Iowa FFA Today - Post National FFA Convention Edition - January 2014

Vo. 2 | Issue 3 | “Post National FFA Convention Edition” Published by the Iowa FFA Association | January 2014

Fuel Passion, Spark Action, Ignite FFAThe 2013 National FFA Convention returns to Louisville to Ignite FFA

From the State of Iowa...Meet your 2013-2014 Central Region National Vice President, Steven Brockshus

Iowa FFAToday

2 | Iowa FFA Today Post National FFA Convention Edition

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Volume 2 | Issue 3The official magazine of the Iowa FFA Association.

2013-14 Iowa FFA OfficersPresident JOSH EARLLSecretary ABRAH MEYERReporter BRAD PICKHINKESW State Vice President LOGAN KELLYSE State Vice President LAUREN WEIRUPNC State Vice President TREY FORSYTHSC State Vice President JAMES LEONARDNW State Vice President DYLAN BROCKSHUSNE State Vice President TONY MOELLERS

Iowa FFA StaffExecutive Secretary MR. SCOTT JOHNSONState Advisor MR. DALE GRUIS

Southwest District OfficersPresident LOGAN KELLYVice President MIKAYLA DOLCHSecretary ALLY SCHULTESTreasurer MICHAEL WITTROCKReporter JACOB STEINBECKSentinel DYLAN RAGUEAdvisor MS. DANA WEEDA

Southeast District OfficersPresident LAUREN WEIRUPNE Vice President MOLLY McGUIRES Vice President HUNTER HAMILTONNW Vice President DAKOTA OLSONSecretary KAYLA KAALBERGReporter LAURA YODERTreasurer SETH WEIRUPAdvisor MRS. ALAINA IMHOFF

North Central District OfficersPresident TREY FORSYTHVice President BEN WEISSecretary AMANDA ANDERSONTreasurer OLIVIA BISBEEReporter REED BURRESSentinel TATE JAEGERAdvisor MR. BOB BAUMGARD

South Central District OfficersPresident JAMES LEONARDVice President SYDNEY WEISSecretary ERIN HAMMONDTreasurer COLE GRUISReporter HANNAH WILSONSentinel JARED McCLANNAHANAdvisor MRS. SUSAN GREUBEL

Northwest District OfficersPresident DYLAN BROCKSHUSVice President DEVAN VANDER VEENSecretary REBECCA LAIRTreasurer KATIE GOODELLReporter MARISSA PHAMSentinel HUNTER EASTAdvisor MR. DOUG GAUL

Northeast District OfficersPresident TONY MOELLERSSecretary ELISA RUSSReporter ALANA PLATTESW Vice President EMILY SAMUELSONSE Vice President ALLISON ZUMBACHNE Vice President AMANDA CROWNW Vice President MICHAEL TUPPERAdvisor MR. RYAN HOLTHAUS

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Want to be featured in the nextIOWA FFA TODAY?Send us a picture of how you and your friends are contributing to your FFA Chapter during National FFA Week! Another way to get in here is to send a TWEET with the hashtag #iaffa14 telling the world what you’re doing & what you love about the FFA! Hopefully we’ll see YOUR face in the next Iowa FFA Today!

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The Iowa FFA Today is now ONLINE! Go to www.iowaffa.com to see all past issues of the Iowa FFA Today!

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CONTENT

4 Member SpotlightHear from FFA members across Iowa about their adventures at National FFA Con-vention!

13 Leadership ConferencesIowa FFA members have reached their boiling point... Their leadership is over-flowing!

18 Thank YouWhat do you get when you mix Iowa FFA and Iowa State Football? Find out here!

6 National FFA ConventionSee how FFA members in Iowa fueled their passion, sparked their action, and ignited FFA at the 86th Na-tional FFA Convention!

10 A Convention to RememberFor the first time in fifteen years, Past State Officer Steven Brockshus makes history as a National FFA Of-ficer. Check it out!

14 SLCDORead how thirty-six of the brightest FFA members in Iowa learn to “Live In the Moment” at Fall State Leadership Conference for District Officers.

17 Future LeadersWE WANT YOU! Help lead the Iowa FFA Association in the 2014-2015 year by applying for State or District Office!

