Post on 25-Oct-2014
description
transcript
Create a profile. Add friends. Start a group. Voice your opinions. ffa.org/ffanation
SucceSSMarching Toward
Discover your infinite potential at the 83rd National FFA Convention
Lighten Up!Is your backpack
too heavy?
new horizonsFFA
t h e m a g a z i n e o f t h e n a t i o n a l f f a o r g a n i z a t i o n | o c t o b e r 2 0 1 0
®l o g o n at f fa . o r g / f fa n at i o n
On the Cover: FFA members represent their states in the 2009 National FFA Convention Grand March.
new horizonsFFAThe magazine of the National FFA Organization
Volume 58 Number 1
®
16
10 cover story
Marching Toward SuccessDiscover your infinite potential at the national FFA convention.
Chi-Town = FarmtownChicago students raise livestock, plants and fish – right in the city limits.
KimNewsom editor jessyyaNcey associateeditor LisaBaTTLes,joycecaRUTHeRs copyeditors jULiewoodaRd FFaPublicationsmanager KRisTymeyeR FFacommunications RaVeNPeTTy Proofreadingmanager jeNNiFeRGRaVes contentcoordinator cHRisHayHURsT,jessicamoZo, contributingwriters jessicawaLKeR cHRisTiNacaRdeN mediaTechnologydirector KRisseXToN,caNdicesweeT, seniorGraphicdesigners ViKKiwiLLiams cHaNdRaBRadsHaw,yameLHaLL, mediaTechnologyanalysts aLisoNHUNTeR,maRcUssNydeR jeFFReys.oTTo Photographydirector jeFFadKiNs,BRiaNmccoRd seniorPhotographers ToddBeNNeTT,aNToNyBosHieR staffPhotographers yaNceyTURTURice informationTechnologydirector RyaNsweeNey i.T.serviceTechnician LeiGHGUaRiN webdesigner ToRiHUGHes integratedmediamanager cHRisdUdLey controller ciNdyHaLL salessupportmanager RacHaeLGoLdsBeRRy salessupport KRisTydUNcaN executivesecretary KaTiemiddeNdoRF adProductionmanager PaTRiciamoisaN adTrafficassistantdiaNaGUZmaN,maRiamcFaRLaNd accounting sHeLLymiLLeR,LisaoweNs GaRysmiTH distributiondirector KeiTHHaRRis marketingcreativedirector RayLaNGeN executiveVicePresident ToddPoTTeR,caRLaTHURmaN sr.V.P./sales caseyHesTeR sr.V.P./operations TeReecaRUTHeRs V.P./contentdevelopment maRKFoResTeR V.P./Visualcontent NaTasHaLoReNs V.P./contentoperations
Foradvertisinginformation,contactToriHughes,(800)333-8842,ext.281,ore-mailthughes@jnlcom.com.
2009-2010 National FFA Officers LeVyRaNdoLPH,ca President BeTHaNyBoHNeNBLUsT,Ks secretary aLeXHeNRy,mi easternRegionVicePresident RaNdaBRaUNe,TX westernRegionVicePresident cHeLseadoss,TN southernRegionVicePresident cHaseRose,mT centralRegionVicePresident
National FFA Staff LaRRycase Nationaladvisor, chiefexecutiveofficer sTeVeBRowN executivesecretary dwiGHTaRmsTRoNG chiefoperatingofficer maRioNFLeTcHeR NationalTreasurer maRKcaVeLL,BiLLFLeeT divisiondirectors daLecRaBTRee,jaNeTmaLoNey, RoBcooPeR,KeNTscHescKe, VicKiseTTLe,LeeaNNesHiLLeR, ToNysmaLL,BiLLsTaGG, wiLLwaideLicH
National FFA Board of Directors – Members LaRRycase chair,Usde,Va sTeVeBRowN secretary,Usde,Va maRioNFLeTcHeR Treasurer,statesupervisor,aR jimBaRBee statesupervisor,NV RoBeRTB.caLViN agricultureTeacher/Usde,mo wiLBURcHaNceLLoR statesupervisor,ms KeiTHcoX FFaexecutivesecretary/Usde,sc joeLLaRseN statesupervisor,mN cURTLUcas statesupervisor,Ky BRiaNe.myeRs associateProfessor/Usde,FL joHNRaKesTRaw BusinessRepresentative/Usde,co
Subscription Information:FFA New Horizons(issN1069-806X)ispublishedFeb.,april,june,aug.,oct.anddec.bytheNationalFFaorganization,6060FFadrive,indianapolis,iN46268-0960. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return ofunsolicited manuscripts, art or any other unsolicited materials. Forsubscription information contact: FFA New Horizons subscriptionservices, (317) 802-4235 or e-mail newhorizons@ffa.org. Periodicalpostagerateispaidatindianapolis,ind.,andadditionalmailoffices.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to FFA New Horizons,P.o.Box68960,indianapolis,iN46268-0960.
copyright©2010bytheNationalFFaorganizationandjournalcommunicationsinc.
The National FFa organization is dedicated to making a positivedifference in the lives of students by developing their potential forpremier leadership, personal growth and career success throughagriculturaleducation.
Please recycle this magazine
4 ScrapbookRead news, jokes and more.
8 FFA FacesMeet members from across the country.
20 National Officer Q & AMeet Vice President Chase Rose.
22 Cool CareersDig up a career in production agriculture.
24 Healthy LifestylesLearn how to lighten up your backpack.
26 Back TalkMeet Syngenta president Vern Hawkins.
28 Your MoneyCount up your collection’s worth.
3FFA New HOrizONsFFA.Org/FFANATiON
October 2010 Contents
FFA Family SpiritA former state FFA officer in
California, Summer Vitelli made
numerous connections during her FFA
involvement. But not until recently did
she realize the power of an “FFA family.”
In 2009, Vitelli was diagnosed with
severe aplastic anemia, which attacks
her bone marrow, creating a need
for multiple blood transfusions and
ultimately, a bone marrow transplant,
for which Vitelli has no match.
Vitelli’s FFA family sprang into action.
Members from her home FFA chapter,
Sierra-Tollhouse, set up a bone marrow
drive, signing up nearly 300 people for
the registry. Visit ffa.org/ffanation
to learn more about Vitelli’s story and
about the national bone marrow registry.
FFA scrapbook express yourself
Why don’t skeletons like parties?They have no body to dance with.
What is a baby ghost’s favorite game?Peekaboo
How do you repair a broken Jack-o-lantern?Buy a pumpkin patch!
Just Joking
54,400jobs in the
agricultural
industry are
expected to be
available in the
next three to five
years, according
to USDA.
29,300students are
expected to
graduate with
agriculture degrees
during that same
time frame. There
will be a lot of jobs
out there for you,
FFA members!
4 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
FYiYOur TurN
Keepusinformed!
Thisisyourchanceto
beapartofFFA New
Horizons.sendusa
shortarticleabout
yourlatestchapter
activities,awards
you’vereceivedor
evenyourinvolvement
outsideFFa.
wantaneasywayto
sendyourstory?
e-mailaphoto,your
storyandcontact
informationto
newhorizons@ffa.org.
allphotosneedtobein
colorandaminimumof
1mBinsize.
or,mailto:
FFA New Horizons
P.o.Box68960
indianapolis,iN46268
Researching Rice AbroadIn 2008, Minnesota FFA member Kyle Bohrer wrote a paper for
the highly prestigious World Food Prize Youth Institute, at the
encouragement of his agriculture teacher. That advice paid off well,
since Kyle’s research paper led to him being chosen as one of
16 Borlaug Ruan interns for 2010 through The World Food Prize.
For his internship, Kyle lived in Beijing, China, for eight weeks this
summer, researching rice genetics at Peking University. He has been
invited back to the Youth Institute next month to present his research.
Kyle started college this fall at Beloit College in Wisconsin and was
recently selected as the Region VII Vice President for Minnesota FFA.
Quite a DealNext time you turn on the radio, you
might just hear a fellow FFA member
singing his song. Chase Yaklin, a high
school senior from a small town in Texas,
recently landed a record deal with a label
from Los Angeles.
Music comes naturally to Chase, whose
grandfather toured with country music
legend Waylon Jennings. At one point,
Chase was so driven to learn music that he
built his own guitar, basically from scratch,
using parts from various guitars that
needed repair.
Chase has served as an FFA chapter
officer for two years and has performed his
music at the Texas FFA Convention.
Farm Facts From Mike Rowe
If you attended the 2009 National FFA
Convention, you may remember a riveting
speech given by Dirty Jobs’ Mike Rowe.
Recently, Rowe created a new “Farming,
Fishing, Food” section on his website,
www.MikeRoweWorks.com, to discuss and
promote American agriculture.
His goal for the site is to help connect
people with the source of their food and
the people who provide it. Articles about
agriculture and profiles on real farmers
are added regularly to the site. There’s
even a column about and a video of his
national FFA convention experience.
5FFA New HOrizONsFFA.Org/FFANATiON
2010 National FFA Convention Navigator
Featuring:• Theonlypublishedmapandboothlistingsforthe2010 NationalffaagriculturalCareerShowandffaShoppingMall• agriculturalcareersinformation• Collegelistings• DowntownIndianapolisattractionsandrestaurants
Theonlineversionwillbeliveatffa.org/ffanationinearlyOctober.flipthroughthedigitalmagazineanddownloadpagestouseinyourconventionplanning.Printedcopieswillbeavailableatconventionregistrationandinformationbooths.
YourCollege,CareersandCityGuide
2009 National FFA Convention Navigator 11
Kathleen BraithwaitOREGON FFA MEMBER CANS JAMS AND JELLIES
Kathleen Braithwait of Dayton, Ore., can certainly can. During her summers,
she works at the nearby Dundee Fruit Co. While she started out building boxes and working on the production line, she quickly began checking for quality control, where she has learned to cap the products, check seals and check jars for vacuum.
Kathleen can get pretty busy, sometimes putting in 16-hour days.
“Our busiest month is always July, because it’s blueberry season,” she says. “You’re working 100 percent for so many hours, and you get frustrated, but you have to keep everyone upbeat so they are at their best performance.”
Kathleen doesn’t know if she’ll make a career out of working at the Dundee Fruit Co., but she’s grateful for the experience.
“I’ve gotten good work experience at the cannery,” she says. “It kind of gives me a head start, I guess. In the future, I’d like a job that involves communications and helping people.”
READ OTHER FFA MEMBERS’ STORIES AND AGRICULTURAL CAREER INTERESTS AT FFANEWHORIZONS.ORG.
