The 64th National FFA Convention

Proceeding;' bJLbb November 14-16, 1991 Sweet victory: Afriend was on hand to celebrate Michael Ryan Beckerink's national prepared public speaking win. A

JeffBergman, Paris, Mo., played baritone sax in the National FF Band.

Sometimes Dreams Do Come True... An

Plane tickets...school buses...sprawling city. ..bright lights. ..claim

checks...black shoes. ..suitcases... They filled Kansas City hotels, jammed 13th Street and munched pizza at the the Town Pavilion. Dressed in their best blue and gold, FFA members joined advisors, Alumni, National FFA Foundation sponsors and family members, waiting anxiously for their convention experience to begin. But FFA convention participants weren't the only ones getting cleaned up for the convention. Hoards of Secret Service agents and police combed Municipal Auditorium, checking every nook and cranny. Police dogs sniffed band instruments and camera bags for traces of anything unusual. Not just anybody could get in. This day was to be an FFA exclusive. About 11 a.m., Wednesday, the audience began filing into the auditorium. Through the "magnetom- eters," they passed. No one entered the convention hall without walking through these metal detectors for a thorough security check.

National FFA Band members were riding the elevator with a

Secret Service agent. One of the band members said, "You're part

of the Secret Service?" The agent smiled back: "It's

not much of a secret, is it?"

At 1 p.m., the White House press corps and local media entered, taking their places on the large press platform in the middle of the arena. Press passes dangled from the necks of over 200 reporters and photogra- phers, entitling them to a ringside view. President George Bush addressed a crowd of over 15,000 during a special session of the 64th National FFA Convention. At 1:45 p.m., Air Force One touched down at Kansas City Down- town Airport, and the president's motorcade headed for the heart of the

city. The jet black limousine pulled into the auditorium, stopping only a few steps from the backstage ramp, and the President of the United States emerged at 1:59 p.m., after more than 15,000 FFA members had packed the auditorium and the overflow halls.

Only the stage was lit. Fred McClure, presidential assistant for legislative affairs and former national FFA secretary, had the honor of sitting in the prized chair next to Miss America Carolyn Suzanne Sapp. Missouri's U.S. Senators, John Danforth and Christopher "Kit" Bond, took their seats next to the national FFA officers.

The band was sitting on the stage, limiting to play 'Hail to the Chief for the President's entrance. I had my saxophone in my right hand and my

camera in my left hand and a tape recorder between my knees.

When he came out, I was spell- bound. Wlien he started speaking, he laughed and joked. Even though he's

the leader of the five world, I found out he's just like one of us. Jeff Bergman National Band Paris, Missouri

The President commended the FFA. "America has the best young people in the whole world," Bush said. "I want to salute the FFA for bringing so many of you together to exchange ideas and forge friendships that will brighten our country for

(Continued on Page 6) National Forest Management Proficiency Award winner Lisa Hefty, Auburn, Ind., jumped with joy when her name rang throughout the auditorium.

President Bush wasn't the only world leader taking note of the convention. Russian Republic leader Boris Yeltsin sent a special message. In a letter transmitted by fax to the National FFA Organization before the convention started, Yeltsin emphasized his apprecia- tion for American agriculture.

'The taste of American grain is known to populations of dozens of countries," he stated in the letter. "It is also familiar to Russians. Food supplies from the United States are today a major factor in overcoming the acute economic crisis and carrying out radical reforms in Russia." Yeltsin praised a program which brought 30 Soviet agriculturalists to the U.S. last June for a year of hands-on experience. FFA and the National Young Farmer Educational Association coordi- nated the U.S. host families.

All of us coming here to Kansas

City— it nurtures the idea of a common cause. Being with all these people from other places makes us

look toward the future. If FFA

doesn't do it for us, what will? Keith Brodersen With all the tours to take, convention sessions to attend, Alumni Chapter Representative workshops to listen to, and the Career Show to visit, FFA members Storrs Regional, Connecticut needed to take a break. This young woman found a rest spot outside

to catch a breath fresh air. Other leaders also touched convention of participants. Miss America Carolyn Suzanne Sapp told members, "Getting an Impressed by the overwhelming size of the National FFA Convention last year, Keith Brodersen, Storrs Regional, Conn., said he decided words were not enough to describe the sights. This year, he captured the convention and its record crowd of 27,003 on videotape to take home and share with his chapter. education is a one-way ticket to accom- Although members were let plishing goals." Her appearance was down when the brawny sponsored by Chevy Trucks. Sapp spent Arnold Schwarzenegger Wednesday afternoon greeting members "terminated" his appearance and signing autographs at the National at the FFA convention to Agricultural Career Show. work on the film "Christmas Captain Gerald Coffee, a seven-year in Connecticut," he redeemed prisoner during the Vietnam War, himself with a phone call. "I demonstrated the "tap code" he and want to assure you this is not other POWs used to communicate among 'Hans and Franz' from themselves between isolated cells. He Saturday Night Live," he tapped the FFA motto to an approving began. The crowd roared its crowd. approval when Vietnam vet Dave Roever shared his Schwarzenegger vowed to story. While preparing to lob a grenade, visit a future National FFA Roever was fired on. A bullet hit the Convention. grenade he was holding only six inches from his face. He survived, and now puts a high value on life. "Drugs aren't gonna the U.S. Department of Agriculture also states participating in a pilot program, make your life any better," he urged. addressed the convention stage. FFA members have been paired with And while you're at it, "Stop the insanity Sprinkled throughout the convention elementary kids at-risk; those kids who of drinking and driving." Roever 's schedule were other history-making lack self esteem, stability and might fall presentation was sponsored by the events. Convention registration reached prey to drugs or teen pregnancy. The Western Retail Implement and Hardware record levels at 27,003. Friday afternoon program helps FFA members develop Association. seven new charters were issued by the communication and leadership skills Guest speaker Jerry Clower was National FFA Organization. Guam and while helping their new-found friends. sponsored by United Telephone Sys- the Virgin Islands were welcomed as two To keep track of all the daily events tem—Midwest Group, and Scott McKain new associations and five affiliate and news, the FFA TIMES was ready and by DVB Enterprises, Inc. which also chapters in the South Pacific Islands of waiting for members each morning. It sponsored the convention organist, Peter Micronesia were granted charters. was sponsored through the National FFA Ole. Betsy Brand, assistant secretary at The National FFA Organization Foundation by Domino's Pizza and the the U.S. Department of Education, and recognize the Project Pals mentoring Jack Parnell, former deputy secretary at program. In its early stages with two (Continued on Page 8)

7 —

exploding in the sky with Kansas City at the epicenter.

The National FFA Convention was closed for another year. The week meant different things to many people. But the memory that sticks with everyone members, guests, parents, cab drivers, Kansas City merchants—is of the official dress and the blue jackets. A Future Farmers of Japan Advisor who received the Honorary American FFA Degree explained that the FFA jacket is unforgettable.

In Japan, students must wear school uniforms, but they have no FFJ uniform. However, in the United

States it's just the opposite. There is no school uniform. FFA members all wear the same jackets, and they wear them proudly. And that pride brings unity. Junichiro Chidani Agricultural Instructor Tokyo, Japan Vietnam veteran Dave Roever spoke about the importance of being an individual and his love national presented him of for life. After FFA officers Just as with the blue corduroy FFA " with an appreciation plaque, he shouted, 'Awesome! I love it." jackets, this National FFA Convention was unforgettable, too. General Fund. And to share the FFA The lights dimmed. The auditorium convention with the rest of the country, emptied and hotel room keys were returned. sessions were broadcast live via satellite People left town in all directions like fireworks television. The coverage was sponsored by TSC Stores and Fermenta Animal Health through the National FFA Foundation. Besides the retiring addresses, speeches, special guests, contests, videos, Career Show and new events, traditions such as the Ameri- can Royal, tours, shopping and plenty of pizza consump- tion outside the walls of Municipal Auditorium and Bartle Hall lived on, and the popular eateries remained so.

We do all the conventions that come through here, but ordinarily we wouldn't do a kids' convention. These kids

are different. They're not like the average city teenagers.

They know how to act.

They're mature. It's like a family. ..when these girls see each other they run and

scream and hug each other. The national FFA officers closed a busy day at the convention with a look ten years into the future during Rhonda and Jesse HardinCo-Owners Reflections on Wednesday night. The 1990-91 officers are (clockwise from left): Ben Nessmith, southern Ice Cream Castles region vice president, Georgia; Mark Timm, national president, Indiana; Danny Grellner, national Kansas City, Missouri secretary, Oklahoma; Matt Lohr, eastern region vice president, Virginia; Lesa Ann King, western region vice president, Texas; and Julie Classen, central region vice president, Nebraska. National Officer Candidates

Officer candidates gathered on the steps of Barney Allis Plaza enroute to the convention hall. Though this elite group was put through its paces by the nominating comittee, they forged new friendships and enjoyed an experience known to only a select few.

Officer Candidate Reception sponsored by Mobay Corporation, Agricultural Chemicals Division

The 1991-92 National FFA Officers COLORADO: Stephen Cline, McClave NEW HAMPSHIRE: Travis Allen , Dover were chosen from a field of 39 candidates DELAWARE: Kimberly Dannenhauer, NEW JERSEY: Elizabeth Jost, Warren Hills by a nominating committee comprised of Lake Forest NEW YORK: Shane Andrews, Madison official delegates. For the candidates, the FLORIDA: Ray Hodge, Branford NORTH CAROLINA: Wesley Barefoot, Midway convention week was a challenging GEORGIA: Denise Thompson, Tifton County NORTH DAKOTA: Beverly MacDonald, Sumner opportunity, and a time of intense High OHIO: Dena Wyler, Ridgewood competition and personal growth. IDAHO: Geert Loeffen, Fruitland OKLAHOMA: Christie McDaniel, New Castle Interviews for the six officer positions ILLINOIS: Katrina Rose, Salem OREGON: Corwin Boswell, Joseph began on Tuesday and ran through INDIANA: Erik Gustafson, McCutcheon PENNSYLVANIA: Kirk Sattazahn, Conrad

Friday. During that time, candidates were IOWA: Chad Luthro, Prairie Valley Weiser questioned by the committee and took KANSAS: Larry Whipple, Jetmore SOUTH DAKOTA: Gerri Nagel, Gettysburg part in convention activities from their KENTUCKY: James Comer Jr., Monroe County TEXAS: Melinda Beckendorf, Tomball special section in the auditorium. MARYLAND: Trisch Bull, Hereford UTAH: Shay Wright, Payson The nominating committee's report MASSACHUSETTS: Jennifer Ward, Essex VIRGINIA: Jody Bickel, Orange Senior was presented to the convention Saturday MICHIGAN: Raymond Wagester, Chippewa Hills WASHINGTON: Monte Scholz, Sumner afternoon. (For a copy of the report, see MINNESOTA: Brian VanZomeren, Alexandria WISCONSIN: John Rozum, Mishicot page 68.) MISSISSIPPI: Susan Watkins, Southeast WYOMING: Howard Jones, Gillette MISSOURI: Joseph Cooley, McDonald ALABAMA: Shane Black, Clements MONTANA: Michael Stevenson, Hobson ARIZONA: Brian McEntire, Peoria NEBRASKA: Lee Thurber, Norris ARKANSAS: Kevin Jester, Gurdon NEVADA: Sara Wadsworth, Lincoln CALIFORNIA: Louie Brown Jr., Hanford Stars Over America

FFA members Blake Johnson (left) and Adam Schumacher beamed with pride when they were named American Star Farmer and American Star in Agribusiness.

Film sponsored by The General Fund of the National FFA Foundation. Cash awards sponsored by the executive sponsors of the National FFA

Foundation, Inc.

For the eight regional Star Farmers and Stars in Agribusiness, Thursday was a red-letter day. ja_ During the afternoon, they went before judges to answer questions about Adam Schumacher Blake Johnson their Supervised Agricultural Experience Heron Lake, Minn. Holdrege, Neb. programs. That night, surrounded American Star in Agribusiness American Star Farmer onstage by spouses, parents and teachers, each was honored for outstanding Schumacher began his supervised Johnson began operating his own accomplishments in FFA. The judges' agricultural experience program farm when he was still in high choices for the top awards were an- by working on his parents' nursery school. Today, he is managing 1 20 nounced following the premiere of the and strawberry operation. He head of cattle and 442 acres of

Stars Over America film. eventually developed his own pastureland. Johnson also has 1 73

The American Star Farmer and the wholesale business selling potted acres enrolled in the Conservation

American Star in Agribusiness both coniferous evergreen trees. In Reserve Program, and his entire received $2,000 and each regional Star seven years, he has increased his farm is covered by a conservation received $1,000. All were presented with annual sale of conifer potted and plan. Johnson is a junior at the plaques, travel awards and invitations to barefoot stock by almost University of Nebraska, where he take part in the 1992 Stars International $200,000. studies agricultural economics with Experience Tour to Europe. a farm and ranch management

option.

10 Robert Tonn Lola Lang David DeLoach Elton, La. Mount Vernon, Wash. Eatonton, Ga. Star in Agribusiness Star in Agribusiness Star Farmer Southern Region Western Region Southern Region

Tonn began his custom fertilizer Lang started her pony farm business DeLoach began his supervised application and feed mixing business 1 2 years ago with her mother. Over agricultural experience program when he was in high school. In the years, her business has grown with 47 dairy cows, 17 heifers and addition, he now owns 30 percent to include trail rides for children and 14 calves. Today, his program has interest in his family's farm supply adults, children's birthday parties, expanded to include 202 dairy center. Tonn is also involved in the riding for the physically challenged, cows, 76 heifers and 30 calves. showing, breeding and sale of riding lessons and summer day DeLoach was recognized in 1989 purebred Simmental cattle. Upon camps. Lang is also involved in the as the national dairy proficiency graduation from McNeese State international exporting of horses award winner. He plans to increase University, Tonn plans to return to and works as a horse broker with a his herd to 250 cows and increase the farm supply centerand eventually horse riding farm in Japan. his production average to more than buy his father's shareof the business. 20,000 pounds of milk per cow.

Shane Theriault Todd Schmitmeyer Kent Erickson Caribou, Maine Versailles, Ohio Ferndale, Wash. Star in Agribusiness Star Farmer Star Farmer Eastern Region Eastern Region Western Region

Theriault was only 1 3 years old when Schmitmeyer began his supervised Erickson was eight years old

he and his brother purchased the agricultural experience program in when he entered the dairy

stump grinder that started their lawn high school with 1 8 breeding swine business. He is now a partner

care operation. A year later they and 83 market hogs. Today, his with his father and older brother

added mowing, fertilizing, weed program has expanded to 68 in the family's 550-head dairy spraying, aerating and applying lime breeding swine and 801 market operation. Erickson is attending to lawns. Last year he purchased a hogs. Schmitmeyer was named Washington State University computer to keep records. Today, national swine proficiency award where he is studying animal

the business has more than 300 winner in 1 990. He plans to expand sciences and industry with a

customers. His enterprise led him bybuilding new facilities and adding special focus on production. In to be named the State Star more than 100 sows to his 1988, Erickson was named the Agribusinessman in 1990 and the operation. national dairy proficiency award

State Star Farmer in 1991. winner.

11 Proficiency Awards

Friday evening's Proficiency Pageant recognized regional finalists and national win- ners in 29 areas of agricultural enterprise. For their years of stewardship, record keeping and excellence in their Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, 114 outstanding FIBER CROP PRODUCTION individuals were honored. Sponsored by Sandoz Crop Protection A panel of judges chose a national winner for each category on Thursday afternoon. Corporation Each national winner received plaque, cash travel $750, a a convention award and an Central: Lonnie D. Gibson Jr., invitation to experience European agriculture during the 1 992 European Travel Seminar. Arbyrd, Mo. Regional winners were awarded $250, a plaque and a convention travel award. Eastern: Shannon W. Naylor, Clinton, National winners are printed in boldfaced type. North Carolina Southern: Kelly Carmack, Gates, Tenn. AGRICULTURAL ELECTRIFICATION Western: Valorie Ermis, Agua Duke, Sponsored by National Food & Energy CEREAL GRAIN PRODUCTION Texas Council, Incorporated and The General Sponsored by Kellogg Company and Fund Unocal 76 FLORICULTURE Central: Scott Allensworth, Red Oak, Central: Marcus Moreland, South Sponsored by American Floral Endowment; Iowa Haven, Kansas The Lerio Corporation; The Paul Ecke Eastern: Christopher Rathbun, Eastern: Galen Hellwarth, Celina, Ohio J. Poinsettia Ranch; and Professional Plant Henderson, Southern: Jennifer Meeks, Halls, Term. NY. Growers Association Southern: Micheal Scott, Weir, Miss. Western: A. Wulf, Raymer, Troy New Central: Pat Nelson, Hamel, Minn. Western: Ryan Sites, Mountain View, Colorado Eastern: Jennifer MacDonald, Okla. Rockville, Conn. DAIRY PRODUCTION Southern: Kelly R. Watson, Smithville, AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS Sponsored by Alfa-Laval Agri, Inc.; American Tenn. Sponsored by Case IH Breeders Service; and Manna Pro Western: Daniel Ross, Canby, Ore. Central: Jeffery B. Koontz, Bremen, Ind. Corporation Eastern: Linwood H. Hattorf III, Central: Christian S. MacKinnon, FORAGE PRODUCTION Mechanicsville, Va. Ind. Jamestown, Sponsored by Gehl Company and Northrup Southern: H. Watts, Killbuck, Marvin Simmons, Eastern: Julie Ohio King Company Mershon, Ga. Southern: Steven Davis, Alachua, Fla. Central: Jeremy Dankert, Bremen, Ind. Western: Western: Kent Cedaredge, Jeff Jarolimek, Burley, Idaho W. Raim, Eastern: Michael W. Lantz, Colorado Fremont, Ohio AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING Southern: Bobby Chumley, Speedwell, Sponsored by Nestle USA, Inc. DIVERSIFIED CROP PRODUCTION Tenn. Central: Jeff Marciniak, Antigo, Wis. Sponsored by Cargill Western: Ray Rezendes, Chowchilla, Eastern: Brian Keets, Jeromesville, Ohio Central: Donald W. Gooch Jr., Calif. Southern: Jim Hobbs, Dyersburg, Term. Lancaster, Ky. Western: Candi Ercanbrack, Santaguin, Eastern: Shawn Beucler, Findlay, Ohio FOREST MANAGEMENT Utah Athens, Ala. Southern: Matt Haney, Sponsored by Buck Knives; Stone Container Borba, Calif. Western: Aaron Merced, Corporation; and The General Fund AGRICULTURAL SALES AND/OR Central: Lisa M. Hefty, Auburn, Ind. SERVICE DIVERSIFIED LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION Eastern: Brett H. Bunn, Fancy Gap, Va. Sponsored by Chevy Trucks; ICI Americas Sponsored by Livestock Marketing Western: Jodie B. Tullos, Brownsboro, Inc.; Northrup King Company; and Association and Wayne Feed Division/ Texas Smith-Kline Beecham Animal Health Continental Grain Company Central: Robert Clary, Hillsboro, Wis. Central: Neal E. Herr, Camden, Ind. J. FRUIT AND/OR VEGETABLE Eastern: Eric Park, Marion, Ohio Eastern: William C. Worrell, Hillsville, Va. PRODUCTION Southern: Matt Fannin, Jonesboro, La. Southern: Jim Shaver, Troy, Ala. Sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corporation Western: Justin Boyle, Agra, Okla. Western: Brian Johnson, Gotebo, Okla. Foundation, Incorporated Wirth, Thompson, Iowa BEEF PRODUCTION FEED GRAIN PRODUCTION Central: Jason Eastern: Clint Williams, Autryville, Sponsored by Nasco Division/Nasco Sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred North Carolina International, Incorporated and Pitman- International, Inc. Southern: Fred McKinnie, Sneads, Fla. Moore, Inc. Central: Jerry Besch, West Bend, Iowa Western: Brian Greedy, East Wenatchee, Central: James R. Comer, Eastern: Ryan R. Davis, Amanda, Ohio Wash. Tompkinsville, Ky. Southern: Stefan Maupin, Newbern, Tenn. Eastern: Lee C. Rosson, Trevilians, Va. Southern: Chad Smith, Ville Platte, La. Western: Michael K. Stevenson, Hobson, Mont.

12 HOME AND/OR FARMSTEAD POULTRY PRODUCTION SPECIALTY CROP PRODUCTION IMPROVEMENT Sponsored by Chore-Time Equipment Division Sponsored by CENEX/CENEX Foundation; Sponsored by The Upjohn Company of CTB Incorporated; ConAgra Poultry; Red Kubota Tractor Corporation; and The Central: Anthony G. Origer, West Bend, Brand fence/Made by Keystone Steal and Wire General Fund Iowa Company; and Sanofi Animal Health, Inc. Central: Janis Enfield, Hamilton, Ind. Eastern: H. Dean Workman, Spencer, West Central: Aaron L. Johnson, Orleans, Ind. Eastern: Chad McDowell, Winchester, Virgina Eastern: Tom Steurer, Nevada, Ohio Ohio Southern: Joe Gibson IV, Dyersburg, Tenn. Southern: Frances A. Dalton, Benton, Southern: Debbie Jackson, Mayo, Fla. Western: Sarah L. Bartram, Guthrie, Okla. Tenn. Western: Michael R. Macy, Culver, Ore. Western: Christina Lopez, Fullerton, Calif.

HORSE PROFICIENCY SWINE PRODUCTION Sponsored by Equicare, a Division of SHEEP PRODUCTION Sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health Division/ Zoecon Corp. and Justin Boot Company Sponsored by American Sheep Industry Pfizer, Inc. Central: Craig Bard, Kirklin, Ind. Association; Kent Feeds, Inc. /Evergreen Central: Jon Swertzic, Fullerton, Neb. Eastern: Colleen A. McKeon, Mills, Inc.; and The General Fund Eastern: Matthew Burns, Irwin, Ohio Woodbourne, N.Y. Central: David P. Witte, Ossian, Ind. Southern: Shelley Wright, Southern: Kathy Marschat, Grand Eastern: Christopher E. Hawn, Gettysburg, Sparkman, Ark. Bay, Ala. Perm. Western: Devin DeLozier, Adair, Okla. Western: James R. Thomas, Gilbert, Ariz. Southern: Robert S. Cantrell, Ellijay, Ga. Western: John Hoy, Perkins, Okla. NURSERY OPERATIONS Sponsored by Chrysler Motors Corporation- Dodge Trucks and MSD AGVET Division of

Merck & Co., Inc. Central: David A. Potts, Kirksey, Ky. Eastern: Aaron Steere, Chepachet, R.I. Southern: Jeanette Perry, Summerfield, Fla. Western: Tony Mullen, St. Paul, Ore.

OIL CROP PRODUCTION Sponsored by Chicago Board of Trade and FMC Foundation Central: Tom Seitz, Lafayette, Minn. Eastern: Bill Black, Lockbourne, Ohio Southern: Benjamin D. Robertson, Lake Providence, La. Western: Dalton Nix, Tolar, Texas

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.SA and The Chad Smith's advisor was as much a winner as his student. Danny Grellner, national FFA General Fund secretary, presents a plaque to Smith, Ville Platte, La., who won the Beef Production Proficiency

Central: Daniel J. Propes, Fairplay, Ky. Award. Eastern: Steven Rose, Suffolk, Va. Southern: Eric Hill, Sneads, Fla. SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT TURF AND LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT Western: Larry Baskett, Roosevelt, Okla. Sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund Sponsored by The O.M. Scott & Sons Central: Tim Bedel, Oldenburg, Ind. Company Eastern: Joe Herrmann, Oxford, Ohio Central: Kevin D. Jernigan, PLACEMENT IN AGRICULTURAL Southern: Matt Elliott, Lake Placid, Fla. Franklin, Ky. PRODUCTION Western: Sierra Stoneberg, Hinsdale, Mont. Eastern: David Snyder, Hamilton, N.Y. Sponsored by DEKALB Genetics Corporation Southern: John C. Parrish, Dothan, Ala. and Pitman-Moore, Inc. Western: Kevin McVeigh, Central: Travis Knote, South SPECIALTY ANIMAL PRODUCTION Brownsville, Ore. Whitley, Ind. Sponsored by American Dairy Goat Eastern: Troy McCrum, Westfield, Maine Association; Country General Stores; and Southern: Nikki N. Johnson, Georgetown, Purina Mills, Inc. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Tenn. Central: Jon Finnegan, Litchfield, Minn. Sponsored by Prudential Foundation Eastern: Karl King, Risingsun, Western: Jared Fernandes, Tulare, Calif. Ohio Central: Stephen J. Huckeriede, Southern: Tami L. Andrews, Woodburn, Ind. Warrior, Ala. Eastern: Keith C. Allen, Sumerduck, Va. Western: Keith Jones, Visalia, Calif. Southern: Donna L. Eason, Goodwater, Ala. Western: Tommy Howry, Perry, Okla.

13 American FFA Degrees

Sponsored by American Cyanamid Company, Agricultural Division; Case IH; Farm Credit Kelley, Glendale; Steve Kissel, Wellton; Andy B. Watje, Salinas; Andrew H. Weatherly, Santa Lamascus, Higley; Bryan P. Lambert, Roll; Brian Maria; Kristie A. Whitefield, Santa Maria; Jim System; Na-Churs Plant Food McEntire, Peoria; Michael J. Medlin, Kingman; Williamson, Julian; Thomas W. Young,

Company; Pioneer Hi-Bred Shawna G. Mixon, Tacna; Tony Nieto, Phoenix; Kingsburg; Jennifer Yousling, Fullerton International, Incorporated; and Michael Pasquinelli, Yuma; Pam Stephens, Casa COLORADO: Alan Barton, Sterling; Stuart A. Grande; Lisa Williams, Roll Beauprez, Wiggins; Tony Behrends, Fort Pirelli Armstrong Tire Corporation ARKANSAS: Lance A. Barker, Lincoln; Rose L. Morgan; Scott Brase, Lamar; Eric Dickinson, Campbell, Ozark; Eric Massey, Marshall; Timothy Sterling; Dan Ellsworth, Meeker; Todd A. D. Rainwater, Jonesboro; Berlin S. Ramsey, Everhart, Woodrow; John H. Kalcevic, Bennett; This year's convention saw more Summers; Thomas A. Walker Jr., Havana Mitch S. Klann, Flagler; Brian L. Loper, Lasalle; outstanding FFA members receive the CALIFORNIA: Nicole Andrus, Fullerton; Eric Darren J. Martinez, Alamosa; Sherry L. Meisner, coveted American FFA Degree than in Anson, Delhi; Mark Avila, Chowchilla; Jennifer A. Sterling; Cheryl A. Murphy, Monte Vista; Ronda years past. 1,106 took their place in the Baxter, Le Grand; Bryan P. Benafield, Livingston; Pletcher, Yuma; James G. Pritchett, McClave; highest level of FFA membership during Jason Black, Visalia; Aaron Borba, Merced; Chad Jodi L. Raim, Cedaredge; Kelly D. Roesch, the Friday afternoon session. Bradley, Merced; Joseph M. Brengle, Orland; McClave; Terry G. Saffer, Arriba; Mike Schaefer, Recognized for their exemplary Matthew D. Bright, Le Grand; Cynthia Bright, Le Lasalle; Mark Schreber, Arriba; Michelle supervised agricultural experience Grand; Louie A. Brown Jr., Hanford; Chris Bump, Sherman, Lindon; Joseph Turtle, Platteville; programs and leadership activities, Chowchilla; Rebecca Caswell, Westminster; John Mylea Wallace, Las Animas; John M. Walter, American FFA Degree recipients walked W. Cauzza, Santa Ysabel; Robert E. Coleman, Hudson; Amy White, Mancos across the stage Friday to claim a gold Santa Rosa; Thomas J. Conrado, Angels Camp; CONNECTICUT: Kevin T. Knapp, Prospect; key and certificate. Earlier they had been Shawn Corley, Visalia; Derrek Dean, Merced; William E. Syme, South Windsor treated to reception a and luncheon by Sherri Decker, Midway City; Travis Denmark, DELAWARE: Kimberly L. Dannenhauer, Fefton; National FFA Foundation Sponsors. Santa Ysabel; Mark A. Denune, Dinuba; Kristy S. Bryan Melvin, Wyoming The Russellville, Ala., FFA Chapter DeOme, Petaluma; Stacy Dial, Hemet; Julie FLORIDA: William A. Bourn, Fort Meade; had particular reason to rejoice—eight of Faria, Le Grand; Frank Fernandes, Tulare; Jared Richard R. Clark, Groveland; Helen C. Fussell, their members received the degree. Femandes, Tulare; Jonathan T. Fernandes, High Springs; Jeff Gable, Ocoee; Keith Gashaw, Advisor Mayfield, Rex who in 15 years of Tulare; Michael R. French, Visalia; John G. Frey Davenport; Larry R. Godwin, Bratt; David W. teaching has had 24 recipients, gave all Jr., Santa Rosa; Gary D. Giampaoli, Le Grand; Harris, Raiford; Ray Hodge, McAbhin; Lisa M. the credit to the young people. "We won Kristina Gomes, Tulare; Mike Harcksen, Ballico; Mosley, Lake Butler; Monty E. Myers, Fort a national safety award when they were Tammi L. Harris, Salinas; Melissa Hath, El Nido; Pierce; James L. Nussbaumer, Groveland; in tenth grade and the national conven- Patricia Hurtgen, Oakdale; Craig Jones, Mt. Gregory A. Sconyers, Lake City; Michael tion really fired them up," he said. "They Whiney; Janine R. Kagay, Covina; Dennis E. Swindle, Gainesville; Wm. Troy Underhill, challenged each other to reach this goal." King, Petaluma; Nikki Maddux, Madera; Cynthia Sarasota; Lisa Waters, Gainesville; Tracy A. Mancebo, Chowchilla; Kimberlee G. McCormick, Wood, Chipley

Fullerton; Travis L. Metcalf, El Centra; Kelly L. GEORGIA: Darren J. Braswell, Ellijay; William B.

