The first session of the virtual Ohio FFA State Convention is in the books. Matt caught up with the Westfall FFA Chapter who shared successes in the Agriscience fair contest. Coverage of the Ohio FFA Convention is brought to you by Wilmington College.
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Presented by Nationwide, the Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America, and AgCredit, the Golden Owl Award recognizes agricultural educators across Ohio for their tremendous contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Through the program, students, fellow teachers and other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher and summarize what makes him or her the best in the state.
On Thursday, April 29, Don Hammersmith from Ayersville High School was named the 2021 Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year. Along with the title, Hammersmith will win the $3,000 grand prize to support continued ag education efforts at Ayersville. Hammersmith is known for his high standards as an educator, his commitment to students, and his value as a role model.
“Mr. Hammersmith has been a teacher at Ayersville High School for over 25 years. During this time he has impacted the lives of students by teaching life lessons through supervised agricultural experiences, lab assignments, research projects, and Career Development Events,” said Allison Engel, 2020-2021 State Treasurer from the Ayersville Chapter.… Continue reading
Read More »By Logan Pope, MVCTC FFA Reporter
The Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Veterinary Science team of Jayla Denlinger (Twin Valley South) and Emily Lupa (Huber Heights) placed second in the Ohio FFA Veterinary Science Career Development Event (CDE).
The purpose of the Veterinary Science CDE is to assess the skills and knowledge that students must process to prepare for post-secondary education or work in an animal health occupation, such as in a veterinarian’s office or an animal research facility.… Continue reading
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By Logan Pope, MVCTC FFA Reporter
The Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Diesel Power Technologies team of Zach Mathias (Northmont), Jacob Prasuhn (Ansonia), and Brendan Wray (Franklin Monroe) placed fourth in the Ohio FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event (CDE).
The purpose of the Agricultural Mechanics Skills CDE is to assess the students’ skills in agricultural mechanics that occur in maintenance and repair. Students demonstrate the proper use of tools and apply tool use and knowledge to daily situations in agricultural mechanical environments. In addition, this CDE provides recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies due to agricultural mechanics’ instruction. This event is aligned with the Power, Structural & Technical Systems Career Field Pathway for Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems.
Juniors and Seniors in the Diesel Power Technologies program at MVCTC participated in the online test given in March of 2021 to qualify to continue with the Practicum and Finals Portion of the CDE.… Continue reading
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By Bethany Starlin, Ohio FFA president
Each May, Ohio FFA members, educators and supporters travel to Columbus to celebrate the successes achieved over the past year. Although the delivery format and location may be different, this year is no exception.
In the best interest of the health and safety of all, the 93rd Ohio FFA Convention will be held virtually, April 29th and 30th. Despite being delivered in a virtual format, FFA members, advisors, family and supporters will still attend general sessions, see the selection of the new state officer team, celebrate their Career Development Event successes from the past year and more. Ohio FFA staff and the state officer team have gone above and beyond in order to make this convention special for all involved.
“We are including students in convention through live reactions and ceremonial pieces. We hope to bring more excitement to our screens and include as many members as possible from around the state,” said Allison Engel, Ohio FFA State Treasurer and senior at Ayersville High School.… Continue reading
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To schedule your campus visit go to: wilmington.edu
By Meredith Oglesby, OCJ FFA reporter
Although speaking in front of a crowd may seem daunting, FFA members competing in the Public Speaking Career Development Event (CDE) find it energizing and exciting. Students practice and prepare speeches to share in front of a panel of judges and the top 20 students in each category compete at the state level.
The Ohio FFA Association selects winners in four categories: Creed Speaking, Beginning Prepared Speaking, Advanced Prepared Speaking, and Extemporaneous Speaking. This year the entire speaking contest was hosted virtually and students competed via Zoom. The 2021 Ohio FFA Public Speaking CDE winners include:
To schedule your campus visit go to: wilmington.edu
The First Session of the 2021 Ohio FFA Convention starts Thursday, April 29 at 10 a.m. with Teacher/Administrator Recognition, National FFA Officer Remarks with Artha Jonassaint, Ohio FFA Talent, and Agriscience Fair recognition. The first session will also include the 2021-22 Ohio FFA Officer Ballot announcement.
The Second Session at 1 p.m. on Thursday will recognize the Honorary State FFA Degrees, Star State FFA Degrees, State FFA Degrees, and more Ohio FFA talent. Other highlights on Thursday include the Golden Owl Award, Ohio Ag Educator of the Year recognition, gold-rated officer book recognition, and American Star Award Candidate recognition.