CONTENTS

5 FFA Talent Band, choir, talent, oh my! Iowa FFA showed Louisville all it had to offer this year!

18 Jokes of the MonthNeed a good laugh? Check out “The FFA Jokes of the Month”!

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Macy MarekWashington FFA “Being able to meet new people and see old friends that I don’t get to see very often!”

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Brooke Mead Pleasantville FFA “...Collecting a signature from every state. I met a lot of really incredible people by doing so, and many gave me great stories of their own experiences in FFA.”

What made you IGNITE at the

86th National FFA Convention?

Hunter HamiltonLone Tree FFA “Wiley Bailey’s retiring address was awesome... Especially his banjo-playing. I just bought a banjo actually.”

“Being able to see all of the blue jackets who had Ally Klein worked so hard to get where they were and got Wapsie Valley FFA rewarded for their effort.”

Isiah Brandt Sumner-Fredericksburg FFA “Competing at the National level and talking to people about the differences in agriculture around the country.”

www.iowaffa.com | 5

FFA TALENT

Each year the National FFA Con-vention hosts the National FFA

Band, Chorus, and Talent. Incred-ibly talented members from across the nation participate and perform during each of the sessions at the

convention, and Iowa was very proud to have members in all three of these groups. Iowa had multiple members in the chorus, who sang

an incredible medley and rendition of popular songs that they entitled

“Ignite” in honor of this year’s theme. From new favorites like Pitch Perfect to old classics, the

members belted out their pieces in perfect harmony. Iowa FFA mem-

bers also played in the band, where they demonstrated their extraordi-

nary ensemble abilities and teamed up with the chorus to perform our

National Anthem. FFA member Morgan Kahler also represented

Iowa in FFA Talent. Morgan was given the opportunity to perform in front roughly 50,000 members dur-ing one of the general sessions with

her beautiful singing voice. At the end of her performance, I could not

find one person still sitting down. Morgan and all of Iowa FFA’s band and chorus members did an amaz-

ing job and made all of us very proud. We look forward to seeing where these talents will take these

young individuals in the future.

Nothing but Talent


NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION

CONVENTION RESULT

S

Ag CommunicationsMontezuma FFA5th Place Gold

Ag Issues ForumDes Moines FFA

Silver

Ag SalesMuscatine FFA3rd Place Gold

Creed SpeakingCole Moody

LaPorte-Dysart FFASilver

AgronomySumner-

Fredericksburg FFA6th Place Gold

Ag Technical and Mechanical Systems

West Lyon FFASilver

FloricultureMuscatine FFA

Gold

Veterinary ScienceOelwein FFA

Bronze

Public SpeakingSarah Striegel

Tri-County FFABronze

PoultryMuscatine FFA

Silver

Milk Quality and ProductsWashington FFA

Silver

Nursery/LandscapeMuscatine FFA

Gold

Parliamentary ProcedureWapsie Valley FFA

Silver

Meats EvaluationDiamond Trail FFA

Bronze

Livestock EvaluationWashington FFA

Gold

Job InterviewKathy Kaalberg

West Liberty FFA 8th Place Gold

Food Science and Technology

Charles City FFA 8th Place Gold

ForestryNodaway Valley FFA

Bronze

Horse EvaluationDenison FFA

Silver

Extemporaneous SpeakingWillow Huber

Benton Community FFA Silver

Farm Business Management

Montezuma FFA2nd Place Gold

Environmental andNatural Resources

Des Moines FFA Silver

Dairy HandlerMaquoketa Valley FFA

2nd Place Gold

Dairy CattleSumner-Fredericksburg

FFAGold

www.iowaffa.com | 7

NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION

Fuel Passion. Spark Action. Ignite FFA. As FFA members, what better way to carry out this motto than by attending the National FFA Con-vention and Expo, held in Louisville, Kentucky this past October? The 86th National Convention proved to be one of many new, exciting adventures for the Iowa FFA. With a new location, participat-ing in Career Development Events, getting involved at convention, and having a fellow member elected as a National Officer helped Iowa FFA members make this experience one to remember. Louisville hosted this year’s National FFA Convention, a change from previous years, where it had been held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kentucky was a nice change for many Iowa FFA members, as the weather in Iowa at the time was about 15 degrees colder. The convention was held at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, whereas in Indianapo-lis, events were held downtown. The fairgrounds provided great facilities, easier parking, less traffic, and a wonderful experience for the FFA.

