FFA News

Each year livestock groups in Miami County interview and select a queen that will represent the industry. In 2012, there are several qualified young ladies that applied and were chosen. These commodity queens are spokespersons for the industry, assist with livestock shows, and conduct public awareness and promotion events.

Representing the Miami County Sheep Improvement Association is the Lamb and Wool Queen, Meagan McKinney. She is the daughter of Ryan McKinney and Angela Dilts. She is a recent graduate of Miami East High School with plans to enroll at Morehead State University to major in Nursing.

Shelby Roach is serving as the Miami County Beef Queen, sponsored by the Miami County Cattlemen’s Association. She is the daughter of Trent and Kerry Roach. She will be a junior at Miami East High School and the Miami Valley Career Technology Center in the Center On Science in Agriculture.

The Miami County Pork Queen is Sarah Pyers represent as selected by the Miami County Swine Breeders Association.… Continue reading

By: Kendra Beckman, chapter reporter

July 24 to 29, Rebekah Eidemiller, Andrew Kowalak and Lauren Williams attended the 2012 Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference focuses on training students how to be a positive influence in their chapters, schools and communities.
A key focus on the week was the creation of Living To Serve Projects. Within small groups, each attendee was challenged to create a plan for their own community improvement activity. Eidemiller’s plan is to spread hope and positive attitude, Kowalak’s plan is to conduct a holiday food drive, and William’s plan is to assemble care packages for troops.
Character and vision were also major focus areas. Attendees learned how good leaders have character and the conference helped them understand the components of character and how they can serve as role models to others.
While in D.C., Eidemiller, Kowalak, and Williams completed service projects, they packaged 41,000 ready-to-eat meals for Nicaragua’s poverty residents.… Continue reading

A record-setting, unrestricted cash contribution of $1 million was given to the National FFA Foundation Thursday by RFD Communications.

Patrick G. Gottsch, founder and president of Omaha, Neb.-based RFD Communications, presented the donation to National FFA President Ryan Best at the FFA State Presidents’ Conference at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, D.C.

“When RFD-TV was launched in December 2000, our stated mission and charter was dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America,” Gottsch said. “Our association with FFA has been such a rewarding experience and contributed much to the success now being realized at RFD-TV. We are so proud to be in a position to raise our level of support for the FFA, and we hope this contribution will encourage others to take note of the National FFA’s outstanding track record with youth and the importance of investing in our future.”

The National FFA Foundation is the fundraising arm of the National FFA Organization, which provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 540,379 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 7,489 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S.,… Continue reading

By Katelyne Ackley, chapter reporter

The Benjamin Logan FFA Chapter had six members attend Camp Muskingum. These members went to the first session which was held on the week of June 4-8, 2012. Members got to meet new friends and enjoy leadership activities that where ran by the State Officer team. Members that attended where: Cody Weber, Lane Bowman, Holly Parker, Chelsea Shaffer, Ashley Wilson, and Tyler Mullins.… Continue reading

By Kendra Beckman, chapter reporter

The Miami East FFA Alumni Chapter recently recognized graduates of Miami East High School that had been enrolled in Agricultural Education and members of the FFA Chapter. In order to qualify for the scholarship, the applicants completed an essay on “The Benefits of Agricultural Education” and been active in the FFA Chapter for four years. Each recipient received a cash scholarship to be used for their further education.

Amanda Bartel is the daughter of Mark and Pam Bartel. During her four years of involvement she has participated in Food Science, Horse Judging, and attended the State and National FFA Conventions. During her years of agricultural education Amanda overcame one of her fears by learning how to speak in front of a large group through learning the FFA Creed and serving as a chapter officer.

Jacob Eidemiller is the son of LaDonna  Mays and Eric Eidemiller. He earned his State FFA Degree and participated in the Agricultural Sales Contest and Food Science.… Continue reading

Amber Hites of  the Benjanmin Logan FFA was selected as Beef Queen for the 2012 Logan County Fair. Amber is the daughter of Harvey and Jodi Hites, where they reside in Belle Center.  Amber is a Senior at Benjamin Logan High School and Ohio High Point Career Center, where she plays soccer for the Lady Raiders. She showed Market Lambs and T- Bone Steeres through 4-H and FFA for the Logan County Fair for three years. Outside of  FFA she is very involved in her church and church youth group.

Jessica Skidmore of  the Benjanmin Logan FFA was selected as Poultry Queen for the 2012 Logan County Fair. Jessica is the daughter of Chuck and Judy Skidmore, where they reside in Rushlvania.  Jessica is a Junior at Benjamin Logan High School, where she plays softball for the Lady Raiders and is involved in band. This past year was her second year in FFA where she was on the PoultryJudging and Food Science Team.For… Continue reading

OCJ: First, could you tell us about your background? Where are you from and what sparked your interest in the FFA?

