June 2016 by Texas Ag Ed

NEWS A Texas Team Ag Ed Publication

June 2016

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

The school year is finally over. That means you are anticipating some days off and getting everything in line for state convention. I too am looking forward to some much needed time off to regroup and recharge. What did you accomplish this past year? What chances did you take? Hopefully you have taken many chances, for both yourself and your students, and continue looking for more as you move into the summer months. “You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.” I discovered this quote while writing my article this month. It can be difficult to take chances and try something new when we don’t know what the end result will be. “Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently,” Henry Ford said. “In the end we may only regret the chances we didn’t take. Furthermore, failures are part of life. If you don’t fail, you don’t learn, and if you don’t learn, you don’t change.”

Taking chances should be part of your daily routine. Our school is currently changing to standards-based grading. It is a difficult thing to grasp, but, as our principal and superintendent keep saying, “it’s about mastering the standards.” I’ve begun using it in my woodworking class and it’s made it easy for me to grade them each day in the shop. I base their grades upon their work ethic. Stated simply, if they are working without my guidance and demonstrating a great work ethic for the entire period, then they are meeting the standard. Eventually, all of our classes will transition to standardsbased grading. It is making me change the way I have to think about assignments and their purpose. It is a change in my mindset. This year has been an adventure, and I know this trend will continue in the years to come. Our VATAT is more financially stable than ever before, our building in Austin has received a makeover, and the finishing touches on

the landscape should be completed in the coming months. Conference is just around the corner, and hopefully you have registered and are planning to enjoy the multitude of workshops that we have lined up for you. I hope you have a fun and revitalizing summer and enjoy your time with family and friends. Keep taking chances, especially those that will lead to brighter futures for you, your family and friends and your students. I look forward to seeing you in Corpus Christi in July!

VATAT News

Who Defines Your Program? Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director I have recently dealt with some teachers that had issues tracing back to differing visions of what an agricultural education program should be. The decision makers, usually administrators, really weren’t on the same page with the teacher as to what they wanted in their program. In such situations, it is always easy to paint those who disagree with us as the bad guys. In some cases, they really are pretty good villains, but in many others, they just lack the experience to properly evaluate what the program needs to be. In many cases, they have no real experience to draw on, as many never have a chance to acquire this experience in their administrator preparation courses. So we can blame them and complain that they just don’t understand, or we can do something about it. I believe that the ag educator knows more about our program than anyone, so it is up to us to define what a good program is, and explain that to the decision makers. To do this, it is important to have your own clear idea of what the program should be trying to accomplish. Doing something because “we always have,” may not cut it anymore. If you want a strong show program, be able to justify it. If leadership

development events are important to your program, be able to explain the benefits. If a strong agricultural mechanics curriculum is important to you, be prepared to tell the administrator why it is so critical to your students. I could go on and talk about every major area of our program, but you get the picture. Put your ideas down on paper and request a meeting with the administrators. Facilitate a real discussion about what the program is and what it isn’t. Be prepared to possibly bend a little on your vision, as they are ultimately in charge of the instructional program in your district. It’s possible that if they feel they are given a more active role in the process, they may begin to look at your program in a more favorable light. At the end of the day, maybe a collaborative approach to defining the agriculture program is something that would benefit everyone involved.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE VATAT................................................................1 - 3 Texas FFA...............................................................4 Foundation....................................................6 Texas FFA Alumni................................................7 Young Farmers.............................................9 - 11