Iowa FFA members from all around the state represented Iowa well with the amount of participa-tion and success with Career Development Events, National Chapter Awards, National FFA Band and Chorus, and many more. There were also 119 mem-bers who received the prestigious American FFA Degree. Many of Iowa’s Career Development Event teams found success during their time in Louis-ville. The Muscatine FFA Agriculture Sales team placed third in the nation. The team consisted of Erin Lagone, Katie Friederichs, Anna Brooks, and Eli Joslyn. Also doing well was the Food Science and Technology Team from Charles City. The

Trey ForsythNorth Central State Vice President

team of Bailee Hejna, Ashley Vance, Myla Meyer, and Tate Jaeger placed eighth. The Farm Business Management team also excelled, receiving second place. The team, from the Montezuma FFA Chap-ter, included Courtney Petersen, Katelyn Gregory, Colleen Johnston, and Abigail Nelson. Montezuma FFA also placed fifth in Agriculture Communica-tions with team members Vincent Bushong, Clara Johnson, and Alex Brenner. Madison Gibbs also did very well as an individual in the Dairy Cattle Handler’s Activity. Gibbs, from the Maquoketa Val-ley FFA, received second place. In the Agronomy CDE, the Sumner-Fredricksburg FFA placed sixth. Their team was composed of Bridget Bouska, Isiah Brandt, Kristen Reno, and Lucas Wendland. The Iowa FFA State Officer team enjoyed a fun-filled, busy week in Kentucky as well. From reuniting with friends from around the country to getting involved in delegate issues and discussions to meeting many new FFA members, the experience was incredible. The team was lucky enough to get seats in the third row from the stage and enjoyed a number of exciting sessions. One of the biggest highlights for many FFA members has been attending the National FFA Convention and Expo. For many of these members, this year’s convention was one for the books. Now the challenge for the FFA members that attended is to take what they learned about leadership, agricul-ture, and service back to their schools, communi-ties, and country to help fuel passion, spark action, and ignite FFA!

Fuel Passion. Spark Action. Ignite FFA.The 86th National FFA Convention and Expo


Steven served Iowa as Northwest State Vice President and State President before being elected to National Office, and I remember a conversation I had with Steven about putting miles on our cars. At the time I was complain-ing how I had put over 500 miles on my car that week, and Steven chuckled and replied with, “I have done that in one day.” Boy, do I believe it! While serving Iowa as a State Of-ficer, Steven already embodied the advice writ-ten above. He knew how precious the time was that he had and was taking advantage of every moment. Trying to meet as many members as possible, attempting to remember every one of their names, or helping a school start a new program, Steven worked day in and day out to leave the Iowa FFA Association better than he had found it. He served knowing his time was not his own but that of the FFA members in Iowa.

Now the Sibley-Ocheydan member and Past State Officer is a National Officer. Steven will get to spend the next year traveling across the nation and creating the same strong bonds he has in Iowa. Steven says that he is most look-ing forward “to meeting people from many different walks of life. My heart just smiles when I meet someone who lives a fulfilling

A CONVENTION TO REMEMBER

The above is quote by the National FFA Organization; its original purpose was to give advice to national officer candidates on how to better serve if they are elected. I think it is fair to say that when reading that quote we all think of one individual in particular. That’s right, Steven Brockshus! And he did it. On November 2, 2013, he was elected to Central Region Vice President. Brockshus is the first Iowan in 15 years to hold a national position, and I personally believe there wasn’t anyone better for the position. If we look back to the quote from the National FFA Organization, we can see that Steven has served with that atti-tude all along.

“If you are elected to national office…your time is no longer your own except

for those few days a month when you travel home to reconnect with your

family and friends.”-- The National FFA Organization

F r o m t h e S t a t e o f I o w a . . .

www.iowaffa.com | 11

A CONVENTION TO REMEMBER

Brad PickhinkeState Reporter

life, regardless of where they grew up or the environment they were put in.”

Steven’s life forever changed when his name was read at the closing session of the 86th National FFA Convention and Expo in Louisville, Kentucky. When asked about that moment he said, “For starters, I didn’t even hear my name called, I just heard, “from the state of Iowa,” and my heart instantly jumped out of my chest! As I ran up on stage, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of gratitude.” It is also a tradition for the retiring officer to as-sist the new officer in putting on that National jacket for the first time. Retiring Central Re-gion Vice President Brennan Castello was the one who helped Steven. “It felt surreal. Putting on your FFA jacket for the first time is simply an incredible feeling. It symbolizes the turning of a page in your life,” and so he is. Steven is beginning a journey that will change his life forever. He will speak at State FFA Conven-tions from coast to coast, facilitate State FFA Officer trainings, and complete his full cycle at the 87th National FFA Convention and Expo in 2014.

