FFA News

Four members of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter recently participated in the state Animal Behavior, Welfare and Husbandry Career Development Event on April 17^th at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.  In the competition, students were tested on their knowledge of typical and atypical animal behavior as well as their understanding of approved animal care standards and practices.

Students observed five different species of animals and answered questions over their behaviors then evaluated and presented a review of animal welfare compliance for two poultry farms and a power point presentation over the behavior of domesticated sugar gliders.  The students who participated included: Jessie Proehl, Nicole Jordan, Amber Ginter and Kasandra Dalton.

All four students have a strong interest in animal science and this contest helped them to further their understanding of animals and their normal behaviors.  For their efforts the team received a 4^th place finish in the state competition and will be recognized with a banner from the Ohio FFA Association.… Continue reading

The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation (OSCF) is pleased to announce the scholarship recipients of the OSCF Scholarship Program for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Undergraduate scholarships of $3,000 each were awarded to Mike Hannewald, Andrew Klopfenstein, Derek McCracken and Brent Stammen. The second annual $3,000 Farmer, Lumpe + McClelland (FLM) Scholarship, a scholarship awarded to a student studying agriculture communications or business, was awarded to Stacie Seger. The annual $5,000 Bhima Vijayendran Scholarship, a scholarship named in honor of a Battelle research scientist who has made tremendous contributions to the soybean industry, was awarded to Stephanie Verhoff.

A $5,000 graduate scholarship was awarded to Brittany Nauth and two $2,500 graduate scholarships were awarded to Dee Marty and Jessica Schwartz.

This is the fifth year for the OSCF Scholarship Program, which was created to encourage undergraduate students to pursue careers in agriculture, as well as to support ongoing graduate-level research. All OSCF scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to full-time students enrolled at an Ohio college or university.… Continue reading

By Janel Broering, chapter reporter

On April 2^nd, the St. Henry FFA held their 58th Annual Parent/Member Banquet at Romer’s Catering in St. Henry. The evening started with FFA President, Isaac Marchal, welcoming all those in attendance.

During the ceremonies, two members who will be receiving their American Degree at the 2012 National FFA Convention were recognized: they are, Brad Nieport and Ethan Tobe.

We also had five members earn their state degree, which they will be awarded at the State Convention in May.  The State Degree recipients are Isaac Lefeld, Tyler Lefeld, Brad Rindler, Kaitlin Schmitmeyer, and Zach Siefring.

We also recognized those students who earned their Greenhand Degree, the first degree an FFA member can achieve.  There were 28 members who earned this degree.  We then awarded the chapter degree which 24 members achieved this past year.

At the end of the banquet we recognized the Star Greenhands and Star Chapter. … Continue reading

By Audrey Ivers, chapter reporter

On April 5, 2012 the annual banquet of the West Holmes FFA was held at 7 o’clock in the high school gym. The 2011-2012 President Derek Reutter called the banquet hall to order and conducted opening ceremonies. A member slide show was prepared by Elizabeth Overholt. The program continued with a prayer lead by junior Samantha Krejci and a delicious meal compliments of Des Dutch Essenhaus of Shreve. After the meal was completed the banquet continued with a Year in Review slide show that highlighted the key events the chapter participates in throughout the year.

Each year the chapter likes to recognize those community members who help out during the year. Certificate of Appreciation were given to; Mr. Chad Strouse, Mrs. Jodi McDonnell, Shearer Equipment, Ms. Marie Arnold, Mr. Lindsey Sprang, Mrs. Lisa Hipp, Ms. Rosemary Taggart, Holmes County Prevention Coalition, Mr. Roger Patterson, Mr. Martin Overholt, Ms.… Continue reading

By Lexie Poulson, Pettisville FFA Alumni Reporter

Dylan Weirauch of the Pettisville FFA is the 2012 Pettisville FFA Alumni College Scholarship recipient.  This scholarship is given to a former Pettisville FFA member to assist them in their continuing studies of agriculture.  Dylan is studying Diesel Technologies at the University of Northwestern Ohio.  He is very pleased with the business and finance skills he learned through his agricultural classes and the FFA. Dylan was active in FFA raising sheep, the Ag Mechanics CDE (Career Development Event), being on the Jr. Fairboard and working.  His parents are Jackie and Doug Weirauch of rural Pettisville.

