October 2014 by Texas Ag Ed

NEWS A Texas Team Ag Ed Publication

October 2014

The Way I See It Jack Winterrowd, Cedar Park

“FFA members, why are we here?” How many times have we heard that catchy phrase? But I wonder, how much thought do we really give to the question? With a month of school under our belts, we find ourselves in the midst of the first busy season of an ag teacher’s year. There are show animals to buy, ag mechanics projects to start, LDE teams to train and for some of us, too many more things to even think about getting done. October is a busy month for everyone in this profession. The newness of September has worn off and for some people, the students may have begun to get under our skin a little. In my Principles of Agriculture class, that is certainly the case. I really enjoy teaching this class, for many students it is their first exposure to the huge, wide world of agriculture and the FFA. They start off like sponges ready to soak things up and you can talk to them about what the future holds for them in the FFA and they will get so excited about the big things yet to come. They are like blank slates in the FFA and they are looking to us to lead and guide them into a future filled with bright dreams. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” ― Harriet Tubman Greenhand Camps have been held and many have their first FFA t-shirts to proudly wear. For some,

they are immersed in training their first animal to lead or drive. Every day is a new experience for them. In the classroom, they are learning about the foundations of the FFA and parliamentary procedure. Some are saying the FFA Creed in class and wondering why on earth they have to memorize and speak those words that countless others have spoken. For some, those words will sink into their spirit and for the first time, they will get it. It’s almost like a light switch being turned on. We see it all the time. It’s what makes our job so vital and yet, so humbling. It’s all about when that child who never speaks up in class finishes the last phrase in paragraph five and the words “my part in that inspiring task” sink home into their heart and mind and you give him or her a high five or fist bump or a firm handshake and a knowing smile. There is a connection forged in those moments that for some will last four quick years. It is the connection of an ag teacher with a student. A young life is changed and an older one is positively reinforced. But how does it get that way? Why do we make the connections that so many other educators do not? What is it about what we do as ag teachers that changes the lives of our students in such profound and memorable ways? I would argue that it is a matter of trust. “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” ― Stephen R. Covey

Trust is something that is sometimes hard to build and requires a strong foundation. One slight misstep can bring the whole house down in a heartbeat. Our students trust us to teach them the things they need to know. They trust us to care about them and to care about their futures and their dreams. They trust us to act in their best interests and on their behalf. In return, they begin to connect with us on levels that many other educators can’t even fathom and some are profoundly jealous of that connection. Think about that Greenhand creed speaker or that Greenhand chapter conducting team officer. Why do they take that huge step into an arena that is unknown and frightening to them? It is because of the trust we build together.

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VATAT News

The Way I See It Continued

A great example of this trusting relationship is the bond I developed with a young man who would become my chapter’s first state officer. He was filled with selfdoubt from the start but I could see so much potential in him that I made it my mission to develop ways for him to succeed in the FFA. He worked hard to achieve his goals and dreams and I worked just as hard to help make them a reality. His parents saw the potential too and trusted me to help him achieve those goals of leadership offices, excellent speaking skills, a strong SAE and a solid commitment to developing the young man that I knew he could become. That trust carried over to his siblings as well because they all were active in my FFA chapter. Each one achieving goals that they would set, with my encouragement, and ultimately becoming amazing young adults. The daughter reaching her dream of singing a solo with the National FFA chorus; the second son becoming an area president like his older brother and developing a cow herd; the baby of the family growing up to also be area president and State First Vice President and now is a Ross Volunteer and senior at Texas A&M University. But how did they achieve their goals? Was it by my own efforts alone? Of course not! In each case we assessed their skills and discussed their ambitions and then together we built their Field of Dreams! “Both desire and imagination are stored in the mind of the individual and when stretched, both have the potential to position a person for greatness.” ― Eric Thomas Field of Dreams is one of my favorite movies. It is a movie filled with desire and imagination. There is a huge element of trust and then there is the whole dream aspect to tie it all together. I can’t tell you the number of times I have seen that movie and each time, it gets me. My heart is in my throat and my eyes are misty. Call me an old softy if you will. I will admit to the old part and I will gladly accept the whole concept of a person succeeding because they believed in their dreams and they trusted their skills and their mentors who helped make those dreams a reality! When the credits are rolling I find myself filled with a profound sense of hope and a belief in the possibilities that life will present to us if we will just allow them to happen and then commit to making them happen. It’s the whole, “If you build it, they will come” mentality. I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.”― Frank Lloyd Wright So how do we make all the dreams, goals, trust and effort become reality? For some students, the connection will never happen. For others, the strength of commitment will waver and fade away. For some, a different path will be chosen. But for many, at least 103,000 strong, in 1,045 chapters with over 1,600 ag teachers working daily to TEACH them and ADVISE them, there will be a different reality. For those, the price of success will be worth the effort. I challenge you to put forth that effort every day! Together, we will work to make things happen! And that’s the way I see it…

