June 2010, FFA New Horizons

FFA

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

速

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

Clutter, Be Gone Clean your room, make some money

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Tips for a slim-andtrim summer

Fine Art On The

Family Farm

Amanda Bulger finds artistic

inspiration in her agricultural heritage Create a profile. Add friends. Start a group. Voice your opinions. ffa.org/ffanation

Want to connect with other FFA members across the nation?

Now, you can!

Log on to the newly redesigned and relaunched FFA Nation - the exclusive online community for FFA members. Once you’ve signed up, you can: Create a profile Upload photos ■ Start discussions ■ Join groups ■ Watch videos ■ Read FFA New Horizons past articles ■ Keep up with FFA news …and more!

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Check it out today!

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New Horizons

Join today FFA Nati on f to wi or your ch n awe ance gear som Natio ! Create y e FFA ou np 15, an rofile bef r FFA o d you ’ll be re June into a e nt draw ing fo ered FFA r an sw t-shir eatshirt/ t com bo!

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ffa

Volume 57 Number 5

new horizons

®

The magazine of the National FFA Organization

Kim Newsom Editor

jessy yancey Associate Editor LISA BATTLES, JOYCE CARUTHERS Copy Editors Julie woodard FFA Publications Manager

Kristy Meyer FFA Communications

RAVEN PETTY Proofreading Manager JENNIFER GRAVES, ERICA HINES Content Coordinators CHRIS HAYHURST, JESSICA MOZO, Contributing Writers JESSICA WALKER Christina Carden Media Technology Director

KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, Senior Graphic Designers

VIKKI WILLIAMS Chandra bradshaw, yamel hall, Media Technology Analysts Alison hunter, marcus snyder

jeffrey s. otto Photography Director Jeff adkins, Brian McCord Senior Photographers todd bennett, antony boshier Staff Photographers Yancey turturice Information Technology Director

Ryan Sweeney I.T. Service Technician

Leigh guarin Web Designer

Tori Hughes Integrated Media Manager CHRIS DUDLEY Controller

Cindy Hall Sales Support Manager

Rachael Goldsberry Sales Support

Kristy duncan Executive Secretary

Katie Middendorf Ad Production Manager Marcia millar, Patricia Moisan Ad Traffic Assistants Diana guzman, maria mcfarland Accounting

shelly miller, Lisa Owens

Gary Smith Distribution Director

Keith harris Marketing Creative Director

Ray Langen Executive Vice President todd potter, Carla Thurman Sr. V.P./Sales

Casey Hester Sr. V.P./Operations

Teree Caruthers V.P./Content Development

Mark Forester V.P./Visual Content

Natasha Lorens V.P./Content Operations

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

2009-2010 National FFA Officers

Levy randolph, CA President

Bethany bohnenblust, KS Secretary

Alex Henry, MI Eastern Region Vice President

Randa Braune, TX Western Region Vice President

Chelsea Doss, TN Southern Region Vice President

Chase Rose, MT Central Region Vice President National FFA Staff

Larry Case National Advisor, Chief Executive Officer

Steve Brown Executive Secretary

dwight armstrong Chief Operating Officer

Marion Fletcher National Treasurer Julie Adams, Mark Cavell, Division Directors Dale Crabtree, 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 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 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.

12 cover story 4

Scrapbook

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FFA Faces

Alicia Moeller gardens with minimal water, maximum effort

Fine Art on the Family Farm

FFA alumna uses her agriculture background to propel her art career

Read news from FFA and more.

Meet members from across the country.

11

National Officer Q & A

16

Healthy Lifestyles

17

Cool Careers

18

News from National FFA

20

Your Money

21

Back Talk

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.

Planting with Careful Planning

Meet Vice President Chelsea Doss.

Read tips for a slim-and-trim summer.

Build a job in agricultural construction.

Start preparing for American FFA Degree changes.

Clean out clutter and make money.

Please recycle this magazine

On the Cover Amanda Bulger, Pulaski, Wis. Staff Photo

ffa.org/ffanation

Meet Liberian immigrant Korpo Hiamah.

FFA

New Horizons

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FFA scrapbook

Express yourself

Calling All Parents!

Best in Show With colored pencils and pastels, artist and FFA member Alyssa Marini created a masterpiece. Her drawing of a Siberian husky won ribbons in five categories, including top prize, in the “Meet the Breeds” art contest sponsored by the American Kennel Club and Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Alyssa, a rising junior at Trumbull High School in Connecticut, placed first in the Working Dog Group division and first place in her grade level, and she won three top awards – Best of Breed-Siberian Husky, Best in Show – Dog and Best in Show – Overall.

Alyssa’s artwork was placed on display at the Jacob Javits Center in New York.

Visit ffa.org/ffanation to see photos of Alyssa’s drawings.

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New Horizons

Hey FFA members!

While you’re reading through FFA New Horizons, be sure to show this story to your parents. We want to know how they feel about the magazine, too!

We’ve created a quick online survey to find out what our FFA parents think of the magazine. Visit bit.ly/FFAparents to take the survey.

We appreciate your input!

A Place to Belong The American Kennel Club has launched a new program, Canine Partners, which allows mixed-breed dogs to be registered with the AKC and now be eligible to compete in AKC Rally, Obedience and Agility events.

