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MISSOURI FFA TODAY

Opportunities Abound in Agriscience Missouri FFA members make their mark nationally

Table of ContentsPAge B The President’s Position

PAge CMeet the 2013-14 State Officers

PAge F Discover a Unique SAe

PAge gget Involved in Fall Speaking

PAge HState Officer Q&A

PAge I Challenge Your Chapter

PAge JIn their Words

PAge MCalling all Video Contest entries

Fall 2013

CONT’D ON PAGE D

Tuscumbia FFA member John Sparrow’s agriscience experiment examined the germination of seeds after ultrasound treatment. He placed second in Division I Plant Systems at the 2012 National FFA Agriscience Fair.

expeRIMenTS cReATIve, FUnBY LAURA WOLF

Three winning Missouri Agriscience Fair projects went on to receive honors in the 2012 National

FFA Agriscience Fair during the 85th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The contest includes an experiment, report and presentation. Miranda Allison and Annie Blackwell of the Walnut Grove FFA Chapter placed first in Division IV Social Systems. Lauren Haley of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter placed second in Division I Animal Systems. John Sparrow of the Tuscumbia FFA Chapter placed second in Division I Plant Systems.

Miranda Allison and Annie Blackwell studied the effect of sleep deprivation on farm safety.

“We had fun with the experiment,” said Bruce Blakemore, Walnut Grove FFA advisor. The girls set up a lock-in with their classmates to test balance, hand-eye coordination, driving and fine motor skills. Tests included a kinetic video game, an online keyboarding test, a racing video game and an exercise used in hospitals facilitated by an occupational therapist.

“Our teacher is kind of creative, and he helped us with the idea for our project. It was our second

project, so he knew we could do a good job as a team,” Allison said. Blakemore attended the 2012 DuPont National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Academy and continues to look for more ways to

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2013-14 State FFA OfficersArea Officer 1 Tanner Adkins West Nodaway

2 Taylor Washurn - Secretary North Harrison

3 Miriam Martin Meadville

4 Tessa Chambers Fayette

5 Mason Browning Monroe City

6 Abrea Mizer - President

Marshall

7 Alex Haun Holden

8 Dan Haynes Nichols Career Ctr

9 Connor Scott Miller

10 Mitchell Blehm - 1st V.P. Morrisville

11 Jonathan Bellis Aurora

12 Morgan Coday Seymour

13 Grant Talburt Dora

14 Jeremy Mathis Potosi

15 Rylyn Small east Prairie

16 Carlee Buckner Alton

4 Jaelyn Bergmann - Past Pres. Paris

Missouri FFA Today • Joann Pipkin, Editor3674 S. State Hwy N • Republic, MO 65738

email: joann.pipkin@att.netPhone: (417) 732-8552

Department of elem. & Sec. education P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102

Phone: (573) 751-3544.

District Supervisors: Leon Busdieker, Oscar Carter, Keith Dietzschold, Lisa Evans, David

Higgins & Steven Rogers

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to Department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Office of the General Counsel, Coordinator – Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI/Title IX/504/ADA/Age Act), 6th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City,

MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-526-4757 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

BY ABReA MIZeRSTATe FFA pReSIDenT

THe pReSIDenT’S pOSITIOngrow Your Love of Agriculture with Your SAe

Last summer I attended FFA camp. It was my first time ever

going to camp and I was extremely nervous because I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I eventually was able to come out of my shell and meet new people. I wanted to be able to develop my leadership skills so I went to many leadership sessions.

As I was walking down to a leadership session my advisor stopped me. He said to me, “Abrea, have you thought any more about running for a state office?” I had always thought about being a state officer but had put it on the back burner in my mind.

My advisor continued by telling me a story from the Bible, Matthew 25:14-30. He said to me in this bible story, God gave each of his slaves talents but I’m going to tell the story using fish. So, to the first slave he gave him five fish, to the second he gave two fish, and to the third he gave one fish. The first slave took the five fish and was able to acquire five more fish. The second slave took the two fish and was able to acquire two more fish. The third slave, angered that he had only received one fish, took

his and buried it in a hole in the ground.