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Designs to Fit Your Budget Ashley Dunkerley, Communications Coordinator Since 1964, Priefert Manufacturing, Inc. has been the recognized leader in livestock handling equipment. With a broad range of products and a reputation for quality, integrity and reliability, the brand name has become widely known. For years, agriculture facilities have been designed to achieve a look based on visual concepts. With limited experience regarding livestock, designers have often overlooked key factors related to safety and functionality. All too often, changes for custom manufactured or specially fitted equipment resulted in costly delays. To save such projects both time and money, Priefert Complex Designs (PCD) was formed in 2008. Today, a growing number of clients have realized the value of PCD’s early involvement; to consult throughout the project or take the lead for the design of entire projects from the beginning. “PCD was created to fit a certain niche,” Glen Calvert, PCD General Manager and Structural Engineer said. “We can work on projects as consultants for other architecture firms, or we may lead the entire project and hire architects to work for us.” Priefert Complex Designs’ personnel have over 40 years combined experience in building design and construction management. The team is uniquely

qualified to accept the challenges related to designing facilities specifically related to livestock and equestrian functions. These functions include initial site planning; master planning; architectural layout; stall, arena/equipment layout and design; structural and architectural engineering, as well as livestock consulting. “We build ag facilities that are more utilitarian in their function and design,” Calvert said. “Our goal is to create spaces that are functional, flexible, safe and economically efficient.” Priefert Complex Designs’ unique set of skills is specifically directed to enhance design and functional use of specifically tailored multi-purpose facilities, such as high school agriculture facilities. The application of professional analysis, engineering principles, technology and creative design ensures the creation of buildings which are animal friendly and people safe. “We have the ability to ask questions that ag teachers can address specifically, where as an architecture firm may not even know the right questions to ask,” Calvert said. Priefert Complex Designs delivers valuable insight into key design phases for construction projects of all sizes. Combining the practical experience of Priefert Ranch and Rodeo Equipment with design and engineering know-how, PCD has the ability to bring together a unique set of talents.

VATAT News

UPDATE Constitutional Check-Up

Tom Maynard, Texas FFA Executive Director The official manual states that all members should have FFA knowledge and that all officers should have knowledge and understanding of the chapter, state and national constitutions. How would your students measure up on this one? What about you? It’s vitally important. I have had a number of calls this spring from administrators and concerned citizens regarding officer elections and other proceedings being conducted in a manner contrary to the local chapter constitution and bylaws. Operating in a manner consistent with your governing documents will help keep you out of hot water on some issues, but the most important outcome is the instructional outcome. Ultimately, we are teaching young people how to run an organization and become equipped for citizenship and self government.

Annual Constitution & Bylaws Check-Up (1) Request a copy of the state office file copy of your constitution/bylaws. You may have updated your constitution and bylaws since they were filed in Austin. If what is on file is different than your current documents, send in a new copy. Staff can scan and e-mail what is currently on file. (2) From the Texas FFA website (Under Teachers>chapter toolbox), download the document titled “Standards for governing documents.” This checklist addresses all of the most features common to all constitutions and/or bylaws. All of these elements should be included in your chapter’s constitution/bylaws. (3) From the same page (chapter toolbox), download the sample constitution and bylaws. This is an editable MS Word document, so you can edit or copy from it as much as you would like. (4) Set aside ample time to meet with your officers to comb through the constitution and bylaws and develop recommendations for amendments. Your officers may decide that the changes are so sweeping, that a constitutional revision would be more appropriate. In this case, the officers would be proposing a new document that would supplant the old, rather than attempting to approve individual amendments in a piecemeal fashion. (5) Decide what is appropriate for your governing documents. Provisions of the constitution and bylaws should provide the foundational framework for the organization. These documents should not be overly prescriptive and have language that is better delivered in chapter rules or policies. You do not want to include anything that may change or that may require a degree of flexibility operating within the school environment. Your constitution and bylaws may reference chapter policies that can be adopted and amended by a simple majority vote at a regular

