FFA News

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA Reporter

Jeffrey Stimmell, the agricultural educator and FFA advisor of Big Walnut High School, was named this year’s Ohio Golden Owl Award winner at the 95th Ohio FFA Convention. The award is one of Ohio’s most prestigious honors in the realm of agricultural education.

Whether it be his student-driven motivation or his inclusive approach to the classroom, Stimmell’s students were quick to speak highly on his behalf. In fact, those who are fortunate to work with him know his approach to investing in students’ premier leadership, personal growth and career success remains unparalleled. Here are some thoughts from his students:

“I never thought I would have a place to fit in at school because sports were never my thing, but taking Mr. Stimmell’s class was the best decision I could have ever made.” —  Lilly Cappitte, Big Walnut senior

“The way he teaches and makes every day a good day has inspired me to become an ag teacher.… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA reporter

Circleville High School opened its classroom doors for agriculture education and FFA for the first time on Aug. 18, 2022. Despite the prominence of agriculture in the area, Circleville’s graduating class of 2023 will be the first group of students to be members of the Circleville-PRCTC FFA chapter. 

Out of the five public high schools in Pickaway County, Circleville High School was the only one without an agriculture education and FFA program. When the opportunity arose to bring an agriculture education program and FFA chapter to Circleville High School, agricultural educator and FFA adviser Megan Moorman took it. 

“All students are consumers and need to understand where their food comes from,” Moorman said. “Agriculture is the No. 1 industry and employer in Pickaway County, the state of Ohio and in the United States, so chances are, students are going to get a job related to agriculture or have some connection to it, whether they realize it or not.”… Continue reading

By the Ohio Ag Net Staff

It was 40 years ago today (May 6, 2023) that Ohio Ag Net general manager and farm broadcaster Dale Minyo was elected as the Ohio FFA President. 

In the decades since then, Dale has tirelessly promoted the national blue and corn gold. Beyond FFA, though, the key leadership role for Dale four decades ago has led to hundreds of thousands of miles traveled, countless county fair visits, an untold number of agricultural events, and steadfast service to Ohio agriculture. Dale’s unwavering dedication to his craft — from (very) early morning radio broadcasts through late night farm banquets — during the last 40 years was certainly shaped by his experiences and leadership development in the FFA.  

Plenty has changed with agriculture and FFA in this timeframe, but fresh off the 2023 Ohio FFA Convention, it is clear the passion for agriculture, dedication to service and work ethic remains much the same as it did in Dale’s era in the organization.… Continue reading

President –  Luke Jennings, Felicity-Franklin

Vice President – Delaney Moore, Bloom-Carroll

Sentinel – Katelyn Kinsella, Botkins

Reporter – Kaydence Morris, Talawanda-Butler Tech

Treasurer – Emma Wells, Crestview Convoy

Secretary – Jaden Smith, Liberty Union 

Vice Presidents: Anna Moeller, Talawanda-Butler Tech; Ava Evers, Marion Local; Chloee Howard, Black River;  Lauren Thornhill, Anna; Haylee Acquah, Global Impact… Continue reading

The fourth session of the 95th Ohio FFA Convention highlighted winners of various Career Development Events (CDE).

Ohio Ag Net Student Reporter Allison Kinney had a conversation with the top team and individual in the Farm and AgriBusiness Management CDE.

Ohio Ag Net Student Reporter Aubree Topp caught up with Josie Jennings, a sophomore who won the Advanced Prepared Public Speaking CDE.

Photos by Aubree Topp, Cortney Copeland, Allison Kinney, and Wyatt Morrow

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA reporter

The 95th Ohio FFA Convention is almost here! On May 4 and 5, thousands of FFA members will gather in Columbus, Ohio, to celebrate the success of the past school year.

From Agriscience Fair judging to State FFA Degrees, the Ohio FFA Convention is certainly an event you will not want to miss out on. With five action-packed sessions and the career show and expo, there is something for everyone in attendance. 

To ensure FFA members make the most of their time at the Ohio FFA Convention, here are a few pieces of advice from some of the 2022-2023 Ohio FFA State Officer Team:

“My piece of advice for members is to be loud, proud, and hype. Convention is what you make it, so be excited! Cheer loudly, and don’t be afraid to make new friends. Have fun!” – Katie Oestreich, Ohio FFA State Treasurer 

“Convention is a time to celebrate our accomplishments as an organization!… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA reporter

Circleville High School opened its classroom doors for agriculture education and FFA for the first time on Aug. 18, 2022. Despite the prominence of agriculture in the area, Circleville’s graduating class of 2023 will be the first group of students to be members of the Circleville-PRCTC FFA chapter. 

As a student who lives in town without a traditional agriculture background, Circleville High School senior Lillianna Stafford said she was hesitant at first to join the new FFA chapter at her school. 

“When you hear FFA, it’s ‘Future Farmers of America,’ so I was skeptical,” Stafford said. “When I heard we were getting an FFA chapter, I was like ‘Is this even going to be fun?’ It’s just going to be about farming and I don’t know anything about farming. How is that going to relate to me or be fun for me?” 

But Stafford said her love for FFA caught her by surprise. … Continue reading

Ohio Ag Net and Ohio’s Country Journal is proud to introduce the 2023 crop of Student FFA Reporters, helping to cover the 95th Ohio FFA State Convention – Cortney Copeland, Allison Kinney, Wyatt Morrow, and Aubree Topp.

Learn more about each of our newest team members in the short bios below.

Cortney Copeland

Cortney is the daughter of Mike and Becky Copeland and is currently a sophomore at Jackson Center High School. Cortney is currently serving as the Jackson Center-UVCC FFA chapter Vice President. Outside of FFA Cortney is also serving as the Jackson Center-UVCC FCCLA chapter Secretary as well as an active member of show choir, concert choir, academia, student council, and the student ambassador program. She is also active in the Progressive Livestock 4-H club, the Grace Lutheran Church adult choir, and her church youth group. Cortney is also a member of the National Columbia Sheep Junior Board of Directors serving as the 2022 – 2023 National Columbia Sheep Ambassador.… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA reporter

Meet Shayden Heiser, a third-generation row crop farmer, college student and a State FFA Vice President At-Large from Attica. 

Heiser, 19, was born and raised working on his family farm alongside his father, Irvan Heiser. In 2015, he began showing cattle when he took his first feeder calf as a project to the fair, and quickly, his passion for cattle began to grow. Heiser is a member of the Seneca East FFA Chapter and a graduate of Seneca East High School. Currently, he is pursuing an associate degree in agribusiness management at Terra State Community College in Fremont with plans of returning back to the farm full-time when he graduates. 

Throughout his time in FFA, Heiser has invested in his SAE project, which consists of a market beef entrepreneurship known as “Heiser Cattle Co.,”… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA reporter

Annually, FFA chapters across the country celebrate National FFA Week to honor the organization and its members each February. 

Whether through service projects or community outreach, the celebratory week allows FFA members to raise awareness and promote the National FFA Organization, agricultural education and its prominence in building future leaders. This year, National FFA Week was celebrated from Feb. 18 through Feb. 25. 

Ohio FFA had much to celebrate this year after the association reached a record-breaking 28,000 FFA members in 2022. 

“With Ohio now having a record number of students, National FFA week gave us the chance to celebrate where we are now while reflecting on how far we have come since the founding of our organization,” said Hannah Saum, Ohio FFA Vice President.

With over 300 FFA chapters in Ohio, it was no surprise that the week celebrating the blue and gold was packed with excitement and fun. … Continue reading