CONCORDIAN NATIONAL FFA WEEK — FEBRUARY 16-23, 2013
THE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013 — 16 PAGES
FFA takes members to front steps of legislation PAGE 2 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013
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Above: During the Washington Leadership Conference FFA members from Concordia and Odessa toured the capital and visited with Representative Vicky Hartzler. Members include (from left) front, Martha Cowherd, the group guide (in white), Nikki Forrester, Sam Silver; back, Dalton Morris, Jeffery Angel and Isaac Dozler
WLC
By Braden Pfannkuch Concordia FFA member
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Every other year FFA members from Concordia travel to Washington, D.C., for the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC). Nikki Forrester, Braden Pfannkuch and Martha Cowherd stand in front of the Capitol Building during WLC.
WLC, or Washington Leadership Conference, is an annual leadership skills event held in Washington D.C. At WLC, students learn leadership skills to help them later in life, as well as making friends and touring our great nation’s capital. I attended WLC this last summer, and it was a blast. We boarded a plane at KCI early in the morning, and landed at Ronald Reagan International a couple of hours later. We booked a hotel with the other WLC attendants, only a stone’s throw away from the Whitehouse, Pentagon and Smithsonian Institution. Each meal was catered, and after supper, we gathered in the main ballroom to discuss the day. Each day had a different title, focusing on that particular skill. After our discussion, we split into predetermined further evaluation, before meeting our roommates and heading off to bed. Each of my roommates was a total stranger, but by the time we left, we were the best of friends. I will never forget WLC, and the lessons I learned there will stay with me the rest of my life. WLC unifies our members and shows what a determined group of people can do. One afternoon we packaged 40,000 dehydrated meals, which were then sent to Nicaragua. I made friends and learned skills to last a lifetime and I strongly recommended everyone attends.
Concordia FFA 2013 Officers
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013 — PAGE 3
Nora Jo Faris
President Nora Faris is the daughter of Paul and Betty Faris. She is a junior this year and has been a member of the FFA since 2010. Nora has also served as the Concordia FFA President from 2011-2012 and Area VI President from 2012-2013. Nora, who is very active in the FFA, was the winner of the 2011 Ag Day Essay Contest, she has spoken at the USDA during
the National Celebration of Ag in Washington, D.C., and she was elected president of Area VI FFA Association and was a state competitor in FFA Prepared Speaking Division II. Nora’s SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) is in the field of Ag journalism. She researches and studies agricultural topics and writes articles and news features on her industry observations. She has learned how to communicate effectively about agriculture while cultivating her editorial and writing skills. She hopes to expand her SAE by incorporating social media to publicize her agricultural news features. Exploring career and educational opportunities at National FFA Convention and competing at state convention are a few of Nora’s favorite FFA activities. She also enjoys attending motivational and leadership conferences, chapter service activities, speaking contests and the chapter pancake breakfast. The highlight of Nora’s FFA career was being chosen to serve
Agriculture
as 2012-2013 Area VI FFA President. This experience allows Nora to reach out, serve, and connect with fellow FFA members throughout the Area that consists of 23 school districts. Nora, outside of FFA, participates in FBLA, the Lafayette County Youth Court, Yearbook staff, Science Olympiad, Math Relays, Quiz Bowl and band. Following high school, Nora plans on attending the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Journalism, majoring in broadcast journalism with an emphasis in business and economics reporting as a Walter Williams Journalism Scholar. She then plans on attending Georgetown School of Law in Washington, D.C., and pursuing a career in politics, political analysis/reporting, and law. Three goals Nora has for the FFA chapter is communicating with members and community through social media, developing a greater alumni network, and developing more service projects to benefit local causes.
Britlin Leeann Murray Vice President
Britlin Murray is the daughter of Wess and Christine Murray and is a senior this year. Britlin has been an FFA member for four years. Britlin has earned her Greenhand degree and Chapter degree. She was also a member of the dairy cattle judging contest team. Her SAE this year is working for the concession stand team for the City of Concordia. Through this she has learned to manage money and time wisely. She’s also learned good leadership
skills. She plans to grow in her SAE by hopefully becoming a manager soon. Britlin’s favorite FFA activities include the petting zoo, blood drive and breakfast. She enjoys setting up and being on the committees of each one, helping to get all the work done. The highlight of Britlin’s FFA career was winning barnwarming queen. Members who attended barnwarming voted before the dance began. Britlin, besides the FFA, is also a member of Stuco, C-Club, FCCLA, and is a student council representative. Britlin is also the secretary and treasurer in FCCLA. Britlin plays many sports, including basketball, volleyball, track and softball. She is a Big-Time Basketball coach, too. After high school, Britlin plans to attend State Fair Community College at Sedalia and use the A+ Scholarship Program. She will then transfer to William Woods University at Fulton to obtain a degree in Sign Language Interpretation. Britlin would like to see the membership of the chapter increase as one of her goals.
