FFA WEEK 2021 Sunday, February 14, 2021 | globegazette.com | SECTION C
FFA FACTS:
Did you
know? SHUTTERSTOCK
The Iowa FFA Association presents ‘FFA 101’
FFA vision
ccording to the Iowa FFA Association website, FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success, the website states. Members are future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields. FFA is an intra-curricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education. The official name of the organization is the National FFA Organization. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and our heritage that will never change.
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. To accomplish its mission, FFA: Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership. Increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being. Strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work. Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career. Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs. Encourages wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community. Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction. Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism. Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people. Promotes healthy lifestyles. Encourages excellence in scholarship.
FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world.
A
Everybody’s FFA
FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; FFA also welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more, according to the Iowa FFA Association website. For this reason, the name of the organization was updated in 1988 after a vote of national convention delegates to reflect the growing diversity and new opportunities in the industry of agriculture. FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways. So today, the organization still the Future Farmers of America. But, it is the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future
FFA mission
AGDAILY PHOTO
Veterinarians, Future Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America, too. Today, according to the Iowa FFA Association website, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. FFA members live the motto Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live and Living to Serve. FFA members rise to the challenge of service embracing members of all walks of life united through FFA. FFA is Structured on three levels, according to the Iowa FFA Association website:
Local FFA chapters
The heart of the National FFA Organization is at the local chapter level. FFA chapters may be chartered in any public school with an agricultural education program. Leadership is provided by student officers who are elected each year by the chapter’s members, and by the agriculture teacher who serves as the advisor for the chapter.
State FFA associations
FFA is an organization made up of state
associations; those state associations are made up of local chapters. State FFA associations function within the constitution of the National FFA organization, but may also create individual leadership structures, awards, programs and competitions. State FFA officers lead the membership of the st ate associations and are elected by state FFA convention delegates. Local FFA chapters are chartered through the state associations.
National FFA organization
At the national level, FFA is led by a board of directors and six student national officers. Together, they act on recommendations from the national convention delegates and agricultural education’s stakeholders to set the vision and policy for FFA. The founding principles, authority, objectives and procedures of the National FFA organization are established by the National FFA constitution and bylaws. The National FFA organization is a federally-chartered organization. Here is a look at the FFA’s time-honored tradition:
FFA motto
The FFA motto gives members 12 short words to live by as they experience the opportunities in the organization. Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.
FFA code of ethics
FFA members conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to their organization, chapter, school, community and family. FFA members pledge to: Develop my potential for premier Please see FACTS, Page C8
From leadership to serving others What FFA means to those participating
chapter president: “I am so grateful to have been a part of FFA in high school. I have made a lot of new friends and I We asked FFA members from feel so much more confident and different North Iowa chapters prepared for the future because of what FFA means to them, and here the organization.” are some of those answers:
Clear Lake chapter
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Riley Schuchard, senior and chapter secretary: “For me, FFA is more than just learning about agriculture, it’s learning leadership, confidence and making friendships that’ll last a lifetime.” Olivia Brcka, senior and
Charles City chapter
Drew Staudt, senior: “FFA to me is an organization that provides students with lifelong skills and abilities that they can use throughout their future. The organization has provided me with countless opportunities to expand my leadership skills and knowledge within the agriculture
industry.” Gillian Anderson, senior: “To me, FFA is one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had in high school. It has helped me find my interests, my future career, and my confidence. FFA has been the source of growth not only in career skills that will carry with me as I enter the workforce, but also in leadership abilities that I implement in my daily life.” Natalie White, senior: “To me, FFA is a way to get involved, serve others, and impact people in a positive way. It’s a community of people who are driven and always willing to serve
others. It allows me to take a look at the bigger picture in life and gives me the opportunity to be a leader and make an impact.”
Forest City chapter
Chiara Thompson, junior: “FFA to me means hard work and dedication. Every day, I work my hardest to make sure I’m bettering myself, my peers, and my community. This organization encourages all members to try something new and get out of their comfort zone. They’ll have many new experiences and gain leadership skills/life skills that’ll shape their decision-making and
values for the rest of their lives.” Allison Klein, sophomore: “What FFA means to me is all of the opportunities given to better myself as a person. Learning how to lead others and become a functioning and dependable citizen. Not only do I learn about accountability through agriculture-related tasks, but I have also met tons of good friends that will be lifelong. As I grow older, I may Please see MEANING, Page C8
FFA WEEK 2021
C2 | Sunday, February 14, 2021
Globe Gazette
Clear Lake chapter continues growth Growing membership, new greenhouse, test plot partnership evidence of success CLEAR LAKE FFA CHAPTER
In the fall of 2020, the Clear Lake Agricultural Education Department and FFA Chapter began its second year. Despite being relatively new to the world of ag education and FFA, Clear Lake’s program has been growing in a multitude of ways, including a new greenhouse, a future test plot in partnership with the North Iowa Fairgrounds, and having over 120 members in the program. Even with the year looking very different with COVID-19 restrictions, students have been actively involved in a variety of activities in the FFA. Clear Lake had 12 students participate in three different Career Development Events. Career Development Events are events that prepare students for their future where they develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem solving skills. The three events that students participated in were Farm Business, Vet Science, and Poultry Judging. Lexus Conroy, Meagan Paine, Thomas Gansen, and Alec Eggers participated in the State Farm Business Management CDE
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The 2021 Clear Lake FFA chapter. and received a silver rating. Emma Pingel, Kjersten Ouverson, Olivia Brcka, and Maycee Wilkie participated in Vet Science. They received a gold rating and placed seventh in the state of Iowa. Mason Murphy, Delaney Eden, Riley Schuchard, and Sydney Williams participated in Poultry Judging. This team also received a gold rating and placed ninth in the state competition.
