2015-2016 Kansas FFA Foundation Annual Report by Kansas FFA Foundation

2015-2016 Annual Report

CONTENTS 2015-2016 Board of Trustees................ 3 Message from Foundation Leadership.....3 2016-2020 Strategic Plan Overview... 4 New Giving Levels.................................. 4 Financial Report..................................... 5 2016 Stars Over Kansas......................... 6 2016 Proficiency Award Winners....... 8 88th Kansas FFA Convention............. 9 Agricultural Education Support....... 10 National Success.................................... 11 Kansas FFA Foundation Sponsors....12 Blue Jacket, Golden Memories.......... 16

$414,738

Your SUPPORT this year helped raise to

SUCCESS, EXPERIENCES and SERVICE

Kansas

for more than FFA members.

The Emporia FFA Chapter was among the four new FFA chapters receiving their charters at the State FFA Convention in June.

NEW FFA CHAPTERS

8,500

9,000

MORE THAN

hours of community service.

And much moreâ&#x20AC;Ś

View a video highlighting the impact your support has had on Kansas FFA members this past year at https://youtu.be/ZABS-89tjo4.

A special thank you to Clint Blaes for his design work on this publication.

Members of the Hiawatha FFA Chapter helped spruce up a local community center with a fresh coat of paint as part of their National FFA Week Community Service Day.

Kansas FFA Foundation

2015-2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MESSAGE FROM FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP

Dear Friends of the Kansas FFA Foundation: Amplify was the theme of the 2016 Kansas FFA Convention, a theme that reflected the great momentum we are seeing in the agriculture industry and in agricultural education today. The National FFA Organization recently announced its membership is at a new record high of 629,367. Kansas followed the trend as our state organization grew to more than 9,000 members in 186 chapters. Kansas was also well represented at the 2015 National FFA Convention where our students excelled in their respective National Chapter, Career Development Event (CDE) and Proficiency areas. As a state we are experiencing high student involvement and the benefits of educators who selflessly devote their talents and energy to their students.

FROM LEFT: Dr. Steven Harbstreit, K-State Agricultural Education; Kelly Hoelting, Mission Valley High School; Kevin Harris – Secretary, Harris Crop Insurance; Jill Casten, Kansas Farm Bureau; Greg Krissek – Chair-Elect, Kansas Corn Commission; Halley Nett, Cargill Meat Solutions; Matt Baxter, Kansas FFA Alumni; Karl Dawn Stover, Ellsworth High School; Mike Smith, Ag 1 Source; Melanie Mainquist – Treasurer, Land O'Lakes; Tom Hemmer – Chair, Solomon Corporation; Troy Soukup, Citizens State Bank and Trust.

NOT PICTURED: Jeff Bechard, Rich Connell Agri-Search; Scott Bokelman, Frontier Farm Credit; Kurt Dillon, Kansas FFA Advisor; John Gilliam, Klenda, Mitchell, Austerman Zuercher, LLC; Sam Hands, Triangle H; Mary Kane, Kansas FFA Executive Secretary; Jackie McClaskey, Kansas Dept of Agriculture; Terry Nelson, Nelson Farms, Inc; Randy Reinhardt, Zephyr Products, Inc; Jessie Smith, Kansas FFA Alumni Association; Karl Wilhelm, 2015-2016 Kansas FFA President.

NEWLY ELECTED FOR 2016-2017: Randy Galle, Steel and Pipe Supply Company; Elizabeth Meyer, 2016-2017 Kansas FFA President; Luke Oplinger, Spring Creek Farms; Larry Steckline, LS Media; Yancy Wright, John Deere.

There is a lot to be excited about in the Kansas FFA and the Kansas FFA Foundation; we are proud to share with you some of the successes of the past 12 months. In November 2015 the Board of Trustees met at the Kansas Department of Agriculture to begin laying the foundation for a robust strategic plan that would frame our work through 2020. Out of this process, five new funding priority areas arose in response to increased need and successful fulfillment of the past areas of priority. Months of visioning and dedicated effort have led to a strategic plan that we are proud of and believe will be our roadmap to a future where we can more fully support our students and educators. With opportunities for growth and an aggressive strategic plan came the need to create a new giving tier system, as shown on the following page. This system will also allow us to offer more exposure to our corporate partners and more fully recognize our individual donors for their generosity. In January we welcomed two new partners to our 5-Star circle of friends: Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, LLC, and the Kansas Corn Commission. We are honored that they recognize the impact of supporting our FFA members and future leaders. Many of you celebrated National FFA Week with us by revisiting your own memories of the blue jacket and by giving to the Foundation. One-hundered percent of that support went into student programming such as the Leader Lab held in March. We recognize that our students see success because of the dedication of the agricultural educators in our state. We proudly supported our teachers with scholarships as they student taught and attended professional development events. With your help we were also able to fund the Teacher Success Program, a mentorship program for teachers in their first through third year of teaching. The achievements of our students and educators were celebrated at the 88th Kansas FFA Convention in Manhattan. Your support funded a premier Convention that included awards and recognition of our members, leadership workshops, opportunities for donors to meet the students they support and a Career Fair attended by 1,400 high school students. We are so grateful for your support. And we are honored to serve as a way for you to leave your legacy. In the following pages of this report you will see how your support has impacted students, assisted educators and helped us do the important work of developing our country’s future leaders and agricultural innovators. Thank you for your belief in agricultural education and the Kansas FFA and for the vital role you have played in building our Foundation and the opportunities available to our FFA members. You are making an impact! Sincerely,

