FFA News

The Madison Plains FFA is excited to welcome two new teachers to the Agricultural Education program, Mr. Matt Unger and Mrs. Mallory Zachrich. We are excited to see what their experiences and backgrounds bring to our chapter.

Mr. Unger comes to us from Greenfield, Ohio. He grew up on a farm where they raised corn, soybeans, wheat and swine. Mr. Unger is a graduate of McClain High School and attended Morehead State for his bachelor’s degree. His graduate studies have come from a compilation of Morehead State, Dayton, and Ohio University. Mr. Unger has seventeen years past teaching experience. He has three children. His specialty areas are leadership and plant science.

Mrs. Zachrich comes to us from Urbana, Ohio. She also grew up on a farm where they raised corn, soybeans, swine, cattle, and horses. Mrs. Zachrich is a graduate of Urbana High School and attended The Ohio State University for her bachelor’s degree.… Continue reading

The October 2012 Miami East FFA Member of the Month is Hunter Sharp. He is the son of Robert and Jenny Sharp of Troy and a freshman and first year member of the Miami East FFA Chapter.

Hunter exhibited the Grand Champion Dairy Beef Feeder at the 2012 Miami County Fair. He also competed in the 2012 District Urban Soils Judging Contest and plans on attending the National FFA Convention.

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 accolade in celebration of their accomplishment.… Continue reading

Big Walnut DACC FFA Officer team was fortunate enough to attend the first ever Ohio Legislative Leadership Conference held at the Ohio State House. This event was hosted by the Ohio FFA Association so that students can gain an understanding of the role that they play in supporting and promoting Agricultural Education Programs to parents and community supporters.

Only fifteen FFA chapters attended the event in which students got to hear from the Farm Bureau and local legislative supporters. Not to mention Governor John Kasich addressed the group of FFA members and explained to them how vital their role is not only as leaders in our society but how they represent one of Ohio greatest commodities Agriculture.

Members of the Big Walnut DACC Officer team include Stephanie Little, Maggie Lacy, Kristen Hill, Shane Hanly, Katelynn Cheadle and Kaitlyn Headlee.

This is one of the many educational activities in which FFA members practice the lessons taught in the agricultural education classes.… Continue reading

The Mt. Gilead FFA chapter was very well represented at the 2012 Morrow County Fair and would like to congratulate everyone who participated.

Senior Amanda Bush was crowned Fair Queen, and was awarded the Leadership award and scholarship. Senior Kyle Hack was voted Fair King. Brayden Barnett received Reserve Market Steer, senior showman and record seller for Reserve Steer. Emma Weiss had a 3rd place Breeding Rabbit, 5th place Broilers and 6th place Market Rabbit. Samantha Appleman got 3rd place Sheep senior showman and record seller. Alex Blanton placed 3rd in his Hereford class. Andrew Evans got 3rd place in the Southdown class and overall champion Horned Dorset ewe and ram. Ben Hayes was a project book winner. Sawyer Shipman had a Reserve Champion Berkshire Hog and Taylor King received Reserve Champion Breeding Rabbit.

Congratulations to everyone who placed and sold animals this year. The chapter would like to give a huge thank you to Senior and Junior Fair Board members who make fair possible and all of the buyers at the junior livestock sale.… Continue reading

By Keirston Pangborn, chapter reporter

To most people dirt is dirt, and trees are trees but to the Mt. Gilead FFA learning to judge soils and trees is an important part of the class. Freshman and sophomores take part in the county and district soil judging contest while juniors and seniors go to the forestry contest. This year’s district soils contest was held near Degraff Ohio. The top competitors at the county soil judging contest moved on to the district 6 contests and placed 16 in rural and 9 in the urban contest. Top team scorers were freshman Robbie Hudson on the rural team placing 26 out of 99 and sophomore Keane Delp on the urban team placing 16 out of 76.

Juniors and seniors traveled to the Mt. Gilead State Park for this years Bi- County forestry contest where they competed against Cardington, Highland and Big Walnut. They placed second trailing Highlands 934 to the teams 817.… Continue reading

On Tuesday, September 18, as part of National Farm Safety Awareness Week, the Leadership Committee of the Miami East FFA Chapter held a Seatbelt Awareness Activity. As students exited the parking lot at Miami East High School, the drivers were stopped and their seatbelts were checked.

If the student was wearing their seatbelt they received a “Smarties” candy for being smart about wearing their seatbelt. If the students were not wearing their seatbelts they were given a “DummDumm” sucker for making a bad decision.

