FFA News

On October 30th, nine West Holmes FFA graduates received their American FFA Degree, the highest degree an FFA member can recieve. Members were; Ethan Drzazga, Macin Hager, Anna Irwin, Laura Irwin, Lexi Ogi, Kylie Ramirez, Brayden Shumaker, Tierra Slaubaugh and Chase Stitzlein. The American Degree is the most prestigious award given to anyone in FFA, it is a very challenging degree to achieve, but its rewards are worth it. In order to get this degree applicants must have obtained the Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, and State Degree; they also must have been involved in FFA for at least three years, must have graduated at least one year prior to the National Convention, invested a total of $7,500, have good leadership skills, completed 50 hours of community service activities, and maintained a “C” or higher GPA. They represent 1% of the FFA membership. Congratulations to all members who received their American Degrees.… Continue reading

The West Holmes FFA chapter traveled to National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana October 26 through October 30th.  Sixteen FFA members attended the convention. The 16 members who attended National Convention were: Cora Crilow, Maren Drzazga, Garrett Houin, Derek Miller, Jess Miller, Pacee Miller, Alex Pringle, Alysa Pringle, Bree Pringle, Leah Reining, Andi Schuch, Becca Schuch, Jenna Sheldon, Chloe Shumaker, Alexa Tate, and Quentin Vehrs.

On Tuesday, the chapter departed from the school to start off on a river boat ride with BB River Boats in Cincinnati. On the ride they ate dinner and danced. They spent that night in Kentucky before the first full day. 

On Wednesday, the chapter started their day in Kentucky. They toured the University of Kentucky. After that, they departed for Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Derby is held. Then they watched how they made red hot candy at Schimpff’s Confectionery. To finish the day they got to eat at a Japanese Steakhouse in Indianapolis. … Continue reading

On November 3rd, 4 West Holmes FFA members participated in district food science at Plymouth High School. Members included Cora Crilow and Alysa Pringle who scored a 106, Ally Ogi scored 93, and Leah Reining scored 90.  Food science is a competition where you answer questions about food safety, preparation, and marketing. Some of the practicums involved food safety and customer inquiry, food analysis, equipment ID, GMP’s, taste tests, and aroma ID. Thanks to Plymouth FFA for hosting and congrats to our members.  … Continue reading

On November 11th, 4 West Holmes FFA members participated in the District 2 job interview contest at Bellevue. Ally Ogi placed 1st in the Senior division. Maren Drzazga placed 1st in the sophomore division. Alysa Pringle placed 4th in the junior division. Lexy Starner placed 4th in the freshman division. Ally and Maren will now compete in the state contest. Before the contest members created a cover letter and resume. During the contest they filled out a job application, went through an interview, and wrote a follow up letter.Thank you to Bellevue for hosting! 

On November 4th, 12 West Holmes FFA members participated in the chapter job interview contest. In the freshman division Lexy Starner was 1st, Garrett Fowler 2nd, Alexa Tate was 3rd, and Gabby Yates was 4th. In the sophomore division Maren Drzazga was 1st and Derek Miller  2nd. In the junior division Alysa Pringle was 1st, Becca Schuch was 2nd, and Garrett Houin was 3rd.… Continue reading

Benjamin Logan FFA members Micah Ackley, Paityn Anspach, Kelsey Chambers, and Addison Huffman recently participated in the food science and technology career development event hosted at Ridgemont High School. To stimulate learning activities in food science and technology related to the food industry and to assist students in developing a good working knowledge of sound principles used in a team decision-making process. FFA member Addison Huffman said “Food science was a great opportunity while we got to travel to another school and be in a type of competition.”… Continue reading

Benjamin Logan FFA members Owen O’Brien, Justin Elliot, Emily Musser, Libby Siefring, and Maria Henderson recently participated in the job interview career development event hosted at Ridgemont High School and Urbana High School. The Ohio Job Interview CDE is designed for FFA members to practice and demonstrate the skills needed in seeking employment in all areas of agriculture. Each part of this event simulates real world experiences that students will have when seeking employment in the future. FFA member Owen O’Brien said that “This CDE has taught me a lot the past three years on how to be a better communicator.”… Continue reading

Connor Maxson has received a complementary jacket from the financial donations of friends and family of William “Bill” Sutherly. Mr. Sutherly was a lifelong farmer in the Miami East Schools Community and passed away in 2021. His family and friends have made financial contributions to the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter in his memory.

Connor is the son of Scott and Katrina Maxson of Conover. Connor is a first year member of the Miami East FFA Chapter. He completed an essay and will be receiving his FFA Jacket for use at FFA activities, Career Development Events, and various conferences and conventions. Connor has already participated in the Soils Career Development Event and is preparing for the Novice Parliamentary Procedures Career Development Event.