10 Cool Food-Related Careers
AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS
FOOD & DRUG INSPECTORS
PRODUCE BUYERS
NUTRITIONISTS
FOOD SCIENTISTS
BACTERIOLOGISTS
MEAT SCIENCE RESEARCHERS
DIETITIANS
FOOD BROKERS
BIOCHEMISTS
percent of the world’s total supply of fresh peaches is provided by U.S. farmers.
Food Products and Processing
BRIAN McCORD
Chew on this: As society continues to focus on diet and health, this career pathway continues to expand.
Individuals working in food products and processing may uncover new food sources, study and evaluate food content and generate ways to satisfy industry and government regulations when processing, preserving, packaging and storing food.
They also create new food products and inspect food-processing areas to make sure that all necessary
standards are met, including sanitation, safety, quality and waste management.
And there are new opportunities every day. Just as the need for food will never decrease, the need for professionals in the food products and processing industry will remain constant or increase.
For more information on these careers, visit ffanewhorizons.org.
All in Good TasteSAVOR THE OPPORTUNITIES IN FOOD PRODUCTS AND PROCESSING CAREERS
is the average yearly salary for a nutritionist
in the United States.
percent of agricultural and food scientists work for federal,
state or local governments.
10 2009 National FFA Convention Navigator
Food
Pro
duct
s an
d Pr
oces
sing
Win a Chevrolet T-shirtchevrolet,thesponsorofFFaFaces,willawardaT-shirttofeaturedmembers.
Nominateyourselfbyfollowingthestepsbelow. Questions? E-mail ffanation@jnlcom.com.
Goonline describe UploadVisit www.ffafaces.com and
click on Nominations. You can nominate yourself or another
current FFA member.
Fill out the form to tell us about you – your FFA involvement, school
activities, future plans and more.
Find a great photo of yourself – head and shoulders photos work best – and upload it as part of the
nomination form.
IA
OH
OH NJ
WV
cody,acollegesophomore,hopestobecomeaveterinarianoneday,
acareergoalthatstemsfromhisFFaexperienceraisingbeefcattle.
Hewasamemberofhischapter’sLivestockevaluationteamandwas
onthetwo-timestate-winningBeefstockman’sTeam.codyisastate
winnerinthediversifiedagriculturalProductionproficiencyandhas
servedastreasurerandpresidentforhisFFachapter.
Cody groggChapter: Gilmer County FFA
Peyton,ahighschoolsenior,servesasvicepresidentforbothher
FFa region and her chapter. she competed in the national FFa
parliamentaryprocedurecdein2009andwillbeinthenational
FFapreparedpublicspeakingcdeinoctober.incollege,Peyton
plans tostudyagricultural leadershipandpoliticalscienceand
hopestopursueacareerinagriculturalpolitics.
Peyton grahamChapter: Munford FFA
Thishighschoolseniorhasshownherfamily’sHolsteindairycattle
sinceshewas7andnowhasnineheadthatsheownsherself.Heather
hasparticipatedinFFaagriculturalsales,dairycattleevaluation,
and Fruit and Vegetable identification career development events
(cdes).afterhighschool,Heatherplanstoattendcollegeandstudy
animalscience,withplanstobecomeaveterinarian.
Heather shinnChapter: Northern Burlington regional FFA
Lane, a high school sophomore, serves as sentinel for his FFa
chapter. He currently owns two heifers for his supervised
agricultural experience program (sae), and exhibits them at
variouscattleshows.Lanesaystheseheifers,recentlybredto
twoshowbulls,arethestartofhiscattleherd.Healsoplayson
hisschool’sgolfteamandsingsinconcertchoir.
Lane wicksChapter: rockford FFA
amber,ahighschoolsenior,isservingaschaptersecretaryforthe
secondstraightyear.shehasbeenawardedthestardiscoveryFFa
degree, star Greenhand, the star chapter FFa degree and the
outstandingFFaofficeraward.amberraisesyellowperchaspart
ofhersupervisedagriculturalexperienceprogram(sae),andshe
hopestobecomeaveterinarianoneday.
Amber OvermyerChapter: Liberty-Benton FFA
ThishighschoolgraduatehasearnedhisstateFFadegree,servedas
chapter FFa president and was named the 2010 chapter star in
agribusiness.Herecentlyreceivedtheschool’shighestagricultural
honor,thedeKaLBagriculturalaccomplishmentaward,sponsoredby
monsantoco.NathanisnowafreshmanattheUniversityofdayton
inohio,studyingengineering.
Nathan HolthausChapter: Fort Laramie FFA
TN
8 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
FFA Faces
FYiNAvIGATe The CONveNTION
whileattendingthenationalFFaconvention,it’seasytobeabitoverwhelmed.
Tohelpyoufindyourway,we’republishingaspecialConvention Navigator,filledwithcareerandcollegeinformation,theonlyboothlistingandmapfortheNationalFFaagriculturalcareershow,indyattractionsandmore.
LearnmoreabouttheNavigatoronpage6.
Discover your INFINITe pOTeNTIAL at the national FFA convention
SuccessMarching TowardPhotos by Brian McCord
In less than a month, more than 50,000 of
you will be bound for Indianapolis –
ready to create memories at the 83rd
National FFA Convention. The convention,
themed “Infinite Potential,” kicks off on
Wednesday, Oct. 20, and ends on Saturday,
Oct. 23. So what’s in store for you? A lot of
good times, motivational experiences and
new friends to meet!
But more specifically, here are our top
10 suggestions for how to spend your time in
Indianapolis. As many of our returning
attendees know, you can’t fit all that’s great
about the convention into one list. So after
you finish reading our top 10, head to
ffa.org/convention for even more exciting
announcements and news about the
national FFA convention!
1. SINg ALONg WITH THe THeMe SONg!
Every year, we can’t wait for the opening
session of the convention for one big reason
– the convention theme song! Will it be
country, rock, rap, pop or maybe even
bluegrass? We haven’t heard what format
this year’s song will be, but you’d better
believe that we will be sitting in Conseco
Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening, ready
to hear it and learn all the words!
2. ROCk OuT AT A CONCeRT!
Speaking of music, this year’s
convention will be a little bit country and a
little bit rock ‘n’ roll.
Wednesday night’s concert will feature
Lady Antebellum, winners of five Academy of
Country Music awards, and Easton Corbin,
an up-and-coming artist with the No. 1 hit
“A Little More Country Than That.” On
Thursday, be entertained by 2008 American
Idol winner David Cook and Grammy winner
Colbie Caillat.
10 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
Check out ffa.org/convention
for information on purchasing
concert tickets.
And as always, you should make
plans to attend the National FFA
Band and Chorus Concert and the
various other venues where FFA
members show off their own talents.
3. SeRVe OTHeRS!
Since its start in 2006, the FFA
National Days of Service has become
a favorite annual convention event.
FFA members become Indianapolis
volunteers during their visit to the
city, by giving their time to support
local organizations. This year’s
Days of Service will be held on
Thursday, Oct. 21, and Friday, Oct. 22,
but advance registration is
required. These spots fill up fast!
4. DISCOVeR A CAReeR!
The National FFA Agricultural
Career Show gets better and better
every year! Be sure to visit this
year’s show to see the new booths,
as well as favorites from previous
years, and win great prizes.
5. LeARN FFA HISTORY!
This year’s convention marks
the 75th anniversary of the creation
of the National Farmers of America
(NFA), which merged with FFA in
1965. Special events are being
planned to commemorate the NFA,
including videos, a booth in the
career show and more.
To learn even more about FFA
history, plan a visit to the home of
FFA. Tours of the National FFA
Center, just north of downtown
Indianapolis, are available
Wednesday through Saturday.
6. PICk uP A SOuVeNIR!
Just next door to the career
show, you can find all sorts of FFA
merchandise to commemorate your
trip to the 83rd National FFA
Convention. Visit more than 30
stores, including the FFA Mega Store,
John Deere, Cowpokes, Tractor
Supply Co., the FFA Sale Store and
more. You can even get your FFA
jacket lettered!
7. Be MOTIVATeD!
During the convention, we’ll
hear powerful speeches from Levy,
Bethany, Alex, Chelsea, Randa and
Chase, then be able to thank them
for their year of service as we
FFA members march down FFA Way, toward Conseco Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis, for the Opening Session of the National FFA Convention. The FFA Grand March is held annually to showcase the National FFA Band, National FFA Chorus and each state’s flag.
11FFA New HOrizONsFFA.Org/FFANATiON
welcome six new national FFA officers
for the 2010-11 year. Find out who
your state’s national FFA officer
candidate is and wish them good luck!
8. COWBOY uP!
Bring your boots and cowboy hats
for two nights of great Western events.
The Three Hills Outlaws of Rodeo will
bring the best bull and bronc riders to
the Indiana State Fairground’s Pepsi
Coliseum for two big shows and the
crowning of the series champions.
For ticket information, visit
ffa.org/convention.
9. TAke A TOuR!
More than 30 tours and day-trips
have been organized for the national
FFA convention. So take a day during
the week to learn more about
agriculture in the area. You could
tour agricultural businesses like Dow
AgroSciences or even tour a gourmet
popcorn farm. The full listing of tours
can be found at convention.ffa.org.
10. WATCH IT ALL!
And the best part of the national
FFA convention? You can enjoy it from
anywhere. SchoolTube will be
streaming every convention session
live on www.schooltube.com, and the
full session videos will be available
online after the close of the
convention. Also, you can tune in to
the sessions on RFD-TV during the
week as well. So for those of you not
able to make it to Indy, you can join in
the convention fun, too!
Many FFA members attending the convention are present to compete in national FFA career development events. Others come to be motivated by speakers, like National FFA Advisor Dr. Larry D. Case, who will be retiring after this year’s convention.
12 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
Angela Mayfieldisnostrangerto
FFa.aformerstateandnationalFFaofficer
andhighschoolagriculturaleducation
teacher,mayfieldcombinesherinterestsin
agriculturaleducation,leadershipand
spanishtopresenteducationalworkshops
acrosstheworld.mayfieldwillbesharingher
leadershipmessageduringtheThursday-
eveningsession.
Kevin Carroll,ourspeakerfor
theFriday-morningsession,believesin
thespiritofplayandcreativityinorder
tomaximizehumanpotential.aformer
headathletictrainerforthePhiladelphia
76ers,carrollcombineshislovefor
sportwithhisbeliefinpersonalgrowth
toserveasacatalystforsocialchange.
Judson Laipplyissometimes
bestknownasayouTubephenomenon,
forhis“evolutionofdance”video,which
hasbeenviewedbymorethan100
millionpeople.Laipplywillsharehis
messagethat“Lifeischange”through
hisdown-to-earthmethods,which
sometimesevenincludedance.Laipplyis
speakingattheFriday-eveningsession.
Clockwise: Josh Shipp, Angela Mayfield, Kevin Carroll, Judson Laipply
Speaking Upamongthisyear’sconvention
speakersareaTVhost,anauthor,
anFFaleaderandadancerevolutionist.
