FFA News

The Fort Recovery FFA recently held its annual banquet at the Fort Recovery Middle School Auditorium with well over 230 members, parents, and agribusiness leaders in attendance. The banquet serves as public display of all the hard work done by the members in the past year.  Fort Recovery Chapter President Logan Jutte called the banquet to order.  Chapter Sentinel Mitchell Lennartz gave the invocation and the buffet meal was served.  Remarks were given FRHS Principal Jeff Hobbs, FRHS Superintendent, and Fort Recovery Alumni Secretary Lisa Timmerman.

With 103 members, the Fort Recovery FFA participates in numerous events including career development events, fundraisers and community service projects. This year nine members will receive their State FFA Degree, which include Randy Braun, Samantha Florence, Katie Fortkamp, Mitchell Lennartz, Grant Muhlenkamp, Nicole Nietfeld, Alex Stammen, Kaleb Timmerman, and Samantha Tobe. Six other members, Kurt Fortkamp, Doug Lennartz, Andrea Lennartz, John Link, Jacob Whitacre, and Karissa Will, will receive their American FFA Degree.… Continue reading

Gretchen Straits competed in the State General Livestock Finals and placed 3^rd in the State. She qualified for the finals by placing 10^th in the preliminary judging contests. There were nearly a thousand contestants who participated in the general contest this year.  For General Livestock Judging you are required to take an online test over livestock management and marketing information.  In the pre-lims you judge classes of beef cattle, sheep, hogs, and boar goats.  The animals are evaluated for their characteristics in meat production and breeding programs.   In the finals you are to judge 2 classes of beef, sheep, and hogs and give a set of oral reasons on each one.  Gretchen was the high scorer in both sheep and swine judging in the finals.  Gretchen is the daughter of Joyce and Phil Straits.… Continue reading

The week of June 3, 13 members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter attended the first session of Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum, Carrollton, Ohio.  Members attending included: Austin Rush, Bekah Eidemiller, Brandon Nales, Daniel Everett, Devin Staley, Haleigh Maggert, Kelly Rindler, Kelsey Kirchner, Lauren Williams, Lindsey Roeth, Shane Richardson, Sydney Oakes, and Tanner Church.

The 2013 theme was “The Hunger Games.” During the week members also participated in various sports tournaments involving softball, sand volleyball, basketball, tetherball, horse shoes, ping pong, and corn hole. Additional competitions included group presentations on recycling, reciting of the FFA Camp Creed, rifle, shotgun, and archery.  Each morning, before breakfast, campers had the opportunity to plunge into the lake or take a sunrise walk. Several members participated in a paintball challenge.

During the first day members met fellow members in their district, the Treaty of the Treason (camp rules), and participated in a dance.  The day ended with a campfire reflecting of opportunities at camp.… Continue reading

Thirty-five members, two parent-chaperones, and two advisors of the Ft. Recovery FFA Chapter recently attended the 85^th State FFA Convention in Columbus, Ohio.  Over 6,200 members representing 320 FFA Chapters across the state of Ohio were in attendance at the convention.  The two-day trip was packed with convention sessions, skills contests, educational tours, and good fun.  Between convention sessions, members could participate in a career show that featured nearly 50 exhibitors from agriculture, business, and education.

The Ft. Recovery FFA Chapter was fortunate to receive many awards for the great success this past year at the State FFA Convention. Nine members including Randy Braun, Samantha Florence, Katie Fortkamp, Mitchell Lennartz, Grant Muhlenkamp, Nicole Nietfeld, Alex Stammen, Kaleb Timmerman, and Samantha Tobe, received the prestigious State FFA Degree, a degree received by only 2% of Ohio’s 23,000 members each year.

Ft. Recovery FFA members attending the convention included SENIORS-Randy Braun, Keith Fortkamp, Maleia Fullenkamp, Logan Jute, Melissa Lochtefeld, Kendra Tobe, and Samantha Tobe.;… Continue reading

The annual West Holmes FFA banquet was held Friday, April 19^th, at the high school gym with 2012-2013 President Elizabeth Overholt conducting the open ceremonies. A member slide show was prepared by Audrey Ivers identifying all members and their parents. Prayer was led by Wyatt Gardner and the meal was prepared by Des Dutch Essenhaus. After the meal a Year in Review slide show was presented that highlighted the key events the chapter participates in throughout the year.