Tom Hemmer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR

Jodi A. Mason

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2015-2016 Annual Report

Tom Hemmer Jodi A. Mason BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2016-2020 STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW Youth Leadership Development

Scholarship & Career Development

Individual Giving Development

State Convention Development

Agricultural Education Development

Strategic Objectives

1. Expand the current program offerings for Kansas FFA members.

1. Increase Career Development Event funding to $3,000 per state CDE.

1. Develop an annual Donor Experience during the Kansas FFA Convention.

1. Increase scholarship opportunities for educator professional development.

2. Forecast costs for programming through 2020 to better develop accurate yearly budgets.

2. Increase Proficiency Award funding to $600 per state award area.

1. Define and develop a brand image that better communicates our presence as a viable foundation.

2. Expand available funding for State Convention speakers.

2. Explore options to financially assist Teaching Interns during their internship semester.

3. Increase scholarships to offset the expense of Washington Leadership Conference. 4. Align donors to FFA programs where they find passion and excitement.

3. Double the number of Supervised Agricultural Experience program grants awarded each year through 2020. 4. Enhance the opportunities for students to enter trade careers through focused scholarships.

2. Enhance outreach to current and potential individual donors. 3. Offer a strong portfolio of giving options for individuals and families. 4. Gather, manage, analyze and report funding data to donors.

3. Increase the overall funding available to the Kansas FFA Association. 4. Explore ways to enhance the Convention experience for all attendees through Foundation partnerships.

3. Build a partnership with corporate donors and schools-in-need, utilizing a grant process. 4. Provide support and collaboration for the Teacher Success Program.

NEW GIVING LEVELS, BEGINNING 2016-2017

As part of the Strategic Plan, the Board of Trustees has revised the Foundation's giving recognition levels, as outlined below. For additional details on opportunities available at each giving level, please conatct the Foundation office.

Corporate Partners

Individual Donors

Premier:

$50,000 and above

Premier:

$5,000 and above

5 Star:

$20,000 to $49,999

5 Star:

$3,000 to $4,999

4 Star:

$10,000 to $19,999

4 Star:

$1,500 to $2,999

3 Star:

$5,000 to $9,999

3 Star:

$750 to $1,499

2 Star:

$2,000 to $4,999

2 Star:

$250 to $749

1 Star:

$1 to $1,999

1 Star:

$1 to $249

The Board of Trustees began developing the new Strategic Plan during a retreat held in November of 2015.

Kansas FFA Foundation

FINANCIAL REPORT

Total Annual Gifts Fiscal Years 2009 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2015

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As of June 30, 2016 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Checking 51,356.62 Additional Sponsorships 73,000.00 Designated Investments Amos Kahr Trust Joyce Casten Scholarship Fund James Ryan Scholarship Fund Hofbauer Scholarship Trust

43,812.15 5,290.81 15,895.21 24,822.54

Undesignated Investments Operating Account Reserve Trust Account Long-Term Trust Account

316,102.94 149,486.21 141,352.35

Total Current Assets

$821,118.83

FIXED ASSETS Accumulated Depreciation - Auto -11,838.40 Vehicles - Other 30,382.90 Accumulated Depreciation - Furniture & Fixtures -3,779.93 Furniture and Fixtures 7,057.32 Total Fixed Assets

* Total giving decreased in FY14 due to 8-month vacancy in the Foundation Executive Director position.

Developing Leaders Attendance at Kansas FFA leadership development programs sponsored by the Foundation

Gift Designations Fiscal Year 2015

OTHER ASSETS Prepaid Rent 750.00 Total Other Assets

TOTAL ASSETS

Total Participation

$750.00

$843,690.72

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

LIABILITIES Accrued Salary Expense 19,763.25 Payroll Liabilities 492.94 Accrued Ag Education Building Expense 9,839.77 Total Liabilities

4,163

$21,821.89

$30,095.96

EQUITY Unrealized Gain/Loss 10,461.37 Retained Earnings 513,805.04 General Fund 323,157.99 Net Income -33,829.64 Total Equity

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

$813,594.76

$843,690.72

Annual tax preparation and financial review conducted by Sink, Gordon & Associates LLP, Manhattan.

2015-2016 Annual Report

2016 STARS OVER KANSAS

The Star Awards represent the best of the best among Kansas State FFA Degree recipients. Finalists for the award have mastered skills in production, finance, management and/or research. These members have gone above and beyond in their supervised agricultural experience.

The Stars over Kansas program is sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas. 2016 STAR IN AGRIBUSINESS

Austin Nordyke, Hugoton FFA Chapter The Star in Agribusiness Award is sponsored by ICM, Inc. Nordyke’s Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAE) is in Plant Systems Landscape Entrepreneurship, in which he runs his own lawn care service, Austin Nordyke Lawn Care. He has built a customer base of approximately 30 customers, and manages the schedule, billing and equipment maintenance of his business. He plans to attend Kansas State University and major in agricultural engineering. Austin is the son of Paul and Shannon Nordyke. His advisor is Les McNally.