Learnmoreaboutthesespeakers,
whoaresuretoinspireandmotivate
youduringthe83rdNational
FFaconvention.
Josh Shippwillbesharinghis
messageattheconventionopeningsessions
onwednesdayafternoonandeveningand
againonThursdaymorning.shippisthehost
oftheTVshowJump ShippandauthoredThe
Teen’sGuidetoworlddomination.anational
spokespersonforNationalFostercare
month,hewasrecentlynamedtoInc.
magazine’s“30under30”list.
14 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
Create a profi le. Add friends. Start a group. Voice your opinions. ffa.org/ffanation
SucceSSMarching Toward
Discover your infinite potential at the 83rd National FFA Convention
Lighten Up!Is your backpack
too heavy?
new horizonsFFA
t h e m a g a z i n e o f t h e n a t i o n a l f f a o r g a n i z a t i o n | o c t o b e r 2 0 1 0
®l o g o n at f fa . o r g / f fa n at i o n
CheCk out the
Digitalmagazine
at www.ffa.org/ffanation
log onto ffa.org/ffanationanD you Can:
•SignupforanFFANationprofile!
•Uploadphotosofyour FFAexperiences!
•MakeFFAfriendsfrom acrossthecountry!
•Wingiveawaysfrom FFANationadvertisers!
•Join(orcreate)agroup withotherFFAmembers!
15FFA New HOrizONsFFA.Org/FFANATiON
Chicago students raise livestock, plants
and fish – right in the CITY LIMITS
FarmtownChi-Town = Story by Jessica Walker
Photos by J. Kyle Keener
Anything but typical, the
Chicago High School for the
Agricultural Sciences
(CHSAS) offers what most schools
simply cannot. For starters, the
magnet school includes a working
farm – complete with cows, chickens,
goats and other animals – in the
heart of one of the largest cities in
the United States.
Sound interesting? It is.
The school – housing ninth-,
tenth-, 11th- and 12th-graders – sits
on 80 acres and was built in 1985. In
addition to a farm, the campus is
home to a variety of handy
amenities, including a greenhouse,
atrium, Olympic-sized swimming
pool, food-science lab and more.
However, even though the
campus is spacious, enrollment caps
at 600 students each year, with no
more than 150 students in each grade.
“Last year, 1,350 kids applied for
150 seats,” says Rick Johnson,
Agricultural Finance and Economics
teacher at CHSAS. Those admitted to
the school are chosen through a
lottery system.
Because it is so small, the school
has a small-town feel – quite a feat
for an institution in Chicago.
“Everybody knows everybody,”
Johnson says. “There’s a lot of
respect for teachers and students.”
As freshmen, students are
required to take two agriculture-
related courses in addition to
“regular” classes, such as English
and algebra. Sophomores spend their
school year choosing one of five
“pathways” – Animal Science,
Agricultural Mechanics,
Agricultural Finance and Economics,
Horticulture, or Food Science.
“Each sophomore spends eight
weeks with each teacher in each
pathway,” Johnson says. “On the last
day of the school year, the students
take a survey and pick the area they
want to be in.”
As juniors and seniors, students
are expected to diligently pursue
their chosen pathways. And while
freshmen and sophomores take
music, art and physical education,
upperclassmen only take college-prep
classes and pathway-related courses.
“It’s pretty intense, even for
teachers,” Johnson says. “There’s no
playtime. It’s all about education,
whether it’s agricultural or not.”
Even though schedules are
rigorous, there’s still a lot of fun to
be had. Students not only work on
the farm, they operate the school’s
farm stand and a 5-acre market
garden. They sell a variety of goods,
including their No. 1 product –
genetically modified sweet corn.
In addition, CHSAS has a strong
athletics program. Football, soccer
and baseball are just a few of the
sports in which students can
participate. Athletes compete in the
ChSAS students Kaila Jones, left, and Katie Lucid groom the school’s horses. The horses, along with other animals housed on the school farm, are used by animal science students to learn more about their chosen pathway.
16 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
small school division in Chicago and
have won city championships.
“We have a balance,” Johnson
says. “We have to realize not every
kid is going to do agriculture.”
And, of course, there’s FFA. All of
the students are members of the
school’s chapter, which is the largest
in Illinois and the fifth largest in the
nation. Not surprisingly, FFA is a
pretty big deal at CHSAS. In fact, the
school doesn’t even have a student
council – Johnson says FFA officers
get the job done.
The “job,” whether it’s taking
care of animals or making sure the
farm stand is running smoothly,
must get done 365 days a year –
even during vacation time.
“The serious FFA members are
here two, three, sometimes four days
a week in the summer,” Johnson
says. But, it’s safe to say the
students don’t mind too much.
“I don’t think they get enough,”
he says.
In fact, Johnson says most of the
students attending CHSAS are
“overachievers” – a mindset he says
teachers, including him, encourage.
“We have to make them into
overachievers in order for them to
succeed,” he says. “What you put
into it is what you get out of it.”
To motivate his students,
Johnson keeps his classes enjoyable.
“I make mine fun,” he says. “The
kids are having a great time. It’s a
lot easier to learn when you’re
having fun.”
And the kids aren’t the only
ones having a good time.
“This is one of those jobs I could
do for free,” Johnson says.
Tell us what makes your FFA chapter unique! Create an FFA Nation profile, then submit your chapter’s story in the News section.
ChSAS student Daisy Moreno organizes tomatoes in the farm stand, which is open to the public from summer through the holiday season.
18 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
FYiChASe’S FAvOrITeS
Thismontananativehaswantedtobeanairplanepilotsincehewas5yearsold,soit’snosurprisethathisfavoritehobbyisflyingairplanes.Learnmoreaboutchase:
Food:mexican
Book:Good to Greatbyjimcollins
Movie:airForceone
Sport to play: Basketball
Color:Blue
Season:winter
Animal: dogs
Fruit:Pineapple
hero:RonaldReagan
The son of an FFA advisor, Chase Rose has
been involved with FFA since a very early
age. Chase grew up in a small town in
Southwest Montana, surrounded by three
mountain ranges.
While growing up, he kept quite busy,
through managing three FFA supervised
agricultural experience programs, playing
basketball, skiing, participating in 4-H and
taking flying lessons. Aviation is one of
Chase’s greatest passions; as a college
student at Montana State University, he
studies commercial aviation and
agricultural business.
Right now, however, Chase is taking a
year off from school to serve as a National
FFA Vice President, preparing for the
upcoming national FFA convention.
QWhat does the 83rd National FFA
Convention theme, Infinite Potential,
mean to you and your team?
AInfinite Potential is something that we
can all choose to live by and truly believe
in. The convention will open students’
eyes to not only what they can accomplish,
but what we can accomplish together.
QWhat convention activity are you
most excited about?
AThe opening session! It truly will be
an amazing feeling for me and each
member in the arena when Levy says
“FFA members, why are we here?” and a full
stadium responds together.
QHow will you and your team prepare
for the convention?
ABefore the convention, we will spend a
great deal of time memorizing session
lines and our retiring addresses. We
have a team retreat in Southern Indiana
before the convention with FFA staff, and
that’s where we really focus on getting our
retiring addresses perfected and ready for
delivery. My team and I will also spend a
good deal of time thinking about what kind of
lasting impact we can deliver to more than
50,000 FFA members during convention.
QSince you are nearing the end of your
national FFA officer year, can you put
into words what this experience has been
like for you?
ANational office has been the true
privilege of my life thus far. I have been
continually inspired by students I’ve
met this year, and I have no doubt this
organization will continue to be one of the
great prides of our country.
RoseNational FFA CeNTrAL
region vice president
Chase
20 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
FFA National Officer Q & A
FFA cool careers Production Agriculture
related safety products and work to
prevent accidents, diseases, injuries
and property losses.
Agricultural safety engineers
should obtain a four-year degree in
engineering, physical or biological
science. They will work in offices
as well as on farms, performing
inspections.
3. VegeTABLe FARMeRS
Vegetable farmers plant,
cultivate and harvest vegetables.
They work to control pests and
weeds and to improve the quality
and quantity of their produce. In
addition, they stay up-to-date on the
most recent production and nutrient
management practices.
A two-year degree is
recommended, and vegetable
farmers should have scientific and
technical knowledge in order to
provide crops for optimal nutrition
and to improve the environment.
Most work will be done outdoors
or in greenhouses.
4. DIVeRSIFIeD CROP FARMeRS
Many farmers grow multiple
crops, sometimes several at the
same time. For example, a farmer in
Dig up a CAreer in production agriculture
Do you believe farm living is
the life for you? If so, a career
in production agriculture
may be a good choice. While the
possibilities are numerous, read on
to discover five cool careers you
may have never considered.
1. AeRIAL CROP DuSTeRS
Aerial crop dusters assist
farmers by dropping chemical
herbicides, pesticides and fertilizer
over crops and fields using
airplanes. Anyone considering this
career should know about the
benefits – as well as the potential
harm – that can come from the
chemicals they work with.
Other than a vocational degree,
aerial crop dusters need a pilot’s
license. They are typically self-
employed and have to be good
communicators, since they must
explain the services they offer.
2. Ag SAFeTY eNgINeeRS
Since farming is considered to
be a dangerous occupation,
agricultural safety engineers are
an important asset to the
agriculture industry. They develop,
inspect and construct agriculture-
A Farm-FilledLifethe Midwest might raise corn,
soybeans and winter wheat, and
could also have a cow herd as well.
Diversified farmers must have
good planning and management
skills, and obtaining a two-year
degree is recommended. As is the
lifestyle of many farmers, the hours
are long, and days off may be few
and far between.
5. AgRICuLTuRe INSPeCTORS
These inspectors make sure
agriculture-related establish-
ments are following laws and
environmental considerations.
They must understand farming
operations, as well as relevant laws
and how they apply to situations.
A four-year degree is required
to work in this field, and a
background in environmental law
and regulations is recommended.
Most inspections will be
performed outdoors, while other
tasks, such as paperwork, will be
completed inside.
22 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
doctor of chiropractics in
Monroeville, Penn. “There has been
an increase in the number of young
people who suffer from headaches,
neck pain and back pain from
backpacks that are simply too
heavy.”
We know you can’t ditch the
backpack completely, with all the
textbooks, homework and school
BaggageExcess
Do your back a favor – LIGhTeN your load
Next time you sling that
backpack over your
shoulder on your way out
the door, you might want to think
twice about how it’s affecting your
back – and the rest of your body, for
that matter.
“Backpacks are a leading cause
of back pain among children and
teens,” says Dr. Marc Tinsley, a
supplies you’re expected to carry
around. But there are ways to make
sure it’s not compromising your
physical well-being in the
meantime.