Zach Pursel of the Pettisville FFA is the 2012 Pettisville FFA Alumni Senior Scholarship recipient.  This scholarship is given to a Pettisville FFA member to assist them in advanced schooling.  Zach will be attending Trine University and studying business administration.  Zach has been an active FFA member serving as many Committee Chairs and also a member of the basketball and baseball teams. … Continue reading

On April 14th 2012, the Mt. Gilead FFA Chapter held their annual banquet in the high school auditorium. Members of the chapter, family members and administrators enjoyed dinner provided by Special Occasions Catering out of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. At 7pm the program of recognition began, for students who participated in activities throughout the year. Students were awarded for their hard work, dedication and roles they played within the chapter. Receiving special awards were: Top Freshman, Kendra Hartman; Top Sophomore, Samantha Appleman; Top Junior, Emma Weiss; and Top Senior, Amanda Evans. Star Chapter Greenhand went to Bailey Gompf, Star Chapter Farmer was Brayden Barnett and Chapter Star Agri-Placement was awarded to Amanda Evans. New office holders were also announced at the end of the banquet. The 2012- 2013 Officer team is: President, Kyle Hack; Vice President, Sarah Hubschman; Secretary, Brittany Broadwater; Student Advisor, Conner Hill; Historian, Deandra Hudson; Sentinel, Andrew Evans; Reporter, Keirston Pangborn and Treasurer, Samantha Appleman.… Continue reading

The West Holmes FFA is proud to announce the following members are State Finalists in their proficiency areas.  In order to become a State Finalist, members must submit an application to district evaluation, have it advance to the state evaluation, and then be chosen as one of the top 4 applications in their area.  Once named a finalist, the members will have to create a poster display and compete in an interview at the State FFA Convention.  Members will then be recognized on stage at State Convention where the winners will be announced.  The winner in each area will have the opportunity to compete at the national level.

Travis Campbell is a finalist in Outdoor recreation. Travis is the son of Doreena Campbell. Travis spent his summer at Faith Ranch working in the horse trail riding area. Campbell is a senior at West Holmes and will be attending Findlay University in the fall to study Pre- Vet.… Continue reading

By Emily Daniel, chapter reporter

The Mohawk FFA held their 54th annual banquet on April 12, 2012, at Mohawk High School.  The meal was catered by Special Occasions and the Mohawk FCCLA.

The major fundraiser done by the Mohawk FFA is fruit sales.  The top three sales people recognized at the banquet were Darby Walton first, Jarred Shellhouse second and Meghan Chaffee third place salesman.  The other fundraiser done by the chapter is the Fall Barbeque.  The top three salesmen were Lindsay and Emily Daniel third, Brett Spencer second and Meghan Chaffee first place.  The overall fundraiser salesperson was Meghan Chaffee.

Meghan Chaffee, Sabrina McDermott, Jarred Shellhouse, and Erika Coldiron received awards for their academic excellence.  Lindsay Daniel, Deon Morter, Grant Price, Jarred Shellhouse and Darby Walton will be receiving their State FFA Degrees at State Convention in May, and their achievements were recognized at the banquet also.  Robert Gilliland will receive his American Degree in October at National Convention. … Continue reading

Foundation Provides Funding for Technical Education Across Ohio

The Animals for Life Foundation sponsored winners of the Animal Behavior, Welfare and Husbandry division at Ohio FFA’s Career Development Events (CDEs) annual awards breakfast Wednesday.
Career Development Events are an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to showcase knowledge gained through agriculture education curriculum, which is constantly being updated with new technology and scientific methods while meeting industry standards.
More than sixty students participated in the Animal Behavior, Welfare and Husbandry division. Clear Fork Valley High School of Bellville took top team honors while Robin Butz of Coldwater High School was named top individual.
“Through Career Development Events we are training future employees and employers,” said James Ogden, CDE Coordinator for Ohio FFA. “The sponsors of these events go on to hire students who excel in these areas. Only so many kids can go home and farm. These career development events allow young adults to go into a technical field that still puts them at the heart of animal agriculture.”… Continue reading

Zane Trace FFA held their annual Agriculture Olympics on Wednesday, April 10. This is an event that features agriculture related games such as milk chug, egg toss, and tug-of-war. This year, the sophomore class won the games. They were followed by the freshman and senior classes, who tied for second. Much to their disappointment, the junior class took fourth place this year, after a two year winning streak.

The sophomore class took first in the boy’s milk chug with David Powell as their contestant. They also placed first in the tug-of-war, and second in the girl’s milk chug, paving their way to victory.