... and the economy
By John Sparks Concordia Junior High member
From the nation’s earliest days, farming has held a crucial place in the American economy and culture. Farmers play an important role in any society, of course, since they feed people. Farming has been particularly valued in the United States. During early years in the nation, farmers were seen as exemplifying economic virtues such as hard work, initiative and self-sufficiency. Moreover, many American immigrants who have never owned land and did not have any ownership over their own labor of products found that owning a farm was their ticket into the American economic system. Those who moved out of farming often used land as a commodity that could easily be bought and sold, opening another avenue for profit. American farmers owe their ability to produce large yields to
a number of factors. One thing is they work under extremely favorable natural conditions. The American Midwest has some of the richest soil in the world. Rainfall is modest to abundant and permits extensive irrigation where it is not. Agriculture continues to be the backbone of our economy, and the farmers our greatest resource. Thank you to those who have farmed and those who continue to farm!
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Concordia FFA 2013 Officers
PAGE 4 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Austin Lee Hoover Treasurer
Austin is the son of Randy and Cicily Hoover. He has been an FFA member for 3 years and last school year served as Sentinel. Austin is in the 11th grade. Austin has received seven medals, his FFA letter, Greenhand and Chapter degrees.
He has held two different offices and during FFA National Convention and he volunteered for the Courtesy Corp. His Supervised Agricultural Experience this year is helping his father, who fabricates and designs gates. He also works at Hardee’s. Austin’s favorite FFA activities are barnwarming, banquet and national convention. Going to national convention in Indianapolis, Ind., and making good friends has been a highlight of his FFA career. Outside of FFA, Austin plays sports and regularly attends youth group. He is also attending Army physical training. His plans after high school include going to college to be a history teacher. He also hopes to be deployed in the Army. Three goals Austin has for the Concordia FFA chapter is to gain more members, serve the community, and to make sure everyone is having a great time.
Agriculture By Megan Blake Concordia Junior High member
Agriculture is very important to everyone around the world. Agriculture is one of the oldest activities of human kind. Agriculture is everywhere you go. It is the clothes you wear, the food you eat and the house you live in. Agriculture also helps the environment and social growth. It helps us learn how to farm and store food. Agriculture really affects the environment. It affects the soil and cutting down trees to make fields. Overall, agriculture affects us in the long run. Without agriculture we would have nothing. Agriculture gives us things we need to survive. Agriculture is very important to people.
Hanna Janik Secretary
Hanna Janik, a sophomore this year, is the daughter of Dan and Debbie Janik. She has been in the FFA for two years. She has won many different awards including the National FFA Courtesy Corps, Creed, and lettering in FFA. Hanna has also earned her Greenhand degree. She has also competed in district farm management and record book, beginning ownership. Hanna’s SAE is breeding and selling chinchillas. She’s learned chinchillas are very loud at night, and patience is a virtue. Her favorite FFA activity is FFA week. She enjoys setting up for the blood drive and pancake breakfast. Hanna enjoys these fun experiences. She also enjoys going on national convention.
Hanna has met new friends and learned new leadership skills while she was at national convention. Lettering in FFA and becoming an officer are two highlights of Hanna’s FFA career. Through the chapter, she has met new people and learned different skills. Hanna is also involved in band, FCCLA, FBLA, NHS, golf and being the football manager. She attends Agape Christian Fellowship. After high school, Hanna plans to graduate and go to college at University of MissouriColumbia. She’d like to either major in law to become President of the U.S., or major in medicine to become a family pediatrician. She’d also like to be a professional photographer. Three goals Hanna has for the Concordia FFA Chapter would be to gain more members, get a Gold Chapter Recognition, and to make sure all officers memorize their parts before the banquet in May.