In the Third Session on Friday, April 30, Proficiency Award winners will be recognized. In the Fourth Session at 1 p.m. there will be Chapter Awards, State CDE Recognition, Ohio FFA Officers’ Parent Recognition, and the Retiring Address from State President, Bethany Starlin. This final session will also include the 2021-22 Ohio FFA Officer Team announcement and installation. … Continue reading
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By Chloe Shumaker, chapter reporter
On March 29th, West Holmes FFA members participated virtually in the Poultry, General Livestock, and Dairy State Judging Contests. Each team took an online test and evaluated animals specific to their contest. The poultry team was 30th out of 67 teams. Individually Becca Schuch was 150th, Sarah Irwin was 193rd, Alysa Pringle was 205th, and Blaine Winkler was 262nd. The general livestock team placed 62nd out of 185 teams. Individually, Cora Crilow was 37th, Jess Miller was 247th, Maren Drzazga was 575th, and Pacee Miller was 902nd. The dairy judging team placed 56th out of 91 teams. Individually Wyatt Schlauch was 2nd in the state and John Maloney was 62nd. Wyatt also placed 113th out of 188 individuals in the Dairy Foods contest. Congratulations to all!… Continue reading
Read More »By Chloe Shumaker, chapter reporter
The regular meeting of the West Holmes FFA chapter came to order on March 22. The meeting took place in the Ag Room and was brought to order by President Jayme Pennell. Opening Ceremonies were held. The Secretary’s minutes were read by Secretary Cora Crilow and approved. Reporter Chloe Shumaker stated that she has sent numerous articles to the Holmes County Hub and Shopper, The Wooster Daily Record, Farm and Dairy, and the Firelands Farmer.
Sentinel Clay Shepler stated that we would be having an egg hunt, pizza, chips, pop, and water.
Olivia Gerber moved and Chloe Shumaker seconded to recess for 10 minutes. Motion passed. Amy Hughes gave the Cooperation Committee report. Samantha Kendall gave the Community Service and SAE Committee reports. Olivia Gerber gave the Scholarship Committee report. New Business Ethan Feikert moved and Addison Yates seconded to host and participate in the trap shoot and pay for supplies.… Continue reading
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On Tuesday, April 27, the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter Meats Evaluation Team competed in the Ohio FFA State Virtual Career Development Event. Team members were Emma Sutherly, Dottie Everett, Braden Zekas, Samuel Sutherly, Isaac Beal, Jillian Niswonger and Thomas Wallace. The team placed 6 out of 43 teams. The highest placing individual from Miami East was Emma Sutherly who placed 18 out of 205 individuals.
During the event, contestants were asked to quality and yield grade beef carcasses, place and answer questions on carcasses, wholesale and retail cuts, and identify various retail cuts. Additionally, contestants completed a knowledge test and meat formulation solution challenge.
Previously, the team had competed in several virtual meats competitions. At the Champaign County Invitational where they were fourth and Emma Sutherly was the highest placing individual from Miami East. During the Ohio State Buckeye Invitational the team placed fifth. The highest placing individual from Miami East was Braden Zekas. … Continue reading
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The Milton-Union MVCTC FFA Chapter recently held their 2021-2022 Officer elections at their April chapter meeting. Congratulations to the newly elected Officer team! President-Carter Tinnerman, Vice President– Taylor Falb, Secretary– Emmie Bohse, Treasurer– Tyler Kress, Reporter– Emma Deeter, Sentinel– Tyler Leffew, and Student Advisor– Gavin Spitler. They will be installed during the chapter’s Annual Parent-Member Banquet next month.… Continue reading
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Students from the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter had the tables turned for a day when they became teachers at Miami East Elementary School on Monday, April 13. 24 second-year students enrolled in Plant and Animal Sciences were trained in Project WILD earlier in April and then prepared 20 minute lessons to educate second and third graders about wildlife and wildlife habitats.
The goal of Project WILD is to assist learners of any age in developing the awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment to result in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment upon which all life depends. Ms. Linda Raterman of the Miami County Soil and Water Conservation District was responsible for the training and lesson development the FFA members went through.… Continue reading
Briana Fetters, a senior member of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter, was recently named the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by the Ohio FFA Foundation and the Ohio Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association. This scholarship program began in 2016 as a partnership between the Ohio FFA and Ohio’s Thoroughbred owners and trainers. Each year 24 FFA members from around the state are selected for the scholarship based on responses to essay questions about how FFA has shaped their lives and the impact the scholarship will have on their future. Briana plans to pursue a pre-veterinary Biology program at Capital University with a future goal of obtaining at Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Ohio State University.… Continue reading
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The Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter recently held its 62nd Annual Parent-Member Awards Program. During the event social distancing and face coverings were worn. Highlights of the evening were:
– Mr. Bill Mote presented a gift to the Miami East FFA Chapter on behalf of the Doris McMillan Trust. The funds will be used for local scholarships and various FFA programs.
– Career Development Event Teams were recognized for their participation. In the 2020-21 school year the FFA members competed in over 200 competitions for an average of 2.5 events per member. The teams placing in the Top 5 were Food Science and Technology, Agricultural Biotechnology, and Grain Merchandising.