1. kNOW YOuR LIMITS.
Dr. Eric Plasker, a doctor of
chiropractic in Atlanta and author
of The 100 Year Lifestyle, says the
most important backpack safety tip
is to know your weight limit.
“Safety guidelines advise teens
not to carry anything on their back
in excess of 15 percent of their total
body weight,” Plasker explains. “For
example, a person weighing 100
pounds should carry no more than
15 pounds. And a person weighing
150 pounds should carry no more
than 22.5 pounds.”
2. DISTRIBuTe THe WeIgHT.
It’s also important to properly
distribute the weight in the
backpack. Place heavier items on
the bottom and against your back so
weight is kept off the shoulders and
you can maintain good posture.
FFA healthy lifestyles Baggage
24 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
“A good backpack will have
compartments or dividers to keep
the contents from shifting and
making the weight uneven,” Tinsley
says. “It’s also best to wear both
straps. Don’t try to look cool by
slinging one strap over a shoulder.
That causes us to shift our weight
to one side, which leads to muscle
spasms, pinched nerves and
jammed joints.”
3. SHOP SMART.
When it comes to safety, not all
backpacks are created equal. Choose
yours wisely.
“Buy one with padded straps
and lumbar support or wheels,”
Plasker says. “Non-padded straps
dig into the shoulders, which
stresses muscles and joints and
causes pain.”
A waist belt can help your pack
sit more closely to your spine, which
also aids in weight distribution.
4. LIFT CORReCTLY.
There are also proper ways to
lift a backpack.
“Bend at the knees when you lift
to reduce the stress placed on your
back,” Plasker says. “When you bend
at the knees, you’re distributing the
weight to your legs and hips.”
5. PRIORITIze YOuR PACk.
Probably the biggest problem
with backpacks is that they’re just
too “packed.” Many teens use their
backpack as their locker, keeping
everything they need for the school
day on their backs.
“Carry only what you need,”
Plasker says. “Leave unnecessary
items at home or school.”
Utilize your locker too, and drop
off heavy books and extra stuff –
like gym shoes – throughout the
school day. – Jessica Mozo
25FFA New HOrizONsFFA.Org/FFANATiON
FFA has been a lifelong passion for Vern
Hawkins. While an FFA member at
North Miami High School in Indiana,
Hawkins raised feeder cattle and hay for his
supervised agricultural experience program
(SAE). He also was a member of state-winning
poultry and dairy judging teams, and he was
high individual in the state poultry event.
Today, Hawkins is President of Syngenta
Crop Protection and remains involved with
FFA through the National FFA Foundation
Sponsors’ Board, currently serving as the
board chairman.
Q How did FFA help shape your
career path?
AAs a teenager in rural Indiana, I was
very involved with FFA and worked for
neighboring farms in my spare time. As a
result of these experiences, I developed a love
for rural life and appreciation for agriculture,
both of which are largely responsible for my
pursuing a career in agriculture.
The opportunities and the confidence
I gained from my agriculture teacher, and
through the many FFA activities in which I
participated, helped provide a clear direction
in my future and prepared me to be an
influential leader.
Q Why do you think it’s important that
FFA members remain involved with
the organization after their years of
membership?
AI recognize the impact that FFA had on
me, not only as a student but now as a
leader and a professional, I can’t help
but give back. Eventually, those of us in
agribusiness today will pass the reins on to
the next generation. I want to do everything
I can to make sure young people have the
same educational and developmental
opportunities that I had.
I think supporting FFA is one of the most
effective ways to support our next
HawkinsVern
SYNGeNTA preSIDeNT reflects on his own FFA membership
syngenta president and FFA alumnus Vern Hawkins
26 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
FFA Back Talk Former members reflect
generation of agricultural leaders.
Not only will those opportunities
improve their lives, but creating
strong leaders is critical to the
success and sustainability of
agriculture and our nation.
Q Many FFA sponsors, like
Syngenta, will be present
during the convention in October.
What tips do you have for FFA
members, so that they can meet FFA
sponsors and make the most of this
opportunity to interact with some
of the top agricultural companies
and organizations in our country?
AI have no doubt that the
future leaders of the
agriculture industry attend
the convention, and this is a great
opportunity for them to learn
about the various career
opportunities that are available.
I would strongly recommend
that convention attendees take some
time to visit the National FFA
Agricultural Career Show and talk
with companies present. Engage
them in conversation about the
company, what its role is in the
industry and what kinds of
opportunities are available.
Many companies, like Syngenta,
offer various mentoring, scholarship
and internship opportunities, and
employees are on hand to provide
information and insight.
Q Why does Syngenta believe
it important to continue
supporting the FFA organization?
AAt Syngenta, we believe that
people are the most
important part of our legacy,
which is why we’re committed to
Go online to read more from our interview with vern hawkins.
ffanewhorizons.org
youth and the future of
agriculture through mentor
programs, scholarships,
internships and investment in the
National FFA Organization for
more than 45 years.
Every year, Syngenta and its
employees support FFA programs
that educate and equip students
for a career in agriculture.
As we move forward, it’s these
students, the next generation, who
will help us meet the global
agricultural challenges of tomorrow.
27FFA New HOrizONsFFA.Org/FFANATiON
FFA your money collections
ValueCollecting
ever wondered how much your collection of baseball cards, coins or dolls are WOrTh?
are priced, which should also help
you determine the value of yours.
HOW TO SeLL
First, you must decide whether
you want to keep your collectibles
or sell them. For many people,
collections have sentimental value,
so they choose to keep their items
for a very long time. For others, they
may be moving, cleaning out clutter,
or ready to start a new collection, so
selling makes sense.
Once you’ve decided to let go of
your items, you have to put them up
for sale. The most popular way to do
this is to use a website, such as eBay,
Craigslist or The SOC Exchange.
“If you don’t put your items up
there, they’re not going to be seen,”
Lagudi says.
Next, be sure to take good
pictures of the items from a variety
of angles and be truthful when you
describe them.
“Give good, accurate, honest
details,” Lagudi says. “Don’t
embellish.”
Finally, price your items
reasonably. Collectibles typically
Just how much is your baseball
collection worth?
Whether it’s stamps,
dolls, coins or other items, almost
everyone has collected something at
one time or another. But how much
is it all worth? Should you sell your
stuff for a quick buck, or hang on to
it? Franco Lagudi, founder of online
buying and selling community The
SOC Exchange, offers a few tips on
getting the most out of your
collectibles.
WHAT IS VALuABLe?
According to Lagudi, anything
– literally, anything – can sell well
online. He says collected comic books
and magazines are big sellers, as
well as Coca-Cola bottles and clocks.
Sounds random, right? Well, what it
really comes down to is the
condition and quality of the item.
“The items that don’t sell well
are really knocked around and
damaged,” Lagudi says. “Make sure
your items are in good condition.
Wear and tear is the crucial thing.”
You can often look at online
auctions to see how similar items
sell for as little as $20 and as much
as $100 – so, when pricing your
items, be honest. If they aren’t in
good condition, don’t try to sell them
at a high price. Lagudi also suggests
letting potential buyers know how
far you’re willing to ship the items.
STAY SAFe
When selling anything online,
it’s important to follow a few
guidelines to ensure your safety.
Remember to never give out
personal information, including
your phone number, home address
and e-mail address. Be especially
careful if you have a meeting
planned to exchange items
and payments.
“Tell a family member where
you’re going and when you will
return,” Lagudi says. “Always meet
in a public place and take a friend.
Trust your instincts.”
In fact, it’s probably best to
have a parent or family member
help you with the whole process –
posting, selling and delivering.
– Jessica Walker
28 FFA New HOrizONs FFA.Org/FFANATiON
stateflip through our
inserts!FFA New Horizons state inserts keep YOU connected to what’s 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.
Check out our
www.illinoisffa.org
website
OCTOBER 2010
ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION FFA
Section Map B
Major State Officers C
Section Presidents D
82nd Annual State FFA Convention Wrap-up E & F
National Convention Preview G
Officers’ Tracks H
What’s InsIde thIs Issue
FFA in the SpotlightIntroducing the 2010-2011 Illinois State Officer Team | C
Section Presidents | D Officers’ Tracks | HPreview | G
B • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • C
SECTION MAP
Major State Officers
John Edgar, President – Trico Jake Ekstrand, Vice-President – Farmington Morgan Ott, Reporter – Olympia Cody Gill, Secretary – Nashville Jeffrey Barnes, Treasurer – Somonauk-Leland-Sandwich
Section Presidents
Section 1 – Hannah Pieper, Dakota Section 2 – William Henert, Ashton-Franklin-Center Section 3 – Trent Tabor, Geneseo Section 4 – Sara DeSchepper, ROWVA Section 5 – Cheyenne Kargol, Midland Section 6 – Trevor Fildes, Sycamore Section 7 – Emily Warhurst, Somonauk-Leland Section 8 – Naomi Harper, CHAS Section 9 – Leon Peters, Heyworth Section 10 – Clayton Carley, Cissna Park Section 11 – Meridith Brinkman, Liberty Section 12 – Ashly Bishop, Beardstown Section 13 – Hannah Hart, Bluffs Section 14 – Kayla Hinrichs, Athens Section 15 – Jacob Meisner, Southwestern Section 16 – Jim Tobin, Blue Ridge Section 17 – Mike Shively, Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Section 18 – Lauren Hawker, Armstrong Section 19 – Katie Cayo, Mulberry Grove Section 20 – Amanda Barr, Altamont Section 21 – Amanda Malawy, Nashville Section 22 – Kyle Jones, Marissa Section 23 – Chelsey Baker, West Richland Section 24 – Christina Greer, Pinkneyville Section 25 – Christine Dubble, Eldorado
B • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • C
John Edgar
Office: President
Advisor: Jason Huseman
Chapter: Trico
Parents: Doug and Nancy Edgar
Supervised Agricultural Experience:
Diversified Crop Production &
Placement and Wildlife Production &
Management Entrepreneurship
Favorite Career Development Event:
Tractor Driving
Favorite Quote: “The future belongs
to those who believe in the beauty of
their dreams.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Jake Ekstrand
Office: Vice-President
Advisor: Scott Riden
Chapter: Farmington
Parents: Roland & Catherine
Supervised Agricultural Experience:
Beef Production Entrepreneurship
Favorite Career Development Event:
Livestock Judging
Favorite Quote: “When you get to the
end of your rope, tie a knot and hang
on.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
Morgan Ott
Office: Reporter
Advisor(s): Matt Nordstrom &
Joan Harrison
Chapter: Olympia
Parents: Mikel and Michele Ott
Supervised Agricultural Experience:
Home and/or
Community Development
Favorite Career Development Event:
Parliamentary Procedure
Favorite Quote: “If your actions
inspire others to dream more, learn
more, do more and become more, you
are a leader.” ~ John Quincy Adams
Meet the Officers
Pictured left to right: Jeffrey Barnes, Cody Gill, Morgan Ott, Jake Ekstrand and John Edgar
Cody Gill
Office: Secretary
Advisor: Julie Bond-Ledford
Chapter: Nashville
Parents: Mark and Michelle Gill
Supervised Agricultural Experience:
Beef Production Entrepreneurship and
Dairy Production Placement
Favorite Career Development Event:
Dairy Judging
Favorite Quote: “If it is to be, it’s up to me.”