Living the FFA motto
By Cody Langkraehr Concordia FFA member The FFA Motto is twelve words that every FFA member strives to live by. “Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve.” To follow the first part, “ Learning to do,” you need to be enrolled in an agriculture class. In Ag classes you get to do hands on activities that teach you important skills that you can use in a career in agriculture. FFA members have the ability to follow the second part of the motto, “doing to learn,” when they participate in the FFA contests. These contests give them a chance to test their knowledge and show what they have learned. FFA members can live out the third part of the motto, “Earning to live,” by having an SAE. An SAE
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is a supervised agriculture experience where you keep a record book of your receipts and expenditures. Students can work on a farm, raise livestock, have a garden, or work for any business as their SAE. Having an SAE teaches you how to manage your time and money so you can earn a living. The fourth and final part of the motto is “living to serve,” FFA members can live out the part of the motto by different projects to help people in their community. FFA members have canned food drives, hosts a blood drive during National FFA Week, and this year we had a service project in which we honored our veterans. Being in the FFA is a great opportunity to gain knowledge, learn how to work hard, and have the chance to help others.
Community involvement
FFA officers
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013 — PAGE 5
By Hanna Janik Concordia FFA Secretary
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Left: Dustin Neal (far back) helps children as they pet goats and also educates them about the importance of the goat industry while students are visiting the Concordia FFA petting zoo.
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Right: Martha Cowherd educates children on cattle at the annual Concordia FFA petting zoo. Martha enjoys exposing youth to the fun and excitement of raising cattle.
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Above: Victoria Woodworth shows children her Supervised Agriculture Experience, which is raising rabbits. Rabbits were just one of the stations kids experienced while at the annual Concordia FFA petting zoo.
With this being my second year in FFA and my first time being an officer, I’ve gained a bit of experience in FFA knowledge. As the chapter’s secretary, I am in charge of keeping an agenda of every meeting and keeping records of member attendance and points. Our president, Nora Faris, presides over meetings and activities of the chapter, and also represents the chapter as a whole. When Nora isn’t present at a meeting, the vice president, Britlin Murray, will take the rein. Britlin works closely with Nora and our advisor to achieve our chapter goals. Austin Hoover, the chapter’s treasurer, receives, records and deposits of all the chapter’s funds. He is to also collect dues and special assessment. Bailey Fuehring, our reporter, works with the local media and writes newspaper articles. The Sentinel, Jared Jenkins, assists the president in maintaining order during a meeting. Last, but not least, is Mrs. Reid. She is the advisor over our chapter; she starts the meeting, and also helps to keep the meeting in order. The advisor is represented by the owl, for its knowledge and wisdom. Mrs. Reid instructs students in leadership, personal development and, of course, agriculture. Our officers and members look up to her for guidance in our SAE. At the beginning of the year, the officers wrote down some of our goals we wished upon for the chapter. Our goals were getting students to join FFA, our community and members more involved, obtain Gold Chapter recognition, and have a CDE (Career Development Event) team go to FFA Nationals, and more. Quite a few of these we have already been able to meet. We’ve organized two new community activities and a new citizenship activity. Although our chapter is pretty small, we have actually been really close. Our officer team has made memories and new friends, we’ve gotten closer, and received 11th overall in Missouri and went on to FFA Nationals and received three stars. We are excited for the future of the Concordia FFA Chapter.
Concordia FFA 2013 Officers
PAGE 6 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Bailey Marie Fuehring Reporter
Bailey Fuehring is a senior at Concordia High School and is the daughter of Kevin and Sarah Fuehring. Bailey has been a member of the FFA for
four years. Bailey was also reporter from 2010-2011. She has earned both the Greenhand and Chapter degrees. Bailey also participated in dairy cattle judging, which went to state in 2012; the team took 11th at state. Her SAE was raising beef cattle at her house. She eventually sold all of her calves. Bailey’s SAE is now having a part-time job at TA truckstop. Bailey’s favorite FFA activities are the pancake breakfast, which is held the Friday of FFA Week, and the FFA Blood Drive, held in the middle of FFA Week. The highlight of Bailey’s FFA career was going to state for dairy cattle judging. In addition to FFA, Bailey also participates in volleyball, band, playing the trumpet, and
is a student council representative for CMM and FFA. She is also a member of FBLA, FCCLA and the CMM. After high school, Bailey plans on attending Univesity of Central Missouri at Warrensburg to double major in accounting and finance and further her education in finance to become a financial manager. One goal Bailey has for the chapter is to be a bigger part of the community. She hopes to achieve this by helping the FFA sponsor a 5k run/walk. Another goal Bailey hopes for the Concordia FFA Chapter is to increase membership. Encouraging younger students to join FFA will help reach this goal. Including the school in more activities is another goal of Bailey’s.
