How FFA Helped Me

We have been busy these past few weeks! We enjoyed an amazing State Officer Professional Development day (SOPD) with GNP Company and Jennie-O. A huge thanks goes out to them for opening their doors to us and teaching us so much about the poultry industry. It was fun touring their facilities and hearing from professionals about how chickens and turkeys move from farm to the grocery store.

This SOPD was really interesting to me because if you don’t already know, I am a meat geek. I’ve participated in the Meats judging Career Development Event (CDE) for six years and loved every second of it. That CDE is the reason why I was able to finally decide on a major, or so I thought. I had decided I wanted to major in animal science and minor in meat science while I attended South Dakota State University. I was all set and proud of myself for finally making that decision. Then this SOPD comes along and screws up my great and wonderful plan.

Just ask any State Officer if you see them; I was like a kid in a candy store as we toured both facilities. However, it was while we were touring the Research and Development side of the Jennie-O facility that I really went crazy. I was the one always asking the woman who showed us around questions like: what degree she got; to if they have a smoker for their turkey; and what she does on a daily basis.

This SOPD made me decide to add another major, food science. Along with making my college education harder, it also gave me some clarity as to what I want to do with my life. If I haven’t already said it I will say it again, I am a meat geek. I love to just randomly decide I want to smoke a pork loin or brisket and always change up the marinade and rub I make myself to see what works and tastes best. My ultimate goal is to open my own meat locker so that I can do this at every single day. I knew I wanted to open my own meat locker , but it was what I wanted to do until I can open my own meat locker that stumped me. Thanks to the trip to Jennie-O I have figured out that I want to work in the Research and Development side of meat processing.

Thanks to FFA I have found my passion and a career for my future, and I know I’m not the only one who has felt this way. FFA is amazing in the way that it can help any member find something they are passionate about and give them the skill and knowledge to turn it into a career. FFA not only gives you the desire to set a goal, but the confidence and determination to accomplish it. Stay active in your chapter. Don’t just do the bare minimum, go out and be the person that your friends call an “over achiever” and take it as a compliment because that is exactly what it is. Try different CDEs. Once you find one that you like, do anything and everything you can to do your best in it and it just may turn into a career that is filled with fun and not work.

Sincerely,

Clay Newton

Stationed by the Emblem of Washington

Here by the Owl

Everyone has a different story of how they began their FFA journey. Mine began when my advisor talked to me for the first time at our county fair. “Wendy,” she said, “I know you don't know me, but you should come make an arrangement at the floral design contest.” I had no idea who this crazy lady was, but I knew my sister thought she was sort of cool, so I went to the contest not knowing what to expect. As it turned out, I wasn’t very good at making arrangements, but Mrs. Williamson was an expert at teaching everyone how to make one.

My advisor, Mrs. Williamson, and I

For many of us, our advisors are the reason why we joined FFA; whether it is because they said something that convinced us, or maybe they twisted our arms just enough to finally make us say, “Okay, okay! I’ll join FFA.” Regardless of the reason, all advisors have something in common: they care about their students.

This past week my teammates and I had the opportunity to experience the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educator’s conference. It made me realize that a lot of times, we only see our advisors when they are in action: teaching us in the front of a classroom, loading us onto a bus to send us to a CDE, or working with us to help them develop our SAE. We don’t always realize all of the behind the scenes work that goes into serving as an agriculture teacher: the countless hours spent preparing curriculum, developing their leadership and teaching skills at various conferences and workshops, and committing themselves to learning more about agriculture by being involved firsthand with agricultural practices.

As a student, FFA member, and human being, I know I often forget to say thank you to all those around me who help and serve me on a regular basis. One of those often forgotten individuals is my agriculture teacher. Mrs. Williamson helped me break out of my comfort zone, taught me about agriculture, encouraged me to become involved in leadership, and told me I am capable of achieving my dreams. I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of person I would be if I wouldn’t have met her. If you are a student, you may have a similar story about your agriculture teacher. If you are an agriculture teacher, you may have had this impact on many students throughout your career.