When God summoned them back, the first and second slaves were praised because they had doubled what they were given. Yet, the slave that had buried his fish was seen as worthless.

When my advisor finished telling me this story, he had made his point very clear. I finally realized that it was my turn to use the talents that I had been given and share them with others. I needed to serve others using these talents and I realized I was going to do this by becoming a state officer. So, I challenge each of you FFA members to use the talents that you have been given and to go out and serve. Make a difference in the world!

C

2013-2014 Missouri FFA OfficersWho’s who on this year’s team

Front Row L-RJAELYN BERGMANN Past President • Paris

MiRiAM MARTiN V.P., 3 • Meadville

MITCHeLL BLeHM 1st V.P. • Morrisville

TANNER ADKiNS V.P., Area 1 • West Nodaway

CARLEE BuCKNER V.P., Area 16 • Alton

ABREA MizER President • Marshall

Middle Row L-RJONATHAN BeLLIS V.P., Area 11 • Aurora

JEREMY MATHiS V.P., Area 14 • Potosi

MASON BROWNiNG V.P., Area 5 • Monroe City

TESSA CHAMBERS V.P., Area 4 • Fayette

TAYLOR WASHBuRN Secretary • North Harrison

MORGAN CODAY V.P., Area 12 • Seymour

Back Row L-RCONNOR SCOTT V.P., Area 9 • Miller

RYLYN SMALL V.P., Area 15 • East Prairie

DAN HAYNeS V.P., Area 8 • Nichols Career Ctr.

GRANT TALBuRT V.P., Area 13 • Dora

ALex HAUN V.P., Area 7 • Holden

D D

Opportunities in AgriscienceContinued from Page A

incorporate agriscience in the classroom.

“Presenting an agriscience fair project made us better at interviewing, which will help us stand out as future job applicants,” Blackwell said.

Lauren Haley examined how fasting affected the success of a treatment for barber pole worm in goats. “Barber pole worms are a serious problem in goats,” Haley said. The worms feed on the blood, which causes anemia, dehydration and other symptoms.

Moxidectin is a chemical treatment that penetrates the nervous system of the barber pole worm. Lauren fasted her goats before she treated them with moxidectin to allow more time for the chemical to come in contact with the worms. She tested the worm levels by collecting fecal

samples to examine under a microscope.

“Lauren’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is raising goats, and she’s very passionate about them,” said Lance Martin, Chillicothe FFA advisor.

Haley began participating in science fairs in middle school. She won the Missouri State Junior Academy Science Fair, and her advisor offered her the opportunity to compete in the state agriscience fair as a freshman in high school.

“Chillicothe has a good group of middle school teachers who are agriculture-centered and encourage students to try science fairs and focus on ag-related topics,” said Martin.

“Through this project, I’ve been able to meet new friends and

develop my presentation skills. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take something you’re passionate about and share it with others,” Haley said.

John Sparrow investigated the effect of ultrasound treatment during corn seed priming for germination percentage and seedling growth.

“This topic is important to the industry because better germination means a more uniform crop and better yields. Seedling growth provides for better root penetration and more access to water,” Sparrow said.

Sparrow began research and science fair projects in sixth grade through an honors program and continued to research in FFA. “I like to compete and I like to talk,

Lauren Haley checks on her goats during her barber pole worm treatment experiment. A Chillicothe FFA member, Haley began participating in agriscience fair projects while in middle school.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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so the biggest thing I learned was how to put it all on paper for the research report. I also learned that you can never be too prepared or practice presenting too many times,” said Sparrow.

“A lot of the students who compete already have a drive to research. They enjoy thinking of a problem in science that they can try to solve or improve upon,” said Kyle Tallant, the Tuscumbia FFA advisor.

The Tuscumbia science and agriculture departments share resources and ideas by offering a class for science research each week. Students who conduct research for agriscience fair projects work closely with the science department and contact qualified scientists from various universities and the business sector to help guide their projects according to Tallant.