Texas Livestock Project Conference Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director The first Texas Livestock Project Conference for Agriculture Teachers and County Extension Agents was held in Waco September 5-7, 2014. More than 130 teachers and agents participated, and by all accounts it was well received. This event was a collaborative effort of the Animal Industries Committee from Extension, and the Major Livestock Show Advisory Committee from the teacher side, with the support of the Texas FFA, Texas FFA Foundation and Texas 4-H. The major stock shows provided funding for the event, which was hosted by the Heart of Texas Fair. Agenda topics included: working together as agents and teachers; signing entries; validation policies and procedures; a panel discussion by livestock show officials; a panel discussion of respected judges; residue avoidance; managing expectations of stakeholders; the roles and responsibilities of teachers and agents at shows; and projecting a positive image at shows. The participants varied widely, both in experience and what they expected to get from the conference. Livestock Shows and issues concerning them have become more important each year. Livestock shows provide an opportunity for our students to exhibit their supervised agriculture experience projects. Shows are a source of income for students who excel in the ring, as well as an opportunity for scholarships for all students. The shows are our partners in many other ways, including sponsoring many of our activities, including this conference. I came away from the conference struck with how many times the word communication was used. It was used when discussing county issues between teachers and agents, when discussing how teachers and agents deal with students and parents and when discussing how teachers and agents deal with administrators. It was used when discussing managing expectations of everyone. In the complicated world in which we exist, many problems could be avoided if we only did a better job in this area. The conference did its job by opening up a better dialogue between the groups, answering some questions, and better defining others. Planning is already underway for the future, and I would expect to see further efforts on this very important part of our program.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE VATAT.........................................1 - 3 Texas FFA.................................4 - 5 Foundation.............................8 Texas FFA Alumni.................12 - 13 Young Farmers....................14 - 15

VATAT News

National Teach Ag Day

Student Letter - Writing Contest

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – sustainable food production, the state of the environment, improving public health - are quietly being addressed every day by teachers in our public school systems, something that might surprise those not familiar with agricultural education programs. National Teach Ag Day‘s goal is to celebrate those important contributions agricultural educators are making. It is also a day to encourage students to pursue careers as agricultural educators because the profession is currently facing a critical shortage. This year National Teach Ag Day was celebrated on September 25th with a live webcast from CHS headquarters in St. Paul, Minn. from 1-3 pm. The event included special appearances by leaders in agricultural education, panels of current and future agriculture teachers and tips for pursuing a career in agricultural education. There also was an opportunity for individuals celebrating across the nation to chime in through social media and video conferencing. Other events surrounding National Teach Ag Day included a dialogue on Wednesday, September 24th that brought together agribusiness leaders, policy makers and education professionals to discuss solutions-based strategies to ensure a quality supply of agriculture teachers. Participants discussed how decision makers can support the recruitment and retention of agricultural educators, who in turn will produce the next generation of talent critical to the success of the agriculture industry. Participants across the country thought of innovative ways to encourage their students to consider agricultural education as a career. Activities included rallies at state capitols, special lessons, community activities, university events and more. Schools and current agricultural educators utilized resources such as setting up a Teach Ag booth on campus, playing a game of “Are You Smarter Than Your Ag Teacher?” and “Dress Like Your Ag Teacher Day” to celebrate and bring awareness to the career of agricultural education. “The agriculture classroom is where we can begin to solve these really big-picture questions, and those classrooms won’t exist without our best and brightest minds choosing to become agricultural educators,” said Ellen Thompson, National Teach Ag Campaign Coordinator. National Teach Ag Day is a component of the National Teach Ag Campaign, an effort to bring attention to the need for more agricultural educators in the U.S. and celebrate the contributions that agriculture teachers make in their schools and communities. The campaign is an initiative of the National Council for Agricultural Education, led by the National Association of Agricultural Educators and funded by the CHS Foundation, DuPont Pioneer and Growth Energy as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. For free resources and more information about National Teach Ag Day and the National Teach Ag campaign, visit naae.org/teachag.

