1 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
As we close the chapter of 2019, and begin 2020, I
would like to reflect on our achievements and
accomplishments of not only the last year, but the
last decade. The agriculture industry has seen vast
changes in policy and technologies in the last 10
years, as it is ever-growing and ever-changing.
Through all of these challenges and changes, the
Idaho FFA Association and Foundation have met
them head on, creating solutions and adapting.
New programs have been established, new ideas
implemented, new curriculum taught, and new
events created all to meet the needs and demands
of our ever-changing world. All of these changes
have been for the same purpose: to provide the
next generation of agriculturists and leaders with
the resources and tools necessary to be successful.
Each student, no matter where they are from, what
contests they compete in, what their background is,
or what their SAE project is, has the potential to
make an ever lasting
impact on their
communities, the
country, and even the
world. Within the folds of
this newsletter, you will
see the impact our
students, our teachers and
our sponsors have at the
local, state, national and
even international levels.
As we begin a new year and a new decade, I implore you to give to the Idaho FFA Association and Foundation. The work we do is changing and improving the lives of thousands of Idaho students. I am proud to be a part of an organization that adapts to change and provides our next generation of leaders with the resources they need to grow, lead, and succeed.
Spring
2020
The Corduroy Connection
In this edition:
Message from the Board Chair…………...1
Sponsor Spotlight……………………………..2
ILSSO………...………………………………….3&5
EMERGE Education Fund…………….....4
Scholarship Winners Announced.……..6
Fall Career Success Tours……….…………7
Idaho Gives the Gift of Blue..…………….8
Valley Wide Partnership…………………..10
Idaho FFA Gives Back……………………...10
Message from Stephen Parrott, Board Chair
2 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
Founded in 1947 in Phoenix, Arizona, Stotz
Equipment is no stranger to the agriculture
industry. While times have changes and new
technologies have emerged, the founding values
still remain the same: Quality, Integrity, Loyalty,
Caring, and Community. Today, Stotz Equipment
operates out of 25 locations in 8 western states. At
every location in each state, these values are
reflected in all of their actions and employees.
Stotz Equipment has been a partner with the Idaho
FFA Foundation since 2018 where they have
participated in a variety of programs at both the
state and local levels. These programs include
everything from State Leadership Conference
sponsorship, to judging the Foundation College
Scholarship applications, to purchasing FFA
animal projects at county fairs, to starting a
welding challenge to help students hone their
skills, and more.
“We choose to give because the kids we are helping
are going to be our future employees and
customers, and their parents are those currently,”
said Opie Kelley, Ag Field Sales Representative,
“This is our way to help those communities.”
For Stotz, Community is more than just a founding
value, it is a foundation they stand upon. Their
dedication to the communities they are located in
is second to none. Stotz believes that investing in
programs such as the FFA, is an investment in
their community, and this is reflected in their
actions and those of their employees.
“If we invest in our kids, it keeps them engaged
and it makes stronger, better people,” said Kelley,
“Not only are you investing in the kids’ future, but
you are also investing in your companies future
and Idaho’s future.”
In 2018, Kelley created the Welding Challenge at
the Twin Falls County Fair to offer further
opportunities for students and connect local
businesses with local members interested in
agriculture mechanics. In this event, students enter
projects that are judged on their craftsmanship and
quality of work, and receive prizes such as welders,
torches, and tool kits for their hard work. In the
first year, they received 10 projects, and this year
are hoping for 30-50.
When asked what the most rewarding part is of
being involved with FFA, Kelley said, “seeing the
joy in their faces when you help them and watching
them grow and achieve more and more.”
Thank you, Stotz, for your dedication towards the Idaho FFA and the next generation of agriculturists and leaders!
Sponsor Spotlight: Stotz Equipment
Stotz Equipment proudly displays pictures of animals
they purchase each year at fairs in their office
Entries from the 2019 Welding Challenge at the
Twin Falls County Fair
3 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
International Leadership Seminar for State Officers
3
Each year, the National FFA Organization takes a group of select state officers to an international
destination to learn about and experience its culture, heritage and agricultural industries. This year, all
six Idaho FFA State Officers were selected and attended this event. At the beginning of January, they
ventured to Spain and Portugal for 10 days of various city tours and international cultural experiences,
and agricultural industry tours.
Day four started with
a tour to Trops, a
company that
produces mangoes
and avocados. After a
long drive through
the coastal moun-
tains, the next stop
was at a greenhouse
company. The team
enjoyed visiting with
the owner, Lola, who
explained why she
doesn’t use pesticides on her tomato and pepper
plants; instead she uses biocontrol methods such
as helpful insects, plants, and pheromones.