And as a special treat, any FFA member can register their mixed-breed dog for just $20 (the regular price is $35). To learn more, visit www.akc.org.

ffa.org/ffanation

Creo en el futuro de la agricultura That's "I believe in the future of agriculture" in Spanish, and this summer, some FFA members in Texas will be reciting those words. For the first time in its history, the Texas FFA association is hosting a Spanish FFA Creed Speaking invitational event during its state convention, where the contestants will give the entire creed in Spanish and answer the judges' questions in Spanish. Texas FFA believes that today’s agriculture, food and natural resources students will be building careers in a bilingual work environment in the coming years. In the last census, 29 percent of Texans indicated that the Spanish language is spoken in their home. Combining statistics from the Texas Data Center and the United States Census Bureau, one can project that between the years 2025 and 2030, more Texans will be Spanish speakers than solely English speakers. To those participating, we say buena suerte!

Online ffa.org/ffanation

Does your state have a unique event during your annual state FFA convention? Log on to FFA Nation and tell us all about it in the Discussions section.

A Feed Drive For his Boy Scout Eagle Award project, Alex Harper of the Jersey Village FFA chapter in Texas organized a drive to collect dog and cat food for a local animal shelter.

While working on his project, he remembered the amount of leftover livestock feed from the previous year’s livestock show and thought he might be able to do something with that type of animal feed, too. He got his chapter involved, and they soon discovered that Boys and Girls Country, a local charitable home for children, would have a great use for the livestock feed.

After all, the home raises livestock each year to use in teaching the children about caring for animals. The food drive turned out to be a great success, with more than 100 bags of livestock feed collected!

Going Somewhere?

Don't lose touch with FFA after you graduate from high school!

Sign up for our FFA Beyond High School newsletter today, and we'll enter you into a drawing for a free iPad! Visit ffa.org to learn more.

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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?

E-mail us at newhorizons@ffa.org Or, send to: FFA New Horizons P.O. Box 68960 Indianapolis, IN 46268

FFA

New Horizons

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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.

Create

Describe

Nominate

Go to ffa.org/ffanation and sign up for an FFA Nation profile.

Upload a profile photo and fill out the fields to tell us about your FFA experiences.

Under the FFA Faces thread on the Discussions page, tell us why you should be featured.

Mollie Wilken

NE

Chapter: Crofton FFA

AR

Chapter: Emerson FFA

PA

Chapter: Twin Valley FFA

This high school junior organizes many of her chapter’s community service activities, including its baking for the homeless and pet therapy programs. Christine has participated in FFA horse judging, public speaking and agronomy, and she aspires to be a state FFA officer one day. Christine is also a varsity cheerleader and softball player for her school.

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FFA

New Horizons

Tracy, a high school senior, enjoys the hands-on aspect of FFA. His supervised agricultural experience program (SAE) centers on forest management, and he has competed in forestry, land judging and welding events. In 2009, he was accepted as part of the National FFA Band. Tracy’s future FFA plans include achieving his State FFA Degree and furthering his SAE.

Kolin Schmidt

IA

Chapter: Central City FFA

This high school sophomore raises Brangus cattle for her SAE and won Grand Champion Brangus Bull at the 2009 Arkansas State Fair. Victoria currently serves as FFA chapter secretary and says that many past FFA officers – including her brother, a past state president, and her father, a past national FFA secretary – have inspired her FFA efforts.

Christine Musselman

KY

Chapter: Fleming County FFA

This recent high school graduate and past FFA chapter president wrote an essay about her favorite place to be for an English assignment. Mollie chose to write about her FFA jacket, since wearing it is her favorite place to be. In November 2009, Mollie represented Nebraska agriculture in an exchange program to Taiwan. Read Mollie’s essay at ffa.org/ffanation.

Victoria Maloch

Tracy Prater

This high school senior served as his chapter’s president for two years, during which his goal was to improve the local perception of FFA. Kolin is very proud of his accomplishments, including his project to put up a flagpole outside the school agriculture building, so that the American and FFA flags could be displayed.

Kolin works at a local grocery store for his SAE.

Derek Price

MO

Chapter: Milan FFA

The first person in his family to be involved in FFA, Derek says he knew very little about the organization before joining. But in his first year of membership, he represented his FFA chapter in creed speaking, was a member of the knowledge team and received the chapter’s freshman leadership award. Now a sophomore, Derek plans to expand his SAE in vegetable production.

ffa.org/ffanation

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Planting With Careful

Planning

Alicia Moeller gardens with minimal

water, maximum effort

Story by Chris Hayhurst

T

he bat-faced cuphea is the kind of plant anyone could love. As its name implies, its flowers look just like bats – if bats were purple, that is, with big scarlet-red ears. It’s easy to grow, it’s a hit with birds and insects, and, thanks to its stunning good looks, it’s guaranteed to draw attention from all passersby.

But don’t plan on growing the bat-faced cuphea if you live in the North; it hates the cold, and it won’t survive a frost. This plant, also known by its Latin name, Cuphea llavea, thrives in the hot and dry South – places like Temple, Texas, where one of its biggest fans, Temple College student Alicia Moeller, spends her days preparing for a future career in horticulture.

“We call it the butterfly plant,” says Alicia, who works part time at a local nursery as she earns a

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FFA

New Horizons

degree in business. “It really attracts the butterflies.”

Learning on the Job You might wonder, why would a person who is interested in something like the bat-faced cuphea, and horticulture in general, make business her major?

But talk to Alicia, who first learned about plants as an FFA member at nearby Academy High School, and the reason is clear. There’s a lot more to the job than you think, especially if you’re ambitious. “I’d like to own my own nursery,” says Alicia, who’s already started looking for a greenhouse to buy. “And there’s all kinds of work that goes into that.”

You have to run the business like a business, she says, but you also need to have a knack for customer service.

“That’s very important,” she

explains. “You meet all kinds of people coming from all backgrounds, and you have to be able to communicate with them effectively.”

The plant and horticulture courses will come, she says. For now, though, she’s focused on the core requirements she needs in order to graduate on time.