2016 STAR IN AG PLACEMENT

Cole Riggin, Riverton FFA Chapter The Star in Agribusiness Award is sponsored by Kansas Farm Bureau. Riggin’s Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAE) is in grain production, working as a custom grain harvester for the past nine years. He travels the U.S. harvesting wheat and other crops with his family’s business. He has advanced to operating one of the largest combines in the business, and is working to acquire skills to better communicate with their multilingual workers. He plans to attend college and then take over the harvesting business. Cole is the son of Earl and Mary Riggin. His advisor is Jacob Larison.

Kansas FFA Foundation

2016 STAR FARMER

Samantha Beauchamp, Holton FFA Chapter The Star Farmer award is sponsored by United Bank and Trust. A recent graduate of Holton High School, Beauchamp’s SAE programs are diversified livestock production, swine entrepreneurship and placement in veterinary science. “My swine business is 15 breeding stock, and they were producing about 80 piglets. Most of the piglets go to 4-H members. Any left are sold as feeder pigs,” Beauchamp said. “My diversified livestock includes my cattle herd, which consists of one cow-calf pair and a heifer.” Beauchamp worked with her cattle throughout her four years in FFA, and was responsible for the health of her animals on her family’s farm in Mayetta. After an application process and several interviews, Beauchamp was recognized as the Northeast District star farmer earlier in the year. Beauchamp’s district win automatically qualified her for the state competition. Beauchamp said she enhanced her application and completed another round of interviews in May, this time competing against the five other district winners from Kansas. Beauchamp said she was “surprised but happy” when her name was called as the state winner. “I was a little worried because, compared to some of the other students, my herds were a little small,” she said. “But one of my interviewers had said that he could tell that I was doing all of the work with my animals and wasn’t receiving much help.” Beauchamp is only the third female in Kansas FFA history to receive the honor. The last time a female won the award was in 1995. Beauchamp is also the third Holton High School student to receive the award. In high school, Beauchamp served as her FFA chapter president and was a member of the Holton horse judging team that won the national competition in Louisville, Ky. “FFA has definitely taught me about public speaking and time management,” she said. “I’ve learned about hard work and taking responsibility for things.” Beauchamp currently attends Kansas State University. She hopes to obtain a doctorate in veterinary medicine. She is the daughter of James and Melisa Beauchamp. Her advisors are Jason Larison and Alex Bartel.

2015-2016 Annual Report

2016 PROFICIENCY AWARD WINNERS Proficiency awards honor Kansas FFA members for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. Agricultural Communications Ryan Stewart, Washington County

Diversified Crop Production – Placement Deven Foster, Labette County

Grain Production – Placement Jace Adams, Beloit

Specialty Crop Production Austin Taylor, Doniphan West

Sponsored by Prairie School Farms

Sponsored by Kansas Chapter – National Wild Turkey Federation

Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication Mitch Carpenter, Paola Sponsored by Abilene Machine

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Placement Cassandra Ebert, Rock Creek Sponsored by KanEquip

Agricultural Processing Craig Owens, Riverton Sponsored by Ag Processing, Inc.

Agricultural Sales – Placement Marilyn Crain, Columbus Sponsored by Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission

Agricultural Services Dawson Carlgren, Pike Valley Sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas

Agriscience Research – Plant Systems Christian Tipton, Republic County Sponsored by a Proud Sponsor of the Kansas FFA

Beef Production – Entrepreneurship Hadley Schotte, Marysville Sponsored by Triangle H

Beef Production – Placement Jackson Thayer, Prairie View Sponsored by McPherson County Feeders

Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship Oliver Schmitz, Axtell Sponsored by Kansas Dairy Commission

Dairy Production – Placement Ryan Nelson, Washington County Sponsored by Kansas Dairy Commission

Diversified Agricultural Production Kalyn George, Labette County Sponsored by Triangle H

Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship Tyler Phillips, Mission Valley Sponsored by Kansas Corn Commission

Equine Science – Entrepreneurship Kayla Olson, South Central Sponsored by Zenger Management

Equine Science – Placement Jacob Grinstead, Buhler Sponsored by United Mosquito and Fly Control, LLC

Forage Production James Borgerding, Marysville Sponsored by Kansas Forage and Grassland Council, Inc.

Forest Management and Products Westley Jennings, Salina Central Sponsored by Landoll Corporation

Fruit Production Judd Nelson, Jackson Heights Sponsored by Farmway Coop

Goat Production Caitlin Dreher, Iola Sponsored by Animal Health International

Grain Production – Entrepreneurship Natalie Harris, Chapman Sponsored by Kansas Wheat Commission

Christian Tipton

REPUBLIC COUNTY FFA CHAPTER

Agriscience Research – Plant Sytems Proficiency Award Winner

Kansas FFA Foundation

88TH KANSAS FFA CONVENTION

Students awarded scholarships At the 88th annual Kansas FFA State Convention 141 Kansas FFA members from 72 chapters were awarded $61,000 in scholarships. Scholarships were awarded for students for continuing education in either a two- or four-year college. Other high school students were awarded scholarships to attend the Washington Leadership Conference this summer in Washington D.C. In 2016 a total of $155,450 was awarded to Kansas members in state and national scholarships through the FFA. State scholarship donors include: • • • • • • • •

