Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
org
SPrinG 2013
CreatinG a SPark
Sweet tradition
ContentS
SPriNG 2013
8
FeatUreS dePartMentS
4 Scrapbook
FFA news and achievements, reported by FFA members.
8 A Sweet Tradition
26 Personal Growth
Learn about the roles mentors can play in your life.
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cover story
6 FFA Faces
12 Doing to Learn
28 Career Success
Action
18 Time to Take
Discover ways your FFA chapter can fight hunger in your community.
30 Living to Serve
17 Ag 101
Members fought hunger during the National FFA Convention & Expo.
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On the Cover FFA members learn welding in a high school agriculture shop. Photo By Brian McCord
24 Premier Leadership
Volume 60 Number 3
FFAnewhorizons.org
The magazine of the National FFA Organization Editor kiM newSoM hoLMberG Associate Editor jeSSY YanCeY FFA Publications Manager jULie woodard Content Coordinator raCheL bertone Proofreading Manager raVen PettY Creative Services Director ChriStina Carden Graphic Design StaCeY aLLiS, jake ShoreS, LaUra GaLLaGher, kriS SeXton, Vikki wiLLiaMS, eriCa LaMPLeY, kara LeibY, kaCeY PaSSMore Creative Technology Analyst beCCa arY Color Imaging Technician aLiSon hUnter Photography Director jeFFreY S. otto Photography jeFF adkinS, brian MCCord, Martin b. CherrY, MiChaeL Conti Web Creative Director aLLiSon daViS Website Design and Development daVid daY, YaMeL haLL, riChard SteVenS, neLS noSeworthY Ad Production Manager katie MiddendorF Ad Traffic Assistants krYStin LeMMon, PatriCia MoiSan Accounting diana GUzMan, Maria MCFarLand, LiSa owenS State FFA Inserts kriStY dUnCan Controller ChriS dUdLeY Distribution Director GarY SMith Advertising Sales rhonda GrahaM, katie newbern For advertising information, contact Rhonda Graham, (800) 333-8842, ext. 324, or e-mail rgraham@jnlcom.com. 2012-13 National FFA Officers President CLaY SaPP, FL Secretary kaLie haLL, Ga Eastern Region Vice President joeneLLe FUtreLL, kY Central Region Vice President brennan CoSteLLo, ne Southern Region Vice President wiLeY baiLeY, aL Western Region Vice President LindSeY anderSon, Ca National FFA Staff National FFA Advisor SteVe brown Chief Executive Officer dwiGht arMStronG Chief Operating Officer joShUa bLedSoe FFA Executive Secretary Sherene donaLdSon National Treasurer Marion FLetCher National FFA Board of Directors Members Chair, USDE, VA SteVe brown Treasurer, State Supervisor, AR Marion FLetCher State Supervisor, GA ChiP bridGeS Teacher/USDE, LA aLiCe dUboiS Industry Representative/USDE, CA Matthew GonzaLeS State Supervisor, CA bob heUVeL State Supervisor, WI jeFF hiCken State Supervisor, DE karen hUtChiSon Teacher Educator/USDE, FL brian MYerS FFA Executive Secretary/USDE, NJ erin nobLe Subscription Information: FFA New Horizons (ISSN 1069-806X) is published quarterly by the National FFA Organization, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art or any other unsolicited materials. For subscription information contact: FFA New Horizons Subscription Services, (317) 802-4235 or email newhorizons@FFA.org. Periodical postage rate is paid at Indianapolis, Ind., and additional mail offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to FFA New Horizons, P.O. Box 68960, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960.
Visit FFA Nation to read past issues of FFA New Horizons, nominate a friend (or yourself) for FFA Faces and talk to other members in the online community!
FFanation.org winter 2012-13
diGitaL MaGazine
Want to see past issues of FFA New Horizons? Visit the Digital Magazine page to flip through issues back to 2010.
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Copyright 2013 by the National FFA Organization and Journal Communications Inc. FFa Mission FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. the agricultural education Mission Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems. The National FFA Organization affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer. The National FFA Organization is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, or supervise state association, local chapter or individual member activities. Educational materials are developed by FFA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education as a service to state and local agricultural education agencies.
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a $5,000 donation
Dustin Ford, a freshman at Los Banos High School in California, decided to use the proceeds from selling his lamb a little differently than most. He donated the money from the sale of his show lamb to the American Cancer Society, in honor of a close family friend who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2009 and is still undergoing treatment. The 123-pound lamb sold for $46 per pound, which raised around $5,000 for Dustin to donate. He says his local community all pitched in to help raise the price per pound, once they learned about his plans for the proceeds. Dustin is an exceptional example of FFA members across the nation. He set a goal, raised an animal, worked hard and donated to a cause he felt strongly about. Submitted by Kaitlyn Alanis, chapter reporter
being a Friend
For the past 25 years, the La Habra FFA Chapter in California has hosted a Special Friends Day each year. They welcome special needs students from the Nuffer Elementary School to a day designed just for them, with agriculture arts and crafts activities, hay rides, petting zoos and delicious food. Each student is partnered with an FFA member for the day, and they have a great time exploring the agriculture-related booths and activities together.
Keep us informed! This is your chance to be a part of FFA New Horizons. Send us a short article about your latest chapter activities, awards youve received or even your involvement outside FFA. Want an easy way to send your story? Email a photo, your story and contact information to newhorizons@FFA.org. All photos need to be in color and a minimum of 1 MB in size.
Or, mail to: FFA New Horizons P.O. Box 68960 Indianapolis, IN 46268
YoUr tUrn
FFa FaCeS
Manuel Magdaleno
ChaPter: La habra FFa, CaLiFornia
This high school junior serves as chapter president and participates in many career development events (CDEs), including prepared public speaking. Mary Katherine also shows cattle throughout the Southeast.
Manuel has been a chapter officer for three years, serving as vice president this year. He is also sectional reporter and has participated in the prepared public speaking, job interview and livestock judging CDEs.
Cordell Wagoner
Cara Woloohojian
Now a high school senior, Cordell got involved in his FFA chapter during his sophomore year. Today, he serves as chapter vice president and has participated in CDEs, chapter events and the impromptu speech contest.
Cara began showing dairy cows at age 8, and this year achieved her dream of placing Reserve Grand Champion in the junior show at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis. She also plays basketball and three instruments.
Abbye McDonough
ChaPter: herMiSton FFa, oreGon
Alex Haun
Abbye, a high school senior, raises pigs for her supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. She currently serves as secretary of her FFA chapter and hopes to become an agriculture teacher.
This versatile FFA member is ranked in the top 10 of his high school class, plays football, enjoys hunting and fishing, and helps with farm work on his familys 1,500-acre diversified farming operation.
Nominate yourself to be considered for FFA Faces by following the steps below. Questions? Email ffanation@jnlcom.com. Go onLine Visit www.ffafaces.com and click on nominations. You can nominate yourself or another current FFa member.
deSCribe Fill out the form to tell us about you your FFa involvement, school activities, future plans and more.
UPLoad Find a great photo of yourself head and shoulders photos work best and upload it as part of the nomination form.
ition trad
Mississippi FFA chapter grows, harvests and processes sweet sorghum
a Sweet
Mantachie students feed the sorghum stalks into the crusher, which extracts a light green juice with a high sugar content.
After crushing the stalks, the juice becomes the product and the stalks are no longer needed.
hen members of Mantachie High School FFA in Mississippi grew sweet sorghum as a chapter fundraiser in 2005, they had no idea it would blossom into an annual project that would become their chapters primary source of income. That first year, our students processed sorghum at a local farmers house, but we decided to let them get the full effect by building a big shed joining our ag shop at the school, says C.W. Franks, Mantachie High School FFA co-advisor with Joe Rogers. It took about four months for our students to build the shed, a cooking room and a chimney. Every May since then, Mantachie FFA members have been planting sweet sorghum seeds on three acres of land donated by a local farmer. By September, the crop is ready, and members harvest and crush the 8-foot stalks of cane before cooking it and bottling it to sell to members of the community. Weve sold our sorghum in 18 states, and we even sent some to soldiers in Iraq a few years ago, Franks says. A soldier in Iraq read a newspaper article online about our sorghum project, and he wrote to say he couldnt wait to get home to try some. So we sent him a couple gallons, and the soldiers sent us back pictures of them enjoying a treat from home in their mess hall. For the 52 members of Mantachie FFA, the sorghum project is a labor of love they have the privilege of seeing come full circle. So often you dont get to see the whole process in agriculture, Franks says. But our kids get to see the
actual planting all the way to harvesting, processing and selling the finished product. Mantachie FFA President Drew Garrett says the sorghum project teaches students the value of hard work. Its a lengthy, tedious process, and there are days when we are really tired of sorghum, Garrett says. But in the end, it makes me proud to see the finished product and hear people say how much they enjoy it. The sorghum is usually ready by Nov. 1. The chapter sells it by the pint ($6) or by the quart ($12), and many customers buy several quarts for family and friends as Christmas gifts. It tastes really good with butter on biscuits. It has a stronger flavor than maple syrup, Garrett explains. I also know people who put it in cakes or in oatmeal. Mantachie FFA Vice President Sam Kirksey enjoys the sorghum project because its so unusual. You cant do anything like it in any other class, Kirksey says. I enjoy the cooking part of the process most, where we cook the sorghum in a big pan over a fire pit. It has also taught me how to oversee a project from beginning to end. Word of Mantachie FFAs sorghum has been farreaching. Several newspapers and magazines have published articles about the project, prompting curious out-of-towners to travel to observe Mantachie FFA members crushing and cooking the sorghum. Lots of folks have offered to help us, especially senior farmers who are in their 70s and 80s, Franks says. They like to watch us cook the sorghum, and they
share with us how they used to do it when they were kids. It carries them back to the good old days. Mantachie FFA uses money from sorghum sales to run their chapter and fund trips to conventions, summer camps and retreats. They also run a meat processing lab (one of only two in the state) and two greenhouses, both of which raise money for their chapter. We teach processing of beef, swine, deer and wild game in a two-year program. Our students process about 450 deer per year, Franks says. Its great for our community our kids take orders from hunters and process meat how they want it. Then they pay us a processing fee. It runs like a little business. Every spring, members raise vegetable and flower plants in the greenhouses to sell. We have super good kids who are interested and motivated, which makes our job easy because they want to do these projects. Some FFA chapters have closed or merged because they were unable to get funding, Franks says. But weve found that a chapter can sustain itself without outside support. Introduce a project like sorghum or a greenhouse to get students involved and raise money. Its like operating a business. Jessica Mozo
The end result of their hard work is this sweet sorghum, which Mantachie FFA members sell as a chapter fundraiser.
