FFA News

The annual Liberty- Benton FFA Banquet was held on Thursday April 21, in the Liberty-Benton High School auditorium. During the banquet, members’ accomplishments through the year are recognized, a farewell is said to members who have done so much to help the chapter and new officers are established. To get the banquet started there was a dinner, desserts and refreshments for the guests to enjoy.

Agricultural education students are required to plan a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. The members receiving proficiency awards work very hard outside of class to gain new skills from their projects. Students are offered the opportunity to apply for chapter, state and national proficiency awards. Many of the members received chapter proficiency awards and a few received district and state proficiency awards.

Lexi Heidlebaugh got 2nd in district for Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship. Her SAE consists of Lexi raising soybeans, corn, and sweetcorn crops. She is responsible for seed and chemical costs, markets her own grain, monitors crop growth, performs equipment maintenance, and operates all equipment related to her SAE.… Continue reading

On Thursday, May 19th the Zane Trace FFA Chapter, a satellite of PRCTC, held their annual parent-member banquet in the cafeteria of Zane Trace High School. Members were presented with awards for CDE participation, proficiency and agriscience fair along with Star Awards for the top Greenhand, top member in production agriculture, top member in placement and top member in agriscience. A slideshow of the Chapter’s activities throughout the year was presented and a dessert buffet with ice cream, cupcakes and cookies was provided for guests to enjoy. Installation of the 2022-2023 officer team concluded the banquet. The members and families were grateful to return to the stage of the cafeteria for this event after two years of being unable to host the banquet in a formal setting.… Continue reading

On May 30th, members of the West Holmes FFA chapter participated in the Nashville Memorial Day Parade. Members rode through Nashville on their hand decorated hay wagon and threw candy out to bystanders attending the event. The annual parade is held to honor our veterans who served in order to protect our nation.  Thanks to Sweet Breeze Farms for providing the wagon and to Jaume Pennell for driving the tractor to haul the float through the parade! … Continue reading

The Miami East FFA Alumni Chapter recently recognized graduates of Miami East High School that had been enrolled in Agricultural Education and members of the FFA Chapter. In order to qualify for the scholarship, the applicants completed an essay on “The Benefits of Agricultural Education” and been active in the FFA Chapter for at least one year. Each recipient received a cash scholarship to be used for their further endeavors.

Katelynn Dill is the daughter of Patrisha Dill and Gary Dill. She participated in the meats evaluation team and attended the National FFA Convention. She shared that agricultural education is important so that we “Know where our food comes from.”

Jayden Gates is the daughter of Lisa Gates and Josh Gates. She participated in the State FFA Band and attended the State FFA Convention. She shared that she has learned how to lead a meeting or ask the real questions that need to be asked and answered.… Continue reading

On May 24th the West Holmes FFA chapter held their May meeting as well as their adopt a highway program on State Route 39. During the adopt a highway the West Holmes FFA chapter volunteered their time to pick trash off the side of the road, members who helped with the cleanup were Ian Barr, Garrett Fowler, Sarah Irwin, Colby Long, Derek Miller, Wyatt Myers, Madison Pearce-Laferty, Alysa Pringle, Alex Pringle, Jenna Sheldon, and Alexa Tate. The meeting took place later that evening at 7:30 behind the West Holmes Middle school. The meeting was called to order by President Becca Schuch. Opening ceremonies were held and officer reports were given. New business; Pacee Miller moved and Quentin Vehrs seconded to send members to FFA camp. Motion Passed. Cora Crilow moved and Ally Ogi seconded to approve the summer schedule. Motion passed. Keith Hawkins moved and Ian Barr seconded to create a fair booth and pay for supplies.… Continue reading

Each year, the Ohio FFA Association is proud to honor the FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.  That honor, the State FFA Degree, is bestowed upon a select group of individuals for years of academic and professional excellence.

Dylan Hartline, Emma Hartline, Madi Hiener and Ashlee Wagner were selected to join that exclusive list and were awarded the Ohio State FFA Degree at the 94^th State FFA Convention in Columbus.   

Emma & Dylan Hartline, Hiener and Wagner are all members of the Waterford FFA Chapter and their agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor is Matt Hartline.  

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested at least $2,500 net through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own, or hold a professional position in an existing agriculture enterprise.… Continue reading

On May 18th the West Holmes FFA Chapter volunteered their time to help clean up the Holmes County Home. The chapter picked weeds through the flower beds and around the home. They also weedeated around the home and the surrounding trail. Members that volunteered were: Dyllan Bender, Cora Crilow, Maren Drzazga, Garrett Fowler, Sarah Irwin, Derek Miller, Alex Pringle, Alysa Pringle, Andi Schuch, Becca Schuch, Jenna Sheldon, Chloe Shumaker, Hayden Smith, Alexa Tate, Dakotah Ringwalt, and Quentin Vehrs.… Continue reading