Jared Jenkins
Sentinel Jared Jenkins is a 10th grader this year and is the son of Stacey Jenkins. He has been an FFA member for two years. Jared has earned his Greenhand degree. He has also participated in job inter-
Want to Pet a Goat?
By Hanna Janik Concordia FFA Secretary We all have that special memory of a petting zoo. Whether it’s watching your younger brother get kicked by a miniature horse or petting your very first piglet, we all share memories of mom or dad or our teachers taking us to one. Some of us high school students can remember heading over to the Ag building back in elementary school for the petting zoo. The Concordia FFA Chapter on May 8 started their third or fourth year of the petting zoo. Chickens, a donkey, goats, cattle, pigs, rabbits and even chinchillas stayed at the Ag building for the day. The elementary students also learned about farm safety and agricultural crops. The Concordia Elementary School students and a few of the St. Paul’s Lutheran School students attended and learned all about the different animals. Even a few home school families came. The pet-
view and creed speaking events. Jared’s Supervised Agricultural Experience is helping with the farm. He is in charge of showing a cow. He has learned what is needed to work a farm. He plans on growing his SAE by being in charge of raising an animal. His favorite FFA activities are the pancake breakfast and the Greenhand Conference. Being an officer and helping plan activities for FFA are the highlights of Jared’s FFA career. Out of FFA, Jared participates in scouts, priesthood quorum and is a youth conference representative. After high school, he plans on going on a LOS mission, going to college, and having a family. Improving membership, getting activities everyone can enjoy, and staying as a 3-Star Chapter are three goals Jared has for the Concordia FFA Chapter.
ting zoo was a huge success. The younger children went back to school with a bag of coloring books and crayons, while the older grades of students received corn plastic that they made, an agricultural safety book, and pencils in their goody bags. The petting zoo not only gets the community involved, but it also gets the members involved, too. The students are allowed to bring in their own animals and livestock to show the younger kids of Concordia. Teachers and students both enjoy getting out of a few classes for the day to pet a few goats.
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FFA Week
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013 — PAGE 7
Feb. 18-23
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Ashley Forrester helps save lives by donating blood at the annual FFA blood drive. If you would like to help the Concordia FFA Chapter meet their goal and save lives, donate blood on Feb. 20.
National FFA week at its finest! by Nikki Forrester Concordia FFA member
Every year, students all around the country are celebrating a very important week to any FFA chapter. This week allows FFA members to have varies activities that unite their chapter and also keep a positive name in the community. Growing up in a small agriculture town such as Concordia, we all take pride in representing our chapter during this time. Coming up with ideas for this week can be a major challenge. While you host the meeting to decide the activities, every member wants to be the one who comes up with best idea, the only problem with this is, it’s not easy to come up with new, exciting activities the whole chapter can do. You have to think about how each and every person would be able to participate, and how much they would want to get involved. This usually ends in a room of silence. For the Concordia FFA Chapter, we like to keep our National FFA Week as traditional as we can, every year we get compliments of our pancake breakfast in which the members are in charge. We always have a day where we go out as a chapter and have fun out in public. This year, on Monday, we
have decided to go bowling and eat out at Golden Corral. This activity allows the members to bond together as a chapter, not as just regular high school students. On Tuesday, the students will be dressing up as cowgirl/cowboys. On Wednesday, we will be hosting our annual blood drive, which we all represent National FFA by wearing official dress. On Thursday, not many students will mind bringing out their hunting attire for Camouflage Day. Friday is the most important day for all of us, this day is our breakfast. We invite all community members, students and staff to come down to the agriculture building and enjoy pancakes,
sausage, ham and many breakfast beverages. Also, on this day, students are allowed to drive their tractors to school, as long as they are green and yellow of course, just kidding. The week is finished off with our chapter going to the area barnwarming in Odessa. Each chapter has their own way of how they get involved in FFA Week. Around here, we have fun, but still keep it as official as possible. FFA boring? Let’s see how many other school days you can get out of class to flip pancakes and stand around a big ole’ tractor talking about which colors are the best. Boring? I think not. FFA Week is the best week of the school year!
