February 2011, FFA New Horizons

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Here BytHe Owl

Dr. Larry Case retires after 26 years as National FFA Advisor

Infinite PotentialScenes and stories from the 83rd National FFA Convention

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 | f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1

®l o g o n at f fa n at i o n . f fa . o r g

www.ffanation.ffa.org



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www.marines.com

On the CoverDr. Larry D. Case addresses the 83rd National FFA Convention for his final Advisor’s Challenge. Photo By Jeff Adkins

new horizonsFFAThe magazine of the National FFA Organization

Volume 58 Number 3

®

12

6 cover storyHere by the OwlAfter 26 years as the National FFA Advisor, Dr. Larry D. Case retires.

Infinite PotentialFFA alumnus reflects on national FFA conventions past, present and future.

2 18 20

KimNewsomHoLmBeRG editor jessyyaNcey associateeditor juLiewoodaRd FFaPublicationsmanager KRistymeyeR FFacommunications RaVeNPetty Proofreadingmanager dustiNPetty contributingwriter cHRistiNacaRdeN mediatechnologydirector KRisseXtoN,caNdicesweet, seniorGraphicdesigners ViKKiwiLLiams cHaNdRaBRadsHaw,yameLHaLL, mediatechnologyanalysts aLisoNHuNteR,maRcussNydeR jeFFReys.otto Photographydirector jeFFadKiNs,BRiaNmccoRd seniorPhotographers toddBeNNett,aNtoNyBosHieR staffPhotographers yaNceytuRtuRice informationtechnologydirector RicHaRdsteVeNs 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./externalcommunications maRKFoResteR V.P./Visualcontent NatasHaLoReNs V.P./contentoperations

Foradvertisinginformation,contacttoriHughes,(800)333-8842,ext.281,[email protected].

2010-2011 National FFA Officers RiLeyPaGett,oK President LaNdaNscHaFFeRt,co secretary tiFFaNyRoGeRs,mi easternRegionVicePresident wyattdejoNG,sd centralRegionVicePresident jamesFLatt,tN southernRegionVicePresident sHaNNoNNoRRis,Nm westernRegionVicePresident

National FFA Staff steVeBRowN executivesecretary dwiGHtaRmstRoNG chiefexecutiveofficer maRioNFLetcHeR Nationaltreasurer maRKcaVeLL,daLecRaBtRee, divisiondirectors BiLLFLeet,jaNetmaLoNey, RoBcooPeR,KeNtscHescKe, VicKisettLe,LeeaNNesHiLLeR, toNysmaLL,BiLLstaGG, wiLLwaideLicH

National FFA Board of Directors – Members 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 [email protected]. Periodicalpostagerateispaidatindianapolis,ind.,andadditionalmailoffices.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to FFA New Horizons,P.o.Box68960,indianapolis,iN46268-0960.

copyright©2011bytheNationalFFaorganizationandjournalcommunicationsinc.

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

2 ScrapbookRead news, jokes and more.

4 FFA FacesLearn about members’ achievements.

10 National Officer Q & AMeet National President Riley Pagett.

18 News from National FFAWin cash for college or a trip to the U.S. capital.

20 Back TalkRide along with NASCAR driver Justin Lofton.

1FFA New HOrizONsFFANATiON.FFA.Org

February 2011 Contents



Just Joking

FFA scrapbook express yourself

54,942FFA members, advisors and guests attended the 83rd National FFA Convention – setting an all-time attendance record!

100colleges, universities and technical schools exhibited at the National FFA Agricultural Career Show during the national FFA convention. Learn more about these schools at www.ffanation.ffa.org/convention2010.

2 FFA New HOrizONs FFANATiON.FFA.Org

Pumpkins for the President

Few Americans have the opportunity

to take a private tour of the White House,

and even fewer can say they’ve delivered

pumpkins there. Virginia FFA past state

officers Austin Larrowe and Morgan

Slaven have, and for them, it was an

opportunity of a lifetime.

“Driving through Washington, D.C.,

in a Ford pickup with a livestock trailer

was only the beginning of our adventure,”

Austin says.

He and Morgan had to clear two

security checks before being allowed on

the grounds with their delivery of 100

fresh Virginia pumpkins, but were later

rewarded with a private White House tour.

What is the definition of a goose? An animal that grows down as it grows up!

What do you give a pony with a cold? Cough Stirrup!

What animal always goes to bed with its shoes on? A horse!



FYiYOur TurN

Keepusinformed!

thisisyourchanceto

beapartofFFA New

Horizons.sendusa

shortarticleabout

yourlatestchapter

activities,awards

you’vereceivedor

evenyourinvolvement

outsideFFa.

wantaneasywayto

sendyourstory?

e-mailaphoto,your

storyandcontact

informationto

[email protected].

allphotosneedtobein

colorandaminimumof

1mBinsize.

or,mailto:

FFA New Horizons

P.o.Box68960

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Good Wood Work When Cy-Fair FFA advisor Michele Rumfield realized

her Texas chapter’s podium was falling apart and they

would need a new one, she offered the project to senior

Jake Dumaine. Jake has worked at his father’s cabinet

shop for the last three years, so he knew how to draw the

plans, transfer the plans to parts and put the parts on a

CAD software program. He ran the parts out in the shop

on a CNC router, and did all the work himself. To make the

podium even more unique and special to the chapter, he

gold-leafed the engravings of the FFA emblem.

Jake helped unveil the podium at the chapter’s spring

banquet, and he received Grand Champion for wood

projects at the Harris County Fair in Houston for his work.

A Call for Convention Content

Throughout this issue, you’ll read

accounts of the 83rd National FFA

Convention, but we want to hear your

stories from the event. Visit FFA Nation

(ffanation.ffa.org) to upload your photos to

our national FFA convention photo galleries,

and post answers to our convention-related

questions in the Discussions section. If

you’ve never visited FFA Nation before,

you’ll need to sign up for a profile first!

The Sand Springs FFA Chapter from Oklahoma brought 60 members to the 83rd National FFA Convention. Upload your chapter’s photos from the convention to FFA Nation for your chance to be featured in FFA New Horizons magazine!

Learning About Irrigation

The Centreville FFA chapter in Michigan

has a new irrigation system on its 40-acre

learning land laboratory, thanks to area

farmers who have donated pipe and a five-

tower pivot. FFA alumni have helped to

move and reconstruct the system, bury the

pipe, secure electrical service and teach

students how to use the technology.

Centreville FFA members are actively

involved in the planting and harvesting

of their crops, as well as in learning about

marketing and commodity management.

Now, thanks to local support, they can

learn about irrigation, too.




TX

ID

IA WA

IL

Kacihasbeenamemberofherchapter’slivestockjudgingteam

forthreeyearsandhasshownHerefordcattlesinceshewas10

years old. she received the FFa star Greenhand award her

freshman year and also plays basketball and volleyball for her

high school. after high school, she plans to attend college and

becomeanoptometrist.

Kaci McAfeeChapter: Southwestern FFA

thishighschoolseniorhasservedasanofficerforherchapterfor

threeyearsandiscurrentlythereporter.chelseysaysthatshe

wasmotivatedtojoinFFaafterwatchingheroldersister,sandy,

experiencetheorganization.aftergraduating,chelseyplansto

enroll in college and major in animal science to achieve her

longtimegoalofbecomingaveterinarian.

Chelsey JurkovacChapter: Littlerock FFA

christysaysoneofhergreatestFFaachievementswascreating

achapternewsletter tosendout tomore than100community

members.shenowservesaseditorofthenewsletter,aswellas

herchapter’sFFapresident.afterhighschool,sheplanstoattend

washington state university to double major in agricultural

educationandcommunications.

Christy PoirierChapter: Waitsburg FFA

thisFFachapterpresidenthasshowntheGrandchampionmeat

penrabbitsatthechapterlevelforthreeconsecutiveyearsand

hasexhibitedthegrandchampionmarketlambaswell.codyalso

plays high school baseball, is a member of Boy scouts, and

also enjoys working on his truck and performing community

serviceprojects.

Cody MateckiChapter: Spring Branch FFA

jacobhasplacedonthestatelevelinthesoilandlandevaluation,

parliamentary procedure and prepared public speaking cdes.

a high school senior, he also serves as chapter reporter and

districtvicepresident.inthefuture,heplanstoserveatwo-year

missionforhischurchandattendcollegetostudyeconomicsand

politicalscience.

Jacob LakeChapter: Burley FFA

thishighschoolseniorhasservedashischapter’ssentinelandis

currently serving as chapter vice president. Phillip shows beef

cattle at the osceola county Fair and also participates in

livestock judging at the fair, along with other FFa career

developmentevents(cdes).aftergraduatingfromhighschool,he

planstoattendsouthdakotastateuniversity.

Phillip LorchChapter: Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn FFA

CA

Stand Out in the CrowdNominateyourselftobeconsideredforFFaFacesbyfollowingthestepsbelow.

Questions? E-mail [email protected].

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.


FFA Faces



www.ffa.org/collegiate

After 26 years of offering knowledge and wisdom as

the national FFA advisor, Dr. LArrY D. CASe retires

the OwlHere by

During the final session of the

83rd National FFA Convention

last October, the official FFA

opening ceremonies took a little

longer than usual.

The reason why? When Dr. Larry

D. Case said, “Here by the Owl” for

the final time as the national FFA

advisor, the crowd stood, cheered

and clapped for what Dr. Case

describes as “a really long time.”

“It was really a touching

experience,” he remembers. “It was

one of those moments that made me

think, maybe I really have made a

difference in someone’s life.”

Most current and past FFA

members would agree that Dr. Case

had made a tremendous difference in

their lives, perhaps directly through

his speeches during the convention,

or indirectly through his role in

helping shape the future of FFA and

agricultural education. During his

45-year career in agricultural

education, Case has served as a local

teacher and FFA advisor, director of

agricultural education for Missouri,

a national education program

specialist for the U.S. Department of

Education, and his most recognized

role, 26 years as national FFA advisor.

“One of my goals as national

FFA advisor was to be seen as a

regular guy,” Case says. “I wanted

the students to not just see me as

the national advisor, but rather as

their national advisor.”

Working toward that goal has

often meant lessons in pop culture

or staying “with the times,” he

says. Case remembers one such

experience, where he says his “cool

factor” went up a few degrees.

“Back in 1997, Ray Starling, a

national FFA officer from North

Carolina, asked me if I knew what

‘raise the roof’ meant. And I didn’t,”

he recollects. “So, after explaining

it to me, Ray said that he thought I

should do that during the

convention, and that the kids would

go nuts if I did. I told him I would

take it under advisement.”

