FFA News

A One-of-a-Kind State Convention Celebration

When the 2021 Ohio FFA State Convention was moved to an online format this year members of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter looked for a creative way to commemorate the event. The traditional tours of central Ohio ag businesses, competition interviews and sessions attended by over 6,000 FFA members at the Ohio Expo Center would be on hold for another year, but a new opportunity to celebrate with other FFA chapters soon took the place of the usual trip to Columbus.

Thanks to the efforts of agriculture instructors in Holmes, Wayne, Ashland, Licking and Ross Counties the 2021 FFA Funvention was planned for April 29^th and 30^th at the Holmes County Fairgrounds and Harvest Ridge Event Center near Millersburg, Ohio. Nearly 400 members from a total of eighteen chapters, including 25 from Zane Trace, attended the event. Each day they participated in live streaming of Ohio FFA Convention sessions, in person workshops related to agriculture careers and a trade show that featured nearly 50 business and educational vendors.… Continue reading

Benjamin Logan FFA held their 50th annual banquet on April 17, 2021.  Due to COVID-19 they decided to take a little different approach and have an outdoor banquet where social distancing took place. Benjamin Logan FFA was honored to recognize their members for all of their hard work and dedication to the organization while providing a meal from Where’s There Smoke and The Flying Pepper Food Trucks. Highlights of the banquet include:

Chapter Honorary FFA Degrees

• TJ and Kae Lynn Lyden

State FFA Degrees 

• Shelbie Snoke
• Taylor Forsythe

American FFA Degrees

• Emma Wenger
• Taggert Beaty
• Peyton Derr

Top Five Fruit Sales

• Kane Gibson 1st
• Elizabeth Deardurff 2nd
• Carson Lyden 3rd
• Peyton Henry 4th
• Gage Hamm 5th

Proficiency Awards

• Emma Wenger- Specialty Crop
• Tanner Anspach- Turfgrass Management

Excellence in Agriculture Awards

• Kane Gibson- Freshman
• Kendra Kennedy- Sophomore
• Addie Buckenroth- Junior
• Bradey Ackley- Senior
• Ryland Eades and Mike Doss – Adults

Chapter Star Awards

• Carson Lyden- Star Greenhand
• Bradey Ackley- Star Chapter Farmer
• Tanner Anspach- Star in Agribusiness

Retiring Benjamin Logan FFA Officers

• Bradey Ackley- President
• Emily Roth- Vice President
• Kendra Kennedy- Secretary
• Shelbie Snoke- Treasurer 
• Ava Boysel- Reporter
• Tanner Anspach- Sentinel
• Matthew Black- Student Advisor

2021-2022 Benjamin Logan FFA Officers

• Shelbie Snoke-President
• Kendra Kennedy- Vice President
• Whitney Willoby- Secretary
• Maria Henderson- Treasurer
• Madison Buettner- Reporter
• Matthew Beikman- Sentinel
• Taylor Forsythe- Student Advisor

By: Brianne Priest , 2021-2022 Utica FFA Reporter  

Utica FFA members participated in Ohio FFA State Convention virtually on April 29^th and 30^th.  Since convention was virtual this year Mrs. Neff hosted three watch party’s in the FFA room for middle school and high school FFA members.  We celebrated the success of some of our members during  these watch party’s. We celebrated Abigail Paxton’s Gold-Rated Treasurers Book, Georgia Gamble’s Gold-Rated Reporters Book, graduate Abby Kellett receiving her state degree, and our FFA chapter was recognized for our charitable giving to the Utica Food Pantry and to Walking Wild Rescue. We also celebrated Amanda Annett, our State Winner in the Beef Production Placement proficiency award and her State Runner up in Diversified Livestock Production.  She was also recognized for being named Ohio’s America Star Placement. We cheered when our State Agriscience Fair competitors pictures went across the screen. Our students and placings were Animal Systems Division One Emily O’Hara 1^st place, Division Two Melinda Wesley and Andrew Boeshart 1^stplace, Samantha Farley and Cheyenne Smith 3^rd place, and Ayonna Good and Jayne Rauch 4^th place.… Continue reading

By: Brianne Priest, Utica FFA Reporter

The process for State FFA proficiency rewards begins in the fall.  Students being filling out or editing applications to apply for the next year’s State FFA Convention.  Amanda Annett has completed this process in 3 separate years and this year has resulted in her being the State Winner in the area of Beef Production for the Ohio FFA Association. 

FFA members who maintain quality records and have an interest in applying, can fill out the proficiency award applications.  Students apply based on what type of SAE or Supervised Agricultural Experience the students has. There are over 40 award areas in the State of Ohio. Applications are reviewed by committees of ag teachers, where the top 4 are selected based on the application score. The top 4 students then complete an interview. Since all Ohio FFA events have been virtual this year, Amanda interviewed in March via zoom. … Continue reading

Thursday and Friday, April 29 and 30 members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter participated in the Ohio FFA Virtual State Convention. Members were recognized for various accomplishments and competed in several contests.  