A large part of being an active FFA member is being engaged in community service. In the holiday season of 2020, Clear Lake FFA partnered with Iowa Select Farms to help those in need have a nutritious and delicious holiday meal. Iowa Select Farms donated 25 pork loins and $250 to the FFA through their Ignite the Spirit Community Project. Members of the FFA chapter used the cash
donation to purchase items for the Clear Lake/Ventura Food Pantry and delivered all the food in time for the holiday season. While the rest of this year will continue to look different, there are many exciting things on the horizon for Clear Lake FFA. There will be over 20 members competing in Leadership Development Events at the sub-district and district levels in the coming weeks.
The chapter will be showing their gratitude to the faculty and staff of Clear Lake High School by holding an appreciation breakfast during FFA week. Members are looking forward to all the great opportunities being offered to them through the ag education program and FFA chapter and are excited to see how Clear Lake FFA continues to grow in the coming years.
COVID-19 doesn’t deter members of Osage chapter Members get creative with livestock showings, new greenhouse, banquet OSAGE FFA CHAPTER
sage FFA has had a O great past year despite the changes to annual plans caused by COVID-19 and we had many successes. We had nine members show livestock at the Mitchell County Fair: Lia Wagner, Alexis Jones, Brooklynn Halbach, Nick Fox, Devon Swenson, Garrett Tusler, Joryn Hanson, Hannah Koch and Elizabeth Hinders. The prize award this year was Garrett Tusler, taking home Grand Champion Market Beef and showing at the NorthCentral Iowa Showdown. Another highlight that has been well covered is building a greenhouse that will hold plants starting this month. Our officer team consisting of Mary Miller, Mary Ann Fox, Hannah Koch, Ben Popp, Emma Lindeland, Alex Hemann, and Samie Brandau has done a great job being flexible and creative
during this unique year and provided members to attend in-person activities like our drive-through banquet this past fall and a drive your tractor to school day. In these past weeks, we have also had members take on additional tasks resulting in Mary Ann Fox running for a district officer position and four members receiving their Iowa Degree (Hannah Koch, Ben Popp, Mary Miller and Gwen Voaklander.) The chapter has also focused on restructuring the leadership of the chapter by elevating the purpose and responsibilities of committees. We currently have 11 committee chairs (Genasee Clayton, Alex Hemann, Mackenzie Swenson, Brooklyn Brock, Brooklynn Halbach, Ashton Sonberg, Nate Havel, Josie Keck, Ayla Kline, and Ava Voaklander) partnering with the current officer team to organize chapter events such as the activities coming up soon
during National FFA Week. On the Monday of National FFA week, we will be hosting sub-district FFA competition. Osage FFA has members competing in each of the nine contests that are held at this level. We will also have a day of FFA week designated for the freshmen/new FFA members. Another activity will be brought back from FFA weeks in the past, as we will hold Ag Olympics, were teams will be able to com-
pete in a relay style competition all about agriculture. There will not be much down time between FFA week and our next big event, District FFA Competition (March 6), followed closely by the State FFA Convention in April. Even though this FFA year seemed to get off to a slow start, we are so proud of all the members and excited to see participation CONTRIBUTED this upcoming spring and summer with many more Osage FFA chapter members Brooklynn Halbach and Alexis activities. Jones showing their beef project.
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FFA WEEK 2021
Globe Gazette
Sunday, February 14, 2021 | C3
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FFA members deliver masks to Forest City assisted living. Left to right: Madison Branstad, Neveaha Wicke, Jayden Springer, Rick Burke with Forest Plaza Assisted Living, Chiara Thompson, and Allison Klein.