~ Jim Craft
Jeffrey Barnes
Office: Treasurer
Advisor: Matt Wilson and Dan Kuntz
Chapter: Somonauk-Leland-Sandwich
Parents: Jim and Danette Barnes
Supervised Agricultural Experience:
Ag Services and Turf Grass Management
Favorite Career Development Event:
Land Use Contest
Favorite Quote: “You only live once.”
D • ILLINOIS FFA
ILLINOIS FFA • E
Section Presidents
Section 1 – Hannah Pieper, Dakota Section 2 – William Henert, Ashton-Franklin-Center Section 3 – Trent Tabor, Geneseo Section 4 – Sara DeSchepper, ROWVA Section 5 – Cheyenne Kargol, Midland Section 6 – Trevor Fildes, Sycamore Section 7 – Emily Warhurst, Somonauk-Leland Section 8 – Naomi Harper, CHAS Section 9 – Leon Peters, Heyworth Section 10 – Clayton Carley, Cissna Park Section 11 – Meridith Brinkman, Liberty Section 12 – Ashly Bishop, Beardstown Section 13 – Hannah Hart, Bluffs
Section 14 – Kayla Hinrichs, Athens Section 15 – Jacob Meisner, Southwestern Section 16 – Jim Tobin, Blue Ridge Section 17 – Mike Shively, Paxton-Buckley-Loda Section 18 – Lauren Hawker, Armstrong Section 19 – Katie Cayo, Mulberry Grove Section 20 – Amanda Barr, Altamont Section 21 – Amanda Malawy, Nashville Section 22 – Kyle Jones, Marissa Section 23 – Chelsey Baker, West Richland Section 24 – Christina Greer, Pinkneyville Section 25 – Christine Dubble, Eldorado
June Orientation Meeting: June 10-11After that final tap of the gavel at the 82nd Annual State FFA Convention the Section Presidents and the newly elected 2010-2011 Major State FFA Officers gathered together to start their June orientation meeting. Also attending were the retired 2009-2010 Major State FFA Officers, Chase Rose the National Central Region Vice-President and three state staff. Chase gave a few remarks on how to prepare for a successful year, and the retired officers led a fun getting-to-know-you game. After all the fun was over we discussed our duties and responsibilities for the upcoming year!
July State Officer Meeting: July 12-14The 25 Section Presidents, five Major State officers and the three state staff gathered together for the second time in Springfield, Illinois. During our time together the team set goals for the upcoming year, and discussed more responsibilities. After having great ideas brought to the table the team came to a decision for the state theme for the year ahead! Ms. Donna Page presented information about FFA Leadership Camp.
D • ILLINOIS FFA
ILLINOIS FFA • E
82nd Annual State FFA Convention Wrap Up
STARS
Star in Agriscience – Clayton Carley, from the Cissna Park FFA Chapter is the 2010 Star in Agriscience. Clayton’s supervised agricultural experience program includes corn, soybeans, wheat, sweet corn and vegetable production. This year he tested insecticide, fungicide, glyphosate, and variety inputs in plots and field tests. He was the 2009 State Vegetable Production Award Winner and National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award Winner and is this year’s State Extemporaneous Public Speaking Award Winner. Clayton Plans to attend Parkland Community College and then transfer to a four-year university for a degree in agronomy. Clayton’s advisors are Jeff Clifton and Ron Lynch, and he is the son of Kenton and Lisa Carley. Good Job, Clayton! Star in Ag Placement – Ty Metsker, from the Taylorville FFA Chapter is the 2010 Star in Ag Placement. Ty has been helping on his grandfather’s 900-acre farm since he was little. Throughout his three years of his placement program, he has increased his hours and learned more each year. This year they had 700 acres of soybeans that yielded 55 bushel per acre. The corn yielded about 200 bushels per acre due to unusual growing conditions. Ty plans to attend Joliet Junior College and then return to the home farm. Ty’s advisors are Lee Meteer, Sue Schafer and Matt Beyers, and he is the son of Dennis and Chris Metsker. Good Job, Ty!
Star Farmer – Tyler Loschen, from the Tri-Point FFA Chapter is the 2010 Star Farmer. Tyler started his Supervised Agricultural Experience program with two bred gilts, one Simmental heifer, and 20 acres of corn and soybeans. He then expanded his operation to farrow 22 liters of Duroc, Hampshire, Yorkshire and crossbred pigs. His cow herd has increased to seven cows and he cash rents 243 acres on which he grows corn, soybeans and alfalfa hay. Tyler as learned to do his own artificial insemination, collect and extend his boars, and make management decisions on his own. He was a member of his chapter’s first place
team in the 2010 State Livestock Reason Division CDE and was the first place individual in the event. Tyler plans to attend a community college and participate on the livestock judging team. After two years he will transfer to a four-year university double majoring in plant and animal science. His advisor is Diana Loschen, and he is the son of Gary and Diana Loschen. Good Job, Tyler!
Star in Agribusiness – Jessica Both, from the Seneca FFA Chapter is the 2010 Star in Agribusiness. Jessica started her pet care business “I Care Animal Service” by handing out flyers in the community advertising her services. She started with four clients and has expanded her business to over 80 clients through business cards, a website and by joining the Seneca Business Association along with the Illinois Valley River Chamber of Commerce. The business offers pet sitting and grooming along with pet walking and basic training services. Jessica plans to attend college majoring in Ag Education and become a high school agriculture teacher. Her advisors are Jeff Maierhofer and Kent Weber, and she is the daughter of Leonard and Kimberli Both. Good Job, Jessica!
From Left to Right: Clayton Carley, Ty Metsker, Jessica Both and Tyler Loschen
F • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • G
82nd Annual State FFA Convention Wrap Up – Continued
Proficiency WinnersAg Communications – Amelia Martens, Orion
Ag Education – Mark McKown, Sullivan
Ag Mechanics Design & Fabrication – Andy Schaefer, Waterloo
Ag Mechanics Energy Systems – Clinton Hayes, Fairfield
Ag Mechanics Repair & Maintenance Entrepreneurship – Justin Thomas, Charleston
Ag Mechanics Repair & Maintenance Placement – Ethan Swint, Geneseo
Ag Processing – Calvin Lynch, Cissna Park
Ag Sales Entrepreneurship – Tucker Aumann, Nokomis
Ag Sales Placement – Mark Sullivan, Rushville-Industry
Ag Services – Daniel Mitchell, West Prairie
Beef Production Entrepreneurship – Tamar Adcock, Central A&M
Beef Production Placement – Bradley Greer, Nokomis
Dairy Production Entrepreneurship – Brandon Pinski, Nashville
Dairy Production Placement – Corey Steber, Olney
Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship – Hayden Byars, Cisne
Diversified Crop Production Placement – Ty Metsker, Taylorville
Diversified Ag Production – Tyler Loschen, Tri-Point
Diversified Horticulture – Kaity Vancil, Bushnell-Prairie-City
Electrical Technology – Drew Higgason, Taylorville
Emerging Ag Technology – Rosemary Chapple, Waterloo
Environmental Science & Natural Resource Management – Trevor Roth, Blue Ridge
Equine Science Entrepreneurship – Natalie Carr, Hardin County
Equine Science Placement – Lauren Wells, Herscher
Fiber & Oil Crop Production – Corey Johnson, Peotone
Floriculture – Michael Paulsmeyer, PORTA
Food Science & Technology – Jarred Winans, Taylorville
Food Service – Faelynn Edwards, Goreville
Forage Production – Josh Ibendahl, Nashville
Forest Management & Products – Samuel Oliger, Mt. Vernon
Fruit Production – Megan Broom, Carlinville
Grain Production Entrepreneurship – Dustin Reetz, Cissna Park
Grain Production Placement – Aaron Prins, Geneseo
Home & Community Development – Yvonne Zavoral, Kansas
Landscape Management – Aaron Smrekar, Seneca
Nursery Operations – Rebecca Crank, Midland
Outdoor Recreation – Victoria Goad, Harvard
Poultry Production – Gus Fandrich, Shelbyville
Safety – Josh Winter, Scales Mound
Sheep Production – Tim Leonard, Sangamon Valley
Small Animal Production & Care – Jessica Both, Seneca
Specialty Animal Production – Laura Child, Amboy
Specialty Crop Production – Josh Evans, Mahomet-Seymour
Swine Production Entrepreneurship – Wade Springer, Olympia
Swine Production Placement – Kaleb Nelson, Tri-Point
Turf Grass Management – Jim Tobin, Blue Ridge
Vegetable Production – Erika Lambattus, New Athens
Veterinary Medicine – Julie Sauls, Highland
Wildlife Production & Management – Jeff Meister, Tri-Point
Special Thanks: As Amie, Caroline, Ellen, Kiersten and Adam hung their jackets up for the final time at the 82nd Annual State FFA Convention, a new team of officers stepped up to embark on a journey of service.
The 2010-2011 State Officer Team would like to thank the five majors and 25 section presidents for devoting a year of their lives to serve the Illinois Association FFA along with the members. We greatly appreciate your hard work and dedication. You have left an impact on the lives of more than 17,000 FFA members across the state of Illinois. We wish you all the best of luck in the future.
F • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • G
National Convention Preview
National Officer CandidateClayton Zwilling from Viola, Illinois is your National Officer Candidate! He served as the 2008-2009 Illinois Association FFA State President and is attending Lakeland College where he is studying Agriculture Education. At the National FFA Convention in October Clayton will go through a challenging interview and an evaluation process that is conducted by the national nominating committee. Wishing you the best of luck, Clay!!
