Wednesday, June 25, 2014
FFA
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2 FFA • Wednesday, June 25, 2014
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4-H: Creating positive change �����������������������������������3 Central Valley High’s Ken Moncrief �������������������������4 Pitman High FFA..................................................................5 Ceres, Central Valley FFA.................................................6 Denair FFA’s Katelynn Lawson �����������������������������������8
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FFA • Wednesday, June 25, 2014 3
4-H creates ‘blue ribbon youth’ BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN
There is a 4-H chapter in every state of the United States, 125,000 of which belong to local clubs in California which has a 4-H program in every county, the largest of which is Stanislaus County. Over 2,300 youth and 700 adult volunteers are involved in Stanislaus County 4-H, a national program that aims to teach youth to learn by doing. Known as an organization with predominantly agricultural roots, 4-H has expanded in recent years with the aim of teaching participants important scientific and technological applications as well. Similar to the initiative in the education sphere to pioneer STEM education — or science, technology, engineering, and math — 4-H aims to prepare students for a variety of academic and social challenges. “We have projects that focus on animal sciences, robotics, aeronautics, aerospace, and a lot of these things to build and increase their skills. In the past we’ve been ag-centric, that is still there, but we’re looking at the way the U.S. is falling behind in test scores compared to the world and this is our way of increasing that out of school learning,” said Russell Hill, 4-H youth development advisor. “We do hands on learn-by-doing activities where the kids create and develop and reflect on their projects and how they apply to their own lives.” The United States Department of Agriculture administers funding to the University of California Cooperative Extension to run 4-H, a testament to the organization’s strong roots in education and what Hill calls students’ first introduction to the research based UC system. “There was a study several years back that looked at positive youth development programs and found that those who participate in organizations like 4-H are 25 percent more likely to contribute to their families, their communities and to themselves,” said Hill. “They are also more likely to attend college and 41 percent less likely to engage in problem behaviors.” With the aim of cultivating well-rounded and self aware youth who will contribute to their local communities with the focus on the six “C’s” – Competence, Caring, Connections, Confidence, Character, and Contributions – 4-H students leave the organization with a better sense of the animal and agriculture industry, scientific data and who they are as people. “We’re really looking at creating blue ribbon youth, not just blue ribbon animals,” said Hill.
Photo contributed
Two Stanislaus County 4-H members attend the County Awards Ceremony.
Photo contributed
4-H participants of the Suburban Homesteading Club perform crafts as part of their skill development.
A group of 4-H participants prepare to serve pancakes at their annual fundraiser to raise money for programs throughout the year.
Delta Bank wishes all our local FFA and 4-H members Good Luck at the Stanislaus County Fair!
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4 FFA • Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Central Valley High School’s Ken Moncrief rooted in agriculture
Ken Moncrief just completed his 26th year as an agriculture teacher for Ceres Unified School District.
DALE BUTLER / The Courier
Ken Moncrief loves his job. He just completed his 26th year as an agriculture teacher for Ceres Unified School District. Moncrief, 50, was named the Ceres Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Man of the Year on May 29. He was recognized for promoting Ag among the students of Ceres and Central Valley high schools. “I was very surprised,” Ken said. “I consider it a great honor to be recognized by the industry. It’s an award selected by previous recipients. Honestly, it doesn’t feel like a job. I get to work with really good kids. They learn the importance of being responsible through hands-on experience.” A graduate of Cal Poly, Moncrief spent the first 17 years of his teaching career at Ceres High School. He just completed his ninth year at Central Valley High School. Ken helped implement an Ag program when Central Valley High School was being constructed. “The involvement has grown tremendously,” Moncrief said. “When I started, 200 students were involved in ag. Now, we
have over 700 students enrolled. Kids see great things happening in our program and they want to be a part of it. We’re opening doors for them.” Moncrief spearheaded the construction of the Ceres agricultural center behind Hidahl Elementary School in Ceres. He invested a lot his own personal time in the development of the farm. He installed shingles on a 3,000-square foot instructional building/storage facility during his Thanksgiving break. Approximately 750 students at both Ceres and Central Valley high schools participate in activities at the Ag center. They’re in charge of planting, tending and harvesting row crops, and fruits and vegetables for the district’s Child Nutrition school lunch program. Farm fresh apples, apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums, pluots, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, lettuce and peppers have been sold. Locals donated 150 fruit trees and 200 table grape plants. Blueberries were planted this school year. Citrus will be added in the future. Ceres Unified provided 6.5 acres of land for the Ag center and assistance in fi-
nancing for a tractor. An irrigation system of 2,000 feet of pipe was installed. About 44 Ceres students exhibited produce grown at the Ag center. They brought in $9,500 in premium money. “One of the things that I am truly proud of is every part of this facility has been touched by kids,” Moncrief said. Moncrief wants to see construction of cattle/sheep pens and a swine barn. Most FFA students in Ceres do not have their own property for the raising of animals
for the Stanislaus County Fair. “I believe that this is the best thing that I have done in 26 years in this district,” Moncrief said. “This is just truly an outstanding experience for kids. Now with regulations, water issues and pesticides, there’s a lot more to it (agricultural industry). It’s becoming more and more technology-based.” Courier Editor Jeff Benziger contributed to this report.
