Press corps newsletter2015

Montana

FFA

Association 2015, Issue 1

FFA Legend

March 25, 2015

Welcome to Billings

Each evening an issue of the FFA Legend will be available at the above QR code.

Edited and published by Electric City FFA

Montana

FFA

Association 2015, Issue 1

FFA Legend

March 25, 2015

Welcome to Billings

Each evening an issue of the FFA Legend will be available at the above QR code.

Edited and published by Electric City FFA

Montana

FFA

Association 2015, Issue 1

FFA Legend

March 25, 2015

Welcome to Billings By: Katrina Roberts Inside this issue: Parli Pro

2

Prepared Speaking

2

Extemp Speaking

2

Courtesy Corps

2

AgriScience Fair

3

Technology Corps

3

Creed

3

ND State Offic-

4

TBD Story

4

Tomorrow at Con- 4

Special points of interest:  The Alumni Store is next to the business center in the corner of the Holiday Inn Lobby.  The Alumni Auction is in the next room  Thursday includes Dayof-Service, Billings Tours, and work shops are all scheduled for tomorrow.

the officers are challenging you to meet 20 others you don’t know before state convention is over and to fill out your signature page in your booklet. First year member Brooke Billing states that her favorite parts of convention are the dance and helping with all of the events. She can’t wait to see what State Convention holds for her. Christine Johnson, another first year member is especially Montana State FFA ecstatic about courte2nd Vice President, Overlooking the lobby of the Holiday Inn Grand. Members are arriving and setting up for fun! sy corps and all of the Allie Nelson, says fun they get to have that the things you helping with it. Have a fantashave to do at state conven Billings Tours (You must tic time at state convention tion are be careful about capacity and welcome to Billings! levels)  the workshops, About the Alumni store “Has  Sessions everything you could ever  the Hall-of-Chapters need in there,” according to  Agri-science Fair Allie Nelson herself. All of Welcome to the 2015 State FFA Convention in Billings, Montana.

There are a variety of competitions being held here that people have been competing in every day. Some members have already competed.

Some are anxiously awaiting their turn.

Other members are here for the experiences.

National FFA President– Andy Paul By: Katie Koterba– Electric City FFA

One of the most honorable experiences that a FFA member can have is to be elected into a national FFA office. There are many other experiences leading up to national office, one being a state FFA officer.

Andy Paul said it has been his favorite FFA experience so far. After being a state officer, you have the

chance to run for national office. When Andy Paul was asked why he wanted to run for a national office he said he wanted to be the person to push people to be the best person they could be. “You know the people, the role models, that you look up to. I wanted to be that person for someone,” he said.

Page 2

Parliamentary Procedure By: Josh Brooking– Electric City FFA A single tap of the gavel is calling this article of the FFA Legend to order. At the 2015 State Convention the Parli Pro preliminary CDE members competed earlier today. They are competing to represent our state, Montana at the National level. Some chapters competing in Parli Pro this year include Park City, Flathead, Broadus, Stevensville, and many others. Brock Reiner

from the Flathead FFA chapter enjoys participating in this CDE because of the people you meet and the energy brought to the competition. Others mentioned the challenge, the heated discussions, and the competitive attitude within the chapters. Most chapters all agreed that during the competition you must

Prepared Public Speaking By: Chloe Williams– Electric City FFA Prepared Public Speaking is a CDE that gives students the ability to work on their speaking skills along with gaining more information on a certain agriculture related topic. Each district can send two members to compete at state convention. Some of those members include Destiny Brewer from the Flathead FFA chapter, ShayLe Hilde-

not hold on to the errors or mistakes. This article of the FFA Legend is now adjourned.

Drawing for speaking order

brand from the Joliet FFA chapter, Todd Lackman from the Forsyth FFA chapter, and Bailey Sparks from the Broadus chapter.

ShayLe said that the hardest part about doing Prepared Public Speaking was actually writing her speech which was about water rights, Todd said that he was worried the most about the questions the

judges ask after the speech, and Bailey said that she got the idea of doing her speech about Colony Collapse Disorder from current events. Prepared Public Speaking is a CDE event that gives students the ability to pick a topic, research it, and present it several times, along with learning speaking and questioning skills.

Extemporaneous Public Speaking By: Reena Roberson– Electric City FFA “Having the nervous feeling of not knowing the topic of your speech is scary because you can mess up and stumble,” said Freshman Allie Allen from Huntley Project. Allie enjoys extemporaneous speaking because it’s random and you don’t have to worry about preparing for it. Allie joined exempt because her advisor needed someone

and she was willing to try something new and different. Etemporaneous Speakers draw three topics from twelve and then pick the one they are going to speak about. They have thirty minutes to prepare a four to six minute speech.

Junior, Mckacle Mahlen, from Culbertson said he joined exempt to help his

chapter win the state sweepstakes. Before he gives his speech he goes through the steps of “smile, a breath of fresh air, and always always warm up your voice.” He’s excited to compete at state convention in this CDE because he feels honored to represent his district and most of all his chapter.

Page 3

Courtesy Corps By: Katie Lamping– Electric City FFA Courtesy corps at state convention, helping out backstage and giving a helping hand to the organization so it will move more smoothly.

Each student involved in courtesy corps signed up for a duty that they will be responsible for. This may consist of helping backstage, directing other members to their competition, helping with sign ups and helping any member out.

This is a wonderful experience to do and they get to see different aspects of state convention. Calli Jo Dixon, Allie Nelson, and Carlie Brownlee, three of this year’s state officers have worked very hard to put together the courtesy corps. Callie Jo stated “that courtesy corps was designed

for members to help within the organization.