Forest City FFA hasn’t slowed down HALEY HINRICHS
Forest City FFA Chapter advisor
What is it like being a first year teacher during a pandemic? It’s awesome if you have a great group of students to work with like I do every day. Going into the school year, there were a lot of unknowns, but one thing was for sure, everything was going to look a lot different. Regardless, we were going to make the most of it. Our main focus this year has been community service, and this year has provided us with ample opportunities to serve our com-
munity. To start, we spent a night making masks for the people in the Forest City nursing home and assisted living. Then, FFA students in an ag leadership class got the chapter and school to donate various goodies and then put together packages for the police officers, first responders, and firefighters. Around the holidays, FFA members took a trip to Bomgaars, picked out their favorite toys, and donated them to Toys for Tots. Students are still finding ways they want to serve the community
CONTRIBUTED
FFA members on this year’s ski and snowboarding trip. Left to right: Advisor Ms. Haley Hinrichs, Lili Nelson, Madison Branstad, Trista Olsen, Justin Brock, Brooklyn Winders, Chiara Thompson, Neveaha Wicke, Logan Groves, Grant Wooge, Trayce Swanson, Jorden Trunkhill, Jailyn Rodriguez, Jayden Springer, Ethan Johnson, Anna Wirtjes, Elle Lewis, and Ella Johnson. in the following months and are not slowing down now. FFA members agree that the annual fruit sale was a hit this year. They surpassed previous years sales and we celebrated our hard work of selling, sorting, and delivering fruit with a fun ski trip up to Minnesota. Students came out of the trip a bit bruised and sore, but they had a mighty good time. Thank you to all who supported our chapter with fruit sales. Your contributions do not go unnoticed by
our members and make possible amazing opportunities for our members. Last but not least, FFA members are still adding to their bank of knowledge and strengthening their skills. FFA members in the soils class successfully analyzed soil pits this last fall and learned to never say dirt around Ms. Hinrichs. FFA members kicked off the new year at a leadership conference focusing on goals. We took a virtual trip down to the capital to
talk everything about agriculture and education with those who represent us. Finally, students are working hard on their leadership contests in order to develop their speaking and interview skills. It has been a challenging year no doubt, but that didn’t slow down the Forest City FFA Chapter. I am proud to advise these dedicated and passionate students. I am truly looking forward to the rest of the school year to see what these members do.
West Fork FFA opens ‘non-traditional’ student’s eyes HOPE HARTMAN
West Fork FFA Chapter reporter
FFA is usually seen as a group of teens that all live on farms and show animals at the county fairs. With me, though that story is different, I help run my family’s Christmas tree farm and I live in town. The journey to joining FFA started with my FFA advisor, Kaitlyn Porter, talking me into trying something new. I was not sure that FFA was going to be something I would enjoy, but my eyes were opened to many opportunities that FFA has provided. Since I am on the non-traditional side of FFA, I get to enjoy the other activities and competitions that are offered. For example, I competed with my FFA
chapter in the floriculture competition at Kirkwood for the first time and placed 11th out of 75. My chapter is also very much involved in the communities that surround us. We do farmer feeds at the co-ops in the fall, help the Rockwell Lions Club with parking cars at the truck pulls every July, and we have done a Meals for the Heartland day where the whole school helped package meals. Personally, I have benefited from all the programs FFA offers as I placed second in Forestry Management and Products Proficiency at the state level. When it comes to recruiting eighth-graders in the spring, I feel like I can give them a new perspective on what FFA has to The 2021 West Fork FFA chapter. offer.
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FFA WEEK 2021
C4 | Sunday, February 14, 2021
Globe Gazette
Riceville chapter continues upward swing Increased numbers, events attended highlight 2020 ALEXA HOUSER
Riceville FFA Chapter reporter
This past year, the Riceville FFA chapter has seen increased involvement in both the number of members participating in activities and also the number of events and activities attended. FFA Week ran from Feb. 22-29 last year. The Riceville FFA chapter hosted a teacher breakfast. The teachers were served omelets, and FFA members were served pancakes, eggs, and bacon or sausage. FFA members then put together a petting zoo for the K-6th grade students. At the petting zoo, there was a calf, two lambs, a kid, two goats, rabbits, piglets, a chicken, and a duck. Students at Riceville Community School were able to come down at certain times to learn about and pet the animals. During the week, the Riceville Officer team and Program of Activities team also presented the Program of Activities slideshow to the Riceville Kiwanis Club. To wrap up FFA week, FFA members were able to participate in the Ag Olympics. For this event, there was square hay bale racing, lassoing the FFA president, cup stacking, and the nut and bolt challenge. The Sub-district competition also took place in February. The Parliamentary Procedure team consisted of James Beran, Theo Kales, Morgan Drilling, Zach Gronwoldt, and Alexa Houser. They received gold and alternate at Sub-Districts. Sophia Weaver, Mercedes Lesmeister, and Andrea Growoldt comprised the Program of Activities team. The team received gold at Sub-Districts and received a silver at Districts in March. The Riceville FFA banquet was scheduled for March 24, but unfortunately, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the banquet was not able to be held. The 2020-2021 FFA Officers rose above not having a banquet, however. When the first FFA meeting was held in September, the officers took photos of the members with their banquet awards. Then the officers put together a slideshow for the banquet. The Riceville FFA 20192020 Banquet can be seen on the Riceville Community School Facebook page. The Iowa State Convention was also held virtually in May. Sophia Weaver, Andrea Gronwoldt, Mercedes Lesmeister, Brody Koen-
CONTRIBUTED
2020-2021 Riceville FFA Chapter members. (Front L-R) Morgan Nosbisch- advisor, Theo Klaes- President, Morgan Drilling- Vice President, James BeranSecretary, Alexa Houser- Reporter, Charlie Ring- Sentinel, and John Langreck- Historian. (Second row L-R) Josie Gansen, Abigail Retterath, Trenten Swenson, Catherine Weaver, Lauren Hemann, Makenzi Walker, Aubrey Orth. (Third row L-R) Isaac Harken, Mitchel Marr, Will Felper, Anthony Houser, Kaden Kobliska, Joy Beran, Ashely Koenigs. (Fourth row L-R) Kennedy Linkenmeyer, Annie Schroeder, Chance Christensen, Matthew Pridgen, Brynn Hemann, Taylor Hemann, Camdyn Orth, Allison Schumann. Missing from the picture is Zach Gronwoldt, Adanna Warnke, Hope Nightingale, Libby Miller, Mel McElroy, Alexis Koenigs, Carson Hale, Hunter Gossman, Rylie Dunn, Wyatt Williams, Corrine Steere, Megan Percivial, Brady Wilberding, Colby Warnke, Tyler Sprung, Jonah Knode, Lelan Kelley, Cassidy Bowen, Samantha Wilberding, Emma Schipper, Matthew Praska, Madison Miller, Lilly Koenigs, Carver Hale, Kylie Dvorak, Lyndon Dohlman, Jaylyn Beran, Johnny Adams, Claire Zweibohmer, Nolan Hendrickson, Derek Anderson, and Patrick Boyle.