Monday - Bowling and Dinner Tuesday – Cowboy and Cowgirl Dress up Day Wednesday – Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Official Dress Day Thursday – Camouflage Day Friday – Pancake Breakfast from 6-11 a.m. and Tractor Day Saturday – Area Barnwarming We proudly support area FFA Chapters
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FFA officers participate in Wreaths Across America ceremony at Higginsville PAGE 8 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Concordia FFA VA Home donation drive a success
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Hunter Bredehoeft (from left), Kendra Ratliff, Jackson Irwin, Kailey Bales, Rachel Rodenberg and Nora Farris carry items collected for the Warrensburg Veterans Home. By Nora Faris Concordia FFA President
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Top left: Nora Faris, Britlin Murray, Bailey Fuehring and Hanna Janik lay a wreath on a fallen soldier’s grave. Members take time to reflect the on the price of freedom. Top right: Nora Faris places the FFA sponsored wreath for the Army. By Nora Faris Concordia FFA President
One of the tenets of the FFA motto is “Living to Serve.” On Dec. 15, 2012, Concordia FFA officers paid tribute to a group of Americans who exemplify that very ideal. The morning was clear and pleasant as various honor guards entered the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. The officers took their places inside a small chapel on the cemetery grounds where the Wreaths Across America ceremony was to take place. Prayers and invocations were spoken, and a beribboned Christmas wreath was laid before a military insignia of each branch of the American armed forces. Nora Faris, Concordia FFA President, placed the wreath in commemoration of the Army, giving a crisp salute in honor of its members’ sacrifices. Following the ceremony, the FFA officers placed the Army wreath on the grave of a fallen Army soldier. They paused to reflect on the courage and strength of America’s military personnel, and the importance of their sacrifices in securing liberty and freedom for all Americans.
FFA We Salute You During National FFA Week
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In December, the Concordia FFA launched a donation drive for the residents of theWarrensburg Veterans Home. Local businesses, churches, and schools were designated as donation locations, where community members could deposit items to donate. The drive was well-received, and donations included clothing, toiletries and leisure items. On Jan. 8, FFA members from Concordia delivered the donated items to the veterans home. Members visited with residents and were provided with a tour of the home. Members learned the importance of giving back to the community and were able to witness the positive effects of serving others. The Concordia FFA would like to thank the businesses, churches and individuals who helped make the donation drive a success. Your support allowed us to give back to those who have sacrificed much for our nation’s freedom.
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The Emblem
By Kendra Ratliff Concordia FFA member The National FFA emblem, consisting of five symbols, is representative of the history, goals and future of the organization. As a whole, the emblem covers the broad spectrum of FFA and agriculture. Each element within the emblem has unique significance. The cross section of the ear of corn provides the foundation of the emblem, just as corn has historically served as the foundation crop of American agriculture. It is also a symbol of unity, as corn is grown in every state of the nation. The rising sun signifies progress and holds a promise that tomorrow will bring a new day glowing with opportunity. The plow signifies labor and tillage of the soil, the backbone of agriculture and the historic foundation of our coun-
try’s strength. The eagle is a national symbol, which serves as a reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture. The owl, long recognized for its wisdom, symbolizes the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture. The words “Agricultural Education” and “FFA” are in the center to signify the combination of learning and leadership necessary for progressive agriculture. The emblem and the letters “FFA” are protected by trademark registration in the U.S. Patent Office and by Public law 140. Eighty-first Congress official policies regarding the use and authorization for use of the name and emblem of the FFA are defined in the National FFA Organization’s Manual, from which this information was taken.
Importance of junior high agriculture By Makayla Hartwig Concordia Junior High member
Some people wonder why we have junior high agriculture. There is a very good reason and explanation for this question. Some kids don’t have any idea what the word “agriculture” means. They need to know what it means and the effect it has on their lives. Agriculture has to do with the production of food and livestock in the United States and the world. When kids hear the word “agriculture” they just think about farmers. They don’t think about all the other things that agriculture includes, which is why it is important to have a junior high agriculture class to inform our students about agriculture and help them to become informed consumers of agriculture products in the future.
Proud supporter of the area FFA Chapters.
Working with show animals
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013 — PAGE 9
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Miranda Schloman, followed by Chris Edwards, walks her donkey down the court at the Sante Fe donkey basketball game. An exciting event, the Concordia FFA took second out of four teams.
