June 2011, FFA New Horizons

Create a profile. Add friends. Start a group. Voice your opinions. www.ffa.org/ffanation

BusinesswomanBy DesignJanna Oxford builds and sells custom plaques, podiums and signs

7 tips for a healthier, greener lifestyle

log on at www.ffa .org/ffanation

®

t h e m a g a z i n e o f t h e n a t i o n a l f f a o r g a n i z a t i o n | J u n e 2 0 1 1

FFAnew horizons

http://ffanation.ffa.org/


https://www.ffa.org/Pages/default.aspx

12 World Change AgentsFFA GO: Africa program takes college-age members on the journey of a lifetime.

x ScrapbookRead news, jokes and more.

x FFA FacesMeet members from across the country.

National Officer Q & AMeet Eastern Region Vice President Tiffany Rogers.

x National Officer Q & AMeet Central Region Vice President Wyatt DeJong.

x Healthy LifestylesLive a greener, healthier lifestyle.

How ToIncorporate sustainable practices in your SAE.

FFA NewsPersonalize your own FFA apparel.

2 17 18

On the CoverJanna Oxford, Cloverdale, Ind. Photo By Todd Bennett

new horizonsFFAThe magazine of the National FFA Organization

Volume 58 Number 5

®

KimNewsomholmberg editor jessyyaNcey associateeditor blairThomas contentcoordinator juliewoodard FFaPublicationsmanager KrisTymeyer FFacommunications raVeNPeTTy Proofreadingmanager jessicamoZo contributingwriter chrisTiNacardeN mediaTechnologydirector jaNiNemarylaNd,KrisseXToN, seniorgraphicdesigners ViKKiwilliamschaNdrabradshaw,laNcecoNZeTT, mediaTechnologyanalysts micheleNiccore,marcussNyder jeFFreys.oTTo Photographydirector jeFFadKiNs,briaNmccord seniorPhotographers ToddbeNNeTT,aNToNyboshier staffPhotographers yaNceyboNd informationTechnologydirector richardsTeVeNs webdesigner alisoNhuNTer colorimagingTechnician Torihughes integratedmediamanager chrisdudley controller ciNdyhall salessupportmanager KrisTyduNcaN executivesecretary KaTiemiddeNdorF adProductionmanagerKrysTiNlemmoN,PaTriciamoisaN adTrafficassistantsdiaNaguZmaN,mariamcFarlaNd, accounting shellymiller,lisaoweNs garysmiTh distributiondirector KeiThharris marketingcreativedirector raylaNgeN executiveVicePresident ToddPoTTer,carlaThurmaN sr.V.P./sales caseyhesTer sr.V.P./operations TereecaruThers V.P./externalcommunications marKForesTer V.P./Visualcontent NaTashaloreNs V.P./contentoperations

Foradvertisinginformation,contactTorihughes,(800)333-8842,ext.281,[email protected].

2010-2011 National FFA Officers rileyPageTT,oK President laNdaNschaFFerT,co secretary TiFFaNyrogers,mi easternregionVicePresident wyaTTdejoNg,so centralregionVicePresident jamesFlaTT,TN southernregionVicePresident shaNNoNNorris,Nm westernregionVicePresident

National FFA Staff sTeVebrowN interimNationalFFaadvisor charlesbrowNe interimexecutivesecretary dwighTarmsTroNg chiefexecutiveofficer marioNFleTcher NationalTreasurer marKcaVell,robcooPer, divisiondirectors dalecrabTree,billFleeT, jaNeTmaloNey,KeNTschescKe, VicKiseTTle,leeaNNeshiller, ToNysmall,billsTagg, willwaidelich

National FFA Board of Directors – Members sTeVebrowN chair,usde,Va charlesbrowNe secretary,usde,Va marioNFleTcher Treasurer,statesupervisor,ar jimbarbee statesupervisor,NV wilburchaNcellor statesupervisor,ms KeiThcoX FFaexecutivesecretary/usde,sc alicedubois businessrepresentative/usde,la jeFFhicKeN statesupervisor,wi curTlucas statesupervisor,Ky briaNe.myers associateProfessor/usde,Fl johNraKesTraw businessrepresentative/usde,co

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The National FFa organization is dedicated to making a positivedifference in the lives of students by developing their potential forpremier leadership, personal growth and career success throughagriculturaleducation.

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6 cover storyBusinesswoman By DesignJanna Oxford builds and sells custom plaques, podiums and signs.

1FFA New HOrizONswww.FFA.Org/FFANATiON

June 2011 Contents

The Idea FarmAt Lone Pine High School, an FFA

member casually suggested that the

chapter should get a llama for its school

farm. The first time he mentioned it,

everyone laughed. But the second time,

they all began to agree with his idea.

A few months later, Kenny the llama

came to live on this California chapter’s

farm, and it was just the beginning.

Currently, the school farm is home

to Kenny the llama, Stanley the alpaca,

Layla the donkey, four goats, three

miniature horses, two cats and chickens.

Built on the ideas of the FFA chapter

members, the school also has 20 fruit

trees, a seasonal livestock unit and two

gardens. Lone Pine FFA members are

always coming up with ideas and then

trying them out to see what happens.

What did the pig say at the beach on a hot summer’s day?I’m bacon!

What do you get when you cross a parrot and a centipede?A walkie-talkie!

What did the hamburger name its baby?Patty

Just Joking

FFA scrapbook express yourself

Three cousins from three different schools recently competed in three separate events at the Texas FFA State LDE competition. Betsy James, a junior at Katy High School, competed in public relations. Shelby James, a freshman at George West High School, competed in FFA Creed speaking. And Leighton James, a senior at Tuloso Midway High School, participated in job interview.

2 FFA New HOrizONs

FFA scrapbook express yourself

www.FFA.Org/FFANATiON

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PhoTocourTesyoFjusTiNbraNds

Going Once, Going Twice, Sold!

One thousand people, eight states and more than $800,000 worth of equipment sold. That was a successful equipment consignment auction for the Peotone FFA chapter in Illinois.

For the fourth year in a row, Peotone FFA members have been able to bring in equipment from retirement sales, estate sales, liquidation sales and some foreclosure sales, through the help of local community supporters.