Ford Trucks “Built Ford Tough” Kansas Crop Improvement Association Orscheln Farm & Home Stihl Nursery/Landscape Joyce Casten Memorial James Ryan Family Boydston Family Washington Leadership Conference

CDE winners advance to National Convention Career Development Events (CDEs) help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly, and perform effectively in a competitive job market. At the state level, there are 23 CDEs, covering job skills in everything from communications to mechanics. Winning teams at the state level will compete at the 89th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October. 2016 Kansas FFA CDE winners were: • Agribusiness Management: Team—Buhler; Top Individual—Trevor Herman, Buhler Sponsored by AgMark, LLC • Agricultural Communications: Team—Cherryvale ; Top Individual—Trenton Smedley, Cherryvale Sponsored by High Plains Journal and KFRM-550 AM Radio • Agricultural Mechanics: Team—Buhler; Top Individual—Mason Volmer, Labette County Sponsored by Kansas Electric Cooperatives • Agricultural Sales: Team—Labette County; Top Individual—Bratten Baker, Washburn Rural Sponsored by Bayer Crop Science • Agronomy: Team—Buhler; Top Individual—Matt Guara, Buhler Sponsored by Kansas Grain and Feed Association and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association

View video highlights from the 88th Kansas FFA Convention at https://youtu.be/-xY8r2ueFw4.

• Creed Speaking: Top Individual—Allison Dale, South Central Sponsored by Kansas FFA Alumni Association • Dairy Cattle: Team—Jackson Heights; Top Individual—Joel Nelson, Jackson Heights Sponsored by Midwest Dairy Association • Dairy Foods: Team—Louisburg; Top Individual—Georgia Wilde, Louisburg Sponsored by Animal Health International • Entomology: Team—Stockton; Top Individual—Allison Dix, Stockton Sponsored by DuPont Pioneer

Chapman repeats as Triple Crown Winner For the fifth straight year, the Chapman FFA Chapter was awarded the prestigious Triple Crown Award. The Triple Crown award is given to the FFA chapter that performs the best in the National Chapter Award program, which recognizes chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization in three separate divisions: Student Development, Chapter Development and Community Development. Chapman FFA received $1,000 and the Garlow Memorial Trophy, which is sponsored by the Bill Garlow Family in memory of past Kansas FFA officer Bob Garlow. Winners in the three divisions were: Student Development – Chapman FFA Chapter Sponsored by Landoll Corporation Chapter Development – Mission Valley FFA Chapter Sponsored by SouthWestern Association-Western Farm Show Community Development – Chapman FFA Chapter Sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas

2015-2016 Annual Report

• Environmental Science: Team—Mission Valley Sponsored by Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission • Extemporaneous Public Speaking: Top Individual— Elizabeth Meyer, Marion-Florence Sponsored by Casey & Tammy Niemann • Floriculture: Team—Louisburg; Top Individual—Madelyn Yalowitz, Louisburg Sponsored by CHS Foundation • Food Science & Technology: Team—Paola; Top Individual—Georgia Wilde, Louisburg Sponsored by Ag Processing, Inc. • Forestry: Team—Holton Sponsored by Kansas FFA Foundation • Horse: Team—Arkansas City; Top Individual—Joel Nelson, Jackson Heights Sponsored by Keystone Steel & Wire Company - Red Brand • Job Interview: Top Individual—Taylor Doner, Valley Heights Sponsored by Mid Kansas Cooperative • Livestock: Team—Uniontown; Top Individual—Trace Mulligan, Scott City Sponsored by Bayer Animal Health • Meats: Team—Satanta; Top Individual—Zack Steed, Cherryvale Sponsored by Cargill Meat Solutions • Nursery / Landscape: Team—Washington County; Top Individual—Rebecca Zach, Washington County Sponsored by Keith & Sherri Westervelt • Poultry: Team—Louisburg; Top Individual—Faith Seuferling, Louisburg Sponsored by Amos Kahr Trust • Prepared Public Speaking: Top Individual— Morgan Houk Sponsored by Via Christi Hospital– Manhattan • Veterinary Science: Team—Labette County; Top Individual—Christopher Wright, Washington County Sponsored by Animal Health International Five teams represented Kansas at the National Land/Homesite and Range Judging Contest: Hays, Central Plains, Jackson Heights, Jayhawk-Linn, and Satanta Sponsored by John Deere Ag & Turf Divison

Did you know? • Kansas has had a shortage of agricultural educators for 5 years, making this the perfect time to join Ag Ed! • Agricultural educators educate about all sectors of the agriculture industry along with developing leadership and career skills in 186 communities across the state. • Kansas has 100% job placement for Agricultural Education Graduates. • There are currently 223 agricultural educators in 186 Kansas high schools.