chapter meeting. (6) Get approval. After your student leadership team (officers and other recognized leaders such as standing committee chairmen) approves the draft of the new or amended document(s) they should present them to local administrators. This demonstrates the hands-on student leadership development process to your school leadership and gives the administration a little bit of ownership in the process. It’s a great experience for the students too! In one of your early meetings—August or September, the officers should post the new or revised documents as a discussion item. As a matter of procedure, the revisions should be presented at one meeting and then adopted at a subsequent meeting. In addition, the documents should be posted online and made as accessible as possible. Transparency is always best policy. Be sure that the adoption of the amendments or revised document is posted as an action item at the meeting at which the chapter will take action. (7) Document action. Remember that whatever is not reflected in the minutes of a meeting, didn’t happen. The chapter’s minutes should reflect presentation of the constitution and bylaws at one meeting and their adoption at the subsequent meeting. The record should reflect that a quorum was present and the two-thirds vote required to adopt or amend a constitution. Usually, bylaws only require a majority. (8) Post, File and Teach. File your newly revised constitution and bylaws with the state office. This is a great insurance policy should your document be destroyed or lost. As a matter of record, you may want to include as an addendum, the minutes that reflect the presentation and adoption. Also, make sure your officers post the new document online and that all stakeholders have equal access. Furthermore, take some time in the FFA portion of your classes to teach your students about the local constitution and bylaws and why they are important, not just to the local FFA chapter, but to any organization. (9) Create Companion Policies, Procedures and Rules. Where your constitution references chapter-adopted rules or procedures, be sure to get a head-start with your officers on the creation of these documents. For example, an officer application, testing and interview procedure and contract would not be included in the constitution and bylaws, but adopted as rules. Be sure that adoption of all such rules is reflected in the minutes. (10) Adhere to your constitution and bylaws. We are a nation of laws, and it is vitally important that we teach and model the rule of law. We must also teach our students that if they dislike a particular law or rule, there is a procedure to change it.

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UPDATE Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living? Kelly White, Texas FFA Alumni President “Looking through the eyes of love.” - Artist/ Melissa Manchester I have always joked about becoming an ordained minister. Granted, I thought this may have been my calling back in my high school days. Anyway, at the request of a friend I recently went online and became an ordained minister. I have known the bride-to-be for over fifteen years and had the privilege of watching her show livestock, become an area officer, complete college and begin her career. She also found the man of her dreams! The big day came. The bride and groom were nervous and so was the officiant/minister (me)! The music began and the wedding party made their way to the gazebo in anticipation of the bride’s walk down the aisle. I had the best spot at this wedding. Front and center. I had the opportunity to see all heads turn and all eyes on the bride. I had the opportunity to be the closest one to this couple as they gazed into each other’s eyes. I saw joy, happiness, fear, laughter, and love being exchanged through words, touch, and visual contact. I had the pleasure of introducing this couple as husband and wife. Thank you Paul and Katie for allowing me to be a part of your special day and for allowing me to see love from a different perspective. The title, a quote by Bob Marley, seems appropriate to reflect on after a wedding, at the beginning of the school year, at the end of the school year, before convention, after convention…I think you get my point. We should always look within ourselves and ask, “am I satisfied with the life that I am living?” One last wedding quote dedicated to my Bride of 27 years. “Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.” - Jim Carrey I hope to see you at the convention. Come by the booth and ask about starting an Alumni Affiliate.

Texas FFA Alumni Chapter Basket Contest Tuesday, July 12th

You are invited to fill a basket and enter your FFA alumni chapter in the Texas FFA Alumni Chapter Basket Contest. Each alumni chapter may enter one basket. It may have homemade jellies, items made by local companies, homemade items, items from the local ag department, caps, etc. Baskets should be delivered to the FFA Alumni booth by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12th. The baskets will be judged on a penny ($.01) per vote. The basket with the most votes will receive the rotating “Basket Winner” plaque. The baskets become the property of the Texas FFA Alumni Association and will be sold in the auction on Thursday evening.

Contest Rules • Baskets need to be delivered to the FFA Alumni booth by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. • Contest ends on Wednesday when the exhibit hall closes and the votes will be counted that evening. • A list of the items included in the basket should be clearly labeled on the basket. • The basket can be of any creation. • No alcohol should be included in the basket.