Results of the event proved that a majority of the drivers at Miami East High School do wear their seatbelt. Over 60 drivers and passengers were presented candy with 13% of drivers were not wearing their seatbelt. Similar results as were collected last year when 9.1% of drivers were not wearing their seatbelt.
The first seatbelt was in a Volvo vehicle in 1849. On February 15, 1885, the seatbelt patent was given to Edward J.… Continue reading

DuPont Pioneer recently presented a $10,000 Community Betterment grant to the Ohio FFA Foundation and the state officer team for leadership development activities.  The grant will support leadership training for the Ohio FFA state officers in three programs – Blast-Off, the national leadership conference and state leadership training.

“As members of the agricultural community, DuPont Pioneer is committed to the youth of Ohio and the vital impact they will have on our industry’s future,” said Melissa Bell, executive director of the Ohio FFA Association. “DuPont Pioneer believes in FFA, agricultural education and the students enrolled in the program. This support will ensure we are able to fulfill our mission of premier leadership, personal growth and career development.”
Founded in 1928, the FFA organization represents over 300 careers in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. In Ohio there are nearly 24,000 active participants in agricultural education and the FFA. Over 600 professional teachers, teacher trainers and state leaders are committed to agricultural education and the FFA programs in Ohio.… Continue reading

By Katelyne Ackley, chapter reporter

On Sept. 28, 2012 the Benjamin Logan FFA hosted an Agriculture Extravaganza throughout the Benjamin Logan District. FFA Members in the Animal Science Class brought in their own animals and did activities with each grade level. Animals that were brought in on grounds were: horses, sheep, goats, pigs, pot belly pig, dairy cattle, beef cattle, chickens, and rabbits.

FFA members contacted local farmers in the area, and asked them to bring in equipment to show students how much equipment we could get in the front yard to equal one million dollars, which they exceeded.  The Benjamin Logan FFA would like to thank the following: Parrott Implement, Ed Wenger, Dave and Kathy Mobley, The Cronkleton Family, Tim Lyden, The Boysel Family, ACK-LEE Register Holsteins, and Bob Reams for bringing in equipment.

The Benjamin Logan FFA would like to thank: Jamie Griffin and Lazy H Ranch for coming out and talking about their business.… Continue reading

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The Marietta FFA Chapter Rural Soil Judging Team competed at the Washington County Soil Judging Competition on Friday, September 21, 2012 and then competed at the District 10 Soil Judging Competition on Tuesday, September 25, 2012. The members of the team are Brittany Baker, Shania Baker, Allison Robinson, and Jonathan Wood.

At the county competition the team took third place out of five teams. The team then went on to the District 10 Soil Judging Competition.

At the district competition the team took second place out of 18 teams. With idividual results being: Brittany Baker taking sixth place; Jonathan Wood taking ninth place; Shania Baker taking tenth place; and Allison Robinson taking eighteenth out of 77 individuals.

With the second place finish at the district competition the will now travel to the State Soil Judging Competition. Which will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at Malabar Farm in Richland County Ohio.… Continue reading

By: Kendra Beckman, chapter reporter

The Agricultural Awareness Committee of the Miami East FFA Chapter recently sponsored a farm safety poster contest at Miami East Elementary.  Students in the second grade were given poster board and had to create a farm safety promotion poster.  FFA members evaluated the pictures and awarded first place to each homeroom.  The results are as follows:

Mrs. Gentis – Samsaar Tapa
Mrs. Donnelly – Carter Vanhorn
Mrs. Riley – Kylee McKinney
Mrs. Rice – Linde Snodgrass

Each student participating received a gift from the FFA Chapter, including candy, an FFA sticker, and pencil.  The first place poster in each homeroom was also awarded an FFA Bear.  Congratulations to the winners!… Continue reading

District 4 State President Gary Klopfenstein visited Liberty-Benton High School on September 9 to talk to the students about their goals. He had fun activities for the students to do while in class.

Students in some of the classes broke wood blocks in their class. They also played FFA Jeopardy. Other classes did work on discovering their goals, how to reach them, and steps they can take to determine long, short, and dream goals. When asked what the deference between a dream and a goal was, a student replied that a dream was something that was a very long-term goal that was in some cases unrealistic and a goal was something you can accomplish whether it be long or short term. This student also replied that short-term goals only lead or help you reach your long-term goals.

While there, Gary also had lunch with some students from the fourth period Ag class and played some more games with them.… Continue reading

On Friday September 14, 4 members of the Botkins FFA Chapter and their advisor, Mr. Chad Berning, traveled to West Springfield, Massachusetts to represent the state of Ohio at The Big “E”. Competing for the team were juniors Michaela Kramer and Derek Shaffer, and sophomores Lucas Buehler and Kyle Moellenkamp. This past spring, the team qualified for The Big “E” after placing 2nd in the state FFA General Livestock Judging contest.

During the competition, the team had to individually evaluate 9 classes of livestock, give oral reasons on 3 of the classes, and take a 50 question written exam based on livestock and livestock production. They also had 2 team activities, which included a keep/cull activity and a 10 question worksheet based on one of the classes they evaluated.