O'Brien, Bloomington; Marilyn N. Pais, Merced; Bumette, Talking Rock; Charles E. Burt Jr.,

ALABAMA: Jason W. Birchfield, Enterprise; Derek Parker, Merced; Virgil Perez, Santa Dawson ville; Andy Carter, Lake Park; Myron B. Jason Bryant, Moulton; William R. Butler, Town Ysabel; Mark Pomi, Petaluma; Pat Presto, Le Carter, Groveton; Edward J. Crow Jr., Ray City; Creek; Christopher D. Carroll, Ider; Kenneth T. Grand; Dustin Rasey, Dos Palos; Tina Rego, William B. Danforth, Lenox; David A. DeLoach, Collins, Hartselle; Charles W. Copeland Jr., Gustine; Carlos Reis, Tipto; Ray Rezendes Jr., Eatonton; Charles G. Denard, Washington;

Russellville; Johnny Criswell, Fulton; Jason E. Chowchilla; Renee Righetti, Santa Maria; Heidi Steven M. Eubanks, Edison; James Holmes, Cross, Russellville; David R. Grissom, Roarty, Quartz Hill; Steven J. Rocca, Fresno; Royston; John D. Johnson, Harlem; Travis W. Russellville; Richmond Haney, Madison; Andrew Tami Sagniere, Clovis; Derek Schneider, Kessler, Guyton; Kevin E. Mitcham, Oxford; S. Holcomb, Russellville; Danny K. Hooper, Porterville; Travis T.J. Seymore, Fresno; Jimmy Casey A. Moore, Ashburn; John H. Reece, Abbeville; Patrick W. James, Russellville; Dondi Sousa, Madera; Jerry L. Spencer, Etna; Dawn Ellijay; Bradley M. Reid, Cumming; Penny Rewis, James, Russellville; Edward H. Kane III, Marie G. Suderman, Kingsburg; Amy Talley, Alma; Lisa M. Smith, Comer; Denise Thompson, Robertsdale; Andrew C. McGuire, Lester; Shane Chowchilla; Lisa Tesconi, Santa Rosa; Bret Tifton; Richard A. Wheeler Jr., Alma; Stacy L. Moore, Russellville; Shane P. Smith, Hartselle; Theodozb, Livingston; Bart Thompson, Tulare; Wilbanks, Baldwin Lowell L. Strock, Marbury; Carlton league, Patrick Torrez, Tulare; Geoffrey B. Turner, IDAHO: Brian Bean, Burley; Eric L. Falen, Gaylesville; Robert A. Thomas, Cullman; Mike Rowland Heights; Eduardo Vaca, Colusa; Steven Genesee; Kathryn A. Frisbie, Kuna; Tom Tompkins, Russellville; Timothy W. Watts, Van Camp, Warner's Spring; Jack Van Hoff, Garrand, Burley; Heather Hendren, Monteview; Courtland; Tom Whately, Auburn; Kelvin S. Chowchilla; Kim A. Vander Haeghen, Canyon Tracy B. Hillman, Shelly; Justin Hobrook, Burley; Whitaker, Grant Lake; Paul Villegas, Perris; Casey B. Vlot, Marci K. Hyatt, Fruit land; Geert Loeffen, ALASKA: Jason Ballek. North Pole Chowchilla; Victoria Warne, Riverside; Ryan Fruitland; Melanie Ritchie, Rexburg; Allen

ARIZONA: Buffi J. Bull, Willcox; Bill L. Chacon, Sanderson, Rupert; Jason Steffler, Shelly; Mike

Tucson; Richard K. England III, Wittman; Shane Turner, Rupert; Lee C. Wright IV, Fruitland M. Frie, Wellton; Brian Johnson, Tanca; David

14 ILLINOIS: Christopher A. Behme, Carlinville; Shoultz, Mustaine; Don W. Swanton, Goose

Janelle M. Bols, Morris; Jill D. Carey, Sycamore; Lake; Jim Thines, Preston; Ty A. Ward, Marengo;

Jeffrey J. Clausen, Genoa; James C. Davis, Jodi M. Western, Afton; Devin L.

Sycamore; Bradley K. Donoho, Texico; Scott Winters, Merrill Drake, Sycamore; Jeffrey S. Freesmeyer, KANSAS: Eric Alquist. Clay

Hamburg; Charlene R. Greer, Pinckeyville; Center; Melanie S. Hundley,

Stephen M. Gregory, Roodhouse; Darren L. Horton; Chad A. Kerr, lola; Darla

Johanning, Waterloo; Scott Kingren, Sycamore; S. Mainquist, Courtland; John D.

Daniel J. Lanan, Kingston; Kimberly J. Lenschow, Malinowsky, WaKeeney; John A.

Sycamore; Chris A. Lutman, Fults; John Maul, Niemann, Nortonville; Jeff C.

Cissna Park; Sam Meeker, North Henderson; Peterson, Burdick; Randall L.

Matthew J. Mueller, Columbia; Sarah Ochs, Small, Neodesha; Russell D.

Milford; Timothy A. Reed, Herod; Katrina K. Small, Neodesha; John Stika,

Rose, Salem; Scott A. Rothe, Brighton; Tiffany Lincolnville; Van E. Underwood, Schaeffer, Cissna Park; Michelle Stanton, Mankato; Larry Whipple,

Sycamore; Michael T. Stayton, Waverly; Robert Jetmore

W. Strand, E. Hinckley; Terry Van Doren, KENTUCKY: Robert G. Baird,

Meodra; Jay W. Vandeburg, Sycamore; Jason L. Utica; Scott R. Burks, Smiths

Williams, Sycamore; Steven E. Wirsing, Grove; Cindy M. Clark, Calhoun;

Sycamore; Craig D. Wynne, Galesburg Jerry A. Coleman, Cave City;

INDIANA: Neal B. Adams, Liberty; Sheri James R. Comer Jr.,

Anderson, Boswell; Cory Arnholt, Columbus; Tompkinsville; Scott J. Elliott, Ray Lighthall, center, received the Honorary

Shawn B. Ashby, Flora; Branden L. Beachy, Philpot; LaNita S. Flanary, American FFA Degree. Daughter Cynthia and son Millersburg; Robert R. Bellman, Bremen; Jeffrey Paducah;John D. Fourqurean, Todd were recipients of the American FFA degree.

L. Blacker, Colfax; D'Lee R. Cyr, Fowler; Jeremy Hopkinsville; Lori S. Fowler,

Dankert, Bremen; Luanda L. Davis, Forest; Eddyville; James Franklin, Taylorsville; Jeremy S. Kurt Benson, Blackduck; Nicole J. Boettger, New

Wayne A. Dix, Woodburn; Corinne Ferris, Graham, Fulton; Kevin D. Jernigan, Franklin; Joe Richland; James D. Christian, Garvin; Jeremy J.

Franklin; Krista D. Fritz, Poland; Rodney C. Konow, Franklin; Brian Kunkle, Bedford; Freking, Heron Lake; Dennis Haiby, Pelican

Gregory, Mooresville; Gregory T. Gunthorp, Gwendolynn S. Lucas, Rineyville; Jonathan Rapids; Craig E. Hall, Rochert; Chad E.

LaGrange; Lisa M. Hefty, Auburn; Jason M. O'Dell, Taylorsville; Franklin L. Owen, Harrington, Spring Valley; James E. Lee,

Howard, Cutler; Kimberly J. Krom, Rochester; Taylorsville; John C. Park, Ravenna; L. Dow Clearwater; Brad Lewison, Ellendale; Susan M.

Brien Logsdon, Demotte; Christian S. Rasdall, Smiths Grove; Chris A. Schalk, Berry; Lochner, Sleepy Eye; Michael L. Madsen, Heron

MacKinnon, Jamestown; Rodney D. Nahrwold, Bart C. Stinson, Franklin; William S. Wells, Lake; Gary D. Michaletz, Glencoe; Jeffrey R.

New Haven; Travis D. Park, Franklin; Kevin H. Rochester; Marvin D. Woolums Jr., Georgetown Missling, Jeffers; David Otremba, Pierz; Timothy

Pinkerton, Liberty; Linda M. Stump-Turtle, LOUISIANA: Renee L. Pousson, Welsh; Scott F. H. Paulson, Hardwick; Bruce Paulsrud, Hillsboro; Wheatfield; Bryan Whistler, Pine Village; Robert Smith, Denham Springs; Robert W. Tonn, Elton Reese Peterson, Atwater; Anders Pierson,

L. Wilcox, Wabash; James C. Wiley, Quincy; MAINE: Brian J. Guerrette, Caribou; Shane H. Butterfield; John D. Regier, Mountain Lake;

James D. Wischmeier, Seymour; David M. Theriault, Caribou Adam Shumacher, Heron Lake; Ted Stangeland,

Wyrick, Michigantown; Sam Zuckschwerdt, MARYLAND: S. Eugene Bollinger III, Thurmont; Pipestone; Brent Stanghelle, Lake Lillian; Jeffrey

B(cornfield Jeffrey L. Crum, Keymar; David T. Farmer, Stauffenecker, Greenbush; Denise Traver,

IOWA: Paul A. Belzer, Albia; Jeffrey M. Burlage, Frederick; Melinda A. Horner, KeyMar; Susan M. Cologne; Timothy J. Vandendriessche, Garvin

Coggon; Corwin C. Christensen, Elma; Douglas Knapp, Laytonsville; Angela L. Page, Dickerson; MISSISSIPPI: Robert A. Butler II, Macon; Emily

A. Fairbanks, Anamosa; Tammy M. Falck, Laurie D. Zimmerman, Frederick B. Walton, Nettleton Strawberry Point; Scott D. Flynn, Keota; Pamela MASSACHUSETTS: Jeffrey M. Lopes, Taunton; MISSOURI: Paul H. Allen, Sweet Springs;

S. Frasher, Anamosa; Sheryl L. Janko, Jennifer Ward, Danvers Jennifer R. Baker, Willow Springs; Jason Barnes,

Shellsburg; Roy A. Johnson, Parkersburg; Chad MICHIGAN: Scott F. Corrin, Corunna; Jennifer L. Caufield; Michel E. Benintendi, Asbury; Curt

T. Ketelsen, Charlotte; William H. Manweiler, Fenton, St. Louis; Michael R. Gasper, Belding; Blades, Shelbina; Adam L. Blaue, Wellsville;

Sumner; Christopher D. Marth, Charles City; Mark S. Hacker, Athens; Timothy J. Harris, Devin D. Bobbett, Bolivar; Chris Bowen, Cowgill;

Todd L. Martin, Rock Rapids; Edward K. Swartz Creek; William A. Harris Jr., St. Johns; Betsy A. Brackenridge, El Dorado Springs;

McCreary, Mount Ayr; Stephen M. Merfeld, Mark C. Jacoby, Akron; Michelle L. Koroleski, Douglas W. Brackenridge, El Dorado Springs;

Nashua; Kevin D. Meyer, DeWitt; Jeff G. East Lansing; Joe Kubiak, Webberville; Debra S. Daniel S. Bradshaw, Holcomb; Theresa Brandt,

Mohwinkle, Aplington; Jay D. Moline, Manson; Laurell, Quincy; Rodney M. Laurenz, Wheeler; Bonnots Mill; Troy D. Brautigam, Union; James

Chad W. Newton, Vinton; Mark Oberreuter, Patrick J. Mikek, St. Louis; Marcia L. Nye, K. Brixey, Norwood; Larry Brown, Mt. View;

Danbury; Kirk W. Sauer, Walker; Matt Schantz, Camden; Dennis R. Pennington, Charlotte; Carol Tonya A. Brown, Slater; Leslie Brown, Bowling

Aburnett; Brian L. Sejkora, Marion; Andrew J. Schmucker, Osseo; Brian J. Schultz, Unionville; Green; Scott A. Burditt, Hunnewell; Bill Capps,

Raymond Wagster, Remus; Tom Ziel, Elkton Paynesville; Bobbie L. Carter, Doniphan; Kevin

MINNESOTA: Neal D. Anderson, Brownsdale; (Continued on Page 16)

15 American FFA Degrees

Jamie L. Turpin, Curtis; Todd M. Wilke, Kimball; Matt Wilshusen, Schuyler; Dallas Wimer, Chapman, Osceola; Donna M. Claycomb, Reynolds, Huntsville; Sandra J. Rice, Green Scribner; Dale Wimer, Scribner; Gwendolyn M.

Columbia; Bobbi Cline, Hamilton; Douglas S. Ridge; Keith Riggs, Pleasant Hill; Michael R. Wolfe, Schuyler

Collard, Oronogo; Lori L. Conrad, Lowry City; Rippelmeyer, St. James; David L. Rodman, NEVADA: Frank Baptist, Las Vegas; Clayton E. Chris Cornelius, Hamilton; Chad Cornelius, Strafford; Michael A. Rogers, Princeton; Jay A. DeVries, Deeth; Jason Geary, Gardenerville; Hamilton; Shane M. Cox, Princeton; Michael D. Rowland, Tipton; Jared Royer, Fredericktown; Bruce K. Greathead, Golconda; James A. Crews, Alton; Kara Crighton, Willard; Doug Brent A. Rush, Lamar; Drew Shannon, Anabel; Settelmeyer, Minden; Sara Wadsworth, Panaca;

Crouch, Olean; Robert E. Dameron Jr., Silex; Lori M. Shaw, Myrtle; Trent Shuftz, Gorin; Tammy L. Wines, Yerington

Shelly Simpson, Hartville; NEW HAMPSHIRE: Travis Allen, Dover

Gary K. Simpson Jr., NEW JERSEY: Sharon Duckworth, Philljpsburg;

Thayer; Robert E. Smith, Michael J. Griffith, Bridgeton; Elizabeth Jost,

Marshfield; Dale Snead, Washington; Clint Shontz, Vincetown; Elizabeth Nevada; Parrish S. Vogt, Millington

Stafford, Savannah; NEW YORK: Shane H. Andrews, Oriskany Falls;

Jeremy W. Steinbach, Shari A. Bennett, Bouckville; Peter J. Bums Jr., Stella; Bryan Stellwagen, Vernon-Center; Catherine M. Coombe, Pierce City; Tammy M. Grahamsville; Richard K. Frost, Munnsville;

Stump, Lockwood; Sarah Hall, Hannacroix; Todd M. Lighthall,

Robert S. Swafford, Munnsville; Cynthia D. Lighthall, Munnsville;

Hamilton; Chad Triplett, David Livermore, Madison; Denise M.

Rutledge;RondaJ. Utke, MacDonald, Oriskany Falls; Darrin R. Nesbitt,

Billings; Jason E. Adams; Jeanne L. Wade, Avoca; Blake Yutzler,

Valentine, Powersville; Remsen; John F. Zuech, Franklinville

Daryl D. Walkup, Gower; NORTH CAROLINA: Wesley L. Barefoot, Dunn;

Sarah Elizabeth A. James T. Boyd, Washington; Jeremy K. Bradley, Chad Ketelsen (left) and Don Swanton, both of Goose Lake, Iowa, Wallace, Carthage; Rutherfordton; Brad G. Brookshire, Hiddenite; were proud recipients the of American FFA Degree during the Stanton J. Warren, Greg D. Brookshire, Hiddenite; Walter S. Butler, Friday afternoon session. Dawn; Barry W. Weaver, Burlington; Lester A. Chapman Jr., Lake

Liberal; Christopher M. Toxaway; Gary Chapman, Taylorsville; Mark

Stephen W. Darnell, Willow Springs; Jessie B. Welsh, Elkland; William B. Wetherell, Fulton; Cruse, Concord; Mark Dennis, Troy; Anthony

Davis, Maryville; Sabetha Davis, Schell City; Micheal Williams, Doniphan; Laurie Wilson, Elkins, Mt. Gilead; Nina J. Elmore, Statesville;

Brad A. Dilbeck, Purdy; Troy A. Disselhorst, Chillicothe; Linda S. Wosoba, El Dorado Springs Tammy Everett, Blanch; Wendy M. Gammon, Palmyra; Amy M. Dye, Callao; Brad Evans, MONTANA: Catherine W. Laughery, Lewistown; Mebane; Victoria M. Graham, Henderson; Terry

Bakersfield; Stan R. Frederick, Baring; Mark A. Krista Y. Lee, Judith Gap; Misti D. Peterson, Greene, Troy; Douglas W. Harkey, Mount

Fugate, Rogersville; Stephanie Gable, Jackson; Livingston; Darrell J. Stevenson, Hobson; Pleasant; Donnie H. Henson, Forest City; Bobby

Brian D. Gebhardt, Salisbury; Kelly Gentry, Michael K. Stevenson, Hobson Jackson Jr., Godwin; Donald W. McCorkle,

Hamilton; John E. Gibson Jr., St. James; Seth NEBRASKA: David L. Acheson, Kimball; Michael Newell; A. Michael Miller, Salisbury; Roy K.

Gilkeson, Harrison ville; Angela K. Gripka, Aurora; D. Bailey, Berwyn; Dan Baumert, Scribner; Gary Oakes Jr., Prospect Hill; Shane R. Parker, Hurdle

Johnna Hanafin, Cleaver; Brent E. Hanshaw, L. Baumert Jr., Scribner; Barbara J. Buresh, Mills; Steven E. Phthisic, Elizabeth City; Ernest L.

Liberal; Kelli Harpster, Kidder; Jay Henderson, North Bend; Timothy J. Claver, Bavard; Colby Ritchie, Salisbury; Dave Robinson, Mt. Gilead;

Purdy; Ronnie Hershey, Keytesville; Cindy Hollis, Collins, Scribner; Shane M. Dose, Hampton; Stony D. Rushing, Stanfield; George L. Scott III,

Willard; Jeffrey D. Holstine, Mound City; Marty Dallas Eilert, Superior; Matthew G. Epp, Milton; Stephen M. Sifford, Rockwell; Timothy P.

House, Grovespring; Jared Hunke, Stark City; Henderson; Craig A. Gana, Martell; Brent Gby, Sifford, Rockwell; William F. Starling, Autryville;

Ricky L. Huston, Anderson; L. Bradley Isdell, Grant; Reid Hagstrom, Kimball; Shawn A. John A. Stroud, Winston-Salem; Jerry Williams,

Bolivar; Clay A. Jackson, Marshall; Jeremy Haines, Ansley; Christopher Haun, Scottsbluff; Mt. Gilead; Teresa L. Williamson, Fremont; David

Jaques, Cassville; Victor C. Jones, New Scott N. Heinrich, Blue Hill; Lynn L. Henry, Yarborough, Candor Bloomfield; Rodney Kallenberger, Norborne; Ansley; Blake E. Johnson, Holdrege; Donelle D. NORTH DAKOTA: Troy Anderson, Cando;

John C. Kleiboeker, Stotts City; Boone Kuder, Johnson, Lyons; Christopher M. Kalkowski, Daniel J. Bergemann, Lisbon; Andrew J. Boehm, Springfield; Scotty Lance, Alton; Jon Laughlin, Bassett; Nancy Kelly, Champion; Matthew A. Mandan; David W. Brown, Berthold; Matthew

Rich Hill; Chad E. Lehenbauer, Hannibal; Tom Kirchhoff, Hardy; Darren Lindgren, Scribner; Cogdill, Berthold; Chad Ellingson, Maddock;

Lindsey, Urbana; Jason Locke, Halfway; Gary Daniel May, Hampton; Micheal L. Meyer, Hooper; Jerome Freeberg, Lisbon; Thomas L. Hoffman, Looten, Olean; Ronald K. Maher, Eldon; Robert Mitchell L. Nelson, Newman Grove; Shaun P. Cando; Darren J. Hoyme, Kindred; Glen T.

L. Martin, Tipton; Amy McClanahan, Hartville; O'Neil, Wauneta; Stephanie Perry, Kimball; John Huettl, Garrison; Aaron B. Jacobson, Crosby;

Tracy McNally, Chillicothe; Brenda Miller, M. Peters, Scribner; Jeffrey D. Peterson, Lyons; Sheldon C. Kauk, Wishek; Mark D. Knudson,

Syracuse; Joe C. Moore, Stotts City; Chad R. Scott Pretzer, Diller; Lonnie E. Quiring, Crosby; Jean A. Leier, Kintyre; Beverly

Nold, St. Joseph; Andrea Peiter, Hanibal; Henderson; Maria F. Racicky, Mason City; Gail L. MacDonald, Bismarck; Scott Nipstad, Horace; Stephen Penny, Richmond; Travis Peterson, Reed, Ansley; Tracy A. Rieckman, Alvo; Andrew Tim Olson, Maddock; Rick Olson, Maddock;

Oronogo; Bob Poisal, Harrisonville; Sam D. N. Sauer, Bayard; Ron Schroeder, Leigh; Matt Ronald R. Scmidt, Hensler; Spencer Thorsness,

Presley, Alton; Bryan L. Ralcliff, California; David Schuster, Superior; Klint G. Stewart, Lincoln; Tappen; David Wall, Bottineau

Reckamp, Wright City; Sharia L. Reed, Tom Tasler, Atkinson; Lee Thurber, Roca; Gary OHIO: Joseph E. Arnold, Lucas; Troy A. Baker,

Gatewood; Jay L. Renner, Granby; Laura E. R. Todd, Union; James E. Toof Jr., Hampton; Marion; Kent D. Bauman, Blue Creek; Randy

16 Bennett, Marion; Shawn 0. Beucler, Findlay; Bill

Black, Lockbourne; Gerald L. Brumfield, Amanda;

Ryan R. Davis, Amanda; James R. Davis II, Lancaster; Neil M. Douce, Wooster; Mark B. Dunkle, Lancaster; Bobby Dupler, Thornville; Scott Eschedor, Bowling Green; Robert G.

Evans, Richwood; Christina L. Evans, New

Carlisle; Brent S. Eyler, Eaton; Larry Gaskill, Newcomerstown; Larry Gerken, Napoleon; Todd A. Gerlach, Farmdale; Duane Grassbaugh,

Howard; Robert A. Groweg, Gibsonburg; Rick L.

Haines, Warsaw; Chad Hall, Cable; Brian K.

Hamilton, Felicity; Diane C. Harder, Oak Harbor;

Steve Harris, DeGraff; Tim Helle, Martin; Theodore C. Holbrook, Stoutsville; James Holley, Findlay; Fred Homan, New Breman; Don Homan,

New Bremen; Tom Irwin, East Rochester; Steven

A. Isler, Prospect; Jeffrey K. Jahns, Fremont;

James S. Jennings, Felicity; Kent M. Karhoff,

Findlay; Harry J. Kenney, Newcomerstown;

Matthew J. Kleinline, Amanda; Richard L. Lamp,

Lancaster; Ryan J. Lee, Marysville; David P. Meyer, Versailles; Scott Michael, Hillsboro; Scott

Miller, Carroll; David Miller, Woodville; Cheryl L.

Miller, Dover; Dale Miller, Lakeville; Dawn Miller, Advisor Rex Mayfield, Russellville, Ala., was flanked by seven of the eight members of his Liberty Center; Kristin K. Newlon, New Lexington; chapter who earned the American FFA Degree. Jason Nissen, Curtice; Brian R. Oestreich,

Graytown; James C. Papritan III, Lancaster; Eric

Park, Marion; Denny Price, Oak Harbor; Shad T.

Ridenour, Bowling Green; Kirk Scheckelhoff, Brent Kisling, Burlington; Clay Lents, Indiahoma; Robesonia; Paul D. Bogart, Danville; Jason L.

Leipsic; Todd M. Schmitmeyer, Versailles; Amy J. Diana L. Littlefield, Pryor; Jason A. Mace, Boyer, East Berlin; Arthur L. Briggs Jr., Spruce

Schotte, Morral; Adam J. Sharp, Stoutsville; Jay Mountain View; Christie L. McDaniel, Stillwater; Creek; John D. Brofee, Millerstown; Samuel J. Smith, J. Shininger, Delta; Suzanne Newark; Cynthia A. McGaha, Macomb; Phillip M. Muller, Conrad Jr., Warriors Mark; Robert M. Davis,

Mark A. Sommers, Urbana; Gregory W. Alius; Kent J. Nichols, Isabella; Kyle J. Nichols, Cochranville; Bernadette Davis, Dysart; Diane K.

Spelman, Canal Winchester; Aaron Tangeman, Isabella; John P. O'Neill, Ponca City; Brian J. Dice, Fredericksburg; John Dyarman, Carlisle; New Bremen; Steven J. Tedrow, Delta; Jeffrey P. Otto, Ponca City; Mara' A. Pamplin, Ringwood; Karen H. Fessler, Robesonia; Gretchen A.

Tilley, Lancaster; Connie Week, Ohio City; Lynn Rachelle L. Reavis, Adair; Jeffrey C. Reynolds, Frederick, Blue Ball; Duaine R. Glessner, Union; Whitacre, Weeks, Greg Bowling Green; Miami; Bryon A. Rice, Wilburton; Shandee J. Waynesboro; Steven L. Gochnauer, Manheim; Minerva; S. Jason Whiteleather, Kenneth Wood, Smith, Stillwater; Debra Stinson, Fay; BaLinda S. Eric J. Harnish, Lebanon; Shawn A. Hensel, Shreve Stuckey, Mooreland; Thomas Thompson, Newburg; Dale Herr Jr., Kirkwood; John M. Hess,

OKLAHOMA: Cody B. Anderson, Ringwood; Francis; Brian W. Thornburgh, Helena; Holly R. Manheim; Alan Kaler, Millmont; Janelle L.