Motivation speakers at the convention included the National FFA Vice President Artha Jonassaint and State FFA President Bethany Starlin. Serving as voting delegates were Isaac Beal and Adi Richter with the assistance of Luke Brunke.  

The highlight of the event was the conferring of the State FFA Degree.  This year, Miami East High School had five members receive such an honor. Seniors Erin Baker, Sarah Blocher, Carter Gilbert, Jimmy Sutherly, and Seth Wells earned the degree. The degree requirements are based on their earned income from their Supervised Agricultural Experience program, leadership experience, and FFA and community activities.

During the National Chapter Award results the chapter placed in the Top 10 in the area of Building Communities and was named a Gold Medal Chapter. … Continue reading

By: A.J. Dossman, chapter reporter

Spring has sprung! To FFA members, this is the busiest time of the year. This spring, six Career Development Event teams, and over 30 A-C FFA members competed at the state level. These six teams competed with tremendous efforts, despite the current Coronavirus Pandemic. Due to the pandemic, these teams had to compete virtually.

The teams competed are: Ag Issues Forum, Meats Evaluation, General Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Poultry, and Agronomy.

The Ag Issues Forum CDE team consisting of Hannah Saum, Morgan Cowdrey, Emily Buckley, Autumn Parry, and Karlee Parry competed at the state contest on April 24. This contest requires the team to deliver an approximate 15-minute presentation about an agricultural topic to a panel of judges, and then they must answer seven minutes of questions. The team placed second at the state competition.

The Meats Evaluation team consisting of Riley McKeska, Hannah Saum, Alex Williams, Eian McKnight, and Lily Dennis competed at the state contest April 27.… Continue reading

To schedule your campus visit go to: wilmington.edu

By Madi Kregel, OCJ field reporter

Family traditions run deep in the FFA and, for many FFA members, there once was a time where they watched an older sibling wear the blue jacket. That was the case for 2020-2021 Ohio FFA State Secretary Joe Helterbrand from Hillsboro. 

His older brother, AJ Helterbrand, was a state officer in 2011-2012. Joe was just a little boy at that time, but says that he still remembers going to watch his brother at the state convention that year. He said that first opportunity to witness the convention is what sealed his interest in FFA.

“With my parents, they said that you had to try it out for at least a year and if you didn’t like it you didn’t have to stay in it through your high school career. But I chose definitely to stay with it and to definitely get more involved through FFA,” said Joe Helterbrand.… Continue reading

Presented by Nationwide, the Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America, and AgCredit, the Golden Owl Award recognizes agricultural educators across Ohio for their tremendous contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Through the program, students, fellow teachers and other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher and summarize what makes him or her the best in the state.

On Thursday, April 29, Don Hammersmith from Ayersville High School was named the 2021 Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year. Along with the title, Hammersmith will win the $3,000 grand prize to support continued ag education efforts at Ayersville. Hammersmith is known for his high standards as an educator, his commitment to students, and his value as a role model.

“Mr. Hammersmith has been a teacher at Ayersville High School for over 25 years. During this time he has impacted the lives of students by teaching life lessons through supervised agricultural experiences, lab assignments, research projects, and Career Development Events,” said Allison Engel, 2020-2021 State Treasurer from the Ayersville Chapter.… Continue reading

By Logan Pope, MVCTC FFA Reporter

The Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Veterinary Science team of Jayla Denlinger (Twin Valley South) and Emily Lupa (Huber Heights) placed second in the Ohio FFA Veterinary Science Career Development Event (CDE).

The purpose of the Veterinary Science CDE is to assess the skills and knowledge that students must process to prepare for post-secondary education or work in an animal health occupation, such as in a veterinarian’s office or an animal research facility.… Continue reading

By Logan Pope, MVCTC FFA Reporter

The Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Diesel Power Technologies team of Zach Mathias (Northmont), Jacob Prasuhn (Ansonia), and Brendan Wray (Franklin Monroe) placed fourth in the Ohio FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event (CDE).

The purpose of the Agricultural Mechanics Skills CDE is to assess the students’ skills in agricultural mechanics that occur in maintenance and repair. Students demonstrate the proper use of tools and apply tool use and knowledge to daily situations in agricultural mechanical environments. In addition, this CDE provides recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies due to agricultural mechanics’ instruction. This event is aligned with the Power, Structural & Technical Systems Career Field Pathway for Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems.

Juniors and Seniors in the Diesel Power Technologies program at MVCTC participated in the online test given in March of 2021 to qualify to continue with the Practicum and Finals Portion of the CDE.… Continue reading

By Bethany Starlin, Ohio FFA president

Each May, Ohio FFA members, educators and supporters travel to Columbus to celebrate the successes achieved over the past year. Although the delivery format and location may be different, this year is no exception. 

In the best interest of the health and safety of all, the 93rd Ohio FFA Convention will be held virtually, April 29th and 30th. Despite being delivered in a virtual format, FFA members, advisors, family and supporters will still attend general sessions, see the selection of the new state officer team, celebrate their Career Development Event successes from the past year and more. Ohio FFA staff and the state officer team have gone above and beyond in order to make this convention special for all involved. 