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION SUPPORT

Preparing and developing agricultural educators key to continued success Last year 13,000 teenagers enrolled in agricultural education in Kansas. Some were drawn by the idea of growing rows upon rows of flowers in a greenhouse. Others by the promise of learning how commodities are traded or basic veterinary science. And some by the simple desire to see sparks fly as they learned to sharpen drill bits and weld a bead. Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of knowledge in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems. Through agricultural education, students are given opportunities for leadership development, personal growth and career success. Instruction in agricultural education is provided through three components: classroom and laboratory instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, and the National FFA Organization. Understanding the importance a strong classroom component and the impact it has on FFA members, the Kansas FFA Foundation is focused on improving the recruitment, retention, and professional development of Kansas's agricultural educators. For the past five years Kansas has experienced a shortage of agricultural educators graduating from state colleges. The natural rise in baby boomers retiring has fueled this shortage, making recruitment key. In response, the Kansas FFA Foundation awarded $8,000 in scholarships to agricultural education students in Kansas, including teaching interns and juniors majoring in Agricultural Education. Additionally, the Foundation supported Kansas Agricultural Education by donating $17,000 for several events. These events included the Teacher Success Program: a program for first through third year teachers, Teach Ag Events that recruit high school students to agricultural education, State FFA Advisor travel stipend, Delta conference, and KAAE awards and programs. Because of the generous support of our partners, the Kansas FFA Foundation was also able to give $11,200 in scholarships for this summer’s Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources course through CASE training. The Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education provide a high level of educational experiences and curricular materials to ensure quality teaching and professional development.

The Kansas FFA Foundation provides $11,200 in scholarships for teachers to attend the two-week CASE Institute. CASE is strong, researched based program that provides a system of curriculum and professional development for agricultural educators promoting rigorous and relevant student learning opportunities. The CASE Institute also leverages partnerships with public and private entities to provide resources to teachers and students to facilitate change while positioning Agricultural Education to be a solution to academic challenges in secondary education.

Thank you to all of our individual and organizational partners who support agricultural education. The future of our country is bright because we are continuing to educate and further develop our agri-scientists, researchers, salespeople and producers. And our FFA members are developing into their fullest potential because of teachers who believe in their abilities and future.

The Kansas FFA Foundation supports Agricultural Education students during their teaching internships, including these Kansas State University students who received scholarships while student teaching during the spring 2016 semester.

Kansas FFA Foundation

NATIONAL SUCCESS

Kansas FFA Members recognized for Supervised Agricultural Experience programs at National Convention The Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs of two Kansas FFA members were recognized at the 2015 National FFA Convention as the best in one of 47 areas. SAEs give students hands-on learning experience in an agricultural career.

GRAIN PRODUCTION – PLACEMENT

DIVERSIFIED HORTICULTURE

Deven Foster, Labette County FFA Chapter

Stone Hayden, Chapman FFA Chapter

Working on the family farm of nearly 7,000 acres, Deven Foster of the Labette County FFA Chapter has experienced every aspect of the grain production farming process.

Stone Hayden of the Chapman FFA Chapter has owned a landscape business since he was 12 years old. While he started mowing lawns for neighbors, he now works as a cemetery groundskeeper and cares for the grass, removes old flowers, and trims around headstones.

The family plants, on average, 3,000 acres of corn and 2,500 acres of wheat. He assists in the tillage of the soil and practices vertical tillage for weed control. Foster has learned how to properly set planters for corn planting season, combines for harvest and GreenStar monitors and operate APEX systems. He plans to attend college and return to the family farm where he can become a contributing partner and focus on precision farming systems. Foster is supported by his parents, Therese and Kenneth, and his FFA advisors, Dustin Wiley, Jeff Faulkenstein and Kyle Zwahlen.

When other people heard about his work at the cemetery, he received additional contracts to provide landscaping services. He has installed landscaping beds, planted trees and shrubs and provided basic pruning services. He plans on entering the landscaping industry professionally as a maintenance technician or installer for a progressive nursery and landscaping company. He is supported by his parents, Ted and Joan, and his FFA advisors, Trenton Horn and Walter Pitts.

What is an SAE? An agricultural education program is made up of three integrated parts: classroom instruction, FFA and a supervised agricultural experience (SAE). The SAE is a required component of a total agricultural education program and intended for every student. Through their involvement in the SAE program, students are able to consider multiple careers and occupations, learn expected workplace behavior, develop specific skills within an industry, and are given opportunities to apply academic and occupational skills in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. Through these strategies, students learn how to apply what they are learning in the classroom as they prepare to transition into the world of college and career opportunities. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2cA3Kqp. The Kansas FFA Foundation supports members beginning or expanding their SAEs through $500 SAE grants. This past year, the Foundation awarded eight grants. The Strategic Plan calls to expand that to 32 grants per year by 2020. “This year, I received a SAE grant sponsored by Harris Crop Insurance. My SAE is swine production where I breed, raise, and show pigs. At the current time I have two sows, four gilts, five young market pigs, and five pigs ready for market. This year I also had two gilts farrow for the first time. I plan on using the grant I received for paying off feed costs and to purchase supplements that will improve the quality of my pigs and allow me to expand my SAE. I am very thankful for the generosity of my grant provider and the Kansas FFA Foundation for supporting this program.” Elizabeth Wright, Blue Valley FFA Chapter

2015-2016 Annual Report

2015-2016 KANSAS FFA FOUNDATION SPONSORS

Five- Star ($10,000 and up)

Cargill Meat Solutions

ICM, Inc.