Jason G. Baker, Butler; Randall S. Barnard, Vincent, Morrison; Bart L. Workman, Caney Kennedy(Callen), Valencia; Bruce M. King Jr.,

Fairview; Justin W. Bay, Woodward; James E. OREGON: Amber D. Albertson, Roseburg; Troy; Keith E. Leydig, Berlin; Daniel T. Love, East Beach, Westville; Stanley M. Branen, Collinsville; Corwin G. Boswell, Lostine; Loyal R. Burns III, Waterford; Stephen T. Lytle, Conneautville; Philip Steven C. Brown, Marlow; Jason A. Bryan, Lebanon; Cameron D. Ferschweiler, Gervais; R. Martz Jr., Berlin; Angelique E. McDonald, Bluejacket; Christina L. Buck, Carmen; Travis P. Daryl Fletcher, Tillamook; Brian Gilmore, Canby; Imler; William J. Newman III, Middleburg; Michael Buford, Enid; Kenneth H. Busse, Alva; Joel E. Shawn D. Hester, Aurora; Jeff Knutz, Yamhill; E. Pryor, Waynesboro; Steven D. Rohrbach, Cape, Collinsville; A. Stoney Cobb, Temple; Scott Michael R. Macy, Culver; Scott McNeley, Shoemakersville; Tiffany L. Rohrer, Nottingham; Coontz, Byron; Byron Balko; M. Cowan, Chad H. Lakeview; Tonya McPheeters, Culver; Sonya R. James R. Sankey, Clearfield; Kirk M. Sattazahn, Currie, Bennington; Shari Custer, Logan; Wade Nyberg, Newberg; Jeffrey E. Papke, Salem; Womelsdorf; Robert M. Sauers, New Berlin; E. Detrick, Billings; Ames; Corinna Dolezal, Emily A. Read, Culver; Michele L. Ruby, Scio; Sheila Schwenk(Hostetter), Annvile; Lynette A. Charles Downey, Coyle; Jimmy Farmer, Kristy I. Rusher, Salem; Ronald D. Schumacher, Smith, Red Lion; Rebecca A. Sonnen, Richland; Marlow; Fleetwood, Marlow; Kevin Fruendt, Tony Dayton; Eric R. White, Nyssa Kevin C. Tuckey, Biglerville; Corey J. Will, Berlin; Guthrie; Gary D. Goucher, Alva; Heinrich, Gene PENNSYLVANIA: Roy W. Aument, Quarryville; Thomas E. Willey, Martinsburg; Dean R. Ringwood; Jud Herring, Tipton; James Heston, Tammy S. Balthaser, Bernville; Sherry L. Woodruff, Danville; Sharon M. Zimmerman, Rush Springs; Aaron L. Holcombe, Jay; Andy Bashore(Donmoyer), Mohrsville; James P. Blatt, Reinholds Hollon, Woodward; Stacy L. Honeywell, Billings; Chuck Jensen, Manitou; Greg Johnson, Temple; James C. Kerr, Wayne; Chad Kimble, Hydro; (Continued on Page 18)

17 American FFA Degrees

RHODE ISLAND: Ryan I. Adams, North Scituate Cleburne; LaNette Wilson, Gilmer; Beth M. Ebergen, Granton; Jason T. Figi, Brownton; SOUTH CAROLINA: Bruce Altman, Gresham; Windham, Abernathy; Brent Wood, Sherman; Jason J. Gant, Blanchardville; Eric S. Giese,

Gennie L. Capos, Hemingway; Tyler L. Epos, Kris Wusterhausen, Merkel Alma Center; Chris H. Grassl, Green Bay; Gay A. Lexington; Scott Everett, Gresham; Charles R. UTAH: Paul Briggs, Manila; Michael Brown, Gulig, Malone; Wayne A. Hable, Bloomer;

Kitchens, Woodruff; Jason Poston, Gresham; Coalville; Curtis K. Bunderson, Tremonton; Stephen J. Haldiman, Monroe; Cynthia S.

Charles T. Richardson, Gresham; Steven B. Jennifer A. Crane, Salina; David F. Fairbourn, Harbek, Roberts; Brian Harpstrite, Monroe;

Shirley, Abbeville; Gregg B. Thomas, Johnston; Eberta; Conn L. Famuliner, West Point; Ben Tammy L. Heck, Greenwood; Scott A. Heck, Todd R. Williams, Gresham Fitzgerald, Heber; Kirk Stevens, Holden; Justine Mondovi; Shelly Helming, Tomah; Michael J.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Krecia L. Beitelspacher, S. Wright, Elberts Henke, Stanley; Paula J. Henning, Marshall;

Bowdle; Lee J. Friesen, Olivet; Mark Gross, VERMONT: Harold Caiieton, West Newbury; James P. Henschel, Elkhart; Douglas S. Hetland,

Bridgewater; Bryce Hansen, Elkton; Chad Peter J. Sylvester, Enosburg Falls Monroe; Chad G. Kane, Denmark; Mike Karman,

Heezen, Wessington Springs; Julie Jessen, VIRGINIA: Bryan D. Ashby, Exmore; James E. Denmark; John D. Keller, Forestville; Susan A.

Holabird; Landon V. Ludens, Parker; Jerome Bailey Jr., Phenix; Kimbeiiy D. Bean, Lebanon Klement, Fort Atkinson; Dale Kratz, Denmark;

Massey, Freeman; Andy Paulson, Andover; Church; Jody L. Bickel, Rapidan; Michael T. David Kuehl, Tomah; Mitch R. Larson, Nelson;

Stacy M. Plucker, Lennox; Kerri R. Sanchez, Burner, Berryville; Paul R. Cassell, Wytheville; Christopher Lausted, Menomie; Ronald D.

Harrisburg; Clyde D. Sandine, Salem; Wesley W. Douglas W. Cauthorn, Ashland; Benjamin S. Leitner, Manitowoc; William J. Lien, Hixton;

Schaeffer, Menno; Scott L. Thaden, Vermillion; Cole, Abingdon; Daniel B. Combs, Cana; Angela Jeffrey A. Lueck, Roberts; Dianne S. McGiveron,

Dean M. Townsend, Andover; Kristie J. VerMulm, G. Craun, Mt. Crawford; Arthur B. Dean, Marshfield; Melissa M. Melander, Unity; Dean Harrisburg; Jai M. Walter, Menno Jonesville; Brent Eaton, New Market; Michael C. Meyer, Chilton; Jody R. Moy, Marshall; Daniel G.

TENNESSEE: David Bellamy, Clarksville; Terri Jones, Mount Jackson; Michael Largen, Nerison, Coon Valley; Wayne Neu Jr., Neosho;

Conlee, Burlison; Edwin K. Daniel, Brighton; Martinsville; John R. Marker III, Wnchester; Ryan Todd O'Brien, Luxemburg; Dale P. Patterson,

Stephen H. Grbble, Sparta; Jeffrey W. Hall, T. McDougle, Mechanicsville; Richard L. Mills III, Glen Haven; Michael J. Patzner, Fountain City;

Watertown; Charles C. Head Jr., Clarksville; Ashland; Stephanie C. Newman, Harrisonburg; Kathleen M. Pickart, St. Cloud; Douglas

Jeffrey Lannom, Lebanon; Johnny C. Ottinger Jr., William A. Nobili, Woodlawn; James S. Pugh II, Prochnow, Menomonie; Mary E. Raddatz,

Greeneville; David K. Parham, Dresden; Tim Charlotte Ct. House; Stacy Sager, Woodstock; Oshkosh; Sara R. Rader(Peroutka), Newton;

Patrick, Covington; Eddy Phillips, Mountain City; David C. Seekford, McGaheysville; Elizabeth D. Mark J. Riedman, Ripon; Cory Roesler, Kiel;

Stevie Swan, McMinnville; Max D. Todd Jr., Umberger, Mechanicsville; Bradley S. Webb, John J. Rozum, Whitelaw; Devin Schlewitz, Fall

Chapel Hill; Eric Trivette, Butler; Roger L. Worley Fancy Gap; Matthew B. Williams, Dayton Creek; Traci L. Schultz, South Wayne; John

Jr., Culleoka WASHINGTON: Jiggs D. Anderson, Garfield; Schuman, Antigo; Kari L. Schwenck, Malone; TEXAS: Kevin S. Averhoff, Hico; Melinda Harold Buell, Moses Lake; Robert P. DeBruyne, Robert M. Selzler, Stanley; Dale Shulfer, Amherst

Beckendorf, Tomball; Tracey Beene, lola; Rob Renton; Kent E. Erickson, Ferndale; Kendra L. Junction; James V. Sigg, Hollandale; David A.

Carter, Lorena; Clay Cogburn, Happy; Wes Felt, Centralia; Barbara M. Graves, Grandview; Simon, Fond du Lac; Randy W. Soquet, Green

Davis, Gonzales; Cindy L. Dutton, Baytown; Carmi Holt, Connell; Lola M. Lang, Mount Bay; Alan Stein, De Pere; Ken Stencil, Green Valorie Ermts, Agua Dulce; Kim Essman, Bedias; Vernon; Nathan Moore, Pullman; Clay Olsen, Bay; Greg Stephenson, Ashland; Steven Stetzer,

Billy M. Fambro, Breckenridge; Kim Galle, Cathlamet; Kirk Oswalt, Granger; Rick L. Pack, Melrose; Thomas L. Strause, Cuba City; Corinna

Kingsbury; Brent Graves, Chillicothe; Calvin H. Royal City; Todd Rightmire, Ferndale; Suzanne L. Turner, Madison; Craig Vernon, Ashland;

Gunter, Rogers; Steven Hague, Sulphur Springs; F. Swinger, Lind; Traci Taylor, Othello; Kamille Daniel W. Viste, Sturgeon Bay; James W.

Steve Harlin, Schulenburg; Kevin Hierholzer, Thorne, Pasco Waege, Tomah; Joseph G. Walter Jr., Loyal;

Campbellton; Vince Hranicky, Schulenburg; WEST VIRGINA: Christopher Hillberry, Shady Scott A. Weber, Cuba City; Jason E. Weigel, Cleveland; Jamie Marlin K. Hughes, Corrigan; Eric Humphrey, Spring; Charles J. Hite II, Charles Town; Lancaster; Brian Westermeyer,

Anahuac; Shawn E. Jackson, Edna; Brian D. Chadwick S. Linton, Martinsburg; David S. E. Wetzel, Gillett; Joshua L. Wiser, Evansville;

Kapavik, Lancaster; Blaine L. Koehl, Carmine; McConnell, Franklin; Steven D. Riddle, Steve Wolfe, Marshall; Joel P. Wondra, Sun

Brooke C. Leslie, Glen Rose; Martin Longoria, Harrisville; John H. Scott, Beaver; Aaron Prairie; Clint R. Zank, Neillsville; Mark A.

Mission; Brad Lux, Katy; Tamara A. Lyerla, Stephens, Cottageville; Wesley K. Ware, Zblewski, Amherst Junction

Eastland; Melissa K. Marthiljohni, Edna; Ennis D. Kearneysille; Cinda B. Waybright, Ravenswood WYOMING: Todd L. Baker, Powell; Aaron J.

Massey Jr., Godley; Michael D. Mayo, WISCONSIN: Tammy L. Abendroth, Fort Carter, Powell; Jim Dewey, Riverton; Kevin F.

Farmersville; Doug McCollum, Ranger; Jason Atkinson; Brad L. Anderson, Arkansaw; Craig A. Geis, Gillette; Lance Geringer, Glendo; Amy L.

Miller, Miami; Merlin S. Miller, Booker; Lisa M. Anderson, Monroe; Dustin Anderson, Mindoro; Hettich, Cheyenne; Howard H. Jones, Moorcroft;

Milligan, Navasota; Morris Neighbors, Mabank; David F. Austin, Darlington; William Barman, Sun W. Bert Macy, Pine Bluffs; Pamela Middleton,

Ross Nieschwitz, Pleasanton; Trade Nixon, Prairie; Wayne R. Becker, Almena; Barbara A. Douglas; Rori A. Renner, Meeteetse; Laura L. Afvarado; Darryl W. Nowotny, New Braunfels; Betley, Pulaski; Pauline Blakeman-Rosenlund, Strock, Douglas; Todd A. Taylor, Laramie; Scott Bruce Okrunhlik, Klein; Matt W. Owen, Salado; Marengo; Bonnie Brandel, Fort Atkinson; Mitchell A. Vetter, Carpenter; Susan Ziehl, Mills

David Palmer, Pleasanton; Steven G. Pyburn, P. Breunig, Sauk City; Beth Burgy, Monticello;

Merkel; Eric Ribble, Weatherford; Kyle B. Richard L. Colby Jr., Grand Marsh; Todd A. Roesler, Houston; Devon J. Schuenemann, Inez; Conradt, Clintonville; William J. Cordes, * Brian H. Schumann, Bellville; Amile L. Snider, Comstock; Richard J. Coulthard, Cuba City; Amy

Fairfield; Amy L. Snider, Fairfield; Albert B. Sulak, U. Coulthard, Cuba City; Martin J. Dantinne, Hillsboro; Joe D. Tidwell, Munday; Jeffrey S. Lena; David H. DeBuhr, Marshfield; Dawn

Tondre, San Antonio; Jason D. Underwood,

Eastland; Joel L. Utz, Vanderbilt; Troy B. Webb,

18 Agriscience Teacher of the Year

After hearing his name echo over the sound system of Municipal Auditorium, a jubilant James Aschwanden received hearty congratulations from his school's principal, Luann Boon. He was named Agriscience Teacher of the Year.

Sponsored by PCS Sales, Inc. and GTE Foundation

At the Gait Joint Union economics requirements. National Winner: National Finalists: High School in California, During that time, James Aschwanden California: James D. students are learning about Aschwanden has seen his Aschwanden, Gait biological sciences and enrollment grow from 93 to Missouri: Edward Stephens, agribusiness management 278 students. Carthage while earning credits toward He said can't claim all the Ohio: R. Brad Moffitt, Marion graduation, thanks to the 1991 credit for success at his school. Tennessee: Thomas W. Williams

Agriscience Teacher of the "I have written a lot of Jr., Bartlett

Year. curricula, but I have three James Aschwanden other teachers that are recently developed and wrote motivated to implement it. curricula for floriculture and Their infectious attitudes landscape design that fulfills bleed over to the students as ® graduation requirements for we equip them for the fine arts. In the past ten years, changing agriculture," his curricula incorporated Aschwanden said. agriculture into biological and Aschwanden received a physical sciences, and farm $1,500 cash award and plaque. management fulfilled

19 Agriscience Student Recognition Program

^^^^^~ -' Ww #%_ ^H HP ^h "t\--' . * lf^^

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* «$• > ^|T ™ *' / *^< , ^ ^* < R*

: ''^ ' ; **&& - ' "- i ^ 1 ^fe, ~* ; e »':" .Hm V*\£ ! ^B^ 4

: " ; ^.. v ^•',^?-. - ', ^. -; .-^jr. . : ; 'v' ^- .*T| fc' P,,t ^ y flMkk. i f \ Keeping in line with her lunar experiment, national Agriscience winner Cybil Fisher was walking on air after Ben Nessmith presented her the first place plaque and a $5,000 scholarship check.

Sponsored by Monsanto Agricultural Company

Neil Armstrong's walk on the moon her efforts have been successfully used in National Winner: years before her birth laid the ground- her father's dairy and veterinary busi- Cybil Fisher work for Cybil Fisher's nationally ness. recognized research project. Agriscience winners received $1,000 Runner-Up: Fisher, of Green Bay, Wis., grew seeds for taking top honors at the state level Dee Cabaniss related to cabbage and wild mustard and $2,000 at the regional level. with an accelerated lifecycle of 30 to 35

days in moon-like soil. "I found the plants grow in the moon- National Finalists:

simulated soil, and they grow best California: Thomas P. Albin, Del Ray

without added nutrients or fertilizer," California: Edward J. Schaap, McFarland Fisher said. "The moon has a two-week Georgia: Dee Cabaniss, Madison

night span, so they also need one hour a Ohio: Donald G. Heffner Jr., Akron day of artificial lighting during the first Oregon: Robert D. Rosselle, Adams two weeks and eight hours during the Washington: Michelle Hagfors, Puyallup

reproductive cycle." Wisconsin: Cybil L. Fisher, Green Bay

Her hard work paid off, bringing Wisconsin: Jill Gplinger, Madison Fisher a total of $8,500 in scholarships. Runner-up Dee Cabaniss earned $6,500 in scholarships for her research on the effects of various thawing tempera- tures on dairy cattle semen. The results of

20 Computers in Agriculture

Sponsored by the General Fund of the National FFA Foundation National Winner: Runner-Up: John Demerly Preston Brewton Some of FFA's most Wolcott, Ind. Pensacola, Fla. progressive members were recognized for their skills and innovation with a computer. Finalists in the Computers in Agriculture program gave public presentations at the National Agricultural Career Show on Wednesday and were recognized onstage Thursday morning. John Demerly walked away with the big win in the Computers in Agriculture program. He created a program to track and organize corn test plots. The Tri- County corn plot book he developed compares and ranks eight local plots and numerous seed varieties. Preston Brewton, runner- up, developed a computer bulletin board system serving farmers and agribusiness people in his community.

Each national finalist was presented with a $250 travel award. The runner-up received an additional $250 and the national winner an additional $500. John Demerly (center) was congratulated by national officers Matt Lohr and Mark Timm after winning the Computers in Agriculture Award. Finalists: FLORIDA: Preston Brewton, St. James; Chad Zinnel, Brewster PENNSYLVANIA: Timothy S. Arkansas: Darla Rutherford Pensacola MISSOURI: Julie Gregory, Annada Lehman, Mechanicsburg; Aaron R. Florida: Preston Brewton IDAHO: D. Greg Beal, Emmett MONTANA: Darin D. Oelkers, Stephens, Liverpool Indiana: John Demerly ILLINOIS: Sheila Heide, Sycamore; Culbertson SOUTH CAROUNA: Karen Caldwell, Maine: David CD. Chandler Kristie McDaniel, Eldorado NEBRASKA: Grant Miller, Marietta; Jonathan Davis, Honea Michigan: Robbie J. Windle INDIANA: John A. Demerly, Johnstown; John Regier, Aurora Path SOUTH DAKOTA: Jennifer Texas: Gwen Neal Wolcott; Greg Humburg, Frankfort NEVADA: Pam DeVries, Deeth Knutsen, Volga; Kari Nies, Martin Utah: James E. Evans IOWA: David Jolly, Pleasantville; NEW JERSEY: Bob Bollock, Newton TEXAS: James W. Minix, Burleson; Virginia: Ian Heatwole Dan J. Nibe, Blairsburg NEW MEXICO: Mindi Mayfield, Gwen Neal, Victoria

KANSAS: Roseanne Davis, Hill Playas UTAH: James E. Evans, Altamont;

State Winners City NEW YORK: Nicole Drobysh, Adam Johnson, Lewiston

ALABAMA: Shawn L. Wesley, KENTUCKY: Michael E. Sexton, Grahamsville VIRGINIA: Charles Calhoun Jr.,

Daleville; Nina R. Weston, Boligee Harned; Laura Winstead, Dixon NORTH CAROLINA: Steven South Hill; Ian Heatwole, Weyers ARKANSAS: Darla Rutherford, LOUISIANA: Natalie Shirley, Elton Hurley, Star Cave Lincoln; Melinda A. Tate, Oark MAINE: David C. D. Chandler, NORTH DAKOTA: Tyler J. Stover, WASHINGTON: Ryan A. Lancaster,

CALIFORNIA: Colleen Aguiar, Presque Isle Larimore Ferndale Livingston MASSACHUSETTS: Stacy Brown, OHIO: Jennifer Hysell, Oxford WEST VIRGINA: Eric T.Meyer,

COLORADO: Timothy J. Lindahl, Methuen OKLAHOMA: Kenny Montgomery, St. Marys Otis MICHIGAN: Adam T. Atherton, Springer WISCONSIN: Toby Madsen, Maribel;

CONNECTICUT: Matthew T. Gaines; Robbie J. Windle, Concord OREGON: Katy L. Blanchet, Paula A. Roecker, Mayville Parsons, Union MINNESOTA: Jeff Lofgren, Pendelton; Richard Churchill, Elgin WYOMING: Cherain Schultz, Cody

21 Foundation General Fund National FFA Contests First Place Team: Hartford, Calif. High IndividualPete Boyer, Ashland, Ohio

Farm Business Management Contest history was made at the 64th Agricultural Mechanics convention with the official addition of an Sponsored by John Deere Sponsored by Bridgestone/Firestone agricultural sales contest and a field test First Place Team: Kingdom City, Mo. Trust Fund, a charitable trust of for a parliamentary procedure contest. High Individual: Matthew Boehm, Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. Aspiring marketers tested their Dola, Ohio First Place Miles, prowess in understanding and applying Team: Texas Individual: Brad Book, principles of sales. Participants took a High Miles, Texas Floriculture written test, made a seven-minute sales presentation and performed in a Sponsored by Chevron Chemical "practicum," a situation in which a Agricultural Sales Company/ORTHO Consumer Products contestant demonstrated skill in areas Sponsored by The General Fund Division such as customer relations, advertising First Place Team: Watertown, S.D. First Place Team: Fayetteville, GA. and promotion or job interviews. High Individual: Jason Beard High Individual: Katrina Liloler, Earlier in the week, the Carthage, Mo., Watertown, S.D. Vancouver, Wash. FFA chapter hosted a pilot parliamentary procedure contest sponsored by the Dairy Forestry chapter, the Carthage FFA Alumni Sponsored by the Associated Milk Sponsored by Homellte Division of affiliate and the National Council of Producers, Inc. and Babson Bros/SURGE Farmer Cooperatives, Washington, DC Textron, Inc.; Champion International The contest had four phases: a written First Place Team: Grady, N.M. Corporation; and the General Fund High Individual: Marvin Hoekema, test, a ten-minute team presentation, oral First Place Team:Louisville, GA. questions, and minutes preparation by Lynden, Wash. High Individual: Roger OToole, the team secretary and president. Middletown, Conn. Mossyrock, Wash., placed first. Dairy Foods The contest will be held at the national Sponsored by Mid-America Dairymen, Livestock convention in 1992. Inc.; Patz Sales Inc.; and the National FFA Sponsored by Purina Mills, Inc. First Place Team: Lawton, Okla. High Individual: S. Schofield, Central Point, Ore.

Meats Sponsored by Geo. A. Hormel & Company and Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation First Place Team: Clovis, Calif. High Individual: Ginger Gaits, Clovis, Calif.

Nursery/Landscape Sponsored by the American Association of Nurserymen; Wholesale Nursery

Growers of America Inc.; Kubota Tractor Corporation; and Rhone-Poulenc Ag Company First Place Team: Pikeville, N.C. High Individual: Willie Howell, Pikeville, N.C.

Poultry Sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc. and Pilgrim's Pride Corporation First Place Team: Springdale, Ark. The National FFA Convention wasn 't a relaxing experience for everyone. Many FFA members Eaton, spent intense hours in national judging contests. This member weighed her decisions with High Individual: David chilling precision in the meats contest. Ashland, Ohio

22 Building Our American Communities

Sponsored by RJR Nabisco Foundation Inc.

Chapter efforts to improve their MISSOURI: Carthage; Osceloa; Owensville; Rolla; communities were rewarded with the Stockton; Union presentation of Building Our American MONTANA: Missoula

Communities (BOAC) awards Friday NEBRASKA: Blue Hill; Leigh; Ravenna; Schuyler; morning. The top four BOAC programs Sutton in the nation were recognized, along with NEW YORK: Chemung-Tioga Conservationists gold-, silver- and bronze-ranked chap- OHIO: Wauseon ters. Also presented was the Achieve- OKLAHOMA: Chickasha; Coyle; Jenks ment in Volunteerism award, honoring OREGON: Union PENNSYLVANIA: Lenape AVTS outstanding individual efforts in SOUTH DAKOTA: Harrisburg community development. TEXAS: Longview; Ysleta The Carthage, Mo., FFA Chapter took VERMONT: Central Vermont; Springfield home top honors for its multi-year project WASHINGTON: Bethel; Cathlamet; Elma; Mabton; to improve the appearance of Missouri's North Thurston

urban state highways. The chapter also WISCONSIN: Denmark; Evansville; Laconia; Loyal landscaped historical sites and local parks. SILVER The Achievement in Volunteerism ALABAMA: Paramount; Rehobeth Luis Chavez, ]r. (left) smiled for the cameras National Winner Luis Chavez Jr. of El ARIZONA: Kofa; Yuma with National Vice President Matt Lohr. Paso, Texas, was singled out for his ARKANSAS: Rison Chavez was named National Achievement in leadership in creating a test plot of CONNECTICUT: Mattabeset; Northwestern Volunteerism winner for his efforts to obtain pistachio trees imported from Mexico HAWAII: Konawaena pistachio trees from Mexico for a test plot. with a grant from El Paso Community ILLINOIS: Chicago Agricultural Sciences; Cissna Park;

College. He also organized disaster food Clinton; Seneca; Somonauk-Leland; Warsaw GEORGIA: Perry drives in cooperation with his local INDIANA: Prairie Heights; Southwestern-Hanover ILLINOIS: DeKalb; Georgetown-Ridgefarm business and government officials. IOWA: Akron Westfield; Algona; Hubbard; Humboldt; INDIANA: Carroll Fort Wayne; Tri-County; Whitko Mediapolis; Montezuma; Wall Lake View Auburn; West IOWA: Alburnett; Southern Cal at Lake City National Winner: Bend Hawkeye KANSAS: Atwood; Clay Center; Coffeyville; Hill City; Carthage, Missouri LOUISIANA: Bogalusa; Dubach High; Newellton Marysville; Wamego; Williamsburg Second Place: MAINE: Limestone KENTUCKY: Oldham County MICHIGAN: Marshall Cathlamet, Washington LOUISIANA: Elizabeth MINNESOTA: New Ulm MAINE: Presque Isle Third Place MISSOURI: Clopton; Keytesville MARYLAND: Frederick; Harford Vo-Tech High Mackay, Idaho MONTANA: Miles City MASSACHUSETTS: Silver Lake Fourth Place: NEBRASKA: Superior MICHIGAN: Capac NEW HAMPSHIRE: Coe-Brown Academy; Keene MINNESOTA: Kimball; Lanesboro; Westbrook/Walnut Morgan County, Georgia NEW JERSEY: Warren Hills Grove; Willmar; Winona NEW MEXICO: Goddard; Hobos Achievement in MISSISSIPPI: Carthage; Smithville NORTH CAROLINA: Mountain Heritage NEVADA: Ruby Mountain; Steptoe Valley Volunteerism NORTH DAKOTA: Finley-Sharon; Walhalla NEW JERSEY: Piscataway National Winner: OHIO: Eastwood; Otsego NEW YORK: Madison PENNSYLVANIA: Berlin Brothersvalley; Cedar Crest NORTH CAROLINA: Camden County; Clinton High; Luis Chavez, Jr., El Paso, Texas SOUTH CAROLINA: B.J. Skelton Career Center; East Montgomery; South Rowan; Southern Wayne; Runner-Up: Hillcrest; Strom Thurmond West Carteret Darin L. Dietz, Nashua/ SOUTH DAKOTA: Bowdle; Elkton; West Central OHIO: Amanda-Clearcreek; East Clinton; Tri-County TENNESSEE: Bartlett; Bradley; Plainfield, Iowa Doyle JVS Horticulture; Trumbull County JVS TEXAS: Aldine; Columbus OREGON: Elgin; Nyssa GOLD VIRGINIA: Abingdon; Central; Park View Middle PENNSYLVANIA: Lower Dauphin; Spud Growers; WASHINGTON: Yelm Valley ALABAMA: Isabella; Robert C. Hatch Twin WEST VIRGINA: Ripley ARKANSAS: Delaplaine SOUTH CAROLINA: Furman-Manchester; McBee Monroe; Holstein; WISCONSIN: New Auburn; New Barbers Hill; Brownsboro; Calallen; Clear CALIFORNIA: La Puente Valley ROP; Mt. Whitney- TEXAS: Waupaca; Wauzeka Visalia; Orosi Creek; Clear Lake; Iowa Park; Klein High; Lorena Davis High; Long Valley FLORIDA: Apopka Memorial Middle; Miami BRONZE UTAH: VERMONT: Hartford Vocational GEORGIA: Morgan County ALABAMA: Grand Bay; Jacksonville; Kinston; Marbury VIRGINIA: Holston Horticulture; Northampton High IDAHO: Mackay ALASKA: North Pole WASHINGTON: Winlock ILLINOIS: Franklin Center; Valmeyer ARKANSAS: Cedarville; Jasper; Stuttgart WEST VIRGINA: Marion County IOWA: Bison; Manson-Northwest Webster; Nashua/ CALIFORNIA: Calexico; Ceres; Hilmar; Sacramento- WISCONSIN: Black Hawk; Blanchardville-Pecatonica; Plainfield; North Polk; Sibley; Webster City Burbank Green Bay West; Marshfield; Shullsburg; Spencer KENTUCKY: Reidland; Spencer County COLORADO: Woodlin WYOMING: Encampment-Loch Leven; Wright MICHIGAN: Branch Area Careers Center DELAWARE: McKean; Smyrna

23 National Chapter Safety Awards

Sponsored by Equipment Manufacturer's Institute and Ford New Holland, Inc. wvv&**\ / jf^l - m FFA chapters were recognized Thursday morning for their efforts to improve safety in their communities. Chapters were ranked gold, silver or f? bronze, based on their involvement with *«t Mm safety education and improvement. Written applications indicated an ¥ * y* >B increasing emphasis on environmental « concerns. Chapters focused on their relationships with the world around them and chose projects such as safe .1 chemical and fuel usage; accident-free hunting and machinery operation; and ^% *-'-\ life-saving techniques. /1 X Hamburg IOWA: Bison; Cascade; Creston; Marengo; West KENTUCKY: Scott County CALIFORNIA: La Puente; Mt. Whitney-Visalia Dubuque LOUISIANA: Crowley; Rayne High DELAWARE: Smyrna KANSAS: Clay Center; Marysville MAINE: Limestone IOWA: Mount Ayr; Pekin; Vinton KENTUCKY: Spencer County MARYLAND: Frederick Center & Tech KANSAS: Hill City LOUISIANA: Elton MICHIGAN: USA MAINE: Presque Isle MISSOURI: Carthage; Clopton; Keytesville; MINNESOTA: Lanesboro; Westbrook/Walnut MICHIGAN: Branch Area Careers Center Salisbury; Union Grove MINNESOTA: Martin County West; Willmar; NEBRASKA: Leigh; Ravenna; Verdigre MISSISSIPPI: Hamilton; Weir Worthington NEW MEXICO: Goddard; Raton MISSOURI: Nevada MONTANA: Cascade; Miles City NORTH CAROLINA: Forest Hills; North Lenoir; NEBRASKA: Blue Hill; Superior NEBRASKA: Ansley; Schuyler Parkwood NEVADA: Ruby Mountain NEVADA: Steptoe Valley NORTH DAKOTA: Rolette NEW JERSEY: Warren Hills NEW JERSEY: Monmouth County Vocational OHIO: Amanda-Clearcreek; Greenville NEW YORK: Fort Plain NEW YORK: Chemung/Tioga Future Conservts. OKLAHOMA: Altus NORTH CAROLINA: East Montgomery; OREGON: Elgin PENNSYLVANIA: Lower Dauphin Mountain Heritage; Piedmont; Sun Valley SOUTH CAROUNA: Berea; Furman/ SOUTH DAKOTA: Harrisburg NORTH DAKOTA: J. E. Eastgate Manchester; Travelers Rest TEXAS: Mansfield; Ysleta OHIO: Bowling Green; East Clinton; Marysville; TENNESSEE: Woodbury VIRGINIA: Montevideo Middle; Park View Senior; Preble Shawnee TEXAS: Baytown Sterling; Brownsboro; Calallen; Turner Ashby OKLAHOMA: Chickasha Clarendon; Columbus; Raymondville; Slocum WASHINGTON: Elma; Winlock PENNSYLVANIA: Spud Growers UTAH: Davis; Manila WEST VIRGINA: Marion County SOUTH DAKOTA: Bowdle; West Central VIRGINIA: Essex; Tunstall WISCONSIN: Denmark; Monroe; New Auburn; TENNESSEE: Bradley; Lexington WASHINGTON: Mabton; North Thurston Waupaca TEXAS: Clear Creek; Iowa Park WISCONSIN: Green Bay Preble; Oregon WASHINGTON: Cathlamet; Yelm WYOMING: Douglas SILVER WEST VIRGINA: Ripley

ALABAMA: Cross ville; Cullman; Rehobeth WISCONSIN: Bloomer; Clear Lake; Green Bay ARIZONA: Mountain View; Peoria West; Loyal; Mauston; New Holstein; Wauzeka

24 National Chapter Awards

Sponsored by GTE/Contel Corporation and Nestle USA, Inc.