I believe the first step to changing the world is having an attitude of gratitude. We, as FFA members and agriculture education students, are enabled with the tools we need to change the world, thanks to our advisors and agriculture teachers. We should take time to thank them for the impact they have made in our lives. Let’s start changing the world by expressing our gratitude to those around us. Let’s start changing the world by being thankful for everything we have. A great place to start is saying thank you to our agriculture teachers.

For all of those stationed by the owl, on behalf of the Minnesota FFA Association, thank you for everything you do.

Stationed by the ear of corn,

Wendy Bauman

Minnesota FFA Secretary

"Ohana"

“Ohana—it means family & family means no one gets left behind.”

This is my absolute favorite quote from the movie, Lilo and Stitch. You see, this movie is all about accepting and loving one another despite differences or weaknesses. Lilo does not care that Stitch is not a “regular” dog nor does she dwell on his mistakes. Lilo and Stitch are family.

This past week, I had the amazing opportunity to spend five days with 154 Minnesota FFA members from across the state at the State Greenhand Leadership Conference, or SGLC. At this conference, we engaged in group

discussions to better get to know one another, pushed each other past our limits on the rock wall and while climbing the tower, and made life-long friendships with people we had never

met before.

One day during recreation time, a few friends joined me on a walk up to a tower that stands 150 feet high. As we started the trek up, my friends, Katrina and Joshua, suddenly stopped. The tower was higher than expected, and they didn’t really want to continue the hike.

In most instances, many people                                                                                      would let them stay where                                                                                                          they were and continue on but                                                                                                   not the friends I was with. I                                                                                                         watched as fellow members                                                                                                        pushed their friends to                                                                                                                  conquer their fears and                                                                                                                continue on up. As words of                                                                                                         encouragement filled my                                                                                                      ears, I experienced the true meaning of family. Our trek up may not have been the fastest, but we all made it: no one was left behind.

My teammate and friend, Wendy, really made that thought stick as she touched on this during her reflections on the Wednesday night of camp. She talked about how each of us have something to give. Each of us are have unique talents, strengths, loves, and dreams, but together we have it all. On Monday of SGLC, we arrived as individuals ready to find ourselves. As we left Friday, we left as Ohana, or family: “As Family We Go.”

During the week, we grew from strangers to family. We not only found ourselves in the blue but found each other. As I left Deep Portage that Friday, I knew that this would not be the last time I saw these members and friends.  You see, as family we will succeed. As family we will impact. As family we will go. As family no one gets left behind.

Thank you greenhands for a week of a lifetime. I can’t wait to see you all again.

Stationed by the Plow,

 

My fellow state officers and I have had such an amazing and hectic few months. Our journey started with Blast Off in Eagan, Minnesota with all of the region presidents where we learned how to risk boldly, seize the day, seek improvement, and support honesty along with the five pillars of leadership!

We put on our thinking Sweat Bands to Get down to work!

Our next event was at the Minnesota Farm Bureau for a State Officer Professional Development day. There, we had the privilege to talk to Kevin Paap (Minnesota Farm Bureau President), and several others who gave us all great insight into what an amazing partner the Farm Bureau is to FFA and valuable tips to having a successful year such as how to have a successful interview in a few short seconds.

In front of Farm Bureau with Kevin Paap

Later that day, we headed straight north to Deep Portage for facilitation bootcamp. There all six of us brainstormed to plan, write and finalize the curriculum that we would use for the State Greenhand Leadership Conference (SGLC). Throughout the week at Deep Portage, we were able to meet and talk to all of the region officers while they attended POWER, and I was thoroughly impressed with their skills and passion for FFA.

After planning an exciting SGLC, we had a few days at home before we got to head to Nebraska for the National Leadership Conference of State Officers (NLCSO). While at NLCSO, we had the great privilege to get to know other state officers from Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, and Kansas. During our time in Nebraska, we learned from three great facilitators, Sydney Snider, Alicia Hodnik, and Eric Nelson who taught us amazing techniques for facilitating and how to help our members realize their full potential. As we were cramming information into our brains, our State Leadership Conference for Chapter Leaders (SLCCL) had to be planned. Thus, we cracked down during some free time and wrote the curriculum for SLCCL.