Fortunately for the National FFA Organiza-tion, they have a truly amazing officer from the great Midwest. Fortunately for us, we get to share him with everyone else. Steven left an unforgettable mark on the Iowa FFA As-sociation. He changed the lives of countless members and worked whole-heartedly for the future of agriculture and the organization that he truly loves. Those who have met Steven will not soon forget. Those who have not had much to look forward to from this young man. I have no doubt the National FFA Organization

and FFA members will never be the same be-cause of this incredible individual. “As I was tucking in my tallywacker and saw the FFA emblem resting over my heart, time seemed to stand still, and I realized FFA will always have it’s place there, whether I’m wearing the blue jacket or not.” Whether in blue corduroy or not, FFA members will always have a place for the 2013-2014 Central Region Vice President Steven Brockshus.

F r o m t h e S t a t e o f I o w a . . .


LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES


212 360

DISCOVERY

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES

It is that time of the year again for the series of the 212°, 360°, and Dis-covery FFA Leadership Conferences! With State Leadership Conference approaching, it is entertaining and educational to take a look back at the conferences that have already taken place. In November, the 212° and 360° Leadership Conferences were facili-tated by the State FFA Officer Team and National FFA Staff Members Levi Randolph and Andy Moravec. These conferences allowed mem-bers an opportunity to develop as leaders in the FFA and grow as individuals in their lives. Starting promptly at 9 a.m., a day full of workshops and activities began. In 212°, members focused on personal growth and grew socially, men-tally, physically, and emotionally throughout the day.Morgan Hartson from the Sumner-Fredericksburg FFA Chapter at-tended 212° for her second year to learn and take even more skills

back to her local chapter and com-munity. When asked what her favorite part of the conference was, Morgan replied, “My favorite part was meeting with the State Officers and getting to know them better. My favorite session was the life-long growth. When we were supposed to think about a men-tor and what classified this person as a mentor, I thought about all of the positive people in my life and who has always helped me the most.” The facilitators’ goals at these conferences to send members back home with a desire to make a difference. Morgan further explained, “The biggest thing I took back to my chapter was the bullying activity we learned. I told my advisor about it on the way home, and she suggested I talk to our principal about it.” Seeing members stepping up and take action is a success in the eyes of this years’ facilitators. Also in November, Past State Officers Michael Knight and Sarah Doese and Past State President Lindsey Calvert facilitated the Discovery Conference. Tony Moellers

Northeast State Vice President

Middle school students enrolled in agricultural education classes all across the state flocked to the Enrichment Center for the conference that day. Dur-ing their time, the discovery members prepared skits pertaining to different proficiency areas. These skits were fun and educational and gave members a chance to stand up in front of the audi-ence and act out their parts. Addition-ally, it showed all members how diverse the FFA really is. There is no better way to kick off the New Year than to hold the third and final 212° Conference on January 11th in Ankeny. These conferences are a great opportunity for members to discover skills they did not know they had, as well as better themselves as FFA members and individuals. Hopefully we saw you at one of the conferences and look forward to seeing you at the many other FFA events com-ing up over the next few months. From the Iowa FFA, we hope you are excited to Ignite in the New Year!