Montana FFA is very thankful for those fellow members who have volunteered their time at state convention”. Being a courtesy corps member is a great privilege, in the years to come we encourage fellow members to Are you Ready for Convention 2015? How are be in courtesy corps, you going to Invest in the Success of Conventiyou won’t regret it! opn

Technology Corps By: Randi Shular– Electric City FFA If you were asked what jobs at State Convention were some “Watch the lights, the of the most important, what would your answer be? The cameras, the most overlooked? When equipment...it doesn’t members were asked these questions, many answered just happen!” saying the State Officers, advisors, organizers, and sponsors were some of the most important, and overlooked jobs. But what only a few had

as an answer, were the people involved in the Technology Corps, more commonly known as the Tech Corps. This behind-the-scene Corps works with lighting, audio, cameras, and backstage personal to run the all the sessions. The director of the show, Kyla Andres is part of the crew for her first time. “I mostly just read the script and give direc-

tions to the lighting and cameras to help the session run smoothly.” Andres modestly said in an interview. Like every good team, there of course has to be somebody backstage with everyone waiting to go on stage. This job is carried out by Reann Shular, who is here for her first time at Convention. “I just serve as an Intermediary between the speakers and director, making sure the right microphones are on, and that the right speakers are going up.”

Shular explained. “It’ll be fun.”

Creed By: Mary Brown– Electric City FFA Do you believe in the future of agriculture? FFA members anywhere from seventh to ninth grade have been preparing for up to three years on giving the FFA creed by E.M. Tiffany. For some students this was a competition that many members of their family had participated in before them. When asked about what made the creed so fun,

Lexy Dietz replied, “It truly shows what FFA is all about!”

For this Career Development Event (CDE) there were two divisions, a junior and senior division that competitors had to qualify for at their district competition. First time judge Greg Mosness said, “I’m excited to judge and see the work that these kids have put in.” A senior division participant,

Kala Bertolino stated, “The creed competition is a great way to get involved in public speaking.” Every single contestant asked said that despite the fact that it was nerve racking, the CDE was incredibly fun.

Page 4

The Montana State FFA Officer Invested in Success By: Chloe Williams– Electric City FFA

Going to Plevna for the Eastern District Competition because it was inspiring to see a community shaped around FFA and to see community members help out so much.

Tomorrow at Convention 

ALL DAY– Alimni Auction



6-8:30 FBM



7 State Officer Interviews



7:30 Cortesy Corps Meeting



8:00 Press Corps Meeting

 8:30-10 TOURS  9-11;30 Talent Auditions  9 Delegate Orientation  10-12 Day of Service  9–9:45 Brian Walsh 2014 National FFA President  9-1 Livestock Evaluation

Driving to Miles City with Allie Nelson, taking 25 hours. It opened his eyes to see that even though you and your team member may be two completely different people you can still get together and positively and productively preform as a team.

 10-11 Prepared Speaking FINALS  11-11:45 Delegate Lunch  11:30-12:30 Risky Business– Shylea Wingard  1:15-2:30 2nd Delegate Session  1:30-5:30 Ag Sales  2-2:45 North Dakota Sate Officers  2-2:45 Greenhand Workshop – Andy Paul 2015 National President  3-4:30 Brian Imbus, Hypnotist  4-5 AgriScience Fair Judging  5-6:30 Donor and Scholarship Dinner  6:30 Pre-Session  7:00 2nd General Session

Being a delegate at National Convention last October because she got to meet a lot of State Officers, along with other members from all across America.

Montana

FFA

Association 2015, Issue 2

FFA Legend

March 26, 2015

Day of Service By: Katie Lamping— Electric City FFA Inside this issue: Brian Walsh—2014 NationalPresident

2

Delegates

2

Tractor and Equipment Tour

2

Myth of Competition

2

Agri-Science Fair

3

Hypnotist

3

Trade Show

4

Talent

4

MSU Ag Club

5

The FUN Life

5

Through the ups and downs of today day of service was a success!

Chapters from all around the state have been giving back to the community in Sorting at the Rescue Mission Bargain Center. more ways than one.

Thayne Hage and Tyler Doln’t end at the zoo; some skins from the Coalstrip got groups went to the rescue the great opportunity to go to mission, the food bank, Eagle the zoo here in Billings. Their Mount and the Moss Manjob consisted of raking leaves sion. Their duties consisted of and putting them into bags. packing food even through a Thayne has been doing the fire alarm, moving things up day of service for three years and down the stairs, and orand he can’t wait to do it next ganizing toys and clothes. All year. On the other hand Tyler together people had a wongot to experience his first day derful experience and they of service today. Tyler said said that they would do it “he can’t wait to do it for the again in a heartbeat! years to follow”. The day did-

Montana FFA is awe-

By: Emily Birch— Electric City FFA One, two, three. Each scoop is a step closer to a healthier planet, community, creek, and park. Today members from chapters all over the state helped out in all different types of services. My group went to the Billings Park. Park and Rec. We got to the park and immediately started working on cleaning up the creek, by shoveling debris, litter, and decomposed organic matter blocking the creek from efficiently flowing. Even though you got a slap of mud and sticks in the face from time to time, it was so fun to meet new people and know you were making a difference. A small group of us worked together to accomplish a big task that we could not conquer on our own. Even though we were muddy, hungry, we had a new state of mind, an incredible feeling knowing our small thing contributes to a larger picture.

some! Without all of

Billings Tours

their help, day of ser-

By: Katrina Roberts and Mary Brown— Electric City FFA

vice wouldn’t be possi-

Extra, extra! Read all about it!

ble!

-Jan Banks Coordinator

The tour of the Billings Gazette was an informative yet enjoyable experience. Kristi Angel, out tour guide, was very nice. FFA members could experience some if the daily joys and discomforts of working in the news industry. The Billings Gazette goes all the way to Wyoming and all of the way up to Malta. We

had a backstage view of how those who work in the media can see what articles are trending and how they can use new technology to better circulate their information. Have you ever wondered where podcasts and bands are filmed?

With a look into the old film developing room, FFA member could see just

that. And of course there was the highlight of the tour, the Plate Making Room. So maybe you should go and check out the Billings Gazette.

