FFA News

“I Believe” was the theme of this year’s National FFA Convention. 37 members of the Miami East FFA were in attendance at the convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Those members included Kodey Price, Kelly Rindler, Jessica Barlage, Kendra Beckman, Rian Kingrey, Olivia Edgell, Lindsey Roeth, Jarrett Willoughby, Caleb Johnson, Sarah Pyers, Amy Hahn, Cody Reid, Lauren Williams, Chris Teaford, Shane Richardson, Macaleh Thompson, Andrew Kowalak, Bekah Eidemiller, Amanda Bartel, Marley Roberts, Emily Johnson, Amber Owen, Brady Anderson, Angelina Henger, Colin Gump, Seth Drake, Casey Copeland, Kolin Bendickson, Colin Hawes, Christen Hensley, Ashlee Bussen, Emma Rife, Danielle Danielson, Tanner Church, Dan Bodenmiller, Heather Skaggs, and Libby Everett. Thank you to Mr. Allen Mays and Miss Whitney Wagner for chaperoning the trip.

More than 56,000 members, parents, and guests were in attendance at the National FFA Convention. Previous conventions were held in Kansas City, MO and Louisville, KY.

Convention activities included attending several convention sessions were members where inspired by motivational speakers such as the 2010-11 National FFA Officers and motivational speaker Dave Roever.… Continue reading

See the reactions of Ohio FFA members as they win the top honor in their proficiency category. … Continue reading

Chelsey Keiser’s work as a local farm broadcaster helped her win the agricultural communications award

Cory Ostings worked at three different places to earn the top award in agricultural services

Dulton Moore’s work doing home improvements and community service led to his win

Clayton Miller was suprised by his win in the Turf Grass Managment category

Mallory McDevitt shares details on the vegetable operation that earned her the top prize in the nation.

 
Watch as each of the winners are announced.

The following members were top four finalists in their SAE areas:

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Chad Hoersten, Delphos
Diversified Livestock Production – Kayla Finton, Ridgewood
Emerging Agricultural Technology – Jason Michel, Delphos
Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production – Cody Adams, Fayetteville
Food Science and Technology – David Glass, Zane Trace
Fruit Production – Diana Stacy, Old Fort
Nursery Operations – Lindsey Koppin, Anna
Poultry Production – LIbby Bender, River Valley

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Noelle Goodson, Fayette

Scott McDermont, Warren

Mick Tanner, Miami Trace

Sarah Peterson, Miami Trace

Band

Kenneth Grady, Warren

Sierra Miller, Upper Sandusky

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Ashley Siferd of the Cory Rawson FFA was a national winner in the Agri-Entrepreneurship award.

Name: Ashley Siferd
Age: 19
Chapter: Cory-Rawson FFA
Parents: Jamie and Teresa Siferd
Advisor: Lindsey Regula

When Ashley Siferd of Bluffton, Ohio, began raising goats, she soon discovered that she had extra goat’s milk that didn’t have a use. Not wanting to waste anything, she began to research what options might be available to her to maximize this product.

She soon discovered that the milk was a perfect fit for natural soaps and lotions. After some research, Siferd learned that people used goat milk soap for health benefits, such as treating psoriasis.

It was with this discovery that her business, Old Homestead Soaps and Lotions, was created.

“I realized this could be a unique way to expand my goat business, and I liked the idea that it could help people,” she said.

After making a few batches of soaps and lotions, Siferd went to the local farmers market.… Continue reading

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The Ridgemont FFA was named the national winner in the Models of Innovation, chapter development area.

The chapter wanted to celebrate International Education Week to teach cross cultural traditions to students of all grade levels. The members exceeded their education for the nationals goal by puppet shows, writing experiences and music classes for young students and by using lunch periods to build awareness through various activities for older students. Their efforts concluded with an assembly. They also won a civic education contest for their efforts.

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Case IH will help young people “Be Ready” for the future with a contest during the 84^th Annual National FFA Convention and a chance to win a new Apple iPad2.

To become a contestant, simply follow @Case_IH on Twitter and tweet a thoughtful response to the question, “What are you doing to #beready for the future of farming?” Including the #BeReady hashtag in the tweet will automatically enter you in the contest, which runs from October 19 to 22, 2011. Anyone age 14 and over may participate, and one lucky entrant will win the new 16 GB Apple iPad 2 with WiFi, pre-loaded with Case IH images, videos and bookmarks.

