Vo. 3 | Issue 3 | “Post National Convention Edition” Iowa FFA Association | December 2014

Volume 3 | Issue 3The official magazine of the Iowa FFA Association.

2014-15 Iowa FFA OfficersPresident ABRAH MEYERSecretary LEE THOMSENReporter RAY SCHMIDTSE State Vice President MIKE POGGEMILLERSC State Vice President HUNTER MOORESW State Vice President LOGAN BAUERNE State Vice President MICHAEL TUPPERNC State Vice President MACKENZIE LEWISNW State Vice President DEVAN VANDER VEEN

Iowa FFA StaffExecutive Secretary MR. SCOTT JOHNSONState Advisor MR. DALE GRUIS

Southeast District OfficersPresident MIKE POGGEMILLERNE Vice President WADE GERLACHS Vice President HUNTER HAMILTONNW Vice President MICHAEL HERSHBERGERSecretary KAYLA KAALBERGReporter SETH WEIRUPTreasurer SAVANNAH KEITZERAdvisor JOHN DANIELS

South Central District OfficersPresident HUNTER MOOREVice President ERIN HAMMONDSecretary WYATT KALDENBERGTreasurer SPENCER STOEBNERReporter KAITLYN BOYERSentinel MELISSA GARCIAAdvisor MRS. JESSICA HEBERT

Southwest District OfficersPresident LOGAN BAUERVice President ZOIE SHOOKSecretary JESSICA MESECKTreasurer DREW CHRISTENSENReporter ASHLYNN LINGLESentinel KENNEDY PLOWMANAdvisor MR. BEN BOOTH

Northeast District OfficersPresident MICHAEL TUPPERSecretary COLE MOODYReporter KAYLEIGH KOCHSW Vice President ALANA PLATTESE Vice President LIBBY FISHERNE Vice President AMANDA CROWNW Vice President TRISTAN DITTMERAdvisor MS. KRYSTAL WRIGHT

North Central District OfficersPresident MACKENZIE LEWISVice President BRANDON HANSONSecretary AMANDA ANDERSONTreasurer JUSTIN BARTLINGReporter KALA WISECUPSentinel CULLY FORSYTHAdvisor MR. KURT VELDHUIZEN

Northwest District OfficersPresident DEVAN VANDER VEENVice President COLIN BROWNSecretary MARISSA PHAMTreasurer MYSTIC HENNINGSENReporter TARI KNOCKSentinel HUNTER EASTAdvisor MS. MOLLI GRIFFIN

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Send us a picture of you and your FAVORITE mem-ory from the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo! Another way to get in here is to send a TWEET with the hashtag #iaffa14 telling the world what you’re doing & what you love about the FFA! Hopefully we’ll see YOUR face in the next Iowa FFA Today!

The Iowa FFA Today is now ONLINE! Go to

www.iowaffa.com to see all past issues of

the Iowa FFA Today!

CO

NN

EC

T!

Check out the new Iowa FFA e-Newsletter! Sign up to have your (s)TALK [super TALK] newsletter e-mailed directly to YOUR inbox to stay

‘in-the-know’ about what is happening in FFA around the state!

DIG

ITA

LM

AG

AZ

INE GOT SOMETHING

TO SAY?

E-Mail your article and picture to:

CONTENT

NATIONAL CONVENTION TALENTMike Poggemiller gives us the run-

down on the best of the best FFA talent in the country

THE CANDIDATEBrad Pickhinke discusses how he

prepared to run for National Office

87TH NATIONAL FFA CONVENTIONLee Thomsen tells us about the

highlights from Nat Con 14 and how Iowans went All Out!

MR. FFA: STEVEN BROCKSHUSAn exclusive interview with our

Central Region National VP

STATE LEADERSHIP CONFER-ENCE FOR DISTRICT OFFICERS

As the leaves change color, our DOs develop their skills at Fall SLCDO

CDE, AGRISCIENCE, AND PROFICIENCYCheck out how our fellow Iowans

placed at the highest level of competition: National Convention

SLCDO

This group goes all out!

Over the past six months, I have had the opportunity to serve the Iowa FFA and get to know a wonderful group of leaders within the organization who “Go All Out.” This group of individuals gathers twice a year in order to enhance their leadership skills, grow as a team, and have fun with other District Officers around the state.

At the 2014 Fall State Leadership Conference for District Officers (SLCDO), there was a drive in these students to “Go All Out” and be the best they can while serving the members of their respective districts. The entire group of State & District Officers was ready to spark action and grow as leaders and teams, as they jumped

State Leadership Conference for District Officers

into the conference entitled, “Being Blue, Refining You.”

