December 2015 by Texas Ag Ed

NEWS A Texas Team Ag Ed Publication

December 2015

Are You Making The Most Of Your Chances? Ray Pieniazek, East Central

Howdy! I’m sure your year is speeding by and will continue traveling at a face pace during the holiday season. Congratulations to all of those who represented Texas FFA at the National FFA Convention and did us proud. We have amazing members and advisors and we will continue to prove it nationwide, year after year. Keep up the good work. I continue this month by sharing thoughts and stories from Forty Chances by Howard Buffet relating to daily routines. In the book Buffet states that he encountered many agricultural practices in other countries that he tried to assist or change. For example, the Borlaug Center in Mexico discovered that farmers in that particular country were losing almost two-thirds of the nitrogen being applied due distributing it in the wrong order. After completing a lesson, have you ever wondered if you taught the material in the right order? Did you give the students all the necessary facts before they began or did you share them after the fact so they could solve the problem at hand themselves? Think about this the next time you start a new unit.

In addition Buffett learned that farmers who owned the land they cultivated were more likely to take care of the soil and the acreage than farmers who rent property. Think about this as you teach your classes and as you train teams for this upcoming spring. Let the students take ownership in training teams. My agricultural advocacy team took total ownership of the script writing process and therefore taken ownership of the whole presentation. The excitement they have when I commend them on how well it came out brings a smile to my face. Let your students take charge of setting up practices and helping their fellow teammates learn material. My teams love to encourage each other and share tricks on how they learned certain material. Use the students with experience to help train the new ones and you can bet the team spirit will improve. As I ask each time, “are you making the most of your chances with your students?” Buffet points out that it takes over 500 years to build an inch of soil, but we don’t have that much time to build our students

potential. We only have our student for approximately 180 days or less. We have a short period of time to help build their character, self-esteem and give them opportunities to grow into the leaders of tomorrow. Take advantage of every moment that you have with your students. Don’t miss a chance to let them grow and mature into the future of our great country. I wish you luck as you and all of your students continue into a new year, with new opportunities for student success. Have a great Holiday and enjoy some time with your family.

VATAT News

2016 Political Landscape

Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director Between the middle of November and the middle of December, all state representatives and some state board of education members must file paperwork to run in the next election cycle. The primaries will be next spring, with the general election in November. Those elected will be sworn in and begin the legislative session in January 2017. The next few months are ideal to begin to develop a relationship with these decision makers. They will be involved in fundraising, and many will take part in candidate forums sponsored by various groups. This is the perfect time to reach out to them and their staffs. It has been my experience that emails and phone calls are logged and noted. Some teachers make small donations to their candidates of choice and that is clearly noticed. Running for office is expensive, and some candidates are not wealthy enough to finance their own campaign. I have found most of these politicians approachable and truly desire to serve their district. They like to hear from the grass-roots people of their district. Many times school administrators are the most vocal of advocates on education issues. I think it is important to provide a teacher’s perspective on things directly related to our jobs. There are several issues coming up that will directly affect your ability to do your job. While some local tax relief was provided in the Constitutional Amendment process just voted upon, some state leaders are calling for even more sweeping changes. If the Texas Supreme Court sides with the lower court’s ruling on the constitutionality of our current school finance model, expect a special session of the Legislature sometime next year. CTE funding seems to always come up, as well as TRS concerns, to go with the concerns about the state teacher minimum salary schedule. It has been over ten years since significant improvements were made in the salary schedule. While many legislators will explain that fewer than ten percent of districts actually pay the state minimum, it serves as a floor for salaries, and when it goes up, many districts that pay above state base feel the need to pass along the increase. That, coupled with the fact that the schedule tops out at twenty years, some teachers are looking at little or no increases in salary over the second half of their careers. The decision makers need to hear from you as these issues are being considered. Many times a call from a constituent means much more than one from someone who is looked upon as a paid lobbyist. VATAT will continue to monitor developments over the next months and will work on your behalf, but by doing your part in the process, it is much more effective. Enjoy your Christmas and New Year’s holidays. 2

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE VATAT................................................................1 - 3 Texas FFA.........................................................4 - 8 Foundation....................................................9 Texas FFA Alumni..........................................10 Young Farmers.............................................12 - 13

VATAT News

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VATAT News

UPDATE 88th National FFA Convention Rewind Kaleigh Burnett, Student Recognition and Scholarship Coordinator th

Texas agriculture students shined in national competitions hosted by the National FFA Organization at the 88 Annual Convention in Louisville, KY. Texas FFA members dominated agriscience fair competitions and made a solid showing in career development events and award competitions based on student supervised agricultural experience programs. “Intense competition at the state level usually produces students who can perform consistently at a high level on a national stage,” said Texas FFA Executive Director Tom Maynard. “The overall performance by our students is a credit to them and their teachers.”

