Agriculture FALL 2018
IN DARKE COUNTY
Supplement to The Early Bird and bluebagmedia.com
PAGE 2 - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
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SEPTEMBER 30, 2018-SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - P PAGE 3
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“Building the Identity”
Billensteins turn to sunflowers to increase income BY LINDA MOODY CORRESPONDENT lmoody@earlybirdpaper.com ANSONIA – The Eugene Billenstein farm family of rural Ansonia is filling many fields in the area with sunflowers. Son Jeff Billenstein said they decided to grow sunflowers to add to the income and to serve as a second crop instead of beans. “This is our second year,” Jeff said of the sunflowers. “It didn’t pan out well last year. We planted too late and it was muddy. The soil conditions were too wet.” The sunflowers were planted this year on 325-acres on State Routes 47 and 571 near Union City, with some on Potter-Lyons Road, Duncan Road, Arba Pike, Hillgrove and even on some of their land in Indiana. Jeff said the cut-off date for planting sunflowers is July 20, and they will be ready to harvest at the end of October or first of November. In harvesting them, he said they have a sunflower header on their
combine. “It has rotary cutters at the back and there are shaker pans in between the row units on the header,” he explained. The family operation is expecting the crop to yield 2,000 to 3,000 pounds an acre. “They (the sunflowers) love hot weather - 80-90-degree temperatures,” he said. “They thrive in those conditions more so than corn or beans. Frost has to get to 25 degrees to hurt them.” After they’re processed, the Billensteins will store their crop in their grain bins until they’re picked up by ADM, a larger processor, sometime in the winter. “I understand they will be going to northern Illinois and Minnesota,” Jeff said. Next year, Jeff said he is planning to plant 400-acres of sunflowers. “It’s been a learning experience... making mistakes, but, we’re learning from it,” he said. “Weed control was difficult because there are not many Jeff Billenstein checks out the sunflower crop at their family farm’s field on State Route 47 near herbicides you can use on them.”
Mississinawa Valley School. They have other fields as well of sunflowers, and plan to plant 400 acres next year as a second crop. (Linda Moody photo)
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PAGE 4 - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
Farmers find alternative in malt barley BY LINDA MOODY CORRESPONDENT lmoody@earlybirdpaper.com GREENVILLE – Darke County farmers, including Scott Labig of Greenville, are starting to raise malt barley for the microbrewery industry. “The first microbrewery in the county is in Versailles, Endless Pint (at 39 E. Main St.),” said Sam Custer, Darke County’s Ohio State University (OSU) Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources. “OSU is doing research with barley and hops. Our goal is to identify best practices to make it economical for the growers. Barley is a small grain crop that looks similar to wheat. Malt barley is different than the feed grade barley that has been raised in the area.” It was reported on social media that Endless Pint Brewing recently hosted OSU Extension and Darke County Soil and Water as the last stop during an elected officials tour. “We were happy to be able to talk to them about craft beer, brewing, and how the research being conducted would impact craft breweries, and by
extension, the local economy,” said the Endless Pint post. “Some of the research would enable farmers to grow local barley that could then be locally malted and sold to craft breweries.” Labig said he was looking for an alternate crop to grow besides corn, soybeans and wheat. “I met with Adam Deaton with Rogers Grain, Covington, about two years ago at Farm Science Review,” Labig said. “He had asked if I would show any interest in growing and I said yes I would try it. In September 2017, Adam called me and asked if I would like to grow for the 2018 season and I said yes.” In Labig’s first year of growing Malt Barley, he said he sowed it pretty late last fall. “It was on Oct. 18, and then I harvested it on July 1,” he said. “Typical barley should come off by the 20th of June about 10 days ahead of wheat. Yield was impressive; 97.3 bushels per acre.” He went on, “We will plant malt barley in late September to early October just about like wheat this year.”