On the day of the sale, members help load and unload equipment and run concession stands. Some members even help with auctioneering.

This year, the chapter received more than $20,000 from the event.

An Experimental Success

In February, 12 students from the Anthony

Wayne FFA chapter in Ohio competed in the

Pettisville Local Science Fair. Last September,

students in the school’s Ag Science I and II

classes brainstormed agriculture research

topics and then designed their own

experiments based on these topics.

They conducted their research at home

or at school, then interpreted the results

and wrote technical research papers and

built display boards. Seven of the 12 students

who participated received superior ratings,

the highest awards given, at the science

fair. All 12 students will compete with their

projects again at the Ohio FFA Agriscience Fair.

Proud to Support FFA: Justin BrandsJustin Brands has been supporting FFA since 1998, through scholarships and special FFA boot lines.

When a pair of FFA boots is sold, Justin donates $5 to FFA. Learn more from Lisa Lankes, vice president of communications, licensing and social media for Justin Brands, Inc.

Why does the company feel it’s important to support FFA?It is an opportunity to support young men and women who will be the bedrocks of their communities

and the leaders of this country. Justin Brands is honored to be part of an organization that teaches the value of principles and character. We are always looking for new ways to grow our partnership with FFA, and we hope to introduce some exciting new programs and products in the coming years.

What’s new for Justin Brands in 2011? This year, Justin Boots is adding new performance styles to the Justin Bent Rail Collection. While maintaining the appealing look of a traditional outsole, select styles will feature

a new rubber outsole to enhance performance, flexibility and durability.



4 FFA New HOrizONs

FFA Faces


WA

SC

Tx AR

SD

brittanysaysoneofherfavoriteFFaexperienceswasattending

thestateFFaconventionlastyear,whereshewasinspiredbythe

keynote speakers and met many new friends. brittany also

servedasadelegateforherFFachapter.Thishighschooljunior

saysshehaslearnedalotduringherFFamembership,andnow

hopestobecomeastateFFaofficeroneday.

Brittany LeisingerChapter: Chester FFA

This high school senior currently serves as her chapter’s

presidentandhasparticipatedinnearlyeverythingFFahasto

offer. her sae is devoted to swine and steers, and she has

competed in the parliamentary procedure and livestock

evaluation cdes. besides her FFa involvement, lindsey enjoys

dancingcompetitivelyandrideshorses.

Lindsey whiteChapter: Seminole Vo-Ed FFA

daniellesayssheisfairlynewtotheFFaorganization,butshe

hasenjoyedherexperiencessofar.besidesFFa,sheisinvolved

with her school’s library club and dance team. she also enjoys

hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors. danielle hopes to

becomepresidentofherFFachapter,andher careergoal is to

workwithchildrenandanimals.

Danielle HallChapter: Beebe FFA

Kyle,asenior,haswonstatetitlesintherituals,FFacreedandjob

interviewcdes,andplacedsixthinthenationalFFacreedcde.

heservesashischapter’spresidentanddistrictFFapresident,

and shows a pig each year for his county fair. Kyle is the

valedictorian of his class and is also actively involved with

theNationalhonorsociety.

Kyle LargentChapter: Colfax FFA

henry,ajunior,hasparticipatedinthesoiljudgingandlivestock

evaluationcareerdevelopmentevents(cde),andhewasthehigh

individualinthestatecdeforlivestocklastyear.healsoraises

cattleandswineforhissae,andinthesummers,growsproduce

tosellthroughthefarmers’market.afterhighschool,henryhopes

toattendclemsonuniversity.

Henry MitchellChapter: York FFA

Kolton,asophomore,wasawardedchapterstargreenhandlast

yearandhasstartedasupervisedagriculturalexperience(sae)

program inswine.he raisedaduroc for thehoustonlivestock

show last year and says it was a great experience in learning

responsibility.italsosparkedhiscareerinterest,andhehopesto

becomeaveterinarianoneday.

Kolton PrinceChapter: Bullard FFA

FL

goonline describe uploadVisit www.ffafaces.com and

click on Register. You can nominate yourself or another

current FFA member.

Fill out the form to tell us about you – your FFA involvement,

school activities, future plans and more.

Find a great photo of yourself – head and shoulders photos work

best – and upload it as part of the nomination form.

Win a Pair of Wrangler Jeanswrangler,thesponsorofFFaFaces,willawardapairofjeanstofeaturedmembers.

NominateyourselftobeconsideredforFFaFacesbyfollowingthestepsbelow.

Questions? E-mail [email protected].


http://www.wrangler.com/WRG_WESTERN_STORE_US/index.html

JANNA OxFOrD builds and sells custom plaques, podiums and signs

DesignBusinesswoman ByStory by Blair Thomas

Photography by Todd Bennett

Janna Oxford wears many hats.

For her business, Barnyard

Designs, she is one part supply

purchaser, one part designer, one

part builder, one part marketer,

one part sales analyst and all

parts businesswoman.

She has to be. Janna is the sole

owner and operator of a woodworking

business that builds and sells custom

plaques, podiums and signs to FFA

chapters and small businesses

across her home state of Indiana.

Today, Janna is finishing up

her year of service as the Indiana

FFA treasurer and will begin her

sophomore year at Purdue University

in the fall. But the idea for Barnyard

Designs came about in 2006 while she

was a member of the Cloverdale, Ind.

FFA chapter.

“I had a sheep production

placement SAE (supervised

agricultural experience program),

but I decided it was time for

something new,” Janna recalls.

“I needed a new SAE avenue.”

It was Janna’s father who

suggested she use the Shopbot

Computer Numerically Controlled

(CNC) Router that he had in his

wood shop to carve designs into

wood products to sell.

“I thought it was a ridiculous

idea and that no one would even

think about buying the products,”

Janna says. “But I found out

I was wrong.”

Janna took that ridiculous idea

and turned it into a small business,

and soon she was learning about

marketing and management and how

to run the tools in her father’s shop.

“I cut the wood, run the CNC Router

to carve the wood, sand, paint, stain,

construct and finish products,” Janna

says. “And then I print invoices and

use Excel spreadsheets to track sales.”