The Texas FFA Alumni is always looking for testimonials regarding the hard work that your local affiliate does for your FFA Chapter. Contact Kelly White via the website to submit your testimonials. 7

VATAT News

UPDATE After Thoughts for The Future Terry Hausenfluck, Texas Young Farmers Convention Committee Chair I have been contemplating the past three years of then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to recruit and use this state convention Texas Young Farmer Conventions. In San Antonio, I as motivation. State conventions go beyond the local advocated to keep the convention in January and scope and provide opportunities to talk to members suggested bringing it to Bryan. who come from different types of Young Farmer To take the burden off of the officers, I volunteered chapters. We are not all alike. We are, in many to be the convention coordinator so that they could cases, very diverse in our activities and purposes. focus on the business of leading the Texas Young However, we all share a love of agriculture and Farmers and positively motivating members before, young people as our common talking point. We are during, and after the convention. I wanted the working on a new activity called the Yale Conference convention to be an informative, educational, and for a graduating senior or beginning college student enjoyable event that members could attend and to participate. This would be modeled like the value in relation to the expenses paid. On the job national. We are currently examining the logistics training has taught me that this can be a daunting of this activity, though the board has not finalized task. I feel that the past two boards were progressive the event at this time. The participating individuals in their efforts to offer more bang for the buck. They would be sponsored by their local Young Farmers, definitely offered more activities for members to be which we believe will add a positive new dimension together and share thoughts and ideas. We need to to our convention. The officers and board are excited continue these efforts, as they are very healthy for about the future state activities and will be working our growth. hard to make sure they are well-planned. Leave your Most of you know I am an advocate of state level comfort zone of home. Be a part of the expanding participation from all of our local affiliates. I am also Texas Young Farmers. a staunch advocate of bringing in new and younger members to help our state organization grow for the future. We have to lead by example. This year, we have two state vice-presidents that fit this example. One is 19 and the other is 20 years old. We need WITH THE their youthful energy to stimulate others across the TEXAS YOUNG FARMERS state. Combined with the experience of the other vice-presidents and the leadership of our current president, Robert Bland, we have the opportunity to We invite you to visit the Texas take our organization to new levels. Young Farmers Booth at the We have taken another step to hopefully Texas FFA Convention and accommodate and stimulate the interest of our membership to attend a state convention by holding VATAT Conference this summer! it in Gonzales. The educational component will have a Texas historical flair and the hotels will have lower rates. It is our responsibility, not only to try to plan to TXYOUNGFARMERS.ORG attend this convention, but to motivate the younger members of our communities and others to attend, as well. If you fear that you are lacking in youth,

STAY CONNECTED

VATAT News

2016 Texas Young Farmers Scholarship Winners RaeAnne Coward is the daughter of Luanne and Billy Coward. She is a member of the Buna FFA Chapter and her advisors are John Vandevender, Liz Green and Dusti Darby. RaeAnneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career plans are to attend Sam Houston State University and major in agricultural education specializing in animal science. Her SAEP included Boer goats for two years. She then had the chance to participate in the county calf scramble where she caught a calf and purchased a heifer that she said she fell in love with. The following year she had the opportunity to participate in the Houston Calf Scramble where she was lucky enough to catch another calf. Her enthusiasm in regards to raising and showing beef heifers became a passion she is planning on expanding by having her own herd. RaeAnne has served in several leadership positions, including Buna FFA President and District 2nd Vice President. She has earned the Lone Star Farmer Degree and participated in contest such as Livestock Judging, Ag Issues, Senior Quiz and Horse Judging. RaeAnne and her parents have been very active in Buna Young Farmer Activities assisting with fund raisers, and her parents have served as officers of the local chapter.