During one of the opening

convention sessions, Case decided to

surprise the national officers, and

when he went onstage, he “raised the

roof.” As expected, the crowd went

wild, and for the rest of the convention,

every time Case spoke, he – and the

audience – raised the roof.

Since then, FFA members have

honored Case in many creative ways,

“hooting” like owls whenever he’s near

or printing his face on chapter t-shirts.

“I’ve always been fairly relaxed –

that’s just me,” he laughs. “I’ve tried

to be genuine, and I think the FFA

members respond well to that – the

teachers do, too.”

A favorite part of the national FFA

convention for many members and

advisors is the National FFA Advisor

Challenge during the opening

Story By Kim Newsom HolmbergPhotography By Antony Boshier




session. And for his final challenge,

Dr. Case offered up words of wisdom

based on his own FFA experiences –

as a member, an alumnus, a local

advisor and the national advisor. A

portion of that speech is below:

Infinite Potential! I love our new

theme because it sums up perfectly

what each and every FFA member has.

Think about it. You have potential.

You have possibility. You can become

anything you want to be, accomplish

any goal you set.

The dictionary says that

“potential” is an ability that may – or

may not – be developed. Only you can

choose to become all you can. As the

Army says, “Be all you can be.” Or as

Nike says, “Just do it.” FFA members, I

want to know … are you ready to get

out there and just do it?

Infinite potential! I love that

word, “infinite.” It means unlimited.

Without bounds. Endless. Goes on

forever. And that describes the

potential you have within you.

Many years ago I was in exactly

the same place you are today. More

years than I care to count, to be honest!

One day I enrolled in an agriculture

class and put on a blue corduroy

jacket. Before I knew it, I became

reporter for my chapter. Then,

somehow, I got elected president. I had

no idea what I would become or what I

wanted to do. But my FFA advisor saw

something in me. He saw that I had

potential. Unlimited potential. He

helped me understand that if I invest

my time and put out the effort, I could

follow my heart and become the person

I wanted to be.

I didn’t know any better, so I took

him seriously. That’s when things really

took off. My personal journey has

carried me to a lifetime of working on

behalf of agricultural education. But of

all the things I’ve accomplished, you

know what I’m most proud of? Being

your national FFA advisor. Being with

students who amaze me with their talent




makes me glad to be where I am today.

FFA members, it took someone

special to see the potential in me. It

took my agriculture teacher to help

me understand I could do more than I

thought I could. And that’s the way it

goes sometimes. Those ag teachers

are pretty special, aren’t they?

Here’s something I’ve learned after

45 years of working at this – FFA and

agricultural education can change your

life. They will absolutely make a

difference for you and everyone around

you. Agricultural education and FFA

members are exactly what we need

today. You are helping to build

communities and providing for the

future and security of this nation. Of our

world! Be proud of that work. Be proud of

who you are and what you represent.

I am thankful, FFA members, for

you. Every day you have given me

your encouragement and support. In

my life, you are the rising sun that

comes streaming through my window.

You are truly the new era in

agriculture. You inspire me with your

courage to try new things and your

willingness to help others. I could not

have done this without you. Thank you

for enriching my life. Thank you for

your love and kindness. I will never,

ever forget you.

Of all the advice I could give you,

let me offer this: Do what you love,

love what you do. Follow your heart

and be true to yourself.

FFA members – know this: I’m

proud of you. I believe in you. And, I

expect the very best from each and

every one of you.

During his 45 years of service to agricultural education and FFA, Dr. Larry D. Case has inspired students, teachers, alumni and FFA supporters alike. His cheerful demeanor, fun personality and inspirational messages have made him a truly memorable national FFA advisor.


Visit ffanation.ffa.org to watch videos of Dr. Case’s past speeches and interviews, plus post your comments and thank-you messages to Dr. Case in honor of his retirement.

ffanewhorizons.org



FFA National Officer Q & A

FYirILeY’S FAVeS

meetRileyonce,andyou’llknowinstantlythathe’safunpersontobearound,withplentyofquirks!Forexample,hehasabucketlistof75thingshehopestodoinhislifetime,andoneofthemistomeetRebamcentire,hisfavoritesinger.Learnmoreinterestingfactsaboutthisoklahomanative.

Favorite food:enchiladas

Candy:skittles

Smell:Freshwoodchips

Color:osuorange

Sport:collegefootball

Your new national FFA president calls

Woodward, Okla., home, where five

generations of his family have lived and

where he says he was raised on mashed

potatoes, dirt roads, country music and the

Bible. Learn more about Riley and what he

has in store for the coming year.

Q Can you walk us through your

experience in the national FFA

officer selection process?

A Each FFA association can send one

national officer candidate to the

national FFA convention each year.

In 2010, 36 candidates went through the

national officer selection process, which is

a week long and consists of five rounds

of interviews, speech development and

delivery, workshop facilitation, tests and

essays. I honestly did not even hear my

name called at the final session. All I heard

was, “From the great state of Oklahoma,” and

I ran onto stage to meet my new teammates.

It felt good to realize that I would be serving

members who had come before me, members

currently involved in FFA and all of the

members to come.

Q During the election process, you said

that your mission this year is to be a

“seed planter.” What does that mean?

A My primary goal this year is to plant

seeds of inspiration and hope inside

every member I meet. My teammates

and I will be able to share this message with

FFA members by remembering that every

hand we shake, every smile we give, every

speech we deliver, and every workshop we

facilitate will impact the lives of every

member, sponsor or supporter in some way.

Q National FFA Week is coming up. Do

you have any ideas for FFA members

to implement in their own chapters?

A I would encourage every FFA member

to wear their FFA official dress to school

at some point during National FFA

Week. There is no greater conversation starter

than the blue corduroy jacket. Wearing

official dress to school and around town

allows students to share their FFA stories.

Q Is there anything else you want the

FFA membership to know about their

new national FFA president?

A I enjoy Sunday mornings. I drink my

pop and tea through a straw most of

the time. It helps keep teeth white. I

believe it is okay to have more than one best

friend. I love registered Angus cattle. I was

born on the 4th of July.

PagettNational FFA President

Riley


www.tonylama.com

FFA alumnus reflects on national FFA conventions past, present and future

I have a tendency to be crotchety

at times. Some might even dare

to say pessimistic.

Oh, fine.

I can make Glee’s Sue Sylvester

look like a sugarplum fairy.

But this all changed when I

spotted my first corduroy jacket at

the 83rd National FFA Convention.

Knowing that I’m surrounded by

young men and women who are full of

optimism for the future of agriculture

and the American community is

rejuvenating, and a feeling that I

can’t put into words. For a short

time, my inner Sue is subdued.

This wasn’t my first time around

the organization.

In 1999, I started as an FFA

Greenhand in the Standish-Sterling

FFA Chapter in Michigan. From there,

I served as a state officer, a member

of the Michigan FFA Alumni Council

and have been lucky to intern in the

national FFA convention newsroom

for three years.

I began my time at the 2010

Story by Dustin Petty

Realizing Infinite

Conseco Fieldhouse, site of many national FFA convention sessions

POteNtIAL



One national FFA convention attendee gives his experience

‘two thumbs up.’

convention by attending a 75th

anniversary celebration of the New

Farmers of America’s (NFA) creation.

The NFA was an organization

formed 1927 in Virginia for African-

American young men. In almost

every way it was an equal

counterpart to the Future Farmers of

America, but with a different racial

makeup. In 1965, NFA and FFA merged.

At the celebration were

distinguished NFA alumni. There

were men who had gone onto become

decorated soldiers, noteworthy

educators and policy makers. They

are grandfathers now with more than

a few gray hairs between them, but

they spoke with such pride of their

involvement in NFA. They also spoke

of the present and how it seemed, at

times, impossible to imagine.

“When I look at today’s

convention,” says A.D. Pinson, 1964-

1965 NFA President, “I can look and

say there is an African American

presence in the Future Farmers of

America. I can look and say there

are women serving as officers of

the Future Farmers of America.”

The national convention offered

more than a chance to commemorate

the past. Members also had the

chance to prepare for diverse

futures. At the annual career show,

more than 80 colleges and technical

schools were on-hand to show what

they could offer FFA members.

Also at the Indiana Convention

Center were workshops developed

to allow students to examine

personal development and future

career success. Interviewing skills,

seeds, diversity, law, agricultural

policy and entrepreneurship were

all highlighted topics.

Meanwhile, during the

convention sessions, it was

Official FFA delegates eagerly await the announcement of the new national officers during the final session.

Convention attendees visit the FFA Shopping Mall, where FFA apparel, gifts, school supplies and more were for sale.



FFA members compete in national career development events, held at

the Indiana state fairgrounds.

Hosting the convention in downtown Indianapolis allows

FFA members to explore the city.



2010-11 National FFA Officers

Past NFA member recites the NFA creed during the opening sessions.

The National FFA Agricultural Career Show offers hands-on

experiences.

Convention attendees give back to the Indianapolis area by participating in

the FFA Days of Service.



impossible to be a negative Nancy

with laser shows and performances

from the FFA choir and band and

guest speakers!

Keynote speaker Judson

Laipply motivated members with

his Evolution of Dance, while

Kevin Carroll and Angela Mayfield

inspired members with personal

experiences. Opening sessions

speaker Josh Shipp told the audience

that, “You do not have to be perfect

to make a difference; you have to be

willing to make a difference.”

This was not your grandfather’s

national convention. Yes, traditions

were kept – FFA stars and proficiency

winners were honored, and

thousands of members received their

American Degrees. But in addition to

seeing the best in young production

agriculture, our members learned to

become leaders in all industries and

on a national stage.

As convention came to an end,

six new individuals made a promise

to serve more than half a million

members: Riley Pagett of Oklahoma,

Landon Schaffert of Colorado,

Tiffany Rogers of Michigan, Wyatt

DeJong of South Dakota, James Flatt

of Tennessee and Shannon Norris of

New Mexico were elected as the 2010-

2011 National FFA Officer team.

The new team will travel

thousands of miles, meet numerous

FFA members, and face the challenge

of advocating the importance of

American agriculture in the new

century. I don’t envy their task, but

knowing that they are doing it gives

me optimism and makes it very hard

to be my old crotchety self.

After 11 years of being around

the blue corduroy, I had finally

discovered what it was that made

me enjoy the organization so much.

FFA is for everybody.

As long as that person believes

in the future of agriculture and

strives to be a leader, FFA is open

to us all – regardless of our

backgrounds, beliefs, race or

even connection to agriculture.