Labig said he is growing under contract with Rogers Grain, which he said, is processing the Malt Barley through cleaners and a color sorter machine at their facility. “Then, the product is ready for shipment,” Labig said. “The product is going to a malting facility in Brunswick, Ohio, called West Branch Malts. The malt barley is washed and then germinated and then dried and bagged. Then it is ready to be sold to the microbreweries.” Deaton said Rogers Grain was contacted to source Ohio Malt Barley by West Branch Malts in Brunswick “because of our specialized conditioning equipment and our ability to handle grain.” “Currently we are only originating malt barley for West Branch Malts; we are contracting approximately 450 acres for 2019 harvest. As West Branch Malts grow, we will increase our acres. We may have further opportunities in the future with other buyers.” Read more about growing malt This is Malt Barley that some area farmers are barley at www.bluebagmedia.com.
starting to grow for micobreweries. (Courtesy photo)
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SEPTEMBER 30, 2018-SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - PAGE 5
Versailles hosts state Greenhand Conference VERSAILLES – For the 24th consecutive year, the Versailles FFA held its annual State FFA Greenhand Conference. The Conference was held at the Versailles High School on Sept. 8 for all of the Greenhands in the state of Ohio. Greenhands are first year members in the FFA. This year they had 424 members attend. Schools from around Ohio participated. The theme of the conference was “First Down and Life to Go.” The goal of the conference was to make FFA members aware of opportunities within the FFA as well as develop their leadership skills, and to get new members excited about the FFA. The day started off with an official welcome and speech from Dan Schroer. Dan is a keynote speaker from Springboro and served as a State FFA officer as well as a National FFA officer. The event also included various workshops such as Opportunities in the FFA, Teamwork, Goal Setting, SAE and Communication. Students also participated in CDE roundtables presented by officers and other members to learn more about the different career development events
within the FFA. Each Greenhand participant left with a Greenhand conference t-shirt designed by past Versailles FFA president Brent Stammen. FFA Chapters had the opportunity to participate in a canned food drive. The winning school was Miami East and Wauseon placed second. The conference was conducted by the Versailles FFA Officer Team, Versailles FFA Leadership Committee, Versailles FFA Assistant Officers, Versailles FFA members, State FFA Officers, and Ohio National FFA Officer Candidate. The Versailles FFA Officers that made the conference possible were: President Jacob Wuebker, VicePresident Marcus Berger, Secretary Deanna Hesson, Treasurer Toby George, Reporter Courtney Batten, Sentinel Cole Luthman, Historian Grace McEldowney, Student Adviser Dallas Hess, Parliamentarian Caden Buschur, Assistant Secretary Elliot George, Assistant Treasurer Noah Barga, Assistant Historian Xavier Grilliot, Assistant Reporter Maddy Henry, Assistant Sentinel Luke Billenstein, Assistant Parliamentarian Dalton Hesson, and Versailles FFA
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State FFA officers in attendance include: (L to R) National FFA candidate Ryan Matthews, State President Koleson McCoy, Sentinel Mallary Caudill, Vice President Holly McClay, Vice President at Large Tyler Zimpfer, Reporter Bailey Eberhart, Secretary Gretchen Lee, Vice President at Large Grace Lach, and Treasurer Kalyn Strahley.
Advisors Dena Wuebker and Taylor Bergman. Other members who helped were: Melissa Gigandet, Kobe Epperly, Caitlyn Luthman, Darian Feltz, Cayla Batten, Isaac Gilmore, Anna Barlage, Austin Timmerman, Troy May, Sam Gilmore, Victoria Wuebker, Emma George, Gavin Lawrence, Alex Kaiser, Lauren Sherman, Breanna Nieport, Shelbie Schmitmeyer, Haley Mangen, Shiloh Hess, Franklin Shimp, Jon Gehret, Cory Timmerman, and Paige
Platfoot. The State FFA Officers that attended the conference were: National FFA candidate Ryan Matthews, State President Kolesen McCoy, Vice President Holly McClay, Secretary Gretchen Lee, Treasurer Kalyn Strahley, Reporter Bailey Eberhart, Sentinel Mallary Caudill, Vice President At Large Grace Lach, and Vice President At Large Tyler Zimpfer were also in attendance.
