FFA News

The Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter recently sponsored a farm safety poster contest at Miami East Elementary.  The competition was coordinated by the Safety Committee and its members, Chloe Gump, Kendal Staley, Samuel Sutherly.
Students in the second grade were given poster board and had to create a farm safety promotion poster.  FFA members evaluated the pictures and awarded first place to each homeroom. The results are as follows:

Mrs. Patty Gentis – Nina Battista
Mrs. Ashley Demmitt – Jacob Custer
Mrs. Amanda Riley – Gavin Gorman
Mrs. Tammy Mumford – Molli Duff

Each student participating received a gift from the FFA Chapter, including candy and a pencil.  The first place poster in each homeroom was also awarded special prize.  Congratulations to the winners!
Respectfully submitted by Kendal Staley, Chapter Reporter.… Continue reading

Recently, members from the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter were challenged to participate in the annual Chapter Corn Contest. The rules of the contest were to bring in one ear of corn and earn a prize. Winners were presented an FFA T-shirt from the FFA Chapter. 

A winner is chosen based on the predicted yield of the corn. The grand prize winner was determined by the highest yield estimate, based on plant population per acre. Agricultural Education students in Plant and Animal Science classes took time in class to figure the predicted yield of corn ears as part of their continuing education of agronomy.

The overall winner was Katelyn Hall. Her corn was predicted to yield 367 bushels to the acre with a 37,500 seed population per acre. Her corn was a Phoenix corn product. Second place went to Cora Moore who presented an ear of corn that is predicted to produce 362.1 bushels per acre with a 37,500 seed population per acre.… Continue reading

Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) FFA members and Natural Resource Management students participated in the Urban Soils Career Development Event in September 2021. Instructor Joseph Beringer says, “Our Urban Soils team qualified for state for the first time in a long time. We came in third place at District 5 Soils.”

According to the Montgomery Soil & Water Conservation District, “The County Soil Judging Contest is used by our Montgomery County FFA chapters as a practice for the Ohio District 5 Soils Career Development Event. Students judge the soil based on either Urban or Rural guidelines. Students look at the slope of the land and texture of the soil at the surface and subsurface, as well as completing a written general knowledge test about soils. After the contest, conservation professionals review the pits and test answers with the students.”

• Austin Kosier, a junior student from Tri-Village, finished first at the Montgomery County Urban Soils Contest and qualified for the District 5 contest, where he placed 20^th overall.

By Austin McNichols, Zane Trace FFA Reporter

Some students learn about the legislative process through textbooks and boring lectures. However, four students from the Zane Trace FFA Chapter learned about the process through meeting Ohio legislators at the OLLC at the Ohio State House. On September 29th, four FFA members from the Zane Trace Chapter, a satellite program of PRCTC, traveled to the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus to attend the Ohio Leadership and Legislative Conference. These students had the opportunity to meet and talk to various state legislators including Ohio Senator Jay Hottinger along with the Ohio Director of Agriculture Dorothy Pelanda and the Ohio FFA President Jake Zajkowksi to learn more about the legislative process and build their leadership skills. Charley Clyne, one of the members who attended the conference, says “It was a great learning experience to be around and talk to legislators in person and do activities with them”.… Continue reading

This year, the Northwestern FFA had many participating members exhibit animal projects at the Wayne County Fair. After not being able to present wood projects last year, our chapter was very excited to present wood projects this year along with creating a booth to honor the history of our organization. With the help of our officers and advisors, the chapter was able to create a booth showing all of the opportunities the FFA has for members. Many FFA members exhibited market hogs at the fair. This year these members were Ari Borton, Kaleb Badger, Mary Wellert, Jamison Gilbert, Caydence Scale, Makenna Connelly, Addy Connelly, Emma Connelly, Jadeyn Berry, Brooklyn Buzzard, Kirsten Boreman, Zoey Dudte, Kate Johnson, and Kade Tegtmeier. Many of our members participated in showmanship this year, Kade Tegtmeiter 5th, Kaleb Badger 1st, Jamison Gilbert 2nd, Caydence Scale 1st, Makenna Connelly 2nd, Addy Connelly 3rd, Emma Connelly 2nd, Jadeyn Berry 3rd, Kirsten Boreman 5th, Zoey Dudte 1st, and Kate Johnson 2nd in each of their showmanship classes.  Caydence… Continue reading

