FFA News

By: Chloe Shumaker, chapter reporter

On Thursday, November 5th, 5 West Holmes FFA members participated in the District 2 job interview contest held virtually from Wynford High School. Ashley Tate placed 1st in the Junior/Senior division and will be moving onto the state contest on December 5th. Maren Drzazga was 4th in the freshman division.  Becca Schuch was 4th in the Sophomore division. Ally Ogi was 4th in the Junior Division, and Jayme Pennell was 6th in the Senior division.

On Thursday, October 29th, 10 West Holmes FFA members participated in the chapter job interview contest held virtually with Northwestern and Hillsdale FFA chapters. Members went through an interview process and wrote a cover letter and resume and filled out an application. The Freshman members who participated are Zoee Snow, Maren Drzazga, Emily Harrower, Laina Croskey, and Wyatt Schlauch.… Continue reading

On Tuesday, October 27, 2020 a group of members of the Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC FFA chapter would have boarded a bus and headed to the 93rd National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana.This year, instead of going to Indianapolis, Indiana, FFA members tuned in virtually to celebrate the accomplishments of specific members and chapters across the Nation this past year. Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC FFA had some accomplishments and would have been recognized on the stage at the National Convention. This year, the Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC FFA chapter was rated a 3 Star Chapter, which is the highest rating a chapter can receive nationally. Within the chapter, member Justin Miller, received his American Degree. This is the highest degree achievable by an FFA member. Because of his outstanding SAE and FFA involvement, Justin was able to earn this degree.In previous years, the members that have gone to this trip have made many great memories and new experiences.… Continue reading

“Experience is the best teacher” as the old saying goes, and Zane Trace Ag Business students are certainly learning a lot through their experience of marketing and processing a food product this fall! As part of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter Fall Fundraiser, members of the class created a business and marketing plan for a single food product that they would be responsible for all steps of processing: grape jelly. The students created a business plan, budgeted income and expenses and identified potential obstacles and ways to overcome them. They also planned a “sampling” event in which fellow agriculture students were provided with a sample of their product to generate interest. Orders for the jelly along with other fundraiser items were accepted between October 8^th and November 5^th. When the final numbers were tallied the class had sold 139 half pint jars of grape jelly, 19 more than they had budgeted for originally!… Continue reading

Zane Trace FFA members found a way to celebrate the accomplishments of members throughout the past year of chapter activities despite the fact that their annual spring parent-member banquet was cancelled. Chapter officers worked with school administrators and teachers to plan a socially distanced chapter award luncheon in the high school gymnasium on Friday, November 13^th. The awards program included Chapter Star winners, proficiency awards, recognition of CDE teams and top fundraisers from the past year. Six members who received their State FFA degree were also recognized and 52 first year FFA members received their Greenhand Degree pins.

After the awards were presented, members enjoyed a lunch of chicken fingers and toast from Raising Cane’s of Chillicothe. A total of 96 members and officers were present for the luncheon. A video of the event was made available for members who are studying remotely this semester as well.

The ZT FFA would like to thank all of the staff at Zane Trace and the management at Raising Cane’s who helped make the event possible.… Continue reading

By: Vesta Miller, Chapter Reporter

On November 10, 2020, two Anthony Wayne – Penta FFA members competed in the District 1 Job Interview Career Development Event. Students prepared a cover letter, resume and job application. They then interviewed for an agriculturally related position, and wrote a follow up thank you letter. Students competed against other students in their grade level across eight counties. Jacob Zajkowski, senior, earned 1st place in division four and will compete at the state contest in December. Mikalyn D’Amore, junior, earned 9th place in division three.  Mikalyn D’Amore stated about the contest “Doing a Job Interview was a unique and fun experience. I gained advice on what to work on before I go out, and what to expect when I apply for a job.”… Continue reading

By: Libby Carpenter, Chapter Reporter

The Agricultural Literacy Committee of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter recently sponsored a coloring contest at Miami East Elementary. 
Members of the Ag Literacy Committee visited each classroom and shared facts about a traditional Thanksgiving-themed meal. They then challenged the students in fourth grade to color and decorate a Thanksgiving-themed picture.  FFA members evaluated the pictures and awarded first place to one student in each homeroom. The results are as follows:

Mrs. Kathy Irick – Emree Elifritz. She shared she is thankful for family, her house, and Jesus.
Ms. Anna Lauterbach – Zeke Daily. He shared he is thankful for his family.
Mr. Matt Roth – Ava McGaharan. She shared she is thankful for her family and friends, pets and school. She says school is the best.
Mrs. Laura Weddle – Josie Shane. She shared she is thankful for family and friends.

Each student participating received a prize complements of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter. … Continue reading

Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Retail Agriculture Services juniors held a virtual November FFA Meeting to receive their Greenhand Degree pins and certificates. Mason Willetts (Tri-Village), Christopher Ryan (Carlisle), Michael Seger (Tri-Village), Mackenzie Hopkins (New Lebanon), Connor Hawkins (Northmont), Justin Thomas (Milton-Union), and Cody Perkins (Milton-Union).