Day 4
Day 1
The first day was full of introductions: to the city
of Madrid, to tour guides, to a change of culture,
and to new food. The officers were able to walk
through Spain’s capital, see the royal palace, tour
the Prado Museum – the nation’s art museum,
and get accustomed to some Spanish traditions.
Day 2
On the morning of day two, the group met with
Jennifer Clever, an Agricultural Attaché from
the US embassy, and listened as she spoke about
foreign markets and the European Union
agricultural regulations that make it difficult for
Spanish farmers to implement new technologies
into their companies. They then walked through
Toledo and learned about the historical
importance of the city. Day 3
The next day was very exciting as it was the first
day of agriculture tours. The first stop was to a
Charolais and Limousin cattle feedlot whose
main focus was to keep their livestock as
stress-free and naturally grown as possible; they
do not use antibiotics and cattle are not
castrated. Later, they toured a John Deere
training center.
Continued on page 5
4 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
EMERGE Education Fund
Supporting Idaho agricultural education and FFA advisors is a priority of the Idaho FFA Foundation.
FFA advisors are at the heart of our organization. Recruitment and retention of agricultural educators is
vital to the success of the Idaho FFA, so finding new ways to support and engage teachers is a high
priority. Through a grant received from Wells Fargo, the Idaho FFA Foundation created the EMERGE
Education Fund to do just that. The EMERGE Education project supports Idaho FFA members and
chapters by providing the funding need for enhancing leadership development, increasing the impact in
their local communities, and providing more experiential learning opportunities. Teachers could apply
for EMERGE funds to enhance their classrooms and hands-on instructional labs by updating lab
equipment, integrating new instrumental technology, enhancing curriculum, and investing in
professional development.
Wells Fargo gave $20,000 which funded 19 teachers for initiatives varying from curriculum training, to
equipment, and everything in between. Here are the following grant recipients and the projects they
will fund:
“Grants like these allow us to free up other monies for our bigger expenses and still keep our students
using updated and safe equipment. We are so thankful for community partners that come along side
local ag teachers and aid us in providing our students with the very best supplies that not only keep
them safe but help them learn,” said Tami Frank, Nampa FFA agriculture educator, “Knowing there
are generous people in our community that are willing to reach out and give helps me realize that I
am not in this alone and that my kids are important to others. It is so much fun to give them new tools
to use, introduce them to new possibilities and show them that they matter to
others outside of our walls.”
Thank you, Wells Fargo for your support and generosity towards supporting Idaho agricultural education and FFA advisors!
Bonners Ferry CASE Ag Sci - Plant
consumable supplies
Grangeville Grangeville FFA
Leadership Development Retreat
Moscow Professional
Development Region 1 Conference
Nezperce Rogue fabrication thin wall attachment and
pressure dies
Jerome Hydroponic STEAM
Challenge
Parma Curriculum for Ag Science Education
Nampa Ag Shop Equipment
(Grinders & hand saws)
Nampa Potting Shed
Mackay World Agriculture
Conservatory
Camas County CASE AFNR Tools/
Equipment
Vallivue Sharper TEK Ultrasonic Cleaner for Engine parts
Jerome Microscope with Camera
plus 4 additional microscopes
Filer Advisor Travel funds for
FFA events
American Falls Willow Bay Exercise
Stations Project
Burley Aquaculture Program
Raft River Curriculum for Ag Science Education
Hagerman Canon camera for Academy of Agriculture and Food Science
program
Middleton Landscape design and small en-gine class equipment (Blower,
Trimmer, chainsaw
Cambridge Textbooks: Principles of Floral Design and Principles of Food
Science
The Idaho Officers are very grateful to their
generous sponsors and supporters who made this
amazing experience possible and hope to continue
to be advocates not only for Idaho agriculture , but
global agriculture as a whole. Thank you!
3 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
International Leadership Seminar for State Officers
5
Companhia das Lezrias, the State Farm of
Portugal, produces a wide variety of
commodities including; wine, cork, olives,
Lusitano horses, cattle, and forestry products.
The team visited each of these sectors, and per-
haps the most interesting was the cork produc-
tion. Cork is a product that grows on a special
variety of oak tree as an adaptation to fire and is
harvested off every nine years and turned into
numerous products, with the most important
being wine stoppers. While wine stoppers only
account for one third of products made from
cork, 70 percent of the profit comes from them.