The Ag Olympics is always a special event for Zane Trace FFA Members. This year, the event was planned by the FFA Officer team in conjunction with Leadership Class. They did a splendid job of generating excitement, and there were many guests present for the games, as well as members.… Continue reading

By Ashley Vogt and Brianna Gwirtz

On March 31, 2012 the Shelby FFA took 17 students to the state fairgrounds in Columbus, Ohio to participate in various judging contests. Thirteen FFA members participated in the Livestock Judging competition. Three members took part in the Equine Management contest. One student was involved in the Wildlife Management contest.

In the Livestock Judging competition the team placed 22 out of 150 teams. Walker Fackler placed 51st out of 786 participants and led the Shelby FFA team. The rest of the team placed as follows: Megan Rothhaar, 109th; Ashley Vogt, 138th; Logan Vail, 160; Kristen Eisenhauer, 205; Kristen Wasilewski, 212; Brianna Gwirtz, 277; Andy Stockmaster, 290; Morgan Fackler, 551; Morgan Hicks, 517; Becca Hostetter, 638; Julia Heifner, 712; and Alexis Manning, 778th.

The Equine Management team placed 55th out of 120 teams. The team included Ted Herr who placed 38th, Haley Goff 313th, and Morgan Evans who placed 320th out of 447 individuals.… Continue reading

St. Louis-based Monsanto (NYSE: MON) is providing more than $850,000 in funding to the National FFA Organization in 2012 to support national student leadership conferences, educational awards, awareness campaigns and more.

The majority of Monsanto’s financial support of FFA in 2012 was behind the FFA Chapter Challenge, a competition among FFA chapters in 12 states to build relationships with local farmers that ended in March. More than 840 FFA chapters participated. Ten chapters in each state earned $2,500 each to pay for FFA supplies or costs associated with members attending national leadership conferences.

Monsanto is also sponsoring two national leadership conferences staged by FFA. The annual Washington Leadership Conference spans seven weeks during the summer and draws thousands of students from throughout the country to Washington, D.C., who learn leadership skills and perform community service. The three-day National Leadership Conference for State Officers is a summertime conference during which FFA officers from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands learn advanced interpersonal communication strategies and presentation delivery techniques.… Continue reading

State Judging was held March 31^st for all the FFA chapters in the state of Ohio. The Preble Shawnee FFA Chapter attended and competed in the following competitions: General Livestock, Equine Management, and Wildlife Management.

Members competing on the General Livestock team included Darian Rader, Drew Hill, Abbey Hill, Lacey Hill, James White, Joan Anderson, Alyssa McQuiston, Courtney Roberts, Dalton Pugh, Will Smith, Abi Jones and Kelsey Klamm. Together they placed 50^th out of 150 schools.

Members on the Wildlife Management Team were Zach White, Skyler Dougherty, and Caitlin Smith. As a team they placed 44^th in the state.

The Equine Management team was Morgan Senters and Kirsten Fross. They competed individually. There were 447 contestants in the competition. Fross lead the team placing 64^th in the State.… Continue reading

The April 2012 Miami East FFA Member of the Month is Casey Copeland. She is the daughter of Rick and Stephanie Copeland of Casstown.

At the annual Parent-Member Banquet Casey was named the 2012 Star Greenhand. She recently completed in the State Equine Management Competition and also competed in several invitational horse judging events. Casey additionally competed in public speaking, parliamentary procedures, and soils judging. She has attended National FFA Convention and has plans to compete in the upcoming State Agriscience Fair. Her Supervised Agricultural Experience program consists of breeding hogs.

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 medallion on celebration of their accomplishment.… Continue reading

Eight people from throughout the country that comprise a special advisory council for the National FFA Foundation are issuing a challenge to FFA and agricultural education supporters everywhere: Give to FFA and we’ll match your gift.

The National FFA Foundation’s 2012 Individual Giving Council is comprised of volunteers Elin Miller of Oregon, Paul Mulhollem of Kentucky, Mark Timm of Indiana, Jack Pitzer and Corey Rosenbush, both of Virginia, Rick Malir of Ohio, Lynette Marshall and Glenn Stith, both of Iowa, and founding member Charlie Fischer. Through individual giving, the group has collectively contributed more than $312,000 to FFA over the next three years to create a new matching-gift program called the Leadership Challenge.