Addison Stuver is the daughter of Kip and Heather Stuver of the Teague FFA Chapter where her advisors are Amanda Smith, Thomas Cannon and Ed Strange. Addisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans are to attend Texas A&M to attain a degree in Veterinary Medicine. Her SAEP included pigs, goats and showing Brangus cattle. She hopes to get a herd of Brangus cattle started. Addison has been very active in her chapter serving as vice president and secretary. She has earned the Lone Star Farmer Degree and exhibited the Grand Champion Market Goat at the Freestone County Fair and won showmanship. Addison has participated in many CDEs and LDEs activities, such as Chapter Conducting, Quiz, Ag Issues Forum and Nursery and Landscape. The Teague Young Farmer Chapter has a Lamb and Goat Jackpot show each year and she has been very active in this event. Her parents have been active and she hopes to join a Young Farmer Program because of how much their program in Teague has assisted their local FFA Chapter. Jhett Jackson is the son of Jerry and Tracie Jackson of the Quitman FFA Chapter where his advisors are Brant Lee and Kyndal Dixon. Jhett plans to attend Tarleton State University and major in Agribusiness where he will work in agricultural sales and/or management. His SAEP includes poultry, where he exhibited the Grand Champion Broilers at the Wood County Fair. He also developed his own horse tack business, Jhett Tack where he sells all types of items from breast collars to halters. His business started his freshman year and it has been successful. He says FFA speaking contest and other FFA events gave him the opportunity to get in front of groups and speak; this has enhanced his ability to sell and promote his business. He has served as Chapter President, Chapter Vice President and District Vice President. Jhett holds the Lone Star Farmer Degree and has participated in Job Interview, Wildlife, Chapter Conducting, Public Relations and the Ag Mech show at HLSR. Jhett has been active in his Young Farmer Chapter by assisting with fund raising activities that include an annual Hog Hunt Jackpot and working with the Wood County Livestock Show. 10

VATAT News

Michaela Noelle Cheyne is the daughter of Robert Cheyne and Kelleen Stine-Cheyne and a member of A & M Consolidated FFA. Her advisor is John Templeton. Michaela plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in Agricultural Economics. With her degree she plans on working in Agricultural Event Management, such as livestock shows, rodeos, etc. Her SAEP was primarily in the field of Agricultural Mechanics including a pentagonal fire pit, and an 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122; utility trailer that received three blue ribbons at three different shows. She also exhibited a 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122; bumper pull livestock trailer that was built for a Vet School Professor. It won three blue ribbons, first in class and one Grand Champion award. Michaela participated in many LDEs and CDEs including Chapter Conducting, Quiz, Radio Broadcasting, Tractor Mechanics and Wildlife. She has received the Lone Star Farmer Degree, was Chapter Treasurer and served as a delegate at State Convention. She has spent many hours working with the Consolidated Young Farmer Chapter, including helping out with a petting zoo and annual auction dinner. Her parents are also very active in Young Farmer Chapter activities.

Katherine Elizabeth Jones (Katie) is the daughter of Mike and Debbie Jones of Chico. Her Advisors are Shane Hedrick and Tyler Raley. Her career plans are to attend Weatherford College her freshman year and then transfer to a university and major in Animal Physical Therapy/Behavior. Her SAEP includes Santa Gertrudis cattle, market swine and commercial steers. She has participated in judging events such as Livestock and Poultry Evaluation. Her leadership activities include serving as Chapter Treasurer and Sentinel and Area V District Officer. Katie also exhibited Santa Gertrudis heifers that the livestock shows in Houston and Fort Worth. She has been active in assisting her young farmer chapter with a buckle show, selling raffle tickets for a chili supper and working with the elementary students to interest them in agriculture..

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

2016 TEXAS YOUNG FARMERS

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 11

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Upcoming Events June

July

August

1st State Public Speaking Entry Deadline

11th All Swine Validation Materials Deadline

5th - 8th State Leadership Conference

11th - 15th Texas FFA Convention

8th - 10th State Degree Check

25th - 29th VATAT Professional Development Conference

10th Texas FFA Board of Directors Meeting

1st Texas FFA Payment Deadline

20th AgriScience Fair Entry Deadline

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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