Fall SLCDO began on Sunday, September 21st at the Iowa FFA Enrichment Center. The day started off with the theme of “Being Blue.” All throughout the day, students participated in sessions focused on serving the members, as well as recognizing what it means to put on the blue jacket. Sunday night

took a quick turn when students joined Brad Pickhinke in his FFA-style Amazing Race. Students broke into teams in order to compete and be named the winners.

The conference isn’t all fun and games, however. District Officers resumed their work on Monday, as they focused on bettering

themselves in order to better serve the members. They worked together to brainstorm ways to keep FFA relevant for the next 87 years. The day was wrapped up by an address from Mike Gaul, who is Iowa State University’s Director of Career Services. Gaul spoke to the crowd about the wonderful career opportunities that the agricultural industry offers.

There is no doubt in my mind that these 32 individuals will do great things in the future. These members have shown us what it means to “Go All Out” and lead the organization that means so much to all of us.

Mackenzie Lewis North Central State VP

TALENT

Mike Poggemiller, Southeast State VP

In the National FFA Talent Competition, all acts performed on either Monday, October 27th or Tuesday, October 28th. Performers sang one of their songs selected by the director.

Members could also participate in National FFA Talent without being a part of the competition. These students continued to perform on the talent stage and at various events throughout the week; however, they did not officially compete in the competition portion.

On Thursday evening, October 30th, round two (formally know

as the Talent Review) took place. During this time, approximately 15 acts were selected to perform one song for judges to further evaluate their talent. From there, three acts were selected to perform in round three, which was held on Friday, October 31st.

A winner was selected after round three and announced during the Eight General Session on Saturday, November 1st. The National FFA Talent Winner received $250 and was automatically accepted to participate in the 2015 National FFA Talent Competition, as well as serve as a judge.

The winner, from the state of Missouri, was Sydney Lambert.

With acts that entertained a crowd of more than 60,000 FFA members, this competition is one that will continue growing in attraction and competition. Morgan Kahler from the Bison FFA Chapter represented Iowa and competed for the second year. She did an incredible job, and we look forward to sending more talented members like Morgan to the National FFA Competition in the future!.

NATIONAL OFFICER CANDIDATE

National Officer Candidate:BRAD PICKHINKE

Michael Tupper, Northeast State VP

One of the most central and recognized themes throughout National Convention year to year has been FFA’s dedication to service. As members, we choose to serve in different ways. Some of us may run for chapter office, some may help out at a local food bank, and others might serve as a tutor at school.

Within FFA, there are endless opportunities to give of ourselves to others. One of the most intensive and rewarding ways that a member can give fully of themselves in service to the FFA is through serving as a National FFA Officer.

Each year, candidates from around the country spend months preparing

facilitation techniques, mastering interpersonal skills, and going on a journey of self-discovery in pursuit of one of the highest honors that an FFA member can achieve.

Following his process as a National Officer Candidate, this past year Steven Brockshus of the Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA Chapter proudly represented Iowa and served the National FFA Organization as the Central Region Vice President. This year, Iowa’s very own Brad Pickhinke, who served as the 2013-2014 State Reporter, had the honor of representing Iowa as its National Officer Candidate.

In addition, State Advisor Dale Gruis served as a coordinator for the National Nominating Committee and offered great

insight about what being a candidate entails. Gruis pointed out that candidates, “come from a wide variety of background and genetics,” as shown in a picture he took of an almost seven-foot tall candidate standing next to a barely five-foot tall candidate. In all seriousness though, Gruis was extremely impressed in the quality and passion that each candidate had to offer.

Each candidate represents some of the brightest that a state has to offer, and being selected as a candidate is a major achievement whether or not your name is called.

I had the chance to sit down with Brad Pickhinke and talk to him about his experience in preparing and going through the National

NATIONAL OFFICER CANDIDATE

Officer process. “I started in early May researching hot topics that National FFA released,” says Pickhinke. “I made it my job to have a broad understanding of each of the topics. I needed to be as informed as possible so I could deliver a speech or talk to industry people about any of the topics on hand.”

Throughout the summer, Pickhinke traveled around the state facilitating at FFA conferences, meeting with past National Officers, and staying in Texas for a week of training. “I was really focused on answering the question ‘Who is Brad Pickhinke?’