All six states at NLCSO

When the Conference was over, we had a fun filled SLCCL planned, and some incredible friends from the surrounding states. Overall the conference was phenomenal and I foraged relationships, along with my fellow officers, that we will have for years to come. As excited as we were from the past couple of conference, we were just building up to facilitating SGLC! We hope to see you all at SGLC or SLCCL this summer!

Sincerely,

Spencer Wolter

Stationed Beneath the Rising Sun 

Fentanez Sings His Heart Out in FFA

Fentanez Sings His Heart Out in FFA

By Guest Blogger, Shelby Kuechle from the Eden Valley Watkins FFA Chapter

FFA really does have something for everyone, agriculture related or not. For Ruben Fentanez, FFA offers him the opportunity to participate in the choir at both state and national levels. Fentanez is 17 years old and is an active member of the Mountain Lake FFA Chapter.

Fentanez joined FFA in 9th grade, when his advisor, Lindsey Brown, highly encouraged him to become a member. He started out participating in the Nursery Landscape Career Development Event (CDE) and will be applying for a chapter officer in the upcoming year. The Mountain Lake FFA Chapter has about 130 members, with about 60 active members, who do many activities. FFA brings kids from all walks of life together.

“Our chapter is very diverse from the local farm kids to kids like me who have lived in town their whole life,” said Ruben. “I didn’t have very much agricultural background until 9th grade when I joined FFA.”

Ruben with the
Minnesota FFA Choir

Fentanez has always been a musical guy and jumped right onto the opportunity of State FFA Choir. He, along with a few friends from the chapter, decided they wanted to give it a try and haven’t looked back since.

Joining state choir involves sending in an application and having a music teacher recommend the student. If the student is selected, they are able to perform at State Convention awards, etc.

National choir is a little more difficult to get accepted into, but in Ruben’s words, “It’s totally worth it.” Along with the application and recommendation, the student must send in an audition.

“I joined to sing my heart out, but my favorite part was being able to meet new people and create new friendships,” said Ruben. “State choir was really fun, but it doesn’t compare to National FFA Choir. That’s where I absolutely fell in love with FFA choir."

ACGC Member Commits to Ten Year Research Project

ACGC Member Commits to Ten Year Research Project

by Guest Blogger, Emily Pliscott of Kenyon Wanamingo 

When most freshmen are asked what they’ll be doing in 10 years, the answer is uncertain. For Daniel Williamson of the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, this is not the case. In 10 years, he will be nearing the completion of the SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) that he’s starting in his first year of high school.

How is this student so ahead of the game? Plans like Williamson’s could only come from one place-something those of us involved in agricultural education call the three circle model. The perfect balance of classroom learning, leadership development through FFA, and hands on experiences with SAE s steer Ag Ed students onto paths toward success.

For Williamson, this perfect mixture is helping the pursuit of his passions. Taking agriculture classes at Atwater-Cosmos-Grove city provides him with the knowledge needed to apply science, math, and other core classes to real-life situations. His activity in FFA helps this shining Greenhand grow in a different way. Working to attain leadership skills that will last his lifetime, Williamson is currently serving as the Chaplain on his officer team. Developing a talent for advocation, he thoroughly enjoys sharing about agriculture through chapter activities like annual parades and petting zoos. Williamson also began several SAE programs, where hands on learning rounds out the three circle model of agriculture education.

Daniel collected water samples
weekly to test for clarity/turbidity.

This bright student’s passion for keeping waterways clean is one that stems from the practices on his family farm. Williamson claims that his family puts a huge importance on water quality, and bases his Supervised Agricultural Experience off of this value. Searching for an outlet to explore his interest in water, Williamson decided to begin long term experiments that will help keep water clean for future generations.

Williamson has several projects dealing with water conservation. One of these is collecting water from a field drainage ditch near his family’s farm. He is working in his watershed district to test for nitrate in water, sending samples to a lab in Detroit. When he receives the data analyzed in the lab, he will use this information to determine the best farming practices for his area.