The American Stewards of Liberty, Capital Farm Credit and the Texas Sheep and Goat Raiser’s Auxiliary are sponsoring a Letter-Writing Contest to encourage young people to take an interest in writing member of Congress. The contest is open to American students/citizens who are juniors or seniors in Texas high schools in the fall of 2014 or plan to enroll in any college or University in the 2014 school year. Current college students are eligible to enter and must have graduated from a Texas high school. Home school students are welcome. This contest is for Texas residents only. Subject: Explain why the Fifth Amendment to our Constitution and private property are vital to our nation’s future and provide a specific example of how it helped Americans create the most powerful nation in the world. Deadline: Entries must be postmarked by November 4, 2014. Be sure your postmark is legible, especially if you are entering close to the deadline. You could have your postman hand stamp your entry. Prizes: 1st $1000; 2nd $750; 3rd $500 General Information: Letters must be typewritten and one page in length. The heading should be in the upper right hand corner and have your name, address and telephone number. Your email address is optional. The first paragraph must state your age, high school or college classification, the name of the school or college you are planning to attend. Entries without this format will be disqualified. Who to Write: Your current U.S. Representative from your congressional district and your two U.S. Senators. Be polite, specific, concise and ask that the member respond to your concerns. Letters will be judged by a nationally qualified private property advocate. Write only one letter and change the address. Letters to state legislators will be disqualified. Mail the original to your U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative and copies of the three letters to :

September 25, 2014

Deadline November 4, 2014

Congressional Letter Writing Contest PO Box 289 Uvalde, Texas 78802 Most local papers and libraries list the name and addresses for the members of Congress. You can use your zip code to find the name of your U.S. Representative on the internet. How will I know if my entry is complete?: Include a self-addressed postcard with copies of the letters to your two U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative. Your postcard will be returned to you and stamped with the address of the TSGRA Letter Writing Contest if your entry is complete and eligible for judging. Questions about your eligibility to enter, e-mail hghabyl@sbcglobal.net for more information.

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VATAT News

UPDATE Junior FFA Membership Tom Maynard, Texas FFA Executive Director With the junior membership deadline approaching, it is worthwhile to revisit this membership feature that is unique and exclusive to Texas. Junior FFA was created in an effort to allow agricultural science teachers the capacity to serve students not being reached by the extension service and 4-H organization. Junior FFA members must be at least eight years old and in the third grade or higher. Dues and rosters for junior FFA are due on December 1. The reason for the bifurcated membership deadline is primarily a function of the major livestock deadline. Junior FFA is NOT for students enrolled in junior high or middle school agriculture classes. Students in localcredit middle school courses must be active members, and junior membership for any student ends when an agricultural science class is available. Historically, services to junior members have focused on supervision of livestock for exhibition. However, many local chapters have seen the junior program as an avenue for age-appropriate personal and leadership development. Many junior FFA programs elect officers, have meetings and conduct activities that prepare them for induction into the work of the regular chapter. Junior members do not meet the enrollment requirements for active membership and are never allowed to vote in the business of a local chapter, which must be conducted by its active membership. However, it is permissible for the junior FFA to conduct business as a junior FFA affiliate of parent chapter. The junior FFA program does have a few pitfalls. One must be cognizant regarding the fact that agricultural science programs are funded on classroom contact hours and that while the junior program may eventually result in more students in the classroom, those students do not provide any financial foundation to support a teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salary or department operations. Also, unlike active membership which has a clear beginning, junior membership doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a constitutional or policy-marked start point. Since dues are not submitted until December 1 and a members may have an activity that occurs before then, each individual chapter must determine what and when that start point is and have is codified in written policy.

The most common question fielded regarding junior membership concerns out-of-district students. In 2013, a constitutional amendment related to junior membership was modified to allow for the inclusion of out-of-district students provided that a waver to do so is approved by the school superintendent. For the purposes of the policy, a private school student who lives in the school district would be considered an outof-district student because of enrollment status. The document is available and it must be submitted at the same time as dues. More information can be found at TexasFFA.org.

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VATAT News

Texas FFA New Relaunch - October 15, 2014 Ashley Dunkerley, Communications Coordinator

This year will mark the inaugural year of the Texas FFA News Staff Program. October 15, 2014 the Texas FFA Association will be relaunching TexasFFANews.org. The site will have a new look and will feature intriguing articles and videos about Texas chapters and members.