I knew that I needed to know my reasons for wanting to serve as a National Officer and know why it is that I’m truly passionate about service. I am able to say without a doubt that this process helped me to answer those questions, and those are things that I will be able to carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Although Pickhinke did not hear his name called at the end of convention, he knows that growth happened along the way. “The process was just like any other FFA event I had ever gone

through. Although it was extremely competitive, I have gained so many awesome experiences and lasting friendships through being a National Officer Candidate. I know that I am better as a person because of it, and I’m so glad that I got the amazing opportunity to represent Iowa.”

Whether vying for National Office or helping a neighbor down the street, FFA members are always looking for ways to serve all out and leave the world better than they found it.

“truly passionate about service”

BRAD FACTSHometown: Sac City

Home Chapter: East Sac FFA

SAE Project: Poultry Operation

College: Iowa State University

Major: Ag Biochemistry

Birthday: July 19, 1994

Years in FFA: Seven years

Celebrity Crush: Shakira

National Convention

The 2014 National FFA Theme is “Go All Out,” and “Go All Out” we did at the 87th National FFA Convention and Expo! On October 29th, 2014, blue corduroy jackets flooded Louisville, Kentucky and vowed to spend the next four days of convention living out their passions for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. With inspiration from the National FFA Officer Team, as well as other members and guests from around the country, each blue jacket left Louisville on November 1st with “All Out” satisfaction.

Members served all out by participating in National Days of Service on October 30th and 31st. Service opportunities with National Days of Service included planting trees and shrubs, packaging meals, and constructing libraries of gardening and agricultural resources to be installed in local community and school gardens. With the last line of the FFA motto being “Living To Serve,” FFA members show all out passion for service every day.

Throughout the four days in Louisville, members showed all out passion for career success by competing in Career Development Events. Our own Northeast State Vice President Michael Tupper competed in the National Extemporaneous Speaking contest and received a silver rating. The rest of

2013-2014 National Officer Team

the State Officer Team dropped everything on the afternoon of the semifinals to make their way to downtown Louisville to cheer Michael on. We’re so proud of you, Michael! Our all out passion for FFA couldn’t help but shine through during each of the nine general sessions in Freedom Hall. The 2013-2014 National FFA Officer Team, including Iowa’s own Steven Brockshus, inspired each and every member and guest to live with all out passion every day.

National Convention

In Session Seven, on the evening of October 31st, the National FFA Officer Team, dubbed “Team Boy Band” (given that all six of them were male), surprised everyone with a perfectly choreographed and absolutely hilarious rendition of “Bye, Bye, Bye” by NSYNC. The video is posted on the National FFA YouTube, just in case you missed it and need to witness this momentous occasion. We’re pretty sure our ears are still ringing from all of the squealing girls in the audience!

National FFA Convention is always a time to remember, and the 87th National FFA Convention and Expo was nothing short of incredible. With over 64,000 FFA members, advisors, parents, and guests present to break an all-time record, we truly showed the world how FFA goes all out every day. It is the largest student-led organization in the country, and we are proud to put on the largest student convention in the country every year to celebrate our accomplishments.

In the Second General Session, Iowa FFA saw Brockshus give his retiring address, titled “Everlasting Impast.” In the Fifth & Seventh General Session, we saw him serve as session chair and co-chair.

At the very end of it all, in the ninth and final session, there was not a dry Iowa eye in Freedom Hall, as we saw Brockshus hang up his blue corduroy jacket for the final time and trade it in for an alumni blazer. With his Alumni status, he helped install the 2015-2016 National Officer Team.

In the words of the retired National FFA Officer Team, “Going All Out is not just something we do here at convention, nor is it something we do every once in a while. Rather, it has to be the way we live our lives. We must ‘Go All Out,’ rise up, and answer our callings; because there is no place in this world for half-hearted dedication or lukewarm commitment.

When we do ‘Go All Out,’ that’s when we can change our world and the people in it. We must ‘Go All Out’ in all areas of our lives, for ourselves, and for others too; for our communities, our teammates, for strangers, and for our families. Through actions of passion, commitment, service, dedication, and love, we will show the world how FFA members ‘Go All Out!’”

Nat Con

-Lee Thomsen, State Secretary

40+

110550+

80+

STEVEN BROCKSHUS

MR. FFA:

STEVEN BROCKSHUSn a t i o n a l c e n t r a l r e g i o n v i c e p r e s i d e n t

Steven Brockshus’s year as a National Officer can be summed up rather simply with these statistics:

610,240 members

550+ written letters

110 airplane rides

80+ workshops

60+ speeches

40+ business visits

26 states

5 new brothers in Christ

For the past 365 days, Steven has poured all of his time, talents, energy, and faith into the largest youth-led organization in the United States of America, yours truly, the National FFA Organization.