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PAGE 6 - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
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SEPTEMBER 30, 2018-SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - P PAGE 7
Pheasant hunt for veterans planned NEWPORT – Darke County Pheasants Forever will be hosting the 8th annual veteran’s pheasant hunt on Sunday, Nov. 11. This will be an excellent event for veteran’s to enjoy a pheasant hunt, learn about wildlife habitat conservation, clay bird shooting, and other outdoor activities.
The purpose of the Veteran’s Pheasant Hunt is to give military veterans the opportunity to enjoy a guided pheasant hunt and to understand Pheasants Forever’s mission to promote wildlife habitat conservation. This hunt is Pheasants Forever’s way of thanking all veteran’s for their service to our
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country. This hunt is sponsored by Darke County Pheasants Forever, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, the Wildlife Restoration Fund, and other local sponsors. The hunt will be held at Deer Run, which is located at 5252 Stoker Road (about two miles southeast of Newport), Shelby County. All hunters will need to have a valid Ohio hunting license the day of the hunt. Hunting licenses will NOT be sold at
the hunt. The hunt is for veterans; however, other family members and friends can attend to participate in other outdoor activities. Applications must be received by Oct. 26. Applications can be picked up at Ace Hardware in Greenville during business hours. This application packet and directions can be printed from the Darke County Pheasants Forever website http://www.darkecountypf675.org/ events/
Making flavored vinegars class GREENVILLE – OSU Extension, Darke County is having a Making Flavored Vinegars program on Thursday, Oct. 18. The program is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. If you have a “foodie” on your list that is hard to buy for, perhaps making a fruit or herb vinegar would be just the right gift idea for that someone who has everything. These
homemade herb or fruit flavored vinegars are easy to make and a wonderful change to everyday salad dressings and sauces. They can also be used in meat dishes and cooked vegetables. Please register by Oct. 12. To register call 937-548-5215 or email barga.8@osu.edu. The class is limited to 25 people.
PAGE 8 - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
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Paper Clover event at Tractor Supply GREENVILLE – Rounding out its ninth year, Tractor Supply Company, in partnership with National 4-H Council, is gearing up for its Paper Clover event, a semi-annual fundraising campaign that provides millions of dollars in scholarships for 4-H youth. From Oct. 3 to Oct. 14, OH Tractor Supply customers can participate in the Paper Clover fundraiser by purchasing a paper clover—the signature emblem of 4-H—for a donation during checkout at stores nationwide or by making a purchase online at TractorSupply.com. Since its start in 2010, the partnership between Tractor Supply and 4-H has generated more than $14 million in essential
funding. This past spring’s initiative raised more than $956,000 alone, impacting more than 14,000 students. “Tractor Supply customers and team members have believed in Paper Clover’s mission from the beginning because they see the value 4-H brings to each of their communities,” said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply Company. “Every Paper Clover donation supports the skills and interests of 4-H youth who are well on their way to becoming tomorrow’s leaders.” Fundraising efforts from Tractor Supply’s Paper Clover event fund scholarships for numerous state
level 4-H programs nationwide, and every OH donation benefits OH youth. Scholarships are used for camps and leaderships conferences, where attendees learn everything from animal care and woodworking to networking practices and civic responsibility. According to Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of National 4-H Council, these hands-on learning opportunities empower kids to become true leaders in their life, career and community. “When young people have the opportunity to learn-by-doing, they grow skills that allow them to pursue their passions and contribute to the world around them,” said Sirangelo. “Thanks to our partnership with
Tractor Supply Company, its team members and the communities it serves, Paper Clover provides youth with the skills necessary to handle life’s challenges and develop into tomorrow’s leaders—what our communities and nation ultimately need to succeed.” OH 4-H clubs are encouraged to contact a Tractor Supply store to participate during the in-store fundraiser. Those who participate with their local store are eligible to win a $100 Tractor Supply gift card through the Paper Clover Participation Sweepstakes. For more information on Paper Clover or how to enter the sweepstakes, visit TractorSupply.com/4h.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2018-SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - P PAGE 9
FFA chapter helps discover future
Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC FFA members are shown with their tractors.