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Stalks of cane are fed through a sorghum crusher, which extracts a light green juice with a high sugar content. The juice is strained and stored in 15-gallon barrels in a walk-in cooler. When members have collected between 250 and 300 gallons of juice, its time to cook it. (Ten gallons of juice produces one gallon of sorghum.) The juice is cooked in a large pan in a fire pit with pine slabs. Fans in the cooking room help with the tremendous amount of steam emitted.
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Throughout the summer months, the crop is monitored for insects and pests, then sprayed as needed.
After cooking, sorghum is strained again to remove any impurities. The sorghum cools and is poured into two stainless steel pots with valves at the bottoms.
In late September, the 8-foot-tall cane stalks are ready for harvest. An old-fashioned corn binder (redesigned for use with a tractor) cuts down 10 to 15 stalks at a time and ties them together. Students pick up the stalks and bring them to the shed to be crushed.
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The cooking process changes the sorghums color from light green to golden brown. The juice cooks for about three hours before its ready to be removed from heat.
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As the sorghum cooks, members skim it, or remove a green layer of chlorophyll that rises to the top.
Members bottle the sorghum in pints and quarts, top them with a safety seal and label them with custommade FFA tags. Chapter members sell their sorghum to raise money for FFA activities and trips.
15
inG to do Learn
ence Hands-on experi on for offers preparati choose any career you
earning to Do, Doing to Learn. Its the first half of the official FFA motto, but have you stopped to think what these phrases really mean to you? Since its beginnings in 1917, agricultural education (or vocational agriculture, as it was then called) has incorporated hands-on experiences into the lessons learned. For the farm boys who were the original ag ed students, they learned about farm chores and management, then put their education into practice through FFA career development events and on-farm experiences. Today, these learning by doing opportunities vary from school to school, but can often include a welding shop, greenhouse, farm, computer lab, meats facility, veterinary office, or even a former members operation. And regardless of the career you choose, these experiences will continue with you for a lifetime.
properly handle reproductive equipment, artificially inseminate the sows, evaluate the gestation cycle, assist with birthing and process the baby pigs. Minz says that the swine operation operates as a real business. The pigs are sold as show animals across the state, with some Paris FFA members purchasing them as well. They house their show pigs in the school facility throughout the year, which helps keep animals there year-round for educational purposes. Even the building of the animal science barn was a learning opportunity. Minz says that his agricultural mechanics classes welded the hog pens together and poured the concrete. He adds that these hands-on experiences reach farther than just the technical skill his students learn. It expands beyond just agricultural education, he explains. We serve as somewhat of a laboratory for the entire school. The students learn geometry and biology in their respective classes, but then they get to see them in action in the ag shop or in our animal science facility.
raising livestock teaches FFa members in Paris, ark., about animal management, genetics and reproduction.
solely on those areas, Jackman says. The difference is that these subjects are taught in an applied method. He adds, For example, in math class, students learn about the Pythagorean Theorem. Ag ed students put this theory into action when learning how to square a door frame or constructing a gate. With this connection between math and agriculture, students can say, I learned about it in math, but I did it in ag.
This year I will be able to take my pack test to join the state wildfire team to go out West and fight fires, she says. Also, all the leadership skills I learned in FFA helped to shape me into the person I am. As a firefighter, I am able to communicate and lead my fellow firefighters through trainings.
reaL-worLd aPPLiCation
So what does this mean for you, the student? Hands-on work shows you what the real world is like, Minz says. You wont learn everything in the real world from a book. Its a lot of trial and error, and you need to have effective problem-solving skills. Thats what I try to do teach students how to think and stay ahead in the world. Thats most important for helping them in any future career they choose. Ashley Anderson from Massachusetts says her ag classes helped launch her career. I have always been interested in firefighting because my grandfather, uncle and dad were all firefighters, she says. I was a horticulture major in high school, and during forestry class, I was able to get comfortable with a saw and drop some trees. Her past experience has led to some pretty exciting work opportunities.
online
how has agricultural education impacted you? tell us your success story at FFAnewhorizons.org/DoingtoLearn.
aG 101
Fields of Green
Welcome spring with farm facts about leafy green lettuce.
Sometimes, with all the other colorful vegetables, fruits, meats and toppings that dress a salad, the base ingredient lettuce can be easily forgotten. But this crisp, cool vegetable is one important crop for the United States. In fact, in terms of production value, it is the leading vegetable crop in the nation. Learn more about this produce-section staple.
Lettuce-Producing States
California and Arizona take the lead as the nations top lettuce-producing states, churning out about 98 percent of commercial domestic output. Production occurs year-round through a seasonal sequence between Arizona and California, as well as in commercial greenhouse hydroponic facilities. In these facilities, farmers grow lettuce in just water, no soil, using mineral nutrient solutions.
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DISCOvEr MOrE ABOuT THE DIFFErENT TyPES OF LETTuCE: Boston/Bibb: This variety is delicate with pale green, soft cup-shaped leaves. Its flavor is mild and sweet. Radicchio: An Italian lettuce, radicchio has dark red leaves and is often used in mixed salads. Romaine: This type of lettuce is very crisp and a little bitter. It is commonly used in Caesar salads. Red and Green Leaf: Leaf lettuce comes with both red and green leaves. The flavor is sweet and mild.
Iceberg: One of the most well-known lettuce varieties, iceberg has crisp, pale green leaves. It has little flavor and almost no nutritional value.
$439.3 M
The value of lettuce exports of the united States in 2010 rang in at an impressive $439.3 million. The country shipped 327,628 metric tons of the green vegetable, with the biggest share (86 percent) of exports going to Canada, followed by Taiwan and Mexico. behind Spain, the united States is the second-leading lettuce exporter.
Source: Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, agmrc.org
Launch a canned food drive. Before starting the campaign, talk to your local food bank to find out what types of non-perishable food items are most needed.
Start a backpack program. Gather together each week with other FFA members to help fill backpacks with food items, then make the packs available for students at your school who may be at risk of going hungry on weekends.
y now, youve probably heard about the National FFA Organizations global initiative to fight hunger called Feeding the WorldStarting at Home. You may have even taken the FFA Pledge to Fight Hunger online at www.FFA.org/hunger. One in six Americans is experiencing food insecurity, so theres no time to waste. Its time to act, and there are countless ways you can incorporate hunger awareness into your chapter activities. The National FFA Organization hunger initiative, Feeding the World Starting at Home is primarily sponsored by The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Farmers Feeding the World, Land OLakes, Inc., and Tyson Foods, Inc., as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The three goals of the National FFA hunger initiative are to educate
(understand the issues and effects of hunger), engage (organize hungerfighting efforts) and communicate/ advocate (share what youve learned and advocate for the hungry and for agriculture). We want to make sure FFA members are actively learning about hunger and seeing the face of hunger in their own communities, says Marilyn Ross, program director for global and hunger initiatives at FFA. Hunger in the U.S. is real, yet we dont often understand who is affected by it. It could be that our next-door neighbor is food-insecure or the student sitting next to us in school. To be food-insecure doesnt necessarily mean a person is starving or emaciated. It means they lack access to food at times throughout the year or may be uncertain where or when they will get their next meal.
There are children who go hungry on weekends, and when they eat their next meal at school, it makes them nauseous, Ross explains. Consider engaging members of your chapter to interact with people who are food-insecure, whether by sorting food at a food pantry, serving meals at a soup kitchen or delivering meals to the elderly. Many senior citizens living on fixed incomes have to decide between paying their utility bills and buying food every month. Serving those who are foodinsecure should not cause FFA members to look down on people or pity them, Ross says. Instead, it engages our members so they understand the issue of hunger more deeply. In 2012, 140 FFA chapters in 41 states were awarded FFA: Food For All grants totaling more than $330,000. Chapters used the money
Talk to the media. One voice can make a difference. Reach out to local media to tell your communitys hunger story and inspire other citizens to help.
Deliver meals. Join an existing Meals on Wheels or other similar program. Hot meals and a warm smile can change someones day.
Raise chickens. You can provide eggs and meat for people who cant afford to buy these pricey food products.
Glean farmers fields. Ask local vegetable farmers if you can glean whats left after harvest, then donate it to a local food bank.
to fund hunger relief efforts in their communities. Together they served nearly 50,000 people and helped form 101 new community groups that will continue fighting hunger. The more passionate students are about a project, the more powerful its impact will be, so start by taking an interest inventory to see what your members are interested in doing, says Stefonie Sebastian, an education specialist for the National FFA Organization. One Florida chapter raised more than 160 tilapia and donated
it to hungry families. They are the smallest school district in Florida, so they proved it doesnt matter how big or small you are you can impact your community just the same. Here are some ideas you can consider, as you develop your hunger-fighting plan.
1. raiSinG Food
Food banks nationwide are in need of sources of fresh meat, eggs and produce, so other chapters are raising hens to donate eggs or starting community gardens to
donate produce. In 2012, chapters donated 780 dozen eggs, nearly 11,000 pounds of meat and fish, and more than 147,000 pounds of produce to the hungry in their communities. In Idaho, we saw one chapter glean fruit trees that had been left untouched by the owners, who were elderly and could no longer care for the trees, Sebastian says. The chapter got permission to care for the trees, and they gave the fruit to an after-school program that in turn provided 300 youth with healthy snacks after school.
2. GLeaninG FieLdS
Chapters can even establish relationships with local farmers and ask for permission to glean their fields after harvest. Sometimes a lot of food is left in the field, Ross says. It might be a little misshapen or it might not be commercial grade, but theres absolutely nothing wrong with it.
3. Food reSCUe
Food rescue involves collecting unserved food from local restaurants or supermarkets (food that would otherwise be thrown away) and redistributing it to the hungry. In Indianapolis, an organization called Second Helpings goes to restaurants and hotels and rescues food that has been prepared but never served, and they repurpose that food to be distributed to shelters and local feeding programs, Ross explains. Look around your community to see where there might be unused food.
If your chapter has the space available or can ask local landowners to donate the use of their land, growing food on a larger scale can make a dramatic difference in providing food for your community.
SeeinG iS beLieVinG
Communicating about hunger issues and advocating for the hungry can even help chapters recruit new members. Consider organizing a service project related to hunger
and inviting students outside your chapter to join your efforts. Sometimes the best motivation is for students to see and experience what hungry people go through, Ross says. Seeing the faces of hunger is very humbling. Jessica Mozo
online
are you already fighting hunger in your community? Submit your story at FFAnewhorizons.org for a chance to be featured in the magazine!
