FFA News

On Saturday, September 12, 12 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Greenhands attended the 2015 State Greenhand Conference hosted by the Versailles FFA Chapter.  The theme was “First Down and Life To Go,” and the conference offered workshops for the first-year agricultural education students to learn about opportunities in the FFA, setting goals, developing communication skills, and working in teams. Additionally, attendees rotated through various Career Development Events that FFA members can get involved in during their FFA membership.

Presenters for the conference included sessions by Sydney Snider, National FFA Officer Candidate, Matthew Klopfenstein, Ohio State FFA President, Lesley Shanahan, Vice President at Large, Ryan Goddard, Vice President at Large, Michaela Kramer, Ohio State FFA Secretary, Sarah Landis, Vice President at Large, Robby Thiel, Ohio State FFA Sentinel, Mary Buehler, Ohio State FFA Vice President, and Aaron Klohn, Ohio State FFA Reporter. The participants enjoyed the opportunity to meet FFA members from across the state of Ohio and learn more about FFA.… Continue reading

The West Holmes FFA chapter is pleased to announce that Justin Lorentz has received a gold rating at the national level for his proficiency project. The gold rating is the second highest rating an applicant can receive nationally.

Justin specializes in turf grass management where he is the proud enterprise owner of Lorentz Lawn Care and Landscaping. This business involves the planting and maintaining of turf for outdoor beautification, providing a lawn mowing service; and improving recreational areas. In the future he plans to work with sport fields or golf course management.

He first started out working five lawns but now has expanded to 32 lawns. He has hopes to get up to 100 lawns in the future. Justin first had to deal with evaluations, which is a process every proficiency applicant must go through, he was first checked through districts, and then state where he was awarded 1st place.

He plans to attend ATI when he graduates to pursue a career in Turf Grass Management and Landscaping.… Continue reading

The Benjamin Logan FFA officer team held an ice cream social on August 17th for not only the new FFA members to get to know their officers, but for the current members to get to know the new freshmen.

All the members that attended had the chance to enjoy some delicious ice cream and a couple hours of interaction before school starts.

Grace Barger, Benjamin Logan FFA president, commented, “I felt that we made it easier on the parents of our members by being able to inform them about all that we will be doing in the upcoming year.”… Continue reading

The Ohio House of Representatives Agriculture & Rural Development Committee met on August 26th at the Shisler Center on the Ohio State University’s Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) campus.

The committee met to hear testimonies regarding agricultural education from people across Ohio.

Whitney Short, agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor at Anthony Wayne High School, was asked to give a testimony. She covered current happenings in Ohio agricultural education, Anthony Wayne’s specific program growth, and issues facing this specific area of education – such as the shortage of agriculture teachers.

Following her testimony, the members of the committee asked questions to gain more information about the issues mentioned. Chapter Reporter Marleigh Kerr and Anthony Wayne FFA Parent Karen Kerr attended the hearing and also answered questions asked by the representatives.

“I really enjoyed going to speak to this committee; it gave me a unique experience on what goes on in the committee,” said Marleigh of her experience.… Continue reading

Urbana FFA sent four members to the Washington Leadership Conference on July 14 through July 19. Kaylan Turnmire, Shane Souders, Swayde Finch and Jared Weller were sent to Washington to learn the importance of personal growth, leadership development and community service. During Washington Leadership Conference students were able to learn the four themes “Citizenship, Me, We, Do, Serve.” During the first night of WLC students were asked to define and discuss citizenship. During this students would be in groups and discuss the main idea of citizenship while later students would be split into community groups and students would go in depth on what an engaged citizen looks like. The first full day of the conference, titled “Me”, the objectives include identifying personal passions and strengths. After being in the big group discussion students would then spit into community groups and create personal purpose statements. During the night of the first day Students took a night tour in Washington.… Continue reading

The following is a speech written by Amber Clingan, historian of the Mapleton FFA Chapter.

What does FFA mean to you? FFA to me is a family. A family that is always there for you and pushes you to do better than your best. You end up making friendships and memories that are everlasting. The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

When I first joined I never thought I would take on different leadership roles I have now. Attending the meetings, seeing what really happens, experiencing the hard work that goes into the organization, and talking to people who life is revolved around the FFA. The more and more I learn and become involved, the more I want to do. I have taken on the role of Historian for my home chapter, Mapleton FFA, joined the junior fair board, became the treasurer for my 4-h club, Savannah Hardworkers, and a part of the band officer team.… Continue reading

After placing in the top four in the Area 5 Envirothon, the Amanda-Clearcreek FFA Chapter sent two teams to compete in the State Envirothon contest on June 8th and 9th at Mohican State Park. This was the first time the chapter has ever had a team qualify for the state contest, and the first time in at least 15 years that a team from Fairfield County has attended.

The Envirothon is a contest which tests students’ knowledge on local Wildlife, Aquatics, Forestry, and Soils, as well as requires them to create and present a presentation in a mere four hours. Over 1,500 students compete in this contest across the state in the five area contests, so it is a tremendous honor to make it to the State Contest.

This year, Amanda Clearcreek sent two teams. The first, which placed 11th, consisted of Josie Montoney, Josh Metzon, Kayla Luft, Ruth McKnight, and Adrian Wymer.… Continue reading

On May 23rd, the West Holmes FFA Chapter held their annual Mid-Ohio Lamb Classic show at the Holmes County Fairgrounds. The show had over 170 lambs shown. The judge for the morning event was Jason Schuck. The people across Ohio came to show their lambs and to help recognize the West Holmes FFA Chapter and their efforts.  The Chapter also held numerous sponsors at the event to help raise the money to put the show on.