Each year the chapter recognizes community members who help out during the past year. Certificates of Appreciation were given to Kenneth and Laura Ivers, Mr. Rhoades, Mr. Dodd, Mike and Sheri Miller, Jack and Lauren Armstrong, Ken and Julie Krebs, Casey Schlauch, Nicole Steiner, Adam Rine, Dennis and Pam Gardner, Duane Yoder, Terry Adams, Sam Collett, Kerry Taylor, Kiersten Sigler, Martin Overholt, Mr. Sterling, Mr. Baughman, Rhett Martin, Kurt Rodhe and Rodhe’s IGA, Jim and Tracy VanKuren, Des Dutch Essenhaus, Chad Strouse, Ms.… Continue reading

A new endowment that has been established with the National FFA Foundation will allow thousands of future FFA members to attend the organization’s largest leadership development conference – free of charge.

Once active, the Glenn and Maggie Stith Leadership Development Fund Endowment could provide about $1,500 each for 110 eligible FFA members from throughout the country to attend the annual Washington Leadership Conference each year. The scholarship will be awarded to the National FFA Organization to cover the cost of each recipient to attend the conference and provide a stipend to cover travel, meals, lodging and other conference-related expenses.

Glenn Stith of Ankeny, Iowa, who grew up on a family farm in Kentucky and was an FFA member in high school, was vice president of U.S. Branded Business for Seeds, Biotech Traits and Chemistry and Global Lead of Seminis Vegetable Seeds at Monsanto for 35 years. After retiring in 2010, he was named senior associate at Context Network, a business management and strategy consulting firm providing services to global agriculture, biotechnology and food companies.… Continue reading

On May 3^rd of 2013 The Madison Plains FFA Chapter traveled to The Ohio State Fairgrounds for the Ohio FFA State Convention. While there; Abby Ames, Aaron Depugh, Jennifer Ernst, Rachel Garrison, Clay Hart, Jessica Lahna, Bailey Mierzejewski, and Rick Verhoeven were awarded their State FFA degrees. Abby Ames, Poorva Patel, and Rachel Garrison were awarded a gold rating for their excellent officer books kept for the Chapter.  Joe Ballah, Sam Owens, and Dathan Pollard part of the Madison Plains FFA Chapter were able to perform with the Ohio State FFA band. The chapter also toured The Ohio Department of Agriculture. They viewed the necropsy lab, weights and measurement department, plant and pesticide lab, and the consumer protection lab. The State Convention provided many learning opportunities for the Madison Plains FFA chapter and was enjoyed by all who attended.… Continue reading

May 2^nd and 3^rd the Mount Gilead FFA chapter went to FFA State Convention held at the Ohio state fairgrounds in Columbus. The Chapter visited the Ohio Cattleman’s Association and Select sires. The chapter also attended the five sessions of the convention. The sessions included the State Choir Performance, The FFA state Degree ceremony, 3 keynote speakers and award winners.  Samantha Appleman, Kyle Hack, Sarah Hubschman, and Amanda Bush received their state degrees. Samantha Appleman, Keirston Pangborn and Brittany Broadwater were recognized for gold rated officer books.  Emma Weiss, Levi Ridenour, and Robert Hudson performed in the FFA State Choir.

While at Ohio Cattleman’s Association, members learned about how  the check off dollars help the Cattleman’s Association to promote beef products. Members had the opportunity to ask questions and earn prizes. Members had a lot of fun participating in questions and most received a “lean beef” t-shirt. We learned about internship availability and exactly what the Ohio Cattleman’s Association does as an organization.… Continue reading

AGCO is the sponsor of a National FFA Collegiate Scholarship awarded to Judith Straathof of Miami Trace High School in Washington Court House, Ohio. Straathof is one of 18 outstanding FFA members to receive a scholarship sponsored by AGCO and AGCO Finance, said Jason Marx, vice president of marketing, AGCO North America. Scholarships were provided through the 2012–2013 FFA Collegiate Scholarship Program. 

“These students are selected based on the leadership they have shown in their schools and communities and for their academic excellence,” Marx said. “FFA played a major role in helping them set and achieve their goals. Now, AGCO is proud to help support them in their continuing efforts to excel.”

For the 2012-2013 FFA scholarship year, AGCO and more than 60 of the company’s dealers also provided 121 $1,000 scholarships to deserving FFA members in each dealer’s local community. This endeavor began in 2011 and involves financial contributions from the local dealer and AGCO.… Continue reading

The Greenville FFA Chapter celebrated its many accomplishments, both as a chapter and by its individual members, during the 83^rd Annual FFA Recognition Night held on Thursday, March 11th.  Approximately 225 members, parents and guests attended the evening held at Greenville High School.

Special guest speakers for the banquet were Carly Snider, Ohio District 9 FFA President and Allen Keaser, President of the Greenville FFA Alumni.