Clay: My dad is the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at my high school, so I learned about FFA at an early age. From attending career development event (CDE) practices to setting up banquets as a young boy, I knew that when I was old enough to join, I wanted to be an FFA member. kalie: I grew up hearing about my dad and older cousins competing in FFA events, showing livestock, and traveling to state and national conventions. Their experiences sparked a curiosity in me to find out for myself what this organization was all about.
let my brothers and me tag along to FFA events. When I was a young child, I wanted to join the organization so I could have my very own cool FFA jacket. Joenelle: Initially, I joined so I could get a super cool orange FFA chapter T-shirt and through the encouragement of a few close friends. But as I became more involved in the local chapter, my reasons to remain an FFA member multiplied!
what are you most looking forward to during your year as a national officer?
Clay: I am most excited about experiencing ag ed and FFA across the nation. Although we all share a common mission and vision, each state and each classroom accomplishes that mission a little differently. As a future educator, it will be a great opportunity for me to see all of the great FFA programs and classroom ideas that are being used in the different states.
Clay: Prepared public speaking kalie: Livestock evaluation brennan: Parliamentary procedure
officers love the beach; only one (wiley) prefers the mountains.
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this teams got you covered all times of the day. officers are night owls is a morning person say both
brennan: I look forward to seeing and interacting with FFA members across the nation. Wherever I go, FFA members stand out as high-caliber, highly capable and just plain awesome people. I look forward to building relationships and engaging the potential that these FFA members hold.
Clay Sapp
This Florida native played high school baseball and tennis, and he hopes to become an agriculture teacher.
kalie Hall
Hailing from Georgia, Kalie plays piano and is passionate about animal agriculture.
brennan Costello
Brennan grew up on a small livestock and sweet corn farm in Nebraska and now majors in agribusiness in college.
if we looked through your airport carry-on bag, what five items would we find?
Joenelle Futrell
Clay: FFA jacket, computer charger, a pair of jeans, medicine bag and black dress shoes. kalie: Bible, iPod with some new tunes, lip balm, purple tennis shoes and FFA Official Dress. brennan: An extra set of FFA Official Dress; an iPod full of Mumford & Sons, Taylor Swift and Eric Church songs; plenty of snacks; my journal; and a pillow. Lindsey: FFA Official Dress, Mountain Dew, a hot pink neck pillow, Finding Nemo DVD and, at the moment, my baseball glove. Wiley: My Bible, peanuts, underwear, journal and my miniature banjo. Joenelle: A journal and colorful pens, copies of Sports Illustrated and Time magazines, gummy peach rings, my Bible, and a water bottle.
Raised on a row crop farm in Kentucky, Joenelle loves agriculture, policy and community service.
Wiley bailey
This Alabama native plays the banjo in his familys band and studies agricultural communications in college.
Lindsey Anderson
Lindsey grew up showing swine and playing sports, but this Californian now loves to study math and science.
PreMier LeaderShiP
them to the latest developments in agricultural technologies and practices. Participants learn about the future of agriculture, and they also begin to form relationships with top industry professionals and create a vision for their future operations. By beginning this process early in their careers, these future farmers have a clear vision of how they want their operations to function. I was interested in attending the New Century Farmer conference because I wanted to hear other peoples stories and ideas that could possibly influence my own operation, says Clint Vance, a senior at The Ohio State University majoring in agribusiness and applied economics. I also wanted to stay informed about other key issues that many farmers may not be aware of. Starting out as a young farmer brings many challenges, and working to overcome those is a big part in becoming successful!
Not only do participants learn from their peers who attend the conference, lessons are also learned through some of the leading agricultural businesses in the nation. Pioneer, Case IH, CSX and Farm Credit Services, along with media partner Successful Farming, sponsor the conference at no cost to the students. With the world population expected to be 9 billion in the year 2050, more and more countries are going to be in a hunger crisis and are going to need to figure out every possible way to make food go further and produce more of it, including the United States, Vance says. I would recommend this conference to anyone who is thinking about going into production agriculture after high school or college. Find more information on the New Century Farmer conference at FFA.org/collegiate. This years applications are due March 15 at 5 p.m. EST. Beverley Kreul
PerSonaL Growth
ave you ever tried to find something in a completely dark room, or have you taken a walk on a moonless night? Without light to guide your way, finding a path can be overwhelming, confusing and frustrating. The same can be true when trying to navigate through life without the advice or support of a close friend or mentor.
WHAT iS A MENTOr?
According to the National FFA Organizations LifeKnowledge program, a mentor is an adult who provides a young person with advice, support and friendship, and serves as a constructive example. LifeKnowledge defines a protg as a young person seeking advice, support,and friendship from an adult other than a parent or guardian. A formal mentor is different from a friend who hangs out with you at the football game, livestock shows or after a long day at a leadership conference. Generally, mentors are sought for their advice on professional-growth issues and can help you choose a career path, plan strategies, encourage engagement in extracurricular activities, and present opportunities to be involved in your community or career areas. Here are some tips to help you find and develop a strong relationship with a mentor.
determining your mentor, its good to evaluate your own plans for life. The LifeKnowledge mentoring lesson outlines several steps to developing personal mission and vision statements. A mission statement is the ability to envision and imagine ones future and establish an ultimate dream. A vision statement is the establishment of ones ultimate dream for the future and how it will impact others. Consider your likes or dislikes, personal dreams, gifts and talents. Then, match up these with people in your community who could be potential mentors for you.
goals and will be willing to meet or correspond with you on a regular basis. A great place to start the relationship is by sharing your mission and values statement, then asking your mentor to help you critique, improve or hold fast to these statements or ideas.
STAY iN CONTACT.
You can contact your mentor by phone, email or a personal visit. Always keep safety in mind, and ask a parent or adult family member to make the initial contact with your mentor. Meet your mentor for lunch or coffee, or invite them to visit with you in your agriculture classroom after school. In todays technology-driven world, email and text conversations are also great ways to communicate with your mentor. Regardless of the communication method, make sure you keep up a regular conversation and continue to develop a positive relationship. Christy Rogers-Brown
iDENTiFY A MENTOr.
Choose a mentor who you admire and one who has accomplished goals similar to those you have set for yourself. It might be a family friend, a teacher, someone from a local civic organization or even an FFA alumnus from your chapter. The key is to find someone who shares a mutual interest with you in your personal, career and life
Career SUCCeSS
opportunities currently available include laboratory research, animal breeding, zoo animal care, nutrition, brand management, livestock transportation, inspection and sales. With the rise of populations across the globe, careers within the animal health industry will be crucial for the future. The worlds population is expected to reach 9 billion people in the next 40 years, and the demand for food is going to double, Raymond says. Its important for innovative and passionate minds to drive the industry forward to keep up with the demand of the growing world. She adds that enrollment at agriculture colleges across the nation is at an all-time high and that the future for the animal health industry, and agriculture in general, looks very bright. Food, fuel and fiber play a very vital role in the lives of every being, regardless of whether it is humans, plants or animals. Raymond says. There really has never been a more exciting time to be involved in this industry. For students thinking of pursuing a career in animal health, Raymond gives advice to put into practice now:
Animal health research will become even more important in the future.
Animal Practice
Care for your four-legged friends with a career in animal health
1. CHALLENGE YOurSELF.
Dont take the easy way out in math and science classes in high school. Taking more challenging courses will build a better foundation for college courses that are required for the major.
2. MEET PEOPLE.
If you know youre passionate about a specific job in animal health, dont be afraid to start networking. Ask if you can job-shadow, volunteer to help out, or simply introduce yourself and ask questions about their career. If youre not sure of what youre passionate about, dont be afraid to branch out and try different things. There are many paths in the animal health field that may surprise you.
hether its a helpful veterinarian taking care of an under-the-weather pet, or a meat and poultry inspector making sure companies are raising healthy birds, the country relies on those who work in the animal health industry. And if youre interested in working with animals or animals in agriculture, a career in this field may be right for you. This career choice includes emphasis on management practices involved with selection, feeding, breeding, production, marketing and utilization of domestic animals. Careers also include the production and marketing of animal agribusiness products such as feed and grain, and related agribusiness opportunities in the equine industry and veterinary field. Alli Raymond, admissions coordinator for the Animal Science Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, says most students come into the major wanting to be a veterinarian, but shes quick to remind them that there is so much more you can do with an animal health degree. She says that many of the
3. rESEArCH.
For freshman and sophomores in high school, its not too early to be thinking about your future. Do your research so youre prepared by senior year. Rachel Bertone
online
Visit www.FFAnewhorizons.org and click on Careers for more information on the animal health industry.
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Go online for more pictures from these national FFa convention and expo hunger-fighting events. FFAnewhorizons. org/2012hunger
We were thrilled to offer this new service opportunity to close to 10,000 FFA members during their trip to Indianapolis, says Kelsey Kasting, program manager for the National FFA Organization. In just 20 hours over two and a half days there were 1,005,048 meals packed. Half of the meals went to Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis, and the other half of the meals were shipped overseas to Haiti. Gleaners Food Bank, one of Indianas largest and busiest community food banks, distributed the meals they received to hungry families in a 21-county area in central and southeast Indiana. The Rally to Fight Hunger kicked off the National FFA Organizations global Feeding the WorldStarting at
Home initiative, a movement to help students understand the issues and effects of hunger. The FFA Rally to Fight Hunger is a project of the National FFA Organization and is sponsored through the National FFA Foundation with support from many generous sponsors, including The Howard G. Buffett Foundation; Dow AgroSciences; Elanco; Farmers Feeding the World; Land OLakes, Inc.; Monsanto; Tyson Foods, Inc.; American Family Insurance; Archer Daniels Midland Company; BKD CPAs and Advisors; Cargill; CSX Transportation; Hormel Foods Corporation and Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Longtime FFA corporate sponsors Hormel Foods and Tyson Foods showed
During the 2012 National FFA Convention and Expo, FFA members helped package meals to be sent to Haiti.
their support by donating 38,000 pounds of chili with beans and 30,800 pounds of fresh chicken, respectively, to Gleaners Food Bank. When the donated food arrived at Gleaners, 80 FFA members were onsite volunteering as part of the organizations National Days of Service. One in six Americans are at risk of hunger thats too many, says Sara Lilygren, senior vice president of external relations at Tyson Foods. People at Tyson have been working with others on this problem for over a decade, but we know well not be able to solve it without a new generation of leadership. Thats why were inspired to see these students get involved in the fight against hunger.
