FFA News

The National Trail-MVCTC FFA Chapter held their first Administrative Dinner September 22^nd. The National Trail-MVCTC officers showed the school board members of National Trail and MVCTC their POA or Program of Activities. They explained the whole POA and multiple activities that they are planning on participating in this following year. Also, they had three amazing guest speakers, Natalie Miller, Jenna Genson and Tracy Dendinger.

Jenna Genson was first to speak, she told the board members about the importance of the National Honorary FFA Member award and how special it is to receive. Jessica Helsinger will be receiving this award October 31st at the National FFA Convention for Mr. Joseph Slone. Ms. Genson then spoke about how Joseph Slone was respected by more than just the National Trail-MVCTC FFA Chapter and how he was one of the best advisors.

Natalie Miller then spoke about the importance of field trips we take during the school year.… Continue reading

Miami Trace students, age 16 and older, were eligible to donate blood during the first annual blood drive of the school year. The drive was held September 24, 2014 at the Miami Trace High School field house. Mr. Owens, the government teacher, promotes this event as a development of citizenship and cooperates with the Red Cross and the FFA in conducting the event.

On average, a student who donates one pint of blood will save up to three lives. The American Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood supply.  The Red Cross provides blood for patients in approximately 2,700 hospitals across the U.S.

The FFA will host this event three times this school year.  A special recognition program was implemented to recognize students who donate blood three times during the last 365 days at FFA, or community blood drives, or who will donate a double red blood cell unit twice in the present school year.  … Continue reading

Three members of the Preble Shawnee FFA Chapter were challenged by their advisor Mrs. Kennel to paint a concrete pig in the 2014 Oinkers for Art Contest. The three FFA members included Samantha Burns, Sawyer Hacker, and Sidney Hacker . Their artistic skills took the honor of Grand Champion. The pig the FFA members designed and painted received the most votes by 2014 Pork Festival goers. The honor earned $100 cash for the Preble Shawnee FFA Chapter. The pig was auctioned off on Saturday evening to Vonderharr Farms.… Continue reading

The September 2014 Miami East FFA Member of the Month is Cody McConnaughey. He is the son of Roger McConnaughey and Stephanie Rudasill. Cody is a second year member of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter.

At the 2014 Miami County Fair Cody exhibited the Grand Champion Shop Project with his restored 1949 Farmall M Tractor. He exhibited additional items in the FFA Shop and Crop Building. Cody has competed in the Greenhand parliamentary procedures contest and sold fruit. His Supervised Agricultural Experience includes job placement on his grandparent’s farm.

Every month of the school year the Miami East FFA will select a student to be the FFA Member of the Month.  The officer team will nominate one student 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 memento in celebration of their accomplishment.… Continue reading

The Shelby FFA stayed busy all day last Friday during their 2014 Field Day. The day started with prep of the shop and table setup for the event and at noon, the students got to sit down and eat lunch with local farmers. While everyone enjoyed an awesome lunch, Adison Niese, Kaitlyn Evans, and Haley Evans were teaching students as well as farmers about modern issues and technologies in agriculture such as superweeds, roundup ready beans, and twin rows. We also had bean plants from our test plot out, so farmers could see how the different populations affected the plant.

After the field day the craziness didn’t end. When the cleanup was done we started the set up for the FFA Tailgate party at the practice field in front of the Shelby Football Field. This tailgate party was in appreciation for anyone who donated to the Shelby FFA Alumni Buyers Club.… Continue reading

The River Valley FFA recently held their annual Greenhand Cookout at Strine Farms. Greenhands were able to come and play games, sit around a fire, and have dinner while getting to know the new officer team and Agricultural Education teacher Ellen Keck.

The 2014-15 officers also had the chance to get to know the freshmen and talked to them about different activities, such as the National FFA Convention in October, and Career Development Events like Creed Speaking and Parliamentary Procedure.

The River Valley FFA is looking forward to a great year in class and the chapter with their Greenhands.… Continue reading

Five Buckeye Central FFA members traveled to Springfield, Massachusetts over a four day period last week to compete in the National FFA’s Eastern Regional Farm Business Management Contest. The National FFA’s Eastern Regional competition includes 18 states from the North Eastern portion of the United States.

Leaving on Thursday the group traveled to Stanfordville, New York where they toured Wheatley Farms – a 600-acre beef cattle farm managed by Travis Pope formerly of Bloomville, Ohio.  Friday morning, the group then traveled up the New England countryside to visit the Eastern States Exposition (BIG E). The Big E is a regional fair playing host to a “state fair” atmosphere for six of the New England states. After much preparation and anticipation on Saturday morning the group of students participated in the National FFA’s Eastern Regional Farm Business Management Competition.

The Farm Business Management Competition tests an FFA members understanding of general business concepts and principles through an extensive testing format.… Continue reading

Hiland FFA recently had a successful week at the 2014 Holmes County Fair. Tanner Neuenschwander, Aaron Nisley, Kelsey Yoder, and Rachelle Yoder showed market hogs through FFA. Tanner Neuenschwander placed second in his class. Nikyta Engstrom placed 4th overall with her pen of 3 market ducks. Tallie Troyer showed a market dairy goat. She placed reserved grand championship for showmanship and 5th for actual judging.