The Staff In the past Texas FFA News has been geographically limited in our publication efforts. However, this new initiative will allow us to have staff located across the state. We have hundreds of members, with their own unique story to tell. This program was designed to successfully capture these stories by utilizing talented sophomore, junior and senior college students with a passion for journalism. Each staff member will be assigned a geographical area, primarily around their College or University. We will be selecting five students to serve on this year Texas FFA News Staff. These students will be professionally published every month and will also be awarded a $1000 scholarship at the conclusion of their term. As the Texas FFA Communications Coordinator, I will serve as editor and supervisor to the staff. Assignments will be distributed on a monthly basis. Primarily communication will be through phone, email and skype.

Being part of this staff is a large commitment, but one that that will be a wonderful learning experience and a great resume builder for college students.

Website Update Texas FFA News is published on the 15th of every month online at texasffanews.org. The website strives to communicate that the Texas FFA Association is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Feature stories will highlight exceptional chapters, students and will cover important agricultural issues. The goal is to produce a news website that is interactive and interesting. The new site will have a heavy video focus. Texas FFA Advisors have voiced that they appreciate video content because they can utilize it in the classroom. Video provides a different experience; it is interesting and takes the viewer to a place that is different from print. In addition, the site will also feature traditional news articles and photos. This website is designed specifically for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sophisticated, techsavvy members. Please email ashley@vatat.org if you would like to submit a feature article idea.

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VATAT News

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VATAT News

UPDATE Show Your Texas FFA Pride Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Foundation Executive Director Texas FFA Gear is a way you can show your Texas FFA pride while supporting Texas Team Ag Ed. The official Texas FFA Gear logo is easy to use – and makes a powerful statement. Vendors at the local, and state level, can produce t-shirts, hoodies, caps, and other printed / embroidered materials using the Texas FFA Gear logo. The participating chapter will then return a royalty on each item sold back to the Texas FFA Foundation.

How it Works 1. Contact the Foundation office and secure the Texas FFA Gear logo for your chapter. Place the logo on sleeve, top back collar, on the tail or wherever it helps tell the Texas FFA story while showing our pride. 2. Coordinate your gift with your chapter i.e. $0.50, $0.75 or $1.00 per item sold that bears the logo. 3. Have students honor someone. Send the Honor Commitment Forms in with your gift. 4. Send your check for the number of items sold. You will be helping your students learn about taking care of our Texas FFA, and other’s will know you’re supporting Texas Team Ag Ed. Funds support the Texas FFA Scholarship program. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Texas FFA Foundation at (512) 4808047 or email us at: info@texasffafoundation.org. We are ready to help you show your Texas FFA pride.

Texas FFA Gear The official Texas FFA Gear is available! The first offering of the Texas FFA Gear t-shirts were on sale at the FFA Store during convention. When you see the Texas FFA Gear logo, you know that person is supporting our Texas Team Ag Ed. When you purchase an official Texas FFA Gear product, you are not only wearing the quality we’ve come to expect in the Texas FFA, but you are investing in our future. As a member, parent or sponsor, you’re ensuring a brighter future for those who will follow in our footsteps. When you see someone wearing Texas FFA Gear tell

them thank you. Wear the gear, share the brand and support the future. I am Texas FFA t-shirts are available for $15. Order by contacting the Texas FFA Foundation. Men’s and lady’s design ensure we have the right style for all Texas FFA members or individuals interested in promoting our Texas FFA. We hope you will help us spread the word and join us in wearing and supporting our brand. When ordering please indicate style (blue or pink), sizes and number of shirts needed. All sizes are standard adult sizes.

Order I Am Texas FFA T-Shirts Mail Order to: Texas FFA Foundation 614 East 12th Street Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 480-8047 Email Order to: info@texasffafoundation.org Online: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/texasffashirt

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VATAT News

UPDATE Alumni Dues Have Changed Kelly White, Texas FFA Alumni President

Annual National FFA affiliations dues are local, state and national levels. $100 for an alumni affiliate. Annual State FFA • Provide resources and training to state and local affiliation dues are $50 for an alumni affiliate. leaders on how to use Ag Career Network to report