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Above: Martha Cowherd prepares her steer for the judge to evaluate. Showing and raising cattle is one of Cowherd’s Supervised Agriculture Experience projects.
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Fun at Barnwarming
PAGE 10 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013
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Hunter Bredehoeft enjoys Barnwarming by dancing with a silhouette. Photo furnished
Hanna Janik, Clint Collier, Hunter Bredehoeft, Ali Reid, Brayden Reid, Nora Faris, Austin Hoover and Chuck Rogers strike a pose at the Concordia FFA Barnwarming. The FFA Barnwarming is not only a fun time, but admission is either two canned goods or one dollar. All the money and canned goods go to the Sweet Springs food pantry.
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Trent McGinnis and Derrick Storck pose for the camera at Concordia FFA’s Barnwarming.
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Concordia FFA Chapter receives prestigious national award
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013 — PAGE 11
Trip to FFA National Convention By Noel Barton Concordia FFA member
The Concordia FFA chapter sent five students to Indianapolis, Ind., to the FFA National convention Oct. 2427. Those students were Noel Barton, Martha Cowherd, Nora Faris, Patrick Hastings and Nick Limback. On Oct. 24, they left the school early in the morning to go to State Fair Community College in Sedalia to meet with other schools. On the way, they stopped to play laser tag, then went to the hotel. The next morning, they went to the opening session of the convention, and later went to the career show to shop and look around. The last thing they went to that day was the award meeting. The day after, they took the bus to the Motor Speedway Museum, then took a tour of the track. When they got done there, all the schools that took that bus left town to go to Edenburg, Ind. They split into two groups to tour a coffee shop and Not Just Popcorn. Later that night, when they got back to town, the students went to a haunted house theme park. The very last day, they went to see Tina Guier receive her American degree. When the meeting was over all the schools left to go home. It was a pretty fun experience.
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The Concordia FFA Chapter receives the National Chapter Activity Award at the 84th annual Missouri State FFA Convention in April in Columbia. The chapter placed 11th in state. Members attending (from left ) are Victoria Woodworth, Bailey Fuehring, Annisa Foster, Ashley Collier, Miranda Schloman, Brianna Sheets, Dustin Loges, Chenelle Buesing and Nora Faris.
The National Chapter Activity Award program, sponsored by John Deere, recognizes exceptional FFA chapters across the country which display a program of activities designed to enhance the development of students, the chapter, and the community. This year, the Concordia FFA Chapter received a gold ranking at the state level, placing 11th out of more than 300 chapters in Missouri for the quality of chapter activities. The chapter was recognized at the Missouri FFA State Convention, with Vice President Miranda Schloman accepting the award plaque on behalf of the chapter. The chapter’s award application was then forwarded to the national level to be screened and evaluated. The Concordia FFA chapter was acknowledged as being in the top tier of FFA chapters nationally and was designated a “three-star” chapter, the highest National Chapter Activity distinction. Concordia FFA President Nora Faris and member Martha Cowherd accepted the chapter’s commemorative plaque onstage at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., receiving
recognition from National FFA Advisor Steve Brown. The Concordia FFA chapter attributes its success in the awards program to support
from community members, student involvement, and a tradition of excellence which they plan to continue in years to come.
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Recent chapter, individual awards PAGE 12 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013
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Dustin Lodges was awarded the Dakota Heimsoth “Good Ol’ Boy” award at the April 27, 2012, FFA banquet.
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Concordia FFA Chapter president Nora Faris (third from right) poses with Area VI FFA Officers. Other schools represented are Slater, Boonville, Matla Bend, Odessa, Higginsville, Sweet Springs, Orrick and Wellington Napolean.
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Concordia members Miranda Schloman and Chenelle Buesing are recognized on the DAKALB Agriculture Accomplishment Award for being outstanding seniors.
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Nick Limback and Chenelle Buesing receive their chapter area FFA degrees at the April 27, 2012, banquet.
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Miranda Schloman receives Concordia’s FFA Chapter Activity Award. The Concordia FFA Chapter placed 11th in Missouri. Schloman also received the Star Chapter Farmer award, which is awarded to one outstanding sophomore, junior or senior each year.
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THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013 — PAGE 13
Photo furnished
(From left) Patrick Hastings, Martha Cowherd, Nora Faris, Noel Barton and Nick Limback receive a three-star chapter recognition at the National FFA Convention.