Janna follows each project

from start to finish, from taking

the order until the last coat of

6 FFA New HOrizONs www.FFA.Org/FFANATiON

Businesswoman By

Janna creates all her products herself, including drawing up the design, carving the wood using specialized equipment, sanding and sealing the product, and then painting it to the customer’s specifications. She says she enjoys knowing that she created each product, from start to finish, all by herself.

Barn-Again Materials

Some of Janna’s creations have

incorporated a bit of history in them.

“I’ve used barnwood we have from

tearing down an old barn or any that’s

given to me,” she says. “The old

barnwood adds a cool effect to

some of my products.”

So far, Janna has made some signs

and other items for her family to use

around the house, but she sees it as

an opportunity to expand her business

even more – in a highly sustainable,

earth-friendly way.

finish seals the final product.

Her process starts with drawing

up the design using Artcam Pro

software, selecting a router bit for

the Shopbot and generating its tool

path. Once the design is transferred

from the computer and into the CNC

Router, Janna says it’s time to start

cutting. She then aligns and mounts

the carving material to the router

and the machine is ready to carve

the design. After the design is

carved, Janna sands and seals the

product and then paints it according

to the customer’s specifications.

Janna makes plaques, podiums

and signs out of wood and Plexiglas

materials. She has permission to use

the FFA emblem on products that she

sells within Indiana, and a lot of her

products are purchased by FFA

chapters throughout the state or

by individuals involved with FFA.

“I send and hand out brochures,

business cards and just use word

of mouth,” Janna says of her

marketing strategies. She also

hopes to build a website to continue

to grow her business.

Janna plans to keep Barnyard

Designs going while she continues

to pursue her degree in agriculture

education from Purdue. The money

generated from the business helps

pay for her school.

And while Janna will complete

her term as Indiana FFA treasurer

this summer, she says her

experience with FFA has

been the time of her life.

“FFA has taught me so many

things and given me the experience

of a lifetime,” Janna says. “From

leadership to responsibility, from

time management to building

friendships, and from strengthening

my passion to never giving up.”


http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Pages/default.aspx

FYiTIFFANY’S FAVOrITES

ThismichigannativelovesrollercoastersandplayingcatchPhrase.learnmoreaboutherfavoritethings.

Food:sushi

Smell:cleanlaundry

Vacation spot:Newyorkcity

Animal:drafthorsesandzebras

FFA memory:attendingFFaleadershipcamp

Personal hero:hergrandma,dorothyFrost

Sport to watch:hockey

Growing up on a small farm in Niles, Mich.,

Tiffany Rogers developed quite an interest in

livestock. She has raised sheep, swine, poultry

and beef cattle each year for the fair, and,

along with her parents and sister, raise

Percheron draft horses. When Tiffany joined

the Cassopolis FFA chapter in the seventh

grade, her horse project quickly became

her supervised agricultural experience

(SAE) program.

QWhy do you think horse production

is such a good SAE for FFA members?

AFor me, horse production was different

from any other potential SAE because

it really let me get in touch with my

family’s agricultural roots. My great

grandfather owned draft horses and used

them to plow the fields. It was so cool for me

to know that every time I worked with my

horses, I was living out a tradition. I think

the neatest part of this SAE is that it allows

members to really appreciate one of the

foundations of early American agriculture –

a time when farm work was done from

horseback or behind a horse-drawn plow.

QYou’ve been really involved in promoting

agricultural awareness in elementary

schools. What types of information did

you include in your presentations?

AThe program I developed for this

was called Agriculture M.A.T.T.E.R.S.

(Agriculture Materials Attributed

To Teaching Elementary students Rural

Significance). It focused on teaching

students the importance of agriculture

and the role it plays in their everyday lives.

QWhat suggestions do you have for

FFA chapters interested in starting

an ag awareness campaign with

elementary school children?

AKeep it active and fun! I found that elementary school students learn best when they are fully engaged, whether it’s

with pictures, dancing, performing skits or doing crafts. Activities like these keep them interested and also make it more fun for you.

QThis issue focuses on sustainability.

What are some ways you see FFA

members incorporating this important

topic into their FFA activities?

AMembers are learning what it means to

be sustainable – being able to provide

for the needs of the present without

compromising that ability in the future.

Students are really embracing this concept

through their SAEs as they look into new

paths of technologies, conservation

practices, diversity of resources and

how this will all come into play with

our world’s growing population.

RogersNational FFA Eastern region Vice President

Tiffany

10 FFA New HOrizONs

FFA National Officer Q & A


FYiWYATT’S FAVOrITESacattlemanthroughandthrough,wyatt’sfavoriteplacetovacationisatacattleshow,andhisfavoritesmellissullivan’sKleensheen(ashowcattlegroomingspray).learnmoreaboutwyatt’sfavorites:

Food:cheeseburgersoupwithfrybread

Movie:The Emperor’s New Groove

Singer/group:matthewwest&TenthavenueNorth

Color:green

Season:Fall

Game:catchPhrase

FFA memory: FirstnationalFFaconvention

Hobby:doingpuzzles

Cartoon:Scooby Doo

Sport:basketball

Self-described as “a guy who loves life and

people,” Wyatt DeJong seems like a perfect

fit for a national FFA office. This South

Dakota native is definitely living it up

this year as he meets FFA members, alumni,

supporters and sponsors across the country

while serving as the National FFA Central

Region Vice President. When not inspiring

FFA members, Wyatt enjoys heading home

to his family’s 7,000-acre cattle ranch

in Western South Dakota.

QWhat was it like growing up on such

a large cattle ranch?

AWestern South Dakota requires quite

a bit more land to raise cattle so the

ranches are bigger. It was cool growing

up where we had no cell phone service,

few neighbors and so much country to see.

Something about riding a horse across

the hills is humbling and inspiring.

QWhile in high school, how did you

maintain your FFA motivation and

excitement throughout the summer?

ADuring the summer, I spent many hours

working on my supervised agricultural

experience (SAE) program of raising and

showing cattle. Until my junior year, my main

FFA focus was centered on the show ring

during the summer, but then I began

participating in FFA conferences that

really challenged and encouraged me.

DeJongNational FFA Central region Vice President

Wyatt

Q How do you define sustainability,

as it relates to agriculture, and

what are some of the things you’ve seen

agriculturists doing to reduce their impact

on the environment?