The FFA Greenhand Degree is given to first-year FFA high school students who have demonstrated that they have a thorough understanding of FFA’s history and purpose and have a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) plan. The requirements to apply for this degree are:

• Enroll in an agricultural education program and have satisfactory plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).
• Learn and explain the FFA Creed, FFA Mission and Motto, and FFA salute.
• Describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and FFA colors.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the organization’s history, the chapter constitution and bylaws, and the chapter Program of Activities.

By: Madeline Hutton, Chapter Reporter

The West Liberty- Salem FFA had their annual officer interviews on September 30^th. A variety of questions were asked of the applicants, making sure that they were fit for the positions. Positions were elected on November 1^st. Cooper Havens is the new FFA President, Morgan Damron is the Vice President, Trinity Perkins the Secretary with Gavin Woodruff as the Co-Secretary, Madeline Hutton Reporter with Dylan Glunt as the Co-Reporter, Marissa Bailey the Treasurer with Hayden King as the Co-Treasurer, Maddox Havens the Historian, Dawson Jenkins the Sentinel, and Olivia Muirhead the Student Advisor. The FFA chapter is very excited to have the new officer team in swing for the 2020-2021 school year.… Continue reading

Recently, Beck’s Superior Hybrids of Atlanta, Indiana donated an FFA jacket to two members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter. The jackets were made available through a special project of the Ohio FFA Foundation. The Blue Jackets Program was founded to help new FFA members earn their first FFA jacket. Participating FFA members pledge to meet the Blue Jacket Program requirements and the jackets will be awarded to them.

Requirements of the Blue Jacket Program include attending FFA events, completion of community service, submission of satisfactory plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program, service on an FFA Program of Activities committee, completion of a high school agricultural education course, and attendance at the FFA chapter meetings. Additionally, the members selected agree to maintain a positive and cooperative attitude.… Continue reading

By: Georgia Gamble, chapter reporter

Utica FFA’s first CDE (Career Development Event) this year was the State Ag and Urban Soils CDE. This year the whole competition was done online due to COVID- 19. The Ag team was composed of Emily Hill, Abby Paxton, and Kenneth Davenport. The team placed 74th out of 164 teams. Emily placed 107th, Abby Paxton 351st, and Kenneth Davenport placed 749th out of 1,096 participants.

The Urban team placed 93rd out of 108 teams. Chris Young placed 199th and Matt Hite placed 472nd out of 587 participants.  Students were able to watch videos to identify soil textures, viewed pictures of soil pits, took an online knowledge test and a soil survey test.… Continue reading

By: Georgia Gamble, chapter reporter

This year’s National Convention was held online through online sessions and a custom website. There were many other activities offered through the website to make the National Convention experience even better.

This allowed for all FFA members to participate in the National Convention. Members participated in the Connect rooms, where they chatted with other FFA members across the country, the Blue Room about new technology, and checked out the expo.  The Utica FFA Chapter hosted a watch party to view one of the sessions. 35 of our FFA members came and participated. The session included National Chapter Awards, Agricultural Proficiency Awards, Yomar Roman’s retiring address, and many other awards and events. After the session, the members were all given a snack to go.  We also celebrated graduates Seth Blake and Trina Orr for earning their American FFA Degrees, which less than 1% of all FFA members earn.… Continue reading

By: Chloe Shumaker, chapter reporter

On October 22nd, the West Holmes FFA chapter held its annual meeting at West Holmes High School. The meeting was brought to order by President Jayme Pennell. After conducting opening ceremonies they went onto officer reports and new business. The following motions were made: Kyle Mowery moved and Dawson Doretich seconded to have either Koleson McCoy or Janessa Hill as our speaker for the Greenhand Initiation and Chapter Degree Ceremonies. Motion passed. Pacee Miller moved and Kyle Mowery seconded to hold an awareness fair before the November meeting. Motion passed. Dakotah Ringwalt moved and Garrett Houin seconded to send two teams to the District 8 trap shoot and have each member pay $15 for registration. Motion passed. Jess Miller moved and Sarah Irwin seconded to participate in a virtual leadership night. Motion passed.  Garrett Houin moved and Kyle Mowery seconded to have all fruit money due by December 16.… Continue reading

By:  Chloe Shumaker, chapter reporter

On October 20th, 11 West Holmes FFA members participated in the state soils contest. The Rural team placed 39th in the state out of 164 teams. Individually Sarah Irwin was 182nd, Becca Schuch was 211th, Alysa Pringle was 315th, Dakotah Ringwalt was 417th, Jess Miller was 486th, and Garrett Houin was 515th, out of 1,083 individuals. The Urban team was 68th out of 106 teams. Individually Maria Steiner was 265th, Olivia Sampsel was 307th, Blaine Winkler was 397th, Pacee Miller was 457th, and Kadan McDougale was 486th out of 572 individuals.