Meanwhile, Alicia says, her job at D&D Nursery just outside Temple, Texas, – the same place she has worked since her sophomore year in high school – enables her to keep her green thumb.

“When I started,” she recalls, “I couldn’t tell a weed from a plant. But over time, by pruning and repotting and labeling and watering and doing a little of everything, I figured it out.”

Now, she says, she’s really developed an understanding of each species. Alicia has learned the ffa.org/ffanation

Texas FFA member Alicia Moeller is passionate about plants and hopes to own her own nursery one day.

Jeffrey S. OT TO

Staff Photo

staff photo

Brian Mccord

plants’ basic sunlight, water and soil requirements, but she’s also developed an eye for “what works” and can advise the nursery’s customers on appropriate choices for their particular needs.

Xeriscaping Back to that butterfly plant.

The bat-faced cuphea is a perfect fit for what those in the trade call “xeriscaping.” Xeriscaping is a gardening technique that relies on smart and minimal use of water.

Through use of drought-resistant and native plants, abundant mulch, and careful watering with well-placed drip lines, the gardener who xeriscapes can create elaborate arrays of flowers, shrubs and trees requiring very little maintenance.

In xeriscaping, Alicia says, if a plant is too thirsty, or can’t

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New Horizons

take the heat, it’s out.

“I see people using sprinkler systems all the time,” she says. “It’s so hot here and so dry that they’re really wasting water. Then they use pesticides to kill bugs and other chemicals to control weeds, and all that water causes everything to run off into the creeks and rivers.”

Xeriscaping, she says, may require more thought up front, especially in the planning and design stages, but in the long run it’s easier, it’s environmentally friendly and it just makes sense.

“You put in the plants that belong there,” she says, noting that you don’t have to sacrifice flair or style in the process since there are lots of drought-­ resistant species from which to choose. “Shade-loving plants go with other shady plants, while those that need more sun go in the sun.”

staff photo

Alicia Moeller says her heart is in the garden, and working with plants is her calling.

Mix up your colors by using lots of different varieties, she says, and the results can be beautiful.

Big Plans Alicia isn’t all about plants. In addition to her nursery work, which she does on weekends, she has a full-time job in the Texas Health Department’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program (she goes to school at night).

Still, her heart is in the garden, and in xeriscaping in particular, and she hopes it won’t be long before she can really launch her career.

She longs to start her own native plants from seed, to watch her own trees grow tall in the heat of the Texas sun, and to work with her very own customers in the light and open spaces of her personal nursery.

“That’s the plan,” she says. “I can’t wait.” ffa.org/ffanation

JUNE 2010

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION FFA Constructing Leaders of Tomorrow

Meet your 2009-2010 State Vice President | E – Caroline Bremer

FFA Week | C

MFE | D

Officers’ Tracks | H

Check out our

website www.illinoisffa.org

What’s Inside This Issue State CDE Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FFA Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Caroline Bremer, State Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

82nd Illinois State FFA Convention Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

82nd Illinois State FFA Convention Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Officers’ Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B C D E F G H

State CDE Results

State Job Interview CDE Varsity 1st – Olivia Harris, Heyworth 2nd – Kaitlyn Zindel, Central A&M 3rd – Amelia Martens, Orion 4th – Victoria Goad, Harvard 5th – Kaylee Agney, Shelbyville 6th – Megan Johnston, Indian Creek 7th – Clayton Carley, Cissna Park 8th – Jessica Both, Seneca 9th – Rachel Madsen, Clifton Central 10th – Evan Rich, Pontiac

Junior Varsity 1 – 2nd – 3rd – 4th – 5th – 6th – 7th – 8th – 9th – 10th – st

Johnny Eloe, Shelbyville Ben Martens, Orion Brittany Pond, New Berlin Deidra Smock, Hardin County Sane Higgins, Camp Point Central Devynn Ziller, Marengo Emily Sombeck, Olympia Megan Bunyer, Eastland Kristina Peters, Heyworth Alexandria Watts, Hartsburg-Emden

State Ag Issues CDE

1st – Midland 2nd – Geneseo 3rd – Mt. Vernon 4th – Cisne 5th – Eldorado 6th – Bushnell-Prairie City

State Meats Evaluation CDE Top Teams 1st – Fieldcrest 2nd – Seneca 3rd – Central-Clifton 4th – Paxton-Buckley-Loda 5th – Prairie Central 6th – Calhoun 7th – Mt. Pulaski 8th – Byron 9th – Midland 10th – Pontiac

B • ILLINOIS FFA

Superior Individuals 1st – Justin Leigh, Fieldcrest 2nd – Ellie Bretzman, Central-Clifton 3rd – Austin Schumacher, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 4th – Ed Chouinard, Central-Clifton 5th – Sydney Condon, Seneca 6th – Haley Condon, Seneca 7th – Dallas Glazik, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 8th – William Milashoski, Fieldcrest 9th – Jordan Cooper, Mt. Pulaski 10th – Naomi Knapp, Prairie Central

State Poultry CDE Top Teams 1st – Paxton-Buckley-Loda 2nd – Urbana 3rd – Greenville 4th – Shelbyville 5th – Liberty 6th – Illini West 7th – Odin 8th – Midland 9th – Oblong 10th – Litchfield

Superior Individuals 1st – Hannah Blaney, Urbana 2nd – Jennifer Boberg, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 3rd – Zack Hoopingarner, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 4th – Kirsten Blackford, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 5th – Billy Masco, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 6th – David Cruthis, Greenville 7th – Anna Freyfogle, Urbana 8th – Kyle Binnion, Shelbyville 9th – Meredith Brinkman, Liberty 10th – Corey Madding, Greenville

National FFA Week – Lead Out Loud!