I often wonder what those 33

original farm boys who formed our

organization would think if they

saw the membership ranks today.

I like to think they’d be

overjoyed that so many can enjoy

what they and succeeding

generations worked so hard to

create – the promise of better days

through better ways. They would

see the difference that FFA

members make in their schools and

communities and country. They

would see 54,942 people from all

walks of life coming together under

one corduroy banner.

Does it get much better?

Take that, Sue Sylvester.



www.lincolnelectric.com

A Day For AgricultureWhere will you be on March 15? If you keep reading,

you might be in Washington, D.C., taking part in the

National Ag Day celebration.

The Agricultural Council of America (ACA) is hosting

an Ag Day Essay Contest, and the winners will receive a

trip to our nation’s capital to be recognized during the

Celebration of Ag Dinner on National Ag Day. There are two

contests – a written essay contest and a video essay one,

both using the topic “American Agriculture: Your Food.

Your Farmer.”

The contest rules, instructions and application form

are available at www.agday.org. Go quick – the essays

must be received at the ACA office by Feb. 4!

Cash For CollegeIt’s time to put your FFA leadership positions, supervised

agricultural experiences (SAE), and community service projects to new

use! Those experiences can help you win cash for college, through the

National FFA Organization scholarship program, which awards $2

million each year in scholarships to FFA members and agricultural

education students.

Scholarships are sponsored by businesses and individuals through

the National FFA Foundation and are given for a wide variety of

experiences, career goals and higher education plans.

They are available to high school seniors and students

already in college, and the application is completely

online!

Visit www.ffa.org to look through the available

scholarships and to apply. All scholarship

applications are due Feb. 15.

Visit

ffanation.ffa.orgforanonline-exclusive

articlewithtipsonmakingyour

applicationshine.

Your Chance to Winenternowtowinfreeboots,atriptowashington,d.c.,orFFascholarships

FFA News win something!

One Click to WinBy now, you probably know about FFA Nation,

the official social network for the National FFA

Organization. But did you know that you can win

great prizes, just by signing up for FFA Nation

and creating a profile?

During the month of February, visit FFA

Nation (ffanation.ffa.org) to sign up for your

chance to win a pair of Justin boots. We’ll be

awarding three pairs of men’s boots and three

pair of women’s boots. To sign up for the

giveaway, visit ffanation.ffa.org and look for the

Justin Boots giveaway button on the homepage!






www.ffa.org

NASCAr truck driver has roots in FFA and agriculture

LoftonJustinand now truck racing. It’s been a seven-year

process to get where I am now.

Q How do you think FFA has

influenced your racing career?

A It’s done a lot. First, I believe that what

FFA stands for is really solid. Leadership

skills – that’s what you are as the driver.

You have to keep team morale up and make

good decisions for the racing team. Public

speaking is also obviously a big deal for

NASCAR drivers, since we do a lot of interviews.

Q What type of work did you

do on your family’s ranch?

A I did pretty much every job my dad

wanted me to, which often meant checking

cattle or clearing land to build pens. Right

after high school, my dad and I opened a mineral

mixing plant, so I spent a lot of time working in

that business, too. I think working together on

the ranch created a close bond between me and

my dad. Now, he flies to every one of my races,

all the way from California.

Q Was FFA a positive experience for you?

A I’m so glad I did FFA and really happy

that my mom encouraged and pushed

me to join. Even though I was an active

member in my chapter, I never attended the

national FFA convention until 2010 – as a part

of the Toyota booth in the career show. I did

get to meet up with my FFA advisor, Michelle

Taylor, for dinner, so that was a nice walk

down memory lane.

Q What advice do you have for FFA members

who have big dreams, like you did?

A My biggest advice is to work hard. Have

good work ethic and take chances. I had

to move 3,000 miles away from home to

pursue my NASCAR dream. I was 21 years old

and didn’t have a job waiting for me, but I knew

that racing was my passion, and I needed to

chase it. I’m a firm believer that big risks

equal big rewards.

Justin Lofton sees a lot of similarities between

production agriculture and auto-racing. Both

require specific technical skills, a willingness

to work hard and a go-getter attitude. Lofton, who just

completed his rookie season in the NASCAR truck series,

knows all about both. He grew up on his parents’ beef

cattle ranch in California, learning about agriculture

firsthand. Lofton also took animal science classes in his

high school and was an active member of the Brawley

FFA Chapter. But in his spare time, he pursued his

dream of racing in the NASCAR series.

Q How did you get started in racing?

A I raced mountain bikes and BMX until I was 16.

Then I bought a hill-climb car and did some races

in Colorado, including Pikes Peak. I also got into

desert racing, and then eventually, into late model cars

Former California FFA member and NASCAR rookie Justin Lofton photo by Le sLe y Ann MiLLer


FFA Back Talk Former members reflect


www.nationalguard.com

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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 [email protected].

Check out our

www.illinoisffa.org

website

February 2011

ILLINOIS aSSOCIaTION FFa

Chapter Visits review & upcoming events b

State CDe results C

National Convention results D-e

Meet your 2010-2011 State FFa Secretary F

Officers’ Tracks G-H

What’s InsIde thIs Issue

FFa in the Spotlight

Meet Your State FFA Secretary, Cody Gill | F

Chapter Visits | b Officers’ Tracks | GConvention Results | D

Title holder

B • ILLINOIS FFA

bIG PHOTO FINISH Here

B • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • C

Chapter Visits

Throughout the months of September and October John, Jake, Morgan, Cody and Jeff conducted chapter visits at each chapter in Illinois. These visits were presented to Greenhand FFA members or Introduction to Agriculture students. During the visits, the members took part in an FFA game called AgriStar where the students would answer numerous Agriculture and FFA questions. The students also took part in leadership activities and also set goals for themselves to shoot for during their years in the FFA organization.

Also during the weeks of Chapter Visits, the officers delivered keynote addresses and workshops during the Section Leadership Training Schools. The five majors had a blast during their two months and the members seemed to learn a lot about Agriculture and the FFA while having a little fun!

FFA members play FFA memory with all the FFA acronyms.

FFA members play Agri-Star, a game similar to Jeopardy.

FFA members from Section 17 take in information about

serving as Chapter Vice-President during their Leadership

Training School.

upcoming

events

State ag Issues –

February 12, 2011

State Job Interview –

February 12, 2011

State Meats –

February 26, 2011

State Poultry –

February 26, 2011

B • ILLINOIS FFA

B • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • C

State CDe results

State Horse Judging CDeSuperior Teams, Reasons Division: Hardin County

Midland

Other Top Teams, Reasons Division: Vienna

Monticello

Pontiac

Peotone

Eureka

Bureau Valley

Oregon

Goreville

Marion

Herscher

Stewardson-Strasburg

Nashville

Superior Individuals, Reason Division:Linzey Huey, Peotone

Austin Kocher, Midland

Chelsea Cornell, Hardin County

Ashley Adams, Midland

Keri Weaver, Oregon

Dustin Davis, Monticello

Cadv Ross, Vienna

Abbie McCabe, Monticello

Stetson Fox, Vienna

Superior Teams, Non-Reasons Division:Hardin County

Abingdon

Oregon

Somonauk-Leland

Heyworth

Forreston

Edwardsville

Indian Creek

Central-Burlington

Seneca

Superior Individuals, Non-Reasons Division:Jesse Haynes, Abingdon

Cassie Rogers, Somonauk-Leland

Emillee Atkinson, Hardin County

Susie Thompson, Central-Burlington

Kristen Culkin, Iroquois West

Jessie Weaver, Oregon

Kelsey Davis, Heyworth

Joanna Bollinger, West Prairie

Jessica Hall, Georgetown-Ridge

B.J. Austin, Hardin County

Kaitlyn Dudding, Newark

Megan Richter, Forreston

Kelly Robinson, Peotone

State Forestry CDeSuperior Teams:Prairie Central

Mahomet-Seymour

Other Top Teams:Cumberland

Olney

Superior Individuals:Rollin Wenger, Prairie Central

Katie Adams, Prairie Central

Amy Brandt, Mahomet-Seymour

Devan Henderson, Cumberland

Alex Lourash, Mahomet-Seymour

Jaylynn Maxey, Cumberland

Kaleb Snider, Olney

Hailey Miller, Mahomet-Seymour

Bri Urfer, Olney

Chris Ruholl, Cumberland

Title holder

D • ILLINOIS FFA


D • ILLINOIS FFA

ILLINOIS FFA • E

“Infinite Potential!” – 83rd National FFa Convention results

Congratulations to all national winners!

National Proficiency WinnersCongratulations to the following National Proficiency Winners!

Agricultural Communications:

Amelia Martens, Orion FFA Chapter

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship:

Justin Thomas, Charleston FFA Chapter

Diversified Agriculture Production:

Tyler Loschen, Tri-Point FFA Chapter

Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship:

Hayden Byars, Cisne FFA Chapter

Grain Production Placement:

Aaron Prins, Geneseo FFA Chapter

Small Animal Production and Care:

Jessica Both, Seneca FFA chapter

National CDe resultsMidland FFA:

Silver – Ag Communications

Silver – Ag Issues

Silver – Ag Sales

Silver – Horse Evaluation

Paxton-Buckley-Loda:

10th Place – Agronomy

Silver – Farm Business Management

Silver – Nursery and Landscape

Bronze – Marketing Plan

8th Place – Poultry Evaluation

Prairie Central:

Gold – Ag Mechanics

Silver – Dairy Cattle Evaluation

5th Place – Dairy Foods

Silver – Forestry

Tri-Point:

7th Place – Livestock Evaluation

Fieldcrest:

Gold – Meats Evaluation and Technology

Cisna Park:

Silver – Environmental and Natural Resources

Unity-Mendon:

Silver – Food Science and Technology

Glenbrook South:

Silver – Floriculture

Congratulations to Jacob Miller from the Geneseo FFA Chapter for receiving a Bronze in the National FFA Creed Speaking CDE.

Congratulations to Clayton Carley from the Cisna Park FFA Chapter for receiving Silver in the National Extemporaneous Speaking CDE.

Congratulations to Evan Rich from the Pontiac FFA Chapter for receiving Silver in National Prepared Public Speaking.

Congratulations to Olivia Harris from the Heyworth FFA Chapter for receiving Bronze in National Job Interview.

agriscience FairBiochemistry/Food Science/Microbiology:

Division Four – Taylor Strehl and Connor Strehl, Stillman Valley FFA Chapter, 1st place

Engineering:

Division One – Sarah Hempen, Waterloo FFA Chapter, 1st place

D • ILLINOIS FFA

D • ILLINOIS FFA

ILLINOIS FFA • E

Continued

Illinois FFA member, Jacob Dickey playing for National FFA Band during the 83rd National FFA Convention!