Shelby: I have grown up on a grain farm in Champaign County my entire life. In the third grade I joined 4-H, showing market lambs and taking a sewing project. I continued both of these projects and various others. Agriculture has always been a part of my life. As an eighth grade student at Graham Middle School, I was required to take a 9-week long course in agriculture. I knew what FFA was, but I had never considered joining. My teacher, Mrs. Wallace, found out that my dad was a farmer and made it her mission to get me to join her class and the FFA. At first I resisted, but I finally gave in. That was the best decision that I have ever made.

OCJ: What are some of your favorite FFA memories before serving as a State Officer?… Continue reading

By Emily Vanhorn, chapter reporter

On June 20, Thomas Shaw, Emily Vanhorn, and Austyn Potter spent the afternoon putting up a newly constructed set of signs at the Greenville FFA Test Plot.… Continue reading

David Glass, of Zane Trace FFA, had the unique opportunity to travel to Costa Rica for ten days in June on behalf of the National FFA Association. David received this trip along with his National Proficiency Award at FFA National Convention in the fall. While in Costa Rica, David went on many agricultural tours, learned about the Costa Rican culture, met many new people, and participated in fun activities such as white water rafting and zip lining.

David started of his trip with a tour of EARTH University on Thursday, June 14^th. EARTH is a private university offering an education in agricultural science and natural resources. While at EARTH, David toured the Organic Farm, where he learned a bit about recycling and production of organic fertilizers, as well as the university’s Urban Agricultural projects. David then traveled from EARTH to the Dole banana farm located in Sarapiqui, Costa Rica.… Continue reading

By Kayla Weaver, OCJ field reporter

Enrolling in an agricultural education class opens the door to many opportunities for a student. They receive classroom instruction, have the option of participating in the student leadership organization known as the FFA and are asked to complete a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. While the classroom subjects and FFA opportunities are diverse, the SAE project gives students a chance to really explore their own interests, expanding their knowledge and abilities in a chosen area including research, job placement and production agriculture.

Many students choose something more traditional such as growing corn and soybeans, raising cattle, or working at an agribusiness. However, one Genoa FFA member chose a less traditional route. Michael Snider’s SAE project consists of breeding and raising more than 15 different kinds of spiders in partnership with his father, in the attic of their garage.

The idea of raising spiders came out of a shared interest between Snider and his father.… Continue reading

By Amanda Seger and Tommy Meyer, chapter reporters

The Fort Loramie FFA chapter had a successful day at the Fort Loramie Liberty Days. The chapter operated a petting zoo with animals provided by FFA members.  Through community service efforts, the Fort Loramie FFA strives to educate youth and adults to help them understand how food goes from the animal to the plate. Through hands-on experience, youth interacts with animals and have the opportunity to ask questions.

The petting zoo was full of farm animals for youth to explore.  Not only did the petting zoo give children the opportunity to interact with different farm animals but there were also chances for kids to compete and participate in different activities. Some of these activities included a coloring contest, a milk mustache contest, as well as a spin the wheel questionnaire game. The petting zoo provided a brief understanding on the different farm animals which consisted of laying hens, bunnies, a miniature horse, a jersey calf, as well as several kittens that were up for adoption to good homes.  … Continue reading

By Audrey Ivers, chapter reporter

The West Holmes FFA chapter attended two session of camp at FFA Camp Muskingum this summer. The first group of members attended regular camp session June 4^th-8^th. The members that attended camp were; Crystal Blackburn, Meghan Dawson, Tawnya Eckerle, Brandon Bowles, Hunter Carpenter, Tim Rogers, Grayson Miller, Wyatt Gardner, James Friend, Brandon Miller, Dylan Holloway, Elise Neville, Dustin Stocker, Lexi Kinstle, Alex Snow, Doug Giauque, Maggie Raber, Levi Kinstle, Dakota Stocker, and Shyann Kick. Workshops and sessions during regular camp focused on teambuilding and goal setting.

The second session of camp was Ohio Leadership Camp, June 22^nd-25^th. The members involved were; Mandy Taylor, Madee Brewer, Audrey Ivers, Courtney Kozak, Samantha Krejci, Dustin Niehaus, Liz Overholt, Atlee Miller, Matt Schlegel and Travis Campbell. At OLC, members were taught how to influence others through their leadership skills and how to become better role models with the people they surround themselves with.… Continue reading

By Emily Vanhorn, chapter reporter

On May 31st the Brethren Retirement Community was very grateful of the 150 dollar donation received from the Greenville FFA. Thomas Shaw and Emily Vanhorn had the honor of presenting the check to Jon Warner, President and CEO of Brethren’s Home. While presenting

the check Thomas and Emily informed residents, through a meeting being held and the local channel for the home, of some of the ways they received the money to donate. The money given will be used to support the Resident Aide Fund at Brethren Retirement Community,. The Greenville FFA would like to thank supporters in helping to raise the money to make this donation possible.… Continue reading

By Emily Vanhorn, chapter reporter

On June 22^nd Greenville FFA Officers, Thomas Shaw and Emily Vanhorn traveled to the Ronald McDonald House in Dayton, Ohio to donate over 150 pounds of pop tabs. Their advisor, Mr. John Guttadore, also accompanied them.