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BY DALE BUTLER
FFA • Wednesday, June 25, 2014 5
Pitman FFA cultivates ag industry-ready individuals BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN
As a graduating eighth grade student, Derek Dias perused the ballot of classes in which he could enroll at Pitman High School and found himself drawn to an agricultural mechanics course. With little to no experience in the industry, he didn’t quite know what he was in for and certainly did not imagine that he would leave high school as chapter president of PHS Future Farmers of America. “I didn’t really know what ag meant when I signed up, but by taking classes and having the support of my teachers, I just fell in love with it,” said Dias. “After my sophomore year I really took off in FFA and it became kind of like my second family. I knew my place at school.” While in FFA Dias took part in a variety of aspects of the organization including showing chickens, hogs and turkeys while also participating in several judging teams for vegetables, farm power, farm records and more. By nature of enrolling in agriculture classes, students immediately become members of FFA but the depth in which they participate is determined by the individual. Many individuals, such as Dias, find FFA not only an organization that offers exposure to the agriculture industry but one that provides practical life skills and hands-on experience. According to Pitman’s Agriculture Department Chair Krista Vannest, Dias’ experience, while great, is not unique.
“The kids find a niche even if they don’t know quite what they want to do when they come and join us. But they get out there and try a couple things and then many find a career that they are motivated to pursue beyond the classroom,” said Vannest. “We’re definitely unique at Pitman in that we tend to pull from a group of students that live in the suburban neighborhoods and may not have a traditional ag background, but they have heard what we can do and they see the opportunity and they want to become a part of it.” Pitman consistently has around 400 individuals participating in FFA at one time and has grown since its founding in 2002 to include three advisors due to popular interest in the programs. The school now boasts a multitude of classes that teach students everything from floral design to viticulture – a new course that has students growing their own grapes and learning everything from how to run a tasting room to designing a signature wine bottle label. The growth of the program and consistent interest by students is not only a testament to Pitman’s supportive network, but the importance of local agriculture to the area and the industry at large. “Ag is so much more than driving a tractor. There are so many opportunities and we just want students to know that,” said Vannest.
“Ag is so much more than driving a tractor. There are so many opportunities and we just want students to know that.”
Krista Vannest.
Pitman FFA President Derek Dias is also a member of the Pitman Garden Club and can be found selling farm fresh produce at the Turlock Farmers Market Friday mornings. ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN / The Journal
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6 FFA • Wednesday, June 25, 2014
CERES STUDENTS
READY FOR COUNTY FAIR BY DALE BUTLER
The Stanislaus County Fair is fast approaching. Central Valley and Ceres High Future Farmers of America members are looking forward to showing off their fruits of labor. “For some of the kids, this is the big thing they do every year,” Ceres High agriculture teacher Mike Patterson said. “The excitement during weight night is there. They get to impress their friends and show off what they’ve done. It’s cool to see them have a sense of belonging. The biggest thing the kids are taking away from this is responsibility.” “There’s a mixture of excitement and nervousness,” said Ceres High’s Kendall Neilson, a first-year FFA member. Neilson, Central Valley’s Emileigh Earn and 10 other students will show and sell market sheep at the county fair in July. “My mom was in FFA along with her entire family,” Neilson said. “I’ve always had a strong bond with animals,” Earn said. Neilson and Earn, along with a host of other schoolmates, attended a mandatory showmanship practice at the school farm, located on a half-acre site off Blaker Road in Ceres, earlier this month.
“I grew up playing softball,” Liebig said. “I compare it to sports. There’s a lot of pride and responsibility. They’re practicing really hard even on their own time. They’re very competitive, but they help each other at the same time.” Christie Liebig
DALE BUTLER / The Courier
Daisy Robles, a junior-to-be at Central Valley High School, gives her sheep a bath. Robles and other Future Farmers of America members are preparing for the upcoming Stanislaus County Fair.