Day 9
Day 6
The last day in Spain was spent visiting an
Andalusian horse breeding and training facility
where they learned about the history of the
company, dressage horse shows, embryo
transfers, and watched as some of the horses
were being trained. Afterwards, the group met
with ASAJA (a young Spanish farmer’s
association that represents 300,000 farmers)
and learned some of the challenges those
farmers face. State President, Herman Roberts,
spoke to the ASAJA members about the
generational renewal issue American farmers
are currently facing.
Day 7 & 8
The first two days in Portugal were spent
walking through two very popular tourist cities,
Albufeira and Evora. The team enjoyed talking
to locals, trying out the food, and soaking in
some sunshine. They also toured a vineyard/
winery and learned about the grape varieties that
go into popular Iberian Peninsula wines.
Day 5
Spain is the top
producer of olive oil,
so it was fitting that
one industry visit
was to an olive oil
cooperation. The
officers were able to
learn about the
process of making
olive oil as well as all
the different
varieties of olives
grown in the
Mediterranean area before going on a tour of the
city Seville. The evening ended with a Flamenco
performance which is traditional Spanish
dancing.
Day 10
The last day in Portugal started with a meeting
with George Glass, Ambassador for the United
States in Portugal. After the meeting, officers got
to visit classes of a local agricultural college, tour
their campus, and interact with Portuguese
students. The final activity was a city tour of
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon.
6 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
Idaho FFA Foundation Awards $51,500 in Scholarships!
Through support from generous donors the Idaho FFA Foundation has awarded
$41,000 in college scholarships and $10,500 in Washington Leadership
Conference Scholarships. A total of 37 students from 20 different chapters
across the state received scholarships.
$1,000 Tractor Raffle Scholarships
Jonathan Muniz, Meridian
Madi Eberhard, Meridian
Wyatt Skovgard, Kuna
Jaycee Johnson, Troy
Brenna Dunworth, Troy
Kendra Murray, Genesee
Taylor Osburn, Highland-Craigmont
Morgan Wood, Cambridge
Adyson Harris, Parma
Abigail Winkle, Middleton
Mason Horner, Vallivue
Aubrey Reese, Ridgevue
Karson King, Filer
Samantha Stokesberry, Twin Falls
Autumn McCreary, Jerome
Quincey Kirkpatrick, Salmon
McKenna Hunn, Preston
Sarah Bateman, Declo
$2,000 J.A. Wedum Scholarships
Emily Blattner, Kuna
Joe Shaw, Parma
Lauren DeVries, Cambridge
$2,000 Tractor Raffle Agricultural
Education Scholarships
Ellie Tesnohlidek, Fruitland
Sydney Atkinson, Parma
$1,000 Tami Earll Daniel
Memorial Scholarship
Kyleigh Davis, Meridian
$1,000 Betaseed Scholarships:
Annalise DeVries, Cambridge
Henry Trujillo, Meridian
$2,000 Dairy West Scholarships
Emma Sells, Meridian
Kaitlin Mirkin, Jerome
Nathan Statsny, Kimberly
Katlyn Scarrow, Kimberly
Cole Searle, North Fremont
Congratulations to all!
2020 Friends of Idaho FFA Washington
Leadership Conference Scholarships:
Vivian Dugan, Jerome
Madison Tesnohlidek, Fruitland
Dwaine Tesnohlidek Washington
Leadership Conference Scholarships:
Darcy Godfrey, Rigby
Katie Russell, Cambridge
Sara Braasch Schmidt Washington
Leadership Conference Scholarships:
Tiernan Almich, Kuna
Owen Crowley, Genesee
Premier leadership, personal growth, and career success are words every FFA member knows and
works toward. A part of the FFA Mission, these six words embody the experience every FFA member
should have through agricultural education, and what they will take away from their involvement.
To aid in this endeavor, each year the Idaho FFA
Foundation and Association host the annual Fall Career
Success Tours. In November, students from across the
state participate in tours from various companies and
organizations in their local area. All regions of Idaho are
covered, and available for students to participate
regardless of where they are located. Two tracks are
available for students; an Ag Mech Track and an Ag
Science track, to cater more towards their career
interests and expose them to opportunities available.
Thank you Northwest Farm Credit Services!
7 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
Fall Career Success Tours
Northwest Farm Credit Services is dedicated
and committed to serving the Idaho FFA. As
a proud partner, they sponsor a variety of
events including: State Leadership
Conference, the Farm Business
Management Career Development Event,
and are the presenting sponsor at the
annual Twin Falls fundraiser. In January,
they presented the Idaho FFA Foundation
with an additional $5,000 to use for
general programming. Thank you Northwest
Farm Credit Services to your continuous
support and commitment towards growing
the next generation of leaders!