Texans Dominate in National Agriscience Fair Texas members brought five national titles in the National FFA Agriscience Fair back to the Lone Star State, with 13 of its 21 finalists finishing in the top three, 18 rated as gold, and 3 rated as silver in the four tier rating system (gold, silver, bronze, and participant). Georgia led the way with a record eight national winners, and Texas came in a close second, with five. Historically, Texas members have fared well in the national competition winning a new total of a record 72 Agriscience Fair national titles since the event’s inception in 1998. No state has ever won more agriscience championships than Texas.

Agriscience Fair Championships Agriscience Fair (All-time since 1998) Championships (All-time since 1998) 1. Texas-72 2. 1. Georgia-31 Texas-72 3. Jersey-22 2. New Georgia-31 4. Minnesota-21 3. New Jersey-22 5. -20 4. Iowa Minnesota-21 5. Iowa -20

National Champions  Hannah Wellman & Jordan Rayburg, James Madison, San Antonio: Food Products and Processing Systems, Division 4  Erin Steglich, Holland: Plant Systems, Division 1  Jordan Mendez & Mayson Schulze, Marion: Plant Systems, Division 4  Max Coppenbarger & Robert Guerrero, Canutillo: Power, Structural and Technical Systems, Division 3  Colby Gipson & Jake Traylor, Gilmer: Social Systems, Division 4 National Runner-up  Olivia Wise-Dent, James Madison: Animal Systems, Division 2  Cameron Gipson, Gilmer: Env. Services/Natural Resource Systems, Division 1  Daniella Burleson, James Madison: Food Products and Processing Systems, Division 2  Katherine Marie Fazzino, Rudder, Bryan: Plant Systems, Division 2  Riley McKinzie, Stephenville: Social Systems, Division 1

State Texas Georgia Missouri Utah Ohio

National Agriscience State Comparison Top States with Eight or More Finalists Finalists Gold Medals Top Three Winners 21 18 (86%) 13 5 20 13 (65%) 11 8 20 7 (35%) 1 0 19 5 (26%) 0 0 18 11(61%) 5 1

Career Development Events: Continuing a Tradition of Excellence As a state, Texas boasted another strong showing in Louisville, capturing four national career development event titles, and one national runner-up title. Texans also turned in nine total top-ten finishes as well this year. Creed Speaking as well as Environmental and Natural Resources were first-time wins for Texas FFA. Since 1928, 86 Texas entries have claimed national championships. Only California has won more national titles with 105. Six states have yet to win a national FFA career development event in this time span.

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88th

National

FFA

Convention —Texas

VATAT News

88th National FFA Convention Rewind Continued

National CDE’s—Texas Top 10 Summary  National Champion - Creed Speaking: Carlye Winfrey, Seminole National NationalCDE’s—Texas Champion - Environmental and Natural Resources: Rusk Top 10 Summary  National Champion -- Creed MeatsSpeaking: Evaluation: Stephenville National Champion Carlye Winfrey, Seminole  National Champion:- Poultry Evaluation: SandraResources: Day O’Connor National Champion Environmental and Natural Rusk  National Runner-Up Veterinary Science: James Madison National Champion - Meats Evaluation: Stephenville  National Champion: Poultry Evaluation: Sandra Day O’Connor Other top 10 finishes- by Texas entries  National Runner-Up Veterinary Science: James Madison  3rd Agricultural Issues Forum, Madisonville Other 5th Parliamentary Procedure, top 10 finishes by TexasBellville entries Science and Forum, Technology, Florence  53thrd Food Agricultural Issues Madisonville Parliamentary Procedure, Bellville  85thth Horse Evaluation, Pearland th Food Science and Technology,  95th Nursery/Landscape, Flatonia Florence  8th Horse Evaluation, Pearland  9th Nursery/Landscape, Flatonia