“Participating in competitions like this looks really good on applications. It shows that you have a background in research and that you have enough devotion to what you want to do that you’re willing to put in the time and effort it takes to do research well,” Sparrow said.

Annie Blackwell and Aiden Siers of the Walnut Grove FFA Chapter test hand-eye coordination using an online keyboarding test as part of an agriscience project in their agriculture education program.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

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Discover Unique SAe’sAgriculture comes alive at summer camp

Introducing a younger generation to agricultural science through

gardening, nature walks, cooking and more is the mission of three Higginsville FFA Chapter members in their supervised agricultural experience program.

Higginsville High School senior Rachel Simmons and juniors Kristen Burkeybile and Josie Skinner worked at Camp Agape, a children’s daycamp in Wellington, Mo., in summer 2012.

The campers experienced the entire food-growing process, from garden to table, with guidance from their counselors.

“We raised vegetable, fruit and herb plants with the kids,

watering and weeding even in the heat of the summer,” Skinner said. “It was sometimes hard to get the children to work with us on those hot days, but it was worth it when we got to prepare the food they had helped to grow and teach them about healthy food alternatives.”

They also participated in weekly field trips to places such as Shatto Milk Company in Osborn, Mo., Burr Oak Nature Center in Blue Springs, Mo., and the Kansas City Zoo.

“My favorite trip with Camp Agape was to the Kansas City Zoo,” Simmons said. “The children were amazed by the animals they had never seen before, and it was fun to get to point them out as we explored the zoo.”

Nature walks were another fun way for children to learn some of the basics of agricultural science.

“The kids got to collect leaves as they learned the names of different plants, and press them for crafts and other activities. We pointed out poison ivy and other important plants to be able to recognize, and we identified bugs as we went as well,” Burkeybile said.

The FFA members were able to use their experience in agricultural science courses as well as FFA Career Development Events such as forestry and entomology to guide their methods in the garden and their teaching on nature walks and other excursions.

“We had learned a lot in ag classes about how to grow garden plants – everything from what to plant and how much to water to what to watch for as far as weeds and bugs,” Burkeybile said.

They were all from a rural community, but most of the campers were not the children of farmers, Simmons explained.

“We were able to grow a successful garden using what we had learned in classes and contests,

cAMpeRS gROW FOOD, LeARn BY LAURA WOLF

Higginsville FFA members Rachel Simmons, Kristen Kurkeybile and Josie Skinner worked at a children’s daycamp where they brought agriculture to life for campers through gardening and field trips. Their experiences helped build their own SAE projects

CONT’D ON PAGE K

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Missouri FFA Today: “2012 MFA Foundation” 63⁄4" x 41⁄2"Art director: Craig J. Weiland cweiland@mfa-inc.com

MFA Incorporated

Raise your hand

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The future of agriculture and rural places depends on the competence and confidence of today’s students. You have a part to play, and we want to help. The MFA Foundation helps students achieve their academic goals through scholarships awarded by MFA Incorporated and MFA Oil agencies. Visit http://www.mfafoundation.com/.

Speak OutOpportunities abound for speaking contests this fall

MO InSTITUTe OF cOOpeRATIveShttp://www.mic.coop/

Contact: Kristi Livingston LivingstonK@missouri.edu

MO SHeep pRODUceRShttp://www.missourisheep.com/youthprograms.htm

Contact: Scott Kaden rollakadens@embarqmail.com

MO pORk ASSOcIATIOnhttp://www.mopork.com/Youth_FFASpkngCntst.asp

Contact: Diane Slater diane@mopork.com

MO cATTLeMen’S ASSOcIATIOnwww.mocattle.com

Contact: Mike Deering mike@mocattle.com

MO ASSOc. OF SOIL & WATeR cOnSeRvATIOn DISTRIcTShttp://www.maswcd.net

Contact: Peggy Lemons peggyl@maswcd.net

MO YOUng FARMeRS/YOUng FARM WIveS ASSOc.