Christie Liebig, a Central Valley ag teacher during the 2013-14 school year, provided direction. She offered positive encouragement and tips. She also quizzed students. “I grew up playing softball,” Liebig said. “I compare it to sports. There’s a lot of pride and responsibility. They’re practicing really hard even on their own time. They’re very competitive, but they help each other at the same time.” Central Valley will show an assortment of livestock at the county fair, including 56 chickens, 15 rabbits, 10 sheep, nine pigs, three goats, two steer and two dairy replacement heifers. Ceres High will show 13 pigs, eight chickens and two lambs. Earn joined Central Valley’s FFA chapAgriculture teacher Christie Liebig weighs 2014 Central Valley High School graduate Amanda Jauregui’s market sheep during a June showmanship practice in Ceres. Jauregui will be exhibiting and selling her animal at the Stanislaus County Fair next month. DALE BUTLER / The Courier
ter as a freshman. This is her second year raising one market sheep. “We come out twice a day to feed,” said Earn, who will enter the 11th grade at Central Valley in 2014-15. “We bathe them. We also practice showmanship every Wednesday. It’s a good responsibility taking care of animals. It teaches you how the real world is.” Earn sold a 131-pound sheep at the 2013 County Fair for $655. She earned $5 a pound. “It was my first year so I was new to it,” Earn said. “I have more confidence this year because I know what I’m capable of. I’ve been practicing more to make sure I’m ready.” Neilson, a fourth-generation Ag student, has forged a close bond with her 130-pound lamb. “I put in at least two hours every day,” she said. “I feed him, walk him and jump him. I give him water. I clean up his pen. It’s taught me patience and how to take care of other things besides myself.” Preparation started in April. Ceres High and Central Valley Ag stu-
FFA • Wednesday, June 25, 2014 7 dents were required to presell fireworks, which brought in additional funding for their livestock projects. FFA members will also exhibit plants and vegetables, and Ag mechanic plumbing, electrical wiring and woodwork projects at the County Fair. Moncrief and 30-plus FFA students converged at the Ceres agriculture center, located behind Hidahl Elementary, last Thursday at 9 a.m. “We meet with them every single week,” he said. “We teach them everything. It’s a partnership between the teacher and student. It’s a heck of a learning experience. We have an outstanding group of kids.” Patterson started teaching at Ceres High in 2010-11. The school’s Ag program was fledgling. “When I started, I had 75 students in ag,” Mike said. “This year, we had over 220. We’ve had a lot of growth the past four years. It’s hard to compare one program to another program. Areas are different. Demographics have a lot to do with what shapes a program.” “These kids are giving up a lot of their time and summer to do this stuff,” Liebig said. “They come out here and practice all the time. They work their butts off. They’re awesome.”
Kendall Neilson, a sophomore-to-be at Ceres High, will display and auction a market sheep she’s raised on Ceres Unified School District’s half-acre farm at the Stanislaus County Fair this July. Neilson’s mother also participated in FFA events when she was in high school. DALE BUTLER / The Courier
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8 FFA • Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Q&A with Katelynn Lawson BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN
Photo contributed
Katelynn Lawson was drawn to FFA by her desire to work with animals and eventually graduated this spring as Denair High School chapter president.
The Future Farmers of America may be an agriculture-based organization, but the skills which students learn can be universally applied – just ask Katelynn Lawson. A recent graduate from Denair High School, Lawson served as the DHS FFA Chapter president for two years, attended monthly school board meetings as the School Board Representative for her school, is a proud Girl Scout of 13 years, and was a cheerleader. Lawson used the tools that she learned from FFA – such as leadership and persistence — to manage her busy schedule and exit high school as a leader of her graduating class. With a $1,500 scholarship from the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ag Scholarship Luncheon earlier this year, Lawson is already enrolled at California State University, Stanislaus where she is pursuing a degree in business with a likely emphasis on agriculture.
Q
At what age did you become involved in the Future Farmers of America and what initially
inspired you to join?
A
“I became involved in FFA my freshman year at Denair High School. FFA was appealing to me because I have always loved working with animals. Little did I know how large of an impact it would have on my life.”
Q A
What events have you taken part in while in FFA?
“Throughout my years in high school, I participated in many events. Some of the more memorable events would be serving as a delegate at the California FFA State Conference and showing market rabbits and market hogs at the Stanislaus County Fair.”
Q A
Have you held any leadership positions?
“I served as Denair High School’s chapter sentinel the 2011-2012 school year and served as president from 2012-2014.”