In addition to packing meals at the rally, students learned about hunger issues and food insecurity not only overseas, but locally. They left with information about how to conduct hunger relief efforts in their home communities. Students learned that hunger could exist right in their own back yards, Kasting says. The rally will help jump-start similar hungerrelated events at local levels. Many chapters have inquired about hosting similar events in their communities. If all our local chapters start making an impact on hunger, we hope to help make an impression in the fight against hunger. Jessica Mozo
n October, the city of Louisville, Ky., will play host to the 86th National FFA Convention & Expo. Louisville will serve as our host city for the next three years 2013, 2014 and 2015. Many of the convention events will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, with more at the Kentucky International Convention Center, the new downtown arena, YUM! Center, and event hotels. Beyond the FFA-related events, attendees can have a ball at the Louisville Slugger Museum, get exotic at the Louisville Zoo, horse around at the Kentucky
Derby Museum and Churchill Downs, or zoom down the worlds only all-underground zip lines at Mega Cavern. Outside the city limits are some of the most beautiful farms and thoroughbred facilities in the world. Were excited about whats to come during the 2013 National FFA Convention & Expo! Visit FFAnewhorizons.org/2013conv to tell us what youre planning to do while in Louisville. And for more information about the convention and expo, visit FFA.org/convention.
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FFA New Horizons state inserts keep YOU connected to whats going on in your state or others. State FFA news and achievements FFA member profiles Career information Meet state FFA officers To learn about creating a state insert for your FFA association, contact Kim Newsom at knewsom@jnlcom.com.
inserts!
Growing legacies
PaGE
website
www.illinoisffa.org
Table of Contents
Page B National FFa Convention Review Page C State CDes Page D ISBe Hearings/
December State Officer Meeting/212
Page e Meet Your State FFa Reporter Page F alumni growing Her Legacy Page g FFa WeeK/Call to Convention Page H Officers Tracks
Illinois a
Meats Evaluation & Technology: Tenth Place Prairie Central FFA Milk Quality & Products: Eighth Place Prairie Central FFA Novice Parliamentary Procedure: Third Place Paxton-Buckley-Loda FFA Poultry Evaluation: Sixth Place Paxton-Buckley-Loda FFA Job Interview: Fifth Place Jaci Jenkins, Hardin County FFA
B Illinois
state cDEs
Superior Individuals: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Lucas Roberts (Farmington) Blake Uchitjil (Odin) Angela Behrends (Iroquois West) Monte Schaffer (Prairie Central) Cody Conrady (Hartsburg-Emden) Kade Hill (Paxton-Buckley-Loda) Noah Cross (Hartsburg-Emden) Max Redenius (Iroquois West) Joshua Degroot (Princeville) John Finegan (Iroquois West)
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officer Meeting/212
Thank You, Mr. Frank Dry!
The Illinois Association FFA has been fortunate to have had the influence and leadership of a very special man since 1985. Frank Dry has served FFA, IAVAT and agriculture education. His dedication to our organization is to be commended. A reception in Mr. Drys honor was held on February 2, 2013, from 3-6 p.m. at the Illinois FFA Center. The reception followed the FFA Alumni Scholarship Auction, which allowed friends, acquaintances, students and teachers an opportunity to thank Frank for his service and leadership. Please join us in wishing Frank Dry the very best as he leaves the FFA Center to enjoy retirement with his family.
ISBE Hearings
The Illinois State Board of Education Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Hearings were well represented by members, teachers and supporters of agriculture education. At these hearings, attendees presented testimonies for specific line-items. The five majors each attended a hearing and presented a testimony in support of agriculture education with their own experiences and the benefits of agriculture education on all students. At many of these hearings, chapter members and advisors presented as well! Thank you to everyone who actively did their part in support of continued funding for agriculture education!
212 Conference
On January 25-26, 2013, the 212 Conference was held at two locations in Illinois. The southern location was in Collinsville, Ill., and the northern location was in Schaumburg, Ill. Both of these conferences were very well attended by freshman and sophomore FFA members! At the 212 Conference, facilitated by National FFA, students were challenged to push past their limits to the boiling point of leadership. The 212 Conference is creatively named because 212 degrees fahrenheit is the temperature at which water boils. At 211F water is extremely hot, but just one more degree takes up another level and changes its state. The themes that members concentrated on were growth, virtues and collaboration.
D Illinois
worth living, by Oliver Wendell Holmes. For me, my passion is centered around my faith and agriculture. Having been given the opportunity to serve as your Illinois FFA State Reporter this year has been such a blessing! My love of helping and serving others has been one of the greatest things I have had the privilege of doing this year, serving more than 16,500 Illinois FFA members! I have looked back on this year and am grateful to have met so many wonderful people, who have all different personalities and passions, within this FFA organization. Whatever your interests may be, have faith in that and direct your energy towards it because your passion and enthusiasm for those things gives life purpose! In the words of Dr. Suess, Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way! Gods Blessings! Living to Serve, Courtney Gerstenecker
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Ann Larson has certainly been Growing Her Legacy since her year of service to the Illinois FFA as a State Officer in 2008-2009. Ann was born and raised on a small grain farm where they raised corn, soybeans and wheat in Shabbona, Ill. Throughout school, showing sheep and hogs through 4-H and FFA kept her busy. After her year of service to the Illinois FFA, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and graduated this past December with a degree in agribusiness with emphases in communications and marketing and a minor in public relations. Ann was involved with the sorority Sigma Alpha, which is a professional sorority for women pursuing careers in agriculture. Upon graduating, Larson began working for ANIMART Inc. in their marking department. Ann had the opportunity to work for the Cook County Farm Bureau as a Public Affairs Intern, which exposed her to urban agriculture and the inner workings of a county farm bureau. Along with her internship, Ann has been very successful with the Illinois Farm Bureau! She also served on the Youth Education Committee during her term as an Illinois FFA State Officer. Her most recent honor? She was named the Young Leader Discussion Meet winner at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Chicago, Dec. 1-4, 2012! Larson has been a member of the IFB Young Leaders for two years. In addition to receiving a trophy, she received an allexpense-paid trip to the 2013 American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn., and the opportunity to represent Illinois at the national discussion meet where she was named runner-up in the national competition! She also received $2,500 from the Illinois Farm Bureau; use of a Massey-Ferguson tractor, courtesy of AGCO; and all-expense-paid trips to the 2013
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ISBE Hearings
Illinois State Board of Education Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Hearings were held periodically throughout the month of November. The majors were very busy traveling around, giving testimonies in support of the agriculture education line-item showcasing how agriculture education has benefitted them and how it currently benefits more than 16,500 FFA members throughout Illinois!
FFA Week
National FFA Week 2013 was February 16-23! This sure was a very busy week for Darren, Dalton, Courtney, Joel and Tyson as they did interviews with many radio stations and other media sources. They also attended various chapters activities and events! We hope that everyone had a wonderful FFA Week continuing to Grow Legacies!
H Illinois
Creed
The Michigan FFA
Agricultural Education Edition
Spring 2013
Creed Staff
Managing Editor: Advising Editor: Jasper Cunningham Michelle Sidel
D Motto In Motion
Check out one agriscience teacher and how he makes a positive difference in students lives
Career Quest
A Legacy In Ag
H Editors Choice
Read one agricultural education students testimony
N Fun Page
Get crafty with crayon art
L to R: Jaime Curth, Region I State Vice President; Samantha Engelhardt, State Reporter; Darcy Lipskey, Region III State Vice President; Morgan Stuart, State Secretary; Nathan Krohn, State Treasurer; Abby Spickerman, State President; Max Kempf, Region V State Vice President; Juliana Forbush, State Vice President; Emily Calderone, Region IV State Vice President; Hannah Fallowfield, Region VI State Vice President; Levi Voorhies, State Sentinel
The Michigan FFA will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, marital status, weight, sexual orientation or disability. Any student requiring an accommodation as a result of a disability should contact the chapter advisor to arrange such accommodation.
learning a recipe using it, and actually cook it. The students told me how they loved the salsa they made from tomatoes but didnt like anything made with eggplant. The chapter reserved some of the vegetable plants for a community event they planned. For this event they invited Detroit community members to visit Belle Isle where the students put on workshops about how to plant and care for vegetable plants. After the presentations, vegetable plants were given to the community members so that they could create their own garden and cook healthy meals. Then about a month after these vegetable plants were given away, the students at Golightly went to go visit the community members who took them to see how their gardens were progressing.
Visiting the Golightly FFA chapter was an amazing experience; the students had so much energy and excitement for agriculture. Their excitement shocked and inspired me. There was so much passion for agriculture from students living in the tenth largest city in the United States. Urban agriculture is an important and rapidly expanding part of the FFA. The Golightly FFA chapter is an outstanding As mentioned earlier, the example of an urban Golightly chapter utilizes five agriculture program and greenhouses, and do they how it can benefit and ever put those greenhouses inspire urban students. to good work. The students Visiting the Golightly plant flowers and vegetables in the greenhouses FFA chapter opened my eyes to all of the and are in charge of taking care of them. Then they possibilities that urban agriculture offers and sell the flowers and a portion of the vegetables to all of the benefits it provides students. I now generate money for their chapter. Another portion have a different interpretation of agriculture of the vegetables is used to teach the students how and am determined to be an advocate for to prepare healthy meals from scratch. Once a week, urban agriculture not only during my year a vegetable is chosen, the students spend the day as a state officer, but for the rest of my life.
Living to Serve:
Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve. A motto that we all recite time after time, but have we really taken the time to think about the meaning behind those words. And how we, as committed FFA members, are supposed to be fulfilling that standard? To me, "Living to Serve" can be the trickiest one to get a good understanding on so I have taken a deeper look. According to Webster; 'Serveto exert one's self continuously or statedly for the benefit of'. So... we should be giving ourselves for the benefit of others. Giving up our time to help those in need using our talents to make a difference. As FFA members, each and every one of us should be learning how to live to serve effectively and make a difference in our communities in as many ways as possible. The best way to learn how to accomplish something would be to have a mentor, or role model who does this daily. We as members, have a distinct advantage in learning how to live to serve by looking up to our advisors and taking advice from those who are champions at living to serve. Growing up as the ag teachers daughter, it was a little easier for me to see just what our advisors put in day after day for us to make sure we receive the best experience from this organization. My dad was an FFA member in high school and has now been the advisor at Byron High School for 15 years teaching grades 6-12 about agriculture and FFA. He certainly did not plan on becoming "Mr. Forbush" to hundreds of different high school students when he graduated. When he went off to college and came across kids living down the hall from him who had no clue how to wire a light socket or build a loft for their beds, he decided that more kids needed this education while still in high school and he made the decision to serve as a teacher. Being the one sitting at the dinner table while he is still at contest practices, or staying at
level. Having the opportunity to be a part of a team that runs a chapter or having the skill to recite a speech you wrote in 30 minutes to an audience and judges has a serious impact on each and every member of this organization. Being able to watch hundreds of kids gain those experiences and knowing it is because of what you do for a living is why ag teachers become who they are.