Riceville FFA member Hannah Sunnes competing in the Horse Show at the Mitchell County Fair. She received the High Point Award and the Sportsmanship Award. ings, and Chris Eastman received their Iowa Degrees. On May 5, there was a meeting to vote on the Riceville FFA Chapters 2020-2021 officers. The officers and their offices are as follows: Theo Klaes – President, Morgan Drilling – Vice President, James Beran – Secretary, Zach Growoldt – Treasurer, Alexa Houser – Reporter, Charlie Ring – Sentianal, and John Langreck – Historian. The Mitchell County Fair took
We are pleased to be a supporter of such a great organization as the Future Farmers of America
place in July. Members showing at this fair included Madison Miller and Theo Klaes, who exhibited cattle, and Hannah Sunnes and Theo Klaes, who exhibited horses. Hannah Sunnes also showed her horse at the Special Edition Iowa State Fair in August. On Sept. 26, the team consisting of James Beran, Morgan Drilling, Ashley Koenigs, and Charlie Ring competed in the virtual State Meats Judging competition. The
team received sixth out of 23 teams. On Oct. 21, the District Soils Judging competition was held in Sheffield. The Riceville FFA team consisting of Alexa Houser, James Beran, Joy Beran, and Zach Gronwoldt received fifth and qualified for the State Soils Judging contest, which will be held in Spring 2021. Also in October, Dakota Retterath received his American Degree at the National FFA Convention, which was held virtually this year. The American Degree is the highest degree that you can earn in FFA. Riceville FFA Chapter members also participated in this by watching the program. Four FFA members participated in the State Farm Business Management Contest in November. Team members included Theo Klaes, Morgan Drilling, James Beran, and Alexa Houser. The contest was virtual this year and was available for teams to compete anywhere from Nov. 12-18. The team received 14th place as a whole and James Beran placed ninth overall in the state. Fruit, meat, cheese, candy, cookie, and apple cider sales took place in November. The top salespeople included Rylie Dunn, who was the top salesperson, James Beran, who was the second top salesperson, and Zach Gronwoldt,
Thanks for your dedication to the Ag Industry!
who was the third top salesperson. Will Felper sold the most from the freshman class, Trenten Swenson sold the most from the sophomore class, Zach Gronwoldt from the junior class, and Rylie Dunn from the senior class. This year, members reached their goal so they will have a bowling party in the spring to celebrate this achievement. Thank you to everyone who bought products. In January, senior members consisting of Alexa Houser, Morgan Drilling, Charlie Ring, and James Beran have completed their Iowa Degree applications and will have the honor of receiving their Iowa Degrees at the State FFA Convention in April. Other members are also preparing for Sub-District contests coming up in February as well as preparing for a busy FFA week. The Riceville FFA Chapter will be celebrating National FFA Week the week of February 22-28. Chapter members will have dress-up days/activities throughout the week. Sub-District competitions will be taking place on Feb. 22 at Osage High School. The Riceville FFA Chapter would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our parents, community members and supporters over the past year.