Tractor safety awareness in UC UNION CITY – On Friday, Sept. 14, Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC FFA members drove tractors to school to help inform all students and drivers that harvest season is coming and to be safe on the road. Drivers are encouraged to share the road and slow down for farm equipment. The following 13 members drove in 12 tractors: Caden and Brenden King, Ben Hartzell, Quinton Couchot,
Travis Muhlenkamp, Cody Dirksen, Tyler Grow, Troy Woodbury, Jacob Dircksen, Kennedy Stachler, Grant Stachler, Taylor Stachler, and Justin Miller. Please slow down and be cautious on the roads this fall to help keep everyone safe and prevent accidents. The Mississinawa Valley FFA Chapter is a satellite of the Miami Valley Career Technology Center.
VERSAILLES – The Versailles FFA Chapter and High School Counselor Hollie Ahrens will be hosting the fifth annual College, Technical, Military and Business Expo/Fair at Versailles High School on Nov. 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. A new addition to the activities this year will include two guest speakers. To kick off the event, Van Wright from BGSU will give a presentation called “Navigating through the College Admission Process” at 5:30 p.m. in room D147. At 7:15 p.m., Steve Brown from Edison will give tips on searching and applying for scholarships in Room D147. This activity is free and open to all high school students and their parents. Light refreshments will be served. Mrs. Ahrens and Versailles FFA are in the process of securing two and four year colleges and universities, technical schools, businesses, and military representatives that will be in attendance. The colleges, technical schools and Military
representatives that have confirmed their attendance include: Bowling Green University, Edison Community College, Wright State University-Lake Campus, IU East, Ohio Northern University, Rhodes State, Modern College of Design, Wilmington College, Purdue Poly Tech, Ohio Northern University, Mount St Joseph, University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH), and University of Cincinnati. Last year they added local businesses to participate and share their current employment opportunities. They will also share employment information for students planning on entering the workforce after high school, summer internships, scholarships, and employ for future college graduates. Businesses that have committed to attend so far include Midmark, Choice One Engineering, Superior Aluminum, and Voisard Tool. More information about this event will be published in the future.
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PAGE 10 - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
ODNR is key in wildfire strategy COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has an important role in a new wildfire strategy recently announced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This strategy involving the ODNR Division of Forestry, entitled Toward Shared Stewardship Across Landscapes, is designed to forge stronger partnerships between state and federal agencies in support of healthy forests. A key component of the new strategy is that state foresters will work closely with the USDA Forest Service (USFS) on a new, improved
wildfire strategy to meet America’s wildfire challenges. The USFS is committed to using the Forest Action Plans created by states, including Ohio, as guides for hazardous fuels management and to utilize new and emerging technologies for preventing, detecting and suppressing wildfires more quickly and safely. This year has been an active and difficult wildfire year. The ODNR Division of Forestry has already sent four 20-person interagency fire crews as well as equipment and single resources to Missouri, Idaho, Texas, Utah, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and Montana. In addition, the
division sent an incident management specialist to Puerto Rico. In Ohio, 716 wildland fires, which burned 1,518 acres, were reported in fiscal year 2018, which was July 1, 2017, through June 30. The leading cause of wildland fires in Ohio is debris burning. The ODNR Division of Forestry trains ODNR, federal and private natural resources agencies, as well as fire department personnel from across the state, for interagency wildland fire response to protect life and property in Ohio; manage prescribed fire for forest regeneration; and to aid other states as part of the national effort.
In addition to wildland fire incidents, Ohio crews and single resource personnel have assisted with hurricanes and floods since 1986. Crews and overhead staff are normally dispatched out-of-state for two-week assignments. Travel and wage costs are reimbursed by requesting agencies. Last year, Ohio’s wildfire and engine crews responded to wildfire assignments in California, Oregon, Georgia, Arizona, Wyoming, South Dakota, New Mexico and Montana. The ODNR Division of Forestry also coordinates cooperative agreements and wildfire training, prevention, suppression and enforcement with 325 fire departments in the southern and eastern parts of the state and around Maumee State Forest in northwest Ohio. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands and the fire management program, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. To learn more about the needed qualifications and how to join Ohio’s interagency fire crew, visit: forestry.ohiodnr. gov/iafc. Follow us on Instagram at @odnrforestry (instagram.com/ odnrforestry).