Contact: Lisa Evans lisa.evans@dese.mo.gov

MO FARM BUReAUwww.mofb.org

Contact:Eric Volmer evolmer@mofb.com

MO peT BReeDeRS ASSOc.www.mpbaonline.org

Contact:Debbie Grosenbacher info@mpbaonline.org

H

State Officer Q&AWho’s that underneath the blue corduroy?

FFA Chapter: Holden FFA

Hometown: Holden, Mo.

College/Major: State Fair Community College/ Agri-business

SAE: My SAE is a combination between entrepreneurship and placement. The placement part of my SAE consists of our family’s Angus cattle operation as well as 1200 acres of cropland where we raise corn, soybeans and wheat. My family is also a dealer for Producers Hybrids and Wilcross Soybeans. On the ownership side, I run 16 head of Angus cattle, as well as 130 acres for soybean and corn. My brother and I also operate a square baler to sell straw bales.

What motivated you to want to become a Missouri FFA Officer?

What really motivated me to become a state officer was during my first year in the FFA I knew one of the officers pretty well and I saw how much she had gotten out of the organization and how much she was able to help other FFA members. I knew that I wanted to be like her. I started working as hard as I could so that I could help

ALex HAUn and accomplish as much as she had through the FFA.

Who is your hero and why?I would have to say my hero is

my dad. He has always been there for me and even though I won’t be able to be around to help him as much this summer, he is very excited and supportive of me and my achievements.

What are your plans for the future?

In the future I plan to attend State Fair Community College and get my degree in Agri-business and then go back to work on the family farm.

What advice do you have for FFA members?

The best advice I can give is get involved early. Also, meet as many people as possible because the best people that I know I have met through the FFA.

FFA Chapter: West Nodaway FFA

Hometown: Elmo, Mo.

College/Major: University of Missouri-Columbia with a major in pharmaceuticals.

SAE: I have raised Balancer cattle since I was in 8th grade and own six cows right now. I also rent 40 acres of land that I pasture and hay for my herd. I have an ownership lawn care business during the summer. I also have a placement SAE at Snodderley Lumber Company in a nearby town.

What motivated you to want to become a Missouri FFA Officer?

There are two reasons why I knew I wanted to be a state officer. When I was a sophomore I attended national convention

and listened to the motivational speaker they had that year. I was inspired by the speaker to set my goals to whatever I dream. One of those goals was to become a state officer. I also attended WLC last summer where I really found my drive to become a state officer.

Who is your hero and why? The statement, “Always do the

right thing,” came from my hero. That would be my father. Growing up, I have always looked up to him for advice. We could sit down and talk about anything that was on my mind and we would find an answer. My father has helped shape me into the person I am today.

TAnneR ADkInS

I

cHApTeRS WIn In cHALLenge vOTIng

cAMeROn WInS FFA cHALLengeGET iNVOLVED: MONSANTO’S CHAPTER CHALLENGE

FFA MeMBeRS eARn cASH, TRIp

The Cameron High School FFA chapter won grand

prize in the interview and documentary division of the 2013 Chapter Challenge, sponsored by Monsanto.

More than 265,000 FFA members in 3,800 FFA chapters across 15 states began competition in the 2013 Chapter Challenge in January. To enter the competition, FFA members had to either interview and document the lives of agriculturalists in their local communities or build a portfolio of interviews, develop a social media plan and produce a video that promotes agriculture awareness.

Entries were submitted to the National FFA Organization and judged in March by a panel of marketing, communications and education professionals.

FFA chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin were eligible to compete in the 2013 event.

As one of two grand prize-winning FFA chapters, Cameron FFA earned both a $2,000 certificate of credit with the National FFA Organization that can be used to cover FFA-related expenses throughout the year and an all-expenses paid trip for up to six students and their FFA advisor to the 2013 National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville,

Ky. Each grand prize is valued at $12,000.

The top FFA chapters in each division of the competition earned a line of credit for use on FFA expenses, including supplies or convention and conference registration fees. Those prizes ranged from $2,500 to $500.

Overall, Monsanto provided nearly $300,000 in prize money for the FFA chapters competing in the 2013 Chapter Challenge.