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FFA WEEK 2021
Globe Gazette
Sunday, February 14, 2021 | C5
GHV FFA stays busy at fairs, giving back Despite COVID-19 challenges, chapter ‘has a great year’ GARNER-HAYFIELD VENTURA FFA
The GHV FFA Chapter has had another great year. Throughout the year we had been involved in different activities. In July, we had members attend the North Iowa Fair, along with the Hancock County Fair. At the Hancock County Fair, there were 43 members that participated in showing hogs, sheep, goats, chickens, and horses. The North Iowa Central Showdown had two members that got the chance to participate: Joseph Pringitz and Dakota Markla, who was awarded Champion Breeding Gilt and got to travel to Afton, Iowa, for All Iowa Showdown. Pringnitz got Reserve Champion Market Hog along with Showmanship. In August, we had 11 members that attended the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Those who participated were Emma Goll, Ryan Darg, Zach Feld, Paige Roberts, Brody Boehnke, Joseph Pringnitz, Caleb Turek, MyKenzie Darg, Matt Barickman, Dakota Markla, and Brielle Smeby. While there Dakota Markla got Champion Landrace Breeding Gilt. The GHV FFA Chapter had the annual field plot. The land was donated to the FFA by Nutrein. The plot is a great way for members to gain learning experience and lessons about marketing, agronomy, and machinery operation. The Junior Ag marketing class was in charge of selling the corn, they made the
CONTRIBUTED
GHV FFA chapter members (pictured left to right). Bottom Row: Joseph Prohaska, Joseph Pringnitz, Kelsey Watson, Brody Boehnke, Jamie Hejlik, Isaac Knutson, Paige Roberts 2nd Row: Jake Burrus, Tyler Leerar, Ben Furst, Jayden Frank, Rafe Van Dusseldorp, Ty Gardner, Brock Gouge, Eric Luppen, Aj Tusha 3rd Row: Cole Monson, Ben Marshal, Ryan Darg, Shelby Greiman, Zach Feld, Max Tusha, Jace Hanson, Riley Renner, Kegan Buchda, 4th Row: Hailey Smith, Kaden Schknecht, Austin Richardson, Braden Renner, Dalton Konz, Braden Boehnke, Emma Goll, Morgan Krein, Rhett Steenhard 5th Row: Aleah Brown, Cassie Ross, Jessica Larson, Aubry Henkes, Ally Asleson, Andrea Fox, Addison Henja, Sarah Schmidt, Rachel Bierle, Karlee Young, Caitlyn Bjoraker 6th Row: Becca Hejlik, Krista Hejlik, Gretta Gouge, Valarie Welsh, Jenna Pringnitz, Wyatt decision to sell the corn at Carlous, Landon Hejlik, Mick Formanek, Mason Graham, Jordyn Carpenter 7th Row: Jenna Chizek, Brody Frayne, Aiden $5. FFA would like to thank Schisel, Reece Bruggeman, Cody Kehoe, Kollin Hansen, Cameron Navratil. FS AgAdvantage, Muff Ag Services, Dan Goll, and Jerry Pringnitz for donation Burres. The Sophomore Top National FFA week falls of machinery, chemical and 3 Sales are Emma Goll, Kea- on Feb. 20-27, 2021. Due to seed. gan Buchda, and Cole Mon- weather, we will move some This fall, members com- son. The Freshman Top 3 activities like Truck and peted in a variety of CDE Sales were Mick Formanek, Tractor day and Ag Skills contests. Jayden Frank, Ja- Gretta Gouge, and Mason Night to the end of March. mie Hejlik, and Kelsey Wat- Graham. Our annual fruit Activities we are having son competed in Vet Science sales net was $9,000 with a for Ag Skills Night are: nail and Farm Business Manage- gross of $34,000. pounding, creeper races, bag ment. Isaac Knutson, Joseph Before Christmas, the FFA tournaments, and the nut Pringnitz, Joseph Prohaska, officers – Joseph Prohaska, and bolt challenge. We will and Max Tusha competed in Joseph Pringnitz, Kelsey still have our Chapter shirts Poultry Judging. The team Watson, Brody Boehnke, during FFA week and have was fourth overall in the Jamie Hejlik, Isaac Knut- FFA officer elections. Many state with two members in son and Paige Robers – got businesses are supporting CONTRIBUTED the top ten, Joseph Pring- together to put a meal ready our FFA Chapter by supplyGHV FFA Goat Show group at the Hancock County Fair (ictured nitz and Isaac Knutson. Max for God’s Pantry. The pork ing refreshments like donuts left to right). Top Row: Dakota Markla, Zach Feld, MyKenzie Tusha was top in egg quality loin was donated by Iowa and pizza. Darg, Brook Barkema, Morgan Krein, Abigail Pannhoff, Select; they also donated judger. In the upcoming year, the Bottom Row: Alayna Welsh, Addison Hejna, Becca Hejlik, The annual fruit sale was money for the officers to get FFA has some goals that we Maddie Graham, Emma Goll, Jake Burress, Addison Fausett. another success. Max Tu- mash potatoes to comple- want to accomplish. At the sha was Top Overall Sales ment the pork loin. This was Iowa FFA Convention to for the chapter. Paige Rob- a great way for the officers to have at least 10 members least 10 members compete at year due to everyone that erts and Dalton Konz were help out their communities attend and have at least four the Iowa State Fair. has supported us along the in the Top 3 overall. The with the holiday season ap- members get their Iowa FFA The GHV Iowa River FFA way and hope the next year Senior Top 3 Sales are Brody proaching Degree. We want to have at Chapter has had a fantastic is even better. Boehnke, Kelsey Watson, and Jamie Hejlik. The Junior Top 3 Sales are Emma Kudej, Kaden Schknecht, and Jake
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Agriculture leAderS!
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CONTRIBUTED
GHV FFA Officer COLT Training (pictured right to left). Top Row: Paige Robers and Isaac Knutson Bottom Row: Kelsey Watson and Jamie Hejlik.
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We Celebrate their accomplishments during FFA Week.