Ag teachers are the ones you can go to for anything. Ag teachers are the ones who let you chill in the shop during lunch or after school. Ag teachers are the ones who Even though basic, required classes in high you stay in contact with after high school school provide students with helpful, useful and leave the most important impact. Ag information, being enrolled in an agriculture teachers are the ones who live the definition class and becoming a member of the FFA of serving. My dad is one of those teachers benefits the students to a much higher and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Educating
Youre in high school now, and its time to start thinking about your future. Youve probably heard lots of advice about where to look for ideas on career pathways, from your counselors office to the local college. How about looking closer to home? Start in your agriscience classroom. When I was in high school, I had plans to become a florist. My agriculture teacher, Mr. Patrick, supported this idea and helped me find a job at a flower shop. I loved working there, but after a few years, decided that being a florist wasnt for me. I started thinking about agricultural communications, since I loved to write. Again, Mr. Patrick was there with suggestions for how to improve my writing. He even helped me enter and win a state agricultural communications competition. Then, I started to sway from that career idea, and Mr. Patrick finally sat me down and said, Have you ever thought about being an agricultural teacher? In a word, no. Think about it, was all he said.
The #1 best part of my job as an agriscience teacher is working with students. I love that I get to know kids while they are in middle school and then I get to be a part of their life as they grow up. Most teachers have students for a year or maybe two. I have most of my students for five or six. I really get to know them and they become a part of my life.
The second best part of my job is working with the FFA. FFA is truly a life-changing organization. I love the equality that the blue I left my high school that day and thought jacket brings about. When you are in official about what Mr. Patrick had said. Why dress, no one can tell if you are poor or rich; if hadnt I ever thought about being an ag youre from the country or the city. The jacket teacher? I loved my ag classes. I loved the puts everyone on the same level, and gets FFA. The more I thought about it, the more you working toward a common goal. Seeing the idea appealed to me, and here I am, 13 kids challenge themselves to overcome their years into my agriscience teaching career. fear, push themselves to compete and grow Have you ever thought about being an ag teacher? If your answer is no, why not? Is it because no one has asked you? Because here is your invitation to think about it: Im asking you if you have ever thought about becoming an agriscience teacher. Ill talk to you about the pros and cons of my job and I want you to think about whether it appeals to you.
Agricultures Youth
into confident young adults is very rewarding. The third thing that I really enjoy about my job is being a part of the community. The agriscience program is very reliant on volunteers and parents to keep running smoothly. When I began teaching, I was new to town. Through our agriscience program, I have gotten to know my community and appreciate them in a way that a traditional teacher might not make a fortune or get summers off. There is a misconception that teachers become teachers because they cant do anything else or are too lazy to work all year. You have lots of other options. You choose this career and you will be passionate about your work, and mine, speaks for itself. The third thing you may struggle with as a teacher might be staying on top of paperwork. I find that the easiest way to deal with this is to do one day at a time. Dont let paperwork pile up for weeks at time, and then go on a correcting spree. Try to finish correcting each day.
Well, Ive asked you. Have you ever thought about being an agriscience teacher? Go home and think about it. When youre ready to talk about it, go to your own ag teacher, email me at mblock@ravennaschools.org, or look up information about MSU Agriscience major at see. Im truly amazed at how many people http://www.carrs.msu.edu/. Do what you care and invest in agricultural education. love, and love what you do, by teaching ag! Now, to be honest with you, there are challenges to being an Agriscience teacher. The first thing you will struggle with is time management. It is easy to become consumed with all the things that need to be done and forget that you need a life outside your job. You need to utilize the talents of the people in your community in order to get them to invest in the program and save your sanity. A second challenge you will face will be fighting the negative image that the public has about teachers. When you become a teacher, you do so because you love your subject and your students, not because you
Melanie Block Agriscience Teacher & FFA Advisor Ravenna Public Schools
CTE Testimony
Growing up in a small, rural town of around 1,200 I quickly learned that you must jump on every opportunity that you are offered. Whether it was the fact that FFA was a family tradition, or that one-third of our high school population is an FFA member, I found it natural to join the FFA. Little did I know that 15 dollars for dues would change my life forever. As high school progressed I found that visual, kinesthetic learning was my style. Combined with the rural agricultural roots of my hometown, the three core model of an agricultural education program was a perfect fit. My first day of class, freshman year, I walked into my botany class and
Another great opportunity I was offered was the development of my supervised agricultural experience. My main motivation was to develop my business skills in the production agriculture setting. I continually applied the information that I learned in the classroom to my farming enterprise. This took experiential learning to the next level. Developing crop rotation strategies, using integrated pest management programs along with planting high yielding seeds is irreplaceable information that I would have never learned as a high school student if it wasnt for my SAE. Now, I could take my classroom experience and my SAE and apply it to the FFA component. When I joined the FFA I became part of something larger. I joined a community of over 557,318 members working to better themselves and the world. While participating in skill and leadership career development events I found my true passion agriculture, education and a strong work ethic. The National FFA Organization truly developed my ability to achieve premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. Public speaking, interviewing and hands-on skills are just a few traits that the FFA instilled in me. My involvement in an agricultural education program and FFA chapter has been the most instrumental piece in my growth and development as a student, leader and community member. I have learned the importance of youth advocacy, higher education and continual growth. I wholeheartedly believe in FFA, agricultural education and career and technical education.
knew that I found my place. The smile on my Ag teachers face and that blue corduroy jacket hanging up reaffirmed that this was right for me. As the first week of school passed we dove deeper into our agricultural education curriculum. The technical and hands-on element my classes offered had perfected the learning process. From that day on I took an ag class every year botany, zoology, agricultural finance and natural resources. These classes took the hardest concepts of commodities and futures, ecology, mathematics, biology and business management and applied them to practical, everyday situations. No other course that I have been in has taken institutional information and transformed it into a constructive, tactile curriculum.
Favorites:
Sport: FFA event: T.V. show: Book: Candy: Soccer Leadership Contests Say Yes To The Dress
Favorites:
T.V. show: Hobby: Glee Horseback Riding
Sports team: Red Wings Movie: Food: Remember the Titans Spaghetti
Favorites:
Candy: Musician: Hobby: Sport: Book: Peach Rings Jake Owen Snowmobiling Football
A son of Nebraska and a veteran of the Second World War, Meaders was educated on the G.I. Bill. He earned bachelors and masters degrees in his home state before making his way to Michigan State University where he received his doctorate in agricultural education. anymore. He listened to us and researched the issue and came back with new lessons. It was here, from 1958 to 1990, that he made an indelible impact. As a professor, advisor He wasnt a temple of knowledge and he didnt and researcher, he earned respect from his pretend to be. But he cared about his students colleagues and the ability to educate several and wanted us to have the best tools available generations of Michigans agriculture teachers. when we entered our own classrooms. The list of Meaders awards, accomplishments and memberships is awesome yet not surprising. He was presented with several Outstanding International Agricultural awards, service awards and numerous invitations to serve on committees and boards driving agricultural development throughout the world. In addition to his work at MSU, Meaders worked to ensure that agriculture was a component of educational policy around the globe. It was not uncommon for him to travel to Taiwan, Latvia, Nepal, Cameroon or anyplace in between to spread the gospel of agriculture education and how it can benefit a society.
But having your name on a plaque or Even in retirement, Meaders continued internationally, hosting roster isnt a true measure of ones merits. volunteering seminars and building relationships and Dave Wyrick, Executive Secretary of the mentorships with younger educators. Michigan FFA Association and former agriscience teacher in Byron, was a graduate The man could not slow down. student pursuing his masters degree when he encountered Meaders as a professor. And now, facing a future of Michigan agriculture education without him, we must He was a polished, kind teacher who trust that the lessons he taught us and the responded to the needs of his students. Ill give passion he passed down will find their ways you an example. In one class, he was teaching into tomorrows generation of educators. us things they would have taught the boys coming home from war in 1947. So we said, We can believe that Dr. Meaders has heard the Dr. Meaders, this isnt how its necessarily done words, Well done, good and faithful servant.
Agriscience Fair
Renee Souva - Branch Area Career Center Courtney Souva - Branch Area Career Center Cailyn Hines - Branch Area Career Center Bethany Meyers - Branch Area Career Center Lucas Wielfaert - Lenawee Vo Tech Center PM
Agricultural Communications - Laker FFA - Bronze Agronomy - Laker FFA - Silver Agricultural Issues - Cassopolis/Ross Beatty FFA - Silver Agricultural Sales - Branch Area Career Center FFA - Gold Agricultural Mechanics - Durand FFA - Silver Creed Speaking - Rebecca Maurer - Hastings FFA - Bronze Dairy Cattle Evaluation - Olivet FFA - Bronze Dairy Cattle Handlers- Shelby Berens - Hopkins FFA - Gold Environmental - Branch Area Career Center - Bronze Extemporaneous Public Speaking - Jaime Curth - Maple Valley FFA - Bronze Farm Business Management - Corunna FFA - Bronze Floriculture - Lapeer County FFA - Silver Food Science - Durand FFA - Bronze Forestry - Lenawee FFA - Silver Horse Evaluation - Ovid-Elsie FFA - Silver Job Interview - Ryan Hall - Olivet FFA - Silver Livestock Evaluation - Branch Area Career Center FFA - Silver Marketing Plan - Springport FFA - Bronze Meats Evaluation - Sanilac FFA - Silver Milk Quality - Charlotte FFA - Silver Nursery/Landscape - Kent Career Center FFA - Silver Poultry - Laker FFA - Gold Prepared Public Speaking - Rebecca Whalen - Corunna FFA - Bronze
Instructions:
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Get a canvas of desired size. Paint background if desired. If you want find a picture of a good silhouette. Tape the picture onto a piece of black paper and cut around the edges. Glue the silhouette onto the canvas. Glue the crayons along the top of the canvas with a hot glue gun. Its easier if the paper is still on the crayons, but if it isnt it just takes more patience to glue them on without them falling off. Once all the crayons are glued on and the glue is dry, lay down an old sheet or plastic bags and also tape some against the wall. Prop the canvas against the wall with about a 45 degree angle with the crayons at the top. Use the hair dryer to melt the crayons. Keep it about an inch or two away from the crayons. Be careful because sometimes it likes to splatter all over. It takes about 20 seconds to melt the darker colored crayons and about a minute to melt the lighter colored crayons. Keep melting the crayons until the desired drip length. Let dry and then you have a lovely piece of art!