AI think “sustainability” in agriculture

has three main parts. First, it must be

focused on land improvement. Second,

it must produce enough food for people to eat.

Third, it must be profitable for the farmers

who raise the food.

QWhat has been your favorite experience

as a national FFA officer so far?

ANational FFA Week in North Carolina:

It was epic! I was able to meet some new

people and create great friendships.

National FFA Week showed me once again that

people are incredible and that members use

creative ways to make a difference. This year,

FFA has shown me to find the value in each

person and to learn something new each day.


FFA GO: AFrICA program takes collegiate members on the journey of a lifetime

AgentsWorld Change

If three weeks in the jungles of

Africa sounds like your kind of

adventure, listen up. The National

FFA Organization kicked off a new

program in 2010 called FFA Global

Outreach: Africa to educate collegiate

members about agriculture outside

the United States, and organizers plan

to make it an annual opportunity.

“FFA has a number of programs

that give students opportunities to

travel outside the country, but we

needed more opportunities to promote

a broader understanding of the world

around us and how agriculture fits

into it,” says Bill Stagg, director of

Strategic Communications for the

National FFA Organization. “At the

2009 National FFA Convention,

Mr. Howard G. Buffett made a

presentation about his experiences

traveling the world and observing

hunger, poverty and environmental

degradation. He is very interested in

improving the lives of others, and he

made a commitment to fund a five-year

program that will take FFA members

out of the U.S. and turn them into

change agents in the world.”

With support from the Howard G.

Buffett Foundation, FFA launched

a pilot program in August 2010,

taking six college-age FFA members

and one adult educator on an

all-expense-paid trip to Zambia.

The team spent three weeks working

and studying with an enterprise

called COMACO, or Community

Markets for Conservation.

“COMACO is a cooperative for

African farmers to improve their

production techniques, help them

be better stewards of the land and

reduce their reliance on poaching,”

Stagg says.

The six participants – Jake

Chilcoat, Wyatt DeJong, Caleb Dodd,

Catharine Kuber, Austin Larrowe and

Laura Stump – along with Dr. Brad

Leger, a professor at Louisiana State

University, traveled to Mfuwe, Zambia

and worked in teams to help COMACO

staff members gather data and survey

local farmers about challenges they

were facing and how well the COMACO

model of sustainable agriculture and

conservation was working.

“When Zambian farmers sign

on to the COMACO model, they can

get seed free as long as they use it

to positively impact the environment,”

says Marilyn Ross, director of

Foundation Relations for the

National FFA Foundation. “Before

COMACO, farmers were unable to

support their families on what they

produced, so they were poaching

wild animals and selling them.

They used snares to trap animals,

Story by Jessica Mozo

Laura Stump and Jake Chilcoat were two of six collegiate FFA members who traveled to Zambia in summer 2010 as part of the FFA GO: Africa program.



but when they were given seed,

they understood they had to

give up poaching and turn in

their snares.”

Many farmers have been able

to increase their crop production

significantly using the COMACO

model of sustainable agriculture

techniques, and they are selling

their excess produce.

“They’re producing vegetables

they didn’t even have before,” Ross

says. “And if a family’s monthly

protein was one chicken before,

they’ve now doubled or tripled

that nutrition source.”

Laura Stump, a student at

the University of Arizona, says

the FFA GO: Africa program put

her “on the front lines of fighting

poverty in Zambia.”

“Every day, my partner Jake

and I traveled to remote villages –

sometimes hours in the back of a

truck – to meet farmer constituents

of COMACO,” Laura says. “Each

meeting was a unique opportunity

to sit down and learn about the lives

and farming practices of people we

met. They were very generous with

their stories. I was moved to hear

about how many of them have

benefited from altering their

farming practices according

to what COMACO taught them.”

Laura and Jake were assigned

to interview poultry farmers

and beekeepers.

“We interviewed about 300

farmers in all. I felt like I got to know

them and develop a bond,” Jake says.

“Even though we have very different

lives, it was touching to see how

much we have in common. They

want the same things we do: to

better themselves, to eat and

Clockwise from top left: The entire “Z team” who traveled to Zambia in summer 2010; Catharine Kuber and a local farmer display his crop successes; Austin Larrowe with a group of children; local farmers discuss their farms with the FFA team; Howard G. Buffett, whose foundation supports the FFA GO: Africa program; Dr. Brad Leger, Caleb Dodd and Wyatt DeJong take a break from their field work.


thrive, for their kids to be happy.”

At the end of the trip,

participants prepared case studies

of their findings and presented them

to COMACO staff members, who will

use the reports to help COMACO

better serve Zambian farmers.

The team from FFA didn’t have

to spend the whole trip working –

they also went on a safari and

saw elephants, hippos, impalas,

kudus, giraffes and baboons

in the wild.

“We saw some incredible

animals; it was mind-blowing,”

Jake says. “But my favorite part of

the trip was definitely interacting

with the villagers.”

Jake is majoring in agricultural

leadership at Oklahoma State

University and plans to pursue a

career in agricultural sustainability

abroad. Laura is studying animal

science and hopes to land a career

in international development

after college.

“Students should apply for this

program not only because it’s a great

adventure, but also because it offers

exposure that will make you a

well-rounded agriculturalist,” Laura

says. “I believe those involved in food

production are a critical resource

in reducing poverty and social

injustice around the world. Even for

those who’d rather stay home than

travel abroad, being involved in

agriculture brings with it significant

responsibility; we must be aware

of how our policies affect others

abroad. The FFA GO: Africa program

is a good starting point for building

that critical understanding.”

Africa BoundInterested in getting a taste of global agriculture?

The FFA GO: Africa program is open to college-age members only.

The 2011 trip takes place this summer, and the destination is rwanda.

The application process for the 2012 FFA GO: Africa program will begin in

early 2012. For the latest details, visit www.ffa.org/Programs/Global/GoAfrica.

You can read more about the 2010 trip in the participants’ own words

on the National FFA Blog at ffa.org. Click on August 2010 in the archives.Laura Stump learns to play an African instrument. The FFA GO: Africa participants enjoyed learning about the Zambian culture and seeing the unique wildlife all around them.