22 On February mni Auction – FFA lu A nd A la FF rt ea nd H la e Heart attended th s er ic h ff ig O e H y at munit the Major St mal West Com or N at A FF on h ti it uc w Alumni A hanging out ajors had fun a wonderful School. The m t meal. It was ea gr a d ye jo en members and k! f the FFA Wee way to kick of

Shiloh FFA – Sam Glenn – On February and Ellen trav 23 Amie, Kiers eled to Shiloh ten High School to Glenn, the ke hear Sam ynote speaker from 2009 Stat Sam gave a ke e Convention. ynote address to the entire sc FFA week. The hool as part of entire school got a “Kick in The three maj the Attitude.” ors in attendan ce also enjoye some time in d spending the classroom with the Shilo h FFA membe rs!

Mattoon FFA Visit – On February 24 Amie, Ellen and Kiersten visited Mattoon High School and spent some time in the classroom as they prepared for a Chapter petting zoo of their own.

ut FFA rougho ent h T – s sp w fficers ntervie Radio I Major State O io interviews e d week th icipating in ra s a rt wa time pa e state. This d out th he wor ut around l way to get t ding O fu nd Lea a wonder k io e e FA w did rad g in about F e majors also in d il u b h au Loud! T he Farm Bure week.

A tt spots a ton before FF g in Bloom

New Berlin FFA Petting Zoo – On February 24 Amie, Kiersten, Ellen and Adam headed out to New Berlin for their FFA petting zoo. Over 300 grade school students visited the petting zoo during FFA week!

ILLINOIS FFA • C

Made for Amie, Kiersten and Adam headed south to Collinsville, Illinois for the South Made for Excellence Conference, while Caroline and Ellen ventured north for the Northern Made for Excellence Conference. Made for Excellence is a conference held every year for freshman and sophomore FFA members. MFE is that first real conference where students are able to break their shell, step outside of their comfort zone, learn the basics of leadership, and meet a ton of new friends from all over the state. Over 600 FFA members total attended!

Thank you to all the members who attended!

D • ILLINOIS FFA

Excellence

Meet Caroline Bremer State Vice President Sports are a big deal in my family. I live in a basketball town and played basketball from age five until high school. And, when my life wasn’t filled with basketball games and my father who loved to watch me play, my mother, who is a Ladies Golf Teaching Professional, did her best to see that at least part of upbringing meant raising me on the driving range. Needless to say, I was raised on the driving range. As I grew older, I was able to improve my basketball skills and our team, the Unity Elementary Lady Lions, went all the way to the state tournament. We were really good for Junior High and knew that we had a good chance at winning every single game we played. We viewed each game as a challenge that we were going to take head on! While my basketball skills did improve over time, my golfing abilities did not. I was flat out AWFUL. If you have ever played golf, then you know there are good days and bad ones. Every once in a while I would have a good day, but most of the time this was definitely not the case. On the Lady Eagles Varsity Team in high school, my best friend Allie and I were in the same sinking ship when it came to our golf game. We viewed each match as a struggle and sometimes, a torture session.

As I reflect on both of these areas of competition, I remember my state of mind at the time. During basketball season, I was excited, happy and pumped for the obstacles I faced. During golf season, I was stressed, watching the calendar and dreading every match. So what’s the moral of the story? I stink at golf, so I should avoid it? No. The moral is that we cannot let the severity of the challenges we face determine our joy. I cannot count how many times I have let other people’s words and attitudes eat me up inside or how many times I have faced real hardships and let it impact my attitude towards life. I’m not saying we have to be perky people all the time, and I’m not saying we have to pretend to be happy or forget all about our problems. We must face them, and by knowing who we are and taking joy in our opportunity to be alive, we can live up to the challenge with a positive attitude.

So what’s the difference in “happiness” and JOY? Happiness is a state. It’s a feeling – something that comes easily and goes easily. Sure, the feeling of happiness is great, but to have joy is so much greater. When I think of joy, I think of extreme contentment, love and satisfaction. We only find joy when we live as who we are meant to be. I am done letting other people take away my joy! We can’t let others have that power over our lives.

Talking about joy reminds me of a movie I saw for the first time recently, “The Bucket List.” Both men in this film are dying of cancer, and at one point one man asked the other two questions. One question was, “Have you experienced joy in your life?” Definitely something important to know. What is a life without joy? The second question was even more powerful. It was, “Have you brought joy to the lives of others?” It is so important that when facing struggle or defeat that we continue to hold our head high and keep our joy despite our circumstances, but it is even more important that we live a life not only for ourselves but for others. That is how true joy is found.

The last time that I was able to attend my home church, a little girl reminded me of what true joy looks like.

She kept peeping back at me, smiling and waving, throughout the service the entire service. It was so sweet and made me feel so good. During the service, I went back to help with the children. When I saw her, I held out my arms, and she ran to me and climbed in my lap. I asked her what her name was, and she did not reply – just smiled. Her sister then leaned over and said, “She’s deaf.” At first, I was thrown back and started to take pity on her, but then, I realized that this little girl had joy that was beyond her disabilities and beyond her circumstances. She not only had joy, but at five years old was determined to bring joy to others. We can be like her. Today, let’s move forward with joyful hearts that cannot be brought down by the trials before us and let our joy overflow to others.

ILLINOIS FFA • E

82nd Illinois State FFA Convention Highlights Keynote Address from Jeff Yalden, MTV Made Coach!

Workshops – Do your team-building and leadership skills need a boost? If so, visit the lower level of the convention center and attend a few fun workshops!

Dance – After an exciting first day at convention, put on your dancing shoes and come to the State Convention Dance!