Texas National CDE Top Five History Year Top 5 Rank rd Texas National CDE Top Five 2015 8 3 History st Year Top Rank 2014 11 5 1rd st 2015 8 3 2013 12 1st rd 2014 11 1 2012 7 3 (tied withst Minnesota) 2013 12 1 rd 2011 8 3rd (tied w/Washington) 2012 7 3 (tied with Minnesota) st 2010 10 1 rd 2011 8 3 rd (tied w/Washington) 2009 6 3 (tied w/ FL, GA, WY) st 2010 10 1 st 2008 10 1 rd 2009 6 3 (tied w/ FL, GA, WY) st st 2007 8 1 (tied 1w/Missouri) 2008 10 th st (tied w/ Georgia) 2006 6 4 2007 8 1 (tied w/Missouri) st th 2005 13 2006 6 4 (tied w/1 Georgia) 2005

State Summary: 2015 Career Development Event Comparison National CDE Titles National FFA CDE Top Five State Summary: 1. California 5 1. California - 14 2015 Career -Development Event Comparison 2. Texas - 4Titles National 2. Washington 10 Five National CDE FFA CDE- Top 3. Texas -- 14 8 Minnesota 1. 3. California -5 -2 1. California AZ, CO, 4. Missouri - 10 7 2. 4. Texas - 4 CT, DE, 2. Washington ID, IN, -IA, 3. FL, Minnesota 2 KY, 3. Texas - 8 MT, DE, NJ,NC 4. Missouri - 7 4. LA, AZ, MD, CO, CT, FL,5.ID, IN, IA, KY, NM, OH, OK, UT, 5. Oklahoma, Minnesota - 6 LA,WA, MD,WI MT, NJ,NC - (all with 1) 5. NM, OH, OK, UT, 5. Oklahoma, Minnesota - 6 WA, WI - (all with 1)

2015 National Creed Speaking Winner: 2015 National Carlye Winfrey,Creed Seminole Speaking Winner: Carlye Winfrey, Seminole

2015 National ENR Winners: Hayden Helm, Nick Martin, Raymond Harvey and 2015 Payton NationalCastleberry, ENR Winners: Rusk Hayden Helm, Nick Martin, Raymond Harvey and Payton Castleberry, Rusk

Texas National Career Development Event Results and History Since 2010

Event 2015 TX Entry Results 2014Results and 2013History Since 2012 2010 2011 Texas National Career Development Event AgriculturalEvent Communications East Central Silver-12th Gold-3rd Gold-3rd Gold-6th Gold-6th 2015 TX Entry Results 2014 2013 2012 2011 rd st st nd st Agricultural Issues Forum Agricultural Communications Agricultural Mechanics Agricultural Issues Forum Agricultural Sales Agricultural Mechanics Agronomy Agricultural Sales Creed Speaking Agronomy Dairy CreedCattle Speaking Dairy Activity Dairy Handlers Cattle Environmental/Natural Dairy Handlers Activity Res. Extemporaneous Speaking Environmental/Natural Res. Farm Business Mgmt. Extemporaneous Speaking Floriculture Farm Business Mgmt. Floriculture Food Science & Technology Food Science & Technology Forestry Forestry Horse Evaluation Horse Evaluation Job Interview Job Interview Livestock Evaluation Livestock Evaluation Marketing Plan Marketing Plan Meats Evaluation Meats Evaluation Milk Quality Milk Quality Nursery/Landscape Nursery/Landscape Parliamentary Procedure Parliamentary Procedure Poultry Evaluation Poultry Evaluation Prepared Public Speaking Prepared Public Speaking Veterinary Science Veterinary Science

Madisonville East Central Sandra Day O’Connor Madisonville SandraDay DayO’Connor O’Connor Sandra IngramDay O’Connor Sandra Seminole Ingram East Central Seminole Como-Pickton East Central Rusk Como-Pickton Sulphur Bluff Rusk Stephenville Sulphur Bluff Bellville Stephenville Bellville Florence Florence Harmony Harmony Pearland Pearland Seminole Seminole Stephenville Stephenville James Madison James Madison Stephenville Stephenville Valley Valley Flatonia Flatonia Bellville Bellville Sandra Day O’Connor Sandra Day O’Connor