These days, the “go green” trend is everywhere you

look – from stores encouraging reusable shopping

bags to water bottles changing shape to use less

plastic. Summer is a great time to commit to a greener,

more environmentally conscious lifestyle, partly

because it’s the perfect time to get outdoors. Best of all,

green living is healthy living, so you’ll get in shape

while reducing your carbon footprint.

Read on for ways to improve your health while

embracing Mother Earth. Small changes in your daily

life that don’t seem to matter much add up to major

improvements for your health and our environment.

1. USE A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE. Only about 25 percent of Americans recycle

their plastic water bottles, which means millions of them end up in landfills and rivers every year. Consider using a filtering water pitcher instead of buying bottled water.

2. TAkE THE STAiRS. If you can, skip the elevator and opt for the

stairs. You’ll burn calories and save the energy elevators require to transport people up and down in buildings.

3. GET A REUSABLE LUNCHBOx. If you bring your lunch to school, don’t brown

bag it – save paper by packing it in a lunchbox or lunch bag. Go even further by reusing plastic containers from foods such as yogurt and cream cheese.

4. START A BACkYARD GARDEN.

Gardening is a super form of exercise, and

you’ll get homegrown, chemical-free fruits and vegetables

for your hard work. If it sounds intimidating, start with

something easy to grow, such as tomatoes or squash.

5. WALk, BikE OR CARPOOL.

If you (or your parents) can leave the car

at home, you’ll save gas, eliminate emissions from

your car and get some exercise outdoors.

6. PLANT TREES.

Gather your family or FFA chapter for a day

of tree planting. Trees fight global warming by drawing

carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also create

shade and add beauty to parks and neighborhoods.

7. SHOP YOUR LOCAL FARmERS mARkET.

Choosing local foods supports farmers near

you and saves resources spent on long-distance shipping.

Plus, you’ll find lots of healthy fruits and vegetables

picked that same day. – Jessica Mozo

HealthHere’s to Your

Check out these tips for a healthier, GrEENEr lifestyle

Living green FFA healthy lifestyles


PracticesSmart

Four ways to be SuSTAINABlE IN YOur SAE

No matter what you’ve chosen

to do for your supervised

agricultural experience

(SAE) program, there are opportunities

every day to consider how your

actions positively or negatively

affect the world around you.

“We have students in the

livestock production world,

but we also have students who work

in retail, wholesale and urban

settings; it’s not just farming,” says

Jim Armbruster, senior relationship

specialist for the National FFA

Organization’s convention and

events management division.

“The SAE program is made up of

many enterprises. Students might

FFA members who raise animals should learn more about how sustainability affects their SAEs. PhoTobyjeFFreys.oTTo

produce fiber or timber, and others

might be doing things from their

home or apartment in an urban

setting. The idea is for all of us to

think more green and reduce energy

use – things like changing out light

bulbs, fixing leaky faucets and

building home gardens.”

Agriculturalists across the

nation are already paying close

attention to how their practices

affect the environment.

“American agriculturalists are

doing a great job of maintaining the

quality of agriculture production

while being sustainable and

conserving resources,” Armbruster

says. “If they’re paying $300 a ton

for fertilizer, you can bet they’re not

wasting much. When we talk about

reducing, reusing and recycling,

a lot of agriculturalists are

already doing it.”

Even on a small scale, FFA

members can do the same. For

example, members raising animals,

whether livestock or dogs and cats,

should pay attention to animal

waste and where it goes. The U.S.

Department of Agriculture even has

a step-by-step guide for pet owners

to compost dog waste.

“Dog manure is just as high in

nitrates as pig manure,” Armbruster

FFA how to Be sustainable in your sAe


says. “It may sound gross, but

students can dispose of it by

starting a backyard compost pile.”

Whether your SAE finds you

plowing fields or sitting in front

of a computer, check out these other

ways to embrace sustainability.

1. POWER DOWN.

Turn your computer and

other electronics off while not in use

and before you go to bed.

You may not think you can have

much impact on the world if you turn

off your computer at night, but if

everybody in the U.S. is doing it, that’s

a massive amount of energy saved.

2. CLEAN UP WASTE.

There are lots of do’s

and don’ts when it comes to throwing

things away. If you’re cleaning out a

storage shed, take old cans of paint

to the proper hazardous waste

facility. Likewise, if you’re changing

the oil in your car, take used oil to

an oil collection facility instead of

dumping it in the trash.

3. CHOOSE GREEN.

From herbicides plant

growers use to cleaning products

used in the home, opt for natural

ingredients.

Start by looking under your

kitchen or bathroom sink. Read the

labels of cleaners and buy materials

with less toxicity to the environment.

4. WASTE NOT, WANT NOT.

There’s a lot of truth to

the old adage that simply means

the less we waste, the more we have.

Whether it’s turning off the water

while you brush your teeth or

printing on both sides of paper

before tossing it in the recycling bin,

develop a mindset of conservation,

and everyone benefits.

– Jessica Mozo

What is Sustainability, Anyway?

These days, sustainability is quite

the buzz word. Know what it means,

especially as it relates to agriculture?

We polled many of you through

Facebook, Twitter and FFA Nation,

and here were some of the best

definitions we got.

“Promoting modern agricultural

practices in a practical way that will

ensure a future in agriculture for

future generations at an

economically feasible price.”

“using the land and natural

resources to grow food or fiber

in the most profitable way that

has the least waste and lowest

environmental impact.”

“My vision of sustainable

agriculture is a combination of new

and old agricultural practices that come

together to conserve more, reduce

dependency on nonrenewable sources,

efficiently satisfy demand and promotes

stewardship of natural sources.”

“The use of natural resources for

our purposes which is efficient and

doesn’t rapidly deplete energies;

it gives as much as it takes.”

We also asked FFA members what they would like to learn more about, related to sustainability in agriculture. Your responses:

Visit FFA Nation (www.ffa.org/ffanation) and click on this story for more findings from our Sustainability in Agriculture survey.