“Be Ready” is a recurrent theme at Case IH. “Agriculture is evolving at a rapid pace and Case IH recognizes the challenges farmer’s face, from feeding an expanding global population, to producing more food on fewer acres,” says Sam Acker, Manager of Pricing and Programs, Case IH North America and former FFA member.… Continue reading

The Crawford Antique Farm Machinery Association will serve a Pancake Breakfast to benefit the new multi-purpose building at the Crawford County Fairgrounds.  The breakfast is slated for Saturday November 12, 2011 from 7:00 until 10:00 AM at Buckeye Central High School in New Washington.  The breakfast will be offered free of charge with a free will offering graciously accepted.

“Members of the Crawford Antique Farm Machinery Association have either showed animals during their youth or have family members involved in the Crawford County Junior Fair.  Our association strongly supports the 4-H and FFA youth organizations involved with the fair.  We have supported the building effort from the outset and look forward to its completion,” stated Earl Smith, President of the Crawford Antique Farm Machinery Association.

Tom Laughbaum, Fair Manager described the building project by saying, “The construction of the new multi-purpose building is progressing well.  Once completed it will facilitate several species of the Junior Fair. … Continue reading

Paint the town Pink was a great hit for the Miami Trace FFA! Many things were done to help raise money for the fight against breast cancer.

Painting the Town Pink had a lot of work put into in including painting cars at the Friday at the football game against London; all together this raised about $900.  An estimated 600 Paint the Town Pink T-shirts were sold at the school and at Pettits stores, raising about $6000. The windows in town were painted for a donation, and an estimated 200 windows were painted throughout the town of Washington Courthouse, raising an estimated $1200. Also, while painting windows a few students from Miami Trace were given permission to paint semi trucks at Bryant Ag Enterprises, the trucks can be seen around town with the saying, “Paint the Town and Country Pink,” written on the trailers.

To top off Paint the Town Pink, the walk held on Saturday October 8,  had close to 200 people show up to walk the streets of Washington Courthouse.… Continue reading

The West Holmes FFA sent sophomore members to district soils in Guernsey County on September 28^th. While there, members examined soil for its slope, texture, depth and drainage, as well as the potential farming or building uses for the specified areas. In addition, they were tested on their knowledge of how to read a soil survey book and their general knowledge of soil and its characteristics. The chapter had two teams competing in the contest.  The Urban team consisted Jesse Wines who placed 20^th, Dustin Niehaus 23^rd, Doug Giauque 27^th, Luke Miller 33^rd, Madelyn Brewer 37^th, Mandy Taylor 39^th, and Tyler Evans 40^th.  The team placed 7^th out of 8 teams.   Also, our Rural team consisted of Grayson Miller who placed 40^th, Atlee Miller 62^nd, Beth Klein 77^th, Clay Armstrong 88^th, Megan Miller 92^nd, Bryce Williamson 95^th, Trevor Kick 101^st, and Tyler Gallupe 103^rd. … Continue reading

Beginning on October 19th, and continuing through the 21st, the Miami Trace Livestock team will start their journey at Nationals for General Livestock judging. The team from Miami Trace consisting of Colt Penwell, Austin Chester, Trevor Kirkpatrick, and Jamie Payton, won first place at the State contest in the spring. Now they have the great opportunity to go and compete in Indianapolis at the 84^th National Convention for another 1^st place. There the team will judge various livestock animals including breeding sheep, cattle, and swine, and market hogs, lambs, and beef. They then give oral reasons for their placings to the judges. Also the team has to take a written exam. The students have been working very hard over the summer to compete at nationals, by going to fairs and camps to judge livestock. The team will find out how they did on the 21^st at the awards ceremony.… Continue reading

On September 28^th the West Holmes FFA sent 29 juniors and seniors to help the Soil and Water Conservation District with the 5^th grade Farm Tour. 5^th graders from across Holmes County were in attendance. The members worked closely in assisting the 5^th graders with making edible Soil Samples, guiding them throughout the farm, preparing lunches, and assisting with preparation and clean-up of the tour. Members who attended were Derek Reutter, Kayla Chandler, Casey Schlauch, Rebecca Chamberlin, Liz Overholt, Brandon Bowles, Marshall Overholt, Maggie Raber, Alexis Bird, Brittany Barnes, Chris Patterson, Courtney Kozak, Gretchen Straits, Danuel Miller, Audrey Ivers, Corbin Wright, Kristi Atherton, Samantha Krejci, Logan Brannon, Mitchell Ling, Wyatt Gardener, Karissa Coblentz, Brittany Crawford, Matt Schlegel, Corey Phillips, Brittney Sigler, Travis Campbell, Tawnya Eckerle, and Haylee Mackey. The members who attended enjoyed the day at Tom Millers Farm, and also enjoyed spending time with the 5^th graders and the Soil and Water Conservation District Officers.… Continue reading