Animal Health International

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • • •

WICHITA

Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE Novice Parliamentary Procedure CDE State Conference for Chapter Leaders State Officer Leadership Program Blue Jacket Grants Program CASE Scholarship Proficiency Award Program Glimpse of Cargill "I Believe" Fund

COLWICH

Blue and Gold Celebration Leadership Quiz Bowl Event State Star in Agribusiness Educator Curriculum and Lab Kits “I Believe” Fund

GARDEN CITY

Educator Mentoring Program CASE Scholarship Veterinary Science CDE Milk Quality and Products CDE Proficiency Award Program International Leadership Seminar for State Officers • State Conference for Chapter Leaders • SAE Grant Program

Farm Credit Associations of Kansas

• "I Believe" Fund • National Chapter Award-Community Development • Proficiency Award Program • State Convention Leadership Workshop • Stars Over Kansas Video Production • Stars Luncheon • State Convention Ice Cream Social

Kansas Dept. of Agriculture MANHATTAN • • • •

State Convention Keynote Speaker Novice Teacher Program Agricultural Education Support SAE Support

CHS Foundation ST. PAUL, MINN.

• Floriculture CDE Parliamentary Procedure CDE • State Convention Keynote Speaker • Leader Lab • Blast Off • Teach Ag Campaign and Scholarships

Kansas Corn Commission GARNETT

• Diversified Crop Production – Entrep. Proficiency • Speak Ag Program • Kansas FFA District Banquets • “I Believe” Fund

Tyler Phillips, Mission Valley FFA Chapter was the winner of this year's Proficiency Award in Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship, sponsored by the Kansas Corn Commission, represented by Stacy Mayo.

Kansas FFA Foundation

Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture MANHATTAN • • • •

State Star in Ag Placement Educator Mentoring Program New Chapter Start-up Program Farm Bureau Community Grants

K-State College of Agriculture MANHATTAN • • • • • •

State Convention Laser Light Show District Officers’ Conference State Career Development Host State FFA Officer Program State FFA Band Executive Committee Host

Kansas John Deere Dealers and John Deere Agriculture and Turf Division • Gator Giveaway • Land Evaluation CDE • “I Believe” Fund

2015-2016 Annual Report

Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, LLC WICHITA

• Speak Ag program • “I Believe” Fund • Urban Ag Initiative

Midwest Ford Dealers Association

Ryan Stewart, Washington County FFA Chapter, won a new John Deere Gator 625iXUV at the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention in June. Pictured with Ryan, representing Kansas John Deere Dealers and John Deere Agriculture and Turf Division are Yancy Wright from John Deere and Troy Leith from CTI.

OVERLAND PARK • • • •

Built Ford Tough Scholarships WLC Scholarships Proficiency Award Program Kansas FFA Truck Sponsorship

Orscheln Farm & Home MOBERLY, MO.

• Orscheln Scholarship Program • “I Believe” Fund Kansas Farm Bureau presented grants to 11 chapters, including the Holcomb FFA Chapter, at the State FFA Convention to encourage and stimulate projects between the local FFA chapter and the county Farm Bureau associations. Kansas Farm Bureau CEO Terry Holdren presented the grants.

FOUR-STAR

($2,500 – $9,999)

Harris Crop Insurance LLC, Abilene

Mid Kansas Cooperative, Moundridge

Tom & Maggie Hemmer, Salina

Midwest Dairy, St. Paul, Minn.

Heritage Tractor, Baldwin City

Monsanto Company, Saint Louis, Mo.

High Plains Journal, Dodge City

Nutrients for Life, Washington, D.C.

Kansas Ag Bankers Association, Topeka

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Johnston, Iowa

Kansas Association of Ethonal Producers, Topeka

Reinhardt Family Charitable Trust, Leavenworth

Kansas Crop Improvement Assoc, Manhattan

Stihl Distributors, Marble Hill, Mo.

Kansas Electric Cooperatives Inc, Topeka

Tractor Supply Company, Brentwood, Tenn.

Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, Lebo

United Bank and Trust, Marysville

Jeremy & Emily Lehning, Westermoreland

US Army/ROTC

Manhattan Town Center, Manhattan

Keith & Sheri Westervelt, Manhattan

Seitz Gift Fruit LLC, Fredericksburg, Texas

Carly Whorton, Dallas, Texas

The District Officer Conference, sponsored by the K-State College of Agriculture, helps the 42 District Officers develop their leadership skills and prepare for their year of service to the seven Kansas FFA Districts.

The 15th Annual Convention Career Show, sponsored by the Kansas Ag Banker's Association, offered more than 1,400 FFA members and guests attending State Convention the opportunity to meet with prospective employers and colleges, preparing them for Career Success.

THREE-STAR

($1,000 – $2,499)

AgMark LLC, Beloit Bayer Crop Science, Atlanta, Ga. Clint Blaes, Topeka Scott Bokelman, Marysville Bruce & Rita Boydston, Centerville Dr. Bill Garlow, Salina Sam & Janet Hands, Garden City Bill & Lori Harlan, Manhattan K•Coe Isom, Salina Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association, Topeka Kansas Association of Agricultural Educators, Russell Kansas Feed and Grain Association, Topeka Kansas FFA Alumni, Manhattan Kansas Pork Association, Manahttan

Kansas Soybean Commission, Topeka KFRM Radio-550AM, Clay Center Landmark Bank, Manhattan Landoll Corporation, Marysville Melanie Mainquist, Mora, Minn. Rick Malir, Dublin, Ohio Jackie McClaskey, Manhattan McPherson County Feeders Inc, McPherson John & Jennifer Niemann, Garden Plain Tammy & Casey Niemann, Waukee, Iowa Mike Smith, Hesston Solomon Corporation, Solomon Larry & Carla Steckline, Garden Plain SWA Trade Association, Kansas City