For more information about this year’s competition, including photographs, news releases, video submissions and more, visit www.FFAChapterChallenge.com.

WEST PLAiNS FFA $1,500.00

HERMANN FFA $1,000.00

SANTA FE R10 HS FFA $750.00

WARSAW FFA $750.00

LAKELAND FFA $500.00

CARL JuNCTiON FFA $500.00

HIggINSVILLe FFA $500.00

J

MIRIAM MARTIn

MIRIAM MARTINState Vice President, Area 3

MORgAn cODAY

In Their WordsUp close with your Missouri State FFA Officers

I was shaking in my shoes. Two hundred and fifty people were staring at me. Why was I giving a speech? It was too late to back out now, so I pulled out my notes, set them on the podium, turned on the microphone, and surprisingly words started coming out of my mouth. Thank you Lord.

It got easier and pretty soon I started smiling and remembered to breathe. Since then I have spoken at the National Ag Day banquet in Washington, D.C. and competed in the National FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking Contest in Indianapolis, Ind. However, if I had not had the courage to give that first speech, I never would have had the chance to have those really awesome experiences.

Stepping out of my comfort zone was something that was extremely difficult for me. I wasn’t a natural; I was the kid in the corner who was cool with “just watching”. But the first time I went to FFA Camp I was challenged to not just let life go by as I sat on the sidelines and watched.

I was once told that there are two kinds of people in this world— givers and takers. Takers eat well, givers sleep well. We can go along in life selfishly keeping our talents to ourselves, and not contributing to those around us. Or we can decide that we want to make a difference. We can choose to give.

That night at FFA camp, when I gave my first speech, it was the stepping off point. From then on I continued to push myself to

improve on my speaking ability. Yes, sometimes I still get nervous, but that isn’t what’s important. What matters is being willing to do something hard.

FFA members, we are privileged to be part of an organization that challenges its members to do hard things. I encourage you the next time you get a chance to sit on the sidelines or get in the game, to choose to make a difference.

One afternoon I was getting dropped off at my house from staying the night at a friend’s house. When the car stopped, I jumped out of the vehicle and onto our trampoline as fast as I could. I wanted to show my friend this new “trick” I had learned. I learned to jump from the tarp of the trampoline to the ground, without touching the metal rim and getting shocked. So I started jumping as high as I could go. I shouted at my friend and sister to watch what I

was about to do. I got ready and made the brave leap to the ground. When I landed I heard a pop, and I knew something was wrong. I ended up spraining my ankle. All because I wanted to show off this “cool” new trick I had learned.

Sometimes in life we get caught up in wanting to show people the “cool” new things we learned. That is called pride. There is nothing wrong with being proud of our accomplishments, but we can’t take it too far. Like in the story, I was so proud of what I had done I wanted to share it with everyone. All it got me was a sprained ankle.

FFA members, we need to be careful how we present ourselves. Remember the old saying: “Pride comes before a fall.” I cannot even begin to express how true this statement is. We can’t let our head get so big with that one thing, for we have more hurdles and obstacles in the way. If we are so focused on what we just did, we aren’t looking at what is ahead. We can’t show off our new “trick” to

MORGAN CODAYState Vice President, Area 12

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and we could explain the steps to the kids on their level,” said Simmons. “Because of the summer we had, we needed to explain to them that some of the plants didn’t grow as well due to the effects of the drought too.”

“After we taught the children about plants, how they grow, what can help them grow and other things like that, we got to pick the fruits and vegetables as well,” Skinner said. Her favorite task was preparing food grown in the garden from new recipes and letting the kids try the food they had helped to grow.

The counselors taught their campers about agriculture, but

CONT’D FROM PAGE F they learned valuable lessons and developed career skills, too.

The biggest challenge they faced was motivating the children to work in the garden, especially when it was hot outside, the FFA members said. Encouraging their efforts and being consistent with the campers helped them to overcome that challenge.

The counselors learned how to work with children and fellow counselors, as well as parents and supervisors. With the campers, they cultured how to give explanations that the children could understand.