PR

OU

DSLCDO

Iowa State Football Coach Paul Rhoads stated, “I am SO PROUD to be your football coach!” He shouted this quote to his football players with such pas-sion and poise that any Iowan would be proud to see his care and compassion for his football team. Just like Coach Rhoads, the Iowa FFA has a lot to be passionate and proud about. As I have reviewed my year as Iowa FFA President to this point, I think that one word sums up my thoughts almost completely – proud.In this year alone, I have had the opportunity to travel throughout many different places in this country, chair a National FFA Committee, speak at Greenhand Initia-tions and Chapter Degree Ceremonies, and be in the same room as over 50,000 FFA Members. I have seen a National FFA Talent Participant from Iowa, an Iowa FFA Member wearing his own blue corduroy jacket for the first time, and a National FFA Officer getting elected from this great state. Iowa has so much to be proud of as we start the 2014 year. As we roll into contest season, we are sure to better ourselves and others through our actions in FFA. As we contribute to our chapter’s success, we are sure to make many around us proud. Furthermore, here is a group of 36 individuals that are very near to my heart. These 36 individuals represent each district throughout the state of Iowa. They are your 2013-2014 Iowa FFA District Officers. Not only have I witnessed these individu-als do many great things to better their district, I have seen them better themselves. This group has truly made me proud.At the 2013 Fall State Leadership Conference for District Officers (SLCDO), there was a “unique” feeling in the atmosphere. The entire group of State and District Officers were ready to ignite as individuals and teams, as they dove into SLCDO entitled “Living with Purpose.”Fall SLCDO started Sunday, September 29th at the FFA Enrichment Center. The conference started with the theme of the first day entitled “The Importance of Now.” During the first few sessions on Sunday evening, District Officers learned the im-pact of the decisions they are currently making.Remember how I said that there was somewhat of a “unique” feeling to this confer-ence? SLCDO definitely took a unique turn on Sunday evening when the Iowa FFA Enrichment Center was taken over by zombies! The District Officers were split into groups, as they tried to keep each other safe and guard the Enrichment Center.SLCDO was not only fun and games but also a lot of hard work. On Monday, offi-cers learned “The Importance of Tomorrow.” Monday included the District Officers determining ways to keep FFA relevant for the next 85 years. The conference was concluded with an address from Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and reflections on the entire conference. What a proud moment for Iowa FFA.As you start up second semester in FFA, what is it that you are proud of? There are many things to do in FFA such as receiving your Iowa Degree, being in the Talent Contest, or participating in the Job Interview CDE. There are many things that can make so many different individuals proud. This year, you have the opportunity. Make someone proud.

Josh EarllState President


SLCDOSLCD

OI love the opportunity to gain ideas

& skills from members whoshare the same passion in bettering myself.

One of the workshops really helped me realize

where I have been, where I am now, and where I am going.

It’s nice having that strong network of agriculturistsaround you.

I love the

fact that you get

to hang out with

the state officers

for a whole day.

My favorite part was

hands down the zombie

activity. I had so much fun,

and it got my adrenaline

up!

I really enjoyed getting

to meet and spend

time with other

District Officers.


The FFA Jokes of the Month

Thank You To

IOWA FFA SPONSOR

The temperature was frigid, it was Senior Night, and the Iowa State Cyclones were one and nine. The tension in the field was high, but the excite-ment in the crowd was overpowering. This was not only a big night for the senior football players and Iowa State fans but also for the Iowa FFA Associa-tion. Producers Livestock Marketing Association, a co-op that sells livestock in some of the biggest western markets, had promised the Iowa FFA Association $100 for every touchdown that Iowa State scored during the football season. Watching from the Jacobson Hospitality Suite in Jack Trice Stadium were Josh Remington from the Iowa FFA Foundation, State FFA Officers Abrah Meyer and Lauren Weirup, and representatives of Producers Livestock Marketing. During a break in the third quarter the representa-tives of the Iowa FFA and Producers Livestock Marketing were brought down the field, where Producers Livestock Marketing presented the Iowa FFA with a check in the amount of $5,400. The night concluded with a huge celebration and a successful Senior Night as the Cyclones pulled off a win of thirty-four to zero against Kansas. We appreciate the continued support and contribution that Producers Livestock Marketing Association provides to the Iowa FFA Association. Thank you!

Q: Did you hear about the magic tractor?

ANSWER: It drove down the lane and turned into the field!

Q: Where did the sheep get its haircut?

ANSWER: The baa-baa shop!

Q: Why are carrots good for your eyesight?

ANSWER:Rabbits don’t wear glasses... (LOL!)

Q: Why can’t the bankrupt cow complain?

ANSWER: He has no beef!

Lauren WeirupSoutheast State Vice President

Join the Iowa FFA at the State Capitol on

January 27th

for


FUTURE LEADERS

WE WANT YOU!Are you interested in running for District or State FFA Office? Visit www.iowaffa.com or talk to your

advisor to apply!

Iowa FFA AssociationFFA Enrichment Center1055 SW Prairie Trail ParkwayAnkeny, Iowa 50023

Iowa FFA Today - Post National FFA Convention Edition - January 2014

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