FFA News

By: Abby Lewis, chapter reporter

On August 6, the Oak Hill FFA Chapter competed in the state poultry competition. In this competition the team evaluated laying hens, market broilers and a class of ready to cook carcasses.. The team also had to evaluate bone in and boneless products and find defects in each area.  Additionally, the team had to evaluate eggs exterior and interior and grade them accordingly.  Our chapters placed in the top 10 in the State. The members that were in the competition were Garrett Hughes, Daniel Baker, Caden Adkins, Austin Campbell, Levi Lyons, and Tarmron McCain. The top person on the team was Garrett Hughes who finished twenty-first overall for individuals.     

… Continue reading

By Chloe Shumaker, chapter reporter

On Sunday, August 10th, 22 of our members moved their animals into the 2020 Holmes County Fair. This year the fair was changed to a junior fair only as a result of COVID. We are all thankful for our Fairboard for making the fair possible and giving us the opportunity to show and sell! Throughout the week our members exhibited their projects and results are as follows: 

Market hogs: Cody Miller was 8th Overall Senior Showman and 2nd in market class, Cora Crilow was 5th in her market class, Ashley Tate was 3rd in her market class, Chloe Shumaker was 4th Overall Senior Showman and 2nd in market class, Alysa Pringle was 3rd in her market class, Jess Miller was 7th Overall Intermediate Showman and was 2nd in her market class, Tyler Eichelberger was 3rd in his market class, Dakotah Ringwalt was 2nd in her market class, Pacee Miller was 2nd in her market class, Emily Harrower was 3rd in her market class, Zoee Snow was 3rd in class.… Continue reading

By Georgia Gamble, 2020-2021 Utica FFA Reporter 

Due to COVID-19 the Utica FFA Chapter couldn’t do many of their usual summer activities. The officer team did online trainings to start planning out the next year’s events.  Several students also met online with Mrs. Neff for summer SAE visits and determine eligibility for 2021 State FFA Degrees, American FFA Degrees and Proficiency award applications. 

Several of the FFA members participated at the Hartford Fair. Amanda Annett and Alex Annett showed a total of 6 dairy feeders. Amanda also showed steer pool along with Kenneth Davenport. Abby Paxton showed a market hog and a breeding beef project. Abby placed first in her class for her breeding beef. Kenneth also showed a lamb in the lamb pool. Zachery and Gracie Cyphers showed market turkeys. Jordan Trout participated in the horse contesting classes and was the high point winner in the senior class.  

In the FFA Barn, Todd Orr had a restored tractor, and he earned best in show.… Continue reading

By: Chloe Shumaker. chapter reporter

Eleven members of the West Holmes FFA 2020 graduating class received the Ohio AgriBusiness Association – Agribusiness and Production Systems Certification. The Ohio AgriBusiness Association provides an industry-recognized, agribusiness credential that verifies high school student expertise in the areas of agriculture, agribusiness, and production systems. To be eligible for the program, a student must be enrolled in a career­-technical agricultural program and complete four of the following courses, where they are engaged in learning and applying technical skills in foundational agricultural concepts: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Agronomic Systems, Animal & Plant Science, Business Management for Agricultural & Environmental Systems, Environmental Science for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Global Economics & Marketing of Food, Greenhouse and Nursery Management, Livestock Selection, Nutrition & Management, Mechanical Principles, Science and Technology of Food. To be considered, a student’s SAE must be an entrepreneurial, placement, or research-­driven project pertaining to the agriculture industry.… Continue reading

Across the state Junior Fair King and Queen Contests serve as staple events during county fairs. For reigning county fair queens, they then have the chance to compete to serve as the Ohio Fair’s Queen. This year a Valley View MVCTC FFA member and the 2019-2020 Ohio FFA State Reporter, Mackenzie Hoog is serving as the Ohio Fairs’ Queen. Hoog represents the Montgomery County fair.

Hoog began her reign as the Ohio Fairs’ Queen in January during the 2020 Ohio Fair Managers Association (OFMA) Conference. She competed against 79 other queens vying for the position. To be considered, Hoog submitted an application and proceeded through a series of interviews. After the first round of interviews, the top 15 answered a question on stage. Those 15 were narrowed down to five and interviewed once again. On Saturday morning of the OFMA conference in front of other junior fair board members and fair directors, the new Ohio Fair’s Queen was crowned.… Continue reading

The Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter members recently competed in the Ohio FFA State 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 Team placed 7th in the state. The team was led by Michael Bair who was 21st, Braden Zekas was 25th, Carter Gilbert was 30^th, and Elizabeth Bair was 31st. Additional team members were Makayla Brittain and Keyara Davis. The team took a test, completed a pedigree and sire selection exercise and evaluated four classes of dairy.