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he Kansas farm boys who made the video of the parody song Im Farming and I Grow It go viral last summer are bound for the 85th Missouri FFA Convention, April 18-19, in Columbia. The Peterson Farm Brothers Greg, Nathan and Kendall will sing and deliver remarks during the afternoon session on Friday, April 19 at the University of Missouris Hearnes Center. In addition to their appearance at the Friday afternoon session, the trio will have a booth in the FFA career show. From Assaria, Kan., and a student at Kansas State University, Greg told AgriTalk farm radio last summer, We wanted to promote agriculture for what it really is. People need to know where their food comes from. CONTINUED ON PAGE H
Greg, Nathan and Kendal Peterson, the Kansas farm boys whose parody song Im Farming and I Grow It went viral last summer, will perform on Friday afternoon April 19 at the Missouri FFA Convention. Photo submitted by Peterson Family
Table of Contents
PAge B
The Presidents Position
PAge D
Joplin FFA Recovers
PAge L
In their Words
PAge F
State Officer Q&A
PAge N
HYMAX Applications Sought
PAge C
Apply Now for LeAD, Public Speaking Academy
PAge J
Livestock Judging from Abroad
PAge O
FFA Calendar
Department of elem. & Sec. education P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102 Phone: (573) 751-3544. District Supervisors: Nancy Alford, Leon Busdieker, Oscar Carter, Keith Dietzschold, Lisa evans & Steven Rogers Missouri FFA Today Joann Pipkin, Editor 3674 S. State Hwy N Republic, MO 65738 email: joann.pipkin@att.net Phone: (417) 732-8552
We were ready for whatever was inside the doors of the poultry competition. I carefully answered each question and double checked my placings. I turned in my score card and our team anxiously waited for the scores to be posted. After what seemed like hours, the scores were up and we would find out if our hard work had paid off. There it was, we had placed 4th and were headed to the State FFA Convention! Even though we reached our goal, we did not stop there. We set a new goal to get on stage, as one of the top three teams in the state. After a long and grueling state contest, it was again time to wait for the scores to be posted. We had done it! We placed 2nd in the State Poultry Evaluation CDE. We realized our hard work and perseverance had paid off when we stood on the stage and accepted our plaque. State FFA Convention has always been a thrilling and rewarding time for me. I not only
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to Department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Office of the General Counsel, Coordinator Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI/Title IX/504/ADA/Age Act), 6th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-526-4757 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.
Presidents Position Continued from Page B achieved contest goals, but also gained friendships, agricultural knowledge and work ethics. Just as my team saw an opportunity, we stepped out of our comfort zones and accepted the challenge. My hope is that you realize what FFA has in store for you if you are dedicated and determined to accomplish your goals. I anticipate each of you is willing to invest time and hard work into contest teams and have the ability to compete at the state level. See you at the State FFA Convention!
hapter officers and advisors will come together May 28-31 as the LEAD Conference kicks off at seven locations across the state. Sponsored by the FFA Leadership Fund the Learn, Educate, Advance, Develop conference brings officers and their advisors together as they start off a new year as a new officer team. The teams will set goals, officer codes of conduct/expectations, develop a program of activities and calendar of activities, and explore how to work with the different personalities on their team. Sessions will be held May 28 at College of Ozarks and Shelbina; May 29 at Springfield and Trenton; May 30 at Richmond and Rolla; and May 31 at Cape Girardeau and Sedalia. In addition to LEAD, FFA members are encouraged to take part in this years Public Speaking Academy. If you would like to learn more about how to put together and present a speech, this unique opportunity is for you. The Public Speaking Academy is set for June 4-6 at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Registration is due by May 15. Contact your chapter advisor for more information.
Ripped to Shreds
Joplin FFA Still Rebuilding after 2011 Tornado
he EF5 tornado that ripped through the town of Joplin on May 22, 2011 forever changed the community and its people. The Joplin FFA chapter was no exception. Six FFA members lost their homes and one student was seriously injured according to Jason Cutler, the Joplin FFA Advisor. Yet, those students did not feel the tornados fury alone; it left the entire chapter reeling in its aftermath.
The storm itself not only destroyed Joplin High School, but also its FFA program. The tornado destroyed the high school and in turn the FFA program. The only item salvaged from the program was a ripped Joplin FFA jacket. I found the torn up FFA jacket wrapped around a metal I-beam that used to be part of the roof of our ag building. That I-beam was probably 300 feet away from where the building used to be, Cutler said. The jacket served as a beacon of hope for the chapter in the
months following the tragedy. It traveled with the chapter to its first event after the tornado (LEAD Conference in Springfield) and to the 2011 National FFA Convention.
Life Today
A year and a half after the tornado, life is still not back to normal. Today, the Joplin High School is housed on two campuses until a new school can be built. The 9th and 10th grades are in an old school building in downtown Joplin, while the 11th and 12th grades are in a renovated portion of Joplins Northpark Mall. Joplin FFA President, junior Mariah Howerton said, Its weird going to school in a place where you usually just go on the weekends to buy clothes and stuff. Cutler who was finishing his first year of teaching when the tornado blew through town has also felt the abnormality of the situation. Until the new school is finished Cutler is using a FEMA trailer and sharing a classroom with a biology teacher. I already felt like I was in over my head before the tornado hit. Truthfully, I had a terrible first year; I wasnt even sure I wanted to be a teacher at least half of the time, and contemplated quitting, Cutler admitted. I really felt like
(left) Until the new Joplin High School is completed, the 11th and 12th grade campus is located in a renovated portion of Northpark Mall in Joplin. (above) An iconic Joplin FFA Chapter jacket was all that was salvaged from the program after the May 2011 tornado ripped through the town.
the survival or death of our FFA chapter was up to me. That is a burden nobody should have to bear alone. Cutler went on to say that feeling subsides when he sees his students committed to making a difference in the community and rebuilding their FFA chapter.
Struggles to Inspiration
Junior Billy Stone is one of those students committed to making a difference in his community. Stone and his family were originally from Texas, but became Joplin residents after the tornado. My dad was medically retired from the military and my grandparents were hit by the tornado so we decided to come on down and help everything out and we ended up staying here, Stone said. Now Stone is an FFA member continuing to give back to his community. He is not the only example of support the community and FFA chapter has received amid the tragedy. We got checks, notes of encouragement, official dress items and more from all over the state and country. I can think of about 30 FFA chapters from Missouri that sent us something, Cutler notes. We had people from Maine and Massachusetts send us money and notes of encouragement. Ravenswood, W.Va., and Palatka, Fla., came to Joplin (to help). Cutler said members of the Barbers Hill, Tex., FFA gathered donations from other Texas
FFA chapters during their state convention and sent them to Joplin. Other supporters included MFA Charitable Foundation, MFA Oil, Missouri Farm Bureau, North Dakota FFA and Florida FFA. We saw people come from all over the state, country, even world and lend a helping hand. They didnt know us, really didnt know anything about us, but they were still there to help whoever needed help. It didnt matter if you were rich or poor. It didnt matter what color your skin was, what kind of background you came from, if you went to college or not, Howerton said.
would like to focus more on areas of agriculture that are the most prevalent in the Joplin area. My short-term vision is for a thriving ag program and FFA chapter here in Joplin, Cutler said. As the chapter continues to regain its strength, it is focusing more and more attention to giving back. One of the chapters main efforts will be on tree planting, maintenance and education. Its still hard sometimes not to have all of the things our program had before the tornado, but I have made a bigger effort to get to know students and let them know I am there to help them in life, school, work and FFA, Cutler said. I just want to be able to take a step back and say, Am I impacting students for the better? and if I can say yes to that question, then I need to smile and realize that I am becoming a successful teacher and our chapter is becoming a successful chapter.
Joplin FFA Advisor Jason Cutler doesnt have the most ideal teaching situation. His main classroom is a renovated FEMA trailer and the greenhouse was built on top of old tennis courts located next to a power station.
SARAH BASTIn
FFA Chapter: Carthage FFA Hometown: Golden City College/Major: Agriculture Business & Agriculture Comm. SAE: I work on my family farm and raise 10 acres of soybeans and wheat. I also raise and show commercial and registered Hereford cattle. What motivated you to want to become a Missouri FFA Officer? FFA has always been a big part of my life. I had seen how the past state officers had motivated me to be the best that I could and they had such a great
influence in my life. I wanted to give back to the FFA and what it has done for me. Becoming a state officer helped me to give back and become an influencer for those around me. Who is your hero and why? My grandma has always been my greatest hero. She is a person who has stuck to her moral compass no matter what may interfere in her path. She had a vision for herself and her children and followed through. Although her goals of having a strong family with great moral values and faith might seem small, for her it was all she wanted. To this day she continues to be one of the hardest working people I know. She isnt afraid to
State Vice President Sarah Bastins hero is her grandmother because of her inspiring vision, work ethic and way with people.
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Internet Near You www.missouriffa.org Watch for our booth at Hearnes Center During the State FFA Convention.
Learn whats in store for you when Missouri FFA hits the world wide webAPRIL 2013!
speak her mind, but will always leave you with a smile on your face. She is my hero because of her inspiring vision, work ethic, and way with people. I only hope to become half the kind of person she is one day. What are your plans for the future? I plan to continue my SAE of raising crops and cattle while also attending Missouri State University to pursue a degree in Agriculture Business and Agriculture Communications. What is something unique or interesting that few people know about you? I have a twin sister. Her name is Jenny, and yes we do look alike, but not that much. We arent exactly identical but we arent really fraternal either.