Thank You
2021 Lake Mills FFA Alumni Sponsors • STAR LEVEL $250 AND HIGHER •
Abrams Drainage Service Agri-Sales & Building Supply–Northwood All States Ag Parts Arnold’s of Alden Bayer Crop Science–Scott Gaskill Corporate Farmer Farmers Coop Association Five Star Cooperative Gavilon Grain Golden Harvest Seed–Doug Arneson Groe Electric, Inc. Hanson LP Gas intellicents–Joel & Matt Twedt Kevin Hanson Trucking, LLC Kibble Equipment LM Pump Service–Nathan Ostrander Manufacturers Bank & Trust Norske Pork–Eric Christianson POET Biorefining–Hanlontown Precision Liquid Construction, LLC Right Start Farm Supply–Eric Johnson
Rognes Brothers Excavating Inc. Schott Funeral Homes–Lake Mills Singelstad Hardware & Rental Smith Seed & Agronomy–Zach Smith Stensrud Insurance Services Stoneyford Agency Inc.–Kendra Hanson Storby Seeds–DeKalb/Asgrow Thrivent, Lake Mills–Peter Zwart Turf Trimmers Plus–Scott & Brian Hanson Viafield Cooperative Wyffel’s Hybrids–Doug Arneson Young Plumbing & Heating Gorden & Denise Anderson– In memory of Gorden Anderson Sr. & Mylan Johnson Jean Nelson–In memory of Robert (Bob) Nelson Abbey Family Jeff & Sheila Chose Mike & Deb Gaskill Brian & Crystal Nelson
• GOLD LEVEL $100-$249 •
Abele Farms Ag Advantage Systems Inc.–Thompson Brakke Implement, Inc. Channel Seeds–Perry Erickson, Emmons Christensen Farms–Sleepy Eye, MN Consolidated Energy Co. County Line Seeds Cox Contracting David’s & Fallgatter’s Market Place Duraclean–Doug & Candy Hanna Farmers Trust & Savings Bank Hanson Storage Helgeson Drainage HyVee–Forest City K.C. Nielsen Ltd.–John Deere Kirschbaum Electrical & Plumbing Knutson Oil Co.–H&K Propane, Glenville
Lake Mills Lumber Co. Leading Edge Development Services Liqui-Grow Mason City Red Power Mike Swenson Crop Insurance NSB Bank Price Is Right Construction R&D Applications Inc.–Kris Rugland Ray Gaskill Show Pigs Wagner Tire, Inc. Class of 1973–In memory of Jerry Kester & DeRay Steffensen Steffensen Family–In memory of DeRay & DeVere Steffensen Bob & Carrie Moen Ron & Sherry Penning
• BLUE LEVEL $25-$99 •
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Serving Communities of North Central Iowa www.nicoop.com
AgVantage FS, Inc. Don’s Motor Mart Engebretson Seed Lake Mills Graphic NAPA Auto–Lake Mills
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We strive to promote and advance agriculture in our community, and to assist and encourage those young people currently studying or seeking further education in an agricultural profession.
FFA WEEK 2021
C6 | Sunday, February 14, 2021
Globe Gazette
West Hancock sees growth in ag enrollment SAMANTHA ARNOLD
West Hancock FFA Chapter
CONTRIBUTED
The FFA members raked the Lions Park as their first-quarter community service project. Pictured left to right: Isaac Gobeli, Evan Ford, Nichole Lemmon, Parker Means, Bryer Subject, Scout Johanson, Mathew Francis, and David Smith.
Community service big part of chapter MAZIE ERDAHL
West Hancock FFA Chapter
Not only is the West Hancock FFA busy in the classroom, but we are also busy in the community. At the beginning of the year, the community service committee set a goal to accomplish at least one community service project every quarter. During quarter one, the FFA chapter raked leaves at the Britt Lion’s Park across the street from the high school. Then, for Veteran’s Day, every FFA member participated in writing thankyou letters to the local Veterans from the Britt VFW, writing a total of 156 letters. This experience was very
rewarding because we heard back from many of the Veterans about their experiences during their service. Around Thanksgiving, we also had the opportunity to assist a kindergarten class with a craft about turkeys. Right now, members are working to plan the third quarter project in which we will be making fleece tie blankets for the children in Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. Before the end of the school year, we hope to accomplish a few more community service projects, so if you have any projects that need help from the West Hancock FFA, let us know! We are willing to help.
Fruit sales the staple of fall fundraising SCOUT JOHANSON AND PARKER MEANS
West Hancock FFA Chapter
West Hancock FFA chapter officers set a goal for each of our members to sell $350 worth of fruit this year. The sales help fund contest fees, State Convention, National Convention, travel fees, and other Career and Leadership opportunities. All are great experiences for personal growth for our FFA chapter. Thanks to our motivated sellers and gracious community, we were able to almost double our goal. The top seller this year was Isaac Madson (Sophomore), and he sold a total
There are lots of great things happening at West Hancock High School, one of those being an increase in enrollment in agriculture classes. The Agriculture program offers classes in Introduction to Agriculture, Animal Science 1, NIACC Animal Science, Agricultural Leadership, Horticulture and Welding 1 and 2. Any student who is enrolled in one of these classes is an active member of the FFA and has the opportunity to participate in any FFA related activity. One of the main goals of West Hancock’s agriculture classes is to obtain the knowledge of what the FFA is and how participating and being active in it can lead to premier leadership,
personal growth, and career success. Our FFA officers this year consists of Mazie Erdahl (Senior) – President, Scout Johanson (Junior) – Vice President, Parker Means (Junior) – Secretary, Ethan Hill (Junior) – Treasurer, Samantha Arnold (Junior) – Reporter, and David Smith (Freshman) – Sentinel. The chapter has monthly meetings where we discuss upcoming events, activities, and contests. We have prepared a Program of Activities and have several different committees that our members serve on. Although things definitely look different this year, we are still pushing through and it has been a great year CONTRIBUTED so far. We can’t wait to see what the West Hancock FFA West Hancock FFA officers: Mazie Erdahl—President, will achieve and accomplish Scout Johanson- Vice President, Parker Means- Secretary, the rest of the year. Samantha Arnold- Treasurer, David Smith- Sentinel.
