MO FFA Today - October 2023

Let’s Make Friends

ASH GROVE PROGRAM ARMS STUDENTS WITH SKILLS FOR THE INDUSTRY AND BEYOND

Isakson’s teaching philosophy might be a bit different from his peers. While he aims to help his agricultural education students become critical thinkers and better communicators with an impeccable work ethic, he also

realizes many of them don’t come from an agricultural background and might not choose a career in the industry either.

That’s why the Ash Grove educator and FFA advisor focuses on making friends.

“In agriculture, we’re in the friend-making business,” Isakson

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Officer • Chapter

Samuel Tummons • Columbia President

Owen Neely • Lockwood 1st Vice President

Karson Calvin • Troy Secretary

Vice Presidents

Lynn Dyer • Higginsville

Noah Graham • Clearwater

Isabella Hamner • Camdenton

Wyatt Hendley • Bloomfield

Jaden Kultgen • Mount Vernon

Kiley Mattson • Stanberry

Colin McIntyre • Belton

Kelsey Miller • Warrenton

Caleb Simpson • Bolivar

Maggie Stark • Adrian

Gabriel Todd • Norwood

Claire Walker • Chillicothe

Lily Weber • Lamar

State Officer Mentor

Jacob King

Department of Elem. & Sec. Education

P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-3544.

District Supervisors:

Teresa Briscoe, Lee Crabtree, Marie Davis, Keith Dietzschold, Lisa Evans, David Higgins & Jim Spencer.

President’sPerspective

many fishermen do, I have my fair share of fish stories. I recall a time when the big one almost got away. I go to Canada every summer with my grandpa to chase walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. One day we decided to venture out into the Canadian wilderness to a new, remote lake. After a 45-minute boat ride and a miserable 30-minute walk through a cloud of mosquitoes, we finally found the lake. With the monster mosquitoes on shore, we launched the boat as quickly as we could. Once in the water, I bailed out the rainwater, then fired up the old motor to go fishing. The motor wouldn’t stay running, so I played with the choke and throttle, looking for that magic formula to make the two-stroke motor purr. I was so focused on the motor that I hadn’t noticed the boat quickly filling up with water! First, confusion set in, followed by panic! In the rush to get away from the dinosaursized mosquitoes, I forgot to make sure the plug was in the boat. We

raced back to shore with the tiny motor groaning all the way while bailing water as fast as we could, so we didn’t sink. This fish story has a happy ending — we made it to shore, and the boat was not the big one that got away that day. I also learned an important lesson about the importance of being uncomfortable. Even though the mosquitoes were eating me alive, I needed to be uncomfortable on shore and prepare myself before launching out into deep water. FFA members, every one of you can participate in a fall speech through one of the many commodity organizations. Public speaking can be uncomfortable, but the best way to learn is to step out of your comfort zone and participate. Employers rank communication skills as the no. 1 skill needed in the workplace. Competing in a fall speech is a great way to prepare now so the big career you want doesn’t get away. Step out of your comfort zone!

Sam Tummons

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and MOA Coordinator (Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/504/ADA/ADAAA/Age Act/GINA/USDA Title VI), 5th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-526-4757 or TTY 800-735-2966; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

State FFA Vice President Wyatt Hendley engages members during a recent visit with the Sikeston FFA Chapter.

Meet the 2023-24 State FFA Officers

From

right: Jacob King, State Officer Mentor; Lilly Weber, Vice President; Gabriel Todd, Vice President; Kelsey Miller, Vice President; Lynn Dyer, Vice President; Jaden Kultgen, Vice President; Karson Calvin, State Secretary; Caleb Simpson, Vice President; Owen Neely, First Vice President; Colin Mcintyre, Vice President; Sam Tummons, President; Kiley Mattson, Vice President; Noah Graham, Vice President; Maggie Stark, Vice President; Wyatt Hendley, Vice President; Isabella Hamner, Vice President; And Claire Walker, Vice President.

