FFA News

The National FFA Foundation recently announced the following appointments to its current board of trustees:

•    Lexington, Ky., resident Russ Green has been named chairman of the board. He is national account sales manager with AGCO Corp. based in Atlanta, Ga.

•    Oregon resident Elin Miller has been named chairwoman-elect of the board. She is principal of Elin Miller Consulting and serves as chairwoman of Marrone Bio Innovations;  chairwoman of the Umpqua Community College’s board of trustees, vice chairwoman of Vestaron Board; chairwoman of NeighborWorks Umpqua and a regional board member serving Umpqua Bank.

•    Washington resident Jodi Monroe has been named secretary of the board. As executive director of the Washington FFA Association since 2008, she oversees day-to-day operations of FFA throughout the state and manages the annual state FFA convention and the state FFA officer team.

•    Wisconsin resident Cheryl Zimmerman has been named National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education representative on the board.… Continue reading

In February, the Anthony Wayne FFA officers will be hosting a Greenhand Day in all of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource (AFNR) classes. Officers will be teaching the AFNR students about the different pathways that each individual can take through their FFA career. In order to this, the officers will assist the students in planning and improving their SAE, agricultural courses, and FFA involvement throughout the remainder of their high school careers. By the end of Greenhand Day, students will have a better understanding of how to prepare for their future involvement in the Anthony Wayne FFA.… Continue reading

The Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter recently competed in the District 5 Evaluations of the Ohio FFA Association at the Greene County Career Center in Xenia.  Several members of the chapter worked extra hard on their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) record books to prepare their applications for awards and degrees.

Three 2013-14 Chapter Officers that submitted books for review. Lauren Williams submitted the Secretary’s Book and earned a gold rating (100 out of 100). Madeline Davis submitted the Treasurer’s Book and earned a gold rating (100 out of 100). Rebekah Eidemiller submitted the Reporter’s Book and earned a gold rating (100 out of 100). Lauren, Madeline and Rebekah will be recognized at the State FFA Convention in May.

Seniors Tanner Church, Andrew Kowalak, Austin Rush, Lauren Williams and Juniors Madeline Davis, Colin Gump, Grant Hodge, and Cody Reid applied for the State FFA Degree. All applications were reviewed and submitted to the state evaluation for further review.… Continue reading

Every year the Anthony Wayne FFA Alumni hosts a Pork Loin Dinner in the Anthony Wayne High school cafeteria. The event took place on January 31st and it allowed people who had purchased a ticket sold by the FFA members to come and enjoy a nice hot dinner. The dinner consisted of pork loin, green beans, potatoes, roll and dessert. The children’s dinner was mac and cheese with green beans, potatoes, roll and dessert. The Alumni members and FFA chapter members all pitched in to help serve drinks, clean tables, clean trays, serve food, and cleanup after the dinner was done with. This dinner helped the Alumni by raising money to support FFA activities throughout the year. Customers also had the option to take the meal to go if they couldn’t stay to eat. During the dinner, there was also a silent auction where people bid on items such as hand made gift baskets donated by community members, tool kits, and spa gift cards.… Continue reading

The Felicity Franklin FFA Chapter recently held their annual Job Interview Contest. This contest is part of many Career Development Events (CDEs) that FFA members across the country participate in every year.

The purpose of CDEs is to prepare FFA members for future jobs, and careers. The Felicity Franklin FFA Chapter brings in local community members to serve as interviewers and judge the contestants on their performance.

The Felicity FFA chapter had 5, 1^st place members, out of a total of 40 that participated. Jodi Seale (senior), Caitlin Obermeyer (junior), Gabie Cook (junior), Collin Dunaway (sophomore) and Devon Christenson (freshman). All first place members moved on to the District Job Interview Contest at Lynchburg-Clay High School on January 23, 2014. The farthest a Felicity FFA member has ever made it is all the way to the State Job Interview Contest which is held every year.… Continue reading

At a recent FFA meeting, the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter held its first ever Chili Cook-Off Competition. Members were given the challenge of working in teams to create a chili to submit to the judges for evaluation. They had to submit their recipe and be evaluated. 10 teams competed in the event.

Winners of the competition included two categories. Judges Choice Winner with their White Chicken Corn Chili were senior FFA members Kelly Rindler and Lindsey Roeth. The People’s Choice Winner was a Dessert Chili by Rebekah Eidemiller and Olivia Edgell.

All winning teams received an FFA hooded sweatshirt. Judges for the event were the Miami East High School custodial staff of Les Kinder, Matt Shultz, and Richard Hague.

Contest participants included Weston Hodge, Kyle Martin, Colton Kowalak, Andrew Kowalak, Allyson Supinger, Allie Patton, Lindsey Roeth, Haley Etherington, Shane Richardson, Trent Church, Hannah Davis, Austin Etherington, Alyssa Westgerdes, Kelly Rindler, Rebekah Eidemiller, and Olivia Edgell.… Continue reading

The London FFA recently held a fundraiser for human trafficking. The fundraiser took place amongst the agriculture classes.