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources sent four 20-person interagency fire crews as well as equipment and single resources to Missouri, Idaho, Texas, Utah, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and Montana this year. The Ohio wildfire crew is pictured fighting the Dollar Ridge Fire in northeastern Utah.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2018-SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - PAGE 11
Versailles FFA members who attended the Darke County Farm Bureau Banquet include (L to R): Front: Dawson Petitjean Cress, Cory Timmerman, Courtney Batten, and Abby Petitjean. Back: Farm Bureau President Matt Aultman, Marcus Berger, Jacob Wuebker, and Laura Wuebker.
Members attend 10-gallon milk challenge Farm Bureau Banquet Versailles FFA members who assisted in delivering milk to the Council of Churches as a part of the 10 Gallon Milk Challenge include: (L to R) Laura Wuebker, Abby Petitjean, and Autumn Petitjean.
VERSAILLES – On Sept. 11, the Versailles FFA participated in the 10-gallons of milk challenge. The purpose of this challenge is to help dairy farmers as well as needy families or community service organizations. The challenge starts with buying 10 gallons of milk from the grocery store to help “move the milk� off the shelves and aid dairy farmers in selling their product.
The milk is then taken to local families who are in need or charities to be dispersed for free. The Versailles FFA Chapter donated their milk to the Versailles Council of Churches and challenges others to participate in the program. FFA members who participated in delivering the milk were Abby Petitjean, Laura Wuebker, and Autumn Petitjean.
GREENVILLE – On Sept. 6, members of the Versailles FFA traveled to Greenville to attend the Darke County Farm Bureau Banquet. While in attendance, the members had the opportunity to learn more about what the Farm Bureau does, opportunities for members within the bureau, and had the chance to enter their names into the door prize. Members also were able to listen to the county bureau’s ďŹ nancial records from the past year, and new and old
business that the bureau plans to do in this coming year. FFA members also listened to a speech from Gabrielle Enright, a news anchor on News Center 7 and heard remarks from the Darke County Farm Bureau’s President Matt Aultman. Versailles FFA members who attended were Jacob Wuebker, Laura Wuebker, Cory Timmerman, Courtney Batten, Marcus Berger, Abby Petitjean, and Dawson Petitjean Cress.
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources sent four 20-person interagency ďŹ re crews as well as equipment and single resources to Missouri, Idaho, Texas, Utah, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and Montana this year. The Ohio wildďŹ re crew is pictured ďŹ ghting the Dollar Ridge Fire in northeastern Utah.
PAGE 12 - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
Versailles takes top 3 spots at soil judging VERSAILLES – On Tuesday, Sept. 18, the Versailles FFA participated in the County FFA Soil Judging competition. The Versailles FFA had 11 members participating who were divided into four teams. The members who participated include Alex Kaiser, Caleb Kaiser, Grace McEldowney, Caitlyn Luthman, Courtney Batten, Kayla Bohman, Kimberly Winner, Cole Luthman, Jacob Wuebker, Dallas Hess, and Jayden Groff. The team consisting of Grace
McEldowney, Caitlyn Luthman, Dallas Hess, and Jacob Wuebker placed first out of nine teams, while the team consisting of Cole Luthman, Alex Kaiser, Courtney Batten, and Kayla Bohman placed second overall. The team consisting of Jayden Groff, Caleb Kaiser, and Kimberly Winner placed third overall. Out of a total of a total of 39 participants, Alex Kaiser was first place individual, Caitlyn Luthman was second place, third was Grace
McEldowney, fourth was Caleb Kaiser and Jacob Wuebker placed fifth. Special thanks goes to the Schlectys for allowing them to use their property as part of the contest and Darke County Soil and Water Conservation District for hosting the contest.