CREATE GRAPH

0 10 20 30 40 50

Sustainable farming practices for crops and plants

Environmental efforts by livestock producers

Renewable power resources like wind energy or alternative fuels

Conserving water

Agriculture companies’ commitment to sustainability

Carbon footprints

50

44

35

35

34

16


FFA News On the web

PrepforthenationalFFaconvention,designaT-shirtandmore

The FFA Online Experience

A Blog to RememberKeep up with the national FFA officers’

journeys through the National FFA blog,

found at ffa.org.

In addition to the officers’ personal

accounts of their experiences, you can read

interesting stories about other FFA members

and chapters from across the country.

Visit ffa.org and click on the blogs button

on the left side of the webpage to read the latest

stories and subscribe to future posts.

“I Believe” in the 84th National FFA Convention

Mark your calendars for the 84th National FFA Convention,

October 19-22, 2011, in Indianapolis. And this year’s theme

(just announced!) is “I Believe.”

A common phrase to all FFA members and alumni, “I Believe”

starts each paragraph of the FFA Creed and represents the FFA brand

well. Make plans now to attend the national FFA convention this

fall to learn more about how you can believe in FFA. Visit

www.ffa.org/convention for more details about the convention.

Custom FFA Gear – Just For You!

Personalize your FFA look through

the FFA Design Studio. The easy-to-use

website on Shop FFA (shop.ffa.org)

allows you to customize your FFA tees

and sweatshirts. Simply choose from

four garment styles, hundreds of

design elements and multiple

colors, then start designing!

These are great for chapter or

team shirts, or maybe even gifts for

sponsors and supporters. Go start

designing your next great shirt now!

http://shop.ffa.org/storefront.aspx



Check out the brand-new FFA Faces page on FFA Nation!

Visit the page now: www.ffafaces.com

Nominate yourself or another FFA member to

be featured in FFA Faces

Members featured as part of FFA Faces receive great prizes from our sponsor and are also highlighted on the FFA Facebook page!

Read about other FFA members

See past FFA Faces

in our archive section

http://ffanation.ffa.org/ffa-faces

http://www.chevrolet.com/

stateflip through our

inserts!FFA New Horizons state inserts keep YOU connected to what’s going on in your state or others.

• State FFA news and achievements

• FFA member profiles

• Career information

• Meet state FFA officers

To learn about creating a state insert for your FFA association, contact Kim Newsom at [email protected].

Check out our

www.illinoisffa.org

website

JUNE 2011

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION FFA

State CDE Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B

FFA Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C

212 Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D

Meet Jake Ekstrand, State Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E

83rd Illinois State FFA Convention Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F

83rd Illinois State FFA Convention Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G

Officers’ Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H

What’s InsIde thIs Issue

FFA in the Spotlight

Meet Your 2010-2011 Illinois State FFA Vice President,

Jake Ekstrand | E

212 Conference | D

Officers’ Tracks | HState CDE Results | B

Title holder

B • ILLINOIS FFA

BIG PHOTO FINISH HERE

B • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • C

State CDE Results

State Job Interview CDEVarsity Division: • MichaelaFrailey, HardinCounty

• BenMartens,Orion

• MollyChrist,Elmwood

• TrentTaber,Geneseo

• JohnnyEloe,Shelbyville

• MeghanGleason, Mahomet-Seymour

• MeganFrizzell,Pontiac

• NikkiKargol,Midland

• KevinEastman,Farmington

• EllyneVance,Eureka

Junior Division: • LauraDebaillie,Orion

• LaylaBond,Galatia

• JaciJenkins,HardinCounty

• KaliHartzold,Olympia

• SilverMitchell,Midland

• MonicaJanssen, Southeastern

• LoganJohnson,Heyworth

• KailynePalmer,Eastland

• CodyCoulter,Elmwood

• TaylorBlickhan,Unity

State Ag Issues CDETop 5 Teams: • Midland

• Bushnell-PrairieCity

• Mt.Vernon

• Seneca

• Cisne

State Meats Evaluation CDESuperior Teams: • PrairieCentral

• Seneca

• Newton

Top 10 Individuals: • ThomasDowney,Midland

• JasonWenger, PrairieCentral

• MichaelProbst,Newton

• ShannaSlagel, PrairieCentral

• NateCoughlin,Seneca

• AbramZehr,PrairieCentral

• ZackeryMartin,Byron

• NaomiKnapp, PrairieCentral

• JessicaHummel, CliftonCentral

• JakeWilken,CliftonCentral

State Poultry CDESuperior Teams: • Paxton-Buckley-Loda

• PrairieCentral

• Shelbyville

• Greenville

Top 10 Individuals: • MonicaJarboe, Paxton-Buckley-Loda

• ErinLemley, Paxton-Buckley-Loda

• JenniferHustedt, Paxton-Buckley-Loda

• HannahTeske, Paxton-Buckley-Loda

• PaxtonJohnson, Paxton-Buckley-Loda

• MatthewDurbin,Shelbyville

• StacieCowman, EastRichland

• WilCagley,PrairieCentral

• CarolinaJimenez,Urbana

• JordanWilleford,Greenville

B • ILLINOIS FFA

B • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • C

On February 21, Morgan attended the Heartland FFA Alumni Auction at Normal West Community High School. Morgan had fun hanging out with FFA members and enjoyed a great meal. It was a wonderful way to kick off FFA Week!

Tuscola FFA Visit–OnThursday,February17JohntraveledtotheTuscolaFFAChaptertohelpkickofftheirFFAweekbycompetinginacookoffagainstFCCLA!Thiswasagreatwaytogetthewordoutaboutthisyear’sFFAweektheme“InfinitePotential”.

Cuba Petting Zoo–OnThursday,February17JakeandCodyvisitedtheCubaFFAChapter.DuringtheirvisittheysocializedwithFFAmembersandinformedelementarystudentsabouttheanimalstheywerevisiting.

Radio Interviews –ThroughoutFFAweektheMajorStateOfficersspenttimeparticipatinginradiointerviewsaroundthestate.ThiswasawonderfulwaytogetthewordoutaboutFFAweek!ThemajorsalsodidradiospotsattheIllinoisFarmBureaubuildinginBloomingtonbeforeFFAweek.

National FFA WeekInfinite Potential!

ILLINOIS FFA • C

FFA members at the Heartland FFA Alumni Auction!

John Edgar with Tuscola FFA members and advisor during their FFA vs. FCCLA cook off!