Money was raised through donations given by the FFA members in a “battle of the classes” through a penny wars. Students were to put pennies in their classes’ jars and put silver coins and cash in the other classes to give them a negative score. The class with the highest amount, or lowest negative amount, won the penny wars. The class that won was the 8^th period welding class. Amongst the five classes, the FFA raised $165 to help victims of slavery. During the weeks of the penny wars, students also watched videos of victims’ stories and learned about the harsh realities that go unseen every day. Human trafficking is currently the second largest industry in the world.

The foundation for this fundraiser was Loose Change to Loosen Chains, a student-led campaign that combats modern-day slavery while learning about the reality of injustices today.… Continue reading

The Cooperation Committee of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter recently recognized members that earned the highest points in the FFA Points System. They earned points because of their participation in various FFA activities taking place in the first semester of the 2013-14 school year.

Each top winner was recognized at the January FFA meeting and given an FFA hooded sweatshirt.

The top placing individuals according to agricultural education classes were:

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (first period) – Eli Gillum with 390 points

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (fifth period) – Kayla Zirkle with 215 points

Animal Science (third period) – Emily Beal with 280 points

Animal Science (fourth period) – Haleigh Maggert with 215 points

Communications and Leadership (sixth period) – Riann Kingrey with 210 points

Communications and Leadership (eighth period) – Cody Reid with 205 points

FFA Leadership (chapter officers only) – Rebekah Eidemiller with 350 points… Continue reading

Following a successful initial campaign in 2013, Tractor Supply Company has announced the second annual Growing Scholars program in partnership with the National FFA Foundation. Last year, Tractor Supply customers donated $362,324, resulting in 284 scholarships awarded to FFA members in their pursuit of a college degree.

The Growing Scholars program will be supported nationally by each of the more than 1,245 Tractor Supply and Del’s Feed & Farm Supply stores Feb. 14-23, which includes National FFA Week.Tractor Supply customers can donate $1 or more at store registers during the checkout process to support local FFA chapters and their members. Ninety percent of funds raised through Tractor Supply’s Growing Scholars program will be utilized to fund scholarships for FFA members. The remaining 10 percent of donations will benefit state FFA organizations.

“The funding we received from our customers last year was incredible,” said Tractor Supply President and CEO Greg Sandfort. “We’re honored to be able to provide critical funding to FFA members who intend to pursue a college degree and local FFA chapters that enrich the lives of young members by teaching life skills, citizenship and leadership qualities.… Continue reading

On January 24, 2014, the first year members of the Felicity Franklin FFA, “greenhands” participated in the state quiz. On this quiz, the students were asked multiple questions about past and current facts about the FFA. 34 members of the Felicity-Franklin FFA participated in this event. All members have been studying for the quiz during and after school. This allows them to get a grasp on the history and basic information of the FFA to begin there FFA journey.… Continue reading

The February 2014 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Member of the Month is Kira Cron. Kira is the daughter of Joe and Tammy Cron of Fletcher and is a freshman and first year FFA member.

Kira was chosen for her dedication to the FFA chapter in the past few months. First, Kira sold over $1,000 in fruit during the FFA’s fruit sales fundraiser. This earned her a Top 10 placing.

Kira is also a member of the Environmental Program of Activities Committee that helped present a Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling program at the sixth graders at Miami East Junior High. She and her committee members than offered an Environmental Education night for members of the Miami East Community. The Environmental Education program was offered because of a grant received from the National FFA Organization and CSX.

Every month of the school year the Miami East FFA will select a student to be the FFA Member of the Month. … Continue reading

The National FFA Organization Board of Directors and National FFA Foundation Board of Trustees have approved a new consolidated management structure that unifies both organizations’ executive management through a joint governance committee of the two boards, a common chief executive officer and a common chief financial officer.

The plan, approved unanimously by both boards and the 2013-14 National FFA Officer team, includes implementation of an integrated management team to increase collaboration and communication across both boards.

“We believe these steps will strengthen FFA and agricultural education,” said National FFA Advisor Dr. Steve A. Brown, who serves as chairman of the National FFA Organization’s board. “By consolidating our executive and financial management, we expect better resource alignment, greater performance accountability, improved financial stability and transparency and speedy resolution of conflicts of interest.”

The joint governance committee will consist of members of both boards and work with the common CEO.

The boards approved immediate appointment of Dr.… Continue reading

At the recent Ohio FFA Alumni State Conference held in Columbus, Ohio, the Miami East FFA Alumni Chapter and several of its members were recognized for outstanding accomplishments and dedication to the promotion and advancement of the FFA and Agricultural Education. Jackie Winner and Les Kinder served as voting delegates during the annual business meeting. They voted on changes to the organization’s constitution and elected new members to the leadership council.