STEVEN BROCKSHUS

The National Central Region Vice President may have completed his year, but the memories live on and will go with him wherever life leads. Earlier this year, Steven returned to Iowa for his past State Officer teammate’s wedding. While home, I had a chance to meet up with him and hear about his adventures at the Louisiana FFA State Convention. From their seafood delicacies to their thick Cajun accents, Louisiana FFA members made Steven’s face light up as he reminisced on the moments at their State Convention; however, it wasn’t until a conversation with him last week that

Steven explained his second trip to the south, where he was completely captivated by those Louisiana members. “I got to hang out with the St. Amant FFA Chapter, and they graciously hosted me.” While there, the St. Amant Chapter Officer Team took Steven in for a week. He rode on their “party barge”; ate a ton of gumbo, jambalaya, pastalaya, crab and shrimp; pulled plenty of pranks; hatched baby alligators at a member’s family alligator farm; did some late-night “frogging”; rode ATV’s; the list goes on! Steven expressed his appreciation for the St. Amant FFA by saying, “They realized that I was a regular guy too.”

Beyond his adventures to states like Louisiana, Steven experienced person growth in during his year of service. “I gained a lot of confidence in my speaking abilities, workshop delivery, etc., but especially in who I am as a person.” And that growth carried over to his team. Steven discussed that, “My teammates and I were able to work together collaboratively, allowing 100% of ourselves to come to the table. We respected each other’s choices and decisions without question.”

For anyone who attended the National FFA Convention or interacted with some of the National Officers throughout the year, they can undoubtedly say that Steven and his five male teammates have chemistry. They’ve been referred to as the six-man “frat party” or your National FFA “boy band,” and Steven attested to that by saying, “I’ve never been so close with five guys.”

Every single one of them has a very strong but different personality. Steven noted that despite their differences, all six teammates share a very strong core in their faith and love for activity. “We would have many nights at the National FFA Center, playing frisbee and having Nerf gun fights. We even created a snowball slingshot at one point in our year!” The bond that Steven and his teammates share will never be broken. As he returns home without the obligations of National Office, he is excited to continue doing life with those five brothers.

When asked about his feelings following National Convention, Steven explained that he will miss visiting with students from all across the country. Nonetheless, he anticipates returning to school at Iowa State University and becoming involved at his church.

Although his year of service has run its course, Steven didn’t hesitate to say, “I am looking forward to seeing the new team--where they are now and where they will be in the future.” He understands the adventure, challenges, and opportunity that “A Year in the Life of a National Officer” entails, and while statistics can put it simply, Steven Brockshus has memories, stories, friendships, and more to prove that “simply” is a huge understatement.

-Abrah Meyer, State President

ENV. & NATURAL RESOURCES

AGRICULTURAL SALES

LIVESTOCK EVALUATION

AG COMMUNICATIONS

FARM BUS. MANAGEMENT

A G R O N O M Y

NURSERY LANDSCAPE

CDE Results

Team

Individual

Muscatine FFA, Iowa

Earlham FFA, Iowa

Hudson FFA, Iowa

Montezuma FFA, Iowa

Sumner Fredericksberg FFA, Iowa

Muscatine FFA, Iowa

Muscatine FFA, Iowa

Tyler Koch – Muscatine FFA, Iowa

Cassie Bond - Earlham FFA, Iowa

Tiffany Tomlin – Muscatine FFA, Iowa

Emma Widner- Hudson FFA, Iowa

Vincent Bushong, Steve Kopp – Montezuma FFA

Nathan Arthur - Sumner Fredericksberg FFA, Iowa

Shelby Poole – Muscatine FFA, Iowa

It does not get any better than National Convention!

Competing at the highest level is an honor and a privilege. The teams and individuals who competed at the national level put in countless hours of work and prepared many months for their respective contests.

Having the opportunity to advance to National Convention is beyond what words can describe. Congratulations to these teams for their hard work and dedication!

-Hunter Moore, South Central State VP

Agriscience • Proficiency

P R O F I C I E N C Y

A G R I S C I E N C E

Katie Friederichs, Muscatine FFA, Iowa

Eric Koehlmoos, South Obrien FFA, Iowa

Beef Production

Power, Structural & Tech Systems

Congratulations to all 145 recipients of the American Degree as well as those who competed at

the 2014 National FFA Convention and Expo!

Iowa FFA AssociationFFA Enrichment Center1055 SW Prairie Trail ParkwayAnkeny, Iowa 50023