The Poultry Evaluation Team placed 7th in the state. The team was led by Braden Zekas who was 14^th, Rylee Puthoff was 18^th, Sarah Blocher was 43rd, and Leann Vernon was 48^th. An additional team member was Ashlee Deaton. The team graded poultry carcasses, evaluated and graded exterior of eggs, placed classes of hens and broilers, and took a test.… Continue reading

This is the 20th straight year that the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter will be recognized at the National FFA Convention in their National Chapter Award program. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 National FFA Convention will be held virtually. The chapter will be recognized during one of the broadcasted general sessions of the convention. 

The National FFA Organization recently announced the results of the National FFA Evaluations. Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter was selected as a 3-Star National Chapter for the National FFA Chapter Award Program. A 3-star is the highest award a chapter can be recognized for in the National Chapter process.  In order to be considered for such an honor, the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter had to place in the top 10% in the state of Ohio. In May, the chapter learned that they were in the Top 10 in the state and would have their application forwarded to national evaluations. … Continue reading

By Kayla Pumphrey, chapter reporter

The Norwayne FFA officer team held its officer retreat August 13 – 15. This years Officer retreat was held at FFA Camp Muskingum. There the officer team bonded and learned how to work together, by doing team building activities, planning events, and playing games. … Continue reading

By Kayla Pumphrey, chapter reporter

Norwayne FFA parked cars and sold 50/50 tickets at Bucking Ohio, on August 22. The 50/50 ticket raffle raises money for the chapter, and we raised over $1300. Winkler Tire graciously matched the money raised, earning the chapter over $2600. Norwayne FFA was also the first group to sell tickets this summer. The next Bucking Ohio event is September 19, where FFA members will be parking cars.… Continue reading

The September 2020 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Member of the Month is Dottie Everett. She is a sophomore and second year member of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter. Her parents are Tom and Christa Everett of Fletcher.

Dottie had a successful 2020 Miami County Fair where she exhibited the Reserve Champion Horticulture entry with her green beans. Additionally, she competed in the State FFA Meats Evaluation Career Development Event. Dottie’s Supervised Agricultural Experience program is vegetable production. She operates Dot’s Fresh Produce, a roadside produce stand and markets through social media. 

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

By Ava Boysel, chapter reporter

The Benjamin Logan FFA Officer Retreat was held on August 10th and August 14th. This event was held at Benjamin Logan High School as work and collaboration days. Officers spent hours working on their books.  This was difficult for most because Covid-19 had prevented FFA events from being held and set back lots of plans the organization had prepared for. 

On August 14th, the officers were joined by new BLHS Administrators, Dr. Brian Powderly and Mr. Jeff Amspoker as well as retired Principal, Mr. Mark Butler and teacher, Mr. Jason Smith.  The small group enjoyed fellowship and learning more about their new administration.  The officers can agree that they loved the chance at finally being able to be around each other and do some long over-due work. This 2-day event was successful because of all that was accomplished in those days from setting a calendar to organizing the shop to updating the roster and officer books.… Continue reading

The Ohio Youth Institute (OYI) of the World Food Prize Foundation was held this past spring at The Ohio State University. High School students from throughout Ohio participated, researching and writing papers exploring global issues that impact food security.

Grace Jenkins, a member of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter, was selected as one of six students from Ohio who will serve as a delegate to the Global Youth Institute, based in Des Moines, Iowa. Grace’s paper focused on the issue of water quality and availability in Zimbabwe. Through her research Grace proposed solutions that would alleviate water insecurity and improve public health.

At the OYI, students met with researchers and faculty who reviewed their papers and discussed solutions. All were recognized as Ohio Borlaug Scholars.

As a participant in the Global Youth Institute, Grace will have the opportunity to apply for a Borlaug-Ruan internship, hosted by food research facilities around the world.… Continue reading

Local farmer John and Diane Yingst recently directed a $2,500 America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation, sponsored by Bayer Fund, to the FFA Chapter at Miami East High School.

The Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter will use the funds to purchase learning materials to help prepare for Career Development Events and to broaden the understanding of production agriculture in its 80 FFA members.

“As an FFA members, it is a pleasure to work with the Yingst family and the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter is very appreciative of their support of agriculture education and the agriculture industry.” said, Luke Brunke, second year member of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA.

Since 2010, the America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $57 million to nonprofits, aspiring ag students and public schools across rural America. Farmers know the needs of their communities best, so the America’s Farmers programs rely on them to help identify the most worthy causes. … Continue reading

By: Katerina Sharp

Two Amanda-Clearcreek FFA graduates have received their $500 scholarships from A-C FFA Alumni for the 2019-2020 school year after successfully completing their first semesters of college.