Page 2

Delegates By: Darian Enders— Flathead

Brian Walsh—2014 President By: Sam Morris, Vicki Brown, Kennedy Hader What does service mean to you? There are many different ways to answer that question and this morning in the workshop ran by Brian Walsh. During Brian’s workshop, members participated in four activities: a figurative food fight, members wrote down their motivations for service, interpreting written words, word balls. These four activities all related back to service, showing how the littlest thing can make the biggest difference. When talking to Brian, he talked about how it doesn’t take a huge commitment to serve; it only takes a couple seconds of your time. What can you do today to impact what is around you?

The Delegate meeting started at 9:00 am this morning. Before we started with the motions and discussions the chair started a roll call of Chapters.

Finally once all those members representing a chapter were in the role. The Delegate meeting began.

At the beginning there wasn’t much discussion so the chair went straight to voting. There was a recess for the Prepared Speaking CDE. Then after that the delegate members were dismissed to have lunch at

the taco bar. The second session at 1:15pm, but before the delegation meeting began the delegates had the opportunity to see the grand opening of the Trade Show. The delegates finally got seated and began. A boy from Parks City FFA Chapter started the first discussion.

Which later lead to more people to walk up to the stage and state their opinion for or against motions.

The chair members encouraged more delegates to join in the discussion.

Those who spoke got a little treat, fruit snacks. All of the motions brought forth by the chair passed bringing an end to an exciting day. Tomorrow the delegate meeting starts bright and early at 8:00 am.

Tractor and Equipment Tours By: Josh Brooking— The people at T&E (tractor & equipment) were kind enough to allow a group of members into their shop and show us around. They describe the things they do, such as fabricating gears, transfer cases, and repairing or rebuilding engines. The men and women working here are so

sure of their work that they give a better warranty on the repairs than when the particular piece of equipment was originally purchased. This was truly a great experience. A student made the remark along the lines of “these things are a lot bigger than I expected”, to which Mark

Myth of Competition

Patterson, who finds his joy in work by finding solutions to problems presented by customers, replied “ We take these things for granted since we work here and see them every day”. T&E work mostly with construction and mining vehicle at the location that was visited; it was truly a great experience to see these gargantuan pieces of

By: Katie Koterba Somewhere, the myth started that you only compete in one FFA competition at State Convention. For most members this is definitely not the case! At this year’s state convention, three out of the four state prepared public speaking competitors also competed in livestock judging. Destiney Brewer

from Flathead, Chase Kitzler from Culbertson, and Katie Koterba from Electric City all had a hectic morning as they got to livestock early, left for prepared finals during the mid-morning, and then had to go back to livestock judging for the early afternoon. More members also compete in multiple

events in one day, such as Blake Morgan from Sweet Grass Hills FFA. He competed in both farm business management and livestock judging on Thursday. This just shows that many members get out there and try new things at convention! It proved that one competition at convention is a myth!

Page 3

Agri-Science Fair By: Austin Hader— Electric City FFA Have you ever wondered don’t need bites that concities. what kind of science agriAnother project was horse flict with the accuracy of culture encompases? At the activity it was performbites. It showed what difagri-science fair there were ferent bites effect horse ing. a range of different types progress. They found that Another project examined of research from hydroponthe more advanced horses if cell phone radiation efic gardens to cookie fect the growth and gerdough. manium of seeds. The There was a project student used a Wi-Fi titled Agriculture 101 router to conduct the made by Ashley Koenig experiment. His results and Albert Koenig. They showed that radiation conducted research to does effect by seeds find what people know dying early or getting a about agriculture and gross slimy covering on GMO’s. Their research them. from Bozeman Mt and Manhattan showed people in rural areas know more about GMO’s then Participants from across the state anxiouspeople who live in big ly await the science fair judging.

“Here are some words you might use to make members jump and perform: bread, blue, Montana, hypnotist, laughing and More”

Hypnotist By: Chloe Williams For the seventh year in a went to Hypnotist school in shows a year. Blake Morrow Brian Imbus has joined Las Vegas and has been gan from Sweet Grass Hills the Montana State FFA doing this for over twenty said that he did not believe State Convention for the years. He typically does it was real going on the hypnotist show. When about two hundred fifty stage and after going asked why he decidthrough the show ed to become a hyphe now believes notist he told me a in hypnotists. He story about him and rarely remembers his friend in high anything and that school. He said that is why he now when he was a believes in them. sophomore in high Brian Imbus has school he watched been able to join his friend get hypnous all for seven tized and he didn’t years now changbelieve it, but after ing many stuwords his friend told dents beliefs in him all about it and the hypnotists it sparked his interlife. est. As a junior in Brian Imbus entertained with the hypnotist show for the 7th year in a row! high school he

Page 4

Trade Trade Show— Show— By: Reena Roberson

By: Reena Roberson The trade show is an area of booths and hall of chapters are set up to educate members and others about agriculture and FFA. The booths are agricultural colleges and FFA sponsors.

The National Guard brought a big air up course, for the members to participate in. The colleges that participated in the

that participated trade show all offer in the agricultrade tural courses. show all offer agricultural One of the colleges that courses.

Onehas of the a booth colleges at the trade that has ashow boothisat NCTA the trade (Nebraska show is NCTA College (Nebraska of Technical Agriculture) College of Technical andAgriculthe lady seated ture) and theatlady the seated booth isat Bailey the booth Michaels. is Bailey She Michaels. stated that stated She the college that the triescollege to maketoitmake tries to thisittrade to thisshow trade almostalmost show every every year. Their year. college is majority of students

Their the from college Northern is majority and of Western states. students from the Their Northa2 yearand ern college Western that offers states.all handsaon Their 2 year agronomy, collegelivethat stock, all offers andhands vet tech. on agronoSo all of you my, livestock, at stateand should vet tech. swing So all of by you the at trade state show and meet should swing some by of theamazing trade peopleand show likemeet Bailey some of Michaels.people like Bailey amazing Michaels.