Chelsey Baker, Section 23 President carried the Illinois flag during a session at the 83rd National FFA Convention.

Pontiac FFA members receive National Chapter Award.

Jessica Both from the Seneca FFA Chapter receiving her plaque for winning the National Proficiency area in Small Animal Production and Care.

Southwestern FFA Chapter displays a booth for the Illinois Association FFA. At their booth, FFA members played a Jeopardy game and got to learn about what the Illinois Association FFA does throughout their association. Thank you, Southwestern FFA Chapter for displaying a wonderful booth at the 83rd National FFA Convention!

Amelia Martens from the Orion FFA Chapter receiving her plaque for winning the National Proficiency in the area of Agricultural Communications.

Title holder

F • ILLINOIS FFA


F • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • G

Music has been a big part of my life. When I was still in grade school I played the trumpet for my school’s band. We had nine kids who played an instrument one year, our highest number ever, and we were one of the best bands in our county. After our year was up, five out of the nine kids went on to high school and the band was forced to quit. When I got to high school I didn’t join the band because it had been four to five years since I touched my trumpet. Instead of band, I joined other clubs and organizations such as sports, student council, scholar bowl, FFA and our school’s youth group (FCA).

The first activity on the schedule was football. I decided to follow in my father’s footsteps and try to own this game, just like he did when he was still in school. Well, after a summer full of two practices a day our season finally started my freshman year. I wasn’t a starter, and I would get to play the last five minutes of a game, if I was lucky. I felt that all those practices I went to were a waste of time. I could have been working or trying harder at FFA if football wasn’t taking all my time. Then it was fall and the next sport started up, basketball. I went to all the open gyms and practices. Then try outs came around and I tried my hardest, I wanted to be a Nashville Hornet basketball player! Once try-outs were over, I ran to the list to see who all made the team and my name was not on the list. I was upset, I should have made the team. I mean I gave it my all, and I guess it just wasn’t good enough.

After getting cut from the team I had more free time. I started to focus more on FFA. I participated in Greenhand quiz bowl and helped my team win first place! My advisor then got me going on public speaking CDEs such as the Creed speaking contest and extemporaneous public speaking. The more I competed, the more I liked FFA. Everyone was just like me, it didn’t matter how tall or short you were everyone made the team. No one was “cut” in FFA. At the end of my freshman year, I received more awards at our banquet than I could ever imagine. The award that motivated me the most was the STAR Greenhand award. After winning this I knew what “activity” I would be doing my next three years of high school, and look I’m still involved in FFA. Who knows how long you can help with the FFA? This organization is for anyone and everyone! You may not be the smartest student or the tallest basketball player, but you can be a STAR FFA member. Even if you are that all-star football player, you can still participate in FFA.

Just because sports didn’t work out for me doesn’t mean they won’t work for you. Once I got to my senior year in high school I discovered my rhythm. I picked up the guitar and drums, I was in the school’s play, student council, and I was still active in FFA.

FFA members there are many different things that life throws at us. We can take some and leave some, but what will we do take make sure you can balance it. Don’t just be in something to make it look good on a resume and do the bare minimum. From the words of John Wesley, “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as you can.”

Meet Cody Gill2010-2011 State FFA Secretary

F • ILLINOIS FFA

F • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • G

Officers’ Tracks

State Horse CDeOnSaturday,September18,Jake,JeffandMorganattendedtheStateHorseCareerDevelopmentEventatBlackHawkEastCollegeinKewanee.Duringthecontestthemembersplacedeightdifferentclassesofhorses.TheofficerslearnedalotaboutjudginghorsesandhadagreattimetalkingtoFFAmembersfromacrossthestate.

beginning ag Teachers Conference OnOctober8and9,themajorswereabletomakeitbackintoDecaturfortheBeginningAgTeachersConference.Thisconferenceconcentratedonnewideasandotherexcitingactivitiesforfirst-yearteacherstogettheirchaptersinvolvedin.OnSaturday,eachmajorstateofficerpresentedonacertaintopic;thesetopicsincludedchapterbanquet,conventionsandconferences,FFAweekactivitiesandpromotions,officertrainingandretreats,andmembershiprecruitmentandretention.Theconferencewasdefinitelyworthwhile,andthenewteacherswenthomewithplentyofnewinformationandideasfortheirchapteranditsmembers.

The 83rd National FFa ConventionNationalFFAConventionwasablastforthefivemajorsandthe10sectionpresidentdelegates!NationalConventionstartedwithapre-conventionmeetingattheFFACenterwherethedelegateswerebriefedonalloftheirresponsibilitiesfortheweek.OnTuesday,all15delegatesbeganworkingintheirdelegatesessionstopassthevariousissuesthattheywereassignedto,aswellaslisteningabouttheconstitutionalamendmentsthatwerepresentedbyotherstateassociations.Aftertheconclusionofthebusiness,thedelegateswereabletoenjoytheawesomesessions,speakersandeventsatConvention.KeynotesfromJoshSchippandJudsonLaipply,andtheLadyAntebellumconcertwerefavoritesamongtheofficers.Thankyoutoallthedelegatesfortheirhardworkthroughoutconvention!

H • ILLINOIS FFA

Officers’ TracksContinued

Illinois Farm bureau youth ed Committee Meeting OnNovember17,thefivemajorsmetMr.CraftandMr.DryinBloomingtonforameetingwiththeFarmBureauYouthEdCommittee.TheYouthEdCommitteeismadeupofthefivemajorstateofficers,Mr.Craft,Mr.Dry,Mr.Hepner,two4-Hrepresentatives,Mrs.DebStockerfromtheIllinois4-H,Mrs.MariahDale-Anderson(theFarmBureauManagerofYoungPeople’sActivities),andrepresentativesfromtheFarmBureau’saffiliatedcompanies.Atthismeeting,thecommitteefinalizedallofthelastdetailsforFarmBureauYouthConferenceinApril.Themajorsareexcitedforafun-filledFBYCthisyearandhavealotoffunplannedforallwhowillattend!

Salute to agriculture DayUniversityofIllinois–OnNovember13,John,Jake,Morgan,CodyandJeffheadedtoUrbanafortheUniversityofIllinois’SalutetoAgricultureDay.Themajorsparticipatedinthepre-gamefestivities.Thefivemajorsalsohadsomeamazingseatsfortheexcitingcollegefootballgame!ThankyoutotheUniversityofIllinoisfortheirsupportoftheagricultureindustryandtheFFA,andcongratulationstothosewhowererecognized.

National FFA Convention delegates from Illinois from left to right: Cody Gill, Jeffrey Barnes, Meredith Brinkman, Trent Tabor,

Sarah DeSchepper, Jim Tobin, Amanda Barr, Mike Shively, Morgan Ott, Jacob Meisner, Katie Cayo, John Edgar, Lauren

Hawker, Jake Ekstrand and Kayla Hinrichs.

Check out our

www.californiaffa.org

website

FEBRUARY 2011

CAliFoRniA FFA

PAGE

l Chapter Scoops

outstanding Chapter: lincoln FFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-CState officers on the Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-Enational Convention Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-HState Judging Finals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iAlumni on the Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JSupport California Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KHello Michelle, Goodbye Mindy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KChapter Scoops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l-P

What’s InsIde thIs Issue

BPAGEPAGE

F Convention Results

outstanding Chapter: lincoln FFA

PAGE

D on the Go!

B • CALIFORNIA FFA CALIFORNIA FFA • C

Within the heart of the ever- developing city of Lincoln,

California lies Lincoln High School. Established in 1907, Lincoln High School has been blessed with an Agriculture Department since 1955 and is still going strong today. Lincoln High School has a student population of about 1,500 students. Approximately 400 of those students are enrolled in some sort of Agricultural course this year. On the high school campus agricultural courses include Ag Science I, Ag Leadership, Ag Metals and Ornamental Horticulture. But that’s not all. At Lincoln High School, the phrase “hands on learning” is taken quite literally. Courses such as Ag Science II, Agricultural Biology,

Natural History, Water Quality and Conservation, Agricultural Economics and Government, and Farm Power are held each day at the 405-acre Lincoln High School Agricultural and Environmental Science Academy. Every day students enrolled in these courses are transported a short 15 minutes into the rural Lincoln countryside where they attend class at the LHS Farm. These courses have allowed students to meet many graduation and college entrance requirements, while maintaining their focus in agriculture. The centerpiece for the LHS Ag Program is the 405-acre school farm facility. The property was acquired as surplus property from McClellan Air Force Base in 1976. Improvements

have been made slowly over the years as funding has allowed. Today the farm features three classrooms, a science lab, a large shop, hay barn, livestock facilities, orchard, pheasant brood strip, garden beds, organic rice fields, permanent pasture and natural wetlands. Students gain valuable hands-on skills working with the farm’s cattle, sheep and hogs, growing winter vegetables, growing oat hay, monitoring wood duck boxes and raising trout. Additionally, students are also responsible for monitoring the 225 acres of conservation easements. The school farm is a popular destination for elementary schools and community groups. Farm students interact monthly with one of our feeder elementary schools, leading age

outstanding Chapter: lincoln FFA

B • CALIFORNIA FFA CALIFORNIA FFA • C

appropriate lessons centered on agriculture. Lincoln students lead tours for more than 500 elementary students throughout the year, as well as garden clubs and rotary members. Lincoln high students also plant and maintain a 2-acre pumpkin patch with the help of local elementary schools. The same elementary students return in October and are able to take a pumpkin, which they helped plant, home with them. Finally, the annual LHS Farm “Open House” is open to the community and draws around 200 people. Hay ride tours of our natural wetlands and organic rice fields are always a popular part of the tours. The Lincoln FFA strives to remain a positive organization in the Lincoln community in a time where many Ag Departments are threatened by budget cuts. Lincoln FFA members promote their program by giving presentations to organizations like the Rotary, Kiwanis Club, School Board and Farm Bureau. Each year, Lincoln High hosts the Placer Grown Conference and last spring the Lincoln Farm was a designated stop on the Placer County Farm Tour. Lincoln FFA members are also known to provide petting zoos with their SAE projects at local middle schools, elementary schools and churches. Additionally, FFA members help at community events like planting trees at a local dog park, and serving food at the local Farm Bureau dinner. The chapter also sponsors four blood drives in conjunction with Blood Source on the high school campus