This year the Northwestern FFA chapter competed in both Urban and Rural soils Career Development Events. The contest is designed to educate students on how to evaluate soil for both Urban and Rural use. Each team evaluates the soil based on different characteristics to determine what the land can be used for. The Urban land and soil judging CDE is an educational activity designed as a practical method of teaching students to evaluate land and soil to determine its potential use for urban, homesite, and other non farm uses. The Agricultural Soils CDE is an educational activity designed as a practical method of teaching students to evaluate land and soil and to make decisions when faced with soil related issues that affect agricultural production.This year the Urban team consisted of Gabby Ream, Kate Johnson, Collin Rouse, Kace Hixson, Addy Connelly, and Wesley Stoltz. The Rural team consisted of Kade Tegtmeier, Haley Caldwell, Logan Garmen, Kirsten Boreman, and Kaleb Badger. On… Continue reading

Congratulations to the Norwayne FFA Rural and Urban soils teams. Both teams competed in the County Soils Judging Contest, Sept. 22. The Rural team placed first in the county and the urban team placed 4th. In the rural contest, Kelsie Mannasmith placed 1st overall, Connor Garrison was 2nd, Jayden Winkler placed 5th, Grace Gunkleman was 9th, and Lacy Ramsier was 10th. In the urban contest, Bella Nardeccia was 6th,
Gage Shaad was 13th, Lauren Stoller was 14th, and Blake Simmons was 17th.
Both soils teams competed in the district soil judging contest September 29. The Rural team placed 3rd. Kelsie was 3rd overall, Jayden was 6th overall, Connor was 16th overall, and Lacy was a participant. The Urban team also did very well, placing 6th. Lauren was 11th overall, Gage was 19th overall and Bella was a participant. Both teams had a great time and worked very hard. Congratulations to both teams… Continue reading

By: Brianne Priest, 2021-2022 Utica FFA Reporter 

We had a great turn out for the 2021 Utica Homecoming parade! A special thanks goes out to the Wesley Family for providing the wagon and tractor that was used in the float. Our students stayed after school and decorated the float. We had several students who rode on the float. Thanks to all who came and helped!… Continue reading

By: Brianne Priest, 2021-2022 Utica FFA Reporter 

On Tuesday, September 28^th, members of the Utica FFA chapter traveled to Howard Ohio for the District 7 Ag and Urban Soils Career Development Events (CDE.) Students who were on the Urban team evaluated soil for buildings with basements, sewage treatment systems, driveways and local roads, and lawns, gardens and landscaping.  Students who participated in ag soils looked at risk factors for erosion, compaction, water quality and soil health limitations. All students evaluated 4 soils pits, took a general knowledge test and a soil survey test.  

The urban team consisted of: Kyle Gilbert (35) & Melinda Wesley (38) out of 53 individuals. They were the 12^th place team.  The ag team was: Abby Paxton (43), Todd Orr (49), Stephen Epps (53), Tyson McElroy (58) out of 59 individuals and was the 12^th place team.  