On October 14th, 10 West Holmes FFA members participated in the district soils contest. This contest consists of finding the slope of the soil, ribboning, and an online test.  The Rural team placed 3rd out of 9 teams. Individually Sarah Irwin was 4th, Becca Schuch was 8th, Dakotah Ringwalt was 14th, Jess Miller was 21st, and Alysa Pringle was 26th, out of 47 individuals. … Continue reading

By: Jadeyn Berry, chapter reporter
Unfortunately, this year FFA members around the country couldn’t attend the National FFA Convention due to the Corona Virus. Some of the chapters in Wayne County were able to put on a watch party to watch this year’s virtual National Convention. Twenty-five students from the Northwestern FFA and Smithvillie FFA Chapters met at the Buckeye Agricultural Museum to watch the 4th session of the Convention. During this session, members heard the retiring address from Kolesen McCoy, the former National FFA President as well as the former Ohio State FFA President.  … Continue reading

The November 2020 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Member of the Month is Landin Putnam. He is a freshman and first year member of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter.

Landin recently competed in the State FFA Urban Soils where he was the highest placing individual from the chapter. He placed 69 out of 572 individuals. He also attended the 2020 National FFA Virtual Convention and has participated in the fruit sales fundraiser.

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

Benjamin Logan FFA Graduate Members, Landon Wenger and LeAnn Regula were recently awarded the coveted American FFA Degree at the 93rd National FFA Convention virtually. 

FFA members and supporters from across the country celebrated agricultural education and agriculture during the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 27-29. In a normal year, if so chosen to, some FFA members would have travelled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the National FFA Convention. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, convention is required to be virtual this year. More members are able to participate in the 2020 convention because of the reason that they are not responsible for making any travel payments. FFA members representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are expected to participate in the virtual event. It’s an opportunity for students to be exposed to new career paths and opportunities – while celebrating the accomplishments these future leaders have made over the past year. 

Students are completing online activities to help make the online convention come to life. Throughout the week, national convention and expo attendees experienced  the FFA Blue Room, which showcases cutting-edge technology, research and innovation in agriculture.… Continue reading

The 93rd National FFA Convention is the largest event hosted by the National FFA. Because of COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions, the 2020 National FFA Convention was held virtually. Members of the Miami East-MVCTC participated in various virtual sessions of the National FFA Convention. Those members included from Miami East-MVCTC FFA were Erin Baker, Isaac Beal, Maya Bowsher, Sydney Brittain, Luke Brunke, Libby Carpenter, Keyara Davis, Ashlee Deaton, Martin Desautels, Katelynn Dill, Dottie Everett, Ethan Fine, Carter Gilbert, Chloe Gump, Fletcher Harris, Kylie Haught, Alaina Helsinger, Reagan Howell, Abigail Kadel, Keira Kirby, Katie Larson, Kyle Larson, Brayden Link, Madison Maxson, McKayah Musselman, Jillian Niswonger, Devan Nix, Elisabeth Norman, Lindsey Ott, Ethan Paulus, Logan Phillips, Adi Richter, Caleb Richter, Ty Roeth, Kaitlyn Roop, Sera Rush, Jimmy Sutherly, Brooklyn Taylor, Sumsaar Thapa, Thomas Wallace, Seth Wells, Lauren Wright, and Brayden Zekas.

Convention activities included attending several general convention sessions were members where inspired by motivational speakers such as the 2019-20 National FFA Officers.… Continue reading

            After competing in neither a county or district forestry competition, the Liberty Union FFA Forestry CDE Team competed in the state online competition on October 6th, 2020. In this Career Development Event, FFA members learn about anything relating to forestry and trees. This CDE has different practicums that change from year to year. This year the team was required to learn forestry equipment identification, timber cruising, an online exam, wood products, tree identification, forestry diseases and disorders, and how to read a topographic map. 

            This CDE is a team competition, but only the top four members on each team contribute to the overall score. This year’s team placed 2nd in the state, with all four members placing within the top 13. Individually, Mary Chesnut placed 4th, Gavin Eastep placed 5th, Brody Poston placed 7th, and Alex Shy placed 13th, out of 404 FFA members. The team will pick up practicing again next year in August.… Continue reading

            As we continue to try and pursue a normal life through a pandemic our FFA Chapter’s Soils Team went into action Tuesday, October 20th, at the State Soils Competition. Due to the current situation the competition was 100% virtual. This was a major change from hands on in the pits to behind the desk and on computers. The contest consists of 2 teams, Urban and Ag. Our Urban Soils team of Jaden Smith, Shayla Shy, Ben Jones, Lindsay Robinson, Jillian Wagner and our Ag Soils team of Cade Craft, Case Alt, Mason Love, Tommy Wolfe, Gabby Huber, Emma Wilson and Mikayla Sage, thoroughly worked the last month to prepare for the competition. During the contest there were three pits that needed to be judged. After completing all three pits the teams had to use that information and complete the Best Management Practices for each pit. Once those portions were done the testing part began.… Continue reading