Most importantly, they accomplished how to tell the story of agriculture through something as simple as a nature walk or a vegetable garden.

people because we think we are so good. We need to be proud of our accomplishments and look to what is to come.

The third paragraph of the FFA creed begins, “I believe in leadership from ourselves…” These six words are my favorite part of the creed, and they mean a lot to me as there have been numerous times I have failed to believe in myself. On the other hand I have had experiences where believing in myself has helped me in outstanding ways. How do you expect anyone to believe in you as a leader if you fail to believe in yourself?

Often people are worried about others not believing in them, and they try to do anything to get people to believe in them - even though they doubt their own ability. They are missing the most important step, which is believing in themselves!

MITcHeLL BLeHM

MITCHELL BLEHMState 1st Vice President

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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In Their WordsUp close with your Missouri State FFA Officers

If you can believe in yourself with your heart, believing that you can accomplish great things, and then put those beliefs into actions others will soon believe in you. They will see your dedication, pride, and that your heart is set upon accomplishing the goal.

If you don’t believe in yourself you will not get too far in life. Give everything you do in life 100% of your effort. Have confidence in everything you do. If you fail at doing something, show you believe in yourself by getting right back up and trying again until you achieve it. Thomas Edison had over 3,000 attempts at making the light bulb.

He believed he would accomplish his goal. When he was asked about his attempts he said, “I didn’t fail 3,000 times. I found 3,000 ways not to make a light bulb.”

FFA members, look back at the third paragraph of the creed. Believe that you are a leader, believe that you can have dedication like Edison and believe that others will believe in you!

CONT’D FROM PAGE K

gRAnT TALBURTWhen I was younger I would

constantly play with the thermostat at my house, always turning it up and down. I was amazed

that turning a dial changed the temperature and made me feel comfortable again. I would look anxiously at the thermometer to see whether the temperature would rise or fall. The thermometer reflects the temperature while the thermostat sets the temperature.

This illustration, given in the book called “Habitudes” by Dr. Tim Elmore, gives us a great example of leadership. Most people are like thermometers— they reflect the culture around them from clothes to music to language and lifestyle.

Some people take it a step further and become a thermostat. They set the climate around them. They set the emotion level of the group and are excited about what they do. FFA Members, you have two choices in life; you can be a thermometer or a thermostat. You can be a thermometer by reflecting the culture around you. You can be a follower, rely on others, and choose not to be a leader. Or you can go one step further by becoming a leader. Be a thermostat - set the mood, goals and drive for others around you.

GRANT TALBURTState Vice President, Area 13

M

Entries are being sought for the fourth FFA Video Contest.

Sponsored by eight major state agriculture organizations, the contest is for Missouri FFA chapters, and includes a video submission on any or all of three broad agricultural topics. The topics are:

- Farmers work hard to care for their animals- Farmers provide safe, wholesome food- Farmers are good stewards of the environment

The 2013 winners were announced at the 85th Missouri FFA Convention in Columbia, Mo. in April. First place went to the Bourbon FFA Chapter, followed by the Dora and Troy FFA chapters. Prize money was awarded in the amounts of $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 for the top three respectively and $500 for other district winners.

“The farm bureau video contest is an excellent way to get students thinking of how agriculture affects them in many different ways and gives them an avenue to educate others about agriculture and the FFA,” said Matt Ketcherside, Bourbon FFA advisor. Bourbon FFA entered the contest using a video they recorded as a team-building activity for their officer team.

Paula Bodenhamer, advisor of the Dora FFA Chapter, said the chapter’s goal in entering was education. She encouraged students

in her program who were not from traditional agricultural backgrounds to enter the contest and use it as a learning experience.

“I suggested it to broaden their technical knowledge of agriculture and develop a true sense of what farmers really do,” Bodenhamer said.

The Dora FFA Chapter utilized their prize money to fund their chapter banquet and summer activities for members. The Bourbon FFA Chapter plans to use the prize money for community service and to offset student cost for National FFA Convention in October.