The following FFA members showed through 4-H; Tanner Neuenschwander, Tallie Troyer, Shauna Kline, Grant Mast, Derek Burke, Drew Mast, Regina Nisley, Deanna Shetler, and Blaine Miller. Tanner got reserve grand champion with his market dairy steer. Tallie showed a Holstein senior calf. Grant placed 8th overall with his broilers and also took a beef steer. Derek took a market hog and dairy steer. Drew showed a dairy steer. Regina and Deanna each had a dairy goat.

This past year in FFA the students built shop projects in class.… Continue reading

The Ross County Farm Bureau held their 96th Annual Meeting in The Sunroom at the Brick in Frankfort on Thursday, August 28th.

Five members from the Zane Trace FFA chapter traveled there to attend. Kevin Daubenmire, Karlee Daubenmire, Ashley McCullough, Olivia Pflaumer, and Taylor Stacy were the five FFA members. The students had the opportunity to eat a lot of great food, meet new people, and hear about some of the current issues in the agriculture industry. At the end of the evening’s business session the students helped to distribute the door prizes to attendees who were selected as winners. All of the members had a great time and are excited to attend next year’s meeting.… Continue reading

Earlier this summer, the RG Drage FFA  Chapter traveled to Carrol County to participate in the 1st session of Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum.

The members that participated were Amber Buzaki, Adriana Grimm, Patrick Helwig, and Laura Wood.

There were many activities involving the theme for this year – Indiana Jones. The campers participated in a poverty simulation, heard inspirational words from guest speaker David Kohout, and volunteered on a community service project.

FFA members who attended look forward to sharing their leadership, communication, and team work skills with fellow RG Drage FFA members.… Continue reading

The Marion County Fair was held earlier this year, and  the River Valley FFA had quite a few members showing. The projects ranged from SAE posters to market and breeding livestock.

The annual Sale of Champions had many River Valley FFA members coming through the ring. Those members included Amy Poorman, (Grand Champion Market Turkey), Zach Watkins, (Reserve Champion Market Hog), Josh Strine, (Grand Champion Market Steer), Emma Nicholson, (Grand and Reserve Champion Market Lamb, and Middle Weight Reserve Champion Market Hog), Morgan Seckel, (Reserve Champion BBR Steer), and Jacob Bosley, (Beef Outstanding Market Exhibitor).

The chapter also excelled outside of the market show. Emma Nicholson was the Beef Showman of Showmen, and Morgan Seckel took 1st Place in Intermediate Showmanship. Emma Heimlich was named Senior Shepherd and the 2014 Marion County Jr. Fair Princess.… Continue reading

This summer, the Fort Loramie FFA held a petting zoo at Liberty Days. The petting zoo featured two calves given by Vick and Peg Pleiman, a goat donated by the Minster Veterinary Service, and three rabbits donated by the Tony and Jorgi Hoying family.

Children could also interact with the cut out cow that was featured there. FFA members assisted children with handling rabbits and bottling calves.

The FFA would like to thank all who donated the animals and came to participate in the community event.… Continue reading

During the graduation of Preble Shawnee local  schools, two students were awarded scholarships from the FFA Alumni for  the 2013-2014 scholarship year. Knox Wilson and Brian Ketring were  awarded a five hundred dollar scholarship, courtesy of the Preble Shawnee FFA Alumni,  for their outstanding efforts and contributions to the Preble Shawnee FFA. Although both graduating, they left a footprint in the hallways of Preble Shawnee.… Continue reading

On June 2-6, 2014, FFA Camp Muskingum was held in Carroll County off the shores of Leesville Lake. Five Hiland FFA members; Brandon Stutzman, Tallie Troyer, Olivia Ward, Diane Yoder, and Kelsey Yoder decided to go and experience this annual event for the first time. There were over 288 students from the state of Ohio at this first out of five camp sessions. The camp theme this year was Indiana Jones. While the FFA members were there, camp offered many awesome opportunities such as fishing, high and low rope courses, sports, hiking, boating, and swimming. Paintball and sports tournaments with camp groups were also possible events to participate in during camp. There were State Officer

workshops that taught little lessons on different topics; acceptance of your peers, teamwork, making new friends, being the person, and leader they know you can be. These workshops worked like a charm and Hiland FFA members had a blast doing it with all new people.… Continue reading