FALL SPEAKING Contests

MO. ASSOC. OF FAIRS & FESTIVALS www.mofairs.org

Contact: Randy Fryman mofairs02@gmail.com

MO. ASSOC. OF SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS www.maswcd.net

Contact: Melissa White melissa.white@maswcd.net

MO. CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION www.mocattle.com

Contact: Courtney Collins courtney@mocattle.com

MO. FARM BUREAU www.mofb.org

Contact: Mariah Speiss mariah.speiss@mofb.com

MO. FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOC. https://www.moforest.org/ Contact: Amy Thompson amyt@cedarcreekhardwoods.com

MO. INSTITUTE OF COOPERATIVES www.mic.coop/

Contact: Jill Moreland morelandj@missouri.edu

MO. PET BREEDERS ASSOCIATION www.mpbaonline.org

Contact: Kevin Beauchamp 4agfriends@gmail.com

MO. PORK ASSOCIATION http://www.mopork.com/Youth_ FFASpkngCntst.asp

Contact: Diane Slater diane@mopork.com

MO. QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION www.MoQHA.com

Contact: Joe Eddy joe.eddy2814@gmail.com

MO. SHEEP PRODUCERS www.missourisheep.com/ youthprograms.htm

Contact: Ed DeOrnellis eddeornellis@gmail.com

MISSOURI TEACH AG www.moteachag.org

Contact: Pam Rowland pprowland@windstream.net

MO. YOUNG FARMERS/FARM WIVES ASSOCIATION

Contact: Lisa Evans lisa.evans@dese.mo.gov

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PAUL SHANKS

HOME FFA CHAPTER: BELLE FFA

WHAT PAUL DOES: Paul is director of feed additives for Agranco Corp USA. In his role, Paul manages the company’s feed additives product lines and spearheads product research and development.

WHAT PAUL LEARNED IN FFA: Paul credits FFA with sharpening his speaking and communication skills as well as introducing him to agricultural advocacy. He continues to advocate for the industry today as he travels globally as part of his career.

DOOR

Wide Open

Shanks calls it a befuddled moment.

He was in middle school when then Belle FFA Advisor Chris Mertz asked if he would be joining FFA the next year.

Shanks grew up on his family’s cattle and sheep operation in Maries County. At nine years old, he became a regular in the show ring with his livestock. From a distance, he watched the passion and excitement in FFA members who took part in the county fair.

But it was the conversation with Mertz that became Shanks’ first real interaction with FFA.

“That really sticks out to me as a pivotal moment and spring launched me right into the organization,” Shanks says.

He quickly learned, though, FFA was more than just showing livestock.

“In a way, I had a rude awakening when I hit my first ag class,” Shanks goes on to say. “But it was in a good way, learning what FFA members can do in terms of leadership, learning about agricultural advocacy and continuing to grow and embrace what FFA really stands for.”

Shanks says from that point on he got more involved in his local

Learn how agriculural education and FFA helped Paul Shanks cultivate his career in animal nutrition.

By Joann Pipkin

chapter, taking part in speaking opportunities and embracing leadership roles. He even served as a Missouri State FFA Officer his senior year of high school.

“That really set me up for success with my SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) program, which has continued to benefit me throughout college and now into my career,” Shanks explains.

Through his involvement with livestock judging, Shanks earned a college scholarship to Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. After completing an associate degree in animal science, he transferred to the University of Arkansas, continued his collegiate judging experience and finished out a bachelor’s degree in animal science.

“While there, I really developed a passion for animal nutrition,” Shanks says. “So, I started taking as many nutrition classes as I could, and then that led me into a master’s program at the University of Kentucky, studying ruminant nutrition with an emphasis on general animal nutrition.”

Today, Shanks is director of feed additives for Agranco Corp USA, where he is charged with managing the company’s feed additives product lines and spearheading product research and development.

Cultivating Skills

Simple communication was key in helping Shanks navigate and thrive

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

through his FFA experiences and even now in his career.

“When I was that young individual at the fair before FFA, I was very shy, not outgoing and definitely lacked confidence,” Shanks says. “FFA launched me into developing speaking and leadership skills and an overall confidence to be part of a group of like-minded agriculturaldriven individuals, which kind of gives you a place in life, right?”

In his career, Shanks credits FFA for helping him sharpen his speaking skills. He travels globally in his present role at Agranco, giving presentations.

“I was in Ecuador just last year giving a speech in front of several

hundred people on shrimp production,” Shanks says. “So, FFA helped broaden my horizons, giving me the confidence to dive right in and that was definitely the biggest benefit the organization has provided me.”

In addition to speaking opportunities, Shanks was selected for the Missouri Agribusiness Academy, HYMAX Academy and participated in meats judging in addition to livestock evaluation.

Making Connections

Shanks recalls early on in his FFA career when a former FFA member and mentor advised him how

learning to talk to others would benefit him greatly.

“That really stuck with me,” Shanks says. “But even further, learning how to communicate and cultivating how to communicate in a positive, uplifting way.”