At the Thursday afternoon session,

representatives of award-winning FFA WISCONSIN: Black Hawk; Bloomer; Clear Lake; CALIFORNIA: Atascadero; Hanford; La Puente chapters proudly accepted their recogni- Denmark; Evansville; Freedom; Hartford; Loyal; Valley ROP; Norco; Santa Rosa tion onstage. Recipients of the National Mauston; Monroe; New Auburn; Waupaca COLORADO: Dolores; Hoehne; McClave; Chapter Award were lauded for their WYOMING: Hulett; Southeast Woodlin excellence in planning and carrying out a CONNECTICUT: Winsted program of work, or "chapter plan." SILVER DELAWARE: Smyrna; Telegraph Road Winning chapters were ranked gold, FLORIDA: Colonial; Indian River; Interlachen ALABAMA: Daleville; Ider; Jacksonville silver or bronze. Junior; Lafayette; Lake Placid Senior; Tate; CALIFORNIA: Kingsburg; Mt. Whitney; Turtock Taylor Senior CONNECTICUT: Housatonic Valley ILLINOIS: Georgetown-Ridgefarm; Somonauk- FLORIDA: Bran ford; Sarasota; South Sumter Leland; Woodland Senior; Trenton Senior; West Orange GOLD IOWA: Alburnett; Cascade; Estherville; North GEORGIA: Franklin County; Jeff Davis; Perry ALABAMA: Paramount; Rehobeth; Scottsboro Fayette ILLINOIS: Clinton; Leroy; Salem; Seneca; ARIZONA: Peoria KANSAS: Marysville Sparland; Warsaw COLORADO: Valley KENTUCKY: Logan County; Pendleton County; IOWA: Anamosa; Bison; Mount Ayr; North Linn; FLORIDA: Ponce de Leon Senior Warren East Rockwell-Sheffield; Southern Cal; Vinton GEORGIA: Colquitt County LOUISIANA: Crowley; Hathaway KANSAS: Jetmore; Labette County; Mankato; IDAHO: Meridian MAINE: Presque Isle Norton; Wamego; Williamsburg ILLINOIS: Amboy; Chicago Agricultural MICHIGAN: Byron; Perry KENTUCKY: Barren County; McLean County; Sciences; Cissna Park; Sycamore MINNESOTA: Belle Plain; New Ulm; Pipestone Oldham County; Scott County INDIANA: Benton Central; Carroll @ Flora; MISSISSIPPI: Weir LOUISIANA: Elton; Oak Grove Indian Creek; Oak Hill; Rossville; Shenandoah; MISSOURI: Clopton; Salisbury MAINE: Limestone Cameron; Southern Wells; Southmont; Tipton; Tri-County; NEW JERSEY: Warren Hills MICHIGAN: Corunna; Marshall Woodlan NORTH CAROLINA: Forest Hills; South Rowan; MINNESOTA: Stillwater; Willmar IOWA: Algona; Creston; Harlan; Linn-Mar; West Montgomery MISSISSIPPI: Nettleton Marengo; North Polk NORTH DAKOTA: Finley-Sharon; J.E. Eastgate MISSOURI: Eldon; Hartville; McDonald; KANSAS: Clay Center; Hill City OHIO: Ansonia; Bloom-Carroll; Johnstown; Memphis; Monroe City; Rolla Area KENTUCKY: Apollo; Breckinridge County; Keystone; Mississinawa Valley MONTANA: Shields Valley Central Hardin; Spencer County OKLAHOMA: Bethel; Checotah; Granite; Idabel; NEW JERSEY: Allentown MARYLAND: Catocin; Frederick Skiatook; Stratford; Stroud; Watts NEW MEXICO: Goddard; Hobbs MICHIGAN: Branch Area Careers Center; U.S A OREGON: Elgin; Silverton NEW YORK: Hamilton; Tri Valley MINNESOTA: Cannon Falls; Greenbush PENNSYLVANIA: Greenwood; Manor; NORTH CAROLINA: North Lenoir; Sun Valley; MISSOURI: Carthage; Chillicothe; El Dorado Selinsgrove; Twin Valley West Carteret Springs; Stockton; Troy; Union NORTH DAKOTA: Rugby RHODE ISLAND: Scrtuate MONTANA: Flathead SOUTH CAROLINA: Clover; Furman/ OHIO: Indian Valley; National Trail; Talawanda NEBRASKA: Ansley; Hill; Blue Central; Manchester; Pleasant Hill OKLAHOMA: Altus; Hinton; Indianola; Madill; Lakeview; Norris; Schuyler; Scribner-Snyder; TENNESSEE: Lexington; McMinn County; Polk; Midway; Oologah; Ryan; Tecumseh; Weleetka Tri County; Waverly SOUTH CAROLINA: McBee White House; Woodbury NEVADA: Churchill County; Ruby Mountain TEXAS: Aldine; Brownsboro; Cal Farley's Boys SOUTH DAKOTA: Roslyn; Waubay NORTH DAKOTA: Lisbon Ranch; Clarendon; Dumas; Garland; Gilmer; TENNESSEE: Powell Valley; Riverside OHIO: Amanda-Clearcreek; Anna; East Clinton; Gonzales; Jacksboro; Jourdanton; Livingston; TEXAS: Alvin; Clear Creek; Iowa Park; Klein Miami Trace; New Bremen Northwest; Piano East; Quanah; Raymondville; Forest; Lorena; Mission; Orange Grove OKLAHOMA: Adair; Alva; Chickasha; Copan; South Garland; Weslaco UTAH: Bear River Elgin; Grandfield; Guthrie; Laverne; Pawnee; UTAH: Tooele VIRGINIA: Fauquier; Park View Senior Ripley; Tipton VIRGINIA: Broadway; Lee Davis; Stuarts Draft WASHINGTON: Cathlamet; Mountain View OREGON: Forest Grove; Perrydale WASHINGTON: Ferndale WEST VIRGINA: St. Marys PENNSYLVANIA: H.G. Parkinson; Manheim WISCONSIN: WISCONSIN: Granton Wauzeka SOUTH DAKOTA: Elkton; Marion

TENNESSEE: Bartlett; Bradley Central; Cherokee BRONZE TEXAS: Calallen; Cleburne; Columbus; ALABAMA: Brantley; Crossville; Florala Mansfield; Pleasanton; Ysleta ARIZONA: Gilbert VIRGINIA: Fort Defiance; James Wood ARKANSAS: Fayetteville; Lavaca; Lonoke; WASHINGTON: Elma; Winlock; Yelm Marshall; Prairie Grove; Quitman; St. Joe; WESTVIRGINA:Ravenswood Stuttgart

25 Prepared Public Speaking

Sponsored by FMC Foundation

Friday night's public speaking contest finals featured four regional winners delivering speeches and answering questions. The road to the top began months ago, even years, for the contes- tants as they researched, wrote, practiced and rose through the ranks of competi- tion. Regional contests were held earlier in the week to identify the four finalists. Each spoke for six to eight minutes and answered questions posed by a judges' panel. Serving as judges were Wilson Cames, formerly of the National FFA Organization; Jeffry H. Jacoby, FMC-Agricultural Chemicals Group; and Luther Markwart, American Sugarbeet Growers Association. Timekeepers were Joseph Casello, U.S. Department of Education and Kenneth Mitchell, Tennessee FFA Foundation. Plaques and cash awards were presented; $300 for first place, $275 for second, $250 for third and $200 for fourth.

National Winner: Michael Ryan Beckerink, Clymer, N.Y. " Biotechnology: Better Days Through Better Ways" Michael Beckerink's speech "Biotechnology: Better Days Through Better Ways" brought him a great night. For his first place speech, Beckerink, of Clymer, N.Y., won $300. Second Place: Patrick Timothy Stone, Johnsonville, S.C. "Genetic Engineering"

Third Place: David C Meyer, Loyal, Wis. "Headlines"

Fourth Place: Loralee Woods, Grady, N.M. "America's Choice: Science and Reason or Fear and Emotion"

From left, Loralee Woods, Michael Ryan Beckerink, Patric Timothy Stone and David C. Meyer.

26 Prepared Public Speaking

National Winning Speech:

Picture, if you will, a world where about the amount of damage agriculture The United States is the most efficient record amounts of crops are harvested is causing our environment. food producing nation in the world, and without the use of herbicides or pesti- Scientists have been able to genetically our high tech research and development cides. A place where life-threatening oil engineer disease and pest resistant traits can keep us there. We hold agriculture's spills into certain plants. critics can be dispersed with the applica- But some of future in our hands. What we do with it tion of a bacteria. A time when acid rain biotechnology claim these practices may will affect everyone. Making the decision poses no threat to the environment or not be safe. The success or failure of to win public support and continue the human society. This world can be ours, if biotechnology depends largely on how advancement of our knowledge and and only if we continue to support what the public perceives it. A common public technology will be the deciding factor in may be the most important advancement perception is that biotechnology is the future of American agriculture. our world has seen since the "green unethical, immoral and downright Our farmers with their hard work, revolution" in agriculture. I'm referring dangerous to our society and the perseverance and dedication have come a to the application of biotechnology to environment. The reality is that biotech- long way since the days of horse-driven save our environment. nology is a process that is making plows and hand scythes. They are Yes, biotechnology has already played American agriculture safer for the turning to the laboratories searching for a tremendous part in the cleanup of our environment and more competitive in the something that will cure our ailing earth.

environment, I feel it will and play an world market. Let's face it, it's the only one we have. It is even more important role in the future. Today, biotechnology is so revolution- recyclable. We can turn things around. Some of the potential advancements in ary, the methods so different, the changes But, we have to act now. Biotechnology, this field have so that so dramatic, the potential so outstanding, much promise as I see it, may be the only remaining many people have already labeled that this field requires a high degree of answer. Sure, there are risks involved, biotechnology as the second green continued communication with the but they are very small compared to revolution. Yet, we have only just begun. public. The key to acceptance will be a industrial waste, water pollution and acid Over the course of the past few complete, unobstructed, and honest rain. months, the Persian Gulf has been the site communication which informs the public I'm sure that anyone who has been of a disastrous oil spill. We have watched of new changes and developments. As inspired by the words of the FFA creed television and witnessed the damage that agriculturists, our goal should be to help will remember in particular the phrase is being caused. Biological scientists have provide enough information so that that promises "better days through better developed a bacteria that when spread on consumers will be able to make wise and ways." I can think of no better way to oil spills can quickly disperse the informed decisions and not react solve our environmental problems than particles. impulsively to negative stories or partial to take advantage of biotechnology. Another problem facing our environ- truths. We have to make the public For decades our world has been ment is acid rain. Acid rain affects much realize that the American food supply is creating many problems with the of the Northeastern United States. To the safest and least expensive in the environment. Coping with these prob- cope with this dilemma scientists have world. lems has never been easy. Now, we have found bacteria which depend on sulfur In reality, a 100 percent safety potential answers to improve our and nitrogen compounds as an energy guarantee is not possible. We need to tell environment. It is up to us, you and me, source. By advancing the development of the public that 99 percent of the food to stay informed, to understand, and to these bacteria, scientists may be able to produced in the United States has no educate. Because through biotechnology cut the cost of cleaning emissions in half, trace of harmful chemicals. Furthermore, we can indeed achieve "better days making its application practical for wide- scientists can now detect chemicals in through better ways." range use, thereby reducing acid rain. parts per trillion which is comparable to These are but two examples of the role dropping an eighth of an aspirin into a that biotechnology can play in solving railroad car full of water. global environmental problems. Here's something else that I'm sure

Now let's consider the marriage of would have an effect on everyone. It's biotechnology and agriculture. Only projected that if farmers used no herbi- through research can the industry meet cides or pesticides at all, crop yields the world's demand for food and fiber would decrease 50 to 60 percent, and while reducing its dependence on food prices would increase by 45 percent. chemicals. It's a fact that insects and other Again, this is where biotechnology can pests cost the United States $64 billion provide answers. Bioengineered plants annually in crop and livestock destruc- would have very little need for pesti- tion, despite the annual application of cides, which could lower the farmer's approximately 500,000 tons of pesticides. production cost, in turn reducing the cost

This is an amazing amount of chemicals. to the consumer, which would benefit all It's no wonder there is so much concern of us.

27 National Extemporaneous however, the U.S. is getting a chance to regain the Soviet market through the aid packages and the credit that we are Speaking Contest extending to the financially distressed USSR. Our relations with Japan have been pretty shaky in recent years. However, Sponsored by American Farm they are starting to get better. This is going to help the American Bureau Federation farmer because Japan is now allowing U.S. beef and citrus to be imported more into their National Winner: country. The European community, a loose economic affiliation of several Beth Henderson, Breckenridge major European countries, has been a County, Ky. major thorn in the side of U.S. agriculture 'The Effect of Relations with Other and has been a stumbling block in the Countries on U.S. Agriculture" GATT talks. However, because of US. Place: Second diplomacy and perseverance, we are Heather Stone, Jet, Okla. seeing that they, too, are softening their "Building Public Acceptance of views which could open up more Agriscience and Technology in markets for U.S. agriculture. The Production Agriculture" possibility of the North American free Third Place: trade agreement between the United Brian Tribble, Fairview, Ark. States, Canada and Mexico would make 'The Impact of New Technologies on us part of the biggest and most powerful Quick on her feet, Beth Henderson gave an the economic group in the whole world. Agricultural Industry" award-winning speech on agricultural trade However, it's going to be up to our Fourth Place policy after having only 30 minutes to prepare. legislators and trade representatives to Robin McLean, Tri-Valley, N.Y. work to find ways to appease all sides in "Building Acceptance of Agriscience National Winning Speech: this argument. and Technology in Production Finally, if U.S. agriculture is going to Agriculture" The U.S. is the number one agricul- stay competitive and expand, we must tural producer in the world, feeding work with underdeveloped nations to "Thinking fast" was the challenge for hundreds of millions of people each year, develop new markets. This is why the extemporaneous speaking contestants at both at home and abroad. While most U.S. sends so much foreign aid to Thursday afternoon's national finals. Americans are far removed from the underdeveloped countries, because if After 30 minutes to prepare, speakers working farm, many do not realize the they get on their feet again, they are gave a four-to-six minute presentation areas of agriculture in which a farmer usually another market for U.S. agricul- and answered questions from a panel of must be knowledgeable. One important ture. judges. area of agriculture that farmers are Last year, the United States exported Despite the short preparation time, increasingly concerned about is the effect $37.5 million to markets all across the speeches were hardly off the cuff. of relations with other countries on U.S. world. If we are going to continue to be a Contestants had labored in advance to agriculture. growing nation, we must have sound educate themselves about timely topics There are three main components of relations with foreign nations. In his and were allowed to bring resource this issue which we will discuss today. address to the National FFA Convention materials with them as they formulated First, relations with the USSR, Japan and yesterday, President Bush stated, their speeches. the European community. Second, the "America must be competitive." It's Judging the contest were Jerry R. North American Free Trade Agreement, going to be up to me and up to you for Cordrey, American Farm Bureau and third, the importance of working the American farmer to be competitive. Federation; LaVerne G. Ausman, deputy diplomatically with underdeveloped Many people feel that agriculture just under secretary for Small Community nations to develop markets. isn't that important. History begs to and Rural Development; and Burleigh In 1980, tragedy struck U.S. wheat differ. Noted American statesman, Leonard, RJR Nabisco Washington, Inc. farmers when the U.S. placed a grain William Jennings Bryan once stated, Glenn Adair, Elko, Nev., High School embargo on the Soviet Union. In 1980, we "Burn down your cities and leave our and Bob Graham, National Vocational had over 70 percent of the Soviet wheat farms and your cities will spring up again Agricultural Teachers' Association, market. And after that embargo, our as if by magic, but destroy our farms and served as timekeepers. share dwindled to below 30 percent. grass will grow in the streets of every city All four finalists took home plaques Now, over ten years later,we have yet to in the nation. Agriculture may be a cross and cash awards. First place was totally recover our former market share. to bear, but it is a cross of gold and a awarded $300, second $275, third $250 Why? Because the USSR found other burden that no one can live without." and fourth $200. markets to replace our lost market. U.S. foreign policy left our farmers out in the cold and they had no control. Now, * 28 ,

National Talent

Sponsored by Ford Division- Ford Motor Company

Participants in the national talent

program, 94 in all, performed more than 200 times during the convention week. From the convention stage to Crown Center, talented FFA members sang, danced and entertained their way into the hearts of their audiences. Directed by Gary Maricle of Kansas City, the talent acts were scheduled into a whirlwind of activity. Assisting Maricle were Susette Bazen, associate director Texas; Robert Enbody, assistant director, Washington and Daniel Boyle, student assistant, Ohio.

ALABAMA: Gary Armstrong, Tony Launiue,

Rickey Pike, Jason Thrasher and Darrell

Underwood, all of Red Bay; Harlan Campbell, Charles Crawford, Jason Johnson and Jason

Netherton, all of Cullman ARKANSAS: Jennifer Glover, Guy-Perkins;

Wesley Hart, Prairie Grove; Ashley King and Christy Whillock, Clinton; Natalie Smith, Evening

Shade; Loretta Stegall, Decatur Although butterflies filled her stomach, Joelle Lamarre, from the Chicago High School for CALIFORNIA: Jodi Marston, Summerville Agricultural Sciences, filled Municipal Auditorium with a crowd pleasing song during COLORADO: Jennifer Hicks, Sally Kembel and Thursday night's Talent Review.

Susan Roberts, all of Fort Morgan; Donna Tenny, Olathe DELAWARE: Wendy Collins and James MISSOURI: S. Sheree McCray and Erica Perry OKLAHOMA: Kathy Cole, Patricia Cole, Karmen of Foreman, Sussex Central; Tiphani Cade, Caesar East Buchanan; Jodi Burch, Hall and Susan McMahan, all of Wagoner; Amy Rodney Humansville;Sonia Burton, Lakeland; Melanie Chastain, Wetumka; James Hammond,

ILLINOIS: Nahum Hickman, Kevin Hornsby, Nelson, Macon Geronimo; Monica Miller, Grandfield; Jeanne

Joelle Lamarre and Allison Simpson, all of MONTANA: Mary Bonine, Miles City; Carter Reherman, Kingfisher; Rachelle Wollenberg,

Chicago; Krista Murnam and Jenny Newell, Crohn, Medicine Lake Cyril Sparland NEBRASKA: Michelle Wimer, Scribner-Snyder OREGON: Marty Campbell, Pendelton

INDIANA: Chris Ebert, Deb Lucas, Colette NEW MEXICO: Leslie Bouvet. Hatch SOUTH DAKOTA: Denise Dartt, Wall Markovich, Christy Parrish, Sandy Parrish, Barbie NEW YORK: Niki Jo Curtis, Stockbridge Valley TENNESSEE: Jennifer Langford, South Fulton

Ramsey, Shane Storey, Beau Watkins, and Dude NEVADA: Jason Meyers, Nile Valley; Renee TEXAS: Dana Elliott, Quinlan

Watkins, all of North Newton; Janel Johnson, Tiegs, Diamond Mountain WASHINGTON: Michael Thompson, Ferndale Adams Central NORTH DAKOTA: Francis Bauer, David Boehm, WISCONSIN: Monica Lawrence, Orfordville; KENTUCKY: Michael Meredith, Greenwood Tony Boehm and Kent Schafer, all of Mandan Melody Milroy, Watertown

MICHIGAN: Stacey Stall, Colon; Katie Taylor, OHIO: Daniel Boyle, Bowling Green; Amy Jonas, WYOMING: Dwayne Anderson, Kris Betts,

Chippewa Hills; Lisa Beth Tucker, Hillman Ridgedale Natalie Braten, Angie Ewart, Alison Larson, Chris

MINNESOTA: Travis Shultz and Toddy Shultz, Miller, Rebecca Randol, Jim Raper and Rhonda

Hennepin Technical College; Sheila Henning, Slack, all of Meeteetse; Anita Jones, Moorcroft Heron Lake-Okabena-Lakefield; Rachel Ackerson, Barnesville MISSISSIPPI: Keith Cain, Valden; Nicole Rinehart, Falkner

29 National Band

MISSOURI: Ronnie Angel, Warrensburg, Tuba; Jeffrey Bergman, Paris, Baritone Sax; David Catton, Hartville, Treble Clef Baritone; Jason Eden, Hartville, French Horn; Scott Grimm, Rayville, Trombone; Marry Rush, EkJon, Trumpet; John Tummons, Bots D'Arc, Baritone Sax; Amanda Fischer, Galena, Trumpet; Margaret

Rausch, Perryville, Flute; Sherry Strodtman, Glasgow, Clarinet; Stephanie Thomas,

Chillicothe, Clarinet; Carrie Witt, Aurora, French Horn

MONTANA: James Elliot, Chinook, Trumpet; Justin Krum, Belfry, Baritone Bass; Sean McDuffee, Alder, Tuba; Wendy Willson, Kinsey, Bass Clarinet NEBRASKA: Chad MayfiekJ, Nehaulka, Trombone; Susan Knabe, Nehawka, Tenor Sax; Dara Kort, Ayr, Flute; Boni Krahulik, Arapahoe, Baritone Bass

NEVADA: Julie Berry, Adams, Clarinet; Ami

Raddatz, Panaca, Flute; Valerie Relyea,

Munnsville, Clarinet Branden McElroy, Snyder, Okla., was one of many National FFA Band members who devoted NEW MEXICO: Toby Baxley, Flagerman, much of his convention experience to hours of practice and performance. Trumpet Sponsored by Landmark Genetics, Inc. and NORTH CAROLINA: Christopher Garner, Manna Pro Corporation Newport, Trumpet NORTH DAKOTA: Jesse Bruanagel, Chaseley, FFA's finest instrumentalists came FLORIDA: Eric Coburn, Alturas, Trumpet Trumpet; Nathan Pinke, Wishek, Trombone

together to provide music for convention IDAHO: Matthew Quesnell, Twin Falls, Alto Sax; OHIO: Kyle Miller, Delaware, Tenor Sax; Janet sessions and special appearances in the Amy May, Troy, Flute; May O'Malley, Murphy, LaCumsky, Oak Harbor, Oboe Kansas City area. Under the direction of French Horn; Amy Winegar, FruKland. Flute OKLAHOMA: Brad Hayes, Frederick, Trumpet;

William C. Moffit, the "mail order band" ILLINOIS: Amanda Flint, Bourbonnais, Flute; Lori Charles Mashburn, Stroud, Tuba; Branden

practiced for only a few days before their Meeker, Mason City, Clarinet; Christy Peterson, McElroy, Snyder, Trombone; Casey Pilgreen, premiere performance. Tampico, Bass Clarinet; Stacy Whitman, Galva, Waurika, Trumpet; Josh Waddell, Jones, The band's first convention activity French Horn Baritone Bass; John Wells, Skiatook, Tuba; came in the special session as they played INDIANA: Jennifer Clute, Oxford, Clarinet Jacob Yunker, Ah/a, Trumpet; Elizabeth Crews, spirited marches, popular tunes, and a IOWA: Jason Knapp, Hawkeye, Trombone; Holdenville, French Horn traditional favorite —the Grand Entry Kevin Kueker, Waverly, Tuba; Joseph Looker, OREGON: Chris Wickham, Stappoose, Bassoon; featuring "When the Saints Go Marching Indianola, Tuba; Trent Smith, Humbolt, French Amanda Moore, McMinnville, Clarinet

In." Horn; Corey Stott, Cantril, Percussion; Jennifer PENNSYLVANIA: Steve Landis, Berlin, Trumpet; As a special and distinct honor, the Perkins, Allerton, Alto Sax Tamara Hopkins, Dover, Flute band played "Hail to the Chief" to signal KANSAS: Mark Bogner, Wright, Tenor Sax; RHODE ISLAND: Bethany Lovas, North the entrance of the President of the Brent Deener, Arkansas City, Tuba; Steve Kingstown, Flute United States, George Bush. Sawyer, Great Bend, Trombone SOUTH DAKOTA: Scott Brekke, Clark, Assisting with the band were: Gene KENTUCKY: Jeremy Hinton, Sonora, Alto Sax Percussion; Michael Moeller, Brookings, Baritone Englerth, assistant manager; Jeannette MARYLAND: Stephen Eyler, Keymar, Bass; Tami Kulhavy, Colman, Tenor Sax