Over 1,000 FFA members will be getting their groove on at the State Fairgrounds on Tuesday evening. Members, remind your advisors to purchase dance tickets in advance!

Touring Springfield – In between sessions, make sure to see the capital city! Why not visit the Abraham Lincoln Library and

F • ILLINOIS FFA

Museum, splash around at Knight’s Action Park or try out the Springfield special, a horse shoe!

Career Show – Don’t forget to find your way to the Career Show in the lower level of the convention center. You will have the chance to explore career opportunities and buy some new FFA merchandise!

Pre-Sessions – Why not come early? After all, the early bird gets the worm! If you come a half hour early to each session you can win prizes, laugh with other FFA members, participate in games and even get a better seat for the upcoming session! It’s a great way to build excitement for convention!

Make plans to come!

82nd Illinois Association FFA Convention – Tentative Agenda Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Thursday, June 10, 2010

8:00 a.m. – Registration Opens

8:00 a.m. – Pre-Session

8:00 a.m. – Pre-Session

9:00 a.m. – Agriscience Fair Registration Opens

8:30 a.m. – General Session #3

8:30 a.m. – General Session #5

10:00 a.m. – Agriculture Science Fair Essay Presentations

Chair – Ellen Reeder, State FFA Reporter

Chair – Adam Herwig, State FFA Treasurer

• Agri-Entrepreneurship Award

• Scrapbook Awards

10:00 a.m. – FFA Band and Chorus first practice

• Section President’s Advisor and Parent Recognition

• Chapter Reporter’s Award

11:00 a.m. – Usher Corps Orientation

• Retiring Address, Kiersten Kasey, State FFA Secretary

• Section Reporter’s Award

12:00 p.m. – Press Corps Orientation – Behind North Risers

• National Chapter Award Chapter Development

• State Career Development Winners

• Retiring Advisor Recognition

• Prepared Public Speaking Winner’s Presentation

• Major State Officer Advisor Recognition

• Major State Officer Parent Recognition

• J.E. Hill Scholarship

• National Chapter Award by Section and Section Bankers Plaque

12:00-5:00p.m. – Career Show Open 1:00 p.m. – General Session #1 Chair – Amie Burke, State FFA President **Delegate Seating by Sections** • Proficiency Awards Part 1

• New and Re-Chartered FFA Chapters • Agri-Science Student Award • Ag Science Fair Award

• Recognition of National Chapter Award Finalist and State Bankers Plaque

• Keynote Speaker – Jeff Yalden

• Retiring Address, Caroline Bremer, State FFA Vice-President

• Century Challenge

11:30 a.m. – State FFA Degree Luncheon

• Closing Ceremonies

12:30 p.m. – Illinois FFA Talent Review

11:30 a.m. – Leadership Luncheon

1:00 p.m. – General Session #6

12:30 p.m. – Pre-Session

Chair – Caroline Bremer, State Vice-President

1:00 p.m. – General Session #4

• Stars Over Illinois Ceremony

• Proficiency Awards Part 4

Chair – Kiersten Kasey, State FFA Secretary

• Star in Agri-Science

• Introduction of Candidates for 2010-2011 State Officer Team

• GROWMARK Essay Contest Award

• Star in Agricultural Placement

• Chapter President’s Award

• Star in Agricultural Business

Delegate Business Session #1 Immediately following Session #1

• Section President’s Award

• Star Farmer

• Heritage Award

• Retiring Address, Amie Burke, State FFA President

• Cooperative Award

• Honorary State Degree Ceremony

• Retiring Address – Ellen Reeder, State FFA Reporter

• FFA Alumni Raffle

• 40 Years of Women in FFA

• State FFA Degree Ceremony

• Past State Officer Recognition

• Installation of 2010-2011 Section Presidents

• Sam Taylor Memorial Scholarship

• Installation of 2010-2011 Major State Officers

• Illinois FFA Alumni Executive Council Recognition • FFA Talent • Proficiency Awards Part 2 • Presentation of FFA Creed • Proficiency Awards Part 3 • National Officer Keynote – Chase Rose, National FFA Vice President

5:00 p.m. – Illinois FFA Foundation Dinner 6:00 p.m. – Pre-Session 6:30 p.m. – General Session #2 Chair – Caroline Bremer, State Vice-President • American Degree Candidate Recognition • American Star Candidates • Proficiency Awards Part 5 • Foundation Sponsor Recognition • Proficiency Awards Part 6 • National Chapter Award-Student Development • Retiring Address, Adam Herwig, State FFA Treasurer FFA Dance Begins 20 minutes after conclusion of General Session #2 at State FFA Fairgrounds in the ORR Building

• Sweepstakes Award • State Staff Recognition • National Chapter Award Community Development • Section FFA Membership Incentive • Chapter Exhibits Recognition • Impromptu Question for State Officer Candidates • Closing Ceremonies Delegate Session #2 (if necessary) 3:30 p.m. – Past State Officer Reception 5:30 p.m. – Delegate Election Session • Speeches by State Officer Candidates • Election of 2010-2011 State FFA Officers • Delegate Reception 20 minutes after conclusion of elections

ILLINOIS FFA • G

Officers’ Tracks Made For Excellence Conference – January 29-30, 2010 Over 600 freshman and sophomore FFA members attended this year’s MFE Conferences. Amie, Kiersten and Adam attended MFE in Collinsville; while Caroline and Ellen traveled north to Schaumburg for the weekend. The members were able to meet other FFA members from around the state, learn leadership activities and have a blast!