On October 14, the Colonel Crawford FFA chapter will be holding the annual Fall Chicken & Pork Chop BBQ dinner that is open to the public.  The meal will consist of your choice of a half a chicken or boneless pork chop, corn, applesauce, roll, and your choice of desert and drink. The BBQ will be located in the Ag shop, directly behind the school, at the big garage door, from 4-7:00.  There will be a limited number of extra chicken and pork at the door. The tickets for this event are $8, so give us a call at (419)-562-6755 to reserve your tickets, and an FFA member will be willing to help you with all your questions.  The BBQ is being held on a Friday night during the heart of football season; the Colonel Crawford Eagles will be playing the Wynford Royals.  The profits will benefit a senior in the form of a scholarship, and also will help to send some of our members to the National FFA Convention in late October.… Continue reading

By: Dani Sands, Chapter Reporter.

The Farm Safety Day 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 – Cael Rose
Mrs. Donnelly – Marisa Savini
Mrs. Riley – Kalli Teeters
Mrs. Rice – Celia Thomas

Each student participating received a gift from the FFA Chapter.  The first place poster in each homeroom was awarded an coloring book and candy.  Congratulations to the winners!

Photo Caption (left to right): Back Row: FFA Members Meagan McKinney and Kendra Beckman; Front Row: Contest Winners Kalli Teeters, Celia Thomas,Cael Rose, and Marisa Savini… Continue reading

On August 31^st, 18 members of the Colonel Crawford FFA chapter went to Attica to participate in the Sunrise/Monsanto Field Plot FFA Days.  The chapter learned about grain yields, plant diseases, crop pests, and how to properly be prepared for job interviews.  The chapter members learned a great deal and had a memorable experience. They also had the opportunity to hear Dale Minyo speak as well and watch as he did live radio reports.   The chapter was provided lunch and would like to thank the Sunrise, Monsanto and Cropland volunteers for a learning experience and letting the chapter visit for the day.… Continue reading

On Wednesday, September 28th, members of the Miami East FFA Chapter competed in the District 5 Soils Judging Contest in Miami County. Miami County Soil and Water Conservation District coordinated the event.

The Urban Soils team consisted of Jayda Burch, Casey Copeland, Olivia Edgell, Austin Honeyman, Cody Reid, Bland Wagner, Ashlee Bussen, and Jarrett Willoughby. The team placed 7th out of 19 teams. Casey Copeland was the highest placing individual from Miami East placing 7th out of 129 individuals.

The Rural Soils team consisted of Amy Hahn, Grant Hodge, Chris Teaford, Davey Wright, and Brandon Nales. The team placed 14h out of 25 teams. Chris Teaford was the high individual from Miami East placing 23rd out of more than 185 individuals.

The contest consisted of evaluating four soils pit for slope, erosion, drainage, depth, and soil texture. Also, the contestants took a written test and answered questions from the Soil Survey of Miami County.… Continue reading

Mowrystown FFA did very well this year at the 2011 District 9 Soil Contest. Mowrystown placed 3rd overall in Urban Soils and 11th overall in Rural.

The Urban team consists of: Rikki Morris, Kelsey Oliver, Tori Walker and Brittany Luman. Individually Rikki placed 1st Kelsey placed 15th, Tori placed 28th, and Brittany placed 32nd.

The Rural team consists of: Ryan Cole, Cole Simmons, Nick Wishhart, and Eric Brandenburg. Individually Ryan Placed 18th, Cole placed 72nd, Nick placed 64th, and Eric placed 35th.

The Urban Soils team is advancing to State on October 8. Congratulations!… Continue reading

On September 24, 2011 the Miami Trace FFA Chapter and Alumni held their annual steak fry. The event was held from 5-7:30 p.m. in the Miami Trace High School cafeteria. Tickets were $10 each, which included a meal of a steak, baked potato, green beans, roll, and homemade desserts. FFA Alumni members volunteered to help cook meals, while FFA members served and cleaned tables. Approximately 550 steaks were sold throughout the night.

Another steak fry will be held in March with the same meal, so the Miami Trace FFA and Alumni look forward to serving you again!… Continue reading