Moffit, business manager; Penny Percussion; Becky Mills, Frederick, Clarinet TEXAS: Joseph Bisbey, Sealy, Percussion; Englerth, chaperone; and Bobby Coburn, MICHIGAN: Chad Cornwell, Laingsburg, Tenor David Lee, Anahuac, Treble Clef Baritone; Greg chaperone. Sax; Jeanne Englerth, Webberville, Flute; Carla Sonnenburg, Burleson, Percussion; Cody Wells,

ALABAMA: Jason Gardner, Fruitdale, Trombone; McGregor, Joliet, Clarinet; Julia Sarka, New Big Spring, Trumpet; Karissa Hawkes, Houston, Maxie Gray, Centreville, Percussion Lothrop, Alto Sax; Paula Stadler, Wallace, Oboe; Deanna Schumann, Bellville, Tenor Sax; ARIZONA: Trent Straub, Pearce, Trumpet French Horn; Nikki Turcotte, Wallace, Flute Amanda Shaddox, Alba, Clarinet; ARKANSAS: Philip Fore, Buckner, Percussion; MINNESOTA: Jason Shippy, Ivanhoe, WASHINGTON: Barb Beattie, Chelan, Flute;

Kenneth Massey, Ashflat, Tuba Trombone; Matthew Wattnem, Montevideo, Leah Gorden, Moses Lake, Bass Clarinet; Eva CALIFORNIA: Lino Mendes, Hanford, Trombone Baritone Bass; Aimee Anderson, Webster, Marie Van Beck, Othello, Bass Clarinet COLORADO: Jesse Henderson, Peetz, Baritone Trumpet; Paula Barsness, Hancock, Alto Sax; WISCONSIN: Theodore Eslinger, Stanley, Sax Joyce Besch, Kasson, Bassoon; Dawn Bondhus, Trombone; Amanda Erickson, Delavan, Clarinet; CONNECTICUT: Nathan Wilmot, Naugatuck, Storden, Clarinet; Emily Halloran, Belle Plaine, Kristi Prbbernow, Owen, French Horn; Martha

Trumpet; Kellie Moffat, Naugatuck, Clarinet Alto Sax; Gena Koeberl, Hector, Trombone; Zwettler, Blue Mound, Alto Sax DELAWARE: Patricia Burgoon, Townsend, Denise May, New Prague, Trombone; Carolyn WYOMING: Clinton Jones, Percussion Percussion Rossow, Lakefield, Alto Sax

30 National Chorus

Sponsored by Ford Division—Ford Motor Company

Every time the National FFA Chorus took the stage, convention attendees were Tolle, Homerville; Crystal Storden; Kevin Koehl, Hancock treated to an auditorium filled with GEORGIA: Shannon Johnson, beautiful, enthusiastic song. As always, Elkins, Appling MISSISSIPPI: Hope Belk, McCool; Michelle the chorus delighted, entertained and IDAHO: Lloyd Knight, Glenns Ferry; Johnny Tanksley, Weir Potter, Jr., Naples MISSOURI: Beth Brookshiere, Graham; Mary moved its audience. Director Stan Kingma and accompa- ILLINOIS: Jennifer Ash, Watseka; James Bailey, Gatlin, Mountain Grove; Christi Huff, Sparta; Marriott, Mt. Carmel; Brad Chance Irvine, Tarkio; Galen Miller, Columbia; nist Owen Robbins provided more than a Champaign; Timm musical experience for their charges; they Pickel, Jerseyville; Michael Smith, Champaign Jason Mott, Rockville; Michelle Ramaeker, provided an FFA experience. With only INDIANA: Taya Johnson, Decatur Mountain Grove; Debra Ratciiff, California; Jason days to practice, the young people IOWA: Adam Albrecht, Readlyn; Daniel Boehlje, Sandner, Anabel; Scott Veatch, Trenton; Susan worked long, diligent hours to prepare Rockwell; Tonia Elvers, Elkader; Jennifer Kinsey, Warren, Dawn; Lisa Zang, Trenton their numbers and delivered polished Ankeny; Mark Lee, Inwood; David McGaffey, MONTANA: Julie Andres, Missoula; Shane performances to the convention audience. Iowa Falls; Kari Metzger, Lester; Chris Moss, Clouse, Bozeman; Glen Jardee, Ekalaka; Jereme Assisting Kingma were: Marilyn West Union; Malinda Ruzicka, Marble Rock; Nicholson, Arlee Kingma and Gina Polich. Wendy Weber, Rockwell; Blaine Scott, Kellerton NEBRASKA: Eric Dam, Hooper; Brock Ekhoff, KANSAS: Kate Armbruster, Kiowa; Melanie Aurora; Brent Katz, DeWitt; Michael Lange,

ALASKA: Casey Hendricks, North Pole Ramey, Neodesha; Shane Ehrlich, Council Grove Fordyce; Shawn Morsbach, Neligh; Mark ALABAMA: Jennifer Hughes, Ariton KENTUCKY: James Parrish, Lexington Niemeyer, DeWitt; Brent Tonjes, Hooper; Todd ARKANSAS: Amy Rowland, Hope MARYLAND: Tracy Clagett, New Windsor Zimmerman, Plymouth FLORIDA: Denise Reeves, Lake City MINNESOTA: Shannon Busch, St. James; Kevin NEW YORK: Lee Brown, Alexander OHIO: Richard Bachman, Grand Rapids; Rusty Friend, Leesburg; Stacey Limes, Bowling Green

OKLAHOMA: Bryan Albrecht, El Reno; Alicia Burdette, Skiatook; Edward Chandler, Webbers

Falls; Alicia Crissup, Waynoka; Camille DeWitt,

Braman; Deanna Dunn, Stillwater; Tara Griggs,

Allen; Ginger Howard, Ardmore; Angela Johnson,

Okemah; Chad Kirk, Tipton; Ann Marie Perkins, Yukon; Carrie Singleton, Chickasha; Justin

Smith, Grandview; Heather Stone, Stillwater; Kendra Unruh, Balko; Ken Waugh, Tipton; Jennifer Woodward, Walters; Jeremy Frye, Sulpher OREGON: Susan Johnson, Elgin PENNSYLVANIA: Kathryn Stewart, Bernville SOUTH CAROUNA: Faithe DesChamps, Pinewood SOUTH DAKOTA: Seanna Fastnacht, Wessington Springs; Stephanie Johnston, Waubay; Ryan Schaefer, Kennebec; Nicole Kost, Harrisburg; Cory Langerock, Marion TENNESSEE: Kenny Rogers, Humboldt

TEXAS: Kristin Durham, Houston; Jason

Hatfield, League City; Lee Willcox, Wallisville; Paul Almquisl, Odessa WASHINGTON: Ami Fortman, Port Orchard;

Anne Willis, Monroe WISCONSIN: Nickalas Monroe, Chaseburg; Jeff

Wittek, Thorp; Megan Eilts, Fennimore; Jakin Heusinkveld, Milwaukee WEST VIRGINA: Rebecca Ring, Karneysville; Calvin Stump, Maysville

Recent global events gave members renewed pride in America and the FFA. The national chorus brought everyone to their feet with "I'm Proud to be an American" and "God Bless the USA."

31 Watching television. Retiring Addresses America is far from perfect. Yet, I believe there has never been a more exciting time to be an American. We live in an ever- changing society, where no one knows what tomorrow will hold. The opportunities for young people are endless. Of the freshmen entering high school agriculture, 30 percent will enter the work force in jobs not yet created. Who can dream of the jobs which will be available in marketing, business, A Place in This World science, biotechnology and aquaculture by the year 2001? The world is at our fingertips, offering the chance to travel, to open Mark Timm our minds and to educate ourselves—even for some to shake National President hands with the president of the United States. Take advantage of

what is before you. Perhaps the hours of judging practice seem

A fable is told of a cowboy who rode his horse across the futile and the record keeping a waste of time. Don't believe it. Plains. He stopped for water, and an Indian appeared and said, Each opportunity you utilize represents a small pebble in the "Stop a while and pick up some pebbles in the stream. Tomor- stream that will someday become a precious diamond in your row they will make you both happy and sad!" The cowboy life. slipped a few pebbles into his pocket and rode on. When I look back at the great leaders that founded and The next day when he looked in his pocket, he found that molded this country, names such as George Washington, the pebbles had turned to rubies, emeralds, diamonds and other Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy precious gems. He jumped on his horse and galloped back to come to mind. After my travels, I know that fame is not a the stream. He filled his pockets, saddlebags and boots with requirement for leadership; what counts is how you live your life pebbles and rode on. But these stones never turned to gems. and what you stand for.

When next he saw the Indian, he complained, "You tricked me. In towns all across our nation, there are people whom I These stones didn't turn to jewels!" consider to be great Americans. One who made a difference in

The Indian replied, "That's what I meant. You are happy my life is a former agriculture teacher. He switched occupations because you had the opportunity, but sad because you didn't in 1975 to better provide financially for his wife and two small take better advantage of it." boys. What makes him special is that he never quit teaching. He

The cowboy asked "What can I do about it now?" set an example for his sons to follow. I know he doesn't know it,

The Indian said, "No riches await you. All you can do is tell but I was always trying to impress him. The man is my idol, and those who are coming of the opportunity that lies ahead of I have always wanted to be just like him. That man is my father. them." No matter what I wanted to do, his answer was always the

My friends, seven years ago I faced my future, not knowing same, "Son, we want what is best for you. If that is what you exactly where I belonged. Like all beginning FFA members, I want, we support you 100 percent." had little idea of the riches that lay ahead. At Greenhand FFA The greatest decision my father ever made was to marry my

Camp, little did I know that the speakers I thought were so mother. She is the coach, the cook, the cleaning lady and the boring were actually teaching me how to build my self- captain during the crucial periods of my life. My mother never confidence. As I labored over the creed, I was unaware that it received a college education, yet is now the business manager of was just the first of many experiences that would mold me and the company for which she works. make me what I am today. Larry Timm, my dad, will probably never have a monument During the past seven years, FFA has yielded its share of built in his honor in Washington, D.C. Chances are good, my rubies, emeralds, diamonds and precious gems to me. Who mom, Ruth Timm's picture will never grace the front cover of would have guessed that a young, naive freshman from Time magazine. To me, however, there is no higher honor than Fillmore, Indiana, would have the chance to travel in 40 states sons who love and respect their parents. and six foreign countries? What an unforgettable time this has What makes them special is their commitment to their been. I flew in a helicopter over the San Joaquin Valley of family, their faith and each other. Their dream was that their California, went tubing in south Georgia with the alligators, children would live greater lives than they could ever imagine. rode horseback in the snow-covered mountains of Montana, Thanks, Mom and Dad, for finding your special place in this golfed in Arizona, visited with Mickey in Florida, and learned world and for showing me how to find mine. to introduce myself in Japanese. Some of you may not have the kind of support that I found

As I bring my final remarks, I realize that my time is nearly as I grew up. Someone may try to destroy your goals and done. For that I am sad, but I am happy that I have the chance to dreams. Others may label you. They may try to tell you who you tell you what lies ahead. are, and how you should act. In most high schools, students have

It was one year ago on this final convention afternoon, that I images pinned on them by their peers. One person is a jock, shared my vision of the role we, as the youth of America and another is a brain. One is an airhead, one is a snob. the FFA, play in our country's future. While the youth of While these judgments are cruel, the real tragedy comes America do not represent 100 percent of our population, we do when we accept the labels and settle for less. It is a proven fact represent 100 percent of the future. that 98 percent of all people picture themselves as being far less As stewards of this future, we have immense challenges. We capable than they really are. live in a country which classifies a two-month supply of grain as The FFA is different. The reason I love this organization the a surplus and 200 years of oil as a strategic reserve. Three way I do is because it provides a chance for everyone. Whether million homeless people walk the streets of our cities at night, you are tall, small, black, white, young or old, there is a place for and 30 percent of all high school seniors get drunk once a week. everyone to succeed. I thank God for my advisor Mr. Bottorff, for And how does the average teenager spend 27 hours each week? my family and for my friends, all of whom never labeled me as

32 anything but a success. waiting to be filled. Don't be afraid to take some chances, climb God has a special place for each of us, and he has given us the highest mountains, dream the biggest dreams, laugh more,

the ability to determine our own destiny. It says in Psalms complain less, focus on the positive and most importantly, find

118:24, 'This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and your very special place in this world.

be glad in it." It isn't the burdens of today that are difficult. It is The day is today, the time is now, and the person is you. the regret of yesterday and the fear of tomorrow which rob us of today.

You know, oddly enough, as I prepare to leave you for the

final time, it doesn't bother me to take my jacket off, because I

know that I have a place in this world. There was once a concert pianist who was about to play the A Magnificent Voyage greatest performance of his life. Thousands of people had

assembled to hear him. His fingers danced across the keys. It Danny Grellner like other. the end of his performance, was a performance no At National Secretary he bowed and exited the stage. The crowd rose in unison and began cheering, clapping and calling for an encore. The stage In the midst of the Atlantic Ocean, a ship is tossed about by director went backstage and asked the man, "Do you hear the storm. the ship and rock it back and people yelling for you?" a sudden Waves pound forth, back and forth, to the brink of capsizing. The crewmen are The pianist said, "Yes." afraid, and as the storm worsens, they panic. Will they control The director said, "You must go back out for an encore performance." the ship or surrender to a watery grave? What of their families? Their wives? Their children? The The man said, "No." reach deep within for strength and the will to persevere. The director cried, "Why?" men They scramble to take the ship back from the sea. When the The man explained, 'There is one man on the front row who passes the the relieved sailors press on, remains seated." storm and waters calm, intent on their quest of a new world. The director screamed, 'That is only one man, what does he matter?" Driven by a deep passion to show the naysayers their determination, commitment and courage, the crew would risk The concert pianist looked at the director and replied, their lives time and time again. For when Christopher Colum- "Because he is my master." He was the one who had trained bus and his followers sailed from Spain centuries ago, they were the pianist. His master. bent on success. There would be no failure for these explorers This year has shown me that there are only two in this and adventurers. Theirs was a testimony of human will and world I have to please. My Master, the Lord above, and myself. commitment for the ages. If I can satisfy these two, I will myself successful. Success is not Like other pioneers, Columbus was not content with the doing what others consider to be great, but what you consider status quo. For him, saying "it can't be done," was as much as a to be right. challenge to do that very thing. We have benefited time and No, the difficulty is not in taking the jacket off, it is knowing time again from those who said, "it can be done." Engineers that this is the last time I will ever put it on. FFA members, you sink oil drilling rigs deep into the sea. Scientists who find a have given me a wealth of diamonds and precious gems along who vaccine for a dreaded disease. Lithuanians and Estonians who with the memories of a lifetime, but now it is your turn. It is believe they have a right to a democratic government. your turn to find your special place in this world. My favorite You and I can learn much from such pioneers. As a new era artist, Michael W. Smith shares my final message- dawns in American history, as we approach a new century and

The wind is moving, Not a lot to lean on even a new millennium, who will set the pace for our nation

But I am standing still I need your light and our world? Who will voyage through uncharted waters

A life of pages to help me find and brave the elements to advance our people? Will it be you? Waiting to be filled My place in this world Are you willing to risk it all as Christopher Columbus, in A heart thafs hopeful place in this world My pursuit of the dream of a better chapter, state, country, and even A head that's full of dreams a better world? But this becoming If there are millions This year has been a wonderful voyage of opportunity and Is harder than it seems Down on their knees challenge. It's also been time to meet the future, travel the Feels like I'm Among the many a

Can you still hear me present and learn from the past. Looking for a reason Hear me asking, In all of my experiences, from late night tours of Canada and Roaming through the Where do I belong? Maine to boogie boarding in Florida, from mountain climbing night to find Is there a vision in Montana to running in the cool mountain air of Colorado, I My place in this world That I can call my own? rest, My place in this world found that the only thing which separates the best from the the top from the bottom, and advancement from stagnation, is Is there a vision that you can call your own? Do you know the courage of people to break the mold of being ordinary. where you belong? FFA members, the day is today, the time is If we are to succeed as individuals and as a country, we now and the person is you. It says in the Bible, 'Tor many are must seek to break the molds of the past and chart our own called but few are chosen." You have been chosen to make a course. We must develop and be proud of our uniqueness. Do difference in your home, school, community, state, nation and you know what the number-one problem in America is today? even in your world. The reason that we have crime, eroding family values and So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, turmoil across the country? Our people are not secure and believe that you have the destiny, the innate ability, to become all you expect out of life. Your life is an open book, each page (Continued on Page 34)

33 Retiring Addresses

And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they're gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the will which to happy with who and what they are. Why do people murder, says them: "hold on!" steal and lie? Why do most families break up? Why do we have If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, the drug problems and teenage suicides we have? Or walk with kings and not lose the common touch. Everyone wants and desires to be someone they're not. We If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you. have become so caught up in what others think of us that we If all men count with you, but not too much;

lose sight of who we are. We all want to be a part of a crowd, to If you can fill the unforgiving minute

be accepted, to belong. But, isn't it more important to believe With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, than to simply belong? Yours is the Earth and everything thats in it, which is you'll be a Look at all of the people who have made a difference in our And— more— Man, my son!

world. Where would we be today if it weren't for Christopher Columbus and his belief in himself? He was refused assistance Yes, the voyage of life promises to be a magnificent one, by all of Europe, laughed at and mocked until Queen Isabella of especially for those who risk being themselves. Spain gave him a chance. The past seven years I have witnessed and participated in a

fast-changing organization, I often How many hearts and minds would be left untouched if and remember the words of Garth Brooks, CMA Entertainer of the Year, had given up after my ag teacher when he said, "Progress is change, but change his first few rejections? What of Abraham Lincoln, Albert isn't always progress." As I look back on these changes, I ask you, in the future, to retain originality. Einstein, Thomas Edison and so many others who at first didn't your We need not seek to succeed? Lucille Ball could have given up on a show business copy others in our society. Instead, let us work to constantly set career after being kicked out of acting school. Robert Kennedy ourselves apart. Apart from those who would stereotype us. could have shunned politics after coming in 35th out of 35 Apart from those who would have us change to be like them. candidates for president of the freshman class at Harvard The reason the FFA is the premiere youth organization in University. These pioneers believed in themselves, were happy the world is because it has been the pacesetter. We have been with who they were and sought to break the mold, defy the first to embrace progress and change, yet we remain bound to odds and set their sails against the tide. our agricultural roots. My friends, among us might possibly be the discoverer of a Be proud to be an FFA member. Be proud of what you in. If it, will to new frontier. But, we will never know unless we set sail and believe you're not proud of who be? Be proud be chart our own course. a part of agriculture. If you are going to control your destiny, and make a If we can't believe in agriculture, who can? My friends, we can't ship in the of the stream. We've got to stick it difference in the world, you have to be yourself. If you try to jump middle copy the actions of those around you or before you, you'll only out through the rough times. If we don't dictate the kind of agriculture others will it for us. be a copy, but never the original. Look at the world of art. we want, dictate believe will agriculture in the Nobody wants a cheap reproduction or copy. It's the original Do you we have a strong future? willing to your part to it happen? You masterpiece that is the most valuable. You will never be all you Are you do make can be by trying to be someone else. are the navigator. Head us in the right direction. I believe in the power of the imagination. If we can only It isn't easy being yourself. As a matter of fact, it is probably envision the kind of agriculture want, if we can envision the the hardest challenge you'll ever encounter. But, if you can we of want, if you can envision what you want to do overcome that challenge, yours is the future. Rudyard Kipling kind FFA we life, will to explained in his poem entitled "If." with your then, and only then, you be able turn your visions into realities. So, prepare your vessel for the ride of your

If you can keep your head while all about you life. Don't wait until tomorrow to chart your course. Set sail

are losing theirs and blaming it on you, today. If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you. There are those who will help you sail the voyage of life. But make allowance for their doubting too; You cannot sail the high seas without a crew to back you up. I If you can wait and not be tired of waiting, have had a first class crew that enabled me to chart my course. Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, To my four advisors, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Gates, Mr. Kliewer Or being hated, don't give way to hating, and Mr. Beams, you have been like the sails of my ship, always And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise: heading me in the right direction. Thank you for keeping me on will If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; the right course. I hope the waters of life be as kind. If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; To Mr. Boggs, Mr. Smith, Mr. Berkenbile, Mr. Hoyt, Mr. If you can meet Triumph and Disaster Stagg, Andy, Doug, Marshall and all of the Oklahoma state staff And treat those imposters just the same: and national staff, what a cruise these past three years have If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken been. Thank you for being the guiding light and evening star to Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, guide my travels. The ride was awesome. Of course, so are you. Or watch the things you've given your life to, broken, To my first mates Mark, Julie, Ben, Matt and Lesa: Thank And stoop and build 'em up with worn out tools you for sailing the high seas with me. Yes, we've discovered

If you can make one heap of all your winnings some new lands and survived in uncharted waters, yet we've

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, kept the ship together. And lose, and start again at your beginnings To my family—Mom, Dad, Rick, Randy, Shelly, Dale and

34 Kelly for being anchor during the rough waters, —thank you my Looking back on a year so full of experiences and valuable but most importantly, thank you for being the wind in my sails. lessons, I can't help but be reminded of that cold, snowy The voyage is reaching its destination. The home port is in sight. January evening. It seemed that every American was mesmer- for the captain of Finally, thank you Father Almighty being ized by the scenes on their televisions. Over the next three I to my ship. Everything I've ever accomplished, owe You. months, over 540,000 men and women were called to defend democracy. Three hundred seventy soldiers made the ultimate One ship sails east and another sacrifice by giving their lives. They are the true example of what west as the south same breezes America stands for. blow. Tis the set of the sail, and Fellow FFA members, many lessons can be learned from a not the gale, that determines where they go. world ordeal. The most vital one is that life is truly precious and that it is a special gift from above. Just as a soldier answers a call

rise call to live life to My friends, as I stand before you now, I realize that my to duty, we too must up and answer our dream voyage is drawing to a close. A magnificent seven-year the fullest. Why does it take a war or the loss of a close friend to voyage of self-discovery. Discovering within myself not only the make us realize this great truth? Life is race, full waiting to be talents that God has given each of us, but also discovering who I a day-to-day of opportunities taken. too often our talents, waste our chances am and what I believe. As the shoreline of my FFA voyage draws Much we waste waste the hours that are before us. near, I am thankful to you that I have had the opportunity to set and

sail. I realize though that the voyage of life has just begun. And

I have a so my friends, I come to you with feelings of confidence and only minute, with sixty seconds in it excitement for the future, and I am certain that you'll choose the Forced upon me, can't refuse it right course. Didn't seek it, didn't choose it As I leave, I hope each of you is ready to set sail on your It's only up to me to use it magnificent voyage of self-discovery—the magnificent voyage of Give account if I abuse it life. Just a tiny little minute

May your sails be full, your ship steady, and may the good But eternity is in it! Lord be your captain. Now go, discover the magnificence of life. May you have a safe and wonderful journey. Bon voyage. It has The minutes that are placed before us are so very precious. been an honor and a privilege to serve you. The call before us is to seize the day.

Early last spring, I had the exciting opportunity to travel to $ Massachusetts for its state FFA convention. Although it only lasted a couple days, I made many friends. Among them was a special member named Kim. During the week, we had long talks on goals, dreams, ambitions and success.

My next stop was the Missouri convention. When I arrived at my hotel, an urgent message awaited me. It was a note from a friend in Massachusetts saying Kim had been in a tragic car A Call to Duty accident and that she might not live. I was devastated and couldn't hold back the tears. How could someone with so much potential and zest for life Matt Lohr be denied the chance to answer their calling? Although I never National Vice President figured out the answer, I did learn that this lucky FFA member Eastern Region received a second chance. After several weeks in the hospital, and many months on crutches, Kim pulled through and again leads a normal life. She sent me this poem: Dear Diary. .January 16, 1991. .. 6:00 pm...East Lansing, Michigan. As I write this, I realize that today will live forever in history books. Learn to make the most of life, After a great day of chapter visits with the Michigan state officers, our lose no happy day festive van ride home was interrupted. I still hear the radio Time will never bring you back, announcer. .."The United States has bombed Iraq. We are a nation chances swept away officially at war." State officer Heather Gordon, who had a brother Leave no tender word unsaid stationed in Saudi Arabia, began to cry. At that moment, all over and live while life shall last

America, our citizens were filled with emotion. Tears flowed and our Because the mill will never turn again, that hearts and minds feared what lay ahead. Yet, we were also filled with With water has passed! pride in our service men and women. Life is a precious commodity. Just as our soldiers in Desert Right now, there are hundreds of thousands of men and women their call to is being laying their lives on the line, all for the freedoms that we take for Storm had duty, each of us here today granted. They have risen to the challenge and answered their "call to called as well. Our call is to take advantage of every opportu- duty" regardless of the possible consequences. These soldiers are a nity that crosses our paths. Now is the time to respond. classic example of true Americans, sacrificing everything for the welfare During my travels this year, I have learned that the answers of others. I love this great nation, and I proudly support and salute our to the questions of life are not found in long books, deep oceans, troops in Operation Desert Storm. Thank you for your courage, dark caves or at the top of tall mountains. I have learned that determination and ability to answer that special "call to duty." Dear the basics of life can be located right here, hidden inside this colors. God, it is moments like this that truly make me proud to say I am an box. You may recognize the familiar green and orange

American. (Continued on Page 38)

35 We shared it all...

Miss America Carolyn Suzanne Sapp spent Wednesday afternoon signing autographs and talking with FFA members at the Agricultural Career Show.

Familiar Face

If the convention audience thought Chad Luthro's name soundedfamiliar when he was elected 1991- During the practicum portion of the new agricultural sales contest, this 92 national vice president, they were right. At the competitor practiced her customer relations skills. final session of the 64th national convention, Luthro became a national officer, and only one year earlier, he was named 1 990 American Star in Agribusiness.

36 The convention was chock-full of new things to see and do. These bright-eyed young

people captured it all on film.

Corey Flournoy, from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, tooka new friend home from the convention.

The 1991 American Royal Student Ambassadors spoke to members during the FFA convention. They were Jennifer Kapinos, Wisconsin, and Tom Lilja, North Dakota. ...how far we fve come

Eddie Williams, state advisor of the Virgin Islands, was joined by members from the newly chartered association. Two associations, Guam and the Virgin Islands were granted

charters, as were five affiliate chapters in Micronesia.

37 Retiring with and get to know you. From bull-riding in Wyoming to Addresses swinging in Idaho, from walking the high ropes course in New York to experiencing "ooga booga" in Missouri, thank you all for your open arms and desire to help. These are the memories that will last a lifetime.