Illinois Pork Expo – February 2-3, 2010 & Illinois Grain and Feed Expo – February 14-15 Ellen and Adam traveled to Peoria to man the Illinois Foundation FFA booth at the Illinois Pork Expo. At the expo, Ellen and Adam talked with numerous

the auction. The money raised from the auction will be put towards scholarships for FFA members.

Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders Conference – January 6-7, 2010 Immediately following the Alumni Annual Meeting and PAS Conference the Major State Officers headed towards the Crowne Plaza for the annual Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Leader Conference.

Amie, Caroline, Ellen, Kiersten and Adam were able to take part in the Saturday evening dinner and auction.

They also attended the Sunday morning breakfast session and listened to Troy and Stacy Hadrick from Advocates for Agriculture as they presented their powerful keynote message!

Job Interview and Ag Issues CDE – January 13, 2010 Amie and Ellen attended the Job Interview and Ag Issues CDE on January 13 at Western Illinois University. They helped with the CDE and had fun meeting members and talking about upcoming events such as FFA Week!

sponsors of the Foundation, met producers and talked with some good friends. Caroline and Kiersten attended the Illinois Grain and Feed Expo to represent the Illinois FFA and talk with sponsors. This expo is held mainly for people involved in grain systems and feed operations.

Illinois FFA Alumni Annual Meeting and PAS Conference – February 5-6, 2010 The Major State Officers attended the Alumni Annual Meeting and PAS Conference in Springfield on February 5 and 6. The officers delivered a welcome, helped with PAS contests and assisted in

H • ILLINOIS FFA

National FFA Week – February 20-27, 2010 National FFA Week was busy for the Major State Officer Team as they traveled around the state to chapter events and participated in radio interviews. Check out Page C for a full FFA week review. We hope that everyone had a wonderful FFA week!

FFA National Officer

Q&A

Chelsea

Doss

National FFA Southern Region Vice President Hailing from a small town in Tennessee (Eagleville, pop. 523), you might expect that Chelsea Doss grew up on a farm. But you’d be wrong. Instead, Chelsea was first introduced to agriculture in high school, when she joined FFA. Both of her sisters – Kinsey, a year older, and Katlyn, a year younger – were involved in FFA, so it was a natural choice for Chelsea to join, too. For her supervised agricultural experience program (SAE), Chelsea worked with her sisters and parents to raise and sell Irish Setter dogs.

FYI

Q

Many FFA members are interested in small animal care and production. How do you think raising dogs helped you learn about the industry of agriculture?

A

Q

While raising dogs, my family and I learned so much. We purchased champion bloodline Irish Setters, constructed proper facilities for them, created a business strategy, designated responsibilities among ourselves, marketed the puppies throughout the United States, and maintained a healthy and pleasant lifestyle for all of the dogs. If that’s not great experience in entrepreneurship and managing animals, I don’t know what is!

It’s summer! What tips do you have for members to stay motivated and excited about FFA when school is out?

Q

A

You are traveling a lot this year. How do you stay healthy when fast food is so easy to grab and go?

A

I’m not the healthiest person in the world, but I do simple things like eating a healthy, balanced diet, skipping desserts most of the time, running on the treadmill when I can, and playing sports. ffa.org/ffanation

A

Summer is my favorite time to be an FFA member because of FFA camp, extra time to tend to my SAE and summer cookouts with fellow members. Now is the time to relax with fellow members and friends and celebrate your success.

Q

What’s your favorite line of the FFA Creed and why?

“I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life.” This speaks to the true strength of American agriculture and is especially close to my heart after visiting Japan and seeing firsthand just how crucial American farmers are to not only our nation, but the world.

Chelsea’s Favorites

This Tennessee native might be found canoeing on a hot day this summer or shooting some hoops with friends. Learn more about Chelsea: Ice cream: Neapolitan Singer/group: Lady Antebellum Sport to watch: Football Color: Blue Season: Summer Board game: Checkers FFA historical event: First female national officer, Julie Smiley

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Cover Story

Fine Art on the

Family Farm Amanda Bulger uses her agriculture heritage in her art career

Story by Jessica Mozo

W

isconsin FFA alumna Amanda Bulger proves you can take the girl out of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the girl.

The 21-year-old from Pulaski, Wis., is an accomplished artist who graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drawing in May, but her roots run deep on her family’s dairy farm.

“I always knew I didn’t want to farm when I grew up,” Amanda recalls. “But as I got older, I realized farming and agriculture have shaped who I have become – and who I always will be.”

Amanda grew up milking cows, pushing around feed, and cleaning the milk house on the 500-acre dairy farm her parents own.

“I was always working on the farm. They would find jobs for us to do

even when we were little,” she says, referring to herself and her eight siblings. “We always felt important.”

In elementary school, Amanda began drawing pictures of typical farm scenes – cows and chickens, plants and flowers. But it wasn’t until middle school that she realized she was better at art than her classmates.

“I began entering my drawings in the fair through 4-H, and people started noticing my work,” she says.

“I also used my talents to help promote 4-H and FFA by working on banners and parade floats, and I helped make decorations for the dairy and beef barn stalls for 4-H and FFA.” In high school, Amanda converted an unused barn on her parents’ property into an art studio.

“Cleaning the barn was the hardest part, but I just made a space for myself,” she says. “I fixed windows to keep the birds and rain out. I put

in some insulation and hung an old barn fan to keep it cool.”

Amanda doesn’t draw nearly as many cows or chickens these days, but her agriculture background is still evident in her art.

“I can still see a lot of that influence in my work,” she says.

“In my old drawing books, you see cow after cow, and a few pigs and chickens here and there.”

One of her more recent projects is a 5-foot by 3-foot collage that focuses on “the changing and disappearing farmer.”

