mott

Bureau Valley High School District 2 – No Nominee District 3 – Mr. Steve Sargeant

Bushnell-Prairie City High School District 4 – Mr. Mike White

Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School The 2010 Excellence in Teaching nominees along with Orion Samuelson, 2010 State Fair Queen, and Director of Agriculture, Tom Jennings. Not pictured: Mr. Willard Mott.

District 5 – Mr. Curt Robbins

Fairfield High School

ILLINOIS FFA • C

Meet Your 2010-2011 State FFA Treasurer – Jeffrey Barnes

I

was 10 years old when my family moved off of our farm and into the small community of Leland. It was here where I decided I would start a mowing business. I thought it was a great idea until I learned that most people didn’t want to hire a young boy who could barely reach the pedals on the lawn mower to take care of their lawn. My business started off slow, but over the years I gained a few more customers here and there. It eventually became one of my supervised agricultural experience programs when I joined the FFA my freshman year.

Most of my customers were senior citizens who had a set income and who could no longer mow their own lawns. Whenever I would discuss prices with them, I would simply tell them, “Don’t pay more than you can afford. This is my way of helping the community out.” Sure the extra cash would have been nice, but the satisfaction I received from helping others out greatly outweighed that.

One customer I remember in particular was Bernice Legner.

Bernice was a widow who lived by herself and who didn’t have any children of her own. Every time I mowed her lawn, she would invite me inside to sit down and eat some ice cream with her. I soon realized she just enjoyed my company. We would sit and talk for long periods of time and sadly, I would always be anxious to get back to my mowing and I would cut our conversations short.

Last winter, Bernice passed away.

That day, I lost a customer, a mentor and more importantly, D • ILLINOIS FFA

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” ~ Jackie Robinson

a friend. Looking back, I regret not sharing more time with Bernice.

I had become so caught up in my own life that I didn’t take time to stop and think about Bernice. She took the time to care about me, why didn’t I take that extra step to really truly care about her?

FFA members, who says we can’t change the lives of the people around us? The only person stopping us from doing this is ourselves. If we put aside our own ambitions and take time to sincerely care for the people around us, think about how we could influence the world. At the end of our motto, there is a short line, “Living to Serve.” This line is not like the FFA jacket you tuck away in your closet after your final FFA activity; this is a line to live your life by. Serve others through a smile, a friendly conversation and a helping hand. Share a moment or maybe even a bowl of ice cream because even something small can make a huge impression on the lives around you. Take the time, make an impact.

National Convention

Name: Amelia Martens Chapter: Orion FFA Chapter National Finalist: Agricultural Communications – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Name: Andy Schaefer Chapter: Waterloo FFA Chapter National Finalist: Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Name: Clinton Hayes Chapter: Fairfield FFA Chapter National Finalist: Agricultural Mechanics Energy Systems – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Name: Justin Thomas Chapter: Charleston FFA Chapter National Finalist: Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship

Name: Bradley Greer Chapter: Pinckneyville FFA Chapter National Finalist: Beef Production – Placement

Name: Tyler Loschen Chapter: Tri-Point FFA Chapter National Finalist: Diversified Agricultural Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Name: Hayden Byars Chapter: Cisne FFA Chapter National Finalist: Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship

Name: Benjamin John DeClerck Chapter: Taylorville FFA Chapter National Finalist: Diversified Livestock Production – Placement

ILLINOIS FFA • E

National Convention Continued

Name: Natalie Carr Chapter: Hardin County FFA Chapter National Finalist: Equine Science – Entrepreneurship

Name: Jarred Van Winans Chapter: Taylorville FFA Chapter National Finalist: Food Science and Technology – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Name: Aaron Prins Chapter: Geneseo FFA Chapter National Finalist: Grain Production – Placement

Name: Yvonne Zavoral Chapter: Kansas FFA Chapter National Finalist: Home and/or Community Development – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Name: Aaron Smrekar Chapter: Seneca FFA Chapter National Finalist: Landscape Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Name: Jessica Both Chapter: Seneca FFA Chapter National Finalist: Small Animal Production and Care – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Name: Kaleb Nelson Chapter: Tri-Point FFA Chapter National Finalist: Swine Production – Entrepreneurship