Ag Communications – Midland
Ag Issues – Midland
Ag Mechanics – Prairie-Central
Ag Sales – Midland
Agronomy – Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Dairy Foods – Prairie-Central
Dairy Cattle – Prairie-Central
Environmental & Natural Resources – Cissna Park
Floriculture – Glenbrook South
Food Science – Unity-Mendon
Forestry – TBA
Horse – TBA
Livestock – Tri-Point
Marketing Plan – Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Meats Evaluation & Technology – Fieldcrest
Nursery Landscape – Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Parliamentary Procedure – Amboy
Poultry – Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Job Interview – Olivia Harris, Heyworth
Extemporaneous Public Speaking – Clayton Carley, Cissna Park
Prepared Public Speaking – Evan Rich, Pontiac
Creed Speaking – Jacob Miller, Geneseo
Agriscience Fair National Entries Individuals
Botany – Cassie Billington (Cisne) & Luke Hays (Delavan)
Environmental Science – Brandon Smith (AC-Central)
Bio Chemistry – Ann Pond (Cisne) & Haley Pfaffe (AC-Central)
Engineering – Sarah Hempen (Waterloo) & Jared Ferguson (Sullivan)
Zoology – Lucretia Mills (Cisne) & Rochelle Meteer (Taylorville)
Teams
Botany – Travis Whittaker & Ross Carls (Taylorville) Danielle Bright & Kelsey Handy (AC-Central)
Environmental Science – Travis Wyantt & Luke Telford (Pontiac)
Bio Chemistry – Taylor Strehl & Connor Strehl (Stillman Valley)
Engineering – Will Keeney & Joseph Ratliff (AC-Central) Austin Metsker & Austin Peters (Taylorville)
Illinois CDE Teams and Individuals competing at the 2010 National FFA Convention:
{
H • ILLINOIS FFA
IAVAT Annual Meeting: June 15-17
John, Jake, Morgan, Cody and Jeff had a tremendous time at the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers annual meeting in Springfield, Illinois. This meeting gave the five major state officers a chance to interact with the Illinois Agriculture Educators they will be working with throughout their year of service. During the conference teachers were awarded for their dedication and service to their school and the Illinois Association FFA.
Blast Off: June 21-25
After a short time at home, the five majors’ second week of serving the Illinois FFA consisted of attending the annual Blast-Off Training. This year the presenter was Seth Heinert from Wyoming. He attends University of Nebraska in Lincoln and served as a State FFA Officer for Wyoming along with serving as a National Officer. During Blast-Off the five majors learned more about themselves as individuals, techniques for public speaking, and team strengths and weaknesses. After having a fun week of training the officers were able to get to begin their plans for the upcoming year.
National Leadership Conference for State Officers: July 5-9
The five major state officers from Illinois along with, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana and Wisconsin gathered in Springfield, Illinois for the National Leadership Conference for State Officers. This week was full of workshops presented by Chelsea Doss, National Southern Region Vice-President from Tennessee and Alexandria Henry, National Eastern Region Vice-President from Michigan. The workshops helped the officers gain better leadership and presenting skills. Heritage and Cooperative Tours: June 27-July 2
John and Jake traveled on the Cooperative Tour while Morgan, Cody and Jeff attended the Heritage Tour. The tours were both sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies. During the trip the participants had the chance to visit our national capitol. When returning home everyone had a better understanding of how cooperatives operate along with our nation’s heritage.
FFA Leadership Camp: July 28-31John, Jake, Morgan, Cody, Jeff, over 300 excited FFA members along with camp staff had four fun days in Monticello, Illinois at the State FFA Leadership Camp. During these four days the group competed in Ag Olympics, team activities, and the red and blue water balloon fight! When the week came to an end the five majors, along with the FFA members and camp staff, felt like the week was a success! Illinois State Fair: August 13-22The five major state officers along with the 25 section presidents had a fun-filled week in the FFA barnyard during the Illinois State Fair. During this week visitors were excited to pet the animals and the FFA officers were there to help assist and teach the young children about Agriculture.
Officers’ Tracks
Above: The five majors attend the annual IAVAT BBQ at the Illinois State Fair Grounds.
Below: The five majors during their first day of BLAST Off.
Check out our
www.californiaffa.org
website
october 2010
california ffa
PaGe
l chapter Scoops
outstanding chapter: atwater ffa b-eState officers on the Go f-Gamerican Degree recipients H-JUpcoming ffa activities Kalumni on the Go lchapter Scoops l-P
What’s InsIde thIs Issue
bPaGePaGe
H american Degrees
outstanding chapter: atwater ffa
PaGe
f on the Go!
B • CALIFORNIA FFA CALIFORNIA FFA • C
the Atwater High School Agriculture Department and
Atwater FFA is one of two high school agriculture/FFA programs serving the cities and outlying rural areas of Winton and Atwater with a combined population of around 36,000 residents. Atwater is located in the heart of California’s central valley in between Modesto and Fresno along Highway 99. Atwater High School is just over 50 years old and served as the primary high school for the community until the Merced Union High School District expanded to their fifth high school with the construction of another campus (Buhach Colony High
School) in Atwater just less than 10 years ago. When the district lines were drawn between the two campuses, Atwater High School was designated for the “city” portion of Winton and Atwater while the other campus contained part of the city of Atwater, however it also encompassed all of the outlying rural/farm portions surrounding Winton and Atwater. The effect it created at Atwater High School in terms of the agriculture program was the change in student demographics where it became composed today of 98%+ non-agriculture background students.
Over the past few years, the agriculture program has tripled in size from 300+ individual agriculture students in 2006 to a record 900+ individual students in 2010 representing half of the 1800 high school student population. The Atwater agriculture program is lead by a team of six full-time agriculture instructors. The “vision” of getting students involved and utilizing FFA and agricultural education model has created an atmosphere of enthusiasm, production and pride. Due to the recent growth of student involvement within the program, many facets of the program/FFA have been created, strengthened, and expanded within the
outstanding chapter: atwater ffa
CATA – The Atwater High School Agriculture Program staff gather to accept the 2010 CATA Outstanding Agriculture Program award.
B • CALIFORNIA FFA CALIFORNIA FFA • C
ag mechanics, horticulture, agrisciences and FFA.
Last year, a $1.7 million renovation took place with the main agriculture building and shop being redesigned and expanded with state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. A $500,000 investment was made towards state-of-the-art wood construction and welding equipment to enhance “hands-on” learning and provide students with current trade
technology and skills. Atwater High School became California’s first CANGC-certified high school horticulture program as they expanded their floriculture and horticulture curriculum and facilities. Both the agriculture mechanics and horticulture facilities provide the community a variety of nursery, landscape, and garden plants and materials through biannual plant, garden art, and wood construction sales.
Over the past few years, the agriculture curriculum has collaborated with some of the district’s core science classes where the opportunity for students to receive their Life, Biology, Earth, and Environmental science classes through the agriculture department has provided students with increase exposure of the importance and value of agriculture. The results of this philosophy has transcended into more student FFA involvement, higher
outstanding chapter Atwater FFA, Continued
Maze Trip – The annual FFA “Corn Maze” Meeting is a highlight each October with two FFA charter buses visiting Tracy, California for an “aMAZEing” good time.
Feb Shop Classes – Atwater High has three plasma cams where students take part in state-of-the-art shop technology.
Dissection – “Hands-on” learning, as students demonstrate in their Ag Biology class, is the key to success in agriculture education.
D • CALIFORNIA FFA CALIFORNIA FFA • E
outstanding chapter Atwater FFA, Continued
retention percentages, and the creation and expansion of specialized agriculture courses such as Veterinary Science, Horticulture, and Ag Economics/Government.
The success of Atwater FFA and the Atwater High School Agriculture Program can be centered around student involvement and the opportunity for students to gain a positive and valuable experience towards their personal, academic and career endeavors. More importantly, students comment that their main reason for being involved with Atwater FFA and Atwater High School agriculture is because “It’s fun!” Every monthly FFA meeting is focused on taking care of business effectively and efficiently followed by the opportunity for students to engage in social and recreational activities. September’s “Pool Party”, October’s “Corn Maze”, December’s “Hockey
Trip” and “Morning Wave”, January’s “Movie Night”, March’s “Bowling Tournament,” and April’s “Burrito Bing” are some of the yearly highlight traditions with hundreds of students participating in each event. The enthusiasm of fun activities and events extends into the desire of competition and skill development with a strong core of successful CDE judging teams that include Light Horse, Dairy Products, Nursery and Landscape, Land, Ag Mechanics, Specialty Animals, Meats, Cotton, Vine Judging/Pruning, Floriculture, Best Informed Greenhand (BIG), Creed, Prepared Public Speaking, and Job Interview. The opportunity to work with the community is highlighted with various community/school landscape projects, educational forums and social assistance programs.
Atwater High School was recently recognized as the 2010 California
Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Agriculture Education Program by the California Agriculture Teacher’s Association (CATA) and the National Association of Agriculture Educators (NAAE). The value of the award is not towards the agriculture staff or program, rather the continued investment of involvement, support, and productivity by the students, school staff, district, community and agriculture industry. The model of success came from other various agriculture communities, programs, instructors and students from California FFA and high school agriculture programs throughout the state. It all comes down to “making a positive difference in the lives of young people”, and Atwater FFA takes pride in being one of the many successful and productive chapters throughout the state.
Wood Classes Jan. 7 – Over $500,000 in new wood construction and welding equipment was invested at Atwater High School last year.
BBQ – Atwater FFA students cook up four take-out BBQ fundraisers each year, as well as being responsible for various campus/school BBQ needs.
D • CALIFORNIA FFA CALIFORNIA FFA • E
outstanding chapter Atwater FFA, Continued
Point Award Trip 18 – Each year the Atwater FFA recognizes its Top 25 FFA members and Chapter Officer Nom-Com individuals with a summer trip such as this recent rafting trip.
Officer Retreat 82 – Each year the chapter officer team plans the calendar, identifies the chapter/program goals, and sets the theme for the school year.
PrePlant Sale 1 – Atwater High’s agriculture students are responsible for the care, maintenance, and well-being of the plants and horticulture facilities.
Broccoli – Atwater High freshman agriculture students are traditionally responsible for the fall and spring garden facility where various vegetable crops are grown.
Merced Fair – Thanks to industry and community support/resources, Atwater FFA students are able to house, finance and participate in various livestock SAEs that normally wouldn’t be available to the students.
Reedley 6 – Atwater FFA’s increased student involvement has transpired into growing CDE judging team success.
F • CALIFORNIA FFA
CALIFORNIA FFA • G
State officers on the Go
F • CALIFORNIA FFA
June13markedthebeginningofaonce-in-a-lifetimeexperienceforthenewlyelectedStateOfficers:move-inday.Notonlydoesthismeanthattheyhavehadtheopportunitytoseewhointhehousecancook,butitwasalsoafantasticstarttowhattheyknowwillbeanamazingyear.
Tokickofftheyear,NationalFFAsentArkansasnativeKrystenSheetstotheStateFFACenterforBLAST-OffTraining.TherethenewStateOfficerteamwasabletolearnhoweachindividualhasdifferentcharacteristicstoofferandhowtogethertheycanbeastrongteamreadytoservethemembersofCaliforniaFFA.Thisfour-dayconferenceflewbyandlefttheteammotivatedandanxiousforwhatwasahead.