“I took several photos and news clippings of my grandpa’s life that showed the farms he lived on as he grew, and it looks like one large barn with an image of him fighting a bull in the sky overlooking it all,” Amanda explains. “He fought the bulls in Spain, and that was a proud moment in his life.”

FFA alumna Amanda Bulger balances her budding art career with daily chores on her family’s dairy farm in Pulaski, Wis. To keep a good balance, she says she keeps designated art studio hours, so that she can work to continue improving her artistic skill.

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ffa.org/ffanation

staff photos

Cover Story

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ffa.org/ffanation

In 2008, Amanda sketched portraits of 23 residents at a nursing home in Bloomer, Wis., and staff members made them into memory books for the residents and their families at Christmas. The memory books also included family stories and decades of photos.

The nursing home project helped Amanda fulfill a graduation require­ ment of 30 hours of community service. But it also served another purpose.

“The residents felt so important because most of the time when someone draws a portrait, it’s for a president or elected official,” Amanda says. “They felt really blessed.”

Eventually, Amanda hopes to move to Chicago or New York to show and sell her work in art galleries.

But in the meantime, she’s holding down jobs both on and off her family’s farm and keeping designated studio hours to work on her drawings.

She plans to go back to school for her Master of Fine Arts degree in a couple of years, and she has added sculpting to her repertoire.

Amanda says her FFA experience “absolutely” helped her get where she is today.

“FFA taught me about leadership and gave me great confidence in public speaking. I used to be incredibly shy, but FFA competitions and leadership positions helped me grow as a person,” she says. “My advice to FFA members is to take advantage of every opportunity. The things you don’t even think are teaching you anything end up teaching you the most.”

Amanda says she finds her artistic inspiration everywhere – in nature, in daily life, in her family and on the farm. staff photo

ffa.org/ffanation

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FFA healthy lifestyles

summer health

Summer

A Slim-and-Trim

Don’t let summertime sabotage your diet

I

t’s summer – who doesn’t love ice cream, fair food, backyard barbecues, campfire s’mores and all the things we know are bad for our health? Even though summer is full of outdoor activities, our eating habits often change, which can lead to weight gain and health problems.

We’re not suggesting you deprive yourself of summertime treats, but it is important to keep your eating habits in check.

Erin Palinski, registered dietitian and founder of the Vernon Nutrition Center in New Jersey, offers tips for beating summertime weight gain.

1.

Watch what you drink.

Opt for water instead of calorie-filled drinks such as soda, iced coffees, juice and sports drinks.

“Fluid calories don’t keep us full the way food calories do,” Palinski says. “You may feel just as hungry as before you drank these beverages, causing you to eat just as much at your next meal or snack and leading to excessive calorie intake.”

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2.

Create a routine.

Without a school schedule to stick to, summer days are too often spent sleeping late, watching too much television, surfing the web and snacking more than usual. Instead, pour your energy into volunteering, working a summer job or learning a new skill.

3.

Get moving.

It may be hot outside, but don’t let the heat ruin your fitness goals. Take walks with friends in the evenings when it’s cooler outside, or go swimming during the daytime.

Or move your workout indoors at a gym, bowling alley, racquetball court or indoor climbing wall.

4.

EAT FRESH FOODS. OK, we heard you groan. But summer really is the prime time to eat well, when a huge array of tasty fruits and vegetables are in season.

Work hard on increasing your intake of these foods, and use them in replacement of higher-calorie options.

“For example, if you love chips and salsa, try dipping celery into salsa instead,” Palinski says. “It’s a tasty, crunchy snack with only one-fourth the calories.”

– Jessica Mozo ffa.org/ffanation

Ag construction

FFA cool careers

Zone

Entering a Hard Hat

Build a career in agricultural construction

I

nterested in building, creating and constructing things for a living? If so, you may find your niche in an agricultural construction career. Here are a few careers to consider, then check out ffa.org/ffanation for more.

AG CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERS Designing and overseeing the construction of structures such as mills, fertilizer plants, barns and other agricultural structures, agricultural construction engineers survey possible building sites.

Ag construction engineers should be familiar with a variety of tools and equipment, and should be able to schedule and plan projects.

They should also obtain master’s degrees, typically.

SURVEYORS Surveyors map, measure and establish boundaries. Their work may involve describing land, determining airspace for airports, and measuring construction and mineral sites. They may also focus on providing data about land and its features, including the shape, contour, location and elevation.

Those seeking employment in this field should acquire a four-year degree and be prepared for strenuous work. Surveyors typically spend a great deal of time outside, but also work in offices. ffa.org/ffanation

HEAV Y EQUIPMENT OPERATORS Heavy equipment operators are responsible for using machinery to move a variety of materials, including coal, grain, petroleum products and other items. Each machine requires different skills, with each operator acquiring certification for specific machines.

Heavy equipment operators should be cautious and careful by nature, as many of the machines they work with can be dangerous.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Landscape architects work with a variety of organizations, assisting building architects, engineers and scientists and helping to determine the best arrangements for roads and buildings. They also focus on ways to conserve or restore natural resources.

A bachelor’s or master’s degree may be necessary to obtain a career in this field.

– Jessica Walker

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news from National FFA

Serve

Live to

2011 FFA degree applicants need more

community SERVICE hours

T

he last line in the FFA motto is, “Living to Serve,” so it should come as no surprise that community service is an important part of the FFA mission.

In fact, helping our neighbors and communities has become so important for FFA members that it will now be an even more vital part of the FFA degree program. Effective for the 2011 Chapter, State and American FFA Degrees, applicants will be required to complete more community service hours than in the past.