Talent By: Holly Emter– Big Timber Walking into the convention center my ears are filled with strumming guitars and sweet voices that are warming up before these young talented FFA kids hit the stage to perform. I see a few people with guitars and even a girl holding two hula hoops. After asking this young girl what her talent was, Rachelle Davis from Belgrade FFA chapter replied “I am doing hoop dancing. Really all it is, is dancing with hula hoops.

I’ve been hoop dancing since fourth grade, and have competed at State FFA for three years now doing this talent.” Rachelle’s talent definitely strikes amusement and creativity amongst

her components.

Creativity is definitely a key component in every talent show. As Lexi Vibegaray from the Culbertson FFA states “I knew if I wanted to compete at state in the talent show and stand out, I had to be creative.” Creative is definitely what this young junior is. She will be performing a mash up of the two songs Love me like you Do, and Five Seconds with her duet partner Garrett Reid who is also from Culbertson. Vibegaray arranged this mash up herself.

From a hoop dancer, a mash up artist, and even an exchange student

from Mexico. Uniqueness is certainly being performed at the State talent show. Yet again this just reminds us that FFA attracts people of all talents and is what makes this organization such an exciting group to be a part.

Page 5

MSU Ag Ed Club— Student Success Workshop By: Sam Morris

Tomorrow at Convention  ALL DAY– Alimni Auction  7 State Officer Interviews  7:30 Ag Mechanics Systems and Technology  8 Tire Rama Tour  8:00 Star Greenhand  8:10 Delegate Session  9-5 Career and Trade Show  9 –9:45 Risky Business Student Success Workshop  9-10 Extemp Finals  10 Project Meats Tour  11 Student Success Workshop  11 Officer workshop  11 Parli Pro Finals  12-3:30 Agronomy  1-2:30 Delegate Session  1-2:30 Creed and Jr. Creed Finals  3 Dance workshop  4:30-6:30 State Degree Dinner  6:15 Pre-Session  6:45 General Session

Do you have SWAG? According to Austin Standley and Haley Richards from the MSU Ag-ED Club, everyone can with four simple things: Service, Winning, Attitude, and Goals.

“Why does service matter?

How does service make you feel? What are some examples of service you have done? Who are some people that have served you?” were the questions asked at the workshop. As people went around writing on each poster, the list of answers grew each one unique. As Austin and Haley were talking with everyone about each of the posters answers, they asked the question, “What are some

services someone else did for you?”

Winning, it might seem weird that this will help with SWAG, but it can be important. Winning isn’t just about beating everyone else, but it’s about personal growth. In order to prove this point, the group was split into two groups, and then each group had to flip a table cloth, simple right? Both teams were winners because they had successfully completed the task.

Attitude, something preached regularly, and very important.

While discussing the topic, Austin used the example of a member on one of the teams who was very encouraging, cheering

people on and helping people out the whole time. This made it so everyone was able to be successful.

Goals. The best way to set a goal is to set a SMART goal; Smart, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Attainable.

By setting goals in this way, it is more likely that the goal will be reached. For example, someone is more likely to reach a goal of losing 5 pounds by the end of the month, than if they were to have a goal of just losing weight.

So keep up your SWAG Montana FFA!

The Fun Life— Livestock Evaluation By: Emily Jones— Melstone Livestock Judging was the er they’re judging. Shayla speaking. You also learn first FFA CDE. In livestock Holf, said she gets a lot of about how the animal is judging you look at the exercise whenever she is built and their characterisanimals and evaluate judging, you learn about tics. Gillian Severe said them. Then you have to new, interesting animals. that whenever she done give reasons about why The most important thing livestock judging she was you think that animal was during livestock judging is cold, but at the same time the best of that breed. The that you listen to the person she had a very fun time. highest possiShe loves that she ble score you gets to travel and can get is a meet new people, fifty. Most peoand learn more ple that I have about the animal. I interviewed know the animals said that they might stink a little, were very nervbut you forget all ous, but at the about it whenever same time they you start judging were prepared the animals. So and organized. join the fun and Some other join livestock judgkids said that ing. they have a lot Livestock Evaluation at the Yellowstone Boys and Girls . of fun whenev- Ranch

Montana

FFA

Association Special State Officer Candidates

FFA Legend

March 27, 2015

Get to KNOW your State Officer Candidates! 

Brent Beley Big Timber

    

        

Light Magenta Barbeque Pulled Pork Attending WLC 3 older sisters.

Raising Market Lamb, Restoration Project, Market Hogs Forestry I just kinda knew.

Mr. Lunceford and Gary Matthies My life.

  

Favorite Color Favorite Food Favorite FFA Memory Number of Siblings SAE Project Favorite FFA CDE When did you KNOW you were running for office?

Who’s your advisor?

What have you INVESTED in FFA?

Cody Boyce

Caleb Bowey

Fergus

Ruby Valley

Interviews unavailable Due to Competitions

Interviews unavailable Due to Competitions

Page 2

Kat Davis

Meghan Brence

Deer Lodge

Miles City

  

   

Lime Green Lasagna Whitney Hilliard and Warren Krone elected state office. “It really motivated me to run for state office.”

2 younger sisters Teaching gymnastics, raising beef, and swine Livestock and FBM My first state convention as a freshman at my first general session. I saw Morgan Kuntz, Cally

  

Pink Lemon Chicken Montana Ag tour because I got really close with officers and members.

Dairy goat, meat goat, market goat, and goat soap.

Exempt speaking, because I love the randomness of it, how they just feed you to the wolves.

Bill Lombardi Everyone in FFA invested a lot in, but I’ve invested all of me back into FFA.

   

Natalie Gerard Cascade

  

Kaycee Gobble Fergus

      



Red Corn Dogs Going on officer retreats. “We do some pretty cool stuff.”

Older brother and a younger sistes Show pigs at the Montana State and Central Fair.