Title holder

D • ILLINOIS FFA

BIG PHOTO FINISH HERE

D • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • E

212 Conference

CodyandJeffheadedsouthtoCollinsville,IllinoisfortheSouthern212DegreesConference,whileJohn,JakeandMorgantraveledupnorthfortheNorthern212DegreesConference.212DegreesisaconferenceheldeveryyearforfreshmanandsophomoreFFAmembers.212isthatfirstrealconferencewherestudentsareabletostepoutoftheircomfortzone,learnthebasicsofleadershipandmeetatonofnewfriendsfromalloverthestate.Morethan600FFAmemberstotalattended!ThankyoutoalltheFFAmemberswhoattended.

212

D • ILLINOIS FFA

D • ILLINOIS FFA ILLINOIS FFA • E

Meet Jake Ekstrand, State FFA Vice President

“Make the most of life, enjoy it while you can.” “Take what is given to you and make it your best.” These were a few things I was told going through high school, and I tried my best to take them to heart. I also tried to enjoy myself while making life better for the people around me. Looking back at it all, I like to think I had it pretty good. I knew where I wanted to go, and I took steps to reach that place. I truly enjoyed all the times that I spent with my friends, and we had a great time with whatever we did. There was never a dull moment. One thing I did enjoy more than all the down time I had with my friends was all the time I spent with the FFA.

I just couldn’t get enough of it. I remember attending my first CDE. It was agronomy, which was something I was looking into as a career. I have met many people who are very knowledgeable in the field, so I wanted to make my point that I also had an abundance of knowledge with this area. I definitely was one of the youngest members at the contest, competing against mostly upperclassmen. I didn’t think there was much hope for me to be competitive and come in towards the top. By coming in towards the top, I would have moved onto the section level, but that didn’t mean much to me because I was there to learn and further my knowledge.

Later that night when results were being announced, the top 10 would be able to move onto the section level and the top five would make up the team to represent my chapter. I waited patiently to see how I did. The results started from placing 10th and down to the winner. The first five had been called and I was starting to think there was no hope for me to move on, so I started thinking that I would have to work harder the next time. To my surprise my name had been called as the second place winner! So this meant that I would move onto the section level and represent myself and my chapter. I spent the next few weeks preparing for the section competition.

The day of the competition came and I performed very well because I was looking forward to competing at the state level. The scores had come back and I had done extremely well, but I realized that one of my senior teammates had just missed the cut for state. I knew that his heart was set on competing at the state level. He had been working and putting everything he had into competing for state for four years, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity at such a young age. I thought to myself that I was satisfied enough with my own accomplishments, and I wanted him to have the opportunity to represent our chapter at state.

I had no worries about him doing well, and he was very grateful. It made me realize that there is more to life than just getting what I want. Putting others before yourself can be just as or even more rewarding than receiving the recognition yourself. Illinois Association FFA, it truly is a pleasure serving as your State Vice-President. I hope my words can be useful and you can make the most of your time spent in the FFA. I hope that your experiences can be just as rewarding for you as my experiences have been to me.

ILLINOIS FFA • GF • ILLINOIS FFA

83rd Illinois State ConventionHighlights

WorkshopsDoesyourteam-buildingandleadershipskillsneedalift?Ifso,visitthelowerleveloftheconventioncenterandattendthefunworkshops!

DanceAfteranexcitingfirstdayatconvention,putonyourbootsandcometotheStateConventionDance!Morethan1,000FFAmemberswillbegettingtheirgrooveonattheStateFairgroundsonTuesdayevening.Members,remindyourFFAadvisorstopurchasedanceticketsinadvance!

Career ShowDon’tforgettofindyourwaytotheCareerShowinthelowerleveloftheconventioncenter.YouwillhavethechancetoexplorecareeropportunitiesandbuysomeFFAmerchandise!

Touring SpringfieldBetweensessions,makesuretoseethewonderfulcapitalcity!VisittheAbrahamLincolnLibraryandMuseum,splasharoundatKnight’sActionParkortrytheSpringfieldspecial,ahorseshoe!

Pre-SessionsWhynotcomealittleearly?Afterall,theearlybirdgetstheworm!Ifyoucomeahalf-hourearlytoeachsessionyoucanwinprizes,laughwithothermembers,participateingamesandevengetabetterseatforthesession!It’sagreatwaytobuildexcitementforconvention!

University of Illinois freshman Amelia Martens took home the coveted title of 2010 National Agricultural Communications Proficiency Award Winner at the 83rd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

“I knew I had done my best,” said Amelia Martens of the Orion FFA Chapter in Illinois. “But it was incredible to hear my name announced as the winner.”

In her project, she used her knack with words to share the positive stories in agriculture with the public. She has written material for local and state agricultural publications, her FFA chapter’s website and her school’s Student Food Drive blog. In 2009 alone, she wrote 40 articles for multiple outlets. She even shadowed long-time farm broadcaster Orion Samuelson.

Martens said she will continue to advocate for agriculture and looks forward to completing her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and possibly agricultural education leadership, too.

Katie Abrams, U of I Charles H. Sandage Department of Advertising visiting assistant professor for the agricultural communications program, said, “It’s impressive to see Amelia start out as a freshman with such a diverse communications portfolio. She has already set a precedent for success, and now it’s up to us at the U of I to help her get to the next level as an agricultural communicator.”

Abrams said Martens serves as an excellent role model for future students interested in applying to agricultural communications programs across the country.

“It’s exciting to have her here at the U of I,” Abrams said. “By the time she’s completed her degree, she’s going to be a stellar agricultural communicator — whether that leads her to law school, graduate school or into the industry, she’ll be ready for anything.”

Martens plans to become involved in as many professional agricultural organizations as she can while in college.

“Growing up on the family farm, agriculture has always played a large role in my life, and I want to give back in any way that I can by getting involved in these organizations,”she said. “In addition, I hope to gain valuable experience through internships with agricultural companies and by working within the College of ACES during the school year. There are so many networking opportunities — the opportunities are endless.”

Upon graduation, Martens plans to attend law school and study agricultural law. She hopes to open her own law firm and do freelance work on the side.

“In all that I do, I want to be an advocate and mediator in agriculture to share our story with those who may not know it so well,” she said.