The fourth-annual contest entries will be due Dec. 20 to allow chapters time to focus on the contest before career development events and other state convention preparations begin. Sponsors include Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Pork Association, MFA, Inc., Missouri Beef Industry Council, Midwest Dairy, FCS Financial, Missouri Corn Growers’ Association and Missouri Soybean Programs.

Unlike previous years, the prizes will be structured differently to allow for more winners, according to Rebecca French Smith of Missouri Farm Bureau. “First, second and third place winners will be chosen in each district this year,” Smith said. A grand prize will also be awarded.

Bodenhamer recommends entering the contest as an opportunity for non-traditional agriculture students to learn and help educate others about the industry. “It can also be used to

recruit new members and build cooperative activities among academic disciplines like English, multi-media journalism and agriculture,” Bodenhamer said.

“This has been one of the most rewarding and motivating activities my students have been involved with in recent years,” Ketcherside said. He said Bourbon FFA members, parents and the community were all excited that the students had represented them well and been rewarded for their efforts.

“In times like these when some of our FFA programs are being cut, positive publicity goes a long way with school board members and administrators,” said Ketcherside.

enTRIeS DUe DeceMBeR 20BY LAURA WOLF

800-778-6452 / www.mofb.org

AGRICULTURE

video contest calls for entriesHelp educate others about agriculture

N

SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONSFCS Financial

Midwest Dairy AssociationMissouri Beef Industry Council

Missouri Corn Merchandising CouncilMissouri Farm Bureau

Missouri Pork AssociationMissouri Soybean Programs

MFA Incorporated

MISSOuRI’S MAjOR AGRIculTuRe ORGANIZATIONS ARe TeAMING uP TO SPONSOR The 2013-2014 vIdeO cONTeST eNcOuRAGING FFA chAPTeRS TO cReATe A vIdeO OR AuTO-PlAy SlIde ShOw wITh AudIO ThAT cONveyS A POSITIve MeSSAGe AbOuT The vAlue OF MISSOuRI AGRIculTuRe.

Earn from $200 to $1,500 for your ffa ChaptEr! cONTeST GuIdelINeS

N Entries should clearly show FFA student participation. N The target audience should be consumers with limited knowledge of

today’s agriculture.N Three positive messages to keep in mind are: (1) farmers create safe,

wholesome food for everyone to enjoy; (2) farmers work hard to care for their animals; and (3) farmers are good stewards of the environ-ment. However, not all three themes need to be addressed in your entry.

N Each FFA district is eligible to have a first, second and third place winner.N The district winners will compete for the Grand Prize. Winners will be announced at the

2014 FFA State Convention.N District prizes include: 1st = $500; 2nd = $300; 3rd = $200.

The Grand Prize is $1,000.N Length of each entry must be a minimum of three minutes and a maximum

of five minutes.N Copy onto a DVD or CD as a movie file using such formats as WMV, MOV, AVI,

MPEG or MP4.N All participants in the video are required to sign a release form, which must be

included with the submitted entry.N Entries must be postmarked by DECEmbEr 20, 2013.

N Only Missouri FFA Chapters are eligible to enter. One entry per FFA chapter.N The sponsoring organizations claim the rights to all videos submitted (the right

to publish, televise and retain all broadcasts).**N The committee reserves the right to disqualify any submission.

Submit EntriES toMissouri Farm Bureau

Public Affairs OfficeAttn: FFA Video Submissions

P.O. Box 658Jefferson City, MO 65102

For more information, contact Rebecca French Smithat 573-893-1558 or rsmith@mofb.com.

vISIT www.MOFb.ORG/hOMe/FFAvIdeOcONTeST.ASPx for complete guidelines, release forms and examples

of former winning videos.

** By submitting an entry, entrant agrees to release and hold harmless the sponsoring organizations from and against any claim, expense or liability arising from or related to submission, participation in the contest and appearance on the program and/or acceptance of any prize.