Vet Science The beginning of this year. “I wasn’t sure about it, but my advisor pushed and encouraged me to do it.”

Jared Long

     

Turquoise Bacon ALC 2014 1 younger sister Equine Science Ag Com and Livestock As a freshman in high school Mr. Tillman Time, hard work, and LOVE

Cody Hambrick Stevensville

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Blue Steak Follow the grain tour and ride this summer 1 younger sister Working for farmers and ranchers in my community ????

Beginning of this year. “I’d been toying around with it before, it was a definite yes at the beginning of this year.”

Jossette Hackette A lot of time and dedication!

Page 3

Jordy Hereim

Sidney Hathaway

Wheatland

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Denton

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Electric Blue Ice Cream Going to nationals in Kentucky Cow Herd Parliamentary Procedure One brother Always admired state officers This last summer I just thought of running more and more and then went for it. I wanted to make a dream come true.

Casey Willmore A lot of time, effort, heart, and relationships

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Jennica Hopcroft

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Blue Steak and Potatoes The good times I spent with Mr. Stender my shop advisor.

Commercial beef and breeding project.

Livestock Two siblings both sisters End of junior year I knew, because I wanted to be there for the FFA members like the state officers were for me.

Mr. Stender I’ve invested time and leadership into our chapter.

Stevensville

     

Dan Lavy Clarkfork

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Orange Food in general National FFA Band- Or hypnotized One sister No specific project Agronomy Last year at District Leadership camp Mr. Olsen ( Ollllyyyy!!!!!)

Getting ready for college, cross country

  

Blue Meat but not chicken Freshman year I got on stage and said the creed at state convention.

One older sister Raising Australian Shepherds Livestock Judging. “It gets a little cold, but overall it’s my favorite.”

The state convention in 2011.

Jossette Hackette A lot of time and dedication!

Kayti Mahoney Missoula

        

Pink Pizza Showing steer last year at fair.

Three younger siblings- Not in FFA. Yet Taking sheep and steer to fair Floriculture Junior year at ALC Steve Vernier, Tom Andres, Richey Ferar, and Josh Perkins.

Time and Devotion has been invested.

Page 4

Coral Merlo Electric City

Lauren Mehlhoff

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Twin Bridges

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Green because it’s the color of alfalfa Ice Cream Riding at the front of the bus and talking with my advisor Diversified Crop production, market lamb, and I worked at a restaurant.

Range Four siblings, two boys and two girls Going to ALC when John and Lauryn got elected.

Mr. Steve Chrest My life, time, and dedication

Blue, Chicken, usually chicken nuggets. “You can’t go wrong.”

Last year when they were about to call the state officers up I don’t have any.

A dairy goat business.

Job Interview or Apple Judging My sophomore year when I became the District 4 Sentinel in Washington.

Mrs. Jodi Koterba Everything, my time, and commitment.

      

Trevor Motley Stevensville

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Shay O’Neil Park

       

Purple Chicken alfrado getting to meet different FFA members at WLC Only Child pigs, and hours back riding classes to 4-h members Ag communications last year when I was ion the nomcom team Kevin Fox and Ashley Newl

     

Yellow Pizza Playing with advisors at national convention 1 sibling Forge Production- Hay Ag Issues Advisor started him out and pushed him to serve on Nom Com last year Josette Packet Invested in self to be here because FFA has made him a better person.

Shelby Putnam Missoula

        

Purple Pizza When best friend convinced her to join FFA 1 older brother - not in FFA Market Hogs Ag Sales When she was in chapter office.

She wanted to be a role model.

Tom Andres College Career and taking time from it.

Page 5

Garrett Reid

Laina Raisler

Culbertson

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Miles City

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Aquamarine Dominos Lava Cakes Ag sales and building a team Growing a garden and raising a pig at fair Three siblings, one brother two sisters Since sophomore year state convention, the retiring addresses of the officers.

Jeff Holmes Headed a mentoring program that my chapter helped me start for the freshmen in our chapter.

This is a way to get freshmen more involved and informed on the FFA.

Charlie Smart

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Somer Reidle Bainville

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Blue Pizza Hosting their first chapter banquet after have no banquet for a few years.

1 in FFA Beef Production Entrepreneurship Livestock Judging Sophomore year after meeting state officers.

Kellan Standley Time and work.

Charlie Rembold Big Timber

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Ruby Valley

Interviews unavailable Due to Competitions

Royal blue Lasagna Opening session state convention freshman year Seven siblings Beef production placement Ag. Sales Opening session state convention freshman year Jens Nielson Sports, student council, FFA, BPA, JMG, band, and choir

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John Deere green and FFA blue Steak and Potatoes This year’s State Convention “It’s not over yet, but it’s the “end” and it’s the best ending I could have asked for.

1 younger sister A 1953 John Deere Model R restoration project Mechanics The day that I meat Sarah Snow when she was a State Officer.

Mr. Kacey Lundeford and Mr. Gary Mattheis Countless hours, sleep, practice, money, and long road trips. “It is truly my life.”

Leisa Stevenson

Faith Stevenson

Joliet

Hobson

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Blue Chocolate ice cream Competing in state final 4 creed Two sisters Market swine, market beef, breeding beef Marketing plan 8th grade year Mr. Massar Basketball, Volleyball, practicing coaching, FFA, college

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Logan Wearley

Yellow Chocolate cake Washington Leadership Camp Two brothers, two sisters Show cattle and registered angus cattle Horse judging Since a little girl, but last year official decision Mr. Bergstrom SAE’s for future career plan

Micheal Walsh

Choteau

Twin Bridges

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Zach Wright Wheatland

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Cyan Sirloin stake medium rare ALC sophomore year 1 sibling work at grocery store ag sales Mr. Isaacs, Mr. Holmes, and Mr. Stender time to different organizations

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Blue Pepperoni pizza My first ag tour 3 siblings Scraping Metal Agronomy freshman year when I met state officer Mich Mosen Milford Wearley success in helping others

Interviews unavailable Due to Competitions

Holden Vandivort         

Royal Blue Mexican National FFA Convention my junior year. We got to stay in houses and just had a grand time.