“We are including students in convention through live reactions and ceremonial pieces. We hope to bring more excitement to our screens and include as many members as possible from around the state,” said Allison Engel, Ohio FFA State Treasurer and senior at Ayersville High School.… Continue reading

To schedule your campus visit go to: wilmington.edu

By Meredith Oglesby, OCJ FFA reporter 

Although speaking in front of a crowd may seem daunting, FFA members competing in the Public Speaking Career Development Event (CDE) find it energizing and exciting. Students practice and prepare speeches to share in front of a panel of judges and the top 20 students in each category compete at the state level. 

The Ohio FFA Association selects winners in four categories: Creed Speaking, Beginning Prepared Speaking, Advanced Prepared Speaking, and Extemporaneous Speaking. This year the entire speaking contest was hosted virtually and students competed via Zoom. The 2021 Ohio FFA Public Speaking CDE winners include: 

• Creed Speaking: Lacie Bachman, Bloom Carroll 
• Beginning Prepared Speaking: Vanessa Trotter, Peebles 
• Advanced Prepared Speaking: Morgan Anderson, Amanda-Clearcreek
• Extemporaneous Speaking: Kaelyn Lortz, Big Walnut-DACC. 

To schedule your campus visit go to: wilmington.edu

The First Session of the 2021 Ohio FFA Convention starts Thursday, April 29 at 10 a.m. with Teacher/Administrator Recognition, National FFA Officer Remarks with Artha Jonassaint, Ohio FFA Talent, and Agriscience Fair recognition. The first session will also include the 2021-22 Ohio FFA Officer Ballot announcement.  

The Second Session at 1 p.m. on Thursday will recognize the Honorary State FFA Degrees, Star State FFA Degrees, State FFA Degrees, and more Ohio FFA talent. Other highlights on Thursday include the Golden Owl Award, Ohio Ag Educator of the Year recognition, gold-rated officer book recognition, and American Star Award Candidate recognition.

In the Third Session on Friday, April 30, Proficiency Award winners will be recognized. In the Fourth Session at 1 p.m. there will be Chapter Awards, State CDE Recognition, Ohio FFA Officers’ Parent Recognition, and the Retiring Address from State President, Bethany Starlin. This final session will also include the 2021-22 Ohio FFA Officer Team announcement and installation. … Continue reading

By Chloe Shumaker, chapter reporter

On March 29th, West Holmes FFA members participated virtually in the Poultry, General Livestock, and Dairy State Judging Contests. Each team took an online test and evaluated animals specific to their contest. The poultry team was 30th out of 67 teams. Individually Becca Schuch was 150th, Sarah Irwin was 193rd, Alysa Pringle was 205th, and Blaine Winkler was 262nd. The general livestock team placed 62nd out of 185 teams. Individually, Cora Crilow was 37th, Jess Miller was 247th, Maren Drzazga was 575th, and Pacee Miller was 902nd. The dairy judging team placed 56th out of 91 teams. Individually Wyatt  Schlauch was 2nd in the state and John Maloney was 62nd. Wyatt also placed 113th out of 188 individuals in the Dairy Foods contest. Congratulations to all!… Continue reading

By Chloe Shumaker, chapter reporter

The regular meeting of the West Holmes FFA chapter came to order on March 22.  The meeting took place in the Ag Room and was brought to order by President Jayme Pennell. Opening Ceremonies were held. The Secretary’s minutes were read by Secretary Cora Crilow and approved. Reporter Chloe Shumaker stated that she has sent numerous articles to the Holmes County Hub and Shopper, The Wooster Daily Record, Farm and Dairy, and the Firelands Farmer.

Sentinel Clay Shepler stated that we would be having an egg hunt, pizza, chips, pop, and water. 

Olivia Gerber moved and Chloe Shumaker seconded to recess for 10 minutes. Motion passed.  Amy Hughes gave the Cooperation Committee report. Samantha Kendall gave the Community Service and SAE Committee reports. Olivia Gerber gave the Scholarship Committee report. New Business  Ethan Feikert moved and Addison Yates seconded to host and participate in the trap shoot and pay for supplies.… Continue reading

On Tuesday, April 27, the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter Meats Evaluation Team competed in the Ohio FFA State Virtual Career Development Event. Team members were Emma Sutherly, Dottie Everett, Braden Zekas, Samuel Sutherly, Isaac Beal, Jillian Niswonger and Thomas Wallace. The team placed 6 out of 43 teams. The highest placing individual from Miami East was Emma Sutherly who placed 18 out of 205 individuals.
During the event, contestants were asked to quality and yield grade beef carcasses, place and answer questions on carcasses, wholesale and retail cuts, and identify various retail cuts. Additionally, contestants completed a knowledge test and meat formulation solution challenge.

Previously, the team had competed in several virtual meats competitions.  At the Champaign County Invitational where they were fourth and Emma Sutherly was the highest placing individual from Miami East. During the Ohio State Buckeye Invitational the team placed fifth. The highest placing individual from Miami East was Braden Zekas. … Continue reading