Jackie Winner was recognized as a Top 3 Finalist for the Horizon Award. Jackie is within the first three years of her FFA Alumni membership and has demonstrated an outstanding service and advocated for Agricultural Education, FFA and the FFA Alumni.

Les Kinder serves at the Miami East FFA Alumni Chapter President. He was recognized for being a Top 3 in the Outstanding Member award. Les is a dedicated member that assists with the graduating FFA members’ scholarship awards, multiple fundraising activities, and membership recruitment.… Continue reading

On Wednesday, January 15th the West Holmes FFA Chapter traveled to the Columbus Convention Center for the nursery landscaping competition in conjunction with the CENTS Nursery and Landscape Show.  The team placed 30^th out of 38 teams. Individual placing’s were Jake Mullet 92^nd, Grayson Miller 115^th, Clay Armstrong 153^rd, Chris VanSickle 164^th, Dylan Harsh 347^th, and Justin Lorentz 357^th  out of 462 individuals. The team first had to take an online test over equipment safety, plant management and nutrition, and landscaping techniques. At the competition, the students test their skills in identifying landscape plants, weeds, and equipment. This year’s contest also involved an irrigation problem.… Continue reading

On the 10^th of January, the Morwystown FFA and alumni came together to host a farmer appreciation day during the boys basketball game.

The members dressed in official dress, passed out homemade cookies, and talked to farmers in the community about agriculture and joining the alumni.

The famer appreciation day was considered a success and the chapter hopes to have ten new alumni members.… Continue reading

On January 16th, the Elgin FFA held a blood drive at the new K-12 building from 8am-1pm. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. The Healthy Lifestyles FFA Committee recognized this need and held a 2nd blood drive this year. FFA members scheduled donors and publicized the event to aid in its success. The Healthy Lifestyles Committee strives to promote health and wellness in individuals, groups, and communities.

According to the American Red Cross, between Jan. 2 and Jan. 11, 2014, the winter weather forced the cancellation of nearly 320 American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in a shortfall of more than 9,300 blood and platelet donations. Under normal circumstances, a donor can give blood every 56 days. Donors must be at least 16 years of age with parent permission.… Continue reading

The Agricultural Promotions Committee of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter recently sponsored a coloring contest at Miami East Elementary.  Students in first grade were given a farm picture to color. FFA members evaluated the pictures and awarded first place to each homeroom.  The results are as follows:

Mrs. Megan Noll – Ella Demmitt

Mrs. Jennifer McCuistion – Clark Bennett

Mrs. Elizabeth Fields – Shelby Preston

Mrs. Stephanie Larson – Carter Van Horn

Each student participating received a pencil and candy.  The first place picture in each homeroom was awarded a collectable FFA bear.  This contest is an annual event. Congratulations to the winners!… Continue reading

The January 2014 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Member of the Month is Colton Kowalak. Colton is the son of Mark and Gretchen Kowalak of Troy.

Colton was chosen because of his recent involvement in various FFA activities. In December Colton was extremely helpful in the loading and sorting of fruit during the FFA’s fruit sales fundraiser. Colton also helped shop for the FFA’s Adopt-A-Family through the Salvation Army. Colton earned the Greenhand FFA Degree and completed in the District Rural Soils Judging Team. His Supervised Agricultural Experience program is job placement at a local horse farm where he is responsible for cleaning horse stalls, feeding horses, and grooming horses.

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 FFAchapter, 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 receive a special memento in celebration of their accomplishment.… Continue reading

Twenty-two members of the Greenville FFA Chapter received the Chapter FFA Degree; the second high school degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. This honor recognizes demonstrated knowledge and achievements in agricultural awareness, leadership, career development and community service programs.

The Chapter FFA Degree is given to an FFA chapter’s top members. To receive a Chapter FFA Degree, members must meet the following requirements: Received the Greenhand FFA Degree, Satisfactorily completed 180 hours (or the equivalent) of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level, Have an approved SAE in operation, Enrolled in an agriculture course, Participated in the planning and implementation of at least three official FFA chapter activities, Earned and productively invested at least $150, or have worked at least 45 hours outside of scheduled class time, or a combination of the two, through their SAE, Have developed plans for continued growth and improvement of their SAE, Effectively lead a group discussion for 15 minutes, Demonstrated five parliamentary law procedures, Show progress toward achievement in FFA award programs, Have a satisfactory academic record, Submitted a written application for the Chapter FFA Degree, Complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service activities.… Continue reading

The Preble Shawnee FFA chapter participated in the sub-district Parliamentary Procedure contest on November 11^th at Preble Shawnee High School. The Participants that represented the chapter worked very diligently for this contest. Parliamentary Procedure takes a lot of memorization, confidence, and the ability to discuss business on and make it sound professional. Then, after the advanced team placed 2nd, and the greenhand team placed 1st. Both teams moved on to districts. After it all, the Advanced team placed 6th at districts, and Greenhand placed 4th.… Continue reading