Diversified Livestock Parliamentary procedure One sister End of state convention my junior year I knew and I wanted to for the moments.

Stacy Dietz Six years of my life, hard work, and tears..

Montana

FFA

Association 2015, Issue 3

FFA Legend

March 27, 2015

Touring TireRama By: Matt Ammons Inside this issue: FBM

2

AG Mech

2

Project Meats

2

We Got the Beat

2

Delegate Business

3

Chamber Breakfast

3

Star Greenhand

3

Greenhand Workshop

4

American Indian

4

Tomorrow at Con- 4

Special points of interest:  The Alumni Store is next to the business center in the corner of the Holiday Inn Lobby.  The Alumni Auction is in the next room  Thursday includes Dayof-Service, Billings Tours, and work shops are all scheduled for tomorrow.

Many Montana FFA sponsors have opened their doors to FFA members to tour their facilities and learn about what they do in hopes of members pursuing a job in that field. This morning, a bus of FFA members from across the state of Montana went to Bandang, a Exciting to see all the equipment! retreading company owned

by Tire Rama, for a tour of cut back on how many their facility. Max Andreas tires we waist.” Greg of the Missoula chapter showed us the process of said, “It was pretty cool rereading tires by walking how precise the workers us step by step from the were in everything they old tires to the new redid.” Greg Hart who mantreaded tires. Jim Jones ages Bandang explained to who has been working in us the purpose of retreadthe retreading business ing, he said “Our goal is to for 35 years knows just recycle old worn tires from about all there is to the trucks and trailers and know about tires. We make them new again to

asked him why he loves his job and his response, “Because not all tires are the same which makes putting them together fun and it makes a good living.” Tire Rama supports the Montana FFA through finances and tours, such as the Bandang tour, because they understand the importance of FFA and agriculture in Montana.

Representatives from Tire Rama will be at the trade show as well as the rest of our sponsors so stop by and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

Day-of-Service— Moss Mansion By: Amanda Mitchell— Fromberg

The Moss Mansion in downtown Billings, is a museum well known in Montana. Mr. and Mrs. Moss who lived there long before many of us FFA members were even born.

It was such a great experience to go. We received a tour of the mansion upon arrival. There were fabric covered walls and beauti-

ful trim detailing everywhere. So spectacular...then came the work.

We got up to the top floor and sitting in front of us was a big pile of garbage that needed hauled to the bottom. We had to maneuver our way down a thin steep staircase. Not just any staircase, a staircase with about five flights of

stairs and lamps on the walls. Very scary at times, but yet it was rewarding.

Knowing that I was a part of helping clean up an artifact of Montana history was such a great feeling.

Not many people can say they have cleaned the Moss Mansion.

Page 2

Farm Business Management— Thursday By: Caitlyn Corso— Big Timber

Project Meats By: Austin and Kennedy Hader— Electric City FFA Beef that’s what’s for dinner!

Today FFA members attended a tour at the Project Meat plant.

Project meat opened about 7 years ago but has been around sense the 60’s. This is why they are deciding to change the name to Ranch House Sausage Company. They have taken the title of best beef jerky in Montana for the past 3 years, which is a huge accomplishment for them only being in business for 9 years.

They are very active in their community and love supporting many organizations such as 4-H and FFA. Shane the owner of project meat said “we have tripled our business sense we opened.” They have 25 different types of bratwurst, 12 types of snack sticks and 8 different kinds of summer sausage. Some struggles that they have faced are there customers do not understand what they do and also how their customers have wanted to go organic. If cows are grass feed then the meat is tougher and less flavorful. Shane and his employees are very skilled men with many more great achievements in their future!

It’s 6 am and members from all chapters drug their sleep deprived bodies into the Billings Hotel before the Farm Business Management contest. The blue and gold corduroy jackets filled the room as contestants anxiously waited for the tests to be distributed.

Calculators were given to each team and they were ready to begin. Focused contestants diligently went to work with their team and did the best they could to pull off a win.

Farm Business Management provides a structured approach to making decisions for your businesses related to agriculture. The FBM teams figure out if businesses will break even, fall under, or how much profit they will make, based on budgets and income statements.

There are many reasons that members choose to join their chapters’ FBM team. “To expand my FFA experience” is one of the reasons Kalvin Kunda be-

Ag Mech By: Reena Roberson– Electric City FFA The CDE mechanics is a ics for 5 years now. Tom plans bunch of different hands on on using his experiences in experiences. A few of hands FFA further on in life. Tom on experiences is pluming, isn’t the only one, sophomore electricity, sprayer’s identification, PH testing, and welding. There is a variety of students that participate in it. One of the members that got to participate today was senior Tom Baldwin from Richey. He really enjoys this contest because he really likes how hands on it is. He has Competing at Mechanics been actively in mechan-

We Got the Beat By: Katie Koterba and Matt Ammons— Electric City FFA The dance workshop was a great opportunity for all members to get together and have some fun. Many members who attended the dance workshop are also planning on going to the dance later tonight. The workshop gave members to try

gan competing in this event for Big Timber. FBM teaches members life lessons and skills that they will likely use later on in their careers. With these skills members will know how to run a business if they choose to in the future.

The FBM teams have prepared all year for state to hopefully go to nationals in the fall while improving their business skills.

new dance moves. When asked, Cole Lunceford from Big Timber FFA said, “My favorite dance move is definitely the pretzel.” It gave many older and younger members a chance to interact. Caleb Bowey, a state officer candi-

date from Ruby Valley, got a chance to dance with a 7th grade future member Erin Taylor from Kalispell. Overall, it was a great experience for members to learn new dance moves and get to know each other just a little bit better!