each year. This year the chapter is planning a county-wide “Fun Fair” where 4-H members can bring their fair projects out to the Lincoln Farm, and attend workshops on showing and fitting their fair animals. The Lincoln FFA works hard to promote their program at the high school as well. Events such as the Bowl-A-Thon, after school BBQs, the annual Kiss the Pig Contest and Tractor Pull always seem to earn the chapter much needed recognition. The Lincoln FFA Color Guard participates in the Homecoming Parade, and the City of Lincoln’s 4th of July and Christmas Parades. Each year, the Lincoln FFA competes in many contests including Opening and Closing Ceremonies, BIG, Farm Records, Job Interview, Prepared Public Speaking, Creed, Farm Power, Agriscience Fair, Horse Judging, Forestry Challenge and Project Competition at the local and sectional level. Lincoln FFA members also compete for many Proficiency Awards, and last year one student won a Proficiency in Beef Entrepreneurship for the Superior Region. In addition, the Lincoln FFA is proud to say they have a Sierra Buttes Sectional Officer representing their chapter this year. Lincoln FFA participates in two local fairs each year, and some students continue on to the State Fair in market, breeding and Master Showmanship. Livestock exhibitions include market and breeding swine, sheep, meat and dairy goats, beef, turkeys, and ducks. If that wasn’t enough, Lincoln FFA

members also attend many leadership conferences throughout the year including COLC, the Greenhand Conference, State Convention and National Convention. Three large fundraisers this year for the Lincoln FFA include a Tractor Raffle, restored by the Lincoln Ag Mechanics program, and a Pig Raffle, raised and cared for by the Lincoln Ag Biology classes. Lincoln FFA members also sponsor a Christmas tree sale each December. All of these activities are supervised by four outstanding and enthusiastic Agriculture teachers, Mike Trueblood, 25 years, Barret Hess, nine years, Cassandra Walker, six years and Jessica Armistead, one year. The latter two teachers are proud to be Lincoln High School Alumni and past Lincoln FFA Members. Thanks to the Lincoln Agriculture Department; it is inspiring to know, even in the face of urban sprawl, agriculture still remains a vital and active part of Lincoln’s youth. We would like to thank our community for all their help and constant support.

outstanding Chapter Lincoln FFA, Continued

D • CALIFORNIA FFA

CALIFORNIA FFA • E

State officers on the Go


WordscannotdescribetheamazingexperiencestheStateOfficerteamhashadoverthelastfewmonths!TheyhavehadtheopportunitytobeinspiredbythehundredsofuniqueindividualswhostrivetomakeapositivedifferenceintheagricultureindustryacrossthebeautifulstateofCalifornia.

IndustryvisitshadtheStateOfficersgoingupasfarnorthasGrassValleyforatouroftheForestFoundationandasfarsouthasPomonaastheylearnedaboutthenurseryindustryfromColorama.SomehighlightsfromthevisitsincludegoingbehindthescenesatHarrisRanch,FosterFarmsandBolthouseFarms,learninghowtosiphonirrigate,drivingtractors,andtalkingwiththepastCaliforniaSecretaryofAgriculture,A.G.Kawamura.TheindustryvisitshelpedgivetheStateOfficersanevengreaterappreciationforthediverseagricultureindustryinthestate.

Oncealloftheindustryvisitswerefinished,theteamstartedmeetingpeoplewhohadanextremedesiretoserveothersabovethechapterlevel,that’sright,theSectionalOfficers!WhetheritwasplayingPterodactylintheSouthernRegion,playingMinutetoWinItintheSanJoaquinRegion,orbecomingahumbleherointheSouthCoastRegion,theStateOfficershadafantastictimemeetingtheSectionalOfficersacrossthestate.Butoneofthebestpartsofattendingtheirconfer-

enceswaswatchingthemastheyworkedhardplanningfortheirChapterOfficers.

ChapterOfficerLeadershipConferences,whatagreattime!CampinginCampTehamawithSuperiorRegion,watchingthelegitlip-syncsintheNorthCoastRegion,anddancingatthesock-hopthemeddanceinCentralRegionweredefinitehigh-lights.TheStateOfficershadablastgettingtoknowandbondingwithallofthefabulousChapterOfficers.TheywereexcitedtoseeallofthepassiontheChapterOfficershadtoserveothers,anditiseasytoseethatthestateisingoodhandsatthelocallevel.

Afterwitnessinghowthingswererunatthelocallevel,theStateOfficerswereabletoexperiencethenationallevelatNationalConventioninIndianapolis,Ind.Theytraveledacrossthenationwith45otherCaliforniadelegatesandrepresentedthestateastheyvotedonconstitu-tionalamendmentsandspokeincommitteemeetings.Whatanexperi-encetohavetheopportunitytorepresentmorethan68,000members!TheStateOfficerteamhadagreattimegoingtothesessionswiththeotherdelegatesandcheeringonalloftheindividualsfromCaliforniathatcompetedatthenationallevel.Congratulationstoallofthecompetitors!

RightafterNationalConventiontheStateOfficerstraveledtoWashington,D.C.togosightseeing.TheywereabletovisittheHolocaustMuseum,Mt.Vernon,presentareflectionattheIwoJimaMemorial,participateinthewreathlayingceremonyattheTomboftheUnknownSoldier,andmuchmore.Allinall,itwasaveryhumblingexperiencetowitnesstherootsofourgreatnation.

Currentlytheteamistravelingtoschoolsacrossthestateforchaptervisits.Thishasdefinitelybeenoneoftheirfavoritepartsoftheyearastheyhavehadthechancetomeetsomanyamazingpeople!IthasbeengreattonotonlyseehowdiverseCaliforniaisinageographicalsense,buthowdiverseeachchapterisandhoweverysingleoneisunique.TeachingatsomanydifferentschoolshasbeeninspiringastheyhaveseenwhatapositiveimpacttheFFAOrganizationhashadonsomanypeople’slives.

ThenextitemsonthecalendarthattheStateOfficersarelookingforwardtoareMFE/ALA,SpringRegionalMeetings,StateDegreeCeremonies,andStateConferenceplanning.ThankyoutoalloftheindividualswhohavecontributedthusfartomakingtheStateOfficers’yearanincredibleexperience!



State officers on the GoContinued


F • CALIFORNIA FFA CALIFORNIA FFA • G

national Convention Results

Honorary American FFA Degree – TeachersJodyBaker,Hemet

VeraGomes,Hollister

DonelleMcCallister,Kelseyville

DeniseMorales,Wasco

CherylReece,Galt

TomVazquez,Cottonwood-WestValley

Honorary American FFA Degree – otherDr.ArtParham,FresnoStateUniversity

national Agriscience Student FinalistCongratulationstoLindseyAndersonofEscalonFFA,selectedasaNationalAgriscienceStudentFinalist.

national Proficiency AwardsCaliforniahad17NationalfinalistswithfiveannouncedasNationalProficiencyWinners.Totalof35Gold,eightSilversandtwoBronze.

national Proficiency WinnersAg Mech Repair Placement – BlakeMeneses,Tulare

Agriculture Processing – RichardRangel,Laton

Floriculture – LovleanPurewal,Caruthers

Grain Production Entrep. – MorganBressler,Colusa

Poultry Production – ChristianAlexandre,DelNorte

national CDEsNational Winner – Dairy Cattle EvaluationAtwater-Buhach Colony FFA Vincent Migliazzo – 5th Place High Individual

Kaitlyn Ryan – 6th Place High Individual Robert Iniguez Alison Sherman

National Winner – Marketing PlanElk Grove FFA Jenny Gordon Maddie Stone Whitney Petersen

National Winner – Meats EvaluationClovis FFA Cole Lane – 1st Place High Individual Lacey McGrath – 2nd Place High Individual Kelli Williamson – 8th Place High Individual Markie Hudiburgh

2nd Place – Agriculture IssuesElk Grove FFA Joey Clifford Molly Swanberg Jordan Albiani Max Francesconi Morgan Miller

2nd Place – Creed SpeakingRiley Nilsen, Nipomo FFA

2nd Place – Parliamentary ProcedureWest Valley-Cottonwood FFA Jacob Vazquez Maegen Moser Jessica Vazquez Lexi Albion Josh Bohrn Allison Tucker

3rd Place – Agriculture SalesTulelake FFA Laura Plass – 1st Place High Individual Kelsey King Lexie Greenbank Michelle Rupert

4th Place – Horse EvaluationAtwater FFA Nicolette Schiber – 6th Place High Individual Briana Hamamoto Sasha Del Muro Jackelyn Vasquez

6th Place – Environmental and Natural ResourcesSierra-Tollhouse FFA Jodi Raley Hannah Johnson Alan Sereno Taylor Tyler

7th Place – Job InterviewClay Kruse, Bret Harte FFA

7th Place – Poultry EvaluationPorterville-Monache FFA Jordan Leslie Marcella Boyd Taylor Leslie Bethany Hargett

Gold EmblemAg Mechanics –RiponFFA

Livestock Evaluation– PortervilleFFA

Nursery/Landscape –ClovisFFA

Silver EmblemAgronomy –SantaMariaFFA

Dairy Food – Merced-GoldenValleyFFA

Floriculture–HanfordFFA

Forestry – GrassValley-NevadaUnionFFA

Prepared Public Speaking – VincePellegri,GaltFFA

Bronze EmblemExtemporaneous Speaking – HaydnClement,PasoRoblesFFA

Farm Business Management – ElkGroveFFA

F • CALIFORNIA FFA CALIFORNIA FFA • G

national Convention ResultsContinued

Marketing Champions – Elk Grove FFAThe 2010 FFA National Convention will always be a cherished memory for the Elk Grove FFA Chapter. Elk Grove FFA had 17 students compete at the national level in Marketing Plan, Agriculture Issues Forum, Farm Business Management and Agriscience Fair. Year 2010 was filled with hard work, determination and steep learning curves. It obviously paid off!

Elk Grove FFA is proud to be named the National Champion Marketing Plan team, a first for Elk Grove FFA and the first California Marketing Plan championship since 1999. Team members Jenny Gordon, Whitney Petersen and Maddie Stone partnered with Blue Diamond Growers to nationally market almond butter to mainstream grocery stores, natural food chains, athletic retailers and Panera Bread Company. The Elk Grove Agriculture Issues Forum team, which focused on the water crisis in California, placed second in the nation behind the state of Wyoming. Team members Jordan Albiani, Molly Swanberg, Morgan Miller, Max Francesconi, and Joey Clifford presented to the Department of Fish and Game, Department of Water Resources, California State University, Chico, California Advocates, Farm Bureau as well as other stakeholders to build their portfolio. Year 2010 marks the first year a California Agriculture Issues Forum team has advanced to the final round of competition, let alone earning second place. Elk Grove’s Farm Business Management team, comprised of Jake Carlson, Josh Donnelly, Tom Hardesty and Mitchell Harry earned a bronze award. In the Agriscience Competition Molly Swanberg and Maddie Stone received second place in the advanced team botany division. Jake Carlson earned second place in advanced individual engineering division. Agriscience students Kat Hill and Kirstyn Fountain earned third place in the advanced team microbiology division. Maddie Albiani and Kendall Cahill also competed in the Agriscience Fair Competition. Elk Grove FFA also earned a Three Star National Chapter Award.