To Shanks, that is key, especially when it comes to advocating for the industry.

“Agriculture is really diversified, niche markets that sprawl from large commercial operations to backyard poultry flocks,” Shanks says. “Being able to advocate for all types within the industry and gain passion, exposure and education was really crucial.”

Shanks continues by saying the skills he developed in FFA on the importance of agricultural advocacy further showed him how crucial it is to uplift the industry as he worked early on in his career to help Agranco shape its mission to be advoates.

His final advice to FFA members is to approach the organization like a line of doors in a hotel hallway. Every single door is an opportunity, and Shanks says FFA holds the key to each one.

“Take a door, jump through it,” Shanks concludes. “FFA is all about providing opportunities and opening doors for individuals. As an FFA member, it’s your job to open that door.”

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Industry Innovator

solving, innovation and equestrian expertise. Hallsville FFA member Roselynn Orr put those very skills to work to help grow her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) by leaps and bounds. Now, she’s serving the industry in ways never seen before.

Orr is a senior at Hallsville high school and a veterinary assistant for Country Vets. Throughout her time in the veterinary and equine industries, Orr has noticed gaps in both product offerings and services. She set out to fill these through her SAE, the development of two mobile applications supported by the MFA, Inc. Charitable Foundation, Missouri FFA Foundation and Valent USA through SAE Grants.

“The first app I’ve developed is EqueTrainer, an online platform that aims to simplify and streamline horse care and management,” Orr explains. “It addresses common challenges encountered in horse barns, such as the organization of medical records, feeding schedules, and

training information for individual horses. The app’s primary goal is to provide a centralized and secure method for various stakeholders to efficiently coordinate and communicate about the specific needs of horses.”

EqueTrainer also enhances equine care by maintaining comprehensive, up-todate records, complete with photographs of the horses and medication details.

“The idea for EqueTrainer originated from my personal experiences working with horses and identifying a significant gap within the equine industry. During my time at various stables, I noticed a recurring issue – the absence of a centralized system for an equestrian care team to effectively coordinate the unique needs of each horse.”

Roselynn Orr’s unique equine expertise through her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) helped her develop two mobile applications. One streamlines horse care and management. The other is an innovative horse-trailer rental app.

One specific incident left a lasting impression on Orr.

“In a previous barn, crucial information like feed quantities and medication details were simply scribbled on a whiteboard. Unfortunately, this approach often resulted in confusion, and, at times, potential safety risks in medication management. I also witnessed new employees struggling to

grasp instructions and occasionally making mistakes as they learned the ropes. These challenges fueled my determination to find a solution.”

At the age of 17, Orr had a lot to learn to reach the current stage of development with EqueTrainer.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Hallsville FFA member Roselynn Orr leverages her equine expertise to develop two, one-of-a-kind applications through her SAE.

continued from page 11

“First and foremost, I recognized the importance of seeking guidance from experienced individuals who have successfully established businesses and developed websites,” she explains. “Given my age, I understood that learning from those with more experience would be the best way to get started. Their mentorship has played a fundamental role in my journey.

“While I might be relatively young, I’ve been fortunate to have a strong foundation in marketing,” Orr explains. “My experience as an influencer and content creator has equipped me with an in-depth understanding of the marketing aspect of the business. I understand how to implement the power of social media as a tool for effective product promotion and marketing. Leveraging

Roselynn Orr’s hands-on experiences in developing mobile applications for the equine industry has her well prepared for the future. She plans to earn a degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and continue growing the applications and her new-found business venture.

my expertise in this area has been essential in spreading the word about EqueTrainer and connecting with potential users.”

The EqueTrainer app is scheduled to launch in 2024.

After the development of her first app, Orr was ready to start from the beginning on a new concept – equestrian ride sharing.

“GiddeeUp is an innovative horse-trailer rental app,” Orr explains. “The core concept behind GiddeeUp is to offer a convenient solution for equestrians who may not possess their own horse trailers, but still require a means to transport their horses to shows, events or other destinations.”

Imagine this scenario: You’re an enthusiastic equestrian, but you don’t own a horse trailer. In the past, this limitation might have hindered your ability to participate in shows or travel with your horses. This is where GiddeeUp comes into play. It serves as a bridge, connecting individuals in need of horse transportation with available trailers and drivers willing to provide the service.