FollowingBLAST-OffTrainingtheofficerteamtookatripdowntoSanLuisObispofortheCaliforniaAgricultureTeachers’AssociationConference.Heretheyhadthechancetoattendsessionswiththeag.teachersandbeinspiredbyalloftheworktheag.teachersdotobenefittheassociation.Whetheritwaswatchingag.teachersbeinductedintotheAg.Teachers’HallofFameormeetingwiththeFFAAdvisoryBoard,theofficersareverythankfulforallofthesupporttheyhave.ButthenitwastimetoleaveandlearnhowotherassociationsworkattheNationalLeadershipConferenceforStateOfficers!
Although13hourswasalongtimeinavantoNLCSO,itwasincomparabletotheamountofmateriallearnedandmemoriesmadeattheconferenceinbeautifulBryceCanyon,Utah.TheteammetStateOfficersfromseven
otherstatesandwasabletocometogetherwiththeirownteamtosetandplanfortheupcomingyear.TheyalsoexploredthemajesticBryce,Zion,andGrandCanyonsandevenwatchedthe3rdofJulyfireworksinUtah.Theteamhadagreattimeastheywereabletoexploreandbondtogether.
FinallythetimehadcomefortheteamtomeetwiththeirownmembersbackinCaliforniaattheRegionalOfficerLeadershipConferenceatBassLake!ItwassorewardingforthemtofinallybeabletomeetwiththeRegionalOfficersforwhomtheyhadbeenplanningtheconference.Theweekwasfilledwithpatrioticobservances,themeskits,workshops,teambuildingandasafarithemed-socialtowrapitallup.TheRegionalOfficersdidafantasticjob,andtheyhaveproventhattheyhaveahugedesiretoservethemembersoftheirrespectiveregions.
ThemostrecenteventthathashadtheofficerteamgoingistheCaliforniaStateFair.TheretheyhavebeenapartoftheOpeningCeremonies,judgedfortheHerdsmanAwards,helpedwiththeSaleofChampionsandmore.Butamongtheirresponsibilitiestheyhavestillmadesuretofindtimetomeetmoremembersandofcoursefindsometastyfairfood.
Nextuponthecalendartheteamwillbetravelingupanddownthestatefortrainings,industryvisits,SectionalOfficerLeadershipConferencesandSummits,andChapterOfficerLeadershipConferences.Theyaresoexcitedforwhatliesaheadandcannotwaittomeetmoreamazingmembersthroughoutthestate!
F • CALIFORNIA FFA
CALIFORNIA FFA • G
State officers on the GoContinued
CALIFORNIA FFA • G
H • CALIFORNIA FFA
american Degree recipients
AChristopher AdameKelsey AdamsJose AlvaradoMichael AlvaradoNicholas AlvaradoGustavo AlvarezAshtin AlvesJason AndersonEmily AndreiniPete AntognazziSamantha AragonSusana ArmentaCristina AvilaKasey AvilaCurtis AzevedoKevin Azevedo
BEvan BachelderNick BadasciLawrence BanalesMalorie BankheadAshley BarnesSteven BarnettCasey BastianDaniel BazanTerra BazanJenna BennettMichael BensonCooper BerensLauren BeshearsAntonio BettencourtAmanda BivierNiccole BlackCameron BlakeChad BowerAdrienne Bradley
Taylor BrickeyJessica BriggsJessica BrisendineAshley BrookingJulia BrownRobert BrownCassie BrueckerCarl Bushnell
CCourtney CabreraBritney CaetanaKyle CaetanoYasmin CamachoSean CameronSergio CardonaHannah CardozaSergio CarmonaCorey CarpenterRobert CarstensRaven CastroShane CatesAllison CauzzaOmar ChavezJuan ChuronRafael CisnerosEmily CliftonRyan CliftonMolly CochraneJoseph ColemanKevin ComalliJerry ComptonJacob ConwayJonathon CotaSamantha Cyrus
DKate DaleyJoshua Davila
Breauna DeMattoSerena DiasoMartha DiazCraig DienerJustine DonnellyKate DoopSamuel DotyAmy DufurAdelaide Dyer
EWesley EisengaKayla ElderKatie Eslick
FStephanie FairbankStephanie FerrumpauMatt FletcherAaron FloresAshton FlynnKory FontesKayla FountainSandra FrederickBrent FukushimaJD FullmerMichael Fuso
GKayla GardnerWill GarlandJohn GarnerRaechelle GaylordChris GemmellBlythe GeorgeBrooke GilesAllexsis GirardJoseph GobeaCarolynn GomesMarie Gonzales
Benjamin GrayKelly GrayJenna GreenmyerCody GreerChristina GroleauAriel GuerreroErica Guido
HHaley HaansVictoria HamiltonScott HammondBreanne HarlanCrystal HarrisWilliam HavardDaniel HavlinAlonzo HernandezEmanuel HernandezEnrique HernandezJuan HernandezJeffery HillmanChristie HobbyAshley HofmanShannon HollandNatalynne HoodLacey HowardHouston HowellAustin HubbellCody HuffAnthony HughesLance HuntElizabeth Hurd
ICarrie Isaacson
JHolli JacobsenDoug Jeffries
Alexis JimenezSam JobHannah Junio KKlint KeenanShayne KentShauna KetchamPeter KnightWesley Kraintz
LKyle LaneAmanda LarsonKathleen LawsonMichelle LindseyJordan LippincottCarrie LoganJacob LoogmanCain LopezFrancisco LopezKristin LopezSteven LopezHoracio Lopez-SeguraGary LoweryMargarito LuaAlexander Lund
MAnthony MacedoJames MacedoJustin MachadoStacy MaganaYvette MalveauxJenenetta MarisclanDiego MartinezMatthew MartinezTabitha MartinezJeffery Mason
Mario MastelottoAnthony MatteucciBrigid MattosMalille McCallisterBrandon McCorkleAndrew McCormickTaylor McDonaldJordan McGillConnor McKeanAshley McKeeKristyn McQueenAlison MebaneCaitlin MeileKody MelendrezNicole MelloWalter MendozaBlake MenesesBailey MillerMeagan MillerRoss MillerGeorge MinagliaBrianna MonteiroAmanda MooreCharles MoranJohnny MorrisonRhett Mota
NLauren NavarroRyan NazaroffBretton NevilleLukas NickolsChristopher NilsenKristine Nunes
O Tanner ObermeyerCody OldenbergerTaylor Ortiz
american Degree recipientsContinued
CALIFORNIA FFA • I
J • CALIFORNIA FFA
american Degree recipientsContinued
PDarcy PearceMichael PerezSuzanne PerrinAustin PerryJustin PetersRoss PetersenCaitlin Pettijohn-BanegasAmy PhillipsJames PiersmaAmanda PinheiroAshley PipkinWeston PoundsMargarito PradoTatiana PrestininziJaime PrydeLovlean Purewal
QAlexandra QuesinberryTodd QuigleyMarisela Quiroz
RNicole RamosRichard RangelAlayna RennerMiguel ReyesJoel RiedelJerome RiosRoy RobertsSean RobinsonAlexa RocheFrank RocheAlejandro RodriguezCassandra RodriguezBreeanna RolandCynthia Romero
Justin RomingerMadison RowellElizabeth RuelasShelbe RuisJared Rutman
SGlenn SailorsTate SandborgCatherine SandersJose SandovalAlyssa SankeyKari SargentChase SchaffnerKaylyn SchiberKattie SchmidigSarah SchmittBrooke SchmitzFrank SchottMikaela SerafinBethany ShimmelJesse SilvaMason SilvaSebastian SilveiraJacob SkinnerStephanie SloanMorgan StaneartKristin StanfieldLauren StanfieldSarah StannardAlexa StantonElizabeth SteeleMelissa StegallJessica StokesWhitney StuartTanner Swanson
TDace TaylorBrianna TeeseKatie TennesonKatelyn TitusMegan Toler
VAshley Van BurenJaclyn Van BurenKayla VanaseljaSamantha VargusJoshua VeenendaalAnthony VerissimoJovanni VillaJake VivarRobert VyVlecka
WDylan WalleyMelissa WatkinsZachary WeimortzTaylor WeisenbergerLaura WhiteKaitlyn WhitmyreKirsti WhitmyreAlisha WilmothJared WoodBradley WrightRachel Wright
XKou Xiong
ZMichael ZavalaVanessa Zendejas
CALIFORNIA FFA • K
Upcoming ffa activities
CALIFORNIA FFA • K
october
Oct. 2 Imperial FFA and SLC BB Tournament
Oct. 4 Greenhand Conference (Red Bluff )
Oct. 5 Greenhand (Lodi) Imperial Section CATA and FFA O/C Contest
Oct. 6 Ventura Section BIG/O&C – 4 p.m. (Santa Paula) MB Section Opening and Closing (Soledad HS) San Diego Section CATA and FFA O/C Contest
Oct. 7 Greenhand (Lodi) Santa Clara Opening and Closing (Morgan Hill)
Oct. 9 South Coast COLC (Hollister HS)
Oct. 10 South Coast CATA Meeting (Hollister HS)
Oct. 11 Greenhand (Porterville) SLO Section Opening and Closing (Morro Bay)
Oct. 12 Greenhand (Bakersfield) Orange Section FFA Leadership Conference (Orange HS) Orange Section CATA Mtg. (Orange HS)
Oct. 13 Greenhand (Paso Robles)
Oct. 14 Greenhand (Paso Robles) Shasta College Field Day (Shasta College, Redd) High Desert O/C and BIG Contests (Littlerock)
Oct. 15 Imperial Section Greenhand Conference (SDSU – Brawley)
Oct. 18 Orange Section BIG (Westminster)
Oct. 20 National FFA Convention
Oct. 25 O/C Invitational Contest (Buena Park)
Oct. 30 Riverside Section FFA Leadership Conference (Norte Vista)
november
Nov. 2 Greenhand (Clovis East) Orange Section FFA Open/Close (Mission Viejo HS)
Nov. 3 Greenhand (Lemoore) Ventura Section Creed/NNN Parli Pro (Carpinteria) MB Section BIG and COOPS (Soquel) Shasta Section BIG, Co-Op, Farm Record Contests (West Valley HS, Cott) San Diego Section BIG Contest (El Camino HS)
Nov. 4 Greenhand (Visalia)
Nov. 6 SOCAL FFA Leadership Conference (Indio)
Nov. 9 Imperial Section CATA and BIG/Creed Contest (Brawley HS)
Nov. 10 Riverside Section FFA O/C Contest (Norte Vista)
Nov. 12 High Desert SOLC (Pilgrim Pines)
Nov. 13 Superior Region FFA Officers Winter Retreat Meetin (Tulelake)
Nov. 14 LA Section BIG and O/C – 4:30 p.m.