– Michael Bair was recognized as being a 2020 National FFA Proficiency Winner in the area of Poultry Production.… Continue reading
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The Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter recently donated trees to every fourth grader in the Miami East Local School District. This was a special project of the FFA’s Environmental Committee. Members of the Environmental Committee are Martin Desautels, Abigail Kadel, Devin Nix, Logan Phillips, and Kyle Vernon. The trees were distributed in the classrooms of Mrs. Kathryn Irick, Miss Anna Lauterbach, Mr. Matt Roth, and Mrs. Laura Weddle.
In an effort to help repopulate Ohio with trees, each student was given one pine tree in the hopes that they would plant it. FFA members realize that farmers and ranchers provide food and habitat for 75 percent of the nation’s wildlife. Not only will the trees provide cover for wildlife in the area, they will also produce quality oxygen.
All students were challenged to plant their tree in celebration of Earthy Day.… Continue reading
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Jake Zajkowski, Anthony Wayne High School senior, was recently recognized at the Northwest Ohio Science & Engineering Fair. Jake placed 1st overall in the fair, and will advance to the International Science & Engineering Fair to be held in May. Jake has studied hydroponic lettuce in the high school agriculture greenhouse for the past three years. This year, Jake conducted research on increasing Vitamin B12 in hydroponic lettuce.
This intensive research included genetic modification and plant tissue culture, along with raising over 400 lettuce plants with a hydroponic system. Jake presented his findings through a video format, and was judged against students from across Northwest Ohio. He will now prepare to present his findings to judges at the international level. When asked about the experience, Jake said, “It was a great experience to interact with other researchers and judges that allowed me to share my passion for agriculture sustainability.”… Continue reading
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The April 2021 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Member of the Month is Leann Vernon. She is a senior and fourth year member of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter. Her parents are Doug Vernon and Brenda Vernon.
Leann recently competed in the State FFA Virtual Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event where she led the team and placed 17th out of 282 individuals. She has also competed in the State FFA Grain Merchandising and State Food Science and Technology competitions this school year. Her Supervised Agricultural Experience Program consists of raising and marketing fall chrysanthemums.
Every month of the school year the Miami East-MVCTC FFA will select a student to be the FFA Member of the Month. The officer team will nominate one member that has been actively involved in the FFA chapter, school and community activities. If selected, the member will be recognized at the monthly FFA meeting, have their picture displayed in the Miami East Ag Room, and will receive a special accolade in celebration of their accomplishment.… Continue reading
Read More »The Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter members recently competed in the Ohio FFA State Spring Virtual Career Development Events. These teams have been practicing for several months and participated in invitational competitions and practices as much as possible.
The Dairy Cattle Evaluation team placed 28th in the state out of 91 teams. The team consisted of Jayden Gates, Carter Gilbert, Ethin Bendickson, Braden Zekas, Elizabeth Bair, Makayla Brittain, Michael Bair, Jillian Niswonger, and Keyara Davis. The highest placing individual from Miami East was Jayden Gates who placed 87 out of almost 500 individuals. The team took a test, completed a pedigree and sire selection exercise and evaluated classes of dairy.
Kendal Staley and Sara Rush competed in the State Equine Management Career Development Event. The team placed 92nd. The team took an online test and identified horse equipment and feedstuffs. They placed classes of equine and answered questions on the classes.
The Poultry Evaluation team consisted of Sarah Blocher, Ashlee Deaton, Makayah Musselman, Rylee Puthoff, Leann Vernon, and Braden Zekas.… Continue reading
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Laine Abbott has always loved to play his guitar. Last year he started bringing his instrument to school to play for friends as they enjoyed lunch in the Ag classroom at Zane Trace. Some of them suggested that Laine should submit an audition video for the 2020 Ohio FFA Convention. They thought he might just have a chance to be selected as one of the talent acts to take the stage during the annual gathering of over 7,000 FFA members at the Ohio Expo Center. Unfortunately, like many other events in the spring of 2020, the Ohio FFA Convention was cancelled and along with it Laine’s opportunity to audition.
Fast forward to February 2021, when Laine learns that the Ohio FFA will be including a limited number of talent acts, four total, for their upcoming hybrid State Convention.… Continue reading
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The Zane Trace FFA Chapter was recently given a Gold Rating and named one of the top 10 chapters in the state of Ohio through the National Chapter Award Program. The National Chapter Award program recognizes FFA members and their chapters for the activities they plan and conduct throughout the year. Chapters submit an application outlining fifteen different activities they conduct that emphasize the areas of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. The senior members of the chapter worked throughout the months of February and March to complete the application, which included detailed descriptions of activities such as the elementary Maple syrup lessons, the Sausage Breakfast, ZT courtyard construction, canning for a cause project, RCHS dog adoption day, Pioneer Pantry and more.… Continue reading
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