Users of the GiddeeUp app will be able to browse listings of available trailers and drivers in their area. They can preview profiles, read reviews, and select the option that best suits their needs. The app not only simplifies the logistics of transporting horses, but also opens new possibilities for equestrians. It’s a platform that fosters a sense of community within the equine world, allowing horse owners to assist fellow enthusiasts while earning some extra income themselves.

“The idea for GiddeeUp was sparked by a personal need and a sincere desire to address a common challenge within the equestrian community,” Orr explains. “Personally, I’ve encountered situations where I couldn’t afford to own a horse trailer, and to be honest, I didn’t need one on a frequent basis. It was this realization that sparked the concept behind GiddeeUp, which is currently in its development phase.”

These hands-on experiences and innovative business ventures have set Orr on a bright path for the future.

“Looking ahead, my plans are centered around furthering my influence and success as both an influencer and a businesswoman in the agricultural industry,” she shares. “A key focus of mine is to serve as a role model for women in this field, aiming to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders in agriculture.”

Orr plans to start with a degree from the University of Missouri, enrolling as a freshman in the fall of 2024. There, she will continue her education while building on her applications and furthering the foundation set by her SAE.

—Story By Brandelyn Twellman Photos courtesy Today’s Farmer magazine

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Nominate your favorite ag teacher for the Golden Owl Award®

Blue JacketBrief

KELSEY MILLER

WARRENTON FFA

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA / AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

MY SAE:

My SAEs include agricultural processing placement and beef production entrepreneurship/placement.

What’s something unique that others might not know about you?

I was crowned the 2023 Missouri State Fair Queen at this year’s Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. In that role, I will serve as an ambassador for the fair and Missouri agriculture throughout the coming year. My passion lies in educating youth about agriculture and showing them how important it is to advocate for our industry.

Agricultural teachers devote countless hours and often their own resources to make a difference in the lives of their students and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders. That’s why Nationwide® and the Missouri FFA Foundation work together to help bring recognition and important funding to Missouri’s outstanding ag educators. The Golden Owl Award awards $500 to seven finalists and $3,000 to the grand prize winner, Missouri’s Agricultural Educator of the Year. Honor an ag teacher you know by nominating him or her today. Nominations are being accepted October 1 to December 31.

CELEBRATING Success

FFA MEMBERS TO TAKE CENTER STAGE AT NATIONAL CONVENTION

blue corduroy jackets convene in Indianapolis, Indiana, Nov. 1-4, 2023, for the National FFA Convention, Missouri FFA will be well represented.

Highlights include:

• American Star in Agriscience Finalist: George Frees, Cass Career Center

• 6 finalists in the National Agriscience Fair

• 8 proficiency award finalists

• 608 American Degree recipients, top in the nation in number of recipients

• 1 National Talent performer

• 6 National Chorus members

• 11 National Band members

• 25 Three Star Chapters, the highest award for a chapter

• Model of Excellence

Finalists:

Aurora FFA, Troy FFA

• Premier Chapter Awards:

Ashland — Growing Leaders

Audrain Co. R-VI — Growing Leaders

Slater — Strengthening Agriculture

• National Officer Candidate:

Grant Norfleet, Mexico

• 5 teachers receiving Honorary American Degree

• 5 individuals receiving Honorary American Degre

Read more: https:// missouriffa.org/2023national-finalists/

$1.3 million awarded in student scholarships 99%

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

explains. As ag teachers, as community leaders, as school professionals, if we limit our program by saying that students need to work in agriculture after they complete our program, I think we’ve really missed an opportunity.”

Isakson defies the idea that agricultural education only trains future workers for the ag industry. In fact, the veteran educator, now in his 10th year, says he very much hopes his students land careers in agriculture, but he also knows cooperative industries are equally important to public livelihood.

For example, he says a high school agricultural education student might choose to be a nurse or a doctor, and both are careers that help improve rural life.

“In agriculture, we need to understand how important our role is, but also the role of waste disposal workers, health care professionals and transportation workers,” Isakson explains. “No matter where students go with their careers, agricultural education allows them to be better prepared for that role.”

Ash Grove students who choose to study agricultural education under Isakson’s guidance can learn a variety of skills gained from traditional animal and plant science course work as well as mechanics, business and natural resources.

“One of the points with ag education I make is if a student will come in this classroom and be ready to learn, have a positive attitude and be respectful, he or she will always have a seat at the table here,” Isakson says. “It

doesn’t matter if you’ve got one honeybee at home in a jar or if you’ve got 5,000 alpacas at home. Everyone’s SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) matters.”