Our soils contest have come to an end, but we are looking forward to the upcoming CDE’s of Food Science and Job Interview! … Continue reading

By Nicholas Wacha, Anthony Wayne- Penta FFA

On September 29th, 2021, five members of the Anthony Wayne – Penta FFA chapter traveled to Columbus, OH to participate in the Ohio Legislative Leadership Conference at the statehouse. At this Conference, the students participated in an activity designed to teach them about advocating for agriculture. This activity simulated the interactions between lobbyists and legislators by having the conference attendees split between the two groups, then the lobbyist had to travel to different tables and advocate for different bills they were assigned and the legislators had to support or deny those bills based on the Lobbyist performance. After this activity was over, there was time to explore the statehouse and see all of its history contained. The final activity for the day was a lunch with state legislators. The students were honored to meet the director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture Dorothy Pelanda and State senator Matt Dolan.… Continue reading

On September 23rd the Milton-Union MVCTC FFA chapter competed in the District 5 Soil Judging Career Development Event in Fort Loramie, OH. The team included Jennifer Riquelme, Dawson Tinnerman, Brindin Carr, Zach Lovin, and Carter Tinnerman. They placed 11th in the Agricultural Soils contest and the team’s top individual was Jennifer, who placed 11th out of over 200 students.… Continue reading

Benjamin Logan FFA Freshmen and Sophomores were provided the opportunity to attend Greenhand FFA Camp  Muskingum .  On Friday there were many activities like field games and a scavenger hunt. On Saturday the FFA members woke up bright and participated in an FFA Quiz Bowl Competition, an FFA dance, and ended their night with a campfire. Sophomore Libby Seifring said “Greenhand Camp was a great experience, and all the activities were a lot of fun. My favorite part was meeting all the other FFA members and talking to them about what their future in FFA and ag looks like.”… Continue reading

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 Benjamin Logan FFA members Kendra Kennedy, Breshon Jacobs, Ryan Loomis, and Madison Buettner competed in urban soil judging and Owen O’Brien, Taylor Forsythe, Whitney Wiloby, and Elizabeth Miller competed in soil judging. The urban team placed eighth and the ag team placed thirteenth. FFA member Whitney Willoby said that “It was a good experience, I had a lot of fun and I will consider doing it again next year.” The purpose for the Agricultural Soils CDE is an educational activity designed as a practical method of teaching students to evaluate land and soil and to make decisions when faced with soil related issues that affect agricultural production. The purpose for the urban land and soil judging CDE is an educational activity designed as a practical method of teaching students to evaluate land and soil to determine its potential use for urban, homesite, and other nonfarm uses.… Continue reading

Tuesday, September 21, 2021 Benjamin Logan FFA traveled to London, Ohio for the annual Farm Science Review. FFA member Owen O’Brien said that “I learned about a bunch of ATI college opportunities, and saw new farming technology in person. My favorite thing I saw was the John Deere X-9 combine.” All the FFA members had to do a Goosechase “scavenger hunt” and find different things around Farm Science. Benjamin Logan FFA Members were able view and experience some of the best technological advancements in production agriculture. A special thank you to Koenig Equipment for offering the photo opportunity to the chapter as well as the local sponsors who provided the chapter t-shirts.… Continue reading

The October 2021 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Member of the Month is Jadyn Bair. She is a sophomore and second year member of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter. Her parents are Ron and Mindy Bair of Casstown.

Jadyn had a successful 2021 Miami County Fair where she exhibited the fifth overall market goat. Additionally, she exhibited several items in the FFA Shop and Crop Building. Jadyn has recently been extremely helpful in locating a practice site for the soils judging team. Also, she has participated in numerous Career Development Events including Ag Biotechnology and Novice Parliamentary Procedures. Her Supervised Agricultural Experience includes raising market goats.

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

On Tuesday, September 28, as part of National Farm Safety and Health Awareness Week, the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter held a Seatbelt Awareness Activity. As students exited the parking lot at Miami East High School, the drivers were stopped and their seatbelts were checked.

All student drivers and passengers were inspected for wearing their seatbelt. They received a “LifeSavers” candy because seatbelts save lives. Any student drivers or passengers not wearing their seatbelts were instructed to put on their seatbelt immediately.