Cedar Park Cedar Park James Madison James Madison

Gold-3th Silver-12 rd Bronze-33 Gold-3rd st rd Silver-21 Bronze-33 th st Silver-19 Silver-21 st th Gold-1 Silver-19 st th Silver-18 Gold-1 Silver Silver-18th Gold-1st Silver st Bronze Gold-1 th Gold-13 Bronze th th Silver-20 Gold-13 th Silver-20 Gold-5th th Gold-5 Bronze-38th th Bronze-38 Gold-8th th Gold-8 Bronze-31st st th Bronze-31 Silver-14 th Silver-14 Silver st Silver Gold-1 st th Gold-1 Gold-11 th th Gold-11 Gold-9 th th Gold-9 Gold-5 th st Gold-5 Gold-1 st Gold-1 Bronze Bronze nd Gold-2 Gold-2nd

rd Gold-1 Gold-3 th st Gold-4 Gold-1 rd th Gold-3 Gold-4 th rd Silver—29 Gold-3 th th Silver -15 Silver—29 th Silver—27 Silver -15th th Silver—27 Gold-3rd rd rd Gold-3 Gold-3 th Gold-7 Gold-3rd th th Gold-9 Gold-7 th Gold-9 Gold-2nd nd Gold-2 Bronze-39th th Bronze-39 Gold-8th th Gold-8 Silver-29th th th Silver-29 Gold-8 th th Gold-8 Siver-16 th st Siver-16 Gold-1 st Gold-1 Gold-3rd th Gold-3rd Silver-19 th th Silver-19 Silver—18 th th Silver—18 Gold-5 th Gold-5 rd Gold-3 Gold-3rd th Silver-27 Silver-27th

rd Gold-1 Gold-3 th st Silver-29 Gold-1 th th Silver-14 Silver-29 th th Silver—20 Silver-14 th Bronze Silver—20 Silver—29th Bronze Silver—29th Gold-3rd st rd Gold-1 Gold-3 th st Silver-16 Gold-1 th th Gold-9 Silver-16 th Gold-9 Gold-1st st Gold-1 Silver-11th th Silver-11 Gold-5th th Gold-5 Silver—18th th th Silver—18 Silver-17 th st Silver-17 Gold-1 st st Gold-1 Gold-1 st st Gold-1 Gold-1 st th Gold-1 Gold-13 th th Gold-13 Silver—13 th st Silver—13 Gold-1 st Gold-1 th Gold-4 Gold-4th st Gold-1 Gold-1st

2010 Gold-3rd 2010

th th rd Gold-2 Gold-1 Gold-6 Gold-6 Gold-3Silver th th nd st Silver-19 Gold-13 Gold-4th Gold-2 Gold-1 Silver nd nd th th Gold-2 Gold-2 Gold-2nd Silver-19 Gold-13 Gold-4th th th th nd nd Silver-16 Silver-14 Silver-19 Gold-2 Gold-2 Gold-2nd th th th Silver Silver Silver-19 Silver Silver-16 Silver-14 Silver-17th Silver-22nd Silver Silver-20th Silver Silver Silver-17th Silver-22nd Silver-20th Bronze-29th Bronze-37th Gold-3rd th st th rd Gold-1 Silver Bronze-29 Bronze-37 Gold-3Silver th th th st Silver-19 Gold-6 Gold-11 Gold-1 Silver Silver th th th th th Gold-9 Gold-12 Gold-11 Silver-21st Silver-19 Gold-6 th th st Gold-9 Gold-12 Gold-3rd Gold-8th Silver-21 Gold-2nd rd th nd th rd Gold-3 Gold-8 Gold-2 Silver-17 Gold-3 Gold-8th th rd th Silver-17 Bronze-41st Gold-3 Gold-11th Gold-8 Gold-3rd st th rd Bronze-41 Silver-15th Gold-11 Silver-9th Gold-3 Silver-16th th th th Silver-16th th Silver-15 Silver-9th Silver-16 Gold-9 Gold-8 th th th nd nd Silver-16 Gold-9 Gold-8 Silver Gold-2 Gold-2 nd nd st st nd Silver Gold-2 Gold-2 Gold-1 Gold-1 Gold-2 st st nd th st th Gold-1 Gold-1 Gold-2 Gold-10 Gold-1 Gold-10 th st th th th th Gold-10 Gold-1 Gold-10 Gold-6 Gold-5 Silver-20 th th th th rd Gold-6 Gold-5 Silver-20 Gold-5 Gold Gold-3 th rd Gold-5 Gold Gold-2nd Gold-1st Gold-3 Gold-2nd Gold-2nd Gold-1st Gold-2nd Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Demo Only Demo Only

