September 2019

NEWS A Texas Team Ag Ed Publication

From

the

September 2019

Range

Terry Baize, Hamilton

As I was preparing to write this article, it occurred to me that I would need a catchy title. I had several suggestions, such as Terry’s Tidbits or Baize’s Blog, but those really didn’t suit me.

Anyone who knows me is aware of my passion for range judging.

I have invested countless hours pursuing excellence in this field; so in keeping with this, I have come up with the title “From the Range”.

I once saw a humorous list entitled “All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”.

This list included items such as share everything, don’t hit people, play fair, clean up your mess, and more. I believe everything I ever needed to know I learned from range judging; so here’s my list: find something that you are passionate about, hard work pays off, share what you know with others, be modest in victory and generous in defeat, and love what you do and you will never work a day in your life.

Find something to be passionate about. I encourage each of you to find something you really love and do it. If it happens to be your job, you’ll never “work” a day in your life.

Obviously I am passionate about range judging, but that’s

not my only passion; I am also passionate about teaching.

We are employed by our local districts to be teachers first. I thoroughly enjoy all the activities agricultural science and FFA have to offer, but I am a teacher first. There is no greater reward than the moment my students have a light bulb moment. I absolutely love teaching. Find something you are passionate about, and share your passion with others.

Work hard and your hard work and practice will pay off. I am sometimes guilty of saying I would rather be lucky than good, but what I have observed is the ones who seem to get lucky the most often are the ones who work hard consistently. Whether it is in the classroom, in the show arena, or on the judging field; practice makes permanent.

There is no substitute for it. If you want to find yourself standing in the winner’s circle, you will practice.

Share what you know with others. When I first began to train range teams years ago, I didn’t know anything. I signed up for a summer workshop at Tarleton, gathered up some students, and away we went.

We were bad at first, but as time

went by we learned and began to improve. Rick Cunningham, who was teaching in Ranger at the time, took me under his wing and shared his knowledge with me. He was a fantastic mentor, who my questions and never made me feel stupid or inadequate. He let me tag along with his team after a contest as he reviewed it with them. I still train my teams the way he trained his. He did not have to help me, but he did. His encouragement and willingness to share helped me immensely.

Experienced teachers, I ask you to do the same for those with less experience.

Continue on page 2

#Tammy Talks

From

the

Range

Tammy Christian, Past VATAT President

Continued

I hope you all had a safe trip home from Corpus Christi. Hopefully, you were able to attend some beneficial workshops, enjoy some seafood and soak up the camaraderie of our profession.

There were over 2,100 members in attendance and Wednesday and Thursday offered almost 100 workshop and tour options to attend. I believe we have a lot to be proud of in the conference we offer our members.

As many of you, I am well into the planning stages of another year. My calendar is filling up and I am continuing to add to my to do list. I hope each of you has a great year full of opportunities, success and great memories.

It was a pleasure serving you this past year and I appreciate the opportunity to do so. I want to thank my fellow officers, Barney and Ray for all of their work, help and support. What an honor it has been to work with all of these gentlemen.

I want to thank Shane Crafton for his service as he rounded out his five years of dedication to our organization; Shane served us well. We have a lot to be thankful for in the staff we have in Austin.

Karen, Ashley, Tori, and Carolee do a wonderful job helping us make our conference a success.

We are blessed to have Austin, the FFA Staff, and Aaron, to support us in this endeavor also. I think these are exciting times for Texas Team Ag Ed! I know Barney and Ray have been working hard to make a smooth transition as Barney retires and Ray takes the reins. I want to thank Barney for the eight years he has served our organization. He has gracefully served us with passion and integrity. I think we all appreciate Barney’s ability to listen and hear our concerns all the while making us feel comfortable with his quick wit and sense of humor. We wish you the very best as you begin this new chapter. I have no doubt we are good hands! I know Ray will be well prepared to pick up where Barney leaves off and will keep our best interests at heart as our organization continues to move forward.

I have no doubt Terry will lead us well. I look forward to working with him, Ryan, Traylor and Michael in the coming year. Good luck with your year and stay positive! We are part of a great profession and the future is bright.