Effective today, each new gift, regardless of the amount, or any increase in prior giving that allows an FFA contributor’s total gift to meet or exceed $1,000 will be matched dollar for dollar by Leadership Challenge funds up to $100,000.… Continue reading

By Jessica Millenbaugh, chapter reporter

Family and friends of the Colonel Crawford/Pioneer  FFA Chapter were present to honor the accomplishments of the Colonel Crawford FFA students during their banquet and awards night on Tuesday, April 3rd. Our featured Speaker was Miss Sierra Jepsen from the Amanda Clear Creek High School FFA Chapter. Sierra is serving as this years District 7 President.
Before the awards program, there was a dinner featuring mandarin orange chicken, pork chops, red parsley potato’s, pasta shells with alfredo, green beans, butter roles, salad and cake and a chocolate fountain with various items to dip for dessert.  Thank you Norton’s for donating the flowers and helium for the balloons.  Also a special thanks to Special Occasions Catering. Thank you to all the people that donated items for the occasion. It was greatly appreciated.
The awards given out for the night started with six Greenhand degrees which were given to the first year members who have met all the requirements set fourth by the National FFA. … Continue reading

The Montgomery Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) encourages the young adults of Montgomery County to grow in their knowledge of conservation and to consider pursuing careers in conservation or agriculture. Our society faces natural resource challenges that require fresh ideas, dedication, and strong leaders. Educating and supporting youth in this regard is one of the main objectives of the SWCD’s Conservation Education Program. To support these efforts, we annually offer two scholarships.

For graduating high school seniors we offer a $500 scholarship. The applicant must plan to major in either a Natural Resources Management or an Agricultural Field, attend a college or university offering degrees in these fields, provide proof of enrollment and be a resident of Montgomery County, Ohio.

For those Montgomery County residents who are at least 15 years of age and have completed the 8th grade we offer a $325 scholarship to attend the Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp (which covers the entire camp fee).… Continue reading

The Miami East FFA Chapter recently donated trees to every fourth grader in the Miami East Local School District. This was a special project of the Environmental Committee of the FFA.

In an effort to help repopulate Ohio with trees, each student was given one pine tree in the hopes that they would plant it.  FFA members realize that farmers and ranchers provide food and habitat for 75 percent of the nation’s wildlife.  Not only will the trees provide cover for wildlife in the area, they will also produce quality oxygen.

Participating in this project were Chris Teaford, Mark Beaty, Emma Rife, and Jennifer Brown. The trees were a project with the Miami County Soil and Water Conservation District.… Continue reading

Agronomy

Teams

1. Miami Trace

2. North Union

3. Logan

4. Greenville

5. River View

Individuals

1.Evan Schaefer, Miami Trace

2. Judith Straathof, Miami Trace

3. Jordyn Rhodeback, North Union

4. Landon Gibbs, Miami Trace

5. Rachel Mcclish, Miami Trace

Dairy Cattle (Preliminary)

The top ten teams and top ten individuals will participate in a final round on May 1st, 2012 at OSU ATI.

Teams

1. Riverside

2. Miami Trace

3. Fairbanks

4. Marion Local

5. Greenville

6. North Adams

7. Teays Valley

8. Northwestern

9. Coldwater

10. Crestview

Individuals

1. Tanner Topp, Northwestern

2. Hillary Jackson, Riverside

3. Kadie Burger, Minerva

4. Keith Bohman, Marion Local

5. Thomas Shaw, Greenville

6. Corey Jodrey, North Adams

7. Barbara Sears. Miami Trace

8. Ella Jackson, Riverside

9. Sam Macgregor, Miami Trace

10. Jody Williams, Morgan

Dairy Handlers

1. Allison Mangun, Norwayne

2. Cheyenne Morsheiser, Carrollton

3. Caitlin Davidson, Lynchburg-Clay

4. Jacque Herman, Edgerton

5.… Continue reading

On March 31^st, many Miami Trace FFA students competed at the Ohio State Fairgrounds for their CDE teams at the state level. There were many teams that competed and performed well at the state level including the Agronomy, Dairy foods, Horse, Dairy Cattle, and General Livestock teams.

The Agronomy team consisting of Evan Schaefer, Judith Straathof, Landon Gibbs, Rachel McClish, Madison Hisey, Grant Ratliff, Kyler May, Andy Moore, and Shayne Wood. The top individuals were, Evan Schaefer in 1^st overall, Judith Straathof in 2^nd overall, Landon Gibbs in 4^th, and Rachel McClish in 5^th. During the agronomy contest students must identify different types of plants, weeds, insects, seeds, and diseases. They also had a team event and took a test which also counted towards their overall scores.

The Dairy foods team received 5^th in state. The team consisted of Nicole Straathof, Abby Schwenk, Daniella Straathof, Theresa Elrich, Abby Hidy, and Rebecca Elrich.… Continue reading