Furthermore on Monday May 25th, the West Holmes FFA Chapter held a Float in the Nashville Parade that afternoon to honor both the veterans and the Chapter. A special thanks goes out to Ken Krebs for allowing us to use their trailer in this event… Continue reading

On April 31st and May 1st, 2015 the West Holmes FFA attended State Convention in Columbus at the Ohio Expo center. Members attending State Convention;  Shyann Kick, Paige Miller, Elise Neville, Harlie Spurlock, Racheal Yerian, Kara Leadbetter, Jillian Gurley, Jordan Jenkins, Gabe Armstrong, Tyler Grassbaugh, Carter Smith, Thane Kaufman, Tyler Lyons, Jarret Snow, Michael Klein,  Mikey Kick, Jake Napier, Jason Jenkins, Dylan Harsh, Regina Miller, Alyx Morris, Whitney Miller, Beth Klein, Sarah Sprang, Juanita Miller, Victoria Eggers, Morgan Hoxworth, Justin Lorentz, William Hughes, Chris VanSickle, Matt Gardner, Peyton Boring, and Marris Hoffee.

On the way to state convention members stopped and toured Ohio State Athletic Facilities, members were informed of the many different grasses on the fields, how game set-up works, and  that they have. After the tour of the facilities members ate lunch at Roosters restaurant. After this the proficiency finalists went to the Proficiency Award luncheon and proficiency interviews.… Continue reading

The May 2015 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Members of the Month are Casey Copeland, Madeline Davis, Olivia Edgell, and Riann Kingrey. They are all retired chapter officers and will soon be graduates of Miami East High School.

Casey is the daughter of Rick and Stephanie Copeland of Casstown. She participated in Food Science and Horse Judging Career Development Events. She plans on attending The Ohio State University to major in molecular genetics.

Madeline Davis is the daughter of Jerry and Noelle Davis of Troy. She was a Start State in Agribusiness Finalist and National Proficiency Finalist. She plans on attending Randolph College to major in business and equine science where she will be a member of the equestrian team.

Olivia Edgell is daughter of Brian and Jamie Edgell of Fletcher. She served as chapter President and attended the Washington Leadership Conference. She plans to attend Walsh University where she will play college softball and major in early childhood education.… Continue reading

FFA members are talented in many ways. For some students, traveling to Ohio FFA State Convention is a time to receive recognition for their hard work throughout the year, but for others it is a time reserved to showcase their unique talents at the Ohio FFA Talent Show.

This year at the 87^th Ohio FFA State Convention, students from the Hardin Northern FFA Chapter stole the show with an a cappella performance that was pitch perfect. The first place act was Awakened Commotion — a group of 10 FFA members under the direction of their high school choir director, Kelly Eikenbary. The talented ensemble sparked energy in the convention hall during their performance of a Justin Bieber and Katy Perry mash up song.

“It was a giant adrenaline rush,” said Mariah Burton. a sophomore FFA member. “I had more fun during this show than any other because I felt confident performing with my team.… Continue reading

President: Matthew Klopfenstein, Wayne Trace

Vice President: Mary Buehler, Anna

Secretary: Michaela Kramer, Botkins

Treasurer: Haley Wilson, Sheridan

Reporter: Aaron Klohn, Clyde

Sentinel: Robert Thiel, Ridgedale

Regional Vice President at Large: Lesley Shanahan, Mechanicsburg; Ryan Goddard, A.B. Graham Ohio Hi-Point; Alyssa McQuiston, Miami Valley CTC; Sarah Landis, Valley View-MVCTC; and Madison Sheahan, Genoa-Penta.… Continue reading

The Fifth and final session of the 87th Ohio FFA State Convention was filled with emotion, passion and pride for the FFA. The 7,677 attendees got to hear from the band and choir, listened to an inspiring retiring address from State President Sydney Snider and celebrated with the new state officer team and the more than 800 State Degrees awarded.

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Speakers were showcased, officer awards were presented, CDE winners were recognized, and parents of state officers were honored in this busy session. Attendees got to hear the Spanish (and English) versions of the FFA Creed and an inspirational message from National Officer Ruth Ann Myers as well.

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Agricultural Communications – Sarah Hunker, Bellevue FFA

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The Third Session was packed full of action, awards, humor and highlights. FFA members got to hear from Miss Ohio McKenzie Bart and her puppet Roxy and see a state officer bust a move onstage. Top chapters and proficiency winners were honored as well.

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The Second Session recognized honorary degree recipients, Stars Over Ohio, and Proficiency winners.

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President: Natalie Miller, Miami Trace and Matthew Klopfenstein, Wayne Trace

Vice President: Mary Buehler, Anna and Ryan Goddard, A.B. Graham Ohio Hi-Point

Secretary: Michaela Kramer, Botkins and Alyssa McQuiston, Miami Valley CTC

Treasurer: Haley Wilson, Sheridan and Sarah Landis, Valley View-MVCTC

Reporter: Aaron Klohn, Clyde and Madison Sheahan, Genoa-Penta

Sentinel: Lesley Shanahan, Mechanicsburg and Robert Thiel, Ridgedale… Continue reading