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88th

National

FFA

Convention —Texas

VATAT News

88th National FFA Convention Rewind Continued

Texans Claim Five Proficiency Awards Texans won five national proficiency awards in Louisville. A total of 12 Texans were onstage as national finalists. Historically, Texans haven’t fared as well in proficiency award competition, but over the last five years have surged as Texas teachers engage in the process and learn to navigate the national application and selection process. This year, the playing field was levelled somewhat due to the implementation of a new national proficiency application. Texas ranked seventh in the total number of national finalists behind Ohio, Wisconsin, California, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Indiana. Only 17 of the nation’s 52 state FFA associations had national winners. 2015 Texas National Proficiency Award Winners:  Beef Production-Entrepreneurship: Kylie Patterson-East Central, San Antonio  Beef Production-Placement: Tyler Nelson-Canyon  Equine Science-Entrepreneurship: Kaine Warnken-Schulenburg  Forage Production-Entrepreneurship/Placement: Bailey Wilson-Pilot Point  Small Animal Production and Care-Entrepreneurship/Placement: Lacie DeRojas-Dawson

National FFA Proficiency Awards – State Comparison National Proficiency Finalists 1. Ohio - 24 2. Wisconsin - 18 3. CA, GA, OK - 16 6. Indiana - 13 7. Texas - 12

National Proficiency Winners 1. Ohio - 9 2. Georgia - 6 3. Texas, Oklahoma (Tie) 4. Wisconsin- 5

American Star Finalists Make History The American Star Awards represent the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients. Four national finalists vie for the star award in each of the four categories. Finalists for the award have mastered skills in production, finance, management and/or research. For the first time in the state’s 87 year FFA history, the Texas FFA Association was represented by a finalist in all four categories. In the Star American Farmer category, Thomas Glascock of the Pilot Point FFA chapter competed with his beef production SAE. Glascock is no stranger to this family tradition, as his sister Rachel was also a national star finalists in the same category. Also a sibling legacy, Dakota Crissman of the Bells FFA chapter led the way with his American Star in Agribusiness; his brother Austin was also a finalist in 2012. In the American Star in Agriscience category, Rory Tucker of Klein FFA represented the Lone Star State. Finally, Britt Larson also of the Pilot Point FFA chapter rounded out this historic slate of star finalists with his American Star in Agricultural Placement category. The duo of finalists from Pilot Point FFA represent another historic moment for teachers Tammy and Randy Glascock and Ms. Casey Brinlee as they became the first advisors in Texas FFA, and in recent National FFA history to have two American Star Finalists in the same year.

2015 National FFA American Star Finalists: Rory Tucker, Klein; Thomas Glascock, Pilot Point; Dakota Crissman, Bells; and Britt Larson, Pilot Point

88th

National

FFA

Convention —Texas

VATAT News

88th National FFA Convention Rewind Continued Continued Consistency in Texas National Chapter Awards Texas posted a consistent overall showing in the National Chapter Award, with 9 chapters earning three-star ratings, and 15 chapters earning two-star ratings in the three-tiered rating system that evaluates a chapter's program of activities execution. Texas chapters haven't established themselves on a consistent basis as strong contenders in this national award program as is the case in other award areas.

Texas Recognized for Nation’s Top Membership Growth for the 6th Consecutive Year The Texas FFA Association was recognized for the nation’s top membership growth in an award ceremony that was part of the national delegate process. Texas FFA grew by 5,374 between membership year 2013-14 and 2014-15. The Lone Star state also became the first state association to Tale of the Tape…FFA Membership surpass 100,000 in total membership. The Texas Top Membership States 14-15 Texas FFA Growth Since ‘10 membership surge accounted for 28% of the 1. Texas—109,105 2013-14: 103,731 National FFA Organization’s 19,127-student 2. California—79,526 2012-13: 95,287 membership growth. Texas FFA has grown by 3. Georgia—38,943 2011-12: 86, 657 34,733 members since 2010, in large part to a 4. Oklahoma—27,177 2010-11: 81,535 revision in the membership business model. 2015 5. Missouri—25,882 2009-10: 74,372 marks the sixth consecutive year that Texas has recorded the top membership gain.

Texans Receive Honorary American FFA Degrees th

Four Texas agricultural science teachers received the Honorary American FFA Degree at the 88 National FFA Convention. Michael Bowen of Como, Michael Brummond of Magnolia, Christina Capps of Plantersville and Brent Lankford of Ponder received the highest honorary degree bestowed by the National FFA Organization. Other Texans receiving the Honorary American Degree were Angel Armstrong of Damon, Samantha Dacke of Newark, Dr. Ted Ford of Stephenville, Jennifer Ingram of Waco, Tony Neely of Justin, Mike Ritchie of Amherst and Jay Wilder of Bryan. Also, receiving a VIP Award is Dr. Steve Fraze of Lubbock.