KATIE GIBSOn
FFA Chapter: Nichols Career Ctr Hometown: Holts Summit College/Major: University of Missouri- Columbia/ Animal Science SAE: I raise Angus cattle and chickens that I use for pullet production, and to sell eggs. Also, I prepare and serve food at Camerons Country Caf. What motivated you to want to become a Missouri FFA Officer? Throughout my four years in FFA, I watched many state officers and admired them. They took the time to get to know members and that really inspired me. I wanted my chance to reach out to younger FFA members and help them grow. Who is your hero and why? My hero would have to be my mom. She has shown me that no matter what obstacles life throws at you, if you keep your head up, you can make it through. What are your plans for the future? After I graduate from Mizzou, I plan to get my DVM and start my own veterinary clinic while continuing my farm at home. What is something unique or interesting that few people know about you? I love fireworks. My family runs a fireworks tent during the summer and has a big celebration with them every year.
Advice to FFA Members: Do your best. Give 110% in everything that you do. If you do that, when you look back, you wont have any regrets, and there arent any what ifs.
State FFA Vice President Katie Gibson learned from her mom that no matter what obstacles life throws at you, you can make it through if you keep your head up.
People need to know who farmers are. Were not bad people. Were just trying to do our jobs and feed the world. Themed, Value the Past, Embrace Your Future, this years convention also features career development events, workshops, the FFA Career Show and awards presentations. Headlining the convention will be Harriet Turk, who for more than 20 years has challenged her audiences to think seriously about their life choices. In a world peppered with indifference, complacency, and difficult decisions, Turk offers a unique and fresh perspective regarding leadership, loyalty and living fully. Powerful, engaging and insightful, you are sure to leave her
Harriet Turk will challenge FFA members to think seriously about their life choices as she headlines this years State FFA Convention, April 18-19 in Columbia.
program with a clear, practical, message about healthy lifestylesa believe in yourself and the value of your life! Turk promises to tell it like it is. As inspiring as her message is, Turk wont give you unrealistic hope. By reinforcing the concept that we all possess
personal power, you will learn that while you might be in charge of your choices, you dont always get to choose the consequences. Learning how to cope with failure and trying again are essential and Harriet Turk will show you how to Just Deal With It! Missouri FFA also welcomes to the convention stage this year National FFA Secretary Kalie Hall. The Georgia native credits a mentor for offering a simple piece of advice that has defined her approach to life. I was told, Remember where youve come from and meet people where they are, she said. Thats something Ill never forget. As a national FFA officer, Hall hopes to further agricultural education in the lives of students by investing in everyone who is in its sphere of influence, she said. Agricultural education has taught me to listen and given me experiences through which to understand, Hall explained. People need hope. Agricultural education has given me an avenue Continued on Next Page
FFA members will have fun and learn leadership skills when they take part in the workshops offered during the annual State FFA Convention, which convenes April 18-19 in Columbia.
(left) Poultry Evaluation is just one of the Career Development Events FFA members will take part in during the annual State FFA Convention. (right) National FFA Secretary Kalie Hall will be a featured speaker during the annual event.
through which to provide it. In addition to these special guest speakers, the 85th Annual Missouri FFA Convention will feature workshops for members to enhance their leadership potential. The annual FFA Career Show promises excitement for FFA members and guests alike. The Star State Farmer, State Star in Agribusiness and State Star in Placement awards will be presented and more than 7000 state FFA degree recipients will also be recognized during the convention. More than 7,000 FFA members, parents and guests are expected to converge in Columbia for the states premier FFA event.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Courtney Spencer handles a Border Leicester sheep to evaluate for muscle during the Royal Highlands Livestock Contest in Edinburgh, Scotland.
judge together as a team and we were determined to leave all we had on that arena floor. After much anticipation, we learned that we had been rewarded for our hard work and had won first place in the State! Judging at a national contest is no small task and we wanted to make Missouri proud and represent the state well in Indianapolis. After completing the two days of judging at the national contest, my teammates and I believed that we had made the most of the opportunity in which we had
been presented. We soon learned that we had finished fourth overall! A fourth place finish meant one more thingwe were invited to travel internationally and compete in the Royal Highlands Livestock Contest in Edinburgh, Scotland! On June 17, 2012 we boarded a plane bound for London, England
Jon Bellis works alongside the Scottish competitors to place a class of Border Leicester sheep. Jon and fellow team members Sami Johnson, Hannah Isaacson and Courtney Spencer as well as Aurora FFA Chapter Advisor Jim Spencer attended the Royal Highlands Livestock Contest in Edinburgh, Scotland.
to begin our agricultural tour across Europe. Upon arriving in London, we were given a few days to view the historic sites and explore the city. Our adventures in London ended as we traveled on into Scotland. Our first item on the list in Scotland was to tour a traditional Scottish cattle and sheep operation. The next two days we attended the Royal Highlands Show in Edinburgh, Scotland. The first day was reserved for us to view the livestock and get accustomed to the differences in phenotype. Our second day at the Royal Highlands Show was judging day where my teammates and I competed along side the Scottish teams. The contest was slightly different than what we had been used to, but our Scottish friends were eager to help us adapt. Later that day, my teammates and I were honored to find out that we had won the sheep division of the judging competition. The conclusion of the competition was also the end of our time in Scotland as it was time to board the ferry for Ireland. Over the next week, we visited various cattle and sheep farms all across Ireland, each one detailing its operation and giving us an insight to agriculture in their country. A highlight of the trip came when we got to stay on a farm with a host family for two nights. While staying with our host family, we were able to experience first hand how their farming operation worked and were blessed with home-cooked, Irish meals. Our trip to London, Scotland, and Ireland allowed us to gain an insight to a new culture,
international agriculture, and allowed us to broaden our horizons through this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Looking back, it all began when I took the first step to participate in the Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event. Following that decision
was the choice to stay committed to my teammates, and continually work towards our goal. Career Development Events offer multitudes of opportunities, if only you take the initial step and take advantage of them.
In Their words
Up close with your Missouri State FFA Officers
thought I was safe! Later that night there was a knock on our door and it was my advisor. He had come to my house to make sure I was ready for the contest the next day. I soon realized, there was no getting out of it. I grudgingly competed. Afterward I realized how much I had enjoyed the competition and how I almost missed out on a great opportunity because I was too scared and thought that I wasnt good enough. One of my favorite quotes from the movie A
RHIAn BELDOn
Zoo is, You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it. Sometimes FFA members, all you need is that 20 seconds of insane courage and you never know what all you can accomplish and do. I challenge you to take every opportunity that comes your way. You got this!
SAM TURnER
ublic speaking. Hearing those two words coming from my advisor who said them a little too cheerfully had me trembling in my seat. I had joined FFA, excited about being able to show my market lambs and that was all I really wanted to do. But my advisor had other plans, and he wanted me to give fall public speaking a try. He wanted me to speak in front of a group of people who I didnt even know. He had to be crazy. I could barely say my name in front of my classmates without stuttering and turning red. There was no way I was going to give a speech. So I came up with a plan. I was going to be sick on the day of the contest and my advisor would simply understand that I wouldnt be able to deliver my speech. It was the perfect plan. The day before the contest there was a snow storm and I
Youre not going to make it. How many people have heard this statement? As an individual, it hurts to know someone doesnt have faith in you. Growing up in a small town of just 2,000 people, everyone knew everyone. We were blessed with a tight-knit community where we all loved one thingbasketball. Having played in two state championships, my two buddies and I were supposed to take us back to the final four for the third year in a row. Unfortunately, though, that didnt happen. We lost and I was forced with a decision that would change my life. I could either run for state FFA office or play another year of basketball. Two of my goals in life were to be a state FFA officer and to win a state championship in basketball. I talked to my two friends and they backed my decision regardless. They knew how bad I wanted to
become a state FFA officer, so I set out to achieve that goal. A day later in the locker room, I was heading to class when I overheard my best friends talking about me. They said, Its not like hes going to get it. As I sat there and thought about what was just said it only motivated me to become a state officer even more. Two interviews later, I was standing on stage at the State FFA Convention being announced as the Area 16 State FFA Officer.
FFA membersothers are going to doubt you, tell you that you cant do something and not have faith in you. Fortunately, its not up to them. Its up to you. You make your own decisions and its your choice whether you succeed or fail. Never let anyone get you down. You can do anything you set your mind to.
KEnnY SwOPE
attempted to take my first true bike ride. Put your hands on the handle bar, look up, put your feet on the pedals and just go. I looked at him, smiled and did just that. I thought I was doing well so attempted the ramp at the end of the driveway. Needless to say, I wrecked and spent the night in the hospital. I didnt want to get back on my bike. In a sense, I gave up and sold it, too afraid to get back up and try again. Put your hands on the handle bar, look up, put your feet on the pedals and just go. FFA members, this organization has many opportunities and roads you can travel down. When
we start our journey many of us have no idea where to start or where we even want to end up. Thats the joy of the FFA. We have no road map. I hope that each of you have many successes in this organization, but I think actor and comedian Bill Cosby said it best, In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. FFA members, you will have failures but will you really let them get you down? You have to continue to accomplish your goals and remember, When you ride a bike and fall all you can do is get up, get back on, put your feet on the pedals, hands on the handle bars, and go.
When you ride a bike and fall all you can do is get up, get back on, put your feet on the petals, hands on the handle bars and go. I love being outside. With a twin brother and three male cousins, we always found some kind of trouble to get ourselves into. Growing up on the family farm we always had some means of transportation. From crawling to pedal tractor to bicycle with training wheels, I ultimately moved on to the bike without the training wheels. I remember the words my cousin DJ told me like it was yesterday as I
The HYMAX Academy for outstanding high school freshmen aims to enhance a participants FFA experiences, career exploration and provide training in agriculture advocacy. This years conference is set for June 28-30 at Camp Rising Sun, Lake of the Ozarks.