Daniel collected water samples to be
tested for phosphates and nitrates.

Recently, Williamson partnered with his local conservation office to begin a second project that will have a duration of approximately 10 years. This deals with the creation of floating wetlands, where Williamson buries a spongy material in the ground of wetland areas. He then places native plants in this spongy soil medium which is ideal for their growth. The plants take in chemicals such as nitrate from the water and help clean up waterways.

When asked which phrase would describe his project, Williamson orients on the future, saying that his experiment “needs some results.” He’s excited to seek comparisons of data and figure a way to improve water quality and establish cleaner farming practices. With this forward looking approach, this shining Greenhand will go far in both FFA and water conservation. Agriculture students like Daniel Williamson are a harbinger for a bright continuance of the positive traditions in American agriculture.

He’s Got Your Goat

He’s Got Your Goat

By: Guest Blogger, Kylee Kohls, Litchfield FFA  

Hearing, “Congratulations to Matthew Schoenbauer with his Grand Champion Doe here at the 2015 Minnesota State FFA Goat Show!” makes Matthew’s day, knowing all the hard work he has put into his goat project was worth it.

Colton, Matthew's herd sire,
here at 1 year old.

Matthew Schoenbauer, of the Southwest Metro FFA Chapter, started working on his Goat SAE in 2014 when he won two market wethers at the Scott County Fair. After exhibiting at the 2014 Minnesota State Fair, he decided he wanted to stay in the Boer goat project, purchased does, and started Triple M Boer Goat Ranch in New Prague, MN. One year later, he had successfully grown his herd to 60 kidding does.

He prides himself on the current and trendy genetics he uses in his herd. In 2015, Matthew purchased Colton, a stud buck, from Breezy Acres Boer Goats in Fairmont, MN. About half of his herd is purebred Boer, a third being percentage Boer goats, and the rest being commercial goats. About three-fourths of his herd is also registered with the American Boer Goat Association.

“For me, kidding is the hardest part. Especially with the winter we had last year. It’s always so hard losing the kids that you were so excited to see because you’ve been planning for that ‘great one’ all year,” said Matthew when I asked him what his least favorite part about his SAE is. Triple M Boer Goats kids a few does in the fall months, but the majority of the kidding occurs January through April. He spreads out his kidding season for different ages of kids; the fall kids hoping to be does for Senior Does for the State Fair and the winter/spring kids for market wethers and Junior Does.

Matthew sells his show quality stock private treaty to a few other 4-H and FFA members he knows in his area and consigns a few to the Jackson County 4-H Sheep and Goat Sale for youth in the goat show circuit.

Matthew with his 2015 FFA Champion Doe
and Overall Champion Market Goat

“Showing is my favorite part,” said Matthew. Seeing his dedication and long days and nights in the barn all come to fruition in the show ring is what gives him the drive to move forward in the goat project. The 2015 MN State FFA Show was gratifying for Matthew as he received Grand Champion Doe and Reserve Champion Overall Wether with goats he raised - with his genetics.

Although, he wouldn’t be where he is today without all the mentors involved in helping him with his Boer Goat project; Breezy Acres Boer Goats from Fairmont, MN and a friend in Iowa have been Matthew’s biggest supporters and mentors throughout the last couple of years. Because of the strong mentoring aspect Matthew has received, he strives to portray a strong mentoring aspect when he works with other youth in the goat project. Matthew loves meeting new people and helping other kids learn what this project is all about. Matthew wants to continue the Triple M Boer Goat Ranch, hopefully one day being the number one breeder in the state, but more importantly being a good mentor for other 4-H and FFA members, enjoying his time spent with other youth in the goat project.

Matthew proudly stands with his
FFA Advisor and mentor, Mr. Stone, with his awards.

Another mentor, Mr. Mark Stone - his FFA Advisor, has had a large impact on Matthew’s life and project. As a result of Mr. Stone and his mentorship, Matthew will be receiving his State Degree at the 2016 MN FFA State Convention!   

Congratulations Matthew on your success in the Boer Goat project and good luck in your future endeavors!