Kansas FFA Foundation

TWO-STAR

($500 – $999)

Abilene Machine Inc, Abilene American Implement Inc, Garden City Halley Beekley, Wichita Bluestem Farm & Ranch, Emporia Michael Burns, Jetmore Carrico Implement, Beloit Jill Casten, Manhattan Central National Bank, Junction City Central Valley Ag, York, Neb. CTI John Deere, Concordia Chad Epler, Columbus Kurt & Pam Dillon, St. George Farmway Co-Op Inc., Beloit Larry Gossen, Springfield, Mo. Great Bend Farm Equipment, Great Bend Hiawatha Implement, Hiawatha Hummert International, Earth City, Mo. Jay Bohnenblust Family, Clay Center KanEquip, Wamego Kansas Veterinary Medical Assoc, Topeka Sandy & Andy Klein, Wamego Landmark Implement, Holdrege, Neb. Jodi Mason, Manhattan National Wild Turkey Federation-Kansas Chapter, Manhattan Rick Perkins, Wichita Pittsburg Ford, Pittsburg PrairieLand Partners, Hutchinson RiverStar Farms LLC, Mercedes, Texas Sod Shop Inc, Lawrence Triangle H, Garden City United Mosquito and Fly Control, Mission Harry (Ken) & Diane Wagner, Baldwin City Jerrod & Amy Westfahl, Manhattan Larry & Laura Whipple, Lenexa Pat & Janel Wiederholt, Hartford Dennis Will, Chapman Zenger Farm & Land Management Inc, Manhattan

Kansas FFA Members received the American FFA Degree at the 2015 National FFA Convention

2015-2016 Annual Report

ONE-STAR

($250 – $499)

2015-2016 Kansas FFA Officer Team Jeff Bechard, Dublin, Ohio Harmon & Diana Bliss, Jetmore Kasie Bogart, Arkansas City Rex Boley, Ellsworth Cattle Fax, Englewood, Colo. Brandie & William Disberger, Wamego Cory Epler, Lincoln, Neb. Family Center of Harrisonville In, Harrisonville, Mo. Denise George, Nashville, Tenn. Steven & Elizabeth Harbstreit, Manhattan Lindsey Huesman, Ellsworth Mary Kane, Manhattan Bob & Kay Lee Larry Lyder, Hughoton Marion High School, Marion Dorothy Neely, Chanute Nellie Norwood, Cunningham, Texas Rabo AgriFinance, St Louis, Mo. Jennifer Ryan, Pratt Suzanne Shultz, Olathe The Hageman Foundation, Indianapolis , Ind. The Trust Company, Manhattan Shawn Turner, Ottawa Wakefield Farmers Co-Op, Wakefield Shannon & Andi Washburn, Manhattan Kevin & Brenda Wilhelm, Holton Matt & Donelle Wolters, Atwood Jake Worcester, Manhattan

BLUE

GOLD ($100 – $249) Mike and Jill Arensdorf, Hays Bob & Kathy Atkisson, Stockton Kent Blakeslee, Ellinwood Blue Valley High School, Randolph Chad and Mandy Bontrager, Holton Don & Rosemary Boggs, Manhattan Keith Bryant, Garden City Buhler FFA Chapter, Buhler Steve Buss, Meridan Jeff Carter, Wichita Centre FFA Chapter, Lost Springs CGB Diversified Services, Lexington, Ky. Chaparral FFA Chapter, Anthony Scott Clark, Silvis, Ill. Clay Center Livestock Sales Inc, Clay Center Staci DeGeer, Glen Carbon, Ill. George & Angela Denton, Blue Rapids Dr. Larry & Donna Erpelding, Manhattan Kyle Essley, Iowa Bruce Fouts, Westmoreland Kevin & Brenda Gleason, Uniontown Gottschalk Equipment Sales, Great Bend Greater Horizons, Kansas City, Mo. Merle Hadachek, Cuba Mark & Kim Harms, Lincolnville Joseph & Megan Hobbs, Newton Gaea Hock, Manhattan Kelly Hoelting, Mission Valley J.C. Livestock Sales Inc, Junction City Kansas Dairy Fieldman & Haulers Assoc, Manhattan Kansas Soybean Commission, Topeka

David Key, Manhattan Jackie Klenda, Wichita Robert Kohman, Abilene Sharita Knoblach, Dahlonega, Ga. Kelsey Lee, Stillwater, Okla. Matt Machin, Junction City Lucas Maddy, Manhattan Krista Mauck, Hoxie Minneapolis FFA Chapter, Minneapolis Jennifer & Ashley Mongeau, Holcomb Meghan Mueseler, Wichita Clement Neely, Chanute Connie & Fred Nuefield, Inman Kelsey Olson, Manhattan Onaga FFA Chapter, Onaga Lloyd Oswald, Gorham Brad & Elizabeth Parker, Silver Lake Wendie & Hugh Phelps, Garden Plain Kerry Priest, Manhattan Denis Rockers, Overland Park Elmer Schmitz, Highland Jay Sherrod, Neodesha Michael and Christy Springer, Neodesha Jed Strnad, Russell Mervyn Stuckey Doug Wareham, Holton Rob Wareham, Holton Stanley Watt, Manhattan Kerry Wefald, Manhattan Alan Weiser Jill Zimmerman, Winfield