Taylor-Katy Wins Hall of States Competition For the first time since 2011, Texas has won the Hall of States. The TaylorKaty Chapter (Katy ISD), near Houston, fielded the winning entry. The Hall of States features displays promoting agriculture and agricultural education in participating states. Visitors to this year’s display traveled through the various regions of the Lone Star State through a vividly creative display that captured the essence of everything Texas. Since 2006, Texas FFA has solicited chapter proposals from across the state and supported a display created by a local chapter. Hall of States team members attend the display throughout the convention, field questions from the public and from a panel of judges who evaluate the displays and select a winner.

2015 Hall of States Winner: Taylor-Katy

Texas Takes Top Four in National Invitational FFA Quiz Contest For the third consecutive year, Grapeland FFA topped the senior division of the National FFA Invitational Quiz Contest held in conjunction with the National FFA Convention and Expo. Team members claimed high individual titles with Monica st th th th Davila at 1 , Victoria Martin at 4 , JD Martin at 5 and Rebekah Turner at 9 . Grapeland FFA also claimed the junior high division title after members claimed numerous high individual placings with st nd rd th Keaundra Harris at 1 , Madilyn McCombs at 2 , Sonia Davila at 3 and Cayden LeBlanc at 5 .

VATAT News

88th National FFA Convention Rewind Continued

Texans Make History at the Novice Parliamentary Procedure Contest A total of 182 teams from 26 states entered the 2015 Novice Parliamentary Procedure Event that is held in conjunction with the National FFA Convention and Expo. Sandra Day O'Connor FFA was named the National Champion in this year’s event. This is the first team from Texas to win this event in its four-year history.

Tradition of Success in Tractor Restoration Chevron Products Company, a Chevron U.S.A. Inc. division, maker of the Delo® brand of technologically advanced engine oils, lubricants and coolants, announced Matt Mahler as Grand Prize winner of the 2015 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition for his restoration of a 1972 John Deere 4320 tractor. The FFA member from Iowa Park was selected for the th $10,000 Grand Prize by a panel of expert judges following presentations by all twelve finalists at the 87 National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. This was Matt’s fourth trip to the national finals. 2015 Texas Delo Tractor Restoration Competition Finalist  Matt Mahler, Iowa Park FFA: 1972 John Deere 4320 (Grand Prize Winner & Best Presentation)  John Michael Grunseich, Bellevue FFA: 1964 John Deere 1010  Hunter & Ryder Merta, El Campo FFA: 1951 John Deere Model A  Dubiski Career High FFA: 1946 Farmall B  Cotton Center FFA: 1950 Farmall H

Marion Livestock Team is “Royalty” in Kansas City

2015 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition Winner Matt Mahler of Iowa Park FFA

The Marion livestock was crowned as champions of the 116th American Royal Livestock Judging Contest late last nd month. Marion placed three of its members in the contest's top ten with Reagan Langemeier earning 2 high-point individual honors. The national judging competition was held during same week as the National FFA Convention and Expo. Marion, qualified for the national competition by placing third in the Texas competition in May. The state runner-up in the Livestock Career Development Event has the opportunity to choose between competing in Kansas City or at the National Western in Denver. The third-place team is certified for the remaining contest berth.

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VATAT News

UPDATE What’s the Biggest Gift You Have Ever Given? Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Foundation Executive Director Aren’t kids great … especially at Christmas? They open each gift with wonder and excitement of what will be in each present opened. Some kids are aggressive and just start ripping the paper apart and diving in. Some pause at the site of clothes and not the toy they wanted – of course this changes as they get older and appreciate new styles more than toys. As the years go by we learn more about gifts and what it means to give. Sometimes I struggle to find that perfect gift for someone who seems to have everything. So, what is the biggest gift you could give that special person? Give a simple, but impactful, gift of support to better our future. I know a lot of people who are humbled, surprised, and thankful when they receive a letter stating that a gift has been given in their name to the Texas FFA Foundation – a gift to ensure the strength and future of Texas agricultural education / FFA programming. A

little note inside says “thank you.” Thank you for being a mentor, teacher, friend or encouragement along their FFA journey. Honoring someone through the Texas FFA Foundation is easy, secure and makes a positive difference for generations to come. Checks can be made to the Texas FFA Foundation and mailed, or you can give securely online at the Texas FFA Foundation website by clicking on the “Giving” tab. Either way, you can honor someone and say thank you. We wish you a very Merry Christmas. God gave us an incredible gift during this time of year, His son, which is the ultimate gift and future. We hope you and your loved ones are blessed and we hope God will continue those blessings in 2016. Thank you for being a part of Texas Team Ag Ed and supporting the future for those who will follow in our footsteps.