Q
What was your most memorable experience while in FFA?
A
“My most memorable moment in FFA would be when my pig was honored at the Stanislaus County Fair as the 2012 Reserve Supreme Market Hog. That is something I will never forget and was exciting because it was my first year exhibiting swine.”
Q
How would you describe the impact FFA has had on your high school experience and life in general?
A
“FFA keeps students very busy. Throughout my high school career I have learned the importance of hard work and dedication. I know those lessons will follow me for the rest of my life.”
Q A
What advice would you give to students considering joining FFA?
“You will not regret it. As an FFA member, you will have a tremendous amount of opportunities for fun activities and you may not know it then, but the molding for a future career.”
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FFA • Wednesday, June 25, 2014 9
Hilmar High boasts a ‘culture of ag’ BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN
When Trey Johnston entered Hilmar High School he joined the Future Farmers of America chapter to satisfy his friends’ urging despite having little experience in the agriculture industry. Little did he know that in four years he would graduate as the only Hilmar High School student to earn three state championships. Attributing his success to the motivation he received from his friends and four advisors, Johnston is just one of the 342 students who have become a part of the award winning ag culture at Hilmar High. Fifty percent of Hilmar High School students are in FFA, so it’s no surprise that the small school boasts more than 12 college preparatory agriculture related courses of which hundreds of students take advantage. With Career Development Teams in Dairy Cattle Evaluation, Milk Quality Evaluation, Farm Power, Ag Mechanics and Small Engines, Hilmar High School has brought home a state finals winning team nine out of the last 10 years making the school an attractive and competitive place to learn hands-on agriculture industry skills. Johnston is one of the Hilmar FFA students who joined with little to no experience in the industry, which is rare since the high school’s geographic location often draws students that are products of the nearby farming community. However, whatever the students’ backgrounds may be, they all share one thing in common: an interest in agriculture. “My family has operated a dairy since I was first born so I’ve been around cows my whole life. That influenced me to join FFA, but also I always had a thing about
animals. I always wanted to be in ag and help people in ag, especially in this economy,” said recent graduate Kristen Nascimento. “Agriculturalists and farmers feed the world and I want to take a big part in that and help the world.” FFA has afforded students with varying backgrounds like Johnston and Nascimento not only a platform to pursue their interests in the agriculture industry, but also hands-on experience through projects and extracurricular work. While in high school, Johnston performed his FFA work experience project at Jones Dairy feeding calves and providing support in daily farming operations which “has really helped me to determine that I like that kind of work and would like to pursue it as a career in the future.” Johnston will be majoring in Crop Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this fall. N a s c i m e n t o ’s experience was a little closer to home as she raised dairy cattle and achieved work experience on her family dairy, which she will draw on as she studies Ag Business Management at Merced Junior College this fall. She intends to transfer to a four-year university where she will leave the farm for the office as she plans to eventually work in agricultural banking or accounting. “The Ag Department and FFA program has helped me to improve my leadership skills and has guided me into the person I am today. It has encouraged me to continue my education in agriculture so I can make a difference in the ag industry,” said Nascimento.
“My family has operated a dairy since I was first born so I’ve been around cows my whole life. That influenced me to join FFA, but also I always had a thing about animals. I always wanted to be in ag and help people in ag, especially in this economy.”
Photo contributed
Kristen Nascimento will be studying Ag Business Management at Merced Junior College this fall after which she intends to transfer to a four-year university to eventually work in agricultural banking or accounting.
Kristen Nascimento
Photo contributed
Trey Johnston is the only Hilmar High graduate to earn three state championships.