Nov. 16 SLO Section CATA/FFA Creed and BIG (Paso Robles HS) Riverside Section CATA Mtg. (Norco HS) Shasta Section Administrators Night (Redding)
Nov. 17 Greenhand (El Capitan) SB Section CATA/FFA BIG Contest (Nipomo) Intermountain Section Co-Op/BIG/Novice Record/Open (Big Valley HS, Biebe) High Desert Job Interview Entries Due (Apple Valley)
Nov. 18 Greenhand (Heritage) SC Section BIG/COOP (Sobrato) North Valley Section Co-Op, Novice Records, BIG, O/C (Colusa High School)
L • CALIFORNIA FFA CALIFORNIA FFA • ML • CALIFORNIA FFA
esparto ffa chapter Bringing Farming Back!
This year, Esparto FFA celebrated the new officer team with a three-day officer retreat to Quincy, California. During the retreat, the officers planned the entire FFA calendar for the upcoming school year and picked an overall theme to base the year on. The team also got an opportunity to get to know their fellow officers. After “a day of team building exercises involving herding cattle and working with horses, the team decided on their theme, ‘Bringing Farming Back’. The 2010-2011 team hopes to use this theme to increase agricultural literacy in their chapter, as well as to kick off their new horticulture program. Go Esparto FFA!
chapter Scoops
This is an opportunity to showcase alumni from your chapter!1. You are to submit an alumnus with photos of the past and the present.2. Alumni should complete the questions below: • Name, FFA Chapter they were a member of. • List/describe the FFA activities/leadership role you were involved in. • List/describe the projects you were involved in. • How did your participation in FFA prepare you for what you are doing today? Be sure to include what you do, are responsible for, etc. • Any additional information or advice that would be of interest to our readers.Please return responses with a photograph of “then” and “now” to Mindy Burris at: caffainsert@yahoo.com. See future due dates in the chapter scoop section.
alumni on the Go
L • CALIFORNIA FFA CALIFORNIA FFA • M
chapter Scoops Continued
ca FFA New Horizons Due Dates:
february 2011 Material Deadline Date – 11/15/10
april 2011 Material Deadline Date – 1/24/11
august 2011 Material Deadline Date – 5/20/11
Do you have a chapter Scoop to share?
Send in your chapter scoop today! ask your chapter officer team or advisor to send in a print quality photo along with 100-150 words describing your chapter’s latest news to Mindy burris at caffainsert@yahoo com {
Johansen ffa chapterPoultry Receives High Awards
On July 11, 2010 four members of the Johansen FFA Poultry Team competed at the California State Fair. Jordan Dajani, Kimberly Arias, Cody Massengill and Nadia Dajani. These four young people exhibited two meat pens each with birds weighing between four and five pounds.
Johansen FFA member Kimberly Arias was the proud owner of the California State Fair Reserve Supreme Champion Poultry Meat Pen. However, if asked Kimberly will tell you it was a team win, as all four of these members raised the birds together. All four young people were excited to exhibit their project at the California State Fair and would like to thank the California Poultry Federation and Petaluma Poultry Association for supporting Kimberly in the Sale of Champions.
However, this accomplishment was not enough for these young people, on July 15, they exhibited their project at the Stanislaus County Fair. They were joined by the rest of the team, Austin Southern-Jaso, Ismael Garcia, Israel Garcia, Aimee Stone and Craig Puckett. This time Cody Massengill was the big winner, winning FFA Grand Champion. Again, he claims this as a team win.
The members then exhibited in Showmanship and came away with top honors in Advanced Meat Bird Showmanship, Jordan Dajani, first; Cody Massengill, second; Nadia Dajani, third; Kimberly Arias, fourth; Craig Puckett, fifth; and Ismael Garcia, seventh. Novice Showmanship was won by Nadia Dajani; Aimee Stone, second; Austin Southern-Jaso, fifth; and Israel Garcia, seventh.
Even with these top honors they were not done, Craig Puckett, took Best Mediterranean Fancy Bird, with his Sicilian Buttercup. Kimberly Arias, Ismael Garcia, Jordan Dajani, Nadia Dajani and Cody Massengill all exhibited Best of Breeds.
Johansen FFA Poultry was quite successful with their projects this year, and would like to thank Foster Farms for providing chicks to them for their project and purchasing the FFA Champion Meat Pen at the Stanislaus County Fair.
CALIFORNIA FFA • ON • CALIFORNIA FFA
chapter Scoops Continued
littlerock ffa chapterWritten by Chelsey Jurkovac, Chapter Reporter
On May 8, 2010 the Littlerock FFA Chapter hosted their first annual Agriculture and Environmental Expo, formerly known as the Littlerock High School Farm Day. We changed Farm Day into an Expo and opened it to the whole public, not just the elementary students. We chose to hold our event on Saturdays instead of the traditional Friday, which allowed 215 people from our community to attend. The objective of the event was to educate not only the children, but also the adults about the benefits of agriculture. Everyone who attended was able to learn countless aspects of agriculture. We were able to teach our community how to xeriscape, transplant and more. All who attended were able to learn about natural resources, solar energy, horticulture and livestock. For example, at the Green Planet display, it was demonstrated how to properly sort though their waste to help the environment and how to test for pollutants in the soil that may have seeped in. The children enjoyed solving wooden puzzles and playing fun science games like punnett squares, Benham’s disk, cross breeding games and more. The Expo was a huge success and we plan to keep teaching our community about the importance of agriculture for many years to come. This event involved a lot of help from the students, and it was exhilarating to see all of the families come for a family outing. The Littlerock FFA Chapter is looking forward to another great Expo coming in April of 2011.
CALIFORNIA FFA • O
chapter Scoops Continued
los banos ffa chapterWritten by Toni Silva, Los Banos FFA Reporter
Many of the Los Banos FFA members showed at the Merced County fair that ran from June 14-20. As a chapter we did outstanding; having many wins and lots of fun. We would like to thank all the buyers at the livestock auction for there generous support in purchasing our animals and the award donors for there kind donations.
The results are as follows: In beef we had one exhibitor Shane Nelson, who once again did a fantastic job; winning beef showmanship participating in round robbin and receiving second. In his market class he received reserve grand champion steer and won first in his heifer class!
In Dairy Caitlin Allen won dairy showmanship and went to round robbin also and placed fourth. She also placed second with both of her registered heifers. Toni Silva placed first with her grade cow. Taylor Pires got first with one of her registered cows and third with her other cow. Kelly Lopes placed first with her grade heifer, Gabe Borba got first with one of his heifers and received third in the final round of showmanship. Paul Borba got second with his heifer and sixth in the final round of showmanship. Rachel Brum received second with her grade heifer, and Alyssa Melo got second with her registered cow. Franklin Silva received second with his grade cow. Jane Demos placed second with her registered heifer. Celeste Lozano placed third with her grade heifer. Lastly in the Dairy show Jeane Cardoza placed fourth with her registered heifer.
In Pigs Josh Hatfield placed third in his market class, and Michelle Cecil also placed third in her market class.
In the Sheep show Lauren Neves placed fifth in showmanship and first in market, and fourth and third in her breeding class. Melissa Silva placed third with her market lamb, and Morgan Hurley received reserve FFA Suffolk champion and seventh in
showmanship. Dana Carlotti’s market lamb got reserve grand champion hamp, and her breeding ewe got supreme champion. She won sheep showmanship and participated in master showmanship and received sixth. Cassie Menezes got reserve FFA champion and received fourth in showmanship. Aubrey Figuerora got second in her market class and Kara Orr got Reserve champion weather type ewe and third in showmanship. David Mclary won lads and ladies. Jaimie Brown placed sixth with her market lamb.
In the Goat show Toni Silva placed fourth with her breeding goat, another fourth with her other breeding goat and placed seventh in advanced showmanship.
In the Rabbit show Delaine Inman won advance showmanship for rabbits and placed second in small animal round robbin. Hayley Hatfield placed fifth with her meat pen, and Michelle Cecil placed sixth with her meat pen. Amanda Flores placed third in rabbit showmanship. Overall Los Banos FFA had a great fair!
Merced Fair Participants after the awards.
L-R back row: Flavio Castro, Josh Hatfield, Hayley Hatfield, David Mclary, Jane Demoss, Michelle Cecil, Shane Nelson. L-R middle row: Gabe Borba, Paul Borba, Paul Torres, Cassie Menezes, Caitlin Allen, Dana Carlotti, Kelly Lopes, Jenae Cardoza, Alyssa Melo, Morgan Hurley, Kara Orr and Dustin Helmer. L-R bottom row: Amanda Flores, Taylor Pires, Celeste Lazano, Lauren Neves, Melissa Silva, Toni Silva and Franklin Silva.
Shane Nelson showing his 1st place heifer!
P • CALIFORNIA FFA
chapter Scoops Continued
nipomo ffa chapterWhat a year! After the school year comes to an end a new one is right around the corner. Nipomo FFA just ended the year with the Spring Banquet, which was a huge success. More than 225 people attended the event and were welcomed to a fabulous BBQ chicken dinner and a following ceremony. The new officers were installed and members were recognized for their achievements throughout the year.
Students who have participated in Competitive Career Development Events statewide were recognized for their efforts, they are as follow: Horse Evaluation and Livestock Evaluation teams, Parliamentary Procedure team, Job Interview, Creed Recitation, Prepared Public Speaking, Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Marketing Plan, and Best Informed Greenhand were all given a large hand of applause for their hard work. Star Greenhands were Diana Krichevsky and Riley Nilsen, while the Star Chapter Farmer was awarded to Miles Mankins. Twenty Proficiency winners were recognized and 19 Degree Recipients were announced. A slideshow was revealed of the leaving seniors as a tribute to parents, friends and guests. Many seniors were given scholarships for their upcoming college adventures. The Ag Friends awarded $5,000 in scholarships and the CWA gave $3,000.
As we say goodbye to our old officers who have lead us in a year of success, we say hello to the newly elected officers for the 2010-2011 year. All officers are eager to begin the year and have worked hard to get where they are. Anneke Dobbe – President, Tyler Menane – Vice President, Peyton Maas – Secretary, Diana Krichevsky – Treasurer, Riley Nilsen – Reporter and Miles Mankins – Sentinel. Nipomo is extremely proud of all the chapter has accomplished and wishes the best for the year to come!
ffa conteStHow has FFA changed YOUR life?
in 200 words or less, describe the impact that ffa has made on your life Please include a head and shoulder picture of yourself and e-mail it to caffainsert@yahoo com by nov 5, 2010