Affiliation Overview Membership processes and reporting • Annual fee of $100 for National Dues per local affiliate for the affiliate program providing basic support to all volunteers of that local affiliate. This annual fee would be waived if the local affiliate has at least 25 life members. This process would continue to provide additional annual members in the affiliate coverage to keep them current and active without any additional fees. • Annual fee of $50 for State Dues per local affiliate for the affiliate program providing basic support to all volunteers of that local affiliate. This annual fee would be waived if the local affiliate has at least 25 life members. This process would continue to provide additional annual members in the affiliate coverage to keep them current and active without any additional fees. • Reported membership information in all required fields with a minimum of 10 local affiliate members will continue to be in place for the affiliate to be considered active. • The affiliate must keep required affiliate information completed and updated in Ag Career Network to remain active. • Designate a responsible key contact to sign up the affiliate and keep affiliate information current and communicate to members.

Goals and Objectives The National Alumni Council and staff have identified the following goals for the affiliation program. • Provide the affiliate program to all states and local affiliates across the country to ensure they can participate to grow their volunteers and support for agricultural education and FFA. • Provide implementation strategies and training to state and local alumni leaders to ensure they understand the opportunities and benefits in being connected at the

membership, collect data and keep valued alumni records and information in a safe location for operations. • Provide multiple communication resources that will allow the National Alumni Council, national and state staff the ability to provide information and resources to assist individual members and the local alumni affiliates. • For additional supporting goals resulting in increased participation please refer to the benefits of this program below.

Affiliates and Their Members Receive • Affiliates will receive the ability to use the National FFA tax reporting benefits as a National affiliate. Filing the proper documentation and keeping their active affiliate status in place provides this option as a member affiliate of National FFA. • The local affiliate and all associates have full access to use the National FFA Alumni Ag Career Network and all resources to provide information, house resources, report data, report & process membership, search for career opportunities and discover promising practices to grow the affiliate and its members. • Key alumni and FFA Organization updates, information, sponsor supported benefits are all available by keeping your individual profiles on AgCN up to date. • Electronic “New Visions” alumni newsletter and FFA’s “New Horizons” magazine. • New supportive resources for the local alumni affiliate and their members to become stronger advocates. The needed tools to work with school and community based partners to sustain and grow support for local agricultural education programs and FFA chapters to ensure the success and experience for future generations. • To be part of a national network united to support agriculture, agricultural education and FFA. Each local affiliates actions and support adds to the support of the state and the national level as there is increased support in numbers. • To be part of a national network united to support

VATAT News agriculture, agricultural education and FFA. Each local affiliates actions and support adds to the support of the state and the national level as there is increased support in numbers.

Benefits

• Make it easy for individuals to join and less work for local volunteers and affiliates to obtain national membership and receive benefits. • Provide an option for those who want to provide their support both in volunteer hours and financial contributions to the local level and still have the ability to communicate on a national level and receive key information keeping their local programs strong. • Mobilize a network of local volunteers and supporters. Report their contributions in time, talent and support and be recognized for their efforts. • National Alumni Association taking on a new focus of membership services rather than membership management. • Current booster clubs not seeing the value of national alumni membership will become involved utilizing key information, promising practices and provided services. • Increase the active national affiliates and combined support of alumni keeping an increased number of local FFA chapter and agricultural education program strong and sustainable at all levels.

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VATAT News

UPDATE Notes From the Executive Secretary Don Beene, Texas Young Farmers Executive Secretary Another school year has begun and I hope that all goes well for each of you. First, I would like to remind you that it is time to collect your Young Farmers dues and remit them to the state. Dues are $25 and each chapter must have at least eight dues paying members. Please use the 2014-2015 dues form as we ask for email addresses and not telephone numbers. Your $25 allows you to become an associate member of the National Organization, the NYFEA. NYFEA sends an email bimonthly on events and happenings taking place in other states. I promise we will not give or sell your email to anyone. Please get the dues in before the December 1, 2014. It would be preferred if you could submit them before November. I also encourage you to visit our website www. txyoungfarmers.org. Debi Peyton of Chico Young Farmers manages the site and would be happy to include any of your area and chapter activities. Please email the information to me at dbtxyfa@gmail.com and I will forward it on to Debi. She does an excellent job but we would like more content.