The Gift of Support Give a gift in the name of someone who has made a positive difference in your life or through a FFA experience.

Gifts can be mailed to: Texas FFA Foundation 614 East 12th Street Austin, Texas 78701 Or, given securely online at: www.texasffafoundation.org (Gifts to the Texas FFA Foundation are tax deductible.)

VATAT News

UPDATE 2015 National FFA Alumni Convention Business Session Carin Cason, Texas FFA Alumni Council Representative The 2015 National FFA Alumni Convention business session was held Friday, October 30, 2015 in conjunction with the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Texas was represented by three delegates for what turned out to be a gathering that included a great deal of debate. While discussing new business, an amendment to the FFA Alumni bylaws regarding the changing of the alumni emblem was brought forth to the voting body. It was proposed that the wording be changed to allow for the use of either the triangular shield with the FFA emblem and the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alumniâ&#x20AC;? (as it currently stands) OR the official FFA emblem with the words National FFA Alumni Association located directly to the right. This new emblem would provide a more uniform look as the FFA Foundation has already switched to a similar one. However, the proposal was met with much debate regarding both the confusion of having two possible emblems as well as dissatisfaction with using anything other than the current triangular shield. After much back and forth discussion, the motion regarding the emblem was ultimately tabled until next year. If you have any feedback regarding your opinion on the Alumni emblem, please contact an active alumni member.

FFA ALUMNI DUES Pay National Dues Now For Fiscal Year Sept 1 to Aug 31 & Texas dues deadline is

February 15th

Pay at FFA.org

VATAT News

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VATAT News

UPDATE Notes From the Executive Secretary Don Beene, Texas Young Farmers Executive Secretary I would like to remind everyone that the Texas Young Farmers State Convention will be held next month, January 2016, at the Best Western in Bryan, Texas. In addition to my notes, this month’s newsletter includes a report from our Convention Coordinator, Terry Hausenfluck, and a registration form. This year’s convention will be full of fun, educational tours and fellowship. We hope you will attend. Also, please turn in your dues as soon as possible. I have had numerus questions regarding the Program of Work. This is simply a plan for your year. One objective should be to grow. This is because as it has been said many times, “if you are not growing, you are dying”. See each of you in Bryan next month.

Convention Planning Committee Report Terry Hausenfluck, Convention Coordinator The 2016 State Young Farmer Convention Planning Committee has been working diligently to finalize details for the convention agenda. We want everyone who is coming in on Thursday to remember our Ice Breaker/Social get together from 7:00- 9:00 PM hosted by Mass Mutual Financial Group. There will be some ice breaker activities, food, dominoes and fellowship. Friday morning we get up early for breakfast and load busses for tours at 7:00 AM. First stop Thomas G. Hildebrand Equine Center on the campus of Texas A&M University for a tour coordinated by Steve Cannon. Next we will have a presentation and tour of the Texas A&M Poultry Center arranged by Dale Hyatt, Farm Research Service Manager. After completing this tour, we will enjoy a hamburger/cheeseburger lunch at the famed Dixie Chicken at Northgate across from the Texas A&M University campus. Lunch, fellowship and photos. After lunch, we will be on the West Campus of A&M at the Heep building for the afternoon seminars and tours with our coordinator, Lauren Ward, Apiary Manager, Department of Entomology. She has several activities planned for us under the title of Entomology: 12

“Pests to Pollinators”. When our afternoon activities close, we will travel back to the Best Western to freshen up for a dinner of Fiesta Fajitas and trimmings. Ag Olympics/Games and social time will follow. Saturday begins as our business day. Delegates will meet with the officers and prepare for our Business Session for the year. The Officers will have their agenda set to accomplish our State business. Remember this year any member may be elected as a State Young Farmer Vice-President at Large according to our Constitutional Amendment passed last year. This was done to help get more interested members on the board to meet and plan activities since we have several areas in the state without Young Farmer chapters or state officers. Don’t forget to bring chapter baskets and other auction items for our Appreciation Lunch/ Scholarship Auction after the Business Session concludes. We will be serving King Ranch Chicken for lunch and raising money for our scholarship fund. After our lunch from 2:00- 5:15 PM, we will have a series of workshops and activities before our awards banquet beginning with a single workshop on “Harvesting the Fruits of Your Labor: Farm Succession & Estate Planning.” Then two more workshops will follow; one is a Floral Design workshop and the other is being finalized. There will be a 30 minute timed test session of the convention activities and the Texas Young Farmers that replaces the Farm Business test. This also counts for Sweepstakes. Ending the day will be the Young Farmer Roundtable discussion open to any members wishing to attend. Our Awards Banquet will close out our 2016 Convention. We will be serving Ribeye Steaks for the meal and Casino Night will be the last activity for the evening. Be a part of the solution! Bring members from your communities who have never attended the convention before and demonstrate the importance for state participation by all local chapters and members. This is vital to our growth and existence.