On May 21st 2022 the West Holmes FFA chapter hosted the Mid Ohio Lamb Classic. The chapter had begun setup for the show days prior to the event by making sure the arena and surrounding areas were in place inside the livestock building at Harvest Ridge. The chapter worked all day on Saturday to get animals checked in and run the show, over 370 lambs were exhibited and the show lasted from 10 to 5. Members that helped setup and host the classic were: Dyllan Bender, Cora Crilow, Maren Drzazga, Ethan Fiekert, Garrett Fowler, Sarah Irwin, Derek Miller, Pacee Miller, Alex Pringle, Alysa Pringle, Bree Pringle, Andi Schuch, Becca Schuch, Jenna Sheldon, Chloe Shumaker, Hayden Smith, Quentin Vehrs, Haylee Conner, and Lakensey Guthrie. … Continue reading

The high school students of the West Liberty-Salem FFA Chapter put on an Ag Science Day for the elementary students of West Liberty-Salem. High school students brought in many different pieces of equipment as well as many different species of livestock. The FFA students, with help from some middle school volunteers, lead the elementary students around to each station and taught them about all things agriculture related. The elementary students got to pet the animals and ask FFA members any questions they had. The FFA chapter provided the elementary students with popsicles after they got done with their tour and participating FFA members got to enjoy a cookout during their lunch period.… Continue reading

The 59th annual FFA Banquet turned out well and ran smoothly. The new and old officer team came in on Saturday, April 9th at 9 am to start setting up the banquet. We started to set up in the gymnasium to have the meal. We took all the tables and chairs from the cafeteria and lined them up perfectly in the gymnasium. We decorated the tables with table cloths, streamers, and flowers.  We also had the official ceremony in the Auditorium where we had tables set up for the opening ceremony and a backdrop where the seniors hung their jackets after their retiring addresses. 

For our meal, we decided to just do light desserts. It was catered by Special Occasions. They brought in three different types of pies which included apple, peach, and rhubarb pie. There was also dirt pudding, brownies, and fruit. For drinks, we had water, punch, and coffee.… Continue reading

On April 13th the Liberty Union FFA ENR team competed at the Ohio FFA Environmental and Natural Resources competition. Students Gavin Eastep, Mary Chesnut, Alex Shy, and Kameron Waits competed, and the Liberty Union team overall placed 1st in the state. Individually Mary Chesnut placed first and Gavin Eastep placed second.

 The purpose of the environmental and natural resource career development event is to stimulate student interest and to promote environmental and natural resource instruction in the agricultural education curriculum and to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies as a result of environmental and natural resource instruction.… Continue reading

The Liberty Union FFA Chapter had four members compete in the Ohio FFA Public Speaking Competition.  Senior Mary Chesnut competed in the Advanced Prepared division and received 1st in Districts and 5th in the state.  Brooklyn Dray, a sophomore, competed in the Extemporaneous competition and received 5th in Districts.  At the county level Masie ,a freshman, competed in Creed Speaking and Taylor Amick, a sophomore, competed in Beginning Prepared Speaking.

The FFA Public Speaking competition focuses on building strong communication and leadership skills. The purpose of the Creed Speaking Career Development is to provide FFA members the opportunity to develop oral communication skills, confidence, and the ability to appear before groups through Agricultural Public Speaking activities. The purpose of the Advanced Prepared Public Speaking Career Development is to develop oral communication skills through Agricultural Public Speaking activities. The Advanced Prepared CDE is designed to develop confidence and the ability to appear before groups.… Continue reading

On May 16th at 7:00 pm in the auditorium at Anthony Wayne High School, the Anthony Wayne -Penta FFA Chapter held our 2021-2022 Awards Ceremony,  A Night at the FFA Awards Ceremony. During the awards ceremony we recognized our chapter and our members’ accomplishments throughout this past year, we also inducted an honorary degree member, awarded scholarships, and installed the 2022 -2023 Anthony Wayne – Penta FFA Executive Team. 

 At States Anna Wright received a Gold rating for her work on the secretary’s book, Mikalyn D’Amore earned a Gold rating for her work on the treasurer’s book, and Vesta Miller earned a Gold rating for her work on the reporter’s book. At the State Agriscience Fair, Mikalyn D’Amore placed 1st in environmental systems division 5.  Makayla Tellier placed 2nd, in social systems division 3, and Ronald Bischoff and Nick Wacha placed 1st in Social Systems, division 6.  Mikalyn D’Amore submitted a proficiency application to the State FFA award evaluation in the Prociencey Area of Agriscience Research Integrated Systems.… Continue reading

On April 29th, the West Holmes FFA chapter volunteered their time at the Nashville Fun Fair. The chapter helped with the setup prior to the event which included setting up the games and preparing chicken for the meal. Throughout the afternoon they helped run games such as basketball, plinko, bowling, putt putt, muffin pan toss, musical chairs, and duck pond. The chapter served food during the fair which concluded at 7:30 PM. After the Fun Fair ended the chapter helped clean up and put away games. The helpers from the chapter included Colby Long, Alysa Pringle, Ally Ogi, Jess Miller, Madison Pearce Laferty, Kalan Bowling, Miley Snow, Grant Miller, Jenna Sheldon, Sarah Irwin, Casey Ogi, Ava Eberhard, Maren Drzazga, Quentin Vehrs, Lexy Starner, Garrett Fowler, Alex Pringle, Zora Starner, Laina Croskey, and Pacee Miller.… Continue reading

 Northwestern FFA was very excited to recognize their members for all their hard work and dedication at an in person banquet, after a few years of abnormality. The theme this year was “Southwestern/Fiesta.” Our Chapter was able to give out numerous awards, scholarships, recognize Career Development Event teams, Star members, and show the community how hard members have worked.