Zach Proue form Laurel plans on going to become a diesel mechanic. He also enjoys how hands on the experience FFA offers. Zach recommends that everyone should try this CDE once in their FFA career. He said if you want to prep for it, try to read up on the contest and also read the written test. Next year you should all try a new CDE.

Page 3

Delegate Business By: Darian Enders— Flathead The third delegate meeting started earlier today at 8:00 am. The morning was energetic full of discussions on the motions brought forth by both sides. There was a recess for extemporaneous speeches. When the speeches ended the delegates were dismissed. The

fourth and final delegate meeting didn’t start till 1:15.To fill in the gap between the third and fourth delegate meeting, delegates could go to watch the Parliamentary Procedure CDE finals, the Native American Presentation and the creed speaking finals of the senior and junior

category. In all, the delegate meetings were successful. Only one motion failed and one motion was suspended indefinitely.

The 85th Montana FFA State Convention delegate meeting of 2015 ended at 2:30 pm.

Ag Chamber of Commerce Breakfast By: Katrina Roberts— Electric City FFA Sausages, pancakes, and orange juice. This mornings breakfast held in the Montana Convention Center was delicious. There were several of our sponsors serving the

breakfast and were all very nice. These sponsors were from the Ag Chamber of Commerce. One of the sponsors, Ginny Hart states, "We are all the future leaders."

Ginny couldn't state it better.

She also stated, "We are all about serving and supporting." I also had the chance to speak with Kate H who says, "We all have to make

sure to say thank you from the beginning. We are very thankful we came." Thank you so much, Ginny and Kate for the inspiring quotes and the delicious breakfast!

Star Greenhand By: Holly Emter

“I BELIEVE in the Future of Agriculture

The State Greenhand competitors group together, nervously making small talk with each other and waiting to enter the room where their competition will take place. As I watch these young freshmen I can’t help but wonder what it took for these young freshman to get where they are?

Mickalyn Johnson from the Hindsdale FFA chapter informed me that she had been involved in FFA since the eighth grade. “I am a fourth generation FFA member, so it runs in my family.” Johnson informed me that she was very dedicated to the FFA even though she was involved in a lot of other activities. “I am very passionate about what I compete in. I study

and practice hard. I am pretty sure my steer could recite the creed because I’ve said to him every day.” Dedication plays a big part in being successful in FFA and in any activity in our lives, for some though, being a part of an organization they love means having to go through extra steps to achieve it.

Watson Snyder is an FFA member of the Nelson Agricultural Academy Online who is homeschooled, leaving him without the opportunity of joining FFA through a public school. Snyder takes online classes in order for him to be part of the FFA and compete.

“I was so surprised and excited when I found out I was going to State Greenhand. It was a huge accomplishment for me, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it.”

Hayden Hammontree of the Hobson FFA has had a string of family members who were FFA state officers, and even a national officer. Having so many family members that were involved in FFA makes Hammontree want to work even harder and dedicate even more of his time to the FFA. “FFA is an open door for me to grow and expand my life, and to use the FFA and its knowledge as a tool.” Whether these young Greehands have past relations of family members in the FFA or have had to learn about it through online courses, these Greenhands see FFA as an investment to their future. This is the reason why they have gotten to where they are in their Greenhand achievements, and the reason why they continue to dedicate their time to the FFA to make it the successful organization that it is today.

Page 4

Greenhand Workshop By: Reann Shular— Electric City

Recognizing the Chapter Awards!

Secretary3rd Place: Chloe Williams, Electric City 2nd Place: Rayleen Kurnie, Flathead 1st Place: Page Smith, Richey Treasurer3rd Place: Ryder Olson, Richey 2nd Place: Anastia Cybulski, Custer 1st Place: Brock Reiner, Flathead Scrapbook3rd Place: Brett Jonson, Hindsale 2nd Place: Katilyn Uskoski, Flathead 1st Place: Dorby Bogden, Cascade Reporter3rd Place: Catilyn Morano, Shepard 2nd Place: Katrina Roberts, Electric City 1st Place: Jon Andres, Missoula Hall of Chapters3rd Place: Electric City 2nd Place: Ruby Valley 1st Place: Missoula

means to always do as The Greenhand Workshop are all different and all do good as you can. We did led by Andy Paul was an our own thing. For the sectwo main activities. The example of why we need ond activity, we wrote first one was drawing an goals in our lives and the down our strengths and easy drawing. The trick obstacles we face, even weaknesses and deterwas that you had to do it though we don't see them mined how we could get on a paper plate on your sometimes. We started by rid of our weaknesses. head. It showed us how we talking about the expectaAndy even shared his goal, tions of life and "To meet new people how they relate to every week." He driving. The first shared that his main was to keep your obstacle is himself eyes on the road, and he wants to get meaning to always better. Just rememkeep your eye on ber that your goals the goal. We then are not going to be talked about using made from putting your blinkers, them on a piece of which means to paper. They need to communicate. The come from the heart final rule was to and stay there. win the race, which Greenhands look at goals and obsticles with Nation-

American Indian Program By: Makayla Paul— Electric City Native American culture is one of the most unique in Montana, so why wouldn’t it be included in FFA. Well how many of you know there is a special competition for it? The American Indian CDE is used to educate the audiMontana is the only state that presents American ence about Agricul- Indian Programs. ture in American Indian Life. Montana was the first compete in a full day of rodeo, state to start this CDE. Memand on the last day they have bers from the Little Big Horn a parade dance. Dancing is FFA chapter presented a topic very spiritual for Native Amerion Crow Fair which is held in can tribes. The girl’s from the August every year. During the Crow tribe say they do approxCrow fair they present many imately 20 pow-wows a year. ways of their life they dance, Dancing is not the only fahold a basketball tournament,

vored event; rodeo is also among the favorites.

Gabby Plenty Hawk, also one of the dancers, is the Miss Crow Fair Rodeo Queen. Another amazing thing about Gabby is she is a three time barrel racing champion. Native American culture is slowly fading away from people’s mind. The American Indian CDE allows students to learn about the Native American culture.