Digital photos available at: http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/news/ News_Photos/Martens

News writer: Jennifer Shike 217-244-0888 Email: [email protected]

U of I freshman captUres natIonal ffa’s hIghest honor In ag commUnIcatIons

ILLINOIS FFA • G

83rd Illinois State Convention ScheduleTentative Agenda

ILLINOIS FFA • G

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 8:00 a.m. Registration Opens 9:00 a.m. Agriscience Fair Registration Opens 10:00 a.m. Agriculture Science Fair Essay Presentations 10:00 a.m. FFA Band and Chorus first practice 11:00 a.m. Usher Corps Orientation 12:00 p.m. Press Corps Orientation – Behind North Risers 12-5 p.m. Career Show Open 1:00 p.m. general session #1 chair: John edgar, state ffa president **Delegate Seating by Sections** Proficiency Awards Part 1Illinois FFA Alumni Executive Council RecognitionFFA Talent Proficiency Awards Part 2 Introduction of Visiting State Associations State Officer Report Video Proficiency Awards Part 3FFA Talent Proficiency Awards Part 4NationalOfficerKeynote–TiffanyRogers,EasternRegionVicePresidentI ntroduction of Candidates for 2011-2012 State Officer TeamClosing Ceremonies Delegate Business session #1 (Immediately following session 1) 5:00 p.m. Illinois ffa foundation Dinner

6:00 p.m. Pre-Session 6:30 p.m. general session #2 chair: Jake ekstrand, state Vice president

Presentation of FFA CreedAmerican Degree Candidate RecognitionAmerican Star CandidatesFFA TalentProficiency Awards Part 5FFA BandIllinois FFA Foundation Chairman’s RemarksProficiency Awards Part 6Pheasants Forever RecognitionNational Chapter Award – Student DevelopmentRetiringAddress,JeffreyBarnes,StateFFATreasurerClosing Ceremonies

ffa Dance begins 20 minutes after conclusion of general session #2 at state ffa fairgrounds in the orr Building

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

8:00 a.m. Pre- Session 8:30 a.m. general session #3 chair: morgan ott, state ffa reporter

Section President’s Advisor RecognitionMajor State Officer Advisor RecognitionState Staff RecognitionJ.E. Hill ScholarshipRetiring Advisor Recognition RetiringAddress,CodyGill,StateFFASecretaryAgri-Entrepreneurship AwardNational Chapter Award – Chapter DevelopmentAgri-Science Student AwardAg Science Fair AwardKeynote Speaker Closing Ceremonies

(June 15, 2011 – Continued)

11:30 a.m. leadership luncheon 12:30 p.m. Pre-Session 1:00 p.m. general session #4 chair: cody gill, state ffa secretary

GROWMARK Essay Contest AwardHeritage AwardChapter President’s AwardSection President’s AwardCooperative AwardRetiringAddress,MorganOtt,StateFFAReporterCentury ChallengeSweepstakes AwardPast State Officer RecognitionSam Taylor Memorial ScholarshipNew and Re-chartered FFA ChaptersSection FFA Membership IncentiveNational Chapter Award – Community DevelopmentChapter Exhibits RecognitionImpromptu Question for State Officer CandidatesClosing Ceremonies

Delegate session #2 (If necessary) 3:30 p.m. Past State Officer Reception 5:30 p.m. Delegate Election Session

Speeches by State Officer Candidates Election of 2011-2012 State FFA OfficersDelegate Reception 20 minutes after conclusion of elections

Thursday, June 16, 2011 8:00 a.m. Pre-Session 8:30 a.m. general session #5 chair: Jeffrey Barnes, state ffa treasurer

Scrapbook AwardsChapter Reporter’s AwardSection Reporter’s AwardState Career Development WinnersPrepared Public Speaking Winner’s RecognitionSection President’s Parent RecognitionMajor State Officer Parent RecognitionNational Chapter Award Gold, Silver, and Bronze by Section and Section Bankers PlaqueRetiringAddress,JakeEkstrand,StateFFAVicePresidentClosing Ceremonies

11:30 a.m. State FFA Degree Luncheon 12:30 p.m. Illinois FFA Talent Review 1:00 p.m. general session #6 chair: Jake ekstrand, state Vice president

Stars Over Illinois Ceremony • Star in Agri-Science • Star in Agricultural Placement • Star in Agricultural Business • Star FarmerRetiringAddress,JohnEdgar,StateFFAPresidentHonorary State Degree CeremonyFFA Alumni RaffleState FFA Degree CeremonyInstallation of 2011-2012 Section PresidentsInstallation of 2011-2012 Major State OfficersClosing Ceremonies

H • ILLINOIS FFA

Officers’ Tracks

212 Degrees Conference (Jan . 28-30, 2011)More than 600 freshman and sophomore FFA members attended this year’s 212 Degrees Conference. John, Jake and Morgan attended 212 in Schaumburg; while Cody and Jeffrey traveled south to Collinsville for the weekend. The FFA members were able to meet new FFA members from around the state, learn leadership activities and still managed to have fun!

Illinois FFA Alumni Meeting and PAS Conference (Feb . 4-5, 2011)The five Major State Officers attended the Alumni Annual Meeting and PAS Conference in Springfield on February 4-5. The officers delivered a welcome, helped with PAS contests and assisted in the FFA Alumni auction. The money raised from the auction will be put towards scholarships for FFA members.

Job Interview and Ag Issues CDE (Feb . 12, 2011)Cody and Jeff attended the Job Interview and Ag Issues CDE on February 12 at Western Illinois University. They helped with the CDE, and had fun meeting with FFA members and talking about upcoming events!

Illinois Pork Expo (Feb . 15-16, 2011)/ Illinois Grain and Feed Expo (Feb . 20-21, 2011) Jake and Jeff traveled to Peoria to handle the Illinois Foundation FFA booth at the Illinois Pork Expo. At the expo, Jake and Jeff talked with numerous sponsors of the Foundation, met producers and talked with friends. John and Jeff attended the Illinois Grain and Feed Expo to represent the Illinois FFA and talk with sponsors. This expo is held mainly for people who are involved in grain systems and feed operations.

Documents

June 2011, FFA New Horizons