The RG Drage FFA Chapter recently hosted their FFA banquet. Our guest speaker for the night was Dustin Homan. Jarred Shellhouse, the Ohio FFA 2013-2014 State Treasurer, also gave a brief speech about oppertunities in the FFA. The first-year FFA members received their Greenhand Degrees at the banquet, the recipients were: Jessica Ake, Sydney Bartolet, Cameron Barton, Angela Casalinove, Brittani Combs, Cora Daniel, Brianna Fowler, Kristin Gilliam, Adriana Grimm, Samantha Hysong, Melissa Janis, Shelby Lambert, Andrew Marcelli, Heather Marsh, Jennifer McLaughin, Kasilyn Meadows, Carrie Miller, Jennifer Smith, and Laura Wood. The second-year FFA members also received their Chapter Degrees, the recipients are: Amber Buzaki, Hannah Eckenrode, Jayda Greenlee, Patrick Helwig, Kyall Kiko, Sierra Lightfoot, Garret Mills, Cassidy Peterson, Kelsey Reed, Elizabeth Smith, and Mark Toland. Mrs. Cindy Smythe, RG Drage school director, and Mrs. Racheal Ramsier, the former Agricultural Education instructor, this year’s Honorary Member Degree recipients. The Greenhand Degree recipients and Star

Chapter Degree recipients are given the chance to receive the Star Greenhand and Star Chapter awards determined by an application that consists of a review of the past years school, community, and FFA Chapter events as well as scholastic merit.… Continue reading

The National Trail FFA Urban Soils Team got second in State Soil Judging early October this past year making them eligible to compete at National Soils for the 8th time on May 1st, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The team members included: Sean Drew, Carson Fort, Josh Baker and Becky Allen. The team placed 40th out of 57 teams in the home site judging contest. Scoring best among the team was Josh Baker. The team members also enjoyed their meals included the annual dinner at the Cattleman’s Café, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill and Shorty Smalls. The members also toured the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and the Stock Yards. The team enjoyed Oklahoma City and the sites.… Continue reading

In early May, the Miami Trace FFA Chapter attended the State FFA Convention held at the Ohio State Expo Center. This was the 86^th Annual Ohio FFA Convention. The Chapter attended convention sessions, and listened to four guest speakers Harriet Turk, Cliff Cody, Eric Chester, and Jackson Harris, Southern Region National Vice President. These speakers entertained the crowd and gave inspiring messages that helped improve member’s leadership skills.

Chas Grover and Hannah Peterson, both Miami Trace Seniors, represented our chapter in the State FFA Chorus. Miami Trace excelled this year in State Career Development Events and Proficiency Awards. We had 4 state winning Career Development Event teams and 3 state top three Proficiency Award winners. The General Livestock Judging team received 1st out of 149 teams participating and 840 individuals. The team members include: Gus Mitchem(1st), Caleb Penwell(7th), Brock Wilt (22^nd), and Caroline Hughes(31st). The Dairy Quality and Products team placed 1st out of 40 teams participating and 139 individuals.… Continue reading

State Convention? “What is that?” you wonder. Well, the answer from every single FFA member that has attended would be the same: a fun leadership experience for every FFA chapter in Ohio!

Held at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Grant Mast, Tallie Troyer, Olivia Ward, Diane Yoder, Kelsey Yoder, and Rachelle Yoder, 6 members, from Hiland FFA chapter,  attended the 86th annual State Convention on May 1 and 2.

During the trip they stopped and toured the Oakland Nursery; they enjoyed some fun at Cabala’s and SkyZone as well. At the sessions, they heard from great speakers who gave inspiring stories and lessons that could relate to everyone in their everyday lives as well as FFA lives.

RaKayla Burke, a former FFA student from Hiland, received her State Degree. Grant Mast, a current FFA member and a junior here at Hiland, received his State Degree as well. This ceremony was held as the fifth and final session of the convention.… Continue reading

Seven members of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter recently earned state Runner-Up honors in the Animal Behavior, Welfare and Husbandry career development event.

The team consisted of Mariah Cox, Nat Mavis, Ashley McCullough, Olivia Pflaumer, Ann Shelby, Haylee Vollmar and Kim Wolfe.

During the competition students were evaluated on their knowledge of animal habitats, behavior norms, social systems and health for seven different species of both domestic and wild animals.  Students completed a written test, animal welfare audit and oral presentation over a selected species as part of the event.

This was the first year for these students to participate in the animal welfare, behavior and husbandry contest and they are very excited to have placed so well!… Continue reading

On Thursday, May 1st, ten members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter participated in the State Agriscience Fair in Columbus. Members conducted a science research project related to the agricultural field. They constructed a display board and demonstrated their understanding of the scientific method during an interview.

Earning a gold rating and third place was a freshman team, consisting of Emma Linn and Alyssa Westgerdes. Their research was “The pH of Peppers” They tested the pH of various peppers to before and after cooking. They were recognized on stage at the State FFA Convention with a certificate and cash prize.

Also receiving a Bronze Rating where the teams of Rian Kingrey and Olivia Edgell with their research project, “What’s Poppin’?”, Daniel Bodenmiller and Kendra Beckman with their project “Is Your Vitamin C Purple?”, Kelsey Kirchner and Katie Bendickson with their project “Why Dye?” and Lindsey Roeth and Casey Copeland with their project, “Water: Killer or Helper?”… Continue reading