Companies
207 Total Students
43
66
41 57 N
um
be
r o
f s
tud
en
ts p
er
re
gio
n
26
4 Days
96 Total Ag
Mech
Track
111 Total Ag
Science
Track
Marcia Jedry, Executive Director, with employees of the Twin Falls
NWFCS branch
8 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
Idaho Gives the Gift of Blue
Each year, thousands of Idaho FFA members zip up their blue
corduroy jackets. In these jackets, they learn the Creed, judge
livestock, travel thousands of miles for contests and leadership
conferences, make lifelong connections, forge the path for their future,
make an impact on their community, and so much more. While
members come from all backgrounds, locations, and lifestyles, when
they zip up their jackets, they are instantly a part of something larger
than themselves. In these jackets, members represent the past,
present, and future generations of agriculture.
The blue corduroy has been an honored tradition in the FFA for over
85 years. Each made by hand, these jackets unify members not only
across the state of Idaho, but the country. This symbolic blue corduroy
jacket is far more than just a piece of Official Dress, it is an icon of American tradition– instilling pride
and responsibility in our next generation of leaders. However, not everyone can wear the jacket. Not
because they don’t deserve to, but because they can’t afford to.
Due to this, the Idaho FFA Foundation created the Idaho Give the Gift of Blue program. Through funds
raised at the 2nd Annual Friends of Idaho FFA Banquet North during the paddle up and gifts from
additional donors, the Idaho FFA Foundation gifted 47 jackets this year to students who couldn’t
afford one otherwise. Beginning in the fall, advisors and alumni members nominated students to
receive a jacket and in January they were distributed across the state to their new owners- many of
them not knowing they were about to receive the gift of blue.
Thanks to the support of our generous donors, the Idaho FFA Foundation was able to fund an area of
need and make a difference in the lives of FFA members. Thank you to those donors who made this new
initiative possible and kick start a new program for students look forward to each year.
When you give the gift of blue, you are opening the door for a member to be a part of something larger
than themselves, forge their path, and leave their mark on history. Afterall, the blue corduroy jacket is
more than just a jacket, it is a ticket to a future unlike any other.
Thank you D.L. Evans Bank!
On February 18, 2020 D.L. Evans Bank
representatives met with the State Officer
team to learn about their FFA journey and
present a sponsorship. D.L. Evans has been
a proud sponsor of the Idaho FFA
Foundation for many years, and continues
to show their support and dedication.
Thank you, D.L. Evans Bank for your
continued support of our students and
programs!
9 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
Valley Wide Cooperative Partners with Idaho FFA
Valley Wide Cooperative, with their grant partner Land O’Lakes, has donated $10,000 to
the Idaho FFA Foundation. This generous donation will be used to further the mission of
the Idaho FFA Foundation: to promote premier leadership, personal growth, and career
success of the Idaho FFA members and agricultural education students by providing
strategic financial resources for the Idaho FFA Association.
“We know the impact that agriculture has on our lives daily. We feel that it is mission
critical to educate and support the up and coming farmers anyway we can. With this
mission in mind, Valley Wide Cooperative and Land O’Lakes are honored to help fulfill
a grant for the Idaho FFA.”-Valley Wide Cooperative CEO, Dave Holtom
Thank you Valley Wide Cooperative for your support, we look forward to our
continued partnership in the future!
Idaho FFA Gives Back to Their Communities
During the 1st Annual Gem State Leadership Conference in Boise, Idaho, members
participated in a Day of Service event, creating tie blankets for those in need. Within an
hour, members created over 100 pounds of fleece tie blankets, which were later donated
to the Boise Rescue Mission. Participants also took materials back to their local chapters
to create more blankets and donate to those in need in their local communities. Thank
you to Norco for sponsoring this event and
granting our students the opportunity to make a
difference in their local communities!
10 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
11 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
12 The Corduroy Connection
Spring 2020
Editors’ Note:
Thank you for reading our latest edition of The Corduroy Connection! I am
proud to work for an organization that puts its students and teachers at the fore-
front of everything it does. We appreciate your support and look forward to
what we will accomplish in 2020!
Liz Wilder is the Communications Director for the Idaho FFA Foundation
Contact her at [email protected] with any questions.
The Idaho FFA Foundation is partnered with
Amazon so every time you shop, you can give back
to the FFA with no cost to you! For every purchase,
AmazonSmile donates back to the foundation,
helping further our mission and advance the Idaho
FFA.
Sign up today: smile.amazon.com/ch/82-0360159
Idaho FFA Foundation
P.O .Box 827
Star, ID 83669