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During the National Convention, on October 28, 2021 Northwestern FFA was awarded a 2 Star National Chapter Award. This application was filled out last year by Valerie Imhoff and Riley Stull, who were the Chapter’s President and Vice President. During the spring, the application was submitted to the state to be judged. The application scored high enough to go on to be judged at the National Level. During the summer, the application is judged at the National Level where it is given its final placing that is announced at convention.  The National Chapter Award has three categories that chapter lists our events under. These categories are Growing Leaders, Building Communities, and Strengthening Agriculture. The Chapter events that were highlighted in the Growing Leaders category were hosting our summer officer retreat, having members participate in at least one Career Development Event a year, and attending the National Convention Viewing Party. The events in the Building Communities category were participating in the Wayne County Fair Recycling, participating in Operation Chirsitmas Child, and organizing a Feed a Farmer event.… Continue reading

In Louisville, Satterfield had an outstanding time with his Tamworth. Bobby won Reserve Champion Tamworth at the North American Livestock Exhibition in Louisville. This show is very big and full of very experienced Livestock kids. Satterfield was very satisfied with his awards. Bobby is the Mowrystown FFA President and we are very proud of him! Congrats!… Continue reading

On October 26-October 30, 2021, 12 members from the Northwestern Wayne FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the National FFA Convention. They traveled on a charter bus with West Holmes, Licking Valley, and Smithville FFA Chapters. Members that attended were Ava Stoller, Melanie Imhoff, Haley Caldwell, Kara Burgan, Mallory Gilbert, Miranda Smith, Maddy Yasch, Hanna Wilson, Jadeyn Berry, Zoey Dudte, Lauren Vaughan, and Rylee Dawson. On Tuesday, members traveled to a dinner boat in Kentucky. During the evening, the group of students were able to enjoy a dinner along the Ohio River, bond with members from other chapters, tour the boat, and participate in a dance party. Following the dinner boat the members departed to the hotel. On Wednesday, the members toured the University of Kentucky, where they had the opportunity to tour the campus, learn about some of the opportunities they offer, and enjoy lunch on campus. After the visit, they toured Churchill Downs.… Continue reading

By Kendal Staley, Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter Reporter

Recently the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Food Science and Technology Team competed in the District 5 Contests hosted by Twin Valley South High School.

Food Science and Technology Contest contestants included Adi Richter, Isaac Beal, Emma Sutherly, Braden Zekas, Dottie Everett, Samuel Sutherly, Chloe Gump, Ethan Paulus, Jayden Gates, Katelynn Dill, Matthew Osting, Jillian Niswonger, Anthony Putnam, Luke Brunke, Sydney Brittain, Annabelle Penny, Kendal Staley, Evan Massie, and Spencer Triplett.

Miami East students placed 2nd out of 29 teams. They qualified for the state competition in December. The highest placing team was Adi Richter, Isaac Beal, Braden Zekas, and Jayden Gates. Adi Richter was the highest placing individual from Miami East. She placed second. Isaac Beal was the third overall high individual in the entire contest.

During the contest the team members were asked to complete a product development scenario in which they calculated the nutritional facts for a new food product and designed a new package. … Continue reading

By Bethany Starlin, OCJ FFA reporter

After a year of distanced and virtual delivery methods, the National FFA Delegate Experience returned to Indianapolis, Ind. during the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo. 

The Delegate Experience begins a few months before national convention at the conclusion of the State Officer Summit in Washington, D.C. Each state association selects two leadership delegates who will be responsible for facilitating committee work at national convention. 

During the kickoff session in July, those leadership delegates designate which committee they will serve on and assign leadership roles within them. This year, Jake Zajkowski, Ohio FFA State President, led the Supervised Agricultural Experience Committee as the 1st Vice Chair at the National FFA Delegate Experience in Indianapolis just ahead of National Convention. 

“It’s been exciting to lead this national discussion on work based learning experiences over the last 4 months. How FFA members get involved in agricultural jobs and career experiences will continue to evolve as our organization does,” Zajkowski said. … Continue reading

Forty-five members of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter recently attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana October 27th – 29th. Their trip began with a day full of agriculture related tours. Students learned about agriculture marketing, seed genetics and logistics at Beck’s Hybrids and gained knowledge in agritourism and adapting to new business opportunities at Kelsay Farms and Tuttle Orchards. On Wednesday evening the group enjoyed a fun competition at Top Golf. On Thursday, the members arrived early at the convention in their official dress for a full day of business sessions and the career show. The students heard inspiring messages from keynote speakers and retiring National FFA Officers. They also enjoyed the opportunit to see their own chapter recognized on the National stage as a Three star chapter and a Model of Excellence Finalist as one of the top 10 chapters in the country. On their last day of the trip members stretched their comfort zones by taking on the challenges of a zipline course through the treetops of Eagle Creek State Park or the rock climbing walls at Climb Time Indy.… Continue reading