Six members received “Star” Awards.  They were: Star Greenhand Degree, Olivia McDade; Star in Agriscience, Thomas Shaw; Star in Ag Placement, Colton Sherry; and Star in Agribusiness, Alyssa Garber.

The Chapter recognized retired advisor Mr Daryl Goodwin for all his hard work and dedication during all of his years of service. Mr. Goodwin was presented the Outstanding Advisor Award.

Six outstanding awards were given out to members. They were: Outstanding Freshman, Dylan Kolb and Olivia McDade; Outstanding Sophomore, Korey Garland; Outstanding Junior, Patrick Garber and Emily Vanhorn; and Senior outstanding, Alyssa Garber.… Continue reading

Every year in early May, FFA chapters from all over the state travel to Columbus to attend the Ohio FFA State Convention.   During the convention students have many great opportunities such as listening to awesome speakers, making new friends from all over the state, and going on agricultural related tours around Columbus.  This year the Zane Trace Chapter took 34 members to participate in the State Convention, one of the largest groups in the chapter’s history!

Many business sessions go on throughout the day during the State Convention.  At these sessions the Ohio FFA officers announce the winners of various state awards, the Ohio FFA band and chorus make some awesome music, and keynote speakers came to talk to the crowd. A number of Zane Trace FFA members received awards over the two-day convention.   Jacob Boggioni and Kevin Daubenmire were selected to play in the FFA band.  Audrey Hoey and David Glass were named state winners in their proficiency award areas of Food Science and Integrated Agriculture Research while Stephanie Glass received a third place proficiency award in Agriculture Communications. … Continue reading

At the 85^th Ohio FFA Convention in Columbus, five Paulding students received the State FFA Degree, the highest award Ohio can bestow on an FFA member. In order to qualify, members must meet many standards which include; 35 hours of community service or improvement, $3000 earned in their supervised agricultural experience programs with at least $1,000 productively invested, compete in at least two state sanctioned career development events or competitions, maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA and a 93% school attendance rate and serve as an officer or committee member. A seventeen page application is completed prior to evaluations at the sub-district, district and state levels and then must meet final approval guidelines at state evaluations before being awarded. This year, Tiffany Spangler, Taylor Dangler, Bailey Zeller, Olivia Cramer and Justin Carnahan have all been awarded the State FFA Degree among nearly 700 across the state.

Tiffany is the daughter of Jeff and Melinda Spangler of Oakwood. … Continue reading

May 17^th Mount Gilead FFA chapter had Food for America at Hubschman’s Farm. The FFA members bring animals and teach the 5^th graders, of Park Avenue Elementary School, about where their food comes from. This year the kids got to make butter with Junior, Kierston Pangborn, and Senior, Emma Weiss. Kyle Hack brought a piglet, Brayden Barnett brought a bull, and Mckayla Wright brought two sheep. FFA members taught them about how their food goess from farm to plate. Kierston Pangborn brought a rabbit, and Kendra Hartman brought a miniature horse and mini donkey for the kids to pet. Hubschman’s had a llama, goats, chickens, and numerous dogs that the kids enjoyed petting as well.

There were five stations that the 5^th graders could go to. One was Nature and wildlife, where Noah Scott, Andrew Baer, Conner Hill, and Jerrod Shipman showed the kids animal pelts, traps, and bones.… Continue reading

On May 2^nd, 25 students from the Zane Trace FFA Chapter competed in the State Agriscience Fair.  The Agriscience fair is very similar to a school science fair, except every research project deals with agricultural related subjects.  Some categories students competed in included food science, animal science and environmental systems.  Students also have the choice to work individually or with a partner.  Out of the 25 students competing there were 10 teams of two competing.

All winter these students worked on brainstorming a topic, researching it, designing and performing an experiment, and finally, presenting their project.  All of the work these students put into their work paid off though.  Zane Trace had excellent results in their competition.  They had 8 earning bronze, 8 earning silver, and 9 earning gold.

This year many agriscience participants from Zane Trace also placed in their classes, earning a cash award and the opportunity to be recognized on stage during the Convention.  … Continue reading

On May 10th, Mohawk FFA held a Kiddy Barnyard Event for grades Kindergarten through Second.  The event lasted through the whole school day.  Each class participated in four activities.  Those activities were: making ice cream, making play dough, petting animals and exploring tractors.  As the children made the ice cream and play dough, they were told the origin of the agricultural ingredients. For example, kids were informed that flour, an ingredient in play dough, is made from wheat.