CONTRIBUTED
West Hancock FFA members: pictured from the left to right back row: Nick Huffman, Eric Robbins, Brighton Kudej, Tyler Ford, Cole Schisel, Mathew Francis ,Brayden Langfitt, Alex Marks, Evan Ford, David Smith, Casey Lamoreux, Matt Larson, Aiden Barber. Second row from the left to right : Zack Monson, Cooper Eden , Jade Cook , Makayla Hamilton , Samantha Arnold, Ethan Hill, Isaac Madson, Mazie Erdahl , Nichole Lemmon. First row from the left to right: Autumn Poncin, Heather Engsler, Brody Baltzer, Julian Calles, Weston Schmidt, Parker Means, Evan Boothroyd, Scout Johanson.
Proudly Supporting Future Leaders in Agriculture National FFA Week: Feb. 20-27, 2021
CONTRIBUTED
Isaac Madson sold a total of $1,100 in fruit, meat, cheese, and candy during the annual FFA fruit sale, making him this year’s top seller.
641.423.9531
www.Hertz.ag
West Hancock FFA Chapter
The West Hancock FFA chapter supports its members as they continue to participate in Career Development events. Adding multiple new members competing in contests, the FFA chapter has high hopes to continue growing participation in the chapter in the following years to come. Sub-Districts is on Feb. 15, and we have several students preparing for a variety of contests. Mazie Erdahl (Senior) will be competing in Job Interview, Sydney Myers (Junior) will be competing in Public Speaking, David Smith (Freshman) will be competing in Radio Broadcasting, and Evan Ford (Freshman) will be competing in FFA creed.(Freshman). These four individuals will hopefully move on to compete in Districts, which will take place in March in Nevada, Iowa. We also have several students preparing for contests for the district and state level: Samantha Arnold (Junior) will be competing in Reporter’s Scrapbook, Cole Kelly (Senior) will be competing in Chapter Website, Scout Johanson (Junior) will be competing in Chap-
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ter Display, and Mazie Erdahl (Senior), Parker Means (Junior), Samantha Arnold (Junior), and Ethan Hill (Junior) will compete in poultry judging.
We Support our Local FFA Chapters
WE SALUTE oUr LoCaL FFA CHAPTERS!
When it’s time to sell or buy, work with the leaders in the ‘FIELD’!
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FFA WEEK 2021
Globe Gazette
Sunday, February 14, 2021 | C7
Charles City FFA all about community service Serving holiday meals, distributing food, raking leaves just a few highlights KIKI CONNELL
Charles City FFA chapter
The Charles City FFA Chapter is always busy improving and helping our community. Although no one knew what our 2020-2021 school year was going to look like, our chapter has continued to accomplish many community service activities. Instead of complaining about the strange circumstances we have been thrust into, our FFA members set aside their issues in order to serve others. We currently have two members serving as North Central District Officers. Gillian Anderson is our district Vice President and Drew Staudt is District Sentinel. It is rare to have one, and a huge honor to have two officers serving this year. We also have one state officer, Bronson Forsyth is serving as State Vice President of the North Central district. During this pandemic, our eyes have been unveiled to the struggle of food insecurity in our community. Lauren Connell, class of 2020, recognized this issue and decided to do something about it. With the support of the entire FFA chapter, everyone helped distribute food with the Jordan River Food Pantry and northeast Iowa food bank. Through the sunny and hot, and windy and cold, Charles City FFA members were always there ready to lend a hand with a big smile that not even a mask could conceal. We handed out food biweekly, but realized we could be doing more. We are blessed with amazing soil in our area and decided it
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Left: The Charles City FFA chapter helped prepare the city’s Thanksgiving meal, which was such a success that during the Christmas season, the chapter decided to tackle a bigger project. All hands were on deck to put together Christmas dinners for approximately 150 people in Charles City. Right: The Charles City FFA chapter helped distribute food with the Jordan River Food Pantry and Northeast Iowa Food Bank.
Left: This fall, the Charles City FFA chapter set up a day full of community service on a teacher development day. On the students’ day off they raked the leaves of area nursing homes for many hours. The residents enjoyed seeing many smiling faces on the grounds. Right: During the pandemic, Lauren Connell recognized the struggles of North Iowans with food insecurity, and employed the help of the Charles City FFA chapter to meet those needs head on. was just one more opportunity to help our community members. As a chapter, we harvested a 60 feet by 120 feet garden at our fairgrounds. The students tilled, planted, weeded, and collected food to take to the Jordan River Food Pantry. This fall, our chapter set up a day full of community service on
a teacher development day. On the students’ day off, they raked the leaves of area nursing homes for many hours. The residents enjoyed seeing many smiling faces on the grounds. This is an amazing example of our members’ serving hearts. The FFA motto is “Learning to Do, Do-
ing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” We can safely say our members represent this principle extremely well. Our advisors are always looking for ways to apply classroom knowledge to real life experiences. In our Introduction to Agriculture Science classes, students were given
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the opportunity to raise broilers in the Agriculture shop that were processed and given to families for their Thanksgiving meal, along with sides prepared by our FFA members and students in FCS classes. The Thanksgiving meal was such a success that this Christmas season, we decided to tackle a bigger project. All hands were on deck to put together Christmas dinners for approximately 150 people in Charles City. The chapter received a grant from Iowa Select and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation. Mason Meyer, a former Charles City FFA officer, prepared the meat for the meal. No money was required to receive this meal. Every hour logged by our members was unpaid and out of the kindness of their hearts. Another service activity we did was safely prepare cookies to take to the local hospital to share our support of our local front line hospital workers.