VATAT News

2016 Texas Young Farmer Convention January 7th – 10th, 2016 Bryan, Texas Registration Form

Hotel: Best Western Premier-Old Town Center, 1920 Austin’s Colony Parkway, Bryan, Texas 77802. Phone: (979) 731-5300, Use Group Code: TYF16 or State Association of Young Farmers. Room Rate: $96 King / $101 Double. (King Suites available at Regular Hotel rate). NOTE: The Hotel does not have On-Line Registration, you must call and reserve your room. (Deadline is Dec. 21st.) Schedule: Complete Details at: http://www.txyoungfarmers.org/default.aspx?ID=4415  Thurs., Jan. 7th – 3pm – 5pm State Board Meeting. 7pm – 9pm Icebreaker and Mixer for everyone  Fri., Jan. 8th – Breakfast at Hotel, Morning Tours, Lunch, Afternoon Tours. Dinner at Hotel (provided by TYF), Ag Olympics with additional activities.  Sat. Jan. 9th – Breakfast at Hotel, Delegate Meeting, Business Meeting, Sponsor Appreciation Lunch, Scholarship Auction, Workshops, Awards Banquet and After Banquet Entertainment Registration Costs: Early Bird Registration Deadline is December 1st .  Early Bird Registration is $125  Late Registration is $150  Registration includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for Friday and Saturday; Thursday Mixer; Tours; Ag Olympics and After Banquet Entertainment.  Friday Night (Does NOT include the Friday Meal but does include Ag Olympics) and Saturday Only is $75 before December 1st and $100 after December 1st .  Friday Night Meal if arriving before Ag Olympics for Friday and Saturday Only Attendees - $14 each  Kids are $50  Floral Design Workshop – participants will keep their projects - $10 (Registration required to get needed supplies). Register On Line at TYF website www.txyoungfarmers.org If a computer is not available, You can mail Registration Form and Registration Fees (payable to Texas Young Farmers to: Texas Young Farmers: 1694 LCR 256, Mexia, TX 76667 Early Bird Registration Deadline: December 1, 2015 Name(s): ____________________________________________ TYF Area: ______ TYF Chapter: ______________ Address: _____________________________________ City, State and Zip: __________________________________ Email Address: _________________________________________________ ____ Phone: (_____)______-_________ Early Bird Registration for January 7th - 10th Late Registration for January 7th – 10th Friday Night Meal (Fri/Sat Only Attendees) Friday Night - Ag Olympics & Saturday Only Friday Night - Ag Olympics & Saturday Only Child Registration (12 & Under) Floral Design – (Participant keeps project)

$125 before Dec. 1st $150 after Dec. 1st $14 each $75 before Dec. 1st $100 after Dec. 1st $50 $10

# _______ @ $ 125 # _______ @ $150 # _______ @ $14 # _______ @ $75 # ________ @ $100 # _______ @ $50 # ________ @ $10 TOTAL DUE:

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Credit Card Information: Number: _______________________________ Exp Date: _____________ Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________ 13

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Upcoming Events December

January

1st Junior FFA Dues Deadline 5th & 6th State LDEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Sam Houston State University 14th VATAT Board Meeting, Austin

February

7th-10th Texas Young Farmers Convention, Bryan

1st National FFA Scholarship Deadline

11th Texas FFA Board Meeting, Austin

20th - 27th National FFA Week

12th Texas FFA Foundation Board Meeting, Austin

24th - Jan. 3rd Team Ag Ed Offices Closed

23rd Day at the Capitol

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Officers Ray Pieniazek, President

Shane Crafton, Vice President

Michael Meadows, Secretary/Treasurer

Staff Barney McClure, Executive Director

Ashley Dunkerley, Communications

Karen Jones, Membership Services