If you are trying to learn something new or get better at what you do, seek out the assistance of a veteran. We are never too old to learn, and ultimately, our students and our communities benefit from our desire to improve.

Now a little about myself. I was a solid ag student and FFA member at Crawford high school under the direction of Clarence Richter and Gary Rosenbusch. I participated in but never won a major stock show, I participated in LDE activities but never outside of district, I participated in one CDE state contest, the highest office I ever held was a district officer, I did not win a Houston scholarship, and I did not receive an American FFA Degree. I was just like many of the students that you have in your programs. Upon my high school graduation in 1980, I attended Tarleton State University, where I began as an animal science major. At the end of my sophomore year, I was converted to ag education by Dr. Irick, who was head of the department. I graduated and got my first teaching job in Belton. At the end of that year I left teaching, never to teach again. For two years, I pursued other agricultural interests, and returned to education as a science teacher in Ira. In 1988, I was fortunate enough to be offered a job in Hamilton. Thirty-two years later, I’m still at Hamilton High School, where I now have two teaching partners, Toby Long and Jeff Jones.

I will conclude this article with my wish for you to have an active and successful school year.

I promise to serve you to the best of my ability and I hope you will contact me or another board member if you have any questions or concerns.

As our local superintendent says at the close of every in-service week; do your job, act right, and have fun! I’ll see ya on the range.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE VATAT.......................................1 - 5 Alumni....................................6 Young Farmers......................10- 11

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Notes From the Executive Director Ray Pieniazek, VATAT Executive Director

As I began my tenure as Executive Director, I have found that so much of both your job and my job relies on communication.

As George Bernard Shaw said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” I might have been guilty of that both in my family life and my teaching career. Students would say “you didn’t tell us that” and I would bet sometimes it could have been true.

As I have conversed with teachers and watched the comments made on Ag Teachers Buddies, it seems maybe more than a few of us are guilty of not communicating with administrators and counselors. I have heard so many times “they don’t know our program.” Maybe that is not their fault.

With the Programs of Study coming to our departments soon, it might be time we sit down with CTE administrators, counselors, or academic deans. This will make sure everyone is on the same page with where your program is headed and students will benefit from what you are providing them.

Communicating is not just sharing program of study paperwork, but diligently working to find the most meaningful way to provide your students with what they need. While I was teaching, I worked with the CTE director and assistant department lead and did a presentation for all CTE with all the counselors. We talked through each cluster and what they offered, and then they had a copy of what was available in each department.

Once the Programs of Study have been approved, it will be a great time to set up a meeting with all parties involved to plan out your school’s way of meeting the requirements.

Just remember, “If you just communicate, you can get by. But if you communicate skillfully, you can work miracles.” I wish you the best in the coming year and please feel free to reach out to me when you need assistance.

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About Your New Executive Director Texas native Ray Pieniazek is the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas and a core Texas FFA partner organization.

From 1988 to 2018, he served as an agricultural teacher at Poth High School, Clear Lake High School, and East Central High School. Pieniazek has been a member of National FFA Food Science and Technology CDE Revision Committee, Texas Animal Industries Poultry Sub Species Committee, State Career Development Event Committee, board member of VATAT, and a mentor to Texas student teachers. His leadership roles include past VATAT president, chairman of the Texas FFA board of directors, member of the both the Texas FFA Foundation Board and FFA Board of Directors, and VATAT Credit Union Board of Directors.

Pieniazek is a graduate of East Central High School and Texas A&M University. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science and Master’s in education. He enjoys spending time with his wife of 30 years, Gail, and their two children, Jared and Johnna.

“The

single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

-George Bernard Shaw

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT CONFERENCE!

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UPDATE Texas FFA Alumni News Kelly White, Texas FFA Alumni President

Another summer has come and gone, and we now face a new school year. After the alumni portion of convention is over, I am often asked “how did we do?” It may refer to if an affiliate chapter won an award, if a student won a scholarship, or how much the auction raised for the Texas FFA Alumni. So, let’s recap “how we did” at this year’s convention. The following were recognized on stage in Fort Worth:

Alumni auction This year’s auction raised an estimated $12,000 for our organization. Thank you to our Basket Contest participants; Judson, Gilmer, Canyon Lake, Weimar, Medina Valley, Lake Travis Vandergrift, Mansfield and Spring Branch. A special shout out to Mr. Rhett Wilson, the auction volunteers, and many more. We appreciate the ag teachers and Past State Officers who walked in and found themselves in a bidding war they were $500 Texas FFA Alumni Scholarship not planning on being involved in.