Meats Evaluation and Technology Champions – Clovis FFAClovis FFA is proud to be home of the 2010 National Champion Meats Evaluation and Technology Team. Clovis FFA members Lacey McGrath, Kelli Williamson, Markie Hudiburgh and Cole Lane traveled with their coach, Mr. Ken Dias and the Clovis East Principal, Mr. Darin Tockey, to Indianapolis, Ind. for the 83rd National FFA Convention. The Clovis FFA Meats Evaluation Team remained undefeated this year by winning the National Championship. The members of the Meats Evaluation Team have spent the last five months studying and training to compete at the national level.

The National FFA Meats Evaluation contest examines students’ skills and competencies in evaluating and identifying meat carcasses and products. Event components include a general knowledge exam, beef carcass evaluation, retail meat identification, quality and yield grading of beef carcasses, a team meat merchandising activity, and solving a meat formulation problem.

In order to compete at this higher level, the members of the Meats Evaluation Team spent their summer in local meat lockers, in the classroom, and on their own time studying for this event. The journey to Nationals started the members’ freshman year when they started studying meats. Three of the members are now seniors in high school and one is a freshman in college. The hard work paid off for the members of this team. Team member Cole Lane was named the first high individual in the nation, and other team members include Lacey McGrath, second high individual, Kelli Williamson, eighth high individual, and Markie Hudiburgh, 14th high individual. All team members received a $1,000 scholarship to further their education. The meats judging team is coached by Agriculture Instructor Mr. Ken Dias, who has coached 10 national champion teams. The Clovis FFA Meats Evaluation Team was proud to represent their community and state at the national level.

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national Convention ResultsContinued

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Buhach Colony FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Team Wins national Contest

The Buhach Colony FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Team placed first at the 83rd National FFA Dairy Cattle Judging contest held in Indianapolis, Ind. The team, coached by Mr. Manny Mancebo, included Alison Sherman, Kaitlyn Ryan, Vincent Migliazzo and Robert Inequez. The dairy team qualified for the National contest when they won the State competition back in May at Cal Poly where Vincent Migliazzo was high individual, and Alison Sherman was second high individual in the state. Their National trip started with two days of practice at several Wisconsin dairies. Then the team made their way to Indianapolis, Ind. and competed in a two-day contest at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Forty-four states were represented, and day one of competition consisted of the written test, pedigrees and herd data evaluation. Day two consisted of six classes of dairy cattle evaluation, three oral reasons classes and six linear evaluation classes. Friday afternoon was the awards luncheon, and good news was to follow. Alison, Kaitlyn, Vincent and Robert were all GOLD award recipients and Kaitlyn Ryan won the honors of high individual in Reasons, Holsteins, Jerseys and Milking Shorthorns. Vincent Migliazzo was fifth high individual and Kaitlyn was sixth high individual overall in the nation. Tears were flying from all four contestants, including coach Mancebo, when the words, “Your 2010 National Champion Dairy Cattle Judging Team … California-Buhach Colony FFA” were announced. The team will now represent the United States at the International Royal Highland Competition in Edinburgh, Scotland in June 2011. The cost per student to attend the World Competition will be approximately $4,500/each, and fundraising has already begun.

If you wish to support the Dairy judging team, please send donation to BCFFA, Attn: Mr. Mancebo, P.O. Box 753, Atwater, CA 95301, or call Mr. Mancebo at (559) 283-2217.

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State Judging Finals

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Matt Terra – newman FFA ChapterAlumni on the Go

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 you 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 Michelle Jimenez at: [email protected]. See future due dates in the Chapter Scoop section.

Alumni on the Go

liST/DESCRiBE THE FFA ACTiViTiES/lEADERSHiP RolES YoU WERE inVolVED in:Mr. Terra was his chapter president his senior year and also the Section Star Farmer. He was the Stanislaus Tuolumne Section Sentinel (1990-91). The following year he was the Central Region Vice President (1991-92). After he graduated high school, he served as the California Association State Secretary (1992-93).

liST/DESCRiBE THE PRoJECTS YoU WERE inVolVED in:He showed market and breeding sheep, was on his chapter’s Ag Mechanics team, and also grew oats and lima beans.

HoW DiD YoUR PARTiCiPATion in THE FFA PREPARE YoU FoR WHAT YoU ARE DoinG ToDAY? BE SURE To inClUDE WHAT YoU Do, RESPonSiBlE FoR, ETC .After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture with a minor in Agribusiness and Crop Science, Mr. Terra worked for Harris Moran Seed Company, and is currently the Field Manager for Eckert Cold Storage where he visits farms and buys produce. The FFA gave him the leadership and communication skills to work with growers and others in the ag industry. He has kept involved in leadership as an active member of the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau.

ADDiTionAl inFoRMATion THAT WoUlD BE oF inTEREST To oUR READERS:Today, Mr. Terra volunteers his time coaching two judging teams for the Escalon FFA chapter, which are Vegetable Crops and Ag Pest Control. He is a member of the Escalon High School Ag Department’s Advisory Committee, and he also volunteers his time judging sectional and regional FFA events. He volunteers his time because he feels the FFA has given him so much, and he wants young people to be able to have all of the opportunities he had when he himself was an FFA member.

Matt Terra – NOW and

THEN

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Show Your Support for California Agriculture

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Mindy Burris has been the California FFA editor for the past two years. She has done a great job in displaying the achievements of FFA members in the California FFA insert and will be missed! She recently graduated from California Polytechnic University in June with a major of Agriculture Communications. She is currently working in Arroyo Grande, Calif. at CoreClean Group while attaining her master’s degree in Agribusiness at Cal Poly. Mindy is originally from Hughson, Calif. and was part of the Hughson FFA Chapter for four years. Thank you, Mindy for your service to the California FFA.

Michelle Jimenez is extremely excited to be the new editor! She is originally from Soledad, Calif. and is currently a junior at Cal Poly studying Agriculture Education to become an Ag teacher. Michelle was part of the Soledad FFA and participated in extemporaneous public speaking, attended numerous FFA conferences, and raised sheep and hogs for her SAE. She served as the 2007-2008 California State FFA Secretary and loved every minute of it. Michelle is excited to help share your story in future editions of the California FFA insert starting with her first issue in April!

Hello Michelle, Goodbye Mindy!

Show your support for CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE with California’s newest special interest license plate.Each member who encourages someone to order a California Ag Plate completes the “Cal Ag Plate Incentive” form signed by them and their FFA Advisor. These forms are forwarded to the State Agriculture Education Office. The names submitted on the forms will be compared to the list of those who have ordered a California Ag Plate.

• The chapter that submits member lists of the greatest number of people who have purchased California Ag Plates in proportion to their chapter FFA membership will win $1,000.

• The chapter that submits member lists of the second most people who have purchased California Ag Plates in proportion to their chapter FFA membership will win $500.

• There will be 10 random draws of people who have ordered a California Ag Plate. The member whose list includes that person will receive $100. The member’s chapter will receive $200.

• The contest will end on February 1, 2011.

About the California Agriculture License Plate: When you show your support for California agriculture with the purchase of a special interest license plate, you are investing in the next generation of our Ag industry’s innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders. Your purchase directly supports youth agriculture programs that have an established record of success. Invest in your future today!

FEES SUPPORT:

• Agricultural Education

• Agricultural Career Awareness

• Agricultural Career Training

• Youth Leadership Development

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los Banos FFA ChapterWritten by Toni Silva, Chapter Reporter

Another busy week for the Los Banos FFA! On Thursday September 30, 2010, the annual tri-tip dinner was held, and it was a huge success! We would like to thank you for your support! On October 2-3, the Los Banos FFA officer team attended the COLC conference in Denair. The conference was made to help us build a stronger chapter and bring new ideas to the table. The officer team had lots of fun and learned many new things to bring back to the chapter. On October 4, the Los Banos FFA held their annual Halloween meeting, where they dressed up to get an extra activity point! The night was a huge suc-cess having mostly everyone dressed up! Lastly, I would like to inform the public about the Los Banos FFA/Ag Boosters chicken rigatoni drive-thru dinner. It is on October 18, 2010 from 4:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The cost is $10.00 and if you are interested in a ticket, please contact Don Baker at (209) 617-6608. Thank you for your continued support and have a great week!

Calexico FFA ChapterWritten by Ivan Martinezs, Chapter Reporter

Here in Calexico we are proud to say that we start learning about agriculture at a young age. The Calexico FFA Chapter is very involved with teach-ing its community about agriculture.

Every year our chapter holds its Annual Preschool Showcase for the younger community of Calexico. Caesar Chavez Elementary School was one of the first to arrive with more than 80 preschool

students in attendance. The Educational Coordinators this year were Fernanda Aguilar and Martin Bermudez, and they had a great time and are looking forward to working with the pre-schoolers again this upcoming year. This year our Agriculture Leadership class is looking forward to expanding this showcase from a one-day activity to multiple days where the preschoolers can come and learn about the animals, as well as work on growing vegetables in the OH facility.

All of our members were very pleased to see that preschool students are very interested in our SAE projects and our animal facilities, and eager to learn more about animals and farming. Overall, the Preschool Showcase was very successful, it is one of many awareness programs that our chapter holds annually and will continue to do so throughout the years.

Hilmar FFA ChapterWritten by Michael Butler, Chapter Reporter

On Thursday, September 16, Hilmar FFA was excited to host a group of 14 high school students and their instructors from Australia. Their high school, Stanthorpe State High School, offers an extensive agricultural and tourism program focus-ing on the wine industry. Every two years, they offer a trip to California to compare and contrast California agriculture to their own. To keep their costs down, Hilmar FFA was asked to host the students for a night. While they were here, we learned many things about them. They like to play sports, such as cricket and rugby. They also really liked FFA and believed it would be quite popular if they had it in Australia. All in all, Hilmar FFA members had a great experience interacting with our friends from “down under”.