Yes, it is a box of Crayola 64 crayons, the kind with the built-in Before I fly and wave goodbye, I want to thank many people sharpener in the back. A box so small, but one that holds the who have touched my life and have helped me find the heights secrets of happiness, success and living life to the fullest. of my aspirations. This year has escaped so quickly, but you were the ones remained with every step Early in my term, I visited a school to take part in a Food for who me of the way. I begin with Creator, strength, America presentation. Passing by a kindergarten class, I heard my my my Father above. God the children giggling. Curious about what could be causing all is the single reason I stand before you today and through Him all possible. for that fun, I went in and found them coloring. As they created their things are Thank you never leaving me, even the times. masterpieces, I was fascinated by their energy, their enthusiasm through toughest family, advisors Smith, and their smiles. Watching those bright little faces, I came to three To my my Mr. Hively and Mr. and all of the in Virginia for believing in basic conclusions about life. I share them with the hope that you members —thanks always can put them to use in your life. me and telling me "you can do it," even though it had been ten The first is to have confidence in your abilities, as a five-year- years since our state had had a national officer. Jules, Lesa, together experi- old with a crayon in hand does. With it, the child can draw To Mark, Danny, Ben and we airplanes, monsters in the night, movie stars and super sports enced the ride of a lifetime. You are the best examples of cars. Anything can be created. dedication, sincerity, love and compassion. We have worked This belief is vital to success. This year, while sitting around together as one team. I will never forget the laughs, the long talks, basketball games wrestling you for campfires in Ohio and Montana, I witnessed greenhands and matches. Thank experiencing the power of believing in their dreams for the first making this journey memorable. time. When a member believes in himself, nothing—not defeat, A special thanks to Tony Hoyt and his family. Mr. and Mrs. not adversity—can stand in the way. Hoyt, as you worked with the national officers, you were my for love and The second lesson is the need for creativity. A five-year-old family away from home. Thank you your guidance, will go beyond the status quo and be different without fear. They direction. don't let lines get in the way; they color the shape they see. With And lastly, my heartfelt appreciation goes out to all those 64 colors to choose from, the same picture will never be created FFA members I was so fortunate to meet this year. Whether it twice. was only for five seconds or for an entire week, I will never Somewhere along the way, as we grow up, we lose much of forget you or the fun that we had. Together we exchanged dreams. our creativity. We let the judgments of others keep us from trying laughs, tears, jokes, handshakes, sayings, accents and for like for receiving with new things. That is why I loved visiting Chino Valley, Arizona, Thank you treating me family and me and Fulton County, Kentucky. The young, dynamic advisors open arms. there, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Black, are always on the move. They Although my eyes are full of sadness, my heart is full of joy joy for this glorious opportunity to have served you. And are not afraid to try new things, and their love of new ideas is — passed on to their students. many times, goodbyes are sad ones—but I hope this one will be The final lesson, and one of the toughest to learn, is sharing remembered for all the memories. Til we meet again, goodbye and cooperating. At age five, children will color for a few and good luck as you live life and accept your call to duty. minutes then ask their neighbor if they can borrow a crayon. They are quick to ask questions and will team up to color on the same piece of paper. The result is a huge drawing, full of ideas from everyone.

The ability to share and come together as one is so important to success. I will never forget a conference for state officers in Wyoming. Four energetic officer teams stayed out, sitting on a mountain, under the stars until 1:00 a.m., getting to know each other. Teamwork and cooperation are the final links in answering the call to the duty of life.

Of the three lessons that I just shared with you, the one most Strength of Heart meaningful to me is sharing and cooperating with others. That has been the special link that has made my year so rewarding as Julie Classen a national officer. Everywhere I visited, it was your kindness and National Vice President warmth that made it special. Your giving of love, support and Central Region encouragement are gifts I can never repay. The experiences that we shared together as family will stick with me for a lifetime. to all friends in state Thanks my the great of North Dakota. When I was home for a few days in August, my little sister, All of those from the convention and my weekend excursion Valerie, and I saddled up our horses and took off down the back through the Badlands will always hold a special spot in my heart. road by our farm. It seemed the faster our horses trotted the To the awesome state officers in California and Arizona who took more we chatted. We talked about all sorts of vitally important me on the journey of a lifetime, I'll never forget seeing topics sisters should talk about, everything from the latest Disneyland, San Francisco and the Grand Canyon. Thank you. techniques in curling hair to the top ten ways of legally skipping Another group that I hold dear is the Washington Conference out of doing the dishes. Then, out of the blue, 12-year-old staff. It Program participants and was my honor to work, laugh Valerie said, "Hey Jules, I saved two mice yesterday!" Obvi-

38 ously, I was a little surprised and asked Val to explain. She Kelly Lienemann's living spirit will always serve as an

proceeded to tell me that she and Dad had to move a water tank example of what it means to live a path with heart in my

from the field. When they tipped it over, underneath she saw a hometown of Blue Hill, Nebraska. Kelly was born a victim of

mouse nest with baby mice in it. They were rather shocked by one of the most severe forms of spina bifida, a major birth defect

the sudden shake up, and as the water spilled out, it swept two affecting the spine and the central nervous system. She had an of the mice from their nest. inoperable open spine on the lower back and another defect on

They struggled to hang onto old pieces of hay that had the upper back. During her first hours of life, doctors predicted filtered to the bottom of the tank. Valerie, recognizing a chance that she would have little chance of living more than a couple of to use the life-saving skills she learned in swimming lessons, days due to the small size of her brain and extreme physical jumped off the four-wheeler, bent down beside the two mice, complications. Her parents were told that, if by some miracle picked them up like baby kittens and carried them back to she did survive, she would be nothing more than a "vegetable," safety. Valerie smiled with heroic conviction and in the same and would never know them. Against the advice of doctors and breath began to tell me something else. social workers who said an institution would be the best place After sharing that rescue story, Valerie didn't pause for for their daughter, Kelly's parents made the decision to take her applause or praise or even to say what made her react and save off life support systems. Miraculously, this little girl with a big two ordinary field mice. All I know is there was a certain heart was brought home a week later. instinctive characteristic that told Valerie to help out. It would My small town put their own support systems in place for have been very easy to let those two mice drown, but Valerie Kelly, her mom, older sisters and her dad, who happens to be acted with her heart. Knowingly or unknowingly she chose to my FFA advisor. I remember distinctly how everyone rallied listen to a quiet voice. She chose a path with heart. My little around Kelly. She was treated and loved like any other "nor- sister has been my closest example of what it means to have a mal" child. Against all odds, she grew and excelled mentally big heart. and even physically. With bulldog determination she taught Just two months ago she filled me in on her friend, Homer. herself to crawl, using one arm and her chin despite the rest of Homer is the name she has given to the gray mouse on our back her paralyzed body. She developed a keen awareness, excep- porch that Mom has been trying in vain to catch. Val thinks he's tional eye and hand coordination, a remarkable capacity for cute and that he looks more like a harmless hamster than the learning and above all, an unforgettable personality. Her quick enemy. Day after day Mom baits the trap with a piece of cheese. smile and big blue eyes captured the hearts of many at ball Every day, Val sneaks to the porch and steals the cheese away. games and other community events. God gave earth a special So far the score is Val and Homer, eleven. Mom, zero! angel and carefully chose Dewey and Connie Lienemann to be Each of us in our own unique way is searching for more out her guardians. of life. We have the desire to be smarter students, stronger Kelly's radiating human spirit touched more lives in 14 athletes and better FFA members. The quest to be the best at short months than most of us do in a lifetime. Kelly wasn't what we do is a gift we've been given because we live in a free given the gift of physical perfection, just as you and I may not country. Yet, society often creates pressure for us to be better be perfect on the outside. But she was granted a perfect heart. looking, to have nicer clothes and to drive faster cars. That same The difference between giving up and 14 months of sparkle, pressure tells us it matters how tall we are, it matters how thin was that Kelly was not afraid to use her gift. The same priceless we are and it matters how much money we have. gift you and I share—real heart. She taught us all, that with a But outward beauty and the greatest material possessions little heart, there are no limits other than the ones we place on won't make us happy. There is something inside each of us that ourselves. is much stronger than any outward motivation we may see at Searching for and living a path with heart, over time, leads school or on television, and it speaks rather quietly compared to to a very real strength—one that is much greater than physical the noise of the world. strength. It cannot be measured or gauged, but can be seen

Living our lives with heart, illustrated by my little sister, is through the actions of those who have come to understand it. that quiet voice in action. A path with heart invites us to move My pastor always says, "When God measures men, he puts the beyond our self-centered actions and to instead practice more tape around the heart and not the head." ethical, loving and compassionate ways. It may mean to stand Strength of heart is the culmination of all the other powerful by a personal commitment to someone, even when it requires forces. It is a refreshing and reassuring strength. Strength of time and energy and brings little in return. Or it may mean heart is the courage to endure the toughest tragedies and standing up for what we believe is right, even in the face of scariest failures. It's the freedom to release all your excitement criticism or inconvenience. It can also mean simply enjoying life, and joys to the world. It is the openness to cry with a friend. It's instead of seeing only the serious side. humility in a society that often forgets to sacrifice for others. It's

Witnessing real heart in the people I have met is what has integrity. It's trust. And it's love. Strength of heart grants you an meant the most to me this year. It's been Missy, Kyle, Becky, inner peace to be happy—just being you. Matt and the hundreds of FFA members across this country. It's FFA members, whether you face what seems to be over- been Mom, Dad, Val, Todd, Mr. Lienemann, Rich and the many whelming odds, like Kelly, or you are working to find happi- close friends who will always serve as my role models. It's all of ness in every-day challenges, like Valerie, my final message to you who told me to take time for quiet moments, because those each of you is one that is very simple. As you continue to search are the times when you will be reminded of what you value for the best out of life, no matter what your circumstances, look most and how you want to live your life. You said to take time deep inside—for there lies an incredible strength. A strength for heart-to-heart talks with friends, because as one of my that only you can find, and it's there within your own heart. favorite quotes says, "a man cannot touch his neighbor's heart with anything less than his own." My friends, you have shown me that it is okay to share a little heart with others. Thanks so much for sharing yours with me. (Continued on Page 40)

39 Retiring Addresses life that can share that kind of love with you. Many of the best friends I have ever made, I made through

the FFA. When I think of all the beautiful and wonderful experiences I've had in the FFA—my year as an area officer and as a state officer, my WEA trip to Europe, and my year as a national officer—it is you, my dear friends, who made all the Little Girl Little and difference. Boy Dreams It says in the book of Proverbs, "A friend loveth at all times." And to all of you, I want to thank you for showing your Lesa Ann King love to me. National Vice President The second thing you must do, my friends, is to love Western Region yourself, because if you do not love and believe in yourself, don't expect anyone else to. Sometimes this is the hardest lesson we have to learn.

My years as a dreamchaser began in first grade. The I was at the Tennessee FFA convention back in April. I assignment was easy, the boundaries were limitless—draw stayed with a dear friend named Martha. We got to talking one what you want to be when you grow up. Many of my class- night as girls do, and she asked me to read a letter that she had mates figured I would draw a veterinarian or maybe a rancher written to one of my fellow officers. Her story was as follows: because of my love for animals. But no, I had a different dream. Martha had grown up on a farm. When she began high As you can tell, I was no artist, but here it is—musical Lesa. She school she took agriculture classes. Martha was a shy girl. She held a microphone in her hand that she could sing into, or she rarely spoke to people one on one, but with a microphone it was could move her hand out where the world could sing with her a different story. She had a very strong voice, and a talent for too. It was a dream that surprised my classmates, but also a speaking. dream that I held on to for all these years. However, Martha's confidence just wasn't there. She saw

This year my dream has come true as I have served you as a herself as overweight and unattractive. She began dieting and national officer. Those of you who know me, know how much I lost a lot of weight, but she still had a fear "of being or getting love to write, listen to and play music. Some of my fondest fat." The fear then developed into the disorders known as memories of this year have been picking and singing with anorexia and bulemia. She was afraid to tell anyone and afraid you—or sometimes just listening to the words of a favorite of what her friends would say. Then she found a friend in a song. Music is, and always will be, a powerful force in my life young man who happened to be a national officer. His name and in my dreams. was Jones Loflin. Dreams are what life is made of. They give us strength to go Jones took the time to listen to Martha, to be her friend, to on, a reason to be and something to build on. convince her that God loved her and wanted her to get better. Each of you out there has had some type of dream. Maybe She began to find confidence and strength in herself, and her you've forgotten it. What was it you wanted to be when you road to recovery began. grew up? What was your little girl or little boy dream? And Her voice strengthened and Martha Kate became the winner now, I ask you, what is keeping you from pursuing that dream of the Tennessee FFA Public Speaking Contest and also a today? And what will it take for you to make your dream come National FFA Officer candidate last year. true? When I finished the letter, tears filled my eyes, for there in

The first thing you must do is to stay around people who her story, was my own story. In middle school, I had glasses, believe in you. People who will build you up, and won't tear braces and was a heavyset kid. I could not win a popularity you down. People who will laugh with you, cry with you, listen election, I was not very coordinated in sports, and I never really and talk to you. The people you can call your "true friends." felt that I fit in.

One of my dear friends, Chris Britton, shared a story that to When I entered high school, I found a new hope in the FFA. me, expresses what true friendship means. But the disappointments began again, as loss after loss took

During World War I, a soldier in the trenches saw his friend their toll. I thought, "If I lose 20 pounds, all my problems will go out in no-man's-land (the ground between our trenches and away." I did lose 20 pounds, but the fears and insecurities those of the enemy) stumble and fall in a hail of bullets. He said didn't go away. 5' to the officer, "Sir, may I go and bring him in?" But the officer My sophomore year, I was 5 1 /2" and weighed 108 refused. "No one can live out there," he said. "1 should only lose pounds but I still wasn't happy. I had become anorexic. My you as well." Disobeying the order, the young man went out to classmates accused me of having a problem, but I denied it. In try to save his friend. Somehow, he got his friend on his time, the weight crept back up, and I then became bulemic. I shoulder and carried him back to the trenches, but he himself cried every night when I went to bed. I had never felt so alone lay mortally wounded and his friend was dead. and scared in my life. This went on for two years. The officer was angry. "I told you not to go," he said. "Now During my junior year, things began to turn around. I was

I have lost both of you. It was not worth it." The boy said, "but elected to serve my senior year as chapter treasurer, the highest of course it was worth it, sir." chapter office I ever held, and to also serve as area treasurer. I

"Worth it?" said the officer, "How could it be? Your friend made new friends across the state of Texas, attended my first is dead, and you are mortally wounded." The young man national convention, and for the first time, the scared little girl shrank from the reproach, but looking up into his officer's face inside of me found self confidence. I realized that it's not what he said, with his dying breath, "It was worth it, sir, because other people think about you; it's what you think about yourself when I got to him he said, Jim, I knew you'd come.'" that counts. And I wanted to get better.

John 15:13 says "Greater love has no man than this, that a The hardest thing I ever did in my life was on April 24, 1987. man lay down his life for his friend." Look for people in your That afternoon, I left one of my classes crying. One of my best

40 friends, Martina, left class with me and I told her, "I have a You'll always be... problem and I need help." For three months, 1 went to counsel- I've seen my dreams come true, I saw a little bit of me in you, ing for eating disorders and began to put my life back together. I I saw you smile, and I was a winner for a while, realized I had unique talents and abilities. And no matter what And in all you do, I want you to know I look up to you. had happened in my past, I was a child of God and 1 was special. Don't let go, of your little girl and little boy dreams, I lot that It life forever. grew a from experience. changed my No matter how far away, they may seem. It amazes and saddens me that the number-two killer of healthy teenagers today is suicide. The number-one killer is And now I say goodbye, and I'll try not to cry, drunk driving. cause I'll be back again, to see you win...

Why is this happening? It is because no one ever told these And see your dreams come true kids that they were special. No one ever took the time to say, "I To see the little bit of me in you, care about you," or "I love you." No one was brave enough to To see you smile, and I'll be a winner for awhile stand up for those kids when the class bully was picking on And in all you do, I want you to know that I love you. them. told those students that it was okay to say no to No one Don't let go of your little girl and little boy dreams, peer pressure. No matter how far away, they may seem.

FFA members, I ask you to be more than leaders when you go back to your schools; be a friend to those in need. And the most important thing I ask of you is this: if you or one of your friends have a problem, please get help or encourage your friend to get help. Whether it is drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, family problems or whatever, find someone to talk to. Learn to love and respect yourself and become your own best friend. The last thing you must do to make your dreams come true is Field of Dreams to share your dreams with others. You see, many of the things I dreamed of never came to pass. But through this year, and Ben Nessmith National Vice President through the friendships I have made, I have seen those dreams come true and have had the opportunity to share those victories Southern Region with you. FFA members, you have taught me the value of friendship, Growing up on my grandfather's farm was a definite you have taught me how to care about myself, and you have advantage for me. Like many farm kids, I learned early the great benefits of farm life. There were weekend hunts, beautiful sunsets taken me to places I'd only dreamed of. I can never repay what overlooking calm ponds and windblown wheat fields. Memories, you have given me. As I take off my blue and gold for the last of deer hunting with my buddies and late nights trying to get the time, I leave you with this final song. The piano music is by Joe peanuts before it rained, stay vividly fixed in mind. Looker, and the words are from me to you, with a sincere thank in my I will never forget the first litter of Duroc pigs that I raised and you for all of the little girl and little boy dreams you have shared with me... my eagerness to rush home from school to check on them. And

always I will remember the first time I tried to back up a trailer with

one of grandfather's tractors. As jackknives go, it was perfect. When I was a little girl I'd wish upon a star, my dose my eyes and dream a dream Like all families involved in farm living, ours was, and is, a

But my dreams didn't always come true, tight-knit group. I guess it was that closeness that brought us

But there was always something new and I prayed to be strong, through tough times. Until day came along. my The day after my uncle's funeral, my dad told me it would be

good to start working regularly for my grandfather on the farm. I

And now I watch you grow, will never forget the day. I was in the 6th grade. I rode around doing things I used to know, with Granddaddy hooking up trucks to peanut trailers and I see you shine, and remember when those days were mine. leveling off the tops of the loads. That was the first day of the rest And when you win my friend, I'm so proud of you. of my life, for after that day, my interest in agriculture grew and Thank you for taking me to the places, I longed to be. grew. It was that day that my dreams began. They were dreams

I've seen my dreams come true, I saw a little bit of me in you, of involvement in this great industry which we call agriculture.

I saw you smile, and I was a winner for awhile, I began working on my fields of dreams. It was by working And in all you do, I want you to know I look up to you. on the hog farm and in the fields, by seeing a field of dirt turn Don't let go, of your little girl and little boy dreams, into a luscious and beautiful field of corn or peanuts, that I saw No matter how far away, they may seem. my dreams take shape and grow. I am still amazed at the process of growth that happens in these fields each year—along with the I can't make it, hold my hand; good Lord's magic touch of life. I'm not good enough, I don't understand. It that the I got, became. I We had doubts, but we always worked it out, seemed older the bigger my dreams Through late nights, talkin', walkin', spent many nights on the hood of my truck out in my fields of

Lookin' for answers we knew dreams staring at the moon and the stars, thinking of who I was

You opened up to I the real me, and saw in you and what I wanted to be. I believe all young people should be able to lie on a warm truck hood, look up into the beautiful Through the pain to the final dance, heavens, smell fresh cut corn, and think about life. You weren't afraid to take a chance, On the farm, I grew to appreciate the work that goes into And now you've come, to the place where you belong, growing a food supply for our country. It was there that I began With God and with your friends, you'll make it through, And once again, thank you for sharing with in heart me, my (Continued on Page 42)

41 —

We will make a difference wherever we go. We will accomplish Retiring Addresses great things for agriculture and for our world. The leadership in FFA members today will show us the bright future of tomorrow. This year, serving as your national vice president from the to grasp the importance of agriculture to the societies of our southern region has been a dream come true. I have met many country and our world. new friends and have had many good times at your chapters One of America's most outstanding leaders, Benjamin times that I will long remember. Who could forget jumping off a Franklin, said it best at the signing of the Declaration of 40-foot cliff into ice-cold streams in Washington state or Independence on July 4, 1776, when he said, 'There seems to be waterskiing with the world's craziest people in Franklin County, but three ways for a nation to acquire wealth: the first by war, as Georgia. I appreciate all the support and kind words from each of the Romans did, in plundering their conquered neighbors this — you. Thank you for everything. is robbery; the second by commerce, which is generally This year I have had the opportunity to get to know five of cheating; and the third is by agriculture, the only honest way, the most incredible individuals I have ever met, my fellow wherein man received a real increase of the seed thrown into officers. Gang, I don't believe there could have been any better the ground in a kind of continual miracle, wrought by the hand people to work with. FFA members, these five people are incredible. of God in his land, as a reward for his innocent life and his The commitment, love and dedication I have seen in them is virtuous industry." unbelievable They are amazing. There have been so many times I We have built a great nation, and it is agriculture that starts, have been simply awed. I'm just glad they let me tag along. builds and maintains any great nation. Look around the world There are many people I'd like to thank, but for some I would and what do you see, time and time again? Weak agriculture, like to say a special "thank you." My state executive secretary weak economies, and weak countries struggling for life. John Wilkinson gave tremendous support and friendship. Tony Agriculture is the basis of any society. Hoyt offered love and support. My grandfather has served as a If the people are not fed, they will grow their own food. If great role model. My brother has been the best friend a person everyone is growing their own food, who is left to start indus- could have. There are my friends at Abraham Baldwin Agricul- try, export goods, build an army or run the affairs of the tural College; and of course, my parents. They are my role country? No one. You see, it is the two percent of Americans models, and for all their late nights of help, love and concern, I that farm who enable the other 98 percent to enjoy other say thank you. Last, but not least by any means, the good Lord occupations. has been the ultimate support, strength and guidance. Agriculture is an important factor in the success of our country. I have always been and will always be the world's biggest In fact, it is the backbone of that success. So when we think of the Jerry Clower fan. My favorite story is on his tape, "Starke Raving agricultural industry, we automatically should think of what its in Starke, Florida." In this tape he talks of Owen Cooper, future will hold and what will ensure its success. president of the Mississippi Chemical Company. Once Mr. Agriculture has always been able to change and adapt in a Clower asked Mr. Cooper how he would live his life if he had the way that has kept it successful. America has been fortunate to chance to do it again. Mr. Cooper is quoted as follows: have dedicated people who served as catalysts in that adapta- "If I had my life to live over, I would love more. I would tion. So, obviously, it will be the people involved in agriculture especially love others more. I would let this love express itself in who will be the determining factor in the success of our great a concern for my neighbors, my friends, and all with whom I industry. Yes, people who are leaders, people who are creative, came in contact. I would try to let love permeate me, overcome people who are knowledgeable enough in agricultural fields to me, overwhelm me, and direct me. I would love the unlovely, the make wise decisions. unwanted, the unknown, and the unloved. I would give more, I Where are these people? Look around you. Look on your would learn early in life the joy of giving, the pleasure of sharing, left and to your right. That's right. This is where you and I fit in and the happiness of helping. I would learn to give more than this picture of agriculture. In the July 1991 issue of Progressive money. I would give some of life's treasured possessions—such Farmer, it is stated that in 1990 there were 23,000 college as time, thoughts, and kind words. If I had my life to live over, I graduates in Food and Agricultural Sciences that were met with would be much more unconventional, because where society 40,000 job opportunities. That left 17,000 unfilled positions. As overlooks people, I would socialize with them. Where custom you can see, not only are more agriculturalists needed for the acknowledges peers as best with whom to have fellowship, I success of our industry, but they are in high demand. would want some non-peer friends. This year I have had the distinct honor and pleasure of "Where tradition stratifies people because of economics, meeting many of you and visiting your FFA chapters. I have education, race, or religion, I would want fellowship with friends seen the faces of excitement and competition at the Kansas State of all strata, and I would choose to go where the crowd doesn't Ag Mech Contest. I have seen the love for FFA in Max Dunlap's go, where the road is not paved, where the weather is bitter, speech about his FFA chapter in front of his school's student where friends are few, where the need is great, and where God is body. I have seen the look of leadership in the faces of the most likely to be found." district officers in Iowa at their leadership training conference. I FFA members, in your field of dreams, I hope that you find it have seen the faces of tomorrow's leaders for agriculture. Each possible to learn to love life. Life is great if you live it to its fullest. one proudly displays their blue and gold jacket. Yes, I can I wish you the best. Thank you for an incredible year. I owe FFA honestly say that agriculture is in good hands. my love for life and I hope this year that I have been able to show FFA members, agriculture has been successful because of its someone how to do the same. You and agriculture have a bright teamwork farmer helping farmer, agribusiness professionals — future. Keep your goals high and never look back. helping agribusiness professionals. FFA has also been successful for the same reason. Encouragement, support and friendship are what FFA members receive from others in their local chapters, state associations and on the national level.

My friends, we will carry those values with us through life. 42 National FFA Foundation

The National FFA Foundation 's Executive Council gathered on stage during the sponsor recognition program. From left, 1990 Chair Thomas Hennesy, chairman & CEO, TSC Stores; 1994 Chair-elect Ron Davis, president & CEO, William R. Biggs/Gilmore Associates; 1993 Chair -elect Dale Miller, president & CEO, Sandoz Crop Protection Corporation; 1 992 Chair Neil Christenson, vice president. Farm Equipment & Consumer Products Marketing, United States & Canada, Deere & Company; and 1991 Chair Robert Reynolds, vice president and general manager, Crop Protection Products Division, Monsanto Agricultural Company. 35-Year Sponsors DowElanco Indianapolis, Indiana Thursday's National FFA Foundation their Supervised Agricultural Experience Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. activities offered an intimate glimpse of (SAE) programs. For many, the inter- Des Moines, Iowa sound investments at work. For Founda- views brought on attacks of nerves as tion sponsors, the annual trek to Kansas well as feelings of excitement. Matt 25-Year Sponsors of Athens, City was a chance to experience the Haney Ala., sat in the hotel Campbell Soup Company hallway and pondered the vitality and gratitude of their young upcoming Camden, New Jersey interview. beneficiaries firsthand. For FFA mem- CPC International, Inc. bers, the interaction with "It's a long wait," he said. "I'm afraid sponsors was a Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey I'm going to forget everything I know." rare treat. They met the people behind Farm Credit System At state competitions, Haney explained, the labels and logos, and found willing Washington, D.C. his interview was held on the farm. In and supportive friends. Never was that Kent Feeds, Inc. City, said to rely totally support more evident than when Robert Kansas he he had Muscatine, Iowa on his communication abilities to explain W. Reynolds, 1991 Foundation chairman, Mobay Corporation, Agricultural his program. announced the record level of support to Chemicals Division a crowd of As southern region winner of the more than 25,100. Kansas City, Missouri "We set another record," he said to a diversified crop production award, cheering crowd. "$4,417,000 raised for Haney took part in a luncheon with other 15-Year Sponsors FFA." regional winners and the proficiency CENEX/CENEX Foundation judges. For him, meeting the group a Earlier in the day, hundreds of was St. Paul, Minnesota business and community leaders highlight. Farmers National Company assembled to select national award "Rubbing shoulders like that made us Omaha, Nebraska winners. Tucked away in the Allis Plaza feel special," he said. "This was an Elbridge & Evelyn Stuart Foundation Hotel meeting rooms, judges assembled important opportunity." Los Angeles, California to interview regional proficiency award Who's Who Among American winners. There the members detailed High School Students

Lake Forest, /Illinois

43 National FFA Foundation

Agricultural Division, CIBA-GEIGY Corporation Retiring Sponsors' Board Al Kern, Executive Vice President, Commercial Continuing Sponsors' Board Division, Mycogen Corporation Mark W. Atwood, Vice President, Development, Kenneth L. Bader, Chief Executive Officer, Josiah Phelps, Former President, National FFA Agricultural Research Division, American American Soybean Association Alumni Cyanamid Company Joseph R. Carpenter, Senior Vice President, Robert W. Pritchard, Manager, Public Relations, Frank C. "Buzz" Baker, President & Chief Campbell-Mithun-Esty DEKALB Plant Genetics Executive Officer, CMF&Z George S. Dahlman, Managing Director & Victoria Rickey, Senior Vice President, Tom Blandford, Vice President, Farm/Crop Senior Research Analyst, Piper, Jaffray & International Business Group, J. I. Case Division, Continental Insurance Hopwood Incorporated Jack D. Satterwhite, President, ConAgra Terry A. Blanks, President, Alfa-Laval Agri, Inc. J. C. Dromgoole, President, Fort Bend Fertilizer Company Henry D. Bobe, President & Chief Executive Services, Inc. Kent Schulze, President & Chief Executive Officer, Fermenta Animal Health Edgar E. Fehnel, Vice President, Elanco Animal Officer, Northrup King Co. H. D. Cleberg, President & Chief Executive Health, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company James E. Wissmiller, Director, Agricultural Officer, Farmland Industries, Inc. Kenneth W. Kemp, Vice President, Marketing, Products Marketing, ICI Americas Inc. Gary CostJey, Executive Vice President,

President - U.S. Food Products Division, Kellogg Company Gary L Duncan, President & Chief Executive

Officer, NC+ Hybrids, Inc. James E. (Ed) Frost, General Manager, Livestock Marketing Association Nick Hein, Vice President, Global Agricultural Products, DowElanco

James H. Hellmich, Director, Dairy Ingredient

Management, Kraft General Foods John M. Johansen, Director, Sales

Programming and Pricing, North American Ag Sales, Case Corporation Jonathan Kemper, President and Chief

Executive Officer, Commerce Bank of Kansas City Tom 0. Luehder, Vice President, AGRIGENETICS Edward L McMillan, President & Chief

Executive Officer, Purina Mills, Inc. Terry Blanks (left) president of Alfa-Laval Agri, Inc., Kansas City, Mo.; Philip Koch, manager of the Agricultural Division, CIBA-GEIGY Corporation, Greensboro, N.C.; and Edward Earl Morgan, Vice President & General Manager, Agricultural Chemicals Group, FMC McMillan, chiefexecutive officer and president of Purina Mills, Inc., St . Louis, Mo., represented their companies at the Distinguished Service Citation ceremony. Corporation Leo T. Rasmussen, Vice President, Agricultural Distinguished Service Citations Investments, Metropolitan Life Insurance For their generous years of FFA FFA Convention film, focusing on Company support, Alfa-Laval Agri, Inc., CIBA- spreading the enthusiasm of the conven- Tadd C. Seitz, Chairman, President and Chief GEIGY Corporation and Purina Mills, tion to local chapters. CIBA-GEIGY has Executive Officer, The O.M. Scott & Sons Inc. were recognized by the National FFA funded the production of other films as Company Board of Directors with Distinguished well, recognizing the importance of the Richard 0. Shuler, Vice President & General Service Citations. Known for their medium in reaching members and other Manager, Syntex Animal Health, North America generous contributions of time and effort, audiences. In the past 10 years, the Roxann L. Sommers, President, National FFA these companies represented 111 total company had representatives on the Alumni Association years of support among them. sponsors' board twice and has been a Catherine A. Westphal, Director, Public Alfa-Laval Agri, Inc. is a three star sponsor for 29 years. Relations, Santa Fe Pacific Corporation, sponsor. They support the General Fund, Purina Mills, Inc. has sponsored FFA Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway the Between Issues newsletter, the activities for 39 years. A three star National FFA Dairy Proficiency Award sponsor, the company supports the and college and international scholarship National FFA Livestock Judging contest, programs. The 1985 Foundation chair- the National FFA Specialty Animal man was Carl Gerhardt and Terry A. Proficiency Award and college scholar- Blanks serves actively on the National ship programs. President and CEO Ed FFA Foundation Sponsors' Board. The McMillan, a past state officer and WEA company has been a sponsor for 43 years. participant, serves actively on the CIBA-GEIGY Corporation has for the sponsors' board. past six years sponsored the National

44 VIP Citations

From left: Sam Stenzel, Warren Reed , Kenneth Mitchell, David Miller, W.H. Meischen, Joseph Edmondson, Robert Crawley, Wilson Carnes and Guy Cain.