Makenzie Knipe, Canyon Lake FFA Let me remind you where this money goes to; Ashley Kunschick, Weimar FFA the Texas FFA Alumni budgets for the following Wilson Nugent, Gilmer FFA awards each year: Five $500 Washington Eileen Zinsmeister, Medina Valley Leadership Conference Scholarships; Four $500 scholarship; Ten $500 Local Grants; Outstanding Wlc Conference Award Affiliate; VATAT Conference Support; and we Kayla Wunderlich ~ Canyon Lake FFA welcome the retiring state FFA officers by paying $500 Texas FFA Alumni Grants their lifetime dues.

Canyon Lake FFA, Medina Valley FFA, Gilmer All an FFA chapter has to do to be considered FFA, Lake Travis FFA, Judson FFA, Vandegrift for the above mentioned awards is to have an FFA and Weimar FFA active local FFA Alumni Affiliate (minimum of ten members to pay state & national dues).

Outstanding Affiliate Weimar FFA organizational flow chart Sponsored by Ag Workers Insurance I enjoy seeing your posts on Facebook and Ag Teacher Buddies. Some informational, some, Major Contributors To Auction inspirational, and some, well, enough said!

McCoy’s Building Supply, Priefert, Tru-Test, W Thank you to those who push for a local Silver, Ag Workers Insurance, Seitz Fundraising, Alumni and Supporters Affiliate. There are many River Star Farms, Superior Trophies, Creative benefits to having an Alumni and Supporters Awards, Lone Star Silversmith, Cavender’s, Chapter. However, please do not post that local Pierce Arrow Inc., Weighat Graphics, AET, and administration can’t tell an Alumni chapter how JudgingCard.com to run a “Support Group” as they can a “Booster A special thank you to the vendors in the Exhibit Club.”

Hall who donate items for the auction.

I have included the following organizational flow chart from the National FFA. 6

Agriculture Education School Organizational Chart School District Board of Education Board of Directors The mission of the National FFA Alumni Association is to support and advocate for agricultural education and FFA through gifts of time, talent and financial resources at the local, state and national levels.

Superintendent of Schools CEO School Building Principal COO

Agricultural Education Instructor(s)/FFA Advisor(s) General Manager

Advisory Council Curriculum Consultants

Parents Supporters/Consultants

Agricultural Education Classroom

FFA Chapter

Students #1 Customer

Chapter Members Leaders

Community Members Consultants

FFA Alumni Supporters/Consultants

Chapter Officers Key Leaders

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FFA and its members are not authorized retailers of DISH products and services, for information on DISH products and services please contact DISH directly. Door-to-door distribution of materials regarding the DISH-FFA program is prohibited. Telephone solicitation in connection with the DISH-FFA program is prohibited. Use of the FFA Name or Mark does not represent an endorsement by FFA of this product or service or an endorsement by FFA of the manufacturer or provider of this product or service. From October 24, 2018 until June 31, 2019, for every new and qualifying former customer that signs up under DISH’s Digital Home Advantage program, FFA will receive $200.00. Restrictions apply. Program not available in AL, HI, IL, MA, MI, SC. See website for details.

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Stop by Texas Corn Producers’ booth at the VATAT conference to learn more about curriculum, scholarship and grant opportunities.

Plus, a chance to be entered in a Yeti® Hopper Two 30 giveaway.

VATATad062119.indd 1

www.TexasCorn.org

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6/21/19 4:05 PM

UPDATE Notes From

the

Executive Secretary

Bob Young, Texas Young Farmers Executive Secretary

Whoever said there are slow times of year for folks involved in agriculture probably is not involved in agriculture. We either complete one task and immediately move on to the next, or we don’t even get the opportunity to finish a task before we have to start another one. We have to find a way to get everything accomplished.