Results of the event proved that a majority of the drivers at Miami East High School do wear their seatbelt. Over 65 drivers and passengers were presented candy with 6.1%% of drivers were not wearing their seatbelt and 93.9% wearing the seatbelt. Similar results as were collected last fall when 5.4% of drivers were not wearing their seatbelt.

The first seatbelt was in a Volvo vehicle in 1849. On February 15, 1885, the seatbelt patent was given to Edward J.… Continue reading

Approximately 100 second graders at Miami East Elementary learned the importance of proper farm safety from the members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter. On Tuesday, September 28 in the afternoon the third and fourth year students hosted the elementary students to an afternoon of stressing the importance of following good safety on the farm. The day was in awareness of the National Farm Safety and Health Week.

During the day, students in Tami Mumford, Ashley Demmitt, Amanda Riley, and Patty Gentis’s classes learned about four aspects of farm safety. The FFA members taught stations about ATV/ lawn mower and equipment safety, grain safety, chemical safety, animal safety, large farm equipment safety, and hand signals used on the farm.

The FFA members teaching Grain Safety station shared that in less than five seconds a child playing in a hopper wagon, used to move grain, will be swallowed by the corn or soybeans and will be unable to call for help or be removed from the hopper wagon.… Continue reading

On Thursday, September 23, members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter competed in the District 5 Soils Judging Contest in Shelby County at the Hickory Hill Lakes near Fort Loramie. 

The Urban Soils team consisted of Rhylee Eichhorn, Adrien Comer, Violet Hazard, Blake Boggess, Lydia Durst, and Myah Jefferis. The team placed 12 out of 21 teams. Rhylee Eichhorn was the highest placing individual from Miami East placing 30 out of 111 individuals. 

The Agriculture/Rural Soils team consisted of Wyatt Black, Connor Maxson, Evan Demmitt, Karley Prosser, Dalton Schreadley, Kat Niswonger, Julia Couser, and Cora Moore. The team placed 8 out of 32 teams. Wyatt Black was the high individual from Miami East placing 6 out 206 contestants. 

The contest consisted of evaluating three soils pit for slope, erosion, drainage, depth, and soil texture and structure. Also, the contestants took a written test and answered questions from the soil survey.

Previously, the teams had competed at the Miami County Soils Career Development Event coordinated by the Miami Soil and Water Conservation District.… Continue reading

By Alysa Pringle, chapter reporter
On Monday, August 30th the West Holmes FFA held their annual parent and member year opening meeting. After school 12 members participated in Adopt-a- Highway. Members were: Gabe Averbukh, Maison Carter, Cora Crilow, Garrett Fowler, Brody Gindlesburger, Amy Hughs, Jimmy Lesiak, Derek Miller, Wyatt Myers, Leah Reining, Chloe Shumaker, and Alexa Tate. Before the meeting members had hot dogs, chips, and pop. They could play cornhole, giant jenga, go swimming, and go fishing. The regular meeting of the West Holmes FFA chapter came to order on August 30th.  The meeting took place at the Ogi’s pond and was brought to order by President Cora Crilow. After conducting opening ceremonies, and officer reports, they went onto new business. The following motions were passed by members. Dakotah Ringwalt moved and Amy Hughes seconded to pay for the jacket of the first member to recite the creed in each freshman class.… Continue reading

By Alysa Pringle, chapter reporter

On Saturday September 11th, 16 members of the West Holmes FFA Chapter conducted community service at the Holmes County Home.  Members included: Ian Barr, Cora Crilow, Keith Hawkins, Garrett Houin, Sarah Irwin, Jimmy Lesiak, Derek Miller, Alysa Pringle, Bree Pringle, Hailey Richert, Andi Schuch, Becca Schuch, Jenna Sheldon, Miley Snow, Quentin Vehrs, and Gabby Yates. Members trimmed bushes, pulled weeds, removed dead plants, and weedeated to help prepare for the fall benefit auction. … Continue reading