During Friday morning's session, nine individuals were honored for their selfless contributions to FFA. All had devoted many years to the improvement of the organization in which they had been so involved, and were awarded VIP Citations. Recipients were Guy Cain, retired state supervisor, West Virginia; Wilson Carnes, former editor-in-chief/FFA New Horizons and administrative director, National FFA Organization, Virginia; Robert Crawley, retired state supervisor, Arkansas; Joseph Edmondson, professor, Food Science and Nutrition Depart- ment, University of Missouri; W.H. Meischen, retired executive director, VATA of Texas; David Miller, supervisor of vocational education and industrial arts, Carroll County Public Schools, Maryland; Kenneth Mitchell, part-time execu- tive director, Tennessee FFA Foundation; Warren Reed, retired state supervisor, California; and Sam Stenzel, retired executive director NVATA, Kansas. $

45 National FFA Alumni

One group that helps grease the financial wheels of FFA and provides stability, guidance and program support to student chapters is the National FFA Alumni. Virgil Martenson, Stoughton, Wis., was elected president at the 20th annual FFA Alumni meeting held November 13. Other newly elected council members were Vice President Mark Williams, Oviedo, Fla.; Eastern Region Representa- tive Lynn Wells, River View, Ohio; and Southern Region Representative Earl Cheek, Perry, Ga. Returning council members include: Past President Roxann Sommers, London, Ohio; Western Region Represen- tative June Dean, Sperry, Okla.; Council George Vanderzell, Tri-Valley, N.Y., climbed aboard his new 18-horsepoiver Huskee Member-at-Large Duane Nielson, garden tractor donated by TSC Stores. He paid $1£50 for his new garden tractor, Vienna, Va.; Teacher Education Repre- purchased at the FFA Alumni Auction. Auction proceeds support FFA programs. sentative Ray Herren, Athens, Ga.; and State Supervisor Representative Larry Redding, Harrisburg, Pa. The annual meeting was followed by a banquet recognizing many FFA Alumni the ranks of the Blue Blazer Club. The North Dakota, Oklahoma and Texas. accomplishments. Eleven states were 1991 Blue Blazer winners were Florida, For the sixth consecutive year, saluted for increasing their membership Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, members finished their day with the FFA by at least 50 members, thereby joining Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Alumni Auction, raising more than $32,500 to finance FFA activities. Former FFA member and Weberville, Mich., Alumni Affiliate member Bill Sheridan shouted and coaxed from the auction block, encouraging a rousing $16,300 bid for the 1991 four-wheel drive, half-ton Silverado truck donated by Chevy Trucks. As the last person to nod in the bidding, Stockbridge, N.Y., FFA Advisor Raymond Lighthall bought the right to drive the truck home. George Vanderzell, Tri-Valley, N.Y., put in the highest bid, $1,550, for an 18-horsepower Huskee garden tractor donated by TSC Stores. A 20-foot conveyor contributed by Patz, Inc., also brought a closing bid of $1,550. Gary and Lorraine Wolf of Bonduel, Wis., were the highest bidders. Although the final rap of the gavel closed their meeting, Alumni presence and support was felt throughout the

Blue jacket Club members were (left) Monte Womack, Oklahoma; Lori Grieger, North Dakota; convention. National FFA Alumni Greg Hofman, Montana; John Kent, Iowa; Sue Hodskins, Kentucky; David Stille, Illinois; sponsored the six one-hour national Shirley Carte, Florida; and Kim Vandyke, New Mexico. (Not pictured: Herschel Aichie, Indiana; leadership workshops. Joe Clary, North Carolina; and U.D. Adams, Texas.)

46 "

Alumni

During the FFA Alumni Auction Troy Crowe, Michigan state vice president, cajoled and persuaded

buyers to "bid just one more time. It 's for a good cause. It 's for the FFA.

Awards Gold Norfolk, Neb. Schuyler, Nev. The FFA Alumni Outstanding LeRoy, III. Workshops chairman Odell Miller, Achievement Award was presented to North Iowa Finley-Sharon, N.D. Marysville, Ohio, scheduled the present- Polk, three longtime promoters of the National Southern Cal, Iowa New Lexington, Ohio ers: Dan Shroer, 1989-90 national FFA FFA Organization. Rick Metzger and Washington, Kan. Pomeroy, Wash. vice president, Ohio; Kelli Evans-Brown, Thomas Wolfe of Ohio, and Ken Natzke Frederick Co., Va. Mauston, Wis. 1987-88 national FFA president, Ne- of Wisconsin, were honored at the braska; Donnell Brown, 1989-90 national Black Hawk, Wis. Alumni Banquet in Bartle Hall. FFA president, Texas; Jaye Hamby, 1988- Bonduel, Wis. Bronze Milton, Wis., was recognized as the 89 national FFA vice president, Tennes- Denmark, Wis. Fort Valley State, Ga. first place winner of the Outstanding FFA Milton, Ws. see; Kevin Ochsner, 1987-88 national FFA Westmoreland, Kan. Alumni Affiliate competition after secretary, Colorado; Dana Soukup, Apollo, Ky. winning second place honors last year. 1988-89 national FFA president, Ne- Silver Milan, Mo. North Polk, Iowa, captured second place. braska; and Mark Mayfield, 1973-74 Sarasota, Fla. Scottsbluff, Neb. Twenty-five other affiliates were national FFA president, Kansas. Clay Center, Kan. South Rowan, N.C. designated as Outstanding Affiliates, Hill City, Kan. Castle Rock, Wash. earning gold, silver or bronze rankings. Hopkins, Mich. Shields Valley, Mont. \

47 National Agricultural Career Show

FFA members who were not taking part in convention Monsanto Agricultural Company Society of American Florists sessions were usually found at the Agricultural Career Show, a Na-Churs Plant Food Company Society of American Foresters bustling showplace of agricultural opportunity. Companies, National Agricultural Aviation Society for Range Management universities and associations were among the 229 exhibitors Association South Carolina State College which offered educational and informative booths to conven- National Agriscience Institute & Southeast Community College tion attendees. Also exhibiting at the show were 12 state Outreach Program Southern Illinois University at associations who took part in the "Hall of States." National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Carbondale The Career Show area was a popular gathering spot and National Food & Energy Council, Inc. Southwestern Technical College National Futures Association Stone Mfg. & Supply Company host to a number of special activities during the convention. National Grain & Feed Association Student Conservation Association George Verzagt, show manager since 1978, said that 1,023 National High School Rodeo Association Stuppy Greenhouse Mfg. Co. persons staffed the booths in the 40,000 square feet of exhibit National Pork Producers Council Sunkist Growers, Inc. space. National Postsecondary Agricultural Take Pride in America (USDA) Student Organization Texas A&M University Agri-Covers Ltd. Aquaculture Equipment Delmar Publishers, Inc. National Rifle Association of America Texas Tech University Agri-Education, Inc. Dodge Trucks National Vocational Agricultural Tri-State Breeders Agricultural Communicators in Education DowElanco Teachers' Association, Inc. (NVATA) Truly Special/Aunt Myra's Alaska Oil & Gas Association Ertl Company, Inc. National Weather Service US Air Force Recruiting Service Alfa Laval Agri, Inc. (DeLaval) Equipment Manufacturers Institute New Mexico State University US Army Recruiting Command Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Evergreen America Society North American Elk Breeders US Coast Guard Recruiting American Angus Association Exxon Chemical Plastics Recycling Association US Custom Harvesters, Inc. American Association of Nurserymen Center North American Limousin Foundation US Fish & Wildlife Service American Breeders Service Farm & Ranch Network Service Co. North Carolina State University US Marine Corps American Cyanamid Farm House International Fraternity North Central Kansas Area Vocational US Navy Recruiting Command American Farm Bureau Federation Farmland Industries Technical School—Beloit & Hayes US Peace Corps American Gelbvieh Association Federal Aviation Administration, Northwest Missouri State University USDA Agricultural Cooperative Service American Hereford Association Central Region Ohio Agricultural Education Curriculum USDA Federal Crop Insurance American International Charolais Florida Department of Citrus Materials Service Corporation Association Food & Drug Administration Ohio State University USDA Soil Conservation Service-Earth American Maine-Anjou Association Ford Division-Ford Motor Company Oklahoma Curriculum & Instructional Team Volunteers American Morgan Horse Institute Genetic Outreach Materials Center USDA Soil Conservation Service- American Paint Horse Association Golf Course Superintendents Educational Relations American Polled Hereford Association Association of America Hall of States USDI Bureau of Land Management American Salers Association ICI Americas Inc-Agricultural Products University of Arkansas American Sheep Industry Association, Industrial Safety Equipment Association Alaska Maryland University of Florida Inc. Instructional Materials Lab, University of Arkansas Massachusetts University of Georgia American Simmental Association Missouri Connecticut Michigan University of Illinois American Soybean Association Instructional Materials Service, Texas Delaware Mississippi University of Maryland at College Park American Veterinary Medical A&M University Hawaii Missouri University of Minnesota-Crookston Association International Brangus Breeders University of Minnesota-St. Paul Army & Air National Guard Association Idaho Montana University of Missouri Auburn University Iowa State University Illinois Nebraska University of Nebraska-Lincoln Babson Bros. Co. /SURGE Jeffers Vet Supply Indiana North Dakota University of Southwestern Louisiana Barton County Community College John Deere Iowa Puerto Rico University of Wisconsin-Madison Bel-Rea Institute John Rinehart Taxidermy Supply Co. Kansas South Dakota University of Wisconsin-Platteville (The) Best Campaign for a Drug-Free Johnson & Wales University Kentucky Virginia University of Wisconsin-River Falls Tomorrow Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association Louisiana Utah V-TECS/Curriculum Publications Brainerd Technical College Kansas State University Clearinghouse Breaking New Ground Resource Center Kropf Fruit Company/Christian Kropf Gift Vigoro Industries Briggs & Stratton Corporation Fruits Oklahoma State University Virginia Tech CDC/NIOSH LC Produce Fundraisers Park College Vocational Marketing Services Cargill Inc., Nutrena Feeds Laffing Cow Press Pecan Valley Nut Company, Inc. Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Carquest Auto Parts Lincoln Technical Institute Pfizer-US Animal Health Division Assistance (VOCA) CaselH Lincoln University Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. Washington Apple Commission Cenex/Land Olakes Ag Services Louisiana State University Pitman-Moore, Inc. Western States Colleges of Agriculture Chevrolet Motor Division-Truck Michigan State University Purdue University Winchester Ammunition Merchandising Mid-America Dairymen, Inc. Remington Arms Company, Inc. Wix Filter Corporation Chicago Board of Trade Mid-America Nazarene College Renco Corporation Woman's Christian Temperance Union Clemson University Mid-America Vocational Curriculum Rhone-Poulenc Ag Company Coca-Cola USA Consortium (MAVCC) Scale Models Colby Community College Mississippi State University Seald-Sweet Growers, Inc. Community Calendars Missouri Chapter—American Fisheries Select Sires, Inc. ConAgra Technologies Society Sellstrom Manufacturing Company

Cornell University Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society Sigma Alpha Sorority Crosby Donkey Ball, Inc. Mobay Corporation Delaware Valley College Modesto Junior College

48 Honorary American FFA Degrees

Adults were honored at the Friday DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: LaVerne G. Ausman, MARYLAND: Debbie Quigley, Chevy Chase morning session for their support of the Washington; Donald E. Bevan, Washington; MICHIGAN: Gene F. Graham, Battle Creek FFA program. People from many walks Joseph H. Casello, Washington; Charles E. MINNESOTA: Thomas S. Adams, Mankato; of life, and from as far away as Japan, Grassley, Washington; Tom Harkin, Washington; Thomas 0. Cochrane, Bloomington; Michael D. were presented with the Honorary Burleigh Leonard, Washington; Robert T. Scott, Heffron, St. Paul; John A. Hest, Hawley; Richard

American FFA Degree and its accompa- Washington L. Knowlton, Austin; Vernon A. Nordaune, Austin; nying beribboned key and certificate. FLORIDA: Larry R. Arrington, Gainesville; Bill Paterson, St. Paul; Dean Schumacher, Heron

Teachers, teacher educators, U.S. George W. Busby Jr., Orlando; Mark A. Williams, Lake; Judy Schumacher, Heron Lake

Senators, parents of national officers and Oviedo MISSOURI: Mervin D. Bettis, Maryville; Robert J. Stars and representatives of business and GEORGIA: H. Cecil Beggs, Athens; Roger C. Birkenholz, Columbia; Jerry Crownover, associations were among those who Byrd, Atlanta; Clark G. DeLoach, Eatonton; Diane Springfield; LeRoy Deles Dernier, Jefferson City; received this high honor. DeLoach, Eatonton; T.M. Ewing, Macon; Harry E. Robert H. Denker Sr., California; Kenneth L. Two international guests were Hemphill, Metter; Carol Nessmith, Statesboro; McFate, Columbia; Sheila Pannell, Kansas City; recognized. Junichiro Chidani, advisor of William Nessmith, Statesboro; Robert A. Walton, Robert W. Reynolds, St. Louis; Harold B. Van the Future Farmers of Japan, and Saburo Savannah Cleave, Warrensburg; Ray Wahrenbrock, Kansas

Matsumoto, an agriculture teacher, were IDAHO: John P. Billetz, Burley; Dave Bivens, City honored for their long-time support of Boise; Ben L. Kerfoot, Fruitland NEBRASKA: Joan Classen, Ayr; Keith Classen,

Work Experience Abroad and the ILLINOIS: Robert E. Gehrt, Glen Ellyn; Edward Ayr; Timothy P. Davis, Lincoln; William E.

International Experience Program for W. Osborne, Urbana; Earl R. Sorenson, Chicago Johnson, Holdrege; Sharon L. Johnson, Holdrege; National Officers. INDIANA: R. Mack Strickland, West Lafayette; Edward C. Woeppel, Lincoln Larry Timm, Fillmore; Ruth Timm, Fillmore NEW JERSEY: Samuel Garrison, Trenton; Nancy

KANSAS: Barbara Borders, Overland Park; J. Trivette, Trenton Vernon DeWerff, Ellinwood; Marian DeWerff, NEW MEXICO: Lowell B. Catlett, Las Cruces ALABAMA: Ivan W. Smith II. Billingsley Ellinwood NORTH CAROLINA: William B. Jenkins, Raleigh; ARIZONA: Eugene G. Sander, Tucson; Lyle KENTUCKY: Kathy Day, Lexington James R. Oliver, Raleigh; Larry E. Price, Clinton Wright, Peoria LOUISIANA: Bonnie L. Tonn, Elton; Rudolph W. NORTH DAKOTA: Charles W. Moilanen, Fargo ARKANSAS: Bill Clinton, Little Rock; Jack T. Tonn II, Elton OHIO: Steve Gratz, Columbus; David L. Kahler, Harrington, Magnolia; David A. Sain, Little Rock MAINE: Lionel Theriault Jr., Caribou; Virginia Dublin; Ted Schmitmeyer, Versailles; Connie CALIFORNIA: Douglas D. Flesher, Oroville; Bob Theriault, Caribou Schmitmeyer, Versailles; Fred Shininger, Delta; Heuvel, Sacramento; Robert R. Pershing, Davis Marjory Shininger, Delta; Roxann L. Sommers, London OKLAHOMA: Steve Collier, Oklahoma City;

Ernest R. Davis, Guthrie; Harry L. Field, Stillwater; Judy Grellner, Kingfisher; Jim Grellner, Kingfisher;

Rick Griffin, Shawnee; Gale L. Hagee, Lawton;

Floyd J. Lark, Goodwell; Roy Peters Jr., Stillwater; James Steward, Stillwater OREGON: Michael S. Macnab, Portland; Heike Ohling, Albany PENNSYLVANIA: Doris M. Cavell, Hermitage

PUERTO RICO: Israel Flores-Rodrkjuez, Santurce

RHODE ISLAND: Marjorie J. Hammond, Providence SOUTH DAKOTA: Alan D. Fenner, Menno; Ben M. Handcock, Pierre; Van C. Kelley, Brookings TENNESSEE: Randol Waters, Knoxville TEXAS: D. Thomas Dayberry, San Marcos; U. Lewis Eggenberger, Lubbock; Katie King, Howe;

Joe King, Howe; Billy R. Long, Nacogdoches;

Roger D. Perritt, Nacogdoches

VIRGINIA: Joyce L. Berryman, Alexandria; Erna

Gilker, Occoquan; Ellen Lohr, Broadway; Gary

Lohr, Broadway; Andrew J. Markwart, Alexandria;

Beth Seitzinger, Alexandria; Marshall Stewart, Andy Markwart, newly named Student Services Team Leader at the National FFA Center, Alexandria congratulated fellow Honorary American FFA Degree recipients after they 'd walked across the

stage. Junichiro Chidani (left) and Saburo Matsumoto, advisors of the Future Farmers ofJapan, have been instrumental in the National Officers' annual trip to Japan. (Continued on Page 50)

49 Honorary American FFA Degrees NORTH CAROLINA: Ricky E. Joyner, Dudley; Glenn A. Perryman, Winston-Salem

OHIO: Clifford Baughman, St. Paris; Samuel WASHINGTON: Rod Erickson, Ferndale; IDAHO: Gaylen L. Smyer, Burley; Steven D. Custer, Versailles; David Mayer, Marion; Charles Darlene Erickson, Ferndale; Harry Lang, Mount Wilder, Meridian E. Miller, Amanda; Christopher E. Wolfe, New Vernon; Dolores Lang, Mount Vernon; Vince ILLINOIS: William D. Cinnamon, Brimfield; Lexington

Pfaff, Tacoma; Dan Zandra, Woodinville Michael H. Marks, Greenville OKLAHOMA: Elmer Beshear, Woodward;

WEST VIRGINA: Kerry S. Odell, Morgantown; IOWA: Jack Cook, Mount Ayr; Clyde L. Johnson, Charles C. Curl Jr., Pawnee; Dale DeWitt, Edsel Redden, Hinton Aplington Braman; Lindell Duncan, Haskell; Bruce

WISCONSIN: Merle H. Bodmer Jr., Racine; KANSAS: Wayne I. DeWerff, Plainville Farquhar, Altus; Philip F. Fuss, Red Rock; Tim Barbara Gronemus, Madison MARYLAND: Edward F. Mayne Jr., Frederick Herren, Waynoka; R J. Hollon, Woodward; Larry WYOMING: Ronald H. Pulse, Cheyenne MICHIGAN: Rod Evans, Homer Nickeson, Fargo; CM. D. Wells, Stratford JAPAN: Junichiro Chidani, Tokyo; Saburo MINNESOTA: David K. Acheson, Cold Spring; OREGON: Dale Crawford, Culver Matsumoto, Hyoko-ken Thomas D. Appel, Mountain Lake; James E. PENNSYLVANIA: Earl K. Brown, Coudersport;

Hahn, Dawson; Dennis L. Schroeder, Marshall Clifford J. Day, New Holland; Samuel R. Wagner,

Teachers MISSOURI: Doug Carpenter, Stet; William W. Elliottsburg

ALABAMA: William H. Bishop, Woodland; Lamar Cottrell Jr., Memphis; John Dillard, Carthage; TENNESSEE: Fred G. Laine, Lebanon

Dewberry, Lineville; William L. Gibson, Jasper; Danny E. Hill, Sweet Springs; Lowell E. Mclnturff, TEXAS: Robert R. Austin, Raymondville; Roy

Michael L. Grissom, Quinton; Jimmy Owen, Wheaton; Kevin Overfelt, Owensville; Dan J. Crawford Jr., Lancaster; Dale Mulkey, Garland;

Dothan Rains, Stockton Ronald B. Smith, Dumas ARIZONA: Guillermo Zamudio, Safford NEBRASKA: Doug Malone, Firth; Bob Pedulla, UTAH: Carl D. Swenson, Payson

ARKANSAS: John Neel, Marshall; Dwayne Scottsbluff WEST VIRGINA: John D. Bennett, Glenville; Webb, Lincoln NEVADA: Michele Lewis, Minden; Susan L. Doyle M. Fincham, Shenandoah Junction;

CALIFORNIA: Mark Clement, Paso Robles; Max Poland, Minden J. Randall McCutcheon, Union Corbett, Tulare; Robert Cummings, Shandon; NEW MEXICO: Willard Hall, Truth or WISCONSIN: John M. Emmons, Monroe;

Ralph W. Minto, Colusa; Dave Parker, Santa Consequences Herman H. Seebandt, Neillsville; Maria; Gerald Wenstrand, Lake Isabella NEW YORK: Raymond G. Lighthall, Munnsville WYOMING: William Despain, Laramie

Dave Parker, advisor of the Santa Maria, Calif., chapter, got a hearty handshakefrom Claudine Lopez, one of his students. Jose Hernandez patted Parker on the back while fellow Norte Vista, Calif, member Adam Derbo joined Megan Gurley, San Jose-Pioneer, Calif, chapter, in admiring his Honorary American FFA Degree.

50 Business

More delegates than ever before—466 in all—conducted the FFA's official business during committee meetings and convention sessions. Under a new system adopted in 1990, the number of delegates allotted to a state was based upon membership. Despite the large number of decision makers, they were swift and decisive. Each delegate was assigned to a commit- tee and a subcommittee which prepared a report for the consideration of the entire delegate body. These reports were voted on Wednesday, and forwarded to the National FFA Board of Directors for action at their January, 1992 meeting. Surprisingly, what some predicted to be a controversial matter passed without discussion. FFA's four regions were realigned (see map) to equalize the number of states and members in each. Regions were also renamed. Eastern, southern, western and central were National committee members congregated before the convention and even started preparing dropped in favor of 1 through 4. (For the reports and recommendations to shape policies and activities. complete wording of the recommenda- FFA tion, please see page 64.) If approved by year. The national convention committee edition of the Official FFA Manual to a the board of directors in 1992, the matter offered suggestions to improve future creed speaking contest for greenhand will be finalized at the 65th convention. conventions and still others considered members, delegates searched for The 13 delegate committees studied ways in which the National FFA Organi- innovative ideas. On the following pages, some diverse issues. The nominating zation could better serve the each committee report is reproduced. committee was charged with choosing six organization's members. From a Spanish student officers to serve for the coming

Alaska

Region IS Region 2^ Region Region 4

*.