2013-14

FFAvIdeO

cONTeST

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SepTeMBeR1 BOAC Grant Project Completion Deadline

2-7 National Fox Trotter Show—Ava

10 American Royal Entry Deadline

10 Ag Ed/FFA Day—MU Bradford Farm, Columbia

12 Ag Ed/FFA Day—SW Center, Mt. Vernon

14 Meet Mizzou Day—Columbia

15-21 National Farm Safety & Health Week

17 Thompson Farm Research Center Field Day— Spickard

21 MU South Farm Showcase—Columbia

24-27 American Royal Invitational Youth Rodeo Hale Arena, Kansas City

24-28 Delta Fair—Kennett

25 Ag Ed/FFA Day—Forage Systems Research Center, Linneus

26 Ag Ed/FFA Day—Hundley-Whaley Center, Albany

27 Ag Ed/FFA Day—Graves-Chapple Farm, Corning

27-28 American Royal Pro Rodeo—Kansas City

OcTOBeR1 FFA Field Day—MU Barton Ag Research Ctr SEMO

1 NWMSU Fall CDE’s—Maryville

1 Northeast District Grasslands Contest—TBA

1 Southeast District Grasslands Contest—TBA

3 Northwest District Grasslands Contest— Maysville

3 Central District Grasslands Contest—TBA

3 Southwest District Grasslands Contest—TBA

3 MU Wurdack Farm Ag Ed Day—Cook Station

3-6 Ozark Fall Farmfest—Springfield

FFA calendarMissouri FFA is on the move

OcTOBeR 5 Northeast District Trapshoot—Prairie Grove

5 Horticulture & Agro Forestry Research Ctr— New Franklin

5-18 South Central District Postal Trapshoot Dates

7 Preview Mizzou—Columbia

10 South Central District Grasslands Contest— TBA

14 Preview Mizzou—Columbia

15 Angeline Conservation Area Ecology Day— Shannon County

17 State Grassland Evaluation Contest— Columbia vicinity

23-11/3 American Royal Livestock Show—Kansas City

26 CAFNR Ag Alumni Homecoming Tailgate— MU, Columbia

30-11/2 National FFA Convention—Indianapolis, Ind.

nOveMBeR1 FFA Field Day—MU Barton Ag Research Ctr SEMO

9 Meet Mizzou Day—Columbia

12 South Central District Fall Speaking Contests —Rolla

13 Northwest District Fall Speaking Contests— Cameron

13 South Central Fall Speaking Contest—UCM Warrensburg

14 Southwest District Fall Speaking Contests— MSU Darr Center, Springfield

14 United Sportsmen’s Wildlife Conservation Grant Apps. Due

18-20 State PAS Converence—Mineral Area College Park Hills

19 Northeast District Fall Speaking Contests— South Shelby

P

Each year, FCS Financial honors the dedicated young men and women continuing their studies. We award up to thirty-five $1,000 scholarships to Missouri high school seniors whose parents or grandparents are current FCS Financial customers. Over the past 10 years, $324,000 has been provided to help our next generation with their education.

To apply for the 2014 FCS Financial Scholarship or to learn more details, visit myfcsfinancial.com. Application is due March 1, 2014.*

proud to support our agricultural future.apply for an fcs financial scholarship!

Growing Relationships. Creating Opportunities. is a trademark of FCS Financial, ACA.*Applicants must meet all qualifications to be eligible for a scholarship.

congratulations to the 2013 FCS Financial scholarship recipientsJacob Beckemeyer Ashli CodayRachel GrovesSam McDonald Lucas Swiney

Mitchell Benoit Corbin DuffieldCaitlyn HarrisonMattie MooreTroy Toedebusch

Alicia Brueggemann Kimberly DugganKellie Harvey Brandon NiendickSchafer Townsend

BreeAnna BurnsBrittany EagleburgerDaniel HaynesGina PateMichael Voss

Nicole BurnsRyan EisenbathMegan JonesJacob PrengerJacki Wiederholt

Jesse CarrollCollin GandySarah KemperStephen Schniedermeyer

Skyler BahnerCaitlin ClaflinKelsie GiblerDanny KiehlCaitlin Schnitker

Not Pictured: Jonathan Bellis