Great examples of people achieving great things all year long, even while doing this “multitasking” thing, can be found at the Texas FFA Convention, the Ag Teachers Conference, and the State Young Farmers Convention. From students to teachers to parents to supporters to exhibitors to support staff to farmers and ranchers to agri-business professionals and far beyond, nobody does it better than these folks right here in Texas.

I am amazed at the cooperative spirit exemplified by the people involved in putting these activities together. I am fascinated by the new ideas and concepts that are initiated and developed right before our very eyes by individuals who possess the passion and ingenuity to help make the Conventions and Conference better each year. Hey, that is what you do in the slow times of the year, right?!

You find something to do. These are the type of people with whom it pays to be associated.

People we can learn from and develop our own skills. It is interesting to me to quiz agricultural folks about what drives them. What makes them want to excel? Invariably, there was some kind of mentor or idol who influenced them. You know, one of those people who found something to do during the “slow “ time, setting the example for 10

others to follow. Success breeds success if the recipients take advantage of the opportunities provided by our predecessors. Through this process (along with a little dab of passion), progress and development are manifested. It is so wonderful to see this phenomenon happening in our agricultural world every day.

I just completed my 26th year as an exhibitor at the Texas FFA Convention. I reflect on all the opportunities and gifts I have received by visiting with students, teachers, and supporters of our agricultural education program. Talk about inspirational! When you witness students with such desire to serve, it should give us assurance there are outstanding individuals in every generation who will continue the great work done by those before them. I am convinced we need to spread the good news about these wonderful young people.

I was truly blessed to have had the ambassadors who helped us. They are a special group. Our Young Farmer State President Clovia Ketchum, who came to present our scholarships, was equally impressed. I thank Clovia for her tremendous leadership during this year.

The VATAT Conference was also very rewarding for Young Farmers, as we were able to visit with many FFA and Young Farmer Advisors who came by our booth. Making all these contacts gives me great hope for a significant increase in the number of Young Farmer chapters being formed this year. There is much interest among teachers to develop chapters that can provide adult ag education and support for FFA. We also had two Young Farmer State Vice-Presidents at

Another Texas Young Farmers year is about to begin as well. We are looking forward to another successful year of accomplishments.

We have an outstanding group of State Officer who are providing leadership across the state.

And, of course, our 66th State Convention is scheduled for January 9-12, 2020, in Denton.

This convention will definitely provide excellent tour opportunities for us. We will have competitive contests, informative workshops, business sessions, and great entertainment. And let’s not forget the wonderful fellowship we all share. We encourage everyone to attend at least part of the activities. If you have never attended, you are sure to enjoy.

Please contact us by website, email, or phone about anything concerning Young Farmers. We want to assist you as much as possible. The benefits of having a chapter in your program makes your entire program better.

Until next time, remember: “Good, better, best. Never let it rest ‘til your good is better and your better is best. “ - St. Jerome

Thank You to Our Texas Young Farmers Sponsors

KOOPMANN CATERING SCHULENBURG, TX 979-561-6272 koopmanncatering@gmail.com

Executive Secretary Bob Young with the 2018-19 Texas FFA State Officer Team at the annual breakfast sponsored by Texas Young Farmers.

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VATAT

614 E. 12th Street Austin, Texas 78701

Upcoming Events September

October

November

1 - 30 Regular Swine Tag Orders (Major Shows)

1 - 31 Sheep and Goat Validation

1 Fall Texas FFA Roster Deadline

9 Texas FFA Board of Directors Meeting

1 - 31 Late Swine Tag Orders (Major Shows)

1 - 7 Late Priority Swine Tag Orders (Major Shows)

8 State Fair of Texas Agriculture Awareness Day

30 Last Day to Validate Swine

30 National FFA Convention Begins

www.vatat.org

Contact

(512) 472-3128

vatat@vatat.org

Officers Terry Baize, President

Ryan Pieniazek, Vice President

Staff

Traylor Lenz, Secretary/Treasurer

Ray Pieniazek, Executive Director Ashley Dunkerley, Communications Karen Jones, Membership Services Tori Rosser, Special Projects

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