Montana FFA Association

Page 4

The Legend

2011-2012 Montana State FFA Officer Team President Lauren Mehlhoff Twin Bridges

Treasurer Todd Lackman Forsyth

March 28, 2015

Hello Montana FFA Members, Advisors, and Guests, Dear Montana FFA,

1st Vice President Meghan Brence Miles City

2nd Vice President Carlie Rembold Big Timber

Secretary Cody Boyce Fergus of Lewistown

Reporter Sidney Hathaway Denton

Sentinel Laina Raisler Miles City

Parliamentarian Trevor Motley Stevensville

As we close out another successful year of learning, fellowship, and growth, let us reflect on how far we have come.

Our membership has reached over 5,000 members, we welcomed new chapters, and we fully invested in success. We thank our sponsors, advisors, parents, and each member not only for joining us here this week, but also for all of the hard work you put in this year.

I hope that you were all able to take in every bit of convention and I encourage you to try to think of one or two things you learned.

When you look back on this convention you may not remember all that was said or done, just remember how

Invest in your passions. Invest in others. And never settle for less.

Members, advisors, sponsors, and guests, we say goodbye to another year but we know that means a whole new year is waiting for us.

Be ready for those opportunities and never be afraid to take them.

Sincerely, Lauren Mehlhoff 2015-2016 State FFA President

it made you feel! Take that feeling and let it take you as far as it can.

Invest in your future.

Invest in your dreams.

The Legend

Page 2

And the winners are…..

Ag Sales Teams 1st—Missoula FFA 2nd—Belgrade FFA 3rd—Shepherd FFA 4th—Ruby Valley FFA 5th—Electric City FFA Ag Sales Individuals

1st—Albert Koenig, Belgrade 2nd—Emily Standley, Missoula 3rd—Ashley Koenig, Belgrade 4th—Merle Infanger, Cascade 5th– Caleb Bowey, Ruby Valley 6th—Dalton Lemburg, Shepherd 7th—Ellie Hansen, Melstone 8th—Laina Raisler– Miles City 9th—Seth Rekdal. Shepherd 10th—Kacey Bertolino, Joliet FBM Teams 1st— Belgrade FFA 2nd—Missoula FFA 3rd—Flathead FFA 4th—Big Timber FFA 5th—Broadus FFA FBM Individuals 1st—Todd Lackman, Forsyth 2nd—John Tatarka, Belgrade 3rd—Albert Koenig, Belgrade 4th—Ryan Handley, Missoula 5th—Ben Roeder, Choteau 6th—Emily Standley, Missoula 7th—Jon Andres, Missoula 8th—Chris Gartner, Sidney 9th—Jordan Kiger, Flathead 10th—Meagan Larson, Missoula

Livestock Evaluation Teams 1st—Missoula FFA 2nd—Big Timber FFA 3rd—Laurel FFA 4th—Flathead FFA 5th—Baker FFA

Extemporaneous Public Speaking 1st—Cody Boyce, Fergus 2nd—Todd Lackman, Forsyth 3rd—Mckade Mahlen, Culbertson 4th—Kelsey Kraft, Laurel

Livestock Individuals 1st—Laurel Rigby, Mission Valley 2nd—Cody Boyce, Fergus 3rd—Destiny Brewer, Flathead 4th—Jon Andres, Missoula 5th—Shaylyn Huelle, Baker 6th—Hannah Kraft, Laurel 7th— Jess Moody, Big Timber 8th—Chase Huelle, Baker 9th—Ryan Handley, Missoula 10th—Kate Indreland, Big Timber

Prepared Public Speaking 1st—Destiny Brewer, Flathead 2nd—Katie Koterba, Electric City 3rd—Chase Klizer, Culbertson 4th—Shiloh Skillen-Robison, Hysham

Ag Mechanics Teams 1st—Fergus of Lewistown FFA 2nd—Ruby Valley FFA 3rd—Forsyth FFA 4th—Laurel FFA 5th—Missoula FFA Ag Mechanics Individuals 1st—Jon Andres, Missoula 2nd—Todd Lackman, Forsyth 3rd—Ben Roeder, Choteau 4th—Albert Koenig, Belgrade 5th—Logan Smith, Columbus 5th—Nick Hagg, Ruby Valley 7th—Brett Robertus, Laurel 8th—Anthony Songstad, Joliet 9th—Hunter Wester, Forsyth 9th—Michael Walsh, Twin Bridges

Page 3

Results….Continued….

Parliamentary Procedure 1st—Shepherd FFA 2nd—Flathead FFA 3rd—Joliet FFA 4th—Stevensville FFA Agronomy Teams 1st—Stevensville FFA 2nd—Clark’s Fork FFA 3rd—Forsyth FFA 4th—Joliet FFA 5th—Flathead FFA

Agronomy Individuals 1st—Ben Roeder, Choteau 2nd—Dan Lavy, Clark’s Fork 3rd—Dustin Pape, Stevensville 4th—Ronce Bonsell, Carter Co. 5th—Kacey Bertolino, Joliet 6th—Stormy Hack, Stevensville 7th—Todd Lackman, Forsyth 8th—Jake Duty– Dutton 9th—Cara White, Clark’s Fork 10th—Kaitlin Uskoski, Flathead

Creed Speaking 1st—Madilyn Emter, Big Timber 2nd—Hayden Hammontree, Hobson 3rd—Mikayla Johnson, Hindsdale 4th—Courtney Clairmont, Mission Valley Star Greenhand Hayden Hammontree, Hobson

Thank you to all of the Collegiate FFA members who dedicated time to prepare and host the State Career Development Events.

How does Blue Show Through in your life? What’s Your Pump?

Are you going to lead the Freak Parade? What are we without love? What will you do with your Designer Shades? ***

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WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO THIS YEAR? In your life, family, school, chapter, community???