FFA Calendar
Missouri FFA is on the move
MARCH
2 7 7 9 14 21 21 25 26 26 College of the Ozarks FFA Workshop Point Lookout Mineral Area College CDEs Park Hills MU Southwest Center CDEs Mount Vernon Mo. Youth Livestock Grading/Judging Contest Columbia NCMC Ag Club CDEs Trenton Crowder College CDEs Neosho TRCC Contests Three Rivers Northwest District FFA/Ag Sales CDEs Monroe City Northwest District FFA CDEs Cameron Southeast District Horse CDEs Advance
APRIL
6 8-9 18-19 27
Southwest District FFA CDEs MSU, Springfield Southwest District Ag CDEs MSU, Springfield Missouri State FFA Convention Columbia Missouri Trapshooters Assoc. State Tourney Linn Creek American Royal Market Steer DNA Validation DUE MU Interscholastic Events CDE Scholarship Application DUE Orscheln Scholarship Application DUE LEAD Conference Registration DUE South Central Regional Farm Fest Cabool MU Invitational Agri-Science Fair Columbia Public Speaking Academy Registration DUE State Fair Swine DNA Sample Submission DUE LEAD Conference for Chapter Officers
MAY
1 1 1 6 10-11 15 15 15 28-31
APRIL
2-3 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 Northwest District Ag CDEs NWMSU, Maryville Central District Ag CDEs UCM, Warrensburg South Central District FFA CDEs Rolla Northeast District Ag CDEs Columbia Central District FFA & Ag Sales CDEs UCM, Warrensburg Southeast District Ag CDEs SEMO, Cape Girardeau South Central District Ag CDEs Rolla Southeast District Ag & FFA CDEs CTCC, Cape Girardeau
JUnE
3-7 Missouri AgriBusiness Academy Tour Springfield Area 3-July 12 Missouri FFA Camp Rising Sun Lake of the Ozarks, Kaiser 4-6 Public Speaking Academy UCM, Warrensburg 21-22 Area Officer Institute FFA Camp Rising Sun, Kaiser 28-30 HYMAX Academy FFA Camp Rising Sun, Kaiser
eDITORS NOTe
Missouri FFA Today welcomes your comments, chapter notes and story ideas. Send them to us at: joann.pipkin@att.net or call: 417.732.8552
grant
The Shaping Rural Missouri grant program offered by FCS Financial provides local 4-H and FFA organizations $250 grants to implement projects that will benefit their rural communities. Funds are awarded to assist club or chapter members in bringing positive change by establishing projects that make their local communities better places to live. Applications are due by April 15, 2013.**
learn more
Visit myfcsfinancial.com to learn more and apply for the 2013 FCS Financial Scholarship or Shaping Rural Missouri Grant.
*Scholarship applicants must meet all qualifications in application to be eligible **Grant applicants must be a 4-H club or FFA chapter located in one of the 102 Missouri counties served by FCS Financial. Growing Relationships. Creating Opportunities. is a trademark of FCS Financial, ACA.
oklahoma outlook
Preserving a Cherokee tradition
At Fort Gibson High School, a Native American craftsman teaches FFA members to build Cherokee long bows as part of a Natural Resources unit in their Ag Ed class. Oklahoma Outlook interviewed Brian Craig, one of the Ag teachers at Fort Gibson and Victor Wildcat, the Cherokee long bow resource person. We also spoke with four of the students who had participated in the program.
Spring 2013
Heres how Mr. Craig describes the purpose of the program: To have a project (the students) can work with their hands, get them out of the classroom every now and then, and teach them how to start and finish something. Thats really important in life. This is a great project to teach them how to start and finish because when theyre done with it, they actually have something they can take home.
They start with just raw wood. Mr. Wildcat: It was cut during the new moon and I always get it on a high hill. Why is that? Mr. Wildcat: Well, for the drainage, so the grains are going to be tighter. The tighter the grains, the faster the cast. Mr. Craig: The better your bow is. Those two things, the moon and the high hill, thats something that Cherokees have known for hundreds of years, just from being in nature. Mr. Wildcat: As Native Americans, we do everything according to the new moon. It will last a lifetime.
Getting the right wood at the right time is just the first step in the procedure. Students are given logs, out of which they will cut their own bow. Its a complicated process that involves understanding the grain of the wood and then shaving off just a little at a time until the bow begins to take shape.
Continued on page H
Read more about the long bow project on our website, www.okffa.org.
National FFa
oklahoma Wins Eight 2012
talon alexander
madill FFa
landscape management
Reighly Blakely
oolagah FFa
Nursery operations
William maltbie
Burlington FFa
Diversified horticulture
alison Slagell
Weatherford FFa
Vegetable Production
Convention
National Proficiency awards!
Bryce Bulling
mulhall-orlando FFa
Forage Production
trenton Grimes
Pond Creek-hunter FFa
Environmental Science and Natural Resources
Carson Vinyard
altus FFa
Emerging agricultural technology
Garrett Yerigan
Pryor FFa
agricultural Communications
Community Service:
Community Service is one of the most important functions of an FFA chapter. An excellent example of service to the community is the Cents Make Sense project recently carried out by the Porter FFA chapter. We got the details from Caleb Eutsler, chapter vice-president and Hallie Barnes, chapter reporter.
people who are buying it understand what youre doing with that money? Do you emphasize to them that youre adding a little extra so that you can help somebody else? Hallie: We have, and it actually makes some people buy more because they want to donate.
How is it that you guys were involved in this project? Caleb: Every year we do a fundraiser to help our chapter earn money so we can do more events in the year. We sell Blue and Gold sausage, bacon and chicken, and they all sell for a certain amount of money. We decided to add on twenty-five cents (to each item) so we could raise money to better help our community and feed the needy. Hallie: From that twenty-five cents, as it adds up, we can buy more Blue and Gold sausage and donate it to the food bank. We told Blue and Gold about it, and they thought theyd put in some meat as well because they wanted to help out. Then the Pork Council heard about it, and they added some more. It all added up to 3,500 pounds.
When you sell your Blue and Gold sausage and youre tacking on an extra twenty-five cents per package, do
The sausage was donated to the Eastern Oklahoma Food Bank in Tulsa, which serves about 40 percent of the state. What was it like when you made that donation to the food bank? Caleb: It was very touching. They were excited to see us. Just going there and getting to meet the people who run the place and getting to talk to them about what they do it really inspired us to do this every year. So this is going to be an ongoing thing, then, that youll continue to do? Caleb: I think it will be. Hallie: Every year. What do you know about the people who ultimately receive the sausage? Did you learn anything about who those people are? Hallie: Theyre just people in the community who dont have enough money to buy the food they need or are in hard times and just need a little help. The food bank can deliver it to the people, and also the people can come to the food bank. So you went over to Tulsa and made that presentation at the food bank. You learned about the food bank and what it does. Then you did something at the Doubletree Hotel, right? What was that all about? Caleb: At the Doubletree Hotel, we ate lunch with the governor. She had a Helping Heroes luncheon to con-
Oklahoma ranks among the top five states in the number of people who are hungry.
Fighting hunger
gratulate everybody who has helped with Oklahomas food shortage. She invited us because of what weve done with the food bank and Blue and Gold Sausage. So we were recognized for what we did, and we got to meet the governor. Thats great. What was that like, meeting the governor? Hallie: It was pretty neat because we got to meet someone really high up in Oklahoma and because she was so appreciative of what we have done. A lot of people dont realize that there are people right here in this country, right here in this state, probably right here in this county, who dont have enough to eat all the time. Do you guys think about that kind of thing very much? Caleb: I do a lot. You might not be able to see them walking through the halls, but one out of every five (Oklahomans) needs food and sometimes even a place to stay. Thats why I feel so good about helping our community because it brings that warm heart feeling to you, but it also helps them. Hallie: Also, its kind of surprising, but Oklahoma is the fourth hungriest state in the United States. Lets talk about how we might encourage other chapters to do what you did. You guys have any thoughts about that? Hallie: Well, we have connections with people in other chapters. So we can tell them about it, and they can tell their chapters about it, and maybe they can do the same thing or something similar. Do you think that what you guys did is unique, or have other chapters done something similar to this? Caleb: When we first came up with this idea, I thought it would just be a small thing, and we were just going to give some money to the food bank. It really became a big deal, and what I want other chapters to know is that they can do the same thing and we can reach all across the United States. By us doing this, I want other chapters to see what weve done and to strive to do the same thing. Having done it one time, is there anything that youll do differently when you come back to this next year? Or do you think its perfect the way you did it? Hallie: I think its perfect the way it is. Caleb: (Laughter) Right now, I have no idea, honestly, where this is taking us because its already taken us so far. Next year, I dont know what it is yet, but maybe we can do something even bigger and better. You can help fight hunger, too. To find out how, contact the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (Tulsa) or the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma (Oklahoma City).
Lets talk a little more about community service. Why do you think thats important? Caleb: Well, I think that FFA is all about bettering our community and showing the world what FFA is. When most people think of FFA, theyll think cows or pigs, but FFA is more than that. Students in FFA participate in leadership conferences and things all around the United States. So when we do community service it gives us life traits that we can use in the future, and it also makes us become better leaders. It also benefits the people who we do community service for, so they feel welcome and have warm hearts for what we accomplish. Why is it important for FFA chapters and FFA members to be aware of the needs of other people and try to help meet those needs? Caleb: Just helping them in any way we can will better our country and make better leaders of the next generation. Hallie: The people who need it cant provide for themselves. So we help out as FFA members. Also, for the FFA members, it builds leadership and a warm heart. Learning at a young age to help others, so when you get older, you can keep helping people and teach your kids to do that as well.
2013 State
brooks gibbs
kICk-oFF SPEakER
illuminate
PRE-ShoW DaY oNE
redhawks baseball
Convention
david harris
CaREER ShoW maGIC
judson laipply
kEYNotE SPEakER
justin flom
PRE-ShoW DaY tWo
The students who build the long bows learn a lot of valuable lessons, including persistence and attention to detail and doing it right. Some students will be more successful than others, of course, but its hard to predict who that will be. Mr. Craig: You will never be able to pick out the kid in the class who will be the best at making these. They may not work very hard in the classroom or the shop or vice versa, and then for some reason, this just clicks with them. Mr. Wildcat: Some of their bows right now are just gorgeous. They are $500 bows. As they get older, they cost more. They become more valuable. A lot of our Native American stuff, I tell the people to hang onto it and give it to your children, those items will be priceless.
One of our favorite student comments: I learned that its pretty easy to hurt myself with tools trying to make a bow. I caught a few splinterswell, a lot of splinters. (This project) helped me grow up a little bit. Helped me feel in touch with my Cherokee side because Im part Cherokee. Feel closer, you know. -- Thomas
Melton
There are so many different aspects of this lesson: the natural resources, the history and the maththe list goes on and on. Not to mention the whole stick-to-it aspect and the pride of completion at the end of it. Another important aspect of this project is the preservation of the Cherokee tradition. Mr. Craig: Were trying to help preserve it. Thats (Mr. Wildcats) ultimate goal. He works at it hard, and if we can show it to anybody and everybody, youd be surprised the kids that go out and say, Heres what I did. Some people think, Why would they even be doing that in an Ag class? You know, thats kind of silly. If you see what were really presenting to the kids and what the kids get out of it, its a dang good lesson. Its hands-on.
Mr. Craig with a finished bow and Mr. Wildcat with a black locust staff from which the bows are made.