10 FFA • Wednesday, June 25, 2014
June Dairy Month and the commitment to healthy foods for healthy communities June is Dairy Month and in California “Real California Milk Month.” It is a time to celebrate the diversity of California dairy products available and the farm families who help bring them to the table. California has a rich agricultural heritage with dairy leading the pack as the state’s number one agricultural commodity and California remains the number one milk producer in the nation. Did you know? • California has been the nation’s leading dairy state since 1993, when it surpassed Wisconsin in milk production. California is ranked first in the U.S. in the production of total milk, butter, ice cream, nonfat dry milk, and whey protein concentrate. California is second in cheese and yogurt production. • California accounts for more than 20% of the United States’ milk production. In 2013, California produced 41.2 billion pounds of milk – more than one-fifth of the nation’s total production. • Dairy farming is a leading agri-
cultural commodity in California, producing $7.6 billion in annual retail sales in 2013. Beyond the delicious and nutritious foods that come from all of this milk, this industry is backed by more than 1,500 dairy farm families (99 percent of California dairies are family farms) and an industry that not only supports but is an integral part of California communities. In celebration of dairy month this year, California dairy farmers and fluid milk processors are taking the opportunity to build awareness of the bigger conversation about hunger and access to healthy foods like milk by supporting the Great American Milk Drive in the state. On a national level, this campaign, in conjunction with Feeding America, provides gallons of nutrient-rich milk for millions of families across the nation to help remedy the startling statistics that plague America’s families in need. Closer to home, the Great American Milk Drive will enable local food banks to provide critical nourishment via milk, a nutrition staple,
to food insecure families throughout California – especially during the summer months when low-income children are out of school and unable to participate in school nutrition programs. According to the Census Bureau, 1 in 4 Californians live in poverty, with over 6.2 million Californians experiencing food insecurity. It’s a common known fact that food banks regularly shy away from items that are perishable, like fluid milk. The California dairy industry is standing behind an important initiative that brings powerful protein to those who need it most, eliminating barriers at the food bank such as shelf-life or storage. Thanks to consumer and industry donations, food banks will be able to provide their clients with vouchers that allow them to go to their local grocery store and pick up the milk when they need it. State dairy farm families, together with processor and nutrition education partners at the California Fluid Milk Processor Board and Dairy Council of California, will do this in a real and tangible way by getting
out into the community with service days at local food banks and providing matching funds up to $30,000 for California milk donations throughout the month, when lowincome children and families who aren’t able to participate in school nutrition programs are especially vulnerable. Participating is as simple as a click of the mouse. You can donate a gallon of milk (or more) by going online to www.MilkLife.com/Give. By entering a zip code, the donation goes to a Feeding America food bank in YOUR local community. More information about the Great American Milk Drive and how you can participate is available at gotmilk.com. We’re so fortunate to enjoy the bounty of dairy products from the milk we drink, pour on our cereal and stir into our coffee in the morning to the cheese that holds our lunchtime sandwich together, the butter we sauté our fish in at dinner and the frozen ice cream goodness that ends the day. Help support this important initiative and get the word out using hashtag #gotmilkdrive.
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FFA • Wednesday, June 25, 2014 11
Turlock High FFA fosters sense of community BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN
Turlock Journal Cows have been herded all over Turlock, but not real cows, wooden ones planted in the lawns of local residents across Turlock. While it may appear as unusual yard decor, the wooden cows are actually a unique way that students of the Turlock High School Future Farmers of America chapter are financing their way to the national FFA convention this year. “It’s like the pink flamingo. Once you get herded, or the cows are moved to your lawn, you’re also given a letter that explains the fundraiser. The cows only get removed when you herd someone else or you donate,” explained Joe DiGrazia, THS FFA advisor. While the THS FFA fundraiser is unique, it is not unusual for chapter members to be involved in the community and can often be found giving back in a variety of ways. School may be out of session but several students are still at the THS agriculture department building custom
lawn furniture for Verda’s House, the local children’s crisis center. When Leadership Turlock, a program through the Chamber of Commerce that aims to educate and inspire promising local leaders, found out that the House was in need of patio furniture they decided to donate the materials to THS FFA students so that they could fulfill their building projects while also helping the community. “We fabricate projects for other people, not only family members of the students, but custom jobs for other locals,” said DiGrazia. “The students are getting tremendous skills and those receiving the projects, like a trailer, are getting a good quality product at a lower cost.” “My dad wants a trailer so I’m doing it for him,” added Kristofer Melgard, a THS FFA student. “A lot of other people also want different kinds of trailers and things and they save money because there’s no labor cost and they know it’s a good experience for students.” While ag welding is one large part of FFA, there are many other THS students that participate in the multitude
of programs offered such as showing animals, horticulture, floral design, landscape and more. With almost 600 members, THS FFA has provided students from all backgrounds and interests a solid introduction to the agriculture industry. “The three primary purposes of FFA are personal growth as an individual, premier leadership and career success. If the students take advantage of the opportunities and get involved they reap the benefits,” said DiGrazia.
Photo contributed
Turlock High FFA beef exhibitors pose with their first place chapter group of market beef.
Turlock High School Animal Science students help to increase agriculture awareness at Sacred Heart School’s Ag Day. Photo contributed
Photo contributed
FFA advisor Heather Nolan and ag students help clean up the property for the new Turlock Unified District Ag Farm that will be available for use by both Turlock High and Pitman High students.
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