The top eight Versailles individuals advancing to the District 5 FFA Soil Judging competition that is to be held in Troy include: Alex Kaiser, Caleb Kaiser, Caitlyn Luthman, Cole Luthman, Grace McEldowney, Kayla Bohman, Jacob Wuebker, and Dallas Hess.
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Versailles FFA County Soil Judging Participates included: Front: Courtney Batten, Caitlyn Luthman, Kayla Bohman, Grace McEldowney, Cole Luthman, and Jayden Groff. Back: Jacob Wuebker, Alex Kaiser, Dallas Hess, Kimberly Winner, and Caleb Kaiser.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2018-SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - PAGE 13
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Members of the Greenville Rotary walk through the community gardens at the Bish Discovery Center.
Rotary gets tour of Bish Discovery Center GREENVILLE – Recently, the Greenville Rotary as part of their interest in holding meetings at different locations once a quarter, recently held their Tuesday gathering at the Darke County Parks new Bish Discovery Center. Roger Van Frank, Director of Darke County Parks and Rotarian welcomed the group of 30 to the center and were treated to presentations by staff and volunteers of what the future holds for the Bish Discovery Center. The Rotarians were treated to a walk after their luncheon in the Community Gardens and Pollinator Fields close to the center. Van Frank stated the Bish Discovery
Center was in its infant stages and will grow towards the vision being self-sustainable. Exhibits of solar power, aquaponics, worm gardens, bicycle and canoe and kayak hubs are all just part of the future of the center. Van Frank stated, “It was an honor to host the Rotarians and we had a great day of weather to take a short walk!” Van Frank thanked his staff and volunteers for the help provided for programming and serving boxed lunches. Should anyone have an interest in becoming a member of Greenville Rotary feel free to contact Roger Van Frank at the following number 937548-0165.
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PAGE 14 - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
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Chapter announces Members of the Month VERSAILLES – At the Versailles FFA meeting on Sept. 17, four dedicated members were recognized as Versailles FFA members of the month. Versailles FFA Members of the Month for September are Shelbie Schmitmeyer, Paige Platfoot, Troy May, and Melissa Gigandet. The first member recognized was Schmitmeyer. She is the daughter of Doug and Brenda Schmitmeyer. Shelbie has participated in Dairy Judging at the county, district, and state levels. She has been actively involved in the Greenhand Conference, Darke County Fair, State FFA Convention, Fruit sales, and served as an FFA officer. Her SAE consists of working at Line View Dairy Farms. She placed first in her area of proficiency at State Convention and will be competing at Nationals this
October. Platfoot is the daughter of Allen Platfoot and Billie Platfoot. She has participated in the Poultry Judging CDE. She has also been actively involved in the Greenhand Conference, Fruit Sales, Toy Drive, Shop and Crop, Poultry Days, State Convention, Blanket the World and many others. Her SAE consists of job placement at various businesses. May is the son of Bernie and Heidi May. He has participated in General Livestock at many different levels. He has also been actively involved in the Darke County Fair, State Convention, Pork Loin Dinner, National Convention, Soup and Sandwich Social and numerous others. His SAE consists of working at Indian Stone Holsteins. Gigandet is the daughter of Joe
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Shown are Shelbie Schmitmeyer, Paige Platfoot, Melissa Gigandet, and Troy May were named the Versailles FFA Members of the Month.
and Laura Gigandet. She has been actively involved in Poultry Judging, Greenhand Conference, Poultry Days, Can Food Drive, Fruit Sales, Pals, and numerous other activities. Her past SAE consists of working at Platty’s Sports Bar and Grille. She
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has had multiple different SAEs with her most recent being working at the Versailles Swimming Pool. Members of the Month received a FFA t-shirt and certificate for being recognized as a member of the month.
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SEPTEMBER 30, 2018-SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - P PAGE 15
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PAGE 16 - 2018 FALL DARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-SEPTEMBER 30, 2018