FFA members brought in a goat, two sheep, two pigs, a horse, a rabbit, some poultry, a cow with her calf and a cat with kittens.  This year there were four tractors that FFA members drove to school.  You could really see that Mohawk FFA put a lot of effort into this event.  Real proof of their effort can be found in the kids’ ecstatic faces as they learned about agriculture.  It is events like Kiddy Barnyard that help teach the importance of agriculture to the younger generation.… Continue reading

A total of seventeen current Mohawk FFA members attended the Ohio State Convention.  Those members include; Darby Walton, Jarred Shellhouse, Kevin Lonsway, Emily Daniel, Cassie Parsons, Kayla Draper, Somer Freeman, Lindsay Daniel, Dean Morter, Lydia Coliron, Megan Cleveland, Bri Thiery, Meghan Chaffee, Kelsea Fleming, Jana Baum, Paige Sigler and Morgan Edgington. Donovan Smith graduate from Mohawk High School also attended with the group.  Chaperones for the event were Sarah Criswell, Roger Daniel and Melissa Daniel.

Members attended a live concert staring Casey James and Aaron Kelly.  There were five session, each with key speakers.  Speakers include Christopher Coleman, Josh Shipp, Jeff Civillico, Wiley Bailey and Shelby Faulkner with her Retiring address as State President.

This year Mohawk had two proficiency award winners.  Lindsay Daniel won 1st in district and 2^nd in state for her proficiency in Veterinary Medicine.  Donovan Smith also won 1st in district and 1st in state for his proficiency in Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management. … Continue reading

The Teays Valley FFA held their annual awards banquet on Thursday, April 25th.  Over 600 people attended including members, school staff, board members, and special guests. A variety of awards were handed out for competitions, honors, and special recognition for certain members including community service participants. In addition, $4000 in scholarships were handed out over the course of the evening. The Teays Valley FFA is known for holding spectacular banquets and this year was no exception.… Continue reading

On May 2nd and 3rd, a group of 23 Anthony Wayne FFA members boarded a charter bus with the Otsego FFA chapter. The FFA chapters traveled down to Columbus, Ohio to attend the 85th Ohio State FFA Convention. While at convention, the group listened to motivational speakers such as Josh Shipp, Rhett Laubach, Jeff Civillico, and National FFA President, Clay Sapp, while also watching award winners from across the state. Students attended a concert and participated in leadership workshops as well.

One of the biggest highlights of convention was supporting our own chapter member Andrew Teet as he ran for a state office. Andrew was elected as the 2013-2014 Ohio FFA District 1 President. For the next year, Andrew will travel across Ohio serving FFA members and encouraging premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Did you know that we also have state champs in our chapter? Dustin Moosman (diversified horticulture), Abbey Vantyne (emerging agricultural technologies),Taylor Buskey (equine entrepreneurship), and Cody Perry (grain production entrepreneurship) each placed 4th in their respective proficiency award areas.… Continue reading

On March 2, Hiland FFA members participated in the Mt. Gilead Invitational Spring CDE (Career Development Event) Invitational. Jessica Davis and Megan Hippert competed in Dairy Products. The objective of Dairy Products is to focus on milk quality, federal milk marketing orders and attributes of selected milk products. Grant Mast competed in General Livestock. General Livestock teaches students to recognize quality production animals. Students learn skills that will make them better livestock producers and consumers by experience in identifying and understanding characteristics that affect production and quality. Preston Shamp and Javan Scheufler participated in Nature Interpretation and Wildlife. This contest is designed to gain interest and to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skills as a result of natural resources instruction. Jessica Davis placed 47 and Megan Hippert placed 39 and they placed 16th as a team in Dairy Products. Grant Mast placed 79 and 43rd as a team in General Livestock.… Continue reading

Four Major League Baseball teams are partnering with the National FFA Organization for FFA Day at the Ballpark events this summer including the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, Aug. 25 when they play against Milwaukee. FFA members, their families and friends, teachers, FFA alumni and FFA supporters can get specially discounted tickets to attend a game.

The National FFA Organization hopes to raise awareness about FFA to large and diverse audiences through attendance, participation of local FFA members in stadium activities, special messaging at each game and appearances by National FFA Organization mascot Flyte the Owl. National FFA Organization Public Relations Manager Duane Brodt said the organization has the opportunity to put FFA in front of more than 150,000 Major League Baseball fans this summer.

FFA members and supporters who are fans of the Royals, Pirates, Cardinals and Reds can visit MLB page on the National FFA Organization’s website for more information about each of the FFA Day at the Ballpark games.… Continue reading