While there they were informed on some of the ways the pop tabs would be used to help and also learned about how much pop tabs they receive each month. From all of they donated pop tabs in one year the Ronald McDonald House will receive about $8,000 to be donated.

The Greenville FFA would like to thank all their supporters in collecting the pop tabs and is very excited to start another round of collecting.… Continue reading

Members of the National Trail FFA Chapter participated in the 2012 Preble County Relay for Life Walk on June 8th and 9th. Relay for Life is an annual activity for community members to help raise money for the American Cancer Society, and to come together to walk and help show cancer awareness. Members of the NT chapter walked all night, 18 hours, to help support the cause. This is the second year that our National Trail “FFA for Life” team has participated in Relay for Life. The number of walkers and donations by chapter members increased significantly this year. NT members raised $750.00 for the American Cancer Society with twenty-two members that walking in the relay.
Members that walked were: Brenden Waddle, Travis Simmons, Abbie Taylor, Kate Deaton, Allie Unger, Heather Brooks, Melanie Stowers, Tori Biser, Kari Cottingim, Sara Hollingsworth, Gerrit Anderson, Josh Baker, Casey Constable, Sam Eyler, Kara Gallaher, Emily Gross, Amy Hubbard, Natalie Morgan, Savannah Reece, Tessa Rhodus, Emilie Satterfield, Cara Williams.… Continue reading

By Katelyne Ackley, chapter reporter

Recently Taylor Miller of Benjanmin Logan FFA was selected as Horse Queen for the 2012 Logan County Fair. Taylor is the daughter of Josh and Michelle Miller, where they reside in West Liberty.  Taylor is a Sophmore at Benjamin Logan High School, where she plays basketball for the Lady Raiders. This past year was her first year in FFA where she was on the equine judging team, the team placed fifth in the state.For the 2012-2013 school year Taylor will serve on the Chapter officer team as Assistant Treasurer and Sentinel.  She has showed equine through 4-H for the Logan County Fair and  at numerous shows for 12 years.… Continue reading

By Emily Daniel, chapter reporter

The Mohawk FFA recently held a Kiddy Barnyard event at the school for students in preschool through third grade on May 16.  FFA members brought in variety of animals to share with the young students, including a cow and calf, a goat, two sheep, a pig, a horse, a rabbit, two peacocks, two chickens, five ducks, and a cat and five kittens.  The FFA members taught the students all about the animals and allowed the younger children to pet them.  FFA members also drove their tractors to school that day and gave the younger students an opportunity to climb in the cabs; there were six tractors present.  Students could sit on all the tractors and learn about each of them.  They also planted sunflower seeds and made homemade butter. Educational activities such as these teach the next generation of citizens about the importance of agriculture.… Continue reading

By Katelyne Ackley, Benjamin Logan, chapter reporter

On June 14, 2012 The District 6 officer team met at the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association in Marysville. This was open to the new officers while the past years officers were invited to intend. They talked about the upcoming year’s agenda and what each officer wanted to add. Following their meeting officers went to Applebee’s where they got to talk and learn more about each individual. The next meeting will be on August 1, 2012 where officers will help the Cattlemen’s serve food at the State Fair.… Continue reading

Eight members of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter recently attended the first session of Ohio FFA Camp. The camp took place from June 4^th – 8^th at Camp Muskingum near Carrollton, Ohio.  The students were among over 260 members from around the state who participated in the five day camp.  During their time at camp the members participated in leadership workshops, conducted service projects and participated in camp sports activities including: shooting sports, fishing, boating, beach volleyball, softball and basketball among others.  The camp workshops were led by the 2011-2012 FFA State Officers and included topics in goal setting, diversity and communication.  During the camp session, the Zane Trace members donated $250 to Children’s Hospital through the “Pie in the Eye” activity.  Each ZT member was allowed to throw a whipped cream pie in the face of their favorite advisor, state officer or camp staff member in the event which raised over $1200 total for Children’s Hospital.  … Continue reading

By Emily Daniel, chapter reporter

Mohawk FFA invited Judson Laipply, inspirational speaker, to come and speak to Mohawk students in May.  Laipply is the creator of the Evolution of Dance and the Evolution of Dance 2 and is a YouTube sensation.  He inspired the students to keep moving forward even when they are struggling.  He also talked about how the world is changing and how to avoid getting caught up in it.   He capped off his message with his signature dance for the junior high and high school.… Continue reading