San Marcos FFA Chapter

San Marcos High School’s FFA just recently moved into their new Agriculture facility in Twin Oaks. The facility was designed by LPA Architects out of Irvine, Calif. The construction began in December of 2009 and was completed in March

of 2010. Katherine Tanner, Executive Director of Facilities Planning and Development for the San Marcos School District, suggested Twin Oaks as a possible location for the facility because the zoning worked well for the farm and it was close to all three of the high schools.

The facility holds three pig pens, eight lamb pens, three steer pens and two horse pens. There is a

large arena that allows members to work with their animals and practice showmanship. Two additional pens are used for chickens and ducks. There are also two storage bins; one for the steer and pig group, and the other for the lambs and horses.

Tokay FFA Chapter

The Tokay FFA has been busy assembling our grape and commodity murals for the 73rd Annual Lodi Grape Festival. The grape mural is 8’x12’ and made entirely with grapes grown on the school

farm. The commodity mural, which was 4’x4’, was made with various other commodities such as cotton, almonds, corn, apricots, rice and many more. Tokay FFA members spent two weeks working on both murals and received first place for both. The chapter also entered about 200 boxes and plates of grapes from the school farm in the festival. All the boxes and plates were judged and the chapter received many first and second place awards. The Tokay School Farm is home to more than 47 different varieties of grapes and are cared for by the members. The Tokay FFA would like to thank all of the community mem-bers for their help and support with the Grape Festival entries.

Hamilton City FFA ChapterWritten by Audra Jones, Chapter Historian

Hamilton City FFA is branching out on the school farm. Students just completed planting an olive

orchard to produce olives as an oil crop. The proj-ect started over the summer with the ground work and watering system. When school started, students worked alongside volunteers to erect the trellis system and plant more than 650 trees. The olive trees that were planted are the super high-density trees that grow on a trellis system, which allows for mechanical harvesting of the crop. A special thanks goes out to California Olive Ranch, Durham Pump, Agtrell, Juan Carrillo, John Henning and Nathon Elkin for making this project a reality.

littlerock FFA Chapter Written by Priscella Arciga

On September 23, 2010, the Littlerock FFA mem-bers had their first FFA meeting of the year, which was an Ice Cream Social. This event is always the highlight of the start of the year and the goal is to

Chapter Scoops

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get members socializing and pumped about the year ahead. A record breaking 150 members showed up to meet the officers, participate in the scavenger hunt, enjoy some ice cream sundaes, and win fabulous prizes in the raffle.

Before the socializing began, the chapter had to take care of business, which included passing $225 to help first-year members pay for their Greenhand Conference registration fees. The first-year members were really excited about the chance to attend the Greenhand Conference and thought it was cool that the Littlerock FFA chap-ter was going to help them pay for it. Once the business was done the scavenger hunt began, and members were excited to try and win the $20 prize. Afterwards, ice cream was served until peo-ple were full. Overall, the event was a great success, and members are excited for future FFA meetings that include activities such as pumpkin smashing, turkey bowling, ginger bread house construction, and a new activity for this year “win it in a minute.”

Escalon FFA ChapterWritten by Arissa Chunn, Chapter Reporter

On September 20, 2010, Escalon hosted a barbe-cue for Greenhand members and their parents, with more than 150 in attendance. The Parent Ag Boosters provided a chicken dinner for all. After dinner, three officers stayed outside with the par-ents to talk about opportunities for their children

and to answer questions. The other three officers took the Greenhands back to the classroom and held a mini conference for the Greenhand mem-bers that included workshops about official dress, which incorporated a uniform relay race, SAE and CDE events. Officers also took the opportunity to discuss leadership conferences and promote GLC (the Greenhand Leadership Conference), which would be later in the fall. Following the workshop, Greenhands painted their hands and put their handprints on a poster, now displayed in the ag department hallway. By the end of the night, Greenhands and parents alike were more informed about much of what FFA has to offer.

newman FFA ChapterWritten by Frankie Ramirez, Chapter Reporter

This year Newman FFA is going to enhance the relationship between the officers by having monthly “officer nights.” An officer night is when one of the officers and an advisor set up a fun-filled night with team building activities and fun for the team. The first officer night took place in October with a warm bonfire at our vice presi-dent’s house. As we roasted marshmallows and ate candy many new interesting facts were learned about everyone.

“You could really feel the connection between us” says Christina, the chapter president. “We went from a team to a family.”

With the bond we create at these officer night’s, we will certainly be a stronger, more united team. Future officer nights will include activities such as laser tag, bowling and paintball.

Santa Maria FFA ChapterWritten by Jose Flores, Chapter Reporter

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Last September, Greenhand members got the opportunity to greet the new chapter officers as well as enjoy a delicious ice cream sundae pre-pared by the officers. Senior officer Thalia Reyes described the event, “It was a great opportunity for the greenhands to get to know each other as well as the officer team.” All this was in anticipa-tion for the first meeting of the year. The meeting’s theme was FFA Carnival and the big attraction was the inflatable obstacle course where members were motivated to “take the challenge, success awaits”. The meeting kicked off with offi-

cers introducing themselves to the audience. The next item on the agenda was the games, which consisted of tricycle races, inflatable obstacle course, an inflatable bungee run, and the T-shirt pass. Finally to top off the night, guests were provided with food, drinks and candy.

Pioneer Valley FFA Chapter Written by Enrique Pinon

On September 19 students from the Pioneer Valley FFA Chapter traveled to the Dodger Stadium to watch the LA Dodgers play against the Colorado Rockies. The chapter took a busload of exhilarated students on a three-hour ride to a destination of spine-tingling fun! The students who took part in this unforgettable event had access to a food station and received unlimited Dodger dogs, nachos, popcorn, peanuts and soda! Well fed and enjoying the game, these students had a blast and the opportunity to socialize with students from other FFA chapters who attended the event. Our wonderful sun made sure that everyone went home with a great souvenir, whether she burned your living tissue or gave you a great tan, nobody left the stadium without a gift from mother earth. Overall, it was a great game and everyone arrived home safely and excited for the next FFA activity!

Hanford FFA ChapterWritten by Madeline Wisecarver, Chapter Reporter

The Hanford FFA Chapter participated in the 15th Annual American Cancer Society 24-Hour Relay-4-Life on October 9-10. This has been an annual community service event for more than 100 FFA members who collected more than $11,850 for the Hanford Walk for Life Event. This year’s FFA theme was “Hunting for a Cure.” More

Chapter Scoops Continued

Newman officer team picture (left to right):

Courtney Stettler, Christina Bettencourt, Frankie Ramirez,

Mikaela Tosta, Jennifer Crisanti, Manuel Gonzales,

Cameron Rocha.

Pictured above: Anthony Ramirez, Jose Luis Lua,

Carolina Lopez, Giselle Sanchez and Simon Martinez

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than 40 members camped during the night walk-ing and earned spirit points for the FFA team. Hanford FFA received two achievements; first place and a perpetual trophy for Most Involved in a Single Organization, and third place for Top Fundraising Team. FFA members helped their community by raising money, walking, organizing and working the “Kids Camp” area, and partici-pated in the “Road to Recovery” car race. FFA members are now American Cancer Society advocates and will continue to promote preven-tion, awareness, research and patient services.

Bret Harte FFA ChapterWritten by Heather Kirkendall, Chapter Reporter

On September 18, 2010, the Bret Harte FFA and the Ag Department had 15 Australian students and two teachers visit our Agriculture Science Facility. Previously, the school from “down under”

visited us two years ago and had so much fun that they requested to come back. Our Bret Harte FFA chapter came out that day to give a tour, explain our agricul-ture classes and leadership opportunities. On the tour we explained and showed them our Aquaculture

Facility, Laying Hen area, Poultry Cooperative that raises 400 fryers, state-of-the-art Greenhouse that produces more than 4,000 plants sold to the com-munity, the Rabbit Barn that houses our Californian and New Zealand breeds, our Composting systems, and Raised Garden Beds. Overall, the Australians were really interested in our program and we enjoyed meet-ing students from another country advocating for agriculture.

Pitman FFA ChapterWritten by Kayla Roton, Chapter Reporter

Pitman FFA is off to a great year, starting with a tremendous community service act; our second annual Think Pink Thursday. Think Pink Thursday was held on Thursday, October 7 and was open to all students, faculty and staff on campus.

Everyone was encouraged to dress in pink to show their support for breast cancer research. A group

photo was taken at lunch with all students who were wearing pink. This year more than 900 people participated in this school-wide event. The chapter also sold “Think Pink” shirts for $10.00 with all of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. Additionally, for every student wearing pink that day, the Pitman FFA donated 10 cents for a grand total of $350.00. Overall, the day was a huge success and it was amazing to see so many people support this cause. With the suc-cess of the last two Think Pink Thursdays, this event has quickly become a tradition and annual event for our FFA and our school.

Grace Davis FFA ChapterWritten by Danielle Hyatt, Chapter Reporter

This year the Grace Davis FFA has welcomed two new incredible teachers to our Ag Department. Our new additions are Tammy Burris, a former Johansen FFA advisor, and Patrick Frazier, a first-year teacher from Cal Poly. Even though we are suffering some membership loss from the opening of the new high school, our teachers and officer team are driven to think of new ways to replenish our membership so that it can thrive for years to come. We are all looking forward to these won-derful people as our new teachers.

A highlight this year has been caring for the Foster Farms Presidential Big Brother Turkeys. We received the six turkeys the first week of school, and the Grace Davis poultry team has been in charge of care and feeding. It is quite an honor that the Grace Davis FFA was selected to house and care for these prestigious birds. The big brothers have traveled throughout the state of California and Oregon, as exhibits at County and State Fairs. These dignitaries educated many on the duties of the presidential turkeys, and what an

honor it is to be pardoned by the President of the United States.

October 20-26, five of our members, Shannon Mahaffey, Lakeishia Martin, Danielle Hyatt, Isabella Barajas and Breanna Martin, went on the long journey to Indianapolis, Ind. for National Convention. They had an amazing time at the sessions and had fun at the concert where they enjoyed listening to Eastern Corbin and Lady Antebellum. After the convention was over they flew on two small airplanes to Washington DC where they experienced the metro and toured many destinations such as the Holocaust Museum, Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, Jima Memorial and amazing sites. Overall, these members had a great trip and learned a lot too.