Every year the Northwestern-Wayne FFA chapter has three main fundraisers, to help keep the chapter running and be able to contribute to our community. We sell fruit, sausage, and strawberries. Each year the chapter honors our top two salesmen for each fundraiser. This year for the fruit fundraiser Rylee Dawson was the Star Fruit Salesman, with Lauren Vaughan being the Runner-up Fruit Salesman. Dugan McLaughlin was the Star Sausage Salesman, selling a total of 545 lbs of sausage. Rylee Dawson was the Runner-up, and he sold a total of 380 lbs of sausage.… Continue reading

This year was the first year since 2019, that the Ohio FFA organization held an in person State FFA Convention. For most members, this years 94^th annual State Convention was their first. The convention was held on May 5^th and 6^th at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. The Utica FFA Chapter attended both days with Licking Valley. They attended the career show and many sessions including ones honoring Utica members and the chapter. Three members participated in the state Ag Mechanics CDE. Kaden Baker, Wyatt Cullup, and Aidyn Burgess put together a garden tool holder in the time frame of 3 hours and completed a test. They placed 12^th in the state. Congrats! 

 During the first session, the Utica FFA Chapter received recognition for charitable giving. This is earned by chapters donating supplies to organizations. With extra fruit from our annual fruit sale it was donated to the Utica Food Pantry.… Continue reading

From May 4 through May 6 the Smithville FFA Chapter attended the 94th State Convention in Columbus. On Wednesday, FFA members toured Pearl Valley Cheese in which the Chapter sells in their spring fundraiser sales. Thursday, members toured OSU AG Campus, and then attended 1st and 2nd session. On Friday, the Smithville FFA Chapter had 5 members that received their Ohio FFA State Degrees. These members spent many hours keeping their records up to date, and are either a junior or senior that have received their FFA Chapter Degree. Out of all the members only 2% of FFA members can achieve this. Mason Johnson, Lillian Kreider, Ben Rhoades, Jonathan Tomic, and Kailynn Wickens. Also, on Friday Smithville had 2 officers of the Smithville FFA Chapter receive a gold rating on their books, Ben Rhoades received a gold rating for his Reporter book; while Laura Weinman received a gold rating for her Treasure book.… Continue reading

Hard work paid off for the five members of the Agriculture Issues Forum CDE team from Zane Trace on April 30th as they became the first banner-winning CDE from Zane Trace since 2018 with their 4th place finish in the state finals! The team researched the issue of meat processing access in Southern Ohio and presented their forum to five community groups in order to qualify. Along the way the students built their public speaking skills and learned how to work as a team. They represented ZTHS very well!… Continue reading

On Saturday, May 14th the Milton-Union MVCTC FFA Chapter hosted their Annual Parent-Member Banquet where we welcomed nearly 150 parents, members, and special guests. During the evening members were recognized for achievements such as class leadership awards, CDE participation, and chapter proficiency awards. Discovery, Greenhand, and Chapter degrees were bestowed upon our middle school members, first year members, and second year members respectively. Additionally, two Honorary Chapter Degrees were awarded to, Mrs. Theresa Lingernfelter and Mrs. Jenny Falb. The newly elected officer team was also installed during the banquet as follows: Prescient-Tyler Kress, Vice President- Emma Deeter, Secretary- Allyson Stinson, Treasurer- Gavin Spitler, and Reporter- Jennifer Riquelme. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our Banquet Donors: Hale-Sarver Family Funeral Home, Hissong Family Farms, John Leffew of John Construction, LLC., Karen and Jack Wellbaum, Kress Farms, Mary K. Miller, Miami County Fair- MCAS, and Saunders Towing & Recovery LLC.… Continue reading

The Milton-Union MVCTC FFA Chapter attended the Ohio FFA Convention in Columbus on May 5th and 6th along with FFA chapters from all corners of the state. During the trip our students toured the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, attended business sessions, and networked with colleges and future employers at the Expo. During the convention, our chapter Secretary, Emmie Bohse, chapter Treasurer, Tyler Kress and chapter Reporter, Emma Deeter were awarded Gold Rated Officer Record Book awards, the highest rating awarded. Additionally, four of our members earned their State FFA Degree, the highest honor the Ohio FFA can bestow upon a member. The four recipients were: Emmie Bohse, Taylor Falb, Tyler Kress, and Darby Welbaum.… Continue reading