($1 – $99)

Jamme Abendroth, Wichita Greg Andres, Salina Erma Bauer, Paola Katie Blick-White, Wichita Lawrence Booker, Wichita Tracy Booker, Wichita Billy Brown, Manhattan CE Brehm Foundation, Bozeman , MT Chad Clark, Wichita Donna Clark, Wichita Lexi Coberly, Manhattan Sandra Cooper, Wichita Michelle Davis, Wichita Joseph Detrixhe, Concordia Justine Dlabal, Wilson Ann Domsch, Manhattan Colin Dresher, Wichita

Sarah Frick, Wichita Bob & Cheryl Gregory, Paola Melissa Hamilton, Wichita Amy Harns, Maize Ashley Herndon, Wichita Joyce Hunt, Louisburg Daniel & Sheryl Johnson, Wichita Nancy Kaiser, Wichita Howard & Ann Langvardt, Chapman Carol Little, Potwin LQ Management LLC, Irving, Texas Jill Mason, Randolph Karen Matlick, Wichita Andrea Mattas, Wilson Daniel May, Mount Hope David McDonald, Wichita RC McGehee

Vickie McKnight, Mulvane Fred & Jennie Miller, Paola Paul Mugler, Salina Tiffany Poet, St. Francis Erin Rahim, Wichita Francis Reichart, Overland Park Amanda Ring, Wichita Brady Rott, Goddard Nute & Brenda Rucker, Newton Lance Russell, Rose Hill Steven & Katie Sanders, Benton Dan & Kandee Schaefer, Wichita Joan Scherman, Garden City Tammy Schreurs, Wichita Emily Scriven, Wichita Sedan FFA Chapter, Sedan Shad Marston Family, Canton

Lori Sherman, Wichita Chelsey Smith, Hays St Francis FFA Chapter, St. Francis Jennifer Stone, Wichita Patti Walters, Paola Kate Wheeldon, Wichita Julia Woods, Sterling, Va.

BLUE JACKET, GOLDEN MEMORIES

BLUE JACKET

Golden Memories

By Kelli Schrag, Kansas FFA Foundation Intern

Kansas FFA Foundation 110 Umberger Hall - KSU Manhattan, KS 66506 Phone: (785) 410-2576 Fax: (877) 872-6250 jodi.mason@ksffa.org

www.ksffafoundation.org Mark your calendars for… 8 9 th Kansas FFA Convention May 31-June 2, 2017, Manhattan Blue & Gold Celebration June 2, 2017, Manhattan

The blue corduroy jacket is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the National FFA Organization. If you were to ask an FFA member either past or present about their experience, they would probably talk your ear off with stories of their time spent in the blue jacket. Most members’ FFA journey begins with the purchase of a new jacket, one that has their own name stitched in corn gold on the front. Oftentimes, the member will wear the jacket while it is still stiff from shipping. But the pride felt from wearing it, stiff or broken in, is irreplaceable. The jacket guides FFA members through the four years of FFA. I remember receiving my first FFA jacket. I felt honored to be representing not only myself and my chapter, but also my state and the National FFA Organization. The blue corduroy was always present in times of nerves, joy, or sadness. It was there for my first speech contest, stuffed with Kleenexes because I was so nervous and had to do something with my hands. It was there for my first state CDE, the comforting corduroy replacing my nerves with confidence. It was there when I interviewed for a district office position, and when I experienced National Convention for the first time. I remember getting called “Kansas” and taking pictures with people from other states, proudly showing the back of our jackets to the camera. It was with me when I travelled to Washington D.C. for Washington Leadership Conference- I still keep the key I received in the inside pocket as a token of worth and a reminder to do what I can with what I have where I am. Society may wonder why blue corduroy means so much to an FFA member. The jacket is much more than the official dress of the National FFA Organization. For some, it may be the only “jersey” they ever wear. It shows students that they belong to something bigger than themselves. I always get chills when I see a National Officer’s jacket, with the sole emblem in stark contrast of the blue background. The jacket is a common thread running from chapter to chapter, connecting students across the nation: from the state of Alaska to Puerto Rico and from the state of Maine to Hawaii. The jacket gives students a sense of pride in an organization that provides them with leadership and career building opportunities. One of the most heartbreaking moments in my FFA career was unzipping that jacket for the last time. I tweeted to the National FFA Organization explaining it was my last time, and the love and support I received from members across the country is something I’ll cherish forever. Currently, my jacket is hanging in my closet, each memory I created sewn into the folds of the corduroy. However, because of the cost not every member today has that opportunity. YOU can give them that opportunity. For $75 you can purchase a FFA jacket and tie for a deserving young person — and you can change their life. I am forever in debt to the donor of my jacket, for without them I would not have the memories, skills, or leadership abilities that I do today. The price of the jacket is incomparable to the lifetime of priceless friendships, talents, and memories that FFA has to offer. To sponsor a jacket for a student contact the Kansas FFA Foundation or visit the Paypal link on the Foundation's webpage.

Kansas FFA Foundation