Discovering a passion

Ash Grove student Kadee Sontheimer was raised on a farm, and says she wanted to take part in ag education course work so she could continue learning about the industry. In turn, the experience helped her discover a new passion.

“I’ve always been very animal oriented,” Sontheimer says. “For the longest time, I’ve wanted to be a vet. But that changed whenever I joined the ag mechanics class last year.”

A hands-on learning session in ag science found Sontheimer tearing down engines and then putting them

(Above) Ash Grove high school senior Myah Johnson works on an engine in class. The agricultural education student and FFA officer says her experiences in the program have helped her step out of her comfort zone, expand communication skills, and better prepare her for a teaching career.

(Left) Ag mechanics is the most popular course instructor Nathan Isakson teaches at Ash Grove.

back together. She says she enjoys the craft so much that’s now wavering on what she’ll study when she enters college next fall at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Fellow student, Myah Johnson also grew up on a farm. Her family’s beef cattle operation made wanting to take ag education classes and join FFA an easy decision.

Quiet and soft-spoken, she also knew the experience might make her step out of her comfort zone.

Johnson says her involvement in ag education has helped her learn to be a leader and improve her communication skills, both of which will assist in preparing her for a teaching career.

Kassidi Sanders’ reason for studying ag education was altogether different, though.

Sanders knew agriculture as a vital industry that impacts the world. Still, she hoped by studying ag education she might discover ways she could help others.

“I want to help people,” Sanders says. “I want to teach people. I want to learn more about people. And I want to be more involved in agriculture.”

Sanders adds that the knowledge she’s gained in animal science is helping prepare her for a career in either criminology and forensics or veterinary medicine.

“People, especially students, don’t understand how important agriculture is,” Sanders says.

Connecting the dots

Whether his students are planning careers in agriculture or a supportive industry, the bottom line to Isakson is that they understand agriculture is a noble, worthy and essential industry.

“Agriculture is a transparent industry, and we still have to protect ourselves from people who have ill will against the industry and our family’s livelihoods,” Isakson says. “If we can get kids that have no interest in agriculture to walk away with an understanding, I think that’s a huge win,” Isakson concludes.

—By Joann Pipkin

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SAE grants support opportunities for students to gain hands on learning

the Spring of 2021, Kathryn Yingling, a member of the Savannah FFA Chapter, started a poultry Supervivsed Agricultural Experience (SAE) by researching feed and breed choices, building a chicken coop, and raising 24 pullets to maturity. The first pullets she purchased were Rhode Island Red, Silver-Laced Wyandotte, White Leghorn, and Black Sex-Link chickens. Yingling knew she wanted to expand her flock by purchasing more White Leghorn chicks, as they produced the most eggs in her existing flock, and hatching her own eggs. Increasing her

flock also meant expanding her coop, including adding more roosting bars and nesting boxes. However, she knew she would need a little help to cover the costs associated with expanding her flock. That’s when she applied for and received an SAE grant from the Missouri FFA Foundation.

Through the SAE grant program, Yingling has been able to buy additional pullets and chicks, an incubator that will allow her to hatch her own chicks, extra bedding, and feed. Soon she will be purchasing additional lumber and supplies to expand her coop. The extra support

Savannah FFA member Kathryn Yingling expanded her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) with the help of an SAE grant from the Missouri FFA Foundation. She says the grants are important because they help students develop experiential learning through a hands-on project.

of the money from the Missouri FFA Foundation has not only let Kathryn expand her egg production but also by next year, she will be able to raise and sell chicks to others in her community that are interested in having their own flock.

Through her SAE, Yingling believes she’s learned time and money management skills, developed a sense of responsibility, and explored career options. Learning how to manage the rising prices of feed and materials through her SAE will serve her well in managing her finances in the future. After raising poultry for a couple of years, she now knows she wants to go to college to study veterinary medicine, and is considering specializing in animal nutrition, animal genetics, and production.

According to Yingling, SAE grants are important because they help students develop experiential learning through a hands-on agriculturally related project.

“(They also) help expand and grow SAEs and contribute to the success of FFA members,” she says of students who might not otherwise have these opportunities.

Yingling’s SAE grant was funded by a gift to the Missouri FFA Foundation from the MFA Incorporated Charitable Foundation. You can support programs for Missouri FFA members such as SAE grants, by making a donation at https://donorbox.org/ moffafoundation.

—By Heather Dimitt-Fletcher