Start Your Own Young Farmers Chapter

I have had several teachers asking about starting a new chapter. Please see the information below. • Get your own EIN. You will get it under the State Young Farmer umbrella. This number is needed for you to open a bank account and to file your taxes. You will need to file an ePost Card with the IRS annually if you are

earning less than $25,000. This EIN will place you in the 501c3 tax which is educational non profit tax exempt. • You must have at least eight dues paying members in order to maintain your charter. This is your chapter and you make the rules. Many of our chapters have different requirements for membership and eligibility for scholarships and awards. If your chapter is in good standing with the state all of your students are eligible for Texas Young Farmer Scholarships and state awards. Now if you want to alter these rules for your chapter then that is ok with us. You may give your scholarships and awards as you see fit and you may have your own rules as to what students may submit scholarship forms to the state. Again this is your chapter and your rules. • We do encourage each chapter to have at least two adult education programs a year. Our adults are not educated in many agricultural areas. Most of us have a yard and we fertilize the grass but do we really know what we are putting on the grass and why. Do we need a lot of potassium on our lawns? What is potassium? • We also would encourage each chapter to send at least two delegates to the State Convention. Here we can bring your membership up to date with current laws, inform you on what is taking place in Austin, provide some great educational tours and we also have some educational workshops and contest. The photo contest has become very popular. We have a grant for new chapters attending the State Convention. This is found on our web site www.txyoungfarmers.org.

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Remember Children Are Our Future

Convention Host Committee Update

Kenneth Brown, President Elect

January 8-10 in Bryan, Texas

Well here it is, early September; the suns going down earlier with a break from the heat on the way. School is back in session and everyday life has become very busy and stressful. We are up at 6’ish to get ready for school and away they go. If only it was that simple. It’s always “I wanted to wear the red dress not the blue one” or “I can’t find my shoes/homework/etc.” Eventually you get your kids to the bus or load them up in the family vehicle and head out. Then as the afternoon approaches the madness starts all over again. The kids arrive home and the questions and comments just keep coming. “Mom, sign this so I can go on that trip I forgot to tell you about.” “Dad, I need more for that class shirt. Yes, I knew about it last week but I need it today or else I don’t get one” (as you look into an empty wallet). Alas, it’s not over yet. We have forgotten about sports practice, band drills and gymnastics. It seems so nice when things finally start slowing down. For some, there is still more. Major stock shows are approaching fast. No matter if it’s Fort Worth, Heart of Texas, Houston, East Texas, Star of Texas or any of the others, it’s time to get your “A” game on. That means there are animals to be taken care of before school, after school, and in the case of chickens and turkeys, in the middle of the night! Ag kids have way more responsibilities than your average student. Not only do the animals require feeding but they have to be gentled and taught to lead. They have to have baths and haircuts. Their hooves have to be trimmed and smoothed. There are always stalls and pens to be cleaned and shavings to be changed. Our children and students sometimes complain. However, they take great pride in their projects. Be sure you take time to watch and offer help when they need it. Don’t be quick to rush in and take over, but allow them the chance to find solutions on their own. It’s important for their development to do things on their own. It is equally as important, and maybe more so, that they see and hear how proud we are of them. Our children are our future, our main purpose in life is to protect them and help them grow. We must remember that these are the people making the decisions for us when we no longer can. Till next time; take care and God bless each and every one of you for what you do.

The State Young Farmers Convention will be held January 8-10, 2015 at the Premier Best Western in Bryan, Texas. Let me encourage all of you to put these dates on your calendar and make plans now to attend the 60th Annual State Convention. Aggieland is excited to be a part of the continued growth of the Texas Young Farmers. Tours will begin Friday morning by loading busses at 7:30am. Our premier tour with the Veterinary Emergency Team continues to evolve with the computer training of an emergency simulation and overview of the team’s mobile equipment units. The host committee is working on a second tour to match times with the VET program. Areas under consideration at this time are tours of the Texas A&M Large Veterinary Hospital facility, the new Texas A&M Equestrian Center and the Texas Transportation Center. Lunch for Friday’s tour day is being worked out close to the Downtown Bryan area to try to include an opportunity for short tours of Catalena Hatters and The Chocolate Gallery. A final tour topic will be forthcoming based on time. The tours will conclude around 5:30pm. Dinner will be provided at the hotel at 6:30pm prior to Ag Olympics. We will continue to post updates and sincerely hope excitement for this convention continues to grow to include many members who have never been to a State Young Farmer Convention. Young and new members as well as our veterans are needed for us to be truly successful. Online registration and information will be coming soon after the Young Farmer Board meeting September 13.

AGGIELAND WELCOMES

THE TEXAS YOUNG FARMERS 15

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