The team competed against some of the top teams in Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, totaling about 30 individuals.… Continue reading

Several FFA students spent free time during lunch decorating a spirit sheet and a hay wagon in preparation for homecoming festivities, while others made signs and planned out a fundraising opportunity. About fifteen FFA members represented the group by riding the wagon in the parade, tossing out candy to onlookers. A few other FFA students volunteered their time painting many faces and challenged willing golfers with their putting skills in a small fundraiser throughout the evening before the game was postponed. The FFA students would like to thank the community for their involvement and support, as well as recent graduate, Zach McGraw, for use of the hay wagon in the parade.

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Over 55 students in Southeastern’s high school agriculture classes recently attended the 50^th annual Farm Science Review. Most students completed an assignment that allowed them to research many resources and exhibitors at the event, while others gathered information from company representatives on possible job and internship opportunities in the agriculture industry. A handful of other students volunteered their time to assist the Ohio Cattlewomen’s Association with their food tent, practicing customer service and organization skills while gaining valuable service and volunteer experience. Many students witnessed the new grain rescue training module and sharpened their land evaluation skills at the practice soil pit. Students also gathered many resources and brochures that can be utilized in their classes throughout the year.… Continue reading

Members of the Southeastern FFA recently competed in the Clark County FFA soils competition, which was held near Greenon High School. Fifteen students represented the Southeastern FFA in rural soils competition, which involves evaluating land for crop and agricultural use. The team placed a fourth in the competition, with Alex L. placing fourth individually out of all competitors. Nine students competed in the urban soils competition, which involves evaluating soils for construction and landscaping uses. The team placed third with Cory K. leading the way by placing second overall individually. The teams will next compete at the district level in Logan County at the end of September.

In soils competitions, students must inspect and evaluate four soils sites, which include a soil pit where properties such as soil depth, drainage, soil texture and erosion are evaluated. Students must also measure the slope of the land. Upon gathering information on soil properties, students must identify appropriate land uses and make recommendations on overcoming soil weaknesses or limitations due to properties that pose a challenge.… Continue reading

Liberty-Benton FFA members Lauren Burner, Jordan Wright, and Amber Dick enjoyed the honor of becoming Hancock County Fair royalty for the fair that ran from August 29th – September 3rd.  Lauren Burner was selected as Beef Queen, Jordan Wright Poultry King, and Amber Dick Goat Princess.

Chapter members also submitted a variety of projects in the fair. Fair projects for the 2012 Hancock County Fair submitted by L-B FFA members included nail boxes, birdhouses, electric panels, welding panels, electric cord carriers, mechanics creepers, ladder golf games, sawhorses, concrete patio blocks, and posters among other entries such as animals that were entered in the fair by other FFA members. Some of the featured animals in this year’s fair by L-B FFA members were rabbits, horses, and chickens. Members also exhibited other animals in open class and 4-H.

Chapter members also participated in volunteer work at the fair. On Saturday, September 1st L-B FFA members worked at the Hancock County Sheep Improvement Association Lamb Stand.… Continue reading

Michala Challen, a 2012 graduate of Findlay High School and Agricultural Education student at Liberty-Benton High School was presented the school’s highest agricultural honor, the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award, sponsored by Monsanto Company.  Michala is the daughter of Mike and Staci Challen, and received the award for excellence in academics, leadership and agricultural work experience.  Challen’s significant experiences and accomplishments include receiving the Ag Credit 110% Award, and she was involved in such career development events as soil judging and equine management.  Her Supervised Agricultural Experience projects have included horse production, pasture management, and fence improvements.  Michala plans to study animal science in college and pursue a related career in either animal science or equine science.  Mark Badertscher was Michala’s agricultural education instructor at Liberty-Benton High School.

The DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award celebrates its 65^th anniversary in 2012.  Over these 65 years more than 168,000 high school seniors from across the country have received the award, which has become a symbol for excellence and the school’s highest agricultural honor. … Continue reading

One of the most hazardous industries in the United States is agriculture. As a result, many injuries and illnesses occur to farmers and ranchers almost everyday across the nation.

Farmers and ranchers, and the general public are often injured when agricultural machinery is involved in roadway incidents. To increase the awareness of the limitations of agricultural machinery in traveling speed and maneuverability the National Safety Council will observe the National Farm Safety and Health Week focusing on this issue from September 17 to 21.

Planned events include daily activities such as a seat belt awareness challenge for all students and staff, a drive-your-tractor-to-school day, a Farm Safety Day for all Miami East second graders, and a Hunter Safety Awareness night before a home football game.

As you travel the rural roads of Miami County please drive slowly and cautiously. Farmers can’t maneuver or slow as quickly as a passenger vehicle. Farmers also drive their equipment on the road during all hours of the day and night.… Continue reading