These outstanding recipients are Noah Smith and Jalynn Fausnaugh.

Noah completed his first year of college at The Ohio State University at the Columbus campus where he is pursuing a degree in Agribusiness and Applied Economics with an Agronomy minor. In addition to his classes, he is involved in the OSU Crops and Soils club, the OSU Agribusiness Club, and with the Ohio FFA Association where he recently completed a year as a State FFA Officer. After obtaining his degree, he plans to work in the world of corporate agriculture. His scholarship money was used for tuition, books, school supplies, housing, and other academic fees.

Jalynn is currently attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma. She is working on a degree in Biology and Chemistry, and after college hopes to work in veterinary sciences.… Continue reading

By Kyla Stockdale, chapter reporter

Throughout these last few months with all the uncertainty going on, county fairs were starting to become a topic of concern regarding if they were going to happen. Being that our chapter is from Marion County, which happens to be one of the earliest fair that happens in the state of Ohio, our fair board members made the tough decision to cancel it. Although they still made a way for all of our 4-H and FFA members to get the chance to show off all of their hard work that they put in. Starting July 18 and ending on July 24, each exhibitor got the opportunity to present their animals on their specific show day. Whether some chose to not continue with their projects this year or if they did, everyone from our county and all fair board members were extremely proud of those individuals that had to make that tough decision.… Continue reading

By Meredith Oglesby, OCJ FFA reporter

This year during the Ohio FFA Celebration 11 students were elected to serve the Ohio FFA Association for the coming year. Although their year may look different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these students are looking forward to connecting with FFA members, speaking with alumni and industry professionals and stepping up to the many challenges presented throughout the year.

Since elected in May, the officers have stayed connected with one another through an online version of Base Camp, a weekly training where National FFA facilitators prepare new officers for their year of service. The team spent a week at Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum with 50 FFA members where they practiced social distancing, wore face masks and were able to meet and facilitate to members. They also participated in Ohio Leadership Camp with FFA, 4-H, Farm Bureau, DECA and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FFCLA) members.… Continue reading

As part of a partnership with Ohio FFA, Sunrise has created the RISE FFA Career Program, which is entering its second year. The RISE FFA Career Program was developed in 2019 and serves two purposes: provide an avenue to reach the future leaders of agriculture, while supporting the Ohio FFA Association State President during their term in office.

Starting at the 2019 Ohio FFA Convention, Sunrise committed to providing the Ohio FFA with a new pick-up truck for three years for the state president to drive, and for three years Sunrise has committed to hiring a high school senior that was active with their FFA chapter as a full-time employee at Sunrise that is looking to enter the workforce after high school. As a signing bonus, the new employee would receive the year-old pick-up truck that the state president drove.

On July 23, Sunrise President/CEO George D. Secor presented the 2020-2021 Ohio FFA President Bethany Starlin with a new Ford Ranger pick-up truck.… Continue reading

By Chloe Shumaker, West Holmes FFA Reporter

By Dusty Sonnenberg

The last line in the FFA Motto is “Living to Serve.” That motto is being lived out in real time during COVID-19 by Universal Lettering of Van Wert, maker of the official blue corduroy FFA jacket.

Little has changed from the original FFA jacket that J.H. “Gus” Lintner had Van Wert Manufacturing/Universal Uniform Company design in 1933. The Fredericktown FFA Chapter Band wore the jacket when they played at the national FFA Convention in Kansas City that year. The blue corduroy jackets were later adopted as the official dress for all FFA chapters.

A good deal has changed, though, with the company producing those iconic blue and gold jackets over the years. The original jackets had snaps instead of zippers and embroidered emblems instead of sewn on patches. Today a state-of-the-art process at Universal Lettering, which includes a chenille machine to create the patches and computerized sewing machines to stitch each individual member name on the front of the jacket, replaces hand-operated machines.… Continue reading

By Meredith Oglesby, OCJ FFA reporter

During the 2020 Ohio FFA Celebration, Sunrise Cooperative announced the first recipient of the Recruiting Innovative Sunrise Employees (RISE) FFA Career Program. Ethin Bendickson, a 2020 graduate of Miami East High School, has secured a full-time position with Sunrise Cooperative along with a signing bonus of a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado truck.

Bendickson’s position is a four-year commitment. In the first two years, he will rotate through different divisions learning about Sunrise Cooperative and in the following two years, he will be evaluated and placed into a position based on interests and expertise. Sunrise, based in Ohio, is a leading agricultural and energy cooperative.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to work for the cooperative and learn about all the aspects of being a part of a great company,” Bendickson said.

Currently, he is working in the agronomy division and is located at the PCT branch in Kettlersville, Ohio.… Continue reading