“The 2005 National FFA Convention delegates approved an upgrade in community service hours for the 2011 convention,” explains Rosalie

Hunsinger, program manager for the National FFA Organization. “It’s the first American FFA Degree requirement change since the 1980s.”

If you are planning to apply for your Chapter, State or American FFA Degree in 2011 or later, you’ll want to know these new requirements: To receive the Chapter FFA Degree, you will need to have participated in at least 10 hours of community service activities. These hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid supervised agricultural experience (SAE) hours.

For the State FFA Degree, you will need to have participated in at least

25 hours within at least two different community service activities. This is 15 hours more than the Chapter Degree; these hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours.

The American FFA Degree now requires that recipients • Have a record of outstanding leadership activities • Have participated in at least 50 hours in at least three different community service activities. This is 25 hours more than State Degree; these hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours • Have achieved a high school scholastic record of “C” or better, as certified by the principal or superintendent.

These hours may be cumulative, which means you can continue adding to your initial hours. So if you start a community garden for your Chapter FFA Degree and receive 10 hours, you can use those 10 hours plus 15 more for the State FFA Degree.

Keep in mind though, that these hours may NOT be duplicated for Directed Lab (unpaid hours).

Start preparing now! Summer is a great time to work in your community and help your neighbors.

For more information about the new degree requirements, contact Rosalie Hunsinger at the National FFA Organization, rhunsinger@ffa.org.

Online ffa.org/ffanation

What community service activities do you enjoy? Share your thoughts on the Discussion board.

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ffa.org/ffanation

FFA your money

selling items online

Turning

Clutter into Cash A clean room – and extra money – is just a few clicks away

I

t’s summertime! Finally, a season for you to enjoy life outside of your school building, with no homework, no books and no tests or research papers. But wait – is “no cash” on that list, too? If so, don’t panic; you may have everything you need to make a quick buck – right in your very own closet.

By using websites such as Craigslist and eBay, selling your used goods can be easy and profitable. Dan Danford, principal/ CEO of the Family Investment Center in St. Joseph, Mo., has a few tips on how to turn your clutter into cash.

WHAT TO SELL First, determine what you have that will sell well.

Danford suggests looking for

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electronic items, like games and cell phones, as well as sporting equipment.

But if you’re considering selling your used clothing and shoes, think again.

“If your expectation is to make lots of money selling clothes, you’re wrong,” says Danford. “The truth is, a used pair of shoes is worth $2 – no matter what brand they are.”

ASKING PRICE After you’ve figured out what you want to sell, you need to decide how much money you’re willing to take for the goods.

“It’s not hard to establish price on used stuff,” says Danford. He suggests logging onto eBay and checking how much items similar to yours have been selling for recently.

Taking the time to do this may serve you well; you might even be surprised at how much your item is worth.

BE CONSIDERATE There’s a certain etiquette that should be followed when it comes to online selling. Danford strongly suggests posting photographs of your items; doing so allows potential buyers to see the quality of the goods for themselves and helps to establish trust. He also encourages sellers to be honest.

“Don’t try to trick somebody into buying something,” says Danford.

“The more information you can provide, the better.”

STAY SAFE While online buying and selling can be fun, it can also be dangerous.

“On eBay, your primary risk is financial,” says Danford. This is because goods are typically sent in the mail, not personally picked up or delivered. “Check the pictures of the items and the reputation of the seller,” he says. When using Craigslist, take extra precautions. “Craigslist is more complicated,” says Danford.

“Meet during the day in a public place and take someone with you.”

– Jessica Walker

ffa.org/ffanation

FFA Back Talk

Hiamah Korpo

Liberian immigrant and

Massachusetts member tells her FFA story

Korpo Hiamah, Massachusetts FFA member

Korpo Hiamah, a Liberian immigrant and student at Worcester Technical High School in Massachusetts, wrote the following for her college application essay.

Her topic was to discuss an accomplishment that serves as her greatest source of pride.

T

ransitioning from Liberia to the United States is my greatest source of pride. At the age of 13, coming to a new country was hard. When I came to America I was reunited with my father and other family members. They came here a few years earlier, and then they sent for my younger brother and me. My father wanted to give us the opportunity to become free, since there was a war going on in Liberia when we left, and it wasn’t a safe place for us to be.

The hardest part in this move was that I ffa.org/ffanation

FFA members Reflect

had to leave my mother, sister, brothers and some of my other relatives. Flying on a plane for the first time was scary. When I got to New York City in January 2004, the weather was so different from Liberia. It was painfully cold, compared to Liberia where it is mostly hot. I arrived without a coat and felt the cold rushing through me, but I knew coming to America was the opportunity for a new life and a greater education.

The education system here is different from the one in Liberia. In Africa, people have to pay for children’s education. And, if parents do not have the money, then their children cannot attend school. Imagine dreaming that you want to go to school, but you do not have the tuition. This situation disrupts the education for many children.

Being introduced to a new curriculum was also a hard thing for me because I was not used to this way of learning. I learned how to speak better English by listening to how others spoke. I also watched children’s television shows and listened to how they pronounced words. Now I know how to speak English just as well as my native language.

In the past five years I have accomplished more in my life than I ever imagined could be possible. At Worcester Technical High School, I am in the National Honor Society and involved with horticulture shop and FFA. In FFA, I have been involved in a talent show, science fair and public speaking. I was even elected the chapter FFA secretary. Presently, I am parliamentarian and historian.

All of these successes in my private and educational life have assisted me in my transition from Liberia to America. This transition is my greatest source of pride.

Online ffa.org/ffanation

Create a FFA Nation profile and post your own FFA story. Yours might be featured in an upcoming issue of FFA New Horizons.

FFA

New Horizons

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