We Support our Local FFA Chapters Farmers Co-op Association
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FFA WEEK 2021
C8 | Sunday, February 14, 2021
Meaning
apart of something as a group and helping out the community with From C1 work and making things with my friends too. It gives me a look into outgrow my jacket, but never the Iowa and it’s agricultural side. “ memories that make me who I am.” Trista Olsen, sophomore West Hancock chapter “What FFA means to me is that Mazie Erdahl: “I am so thankful to be a part of you learn leadership skills and develop new life skills that you can FFA because it has made me a more use in you’re everyday life.” confident, responsible person. It Elise Wirtjes, freshman: has given me many new opportu“I think FFA means being in- nities to step out of my comfort volved with a club and it gives you zone and to try something new, responsibility.” like poultry showing.” Scout Johanson: Alexi Schaumberg, 8th “FFA is a great group of people grade: “FFA means to me that it is an who work together to accomplish agricultural education that gives something bigger than themyou a good chance to meet new selves. Our chapter works to betpeople and help out your com- ter ourselves, each other, and the munity. It’s good if you want to be community. FFA has opened up involved in more things.” many opportunities for me to beElle Lewis, 8th grade: come a better leader and become “FFA is giving me a chance to be more involved in the community.
Facts From C1
leadership, personal growth and career success. Make a positive difference in the lives of others. Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion. Respect the rights of others and their property. Be courteous, honest and fair with others. Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful and positive
manner. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and generous in defeat. Make myself aware of FFA programs and activities and be an active participant. Conduct and value a supervised agricultural experience program. Strive to establish and enhance my skills through agricultural education in order to enter a successful career. Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization.
We salute the local FFA chapters!
Globe Gazette
“[FFA] means more than sows, cows and plows. It means being the future of America and being the next generation of leaders that our country needs. To me, FFA is the future.”
and willing to get whatever job done no matter what. FFA is a group of amazing people who learn vital skills, through in-class and out-of-class experiences. I believe that being in FFA is very – Jason Meier, West Fork chapter president important for anyone who needs real world experience.”
It is a great way to give back and build new connections. FFA isn’t just about farming and agriculture, it has many other aspects which everyone can learn from. Without FFA, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” Parker Means: “To me, FFA means being a part of something that’s bigger than yourself. It is a world of opportunities that can lead you in many directions later in life. FFA as a whole is a great experience for anyone even if you’re related to ag or not.”
Samantha Arnold: “FFA to me means endless opportunities, learning new things, meeting people and making a change in the world. FFA means to be something more than yourself, and branch out of your circle and explore.” Ethan Hill: “FFA means to be a part of a group that cares more about others more than ourselves and working together to achieve a goal across the country.” Evan Ford: “FFA means you are dedicated
– Adopted by the Delegates at the 1952 National FFA Convention. Revised by the Delegates at the 1995 National FFA Convention.
By the numbers
The blue jacket
According to FFA.org, the iconic blue corduroy FFA jacket has united FFA members across the United States since it was first introduced in 1933 at the National FFA Convention. Did you know that only 50 percent of FFA members nationwide own an FFA official jacket.
West Fork chapter
Jason Meier, president: “It means more than sows, cows and plows. It means being the future of America and being the next generation of leaders that our country needs. To me, FFA is the future.” Riley Petersen, treasurer: “My favorite part about FFA is being able to help out the community, have fun with the people in it and meeting new people at contests and conventions. FFA to me is like a big family, everyone has a part they have to do and at the end of the day we all come together.”
16,162: FFA members in Iowa 285: Schools 248: Student chapters 33,000: Total ag students 21,000: Ag ed high school students 12,000: Ag ed middle school students 17,544: Alumni members 87: Percentage of ag ed students who plan to pursue post-secondary education and/or enter the military upon graduation – Source: Iowa FFA Association
Thank you FFA for building the future of Agriculture!
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Reimagine the Future. Valent BioSciences supports the Iowa FFA Foundation and its mission encouraging youth to pursue careers and leadership roles in the agricultural industry. Like FFA, Valent Biosciences is reimagining the future in order to shape a better agricultural tomorrow. The Valent BioSciences Osage plant has a lot in common with FFA – a focus on teamwork, excellence and learning. We employ each of these while using the latest available fermentation technologies to produce the highest-quality biorational agricultural and public health solutions to meet the needs of growers around the world. Both organizations are also committed to creating a better tomorrow. We salute and thank Iowa FFA members for their dedication as they embark on their journey to becoming tomorrow’s agricultural leaders. ValentBioSciences.com 00 1