Photo furnished
Concordia High School seniors (from left) front, Dustin Loges; back, Ashley Collier, Miranda Schloman, Brianna Sheets and Chenelle Buesing are excited about being ranked 11th out of more than 300 chapters in Missouri.
We support all the area FFA Chapters and advisors
A.W. (TONY) BRACKMAN 30079 Davis Road Concordia, Mo. Phone 660-463-7823 Fax 660-463-2668 Cell 660-441-5378 A.Brackman@plantpioneer.com
We Salute You During National FFA Week. E VANS E QUIPMENT
We salute the members of Concordia, Santa Fe, and Sweet Springs FFA. Thanks for your contributions to the American Family Farm.
HeartLand Farm & Lawn Higginsville, Centerview, Carrollton, Sedalia
Lafayette County Truck & Tractor Vahrenberg Implement Discount tickets available for the Western Farm Show Fri., Sat. & Sun. - Feb 22-24 while supplies last.
Work hard. Play hard. PAGE 14 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Photo furnished
The officer team attended a training day in Sedalia that was led by past state officers. One team-building exercise was to build a pyramid. Concordia FFA members (from left) are: bottom, advisor Amanda Reid, Hanna Janik, Austin Hoover; second row, Jared Jenkins, Victoria Woodworth; and top row, Nora Faris.
Photo furnished
Rachael Rodenberg sets her boer goat for evaluation for her Supervised Agriculture Experience project.
The Concordian salutes all area FFA members during National FFA Week! www.theconcordianonline.com 714 S. Main St. • 660-463-7522
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013 — PAGE 15
Photo furnished
The Concordia FFA chapter receives a grant from FCS Financial of Missouri for $250. The chapter is using this money to construct a panel trailer to be utilized at the Lafayette County Fair. The trailer will make the job of setting up the stalls easier and much safer. Photo furnished
Noel Barton (left), Patrick Hastings, Martha Cowherd, Nick Limback and Nora Faris check out an actual race car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Members were able to learn about the speedway while attending the 2012 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The Leadership Advantage.
Photo furnished
Nick Limback kisses the starter line for good luck at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana.
Curt & Karol’s Home Center 522 Main Concordia, MO
660-463-7447
PAGE 16 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Why is agriculture important? By Raelyn Caldwell Concordia Junior High member
The definition of agriculture is the science, art, or business of cultivating land, producing crops and raising livestock. Agriculture plays a huge role in our society. Agriculture is important in many different ways, for example, by producing many crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat. The crops our farmers grow provide many people and animals with food. Without crops, our livestock wouldn’t have very much food in the winter. Agriculture is also very important for our environment. The crops help by making carbon dioxide into oxygen. Producing crops are very important from feeding humans and animals, to purifying our air. Agriculture allows our society to grow and function properly.
Concordia FFA Photo furnished
Concordia FFA members (from left) are: front, Britlin Murray, Bailey Fuehring, Hanna Janik, Jared Jenkins, Austin Hoover; second, Nikki Forrester, Taylor Lutjen, Martha Cowherd, Maddie Kelly, Bristol Schnakenberg, Samuel Jenkins, Kailey Bales; third, Audrey Buesing, Collin Stringer, Daniel Steen, Patrick Hastings, Andy Galloway, Cody Langkraehr; fourth, Noel Barton, Chuck Rogers, Hunter Bredehoeft, Alec Mueller, Jesse Flandermeyer, Kendra Ratliff, Rachel Rodenberg; fifth, Trent McGinnis, Derrick Lindstrom, Nick Limback, David Sherman, Clint Collier, Braden Pfannkuch; back, Jarret Caldwell, Shayla Norris, Derek Storck, Dustin Neal, Cory Howard and Lane Stone.
Your Own Business
By Patrick Hastings Concordia FFA member
FFA is a good way to start your own business, because it helps you keep records. Without taking these records, your business could really go down in profit. In agriculture, members learn how to keep track of money and keep their numbers organized. In FFA, you have to learn how to be a better record keeper. Having to practice this skill all throughout your high school career will help prepare you for the future. Learning how to do this may seem hard at first, but after a while, things get easier. An issue that may be faced when starting your own business is money, money manage-
ment and proper knowledge of how to handle money are very important. You have to learn when to spend it and when to save it.
Knowing these skills can help you one day own your own business or even be personally financially independent.
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