Name: Jeff Meister Chapter: Tri-Point FFA Chapter National Finalist: Wildlife Production and Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement

F • ILLINOIS FFA

National Convention Continued

National FFA Band Jacob Dickley, Gibson City-Melvin Sibley Sydney Hawley, Pittsfield Kaitlynn Miller, Pontiac Perry Harlow, Seneca

National Chapter Awards Three Star Chapters: Goreville Newark Pontiac Seneca Urbana

TWO Star Chapters: Bushnell Prairie City Charleston Chicago Ag Science Cisne Cissna Park Eastland Hardin County Highland Marissa Jr. /Sr. Mattoon

National FFA Chorus Andrew Lesch, Clifton Central Emily Crowcroft, New Berlin Allison McLane, River Ridge Murphy Bolt, Rockridge

Mt. Vernon Nashville Olney Orion Paxton-Buckley-Loda Pinckneyville Community ROWVA Somonauk-Leland

National Talent Newton Albert, Mulberry Grove Trevor May, Olney

Sycamore Taylorville Valmeyer West Carroll Western

ILLINOIS FFA • G

Officers’ Tracks

Illinois Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (ICCCTSO) (August 6-8) The five majors along with 12 section presidents attended the ICCCTSO conference held in Springfield, Illinois. During the conference they learned about other CTSOs such as Skills USA and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Mrs. Patty Hendrickson led the conference and taught leadership skills for CTSO officers to use throughout their year of service.

State Fair (August 13-22) Five majors, 12 section presidents and Mr. Dry, ICCCTSO Chairman.

Throughout the 10 days at the Illinois State Fair the five major state officers were busy working in the FFA Barnyard. The 25 section presidents also spent time contributing to the success! During the fair, the majors participated in other activities such as the Twilight Parade, daily interviews, the Sale of Champions and the Annual Moo Moo Classic. Even though it was a busy time for the five majors, we enjoyed spending time in the FFA Barnyard and had the opportunity to share the word about agriculture.

GROWMARK Annual Meeting (August 26-27) John, Jake and Jeff along with Mr. Dry headed up north to attend the GROWMARK Annual Meeting. While they were there, they met GROWMARK’s Board of Directors and employees from the region. They also had the opportunity to join up with Associations from Iowa, Wisconsin and Ontario representatives.

DuQuoin State Fair (August 27-30)

Morgan, Jeff, Cody, Mike (Section 17 President) & Ashly (Section 12 President) During the Moo-Moo Classic

On August 27 Cody and Morgan headed down south for the DuQuoin State Fair.

They represented the Illinois FFA in the opening parade and helped with the livestock judging contest on Saturday morning. On August 30 Cody, Morgan and John helped with Farmyard Follies. During this event there are chapters from District V who participate in activities.

STAR Conferences John, Jake, Morgan, Cody and Jeff conducted a Section Team Activities and Responsibilities conference in each district during the second week of September.

The section officer teams began “scripting their journey” as a team. Throughout the one-day conference, the officers discussed ideas for Leadership Training School, discovered team skills, and brainstormed about membership recruitment.

Reporter Workshops Throughout the month of September, Morgan was staying busy conducting seven reporter workshops around the state for chapter and section reporters. The reporters learned techniques for taking pictures, creating a newsletter, writing press releases and also learned new ideas from other reporters. Overall, the workshops went well, and it was a great learning experience for everyone!

September State Officer Meeting (September 10-11) Jeff, Jake and John pictured with Mike Eruzione, the team captain for the 1980 USA Hockey Team who won a Gold Medal at the Olympics

H • ILLINOIS FFA

The third Illinois Association FFA state officer meeting was held on September 10-11 in Springfield, Illinois. The team discussed Illinois’ stance on National Convention issues and other upcoming events. It was nice for the team to catch up with one another before chapter visits were underway!