Hawaii Virgin Islands #

Guam Puerto Rico

51 Official Delegates

ALABAMA: Brandon Abbott, Arab; Norman FLORIDA: Trisha Bailey, Dover; Shawn Crocker, LOUISIANA: Dawn Daigle, Jennings; Matt

Atkins Jr., Eutaw; Daryl Baxley, Opp; Josh Black, Haines City; Matt Elliott, Lake Placid; Brad Fannin, Jonesboro; Jill Guthrey, Iowa; Kelly

Athens; Jerie Browning, Rockford; Regina Etheridge, Williston; Erin Freel, Weirsdale; Jones, Den ham Springs; Ben Langlinais, Erath;

Chandler, Slocomb; John Clement, Athens; Kimberly Godwin, Zolfo Springs; Kristy Harrison, Brett LeJeune, Midland; Tail Martin, Cut Off;

William Cockrell, Greensboro; Matt Cooper, Starke; Todd Hingson, McAlpin; Jason Keen, Carrington Pelleria, Rayne; Patrick Sandel,

Russellville; Aaron DeHart, Daleville; Christopher Lake Wales; Corey Parks, Sarasota; Kim Smith, Florien; Garrett Sonnier, Thibodaux; Clint Yates, Foley, Centreville; Angela Headrick, Jasper; Ruskin; Dawn Steinberg, Orlando; Alison Tuck, Oak Grove Jason Hickey, Goodwater; Kary Luken, Boaz; Lake Placid; Ralph Yoder, Attha MAINE: Troy McCrum, Westfield; Alvin Wmslow,

Casey Mattox, Collinsville; Chris Null, Bessemer; GEORGIA: Lynn Barber, Manor; Ryan Beard, Presque Isle

Adrian Pettis, Brewton; Mark Ponder, Lincoln; Royston; Brandi Canady, Twin City; David MARYLAND: George Bollinger, Thurmont;

Chris Reeves, Birmingham; Marrio Seals, Everingham, LaGrange; Kay Farmer, Crawford; Howard Meredith Jr., Wye Mills; Trey Myers,

Mcintosh; Tony Simmons, Dothan; Chris Tucker, Bobby Ferris, Monticello; Sharon Gandy, Brunswick; Scott Page, Dickerson

Jasper; Britt Ward, Evergreen; Nina Weston, Thomasville; Andy Hart, Statesboro; Anthony MASSACHUSETTS: Bryan Armstrong, Sudbury;

Boligee Hickman, Chatsworth; Kelly Thompson, Tifton; Craig Desjardins, Stow; Stacy Ly Joyce,

ALASKA: Priscilla Mandulak, Delta Junction; Jeff Tucker, Ball Ground; Nancy Wheeler, Alma Attleboro

John Orth, North Pole GUAM: David Crisostomo, Sinajana; Denise J. MICHIGAN: Jason Abbott, Reading; Chad

ARIZONA: Wade Accomazzo, Tolleson; Tyler Perez, Sinajana Bell ville, Whittemore; Troy Crowe, Corunna;

Grandil, Mesa; Holly Sharp, Roll; Tyson Stuhr, HAWAII: Theresa Puu, Pahoa; Davelyn Villegas, Corena Mills, White Pigeon; Sara Persons, Wellton; Rosalie Zimmerman, Kingman Pahala Rodney; Ken Schapman, Almont; Mike Smego

ARKANSAS: Carol Bettis, Quitman; Karinda IDAHO: Kathy Cvancara, Genesee; Marci Hyatt, Jr., Cassopolis Davis, Jonesboro; Christy Umphries, Taylor; Fruitland; Stephen Kunzler, Rupert; Rachelle MINNESOTA: Mark Anderson, Holland; Stacy

Jason Martin, Jonesboro; Steven D. Mitchell, Owlsey, Hagerman; Renae Southwick, Glenns Bauer, South Haven; Julie Eastvold, LeRoy; Pineville; David Nelson, Springdale; Brian Peters, Ferry Edric Funk, Sebeka; Chris Matzdorf, Buffalo Mena; Kimberly Reaves, Cabot; Jeremy ILLINOIS: Joe Ash, Onarga; Wade Baumgartner, Lake; Dan Schueler, Willmar; Trevor Steeke, Robertson, Ward; Toby Stephens, Taylor; Craig Windsor; Keith Eschmann, Columbia; Corey Perham; Brian Traxler, LeCenter; Matthew

Villines, Jasper; Shelley Wright, Sparkman Flournoy, Chicago; Steve Hartley, Amboy; Sheila Vaupel, Grand Meadow; Tricia Weis, Pine Island

CALIFORNIA: Colleen Aguiar, Livingston; Nicole Heide, DeKalb; Raquel Lacey, Nokomis; Tim MISSISSIPPI: Tiffany Adred, Nettleton; John

Andrus, Fullerton; Mike Bennett, Santa Rosa; Marriott, Mt. Carmel; Kristie McDaniel, Eldorado; Branning, Philadelphia; Jeffrey Brock, Batesville;

Devry Boughner, Gonzales; David Bright, Chris Miller, Plainville; Sarah Ochs, Milford; Sam Keith Cain, VakJen; Heath Fall, Laurel; Bob

Bakersfield; Melissa Clave rie, Holtville; Brooke Taylor, Rushville; Anna Thompkins, Fairview Gitter, Batesville; Jeff Mayo, Philadelphia; Micah Collins, Sacramento; Nathan Cookson, Covelo; INDIANA: Melissa Beale, Trafalgar; Tracy M. Rutland, Jayess; Rhonda Whitmire, Weir

Carlos DeLaTorre, Hamilton City; David Dillabo, Bolinger, Trafalgar; Jody Brinker, Trafalgar; Katie MISSSOURI: April Bruffett, Carthage; Karen

Gridley; Nicole Dillabo, Gridley; Kami Freitas, Gramling, Trafalgar; Aaron Johnson, Trafalgar; Eulinger, California; Stephanie Gable, Columbia;

Lemoore; Brian Fry, Stockton; Lorinda Graham, Karen Nelson, Trafalgar; Heather Newman, Stacy Handke, Garden City; Cody Hendley,

Apple Valley; Travis Hagen, Chico; Courtney Princeton; Mat Spurgeon, Trafalgar; Scott Bloomfield; Amanda Hulett, Vandalia; John Hunt, Fullerton; Janine Kagay, Covina; Jeremy Wooten, New Lisbon Kleiboeker, Stotts City; Brock Legan, Halfway;

Kavanagh, Placentia; Nicole Kefalas, Covina; IOWA: Jason Brockshus, Ocheyedan; Brad A. Andrew McCrea, Maysville; Michael Mills, Bernie; Brian Kooyman, Laton; Rhonda Maria, Walnut Chapman, Tipton; Dwayne D. Faidley, Colfax; Michelle Orr, Mt. Vernon; Seth Ricketts,

Grove; Arthur Mejia, El Centra; Susan Michl, Chandler W. Geater, Vinton; Shanelle L. Krause, Salisbury; Jeff Schaumburg, West Plains; Dennis Santa Paula; Brenda Moore, Hughson; Ben Milford; Shaun Lambertsen, Martelle; Charles E. Toedebusch, Wright City; Gregg Wolf, Chillicothe Moser, McFarland; Robin Perez, Clovis; Joshua Nichols, Bridgewater; Danielle Patterson, MONTANA: Laura N. Alisch, Culbertson; Jesse

Richards, Fall River Mills; Nathan Sedlander, Ankeny; Douglas Reynolds, Redfield; Julie L. Andres, Missoula; Dean Jardee, Ekalaka; Matt

Petaluma; Jason M. Strieker, Victorville; Amber Riedell, Lake View; Charles A. Staudt, Charles McKamey, Great Falls Washington, San Bernardino; Stephanie Weaver, City NEBRASKA: Candice Berndt, Lincoln; Emily Elk Grove; Kevin White, Anderson; Stephanie KANSAS: Amy Atherton, Cherryvale; Jennifer Drozd, Genoa; Tara Eurek, Lincoln; Brad Jensen,

Wilmeth, Kingsburg; Lila Worthington, Kelseyville Burch, Manhattan; Gaylette Corley, Garnett; Lincoln; Christopher M. Kalkowski, Basset; Brian COLORADO: Robin Halley, Brush; Casey Mack, Stacey Hager, Girard; Jason Larison, Columbus; Kubik, Lincoln; Jarrod Neilson, Lincoln; Jonathan Cope; Jeff McElroy, Hasty; Kimberly Rupple, Matthew Schweer, Manhattan; Shannon W. Panning, Hooper Platteville; Terry Saffer, Arriba Washburn, Manhattan NEVADA: Melissa Barnes, Elko; Robert Duval, CONNECTICUT: Liz Anderson, Southbury; KENTUCKY: Gayle Aubrey, Hudson; Casey Fallon; Larissa Mathews, Reno; Jeanne Wright,

Deanne Lamere, Winsted; Matthew A. Syme, Bradshaw, Nicholas ville; Jeff Edwards, Olaton; Hiko

South Windsor Beth Henderson, Irvington; Bradley S. Hornsby, DELAWARE: Bryan Melvin, Wyoming; Lisa McKee; Sherry Procter, Olmstead; Jason Propes, Marie Ralph, Felton; Greg Sylvester, Felton; Sam Fairplay; Ricky Rankin, LaGrange; Alisa Sexton, Walters, Viola Wellington; Jennifer Sledge, Smith Grove; Brent

White, Eddyville; Ryan White, Sturgis; Ryan Wood, Paducah

52 NEW HAMPSHIRE: Alice Moore, Nottingham; SOUTH CAROLINA: William Harman, Gilbert; Underbrink, Premont; Ron Vander Roest, Clint; Douglas S. Ring, Alstead; Bruce D. Scamman, Walter Lee High, Eutawville; Lee Mayfield, Carrie Welch, Garland; Keely Wood, Morton Stratham Wellford; Greg Padgett, Leesville; Tony Pope, UTAH: Kelly Campbell, Manila; Lex Godfrey, NEW JERSEY: Donald R. Allen, Cream Ridge; Hemingway; Terri Williams, Greenville Fielding; Heather Heaton, Alton; KeHee Jones, Terry Brown, Allentown; Sharon Duckworth, SOUTH DAKOTA: Laura Jaspers, Eden; Wade Cedar City; Brian Williams, Lindon Phillipsburg Lang, Freeman; Cory Schrag, Marion; Shawn VERMONT: Jason Snow, Springfield; John NEW MEXICO: Sharen Jenkins, Aragon; Donita Staley, Harrisburg Vander Wey, Ferrisburgh Massey, Portales; Paula Massey, Las Cruces; TENNESSEE: Dennis Beavers, Decatur; Kelly VIRGIN ISLANDS: Chiku Hodge, Frederiksted

Shawna Wilcox, Loving; Charmyn Wiley, Carmack, Martin; Curt Davis, Knoxville; Joshua St. Croix; Lydia E. Leon, Kingshill, St. Croix

Grenville Guthrie, Riceville; Kerri Lamb, Martin; Travis VIRGINIA: Paul Cassell, Wytheville; Tammy NEW YORK: Michael Beckerink, North Clymer; Long, Shady Valley; Stefan Maupin, Martin; Cole, Troutdale; Lyle Durer, Ruckersville; Laurie Liam Brody, Greenville; Alan Butzer, Gowanda; Michael Palmer, Dresden; Donnie Steed, Fannon, Charlotte CH; Junior Good, New Market;

Andrea Carroccio, Hamilton; Amy Cota, Pyrites; Lebanon; Chad Tritt, Martin; Dillon Vanzant, Brian Kiser, Warrenton; Doug Lineberry, Glade

Kelley Frennier, Churubusco Martin; Kelly Watson, Smithvilie Spring; Nikki May, Bridgewater; Robert J. Mills

NORTH CAROLINA: Josh Bledsoe, Dobson; TEXAS: Cheryl Arnold, Dayton; Trent Ashby, Jr., Danville; Robert Pollock, Danville; Jamie

Michelle Bowen, Newport; Karen Bowl in, Henderson; Hope Bay, Anderson; Tobin Boenig, Rouse, Damascus; Ted Shockley, Cheriton; Newport; Jason Chappell, Rosman; Clark Cox, Marion; Lance Bradley, McAllen; Bobby Briggs, Shannon Tignor, Milford

Four Oaks; Victoria Graham, Henderson; Willie Chillicothe; Courtney Burch, Wills Point; Kerry WASHINGTON: Danielle Farrar, Elma; Gabe

Howell, Goldsboro; Al Jones, Chinquapin; Kevin Burkley, Lorena; Curtis Childers, Nemo; Erica Ferguson, Yelm; Bryan Fix, Winlock; Chris Giles, Jones, Elk Park; Edward King, Dover; Henry McDade, Durham; Kimberly Morris, Troy; Toye Putman, Catawba; Brian Wood, Raleigh; Donald Wrench, Dunn NORTH DAKOTA: Gretchen Anderson, Carrington; Tony Boehm, Mandan; David Boehm,

Mandan; Daryl Lies, Douglas; Robert Maddock,

Maddock; Bridgette Rath, Wishek; Scott Thiel, Rugby OHIO: Stephanie Gompf, Cardington; Andrew Lacy, Coshocton; Rob Lamp, Lancaster; Francis Maag, Cecil; Rick Mead, Kenton; Kevin Mosely,

Hillsboro; Amy Nicol, Marysville; Ronald L. Osterholt, Maria Stein; Tammy Packard, Spencer; Rick Perkins, Bloomville; Kyle Sharp, Stoutsville; Jim Shertzer, Portage; Shawn

Sprowl, Port Washington; Jane Tatt, Lakeville; Sarah Turner, Bellevue; Deane Wagner, Beverly OKLAHOMA: Brian Benson, Coyle; Amber Case, Bristow; Wade Detrick, Ames; Dia Evetts,

Sentinel; Kari Flatlie, Davenport; Kevin Fruendt,

Guthrie; Matt Garnett, Cashion; Greg Garrett,

Kingfisher; Heather Hartsfield, Coalgate; Brian The circle formation this committee sat in led to frank and open discussion of all issues these Johnson, Gotebo; Brent Kisling, Burlington; Rhett delegates had to face. The 466 delegates at the convention were divided into 12 committees. Laubach, Stillwater; Rachel Massey, Roosevelt; Tara Mueggenborg, Kingfisher; Rachell Reavis,

Adair; Dana Redgate, Waynoka; Shandee Smith, Clark, Mansfield; Jennie Colvin, Tom Bean; Kennewick; Laura Junevitch, Maple Valley; Page

Stillwater; BaLinda Stuckey, Mooreland; Heather Coleburn Davis, Tolar; Dennis Degner, Malone; Newell, Mossyrock; Scott Picker, Prosser; Adam Voth, Fairview; Justin Whitefield, Paoli; Jeremy Mike Diezi Jr., Brookshire; Heather Dollins, Katy; Thomason, Brewster; Dean Wilson, Pomeroy Woodruff, Red Oak Michael Eakin, Houston; Frank Franklin III, WEST VIRGINIA: Benjamin P. Cummings, OREGON: Casey Blackburn, Vale; Candy Tilden; Cheryl Garmon, Cumby; Royce Walton; Clark Hunt, Clendenin; Donald Poage, Boswell, Lostine; Kyle Holveck, Newberg; Mark Gerngross, San Angelo; Jason Grigg, Big Spring; Middlebourne; Joe Skeen, Cottageville Otter, Molalla; Jason Taylor, Klamath Falls; Todd Harrell, Livingston; Trey Holloway, Avinger; WISCONSIN: Jennifer Bergmann, Clayton; Brett Christa Vibbert, Madras Jon Ivy, Hale Center; Lynsia Jordan, Follett; Matt Birnschein, Sturgeon Bay; Lori Bodart, Pulaski; PENNSYLVANIA: Alison Fry, Mifflinburg; Jodi Krueger, McAllen; Jim McFadden, Utopia; Chris Linda Burton, Baraboo; Brad Harrison, Madison;

Hall, State College; II, Wayne J. Hassinger McMurrough, Channelview; Melanie Miles, Jill Haugerud, Deer Park; Erik Huschitt, Middleburg; Dale Heagy, Annville; George Inhof, Gonzales; Christi Payne, Robert Lee; JoAnn Browntown; Colleen Johnson, Turtle Lake; Spring City; Michelle Kerdeman, Manheim; Tim Petty, Kennard; Cathryn Piggott, Mansfield; Christopher Lausted, Menomonie; Carol Loosen, Lehman, Mechanicsburg; Chris Reichard, Justin Ransom, Wichita Falls; Heather Retzloff, Hartford; David Lulich, Mason; Toby Madsen, Chambersburg; Andrew Smeltz, Lykens Pleasanton; Adrianne Rhone, Grapeland; John Maribel; Amy Meyer, Loyal; Bridgett Nottestad, PUERTO RICO: Waika Y. Acosta, San German; Robert, Apple Springs; Missy Rosenbusch, Westby; Ryan Stubrud, Alma Center; Mark Pedro J. Cuevas, Utuado; Julia E. Hernandez, Florence; Michael Schertz, Krum; Cherie Shelton, Taylor, Clinton; Lee Van Wychen, Kaukauna Florida; Manuel A. Tort, Utuado Lamesa; Newley Spikes, Henrietta; Kim Stricklen, WYOMING: Casey Boardman, Powell; Cristina RHODE ISLAND: Keith Moffat Jr., Foster; Todd Lubbock; Russell Tabor, Lampasas; Davon Dicklich, Evansville; Chris Timberman, Mills Perkins, North Scituate Taylor, Ropesville; Kim Turley, Dublin; Jason

53 . Committee Reports Awards & Degrees

We recommend that the National FFA Contests and Awards Agricultural Marketing and /or Services Committee, appointed by the National FFA Board of Directors, 13. Add canola to the Agricultural Proficiency Award Handbook as consider the following: an example of a product in Oil Crop Production. 1. Review the "Scope" and "Approved Practices" sections in the overall scoring procedure for proficiency awards. Respectfully Submitted: 2. Incorporate "animal welfare" and "environmental

practices" into the scoring procedure where appropriate. Marci Hyatt, ID, (Chair) Ben Langlinais, LA 3. Define the term "agribusiness" as recommended. Robin Perez, CA, (Vice Chair) Rhett Laubach, OK 4. Define the term "agriproduction" as recommended. Waika Y. Acosta, PR Tim Lehman, PA 5. Define the term "agridiversity" as recommended. Sug- Donald R. Allen, NJ Kary Luken, AL gested definitions will be presented to the committee. Wade Baumgartner, IL Rhonda Maria, CA 6. Implement "wage earnings summary" in all applications Ryan Beard, GA Larissa Mathews, NV where appropriate. Chad Bellville, Ml Robert J. Mills, Jr., VA 7. Incorporate "placement with wage earnings" in all aspects April Bruffett, MO Ben Moser, CA of the application. Kelly Carmack, TN Karen Nelson, IN 8. Promote articles concerning placement in agricultural Andrea Carroccio, NY Page Newell, WA production proficiency and all other proficiencies that allow Brad A. Chapman, IA Bridgett Nottestad, Wl placement provisions through FFA New Horizons and other Kathy Cvancara, ID Bridgette Rath, ND publications. Coleburn Davis, TX Jeremy Robertson, AR 9. Print a definition of "proficiency type" (from the Agricul- Sharon Dawson, DE Jeff Schaumburg, MO tural Proficiency Award Handbook) and a definition of both Julie Eastvold, MN Tony Simmons, AL

"placement" and "ownership" on the front of all proficiency Matt Elliott, FL Russell Tabor, TX applications. Laurie Fannon, VA Mark Taylor, Wl 10. Add aquaculture as a new proficiency area with sug- Brian Fry, CA Sarah Turner, OH gested definition to be presented to the committee. Royce Gerngross, TX Ryan White, KY 11. Divide the specialty animal proficiency award into two Katie Gramling, IN Rhonda Whitmire, MS areas: Specialty Pleasure Animal and Specialty Agricultural Brian Johnson, OK KeelyWood.TX Production Animal with suggested definitions to be presented Al Jones, NC Nicole Andrus, CA to the committee. Kelly Jones, LA 12. Change the name of the following proficiency awards: Matt Krueger, TX • Outdoor Recreation to Outdoor Business Management • Agricultural Sales and /or Service to Non-Production

Auditing

The Auditing Committee studied the independent auditor's Reference Points

report presented by Stoy, Malone, and Company. The account- 1. Many of this year's additional costs are one-time operating ing firm presented a concise and accurate auditor's report that fees.

suggested the report was in conformity with the one submitted 2. An important consideration is that these are recommenda- by the national organization. The auditing committee makes the tions to increase our organization's revenue. following recommendations: The committee would like to commend all of the people 1 Change the name on the auditing report from "Future affiliated with money management for a job well done. We Farmers of America" to "National FFA Organization." would also like to thank Marshall Stewart and Charles Keels for 2. Provide an outline and information to the committee for their outstanding help and guidance. reference.

3. Explore ways to increase our national organization's Respectfully submitted: revenue by considering all possible courses of action, including a dues increase. Liam Brody, NY (Chair) Edric Funk, MN 4. Encourage all chapters and states to buy goods directly Erica Clark, TX Wade Accomazzo, AZ from the National FFA Supply Service to help increase revenue. Dennis Degner, TX Jonathan Panning, NE 5. Require the National FFA staff and board to review all Steven Mitchell, AR Robin Perez, CA investments being made by our organization. Tracy Bolinger, IN Jason Strieker, CA 6. Schedule the submission of the auditing committee report

so that it is given before the National Board proposals involving financial matters are voted on.

54 Committee Reports Chapter & State Association Operations

This committee studied ways to improve chapter and state associations and offers these recommendations:

Effective Public Relations

1. Investigate the development of a coloring/activity book to educate the younger population about the issues and opportu- nities in agriculture. Possible subject areas include animal rights, environmental issues and food safety. 2. Encourage the national agricultural education family (FFA, Young Farmers, FFA Alumni, The Council and NVATA) to investigate the possibility of gaining national news exposure focusing on agricultural issues and /or FFA activities. (Examples include 60 Minutes, 20/20 and 48 Hours.) 3. Consider a contest for radio public service announcements at the state level, with the state winners' PSAs to be distributed on a national basis. 4. Encourage chapter and state associations to utilize road signs promoting opportunities available through the FFA. 5. Produce a ten-minute video featuring scenes from recent national conventions or other national activities to be used for chapter recruitment and /or promotion. 6. Provide National FFA Week materials to all chapters and state associations no later than December.

Effective Leadership Development

1. Develop a packet for chapter officers which will include current responsibilities and opportunities, a code of ethics, a program of activities and motivational activities. This packet should be available through the National FFA Supply Service. Include additional ideas for mixers, group activities, eye openers and team building activities. Convention delegates were busy setting policy to chart the course for 2. Develop and distribute to state presidents a list of topics FFA. Andrew Lacy, Ohio (left), looks over Californian ]ason Strieker's which can be discussed with during visits to local members shoulder during a committee meeting. chapters. The following topics will be included: national initiatives, awards and proficiencies, alumni activities and Securing Support opportunities. 1. Identify the states at National Leadership Conferences for 3. Develop a program to train and assist local advisors with State Officers (NLCSOs) with foundations that are willing to aid motivational techniques, professionalism and issues dealing other states in establishing foundations. with the national organization. This program could be delivered 2. Publish a guide for states on how to obtain non-traditional at state teacher conferences. and network sponsors, and follow-up procedures including 4. Continue to develop and provide news releases and recognition and securing of sponsors. public service announcements, and make them available to all 3. Produce a comprehensive package for chapters which chapters. would help them recognize the need for chapter alumni, 5. Investigate a means of funding for series of videos a including articles in FFA New Horizons magazine that highlight which feature areas of the FFA, for example, a short video for successful programs. Contact the producers of the FFA audio each of the 29 proficiency areas contests. and magazine tapes, which are already being sent to chapters, and 6. Continue to fully support projects such as "adopt a encourage them to include beneficial information about alumni. highway" or "adopt a river," and to support cooperative 4. Encourage states to establish a network listing of success- projects with community organizations. ful alumni chapters, and have state and national officers 7. Create a informational new packet on recycling and promote chapter alumni participation. environmental concerns to be included with the informa- BOAC 5. Encourage a joint venture with the National FFA Alumni tion . in strengthening chapter and state alumni groups. 8. Request that state associations submit video clip a 6. Encourage states and state officers to identify and representative of their agricultural industry to the national promote members of the National Young Farmers Association organization for accumulation into a single representing video and the support they can offer. opportunities in agriculture. 7. Provide a training program through NLCSOs for state

(Continued on Page 56)

55 Committee Reports

Chapter & State Association Operations

The National Band included a specialty group called the Fanfare Trumpets sponsored by The Getzen Company.

officers to promote and secure support for FFA with policy can be distributed in recruitment packages. makers, the business community and others who impact 11. Update pictures on promotional materials to include agricultural education and FFA. modern day technology, therefore portraying the new FFA image. 12. Encourage the development of state scrapbooks or Chapter and State Association Operations yearbooks that would be available upon request to chapters. 1. Seek sponsorship to continue to publish a separate pamphlet "Go for the Gold." Until then, publish an article in Respectfully submitted, FFA New Horizons about a chapter that has been successful on the national level in each of the 12 areas of the program of Matthew Schweer, KS, (Chair) activities. Jeff Mayo, MS Jonathan W. Panning, NE, (Vice Chair) Amy Meyer, Wl 2. Place an article in FFA New Horizons focusing attention on Cheryl Arnold, TX Danielle Patterson, IA the Outstanding Alumni Affiliate. Amy Atherton, KS Todd Perkins, Rl 3. Promote and stress recreation by emphasizing its impor- Lynn Barber, GA Theresa Puu, HI tance in the meeting agenda of the local chapters and dedicate Hope Bay, TX Seth Ricketts, MO one section of the "Chapter Scoop" in FFA New Horizons to Casey Boardman, WY Terry Saffer, promotion of recreation ideas. CO Regina Chandler, AL Ken Schapman, Ml 4. Continue to develop and promote intensive leadership Nathan Cookson, CA programs. Alisa Sexton, KY Emily Drozd, NE Ralph Yoder, FL 5. Encourage development of a "chapter of the year" award Lyle Durer, VA Shawn Sprawl, OH on the state level. Keith Eschmann, IL JaneTaft.OH 6. Encourage development of a "best-dressed chapter" Brad Etheridge, FD award. Jason Taylor, OR Wayne D. Faidley, IA Shannon Tignor, VA 7. Encourage states to submit a list of the top ten motiva- Fall, Heath MS Chad Tritt, TN tional speakers for youth that they have used for compilation by Gabe Ferguson, WA Chris Tucker, AL the national center. The information should include cost, Kari Flatlie, OK Craig Villines, AR specialized areas, and speakers to contact to assist in locating Sharon Gandy, GA Carrie Welch, quality presenters. TX Beth Henderson, KY Terri Williams, SC 8. Formulate a list of motivational music that chapters and Stacy Lynn Joyce, MA Stephanie Wilmeth, CA state associations can use at banquets and conventions. The list Nicole Kefalas, CA Dean Wilson, WA should include the composer, writer and location of source. John Kleiboeker, MO Brian Wood, NC 9. Encourage each state to publish a newsletter periodically Cheb Kruger, TX Donald Wrench, NC throughout the year concerning chapter and state activities. Paula Massey, NM Ralph Yoder, FLa 10. Produce effective slogans and advertising for year-round usage to assist in improving the image of the FFA. This material

56 Committee Reports Contests

Our committee studied ways to improve contests at the national and state levels. We offer these recommendations:

1. Create a national creed speaking contest for freshman greenhand members that includes four predetermined ques- tions to be asked after the creed is presented. 2. Create a national horse judging contest. 3. Create a national committee to survey the need for junior high contests in various areas, agricultural science fairs, agricultural science contests, crops judging and essay contests. 4. Encourage states to create and participate in agricultural science fair contests, agricultural science contests and essay contests. 5. Increase the number of members on the dairy, livestock and dairy foods contest teams to four and drop the lowest score. 6. Request that states submit surveys/reports to the national organization on how they conduct their state contests. The national organization would compile an overview report and forward it to state associations to be distributed at the chapter level. The national organization would also provide a means by which contest improvements or innovations could be sug- Contests are a fun, exciting and educational part of the convention. The gested. This survey/report will be focused upon contests other contest committee wants to keep these qualities and strives to make each than the 13 nationally recognized contests. contest a little better each year. 7. Change Item IC2 of the official board policy relating to the criteria for establishing new contests from 26 states to 50 percent 16. Amend the travel expenses section in Bulletin #4, of the associations. Sections XIV and XV, pages 132 and 136 respectively, to read: 8. State specifically in the Dairy Handler's Activity: 'To be "A maximum of $350 is provided to each contestant by the certified, each handler must obtain and submit an application to National FFA Foundation to assist contestants with expenses be provided by the national organization and forwarded incurred in making the trip to the national FFA convention to through your state's supervisor or executive secretary." participate in the national contest. This amount will be prorated 9. Ensure that all contests do not discriminate on the basis of on the basis of the distance traveled by each contestant from his race, religion, sex, handicap, national origin and limited English or her state capital to the convention site." proficiency.

10. Create a new item, #8 in Section II, General Rules in Respectfully submitted, Bulletin #4: "The division superintendent will be responsible for scheduling FFA members from a different state association Donita Massey, NM (Chair) Jennifer Burch, KS to assist contestants with limited English proficiency. States Wade Accomazzo, AZ (Vice Chair) Clark Hunt, WV must report special assistance needs immediately following the Tony Boehm, ND Brian Kiser, VA qualifications for the national contests to the general superinten- Scott Page, MD Justin Ransom, TX dent of national FFA contests." Robin Halley, CO Trey Holloway, TX

11. Integrate computers into the problem-solving portion of Sam Taylor, IL Devry Boughner, CA the National Farm Business Management Contest. A standard Clark Cox, NC Holly Sharp, A2 program must be designated. Refer to page 55 in Bulletin #4, John VanderWey, VT Jason Martin, AR

Part II, Number 2. Dave Lulich, Wl William Cockrell, AL 12. Implement computers into the management portion of Nathan Sedlander, CA Toby Madsen, Wl the Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. David Boehm, ND Michelle Kerdeman, PA 13. Continue the use of computers in the 1991 Agricultural Karen Bowlin, NC Kerri Lamb, TN

Mechanics Contest if possible. Chris Null, AL Amber Case, OK 14. Alphabetize the identification lists in the Horticulture and Ryan Stubrud, Wl Tracey Turner, TX Nursery Landscaping contests according to the most common Heather Newman, IN Travis Hagen, CA name. We also recommend the list be revised in conjunction Jason Propes, KY Terry Brown, NJ with the Bulletin #4 revision. Dia Evetts, OK Sheila Heide, IL

15. Amend the bibliography section in Bulletin #4, Section Mike Diezi, Jr., TX Michelle Orr, MO XV, page 137 to read: "A bibliography must be included as part Chris Giles, WA Anthony Hickman, GA of the public speaker's manuscript, and quotations and ideas Rick Mead, OH Alison Tuck, FL from any source of information must be identified in the Brett LeJeune, LA Trevor Steeke, MN bibliography. Direct quotes must also be