The Zane Trace FFA Chapter was excited to return to the Thursday night parade of the Circleville Pumpkin Show with their float entry on Thursday, October 21st. Thirty-four FFA members joined in the fun of riding the float through the streets of Downtown Circleville, which were packed with spectators. Along the way announcers shared information about the chapter with the crowd and the event provided a great opportunity to promote our chapter and the upcoming Sausage Breakfast. Getting to enjoy the sights, smells and food of the Pumpkin Show before and after the parade was also a fun activity for the chapter. We are already looking forward to Pumpkin Show 2022!… Continue reading

By Austin McNichols, ZT FFA Reporter

Zane Trace FFA and its members had the opportunity to meet and learn from Ohio FFA President Jake Zajkowski on Wednesday, October 20th. Jake taught classes throughout the day about leadership skills and building trust in relationships around them. Students participated in interactive activities with Jake during their agriculture classes and had lots of fun. Afterwards the ZT FFA officers presented Jake with a ZT FFA Sausage Breakfast T-shirt and Zane Trace FFA mug to thank him for his visit.… Continue reading

The Dairy Handlers CDE is an event where participants are given a cow and have to demonstrate their skills to judges. This includes setting the animal up, eye contact, and how you handle the animal. In the spring, Hanna Wilson participated in this contest and won first in the state of Ohio. The 93rd National FFA Convention and Expo hosted the Dairy Handlers contest during the convention which was held on October 26-30, 2021.During the FFA Convention, Hanna participated in a zoom on Wednesday, October 27 prior to the contest. The contest was then held on Thursday, October 28 with the awards ceremony on Friday, October 29. Hanna earned a silver division pin for her outstanding performance in this contest! Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work!… Continue reading

On October 23, the members of the Northwestern FFA Chapter gathered at The New Pittsburg Park for the annual Fall FFA meeting. To kick off the meeting, members were able to participate in some recreational activities. This included kick ball, life size janga, card games, corn hole, and dancing. Following recreation members were able to enjoy a meal with their classmates. Each class was assigned a certain food to bring. Then the meeting began. The meeting was called to order by President Jadeyn Berry. Then, the officers performed opening ceremonies and minutes of the previous meeting were read by the Secretary Ava Stoller.  Treasurer’s Report was given by Zoey Dudte and the Reporter’s Report was given by Hanna Wilson. Kade Tegtmeier moved to accept all officer reports. Members then broke out into their assigned committees. The commitees are; Ag in the Classroom, Earnings and Savings, Community Service, Public Relations, Skills/CDE, Leadership, Recreation, Middle School Engagement, and High School Engagement.… Continue reading

Members of the Miami Trace Great Oaks FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis to compete in the National FFA Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE). Jenna Goddard, Bryce Bennett, Drew Black and Jonah Goddard represented Ohio in this national event after winning the state title back in March 2021.

The results were announced on Friday, Oct. 29 at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Dr. Valerie Gunsaulis with Tyson Foods served as superintendent of this year’s event. The cash awards and the poultry evaluation event were sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

The National FFA Poultry Evaluation CDE is a competitive event that tests the participant’s ability to select top quality poultry and poultry products needed for successful production and marketing. Event participants must complete a written exam on poultry management, evaluate classes of live birds for eggs and meat production, evaluate quality of eggs, and evaluate and identify parts and products.… Continue reading

The second annual Northwestern FFA Feed a Farmer event was held on October 22nd at Commodity Blenders LLC in West Salem, Ohio. This event was very successful. The officer team and members served  approximately 75 meals that day. The chapter wanted to hold this event to thank the local farmers in the area for all that they do for this community as well as this country. Northwestern FFA would like to thank the Northwestern High School kitchen staff for helping us prepare the food for our event, as well as Commodity Blenders for allowing us to use their facilities. … Continue reading

By: Ethan Heskett

On October 17th, from ten in the morning until noon, a few Southeastern FFA chapter members and Ms. Shafer volunteered their time at Snyder Park in Springfield, Ohio. They carried out the chapter’s National Days of Service activity after having a rain-check two weeks prior. Members worked together to decorate flower beds with stones and mulch under the direction of extension agents from the Clark County OSU Extension. The flower beds were designed by volunteers, who were very happy to have their imagination carried out by our chapter members. This is just one of many examples of our chapter working in our local community!”… Continue reading