San luis obispo FFA ChapterWritten by Lauren Huffaker, Chapter Reporter

On October 13, 2010, the San Luis Obispo FFA Chapter hosted an exciting and upbeat pumpkin carving contest to kick off the Halloween season. About 62 FFA members joined in a pumpkin carving contest with various winning categories such as prettiest, funniest, scariest, most FFA/agricultural related, Officers’ choice, and most Chapter themed, which this year is “SLO FFA: A Sure Bet” as well as participating in a round of Halloween Bingo. Along with the 62 members San Luis Obispo also invited members of the Templeton FFA Chapter Officer team to judge the contest and speak about the news in their chapter.

lodi FFA Chapter no . 1Written by Courtney Miller, Chapter ReporterDuring the month of September, the Lodi FFA was very busy preparing for Lodi, California’s annual grape festival. The chapter constructed one grape mural that was made of a variety of

Members enjoying the Pumpkin carving contest at the San Luis Obispo FFA Chapter pumpkin carving meeting.

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grapes and two commodity murals that consisted of many different commodities that are grown in the San Joaquin area. The theme for this year’s festival was around the world; many of the chap-ter members submitted designs. Our final design was created by Junior member Holly Faccini. Our chapter officers got the chance to make an impact in the community by spending hours helping with set up and preparation for the festival. We recieved both best of shows and a first place for our murals. Earning us $2,900 for the chapter. Way to go Lodi FFA!

Sunny Hills FFA ChapterWritten by Alex Johnson, Chapter Reporter

Ah, the smell of a barbecue on a crisp fall evening. Ah, the sound of old friendships reuniting and the laughter of new friendships being formed. On the evening September 29, 2010, the officers and

members of Sunny Hills FFA hosted a new event for incoming freshman. A variant of Back to School Night, this fun-filled evening was dubbed “Back to Ag Night” and more than 100 members attended. Hamburgers and beverages were pro-vided to the curious freshman as they strolled throughout the many exhibits, which displayed all the opportunities available throughout FFA, including livestock, public speaking contests, CDEs and more. Also on site was a stall that sold homemade jam to sweet-tooths in the crowd. Back to Ag Night was a fun way to get involved with FFA and to learn about it as well. And of course, official dress was mandatory for those working.

Morgan Hill FFA ChapterWritten by Clayton Carlson, Chapter Reporter

Before the school year had even begun, the Morgan Hill FFA and their Officer Team were hard at work. This summer, the Morgan Hill FFA at Live Oak High School was given the opportu-nity of a lifetime! We were able to a host a tour of our school farm for a delegation from Morgan

Hill’s sister city, San Martin de Hidalgo, Mexico, and give them some insight into an American high school and American agriculture.

President, Dr. Francisco Javier Guerrero Núnez, his wife, their two teenage daughters, a council-woman, the Foreign Affairs Director and several other leaders from our sister city all attended. After touring a local farm, our guests were excited to see the agriculture programs available through FFA at Live Oak High School and compare them to the farming opportunities they have at home.

However, this was not the only farm tour that the Morgan Hill FFA Officer Team hosted. The Morgan Hill FFA was also honored with giving a school farm tour to a group of kids from Nordstrom’s (local elementary school) daycare center. During their visit, they learned about different animals, the fitting and showing of livestock. Our young guests also participated in fun team-building games and activities, such as grain sack races.

Whether it was giving a foreign leader a tour of your school, or competing against the grain sack race champion, one thing can be assured – the Morgan Hill FFA will never forget the memories we made with our guests and as a chapter!

Foothill-Bakersfield FFA ChapterWritten by Joanne Torres, Chapter Reporter

On May 19, 2010, the Foothill FFA Chapter of Bakersfield, Calif., had the privilege to host a special guest speaker in our Ag classes. The Mayor of Bakersfield, Mr. Harvey Hall, took time out of his busy schedule to address our Ag Business classes. As the owner of Hall Ambulance Services, Mayor Hall was asked to speak about all types of businesses including Ag-related types. Mayor Hall addressed an abun-dant number of topics to keep our Ag business students both well informed and interested in business opportunities offered both in and out of Bakersfield. It is safe to say that Melany, Marie, Brenda, Bernice, Cesar and Jesus (in order of posi-tion in picture left to right), as well as all of the other Ag business students were very gratified to have the Mayor of Bakersfield address our classes as one of Foothill’s greatest guest speakers.

Gustine FFA ChapterWritten by Mikayla Nacci, Chapter Reporter

The Gustine FFA held their 26th Annual Truck and Tractor Pulls on July 3, 2010. The FFA officers spent a majority of their summer planning the event and working to make it as successful as it was in the past. The officers spent time going around to the local businesses trying to raise money by selling ads in their sponsor book they put together for the pulls. The Valley’s Tractor Pullers helped that night to get the track ready. The FFA had a food booth at the pulls, which the FFA members helped out at by selling food and drinks to people who attended. This year we had more than 2,000 people that attended. The pulls helped the FFA raised 7,800 dollars for the year. The Truck and Tractor Pulls were a great success and we look forward to putting it on for many years to follow.

Esparto FFA ReporterWritten by Carolann Clark

This October was a very productive and success-ful month for Esparto FFA. They put on their second annual Halloween Carnival, competed in sectional speaking contests, attended the Central Region’s COLC, and worked at a local festival in the Capay Valley. Esparto is definitely “Bringin Farmin Back,” which is this year’s theme.

The Yolo Section Opening and Closing Ceremonies Contest took place on October 13 this year. Esparto FFA showed up with three com-peting teams, one novice team, one advanced team, and of course, the officer team. The officer team placed first with three of our officers receiv-ing outstanding officer awards, including Margot Dittmar our Chapter President, Miles Eldon, Chapter Treasurer and Carolann Clark, Chapter Reporter.

October would not be complete without a Corn Maze! The Esparto FFA took 63 members to the World’s Largest Corn Maze in Dixon. Mrs. Charter was a bit nervous taking that many students to a corn maze at night and was happy that no one got lost.

Esparto FFA’s Halloween Hoedown was very successful this year! They succeeded in providing a stellar haunted house reenacting popular horror movies including Saw, The Ring, and multiple carnival-style booths and activities. After paying a $3.50 entrance fee, attendees were treated with hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee, Halloween candy, and fun was had by all!

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As the first semester comes to a close, the Esparto FFA officer team hopes to continue help Esparto FFA flourish and show younger FFA students how much fun it is to be an active member of the FFA. So far, the officer team has been successful in achieving their goal!

Wheatland FFA ChapterWritten by Alyssa Patterson, Chapter Reporter

This year, more than 50 members of Wheatland FFA participated in the Yuba-County Farm Day. At our Farm Day, we give third graders a close-up look at jobs in agriculture. Some participants in the presentations were fellow students who gave detailed and entertaining descriptions of life on the farm. Other less mechanically inclined members, worked as tour guides for the children, leading them through a four-hour crash course in everything agri-cultural. From animals to tractors, these little guys experienced it all. But the members were not the only ones doing the teaching; many of the children had interesting stories to share with the tour guides, giving us a better under-standing of how children today view their community and what’s happening around them. Our members found it gratifying to teach these children even the simplest things, like where their food comes from. We can’t wait until next year!

Eureka FFA ChapterWritten by Ehlana Churchill, Chapter Reporter

Ashley Reynolds, Natalie Grant, Chelsey Gratz, Kelly Pedrotti, Ehlana Churchill and Julie Grant all were selected from Eureka High FFA to attend the 83rd Annual FFA National Convention held in Indianapolis, Ind. Mrs. Lovfald, was the advisor this year. As a group, they

traveled with Ferndale, Del Norte, Fortuna, Mckinleyville, and Arcata FFA on many tours, the Career Show and the FFA sessions. This year a record breaking 54,945 members were in attendance to the conference. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Southern Region FFA UpdateWritten by Adriana Kaplan, Southern Region Vice President

The Southern Region FFA Officers started the year off with a bang at their retreat in Laguna Beach. Three days were spent planning for the Regional Officer Leadership Conference, the Sectional Officer Leadership Conference, and the Chapter Officer Leadership Conference. At ROLC they honored exemplary service organizations with a patriotic observance. In August, at their SOLC, the state officers held workshops

and team-building activities to strengthen the sectional officer teams! Members from the Southern Region showed off their FFA pride at the Los Angeles County Fair Field Day by competing in competitions such as Specialty Animal and Floriculture! In November, COLC was held in Indio.

The Regional Officers shined in workshops such as “The Power of a Positive Attitude” and “Conflict Resolution” that they put on for the chapter officers! With such a great start, the Southern Region FFA is excited for the experi-ences to be had this year!

Monache FFA Chapter

On October 19, 2010, Monache FFA Poultry Team members, Jordan Leslie, Marcella Boyd, Taylor Leslie and Bethany Hargett, along with their advisor, Mrs. Cindy Brown, traveled back to Indianapolis, Ind. to compete in the National Poultry Career Development Event (CDE) after winning the State Poultry CDE this past May. The team placed seventh in the nation out of 38 teams from across the country. In addition, all four of the girls received individ-ual gold emblems, and the entire team placed gold as well.

The National Poultry CDE is a competitive activity that tests the participant’s ability to select top-quality poultry and poultry products needed for successful production and marketing. Event participants must compete in a written exam on poultry management individually, evaluate classes of live birds for eggs and meat production, evaluate quality of eggs internally and externally, evaluate and identify parts and products, and the team must participate in a scenario based on poultry management. Jordan Leslie, who has been judging poultry all four years of high school and after high school, says, “I am so happy that the team even made it to nationals let alone placing seventh.” Jordan attends Porterville College and plans to go on to become an Equine Veterinarian. “There were so many people there, I just couldn’t believe it,” says Marcella Boyd, who has been judging poultry all four years of high school and plans to pursue a veterinary career in small animal care. Taylor Leslie, who started judging poultry her sophomore year, says, “I am elated to have had the chance to go to nationals before graduation!” “It’s amazing to go to nationals as a junior, not many mem-bers from Monache make it there as a senior, let alone a junior,” says Bethany Hargett, who has been judging poultry since she was a freshman.

The Porterville Community was a great support system for Monache’s Poultry Team who would like to give a special thanks to the Eagle’s Lodge, the Exchange Club, the Breakfast Rotary Club, the Breakfast Lions Club, All Creatures Pet Care, and the Monache FFA Boosters for their generous donations.

Above (left to right): Mrs. Cindy Brown, Marcella Boyd, Bethany Hargett, Jordan Leslie,

Taylor Leslie and Dr. Roy Brister (from Tyson Foods)

CA FFA New Horizons Due Dates:April 2011 Material Deadline Date – 1/24/11 August 2011 Material Deadline Date – 5/20/11

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 Michelle Jimenez at [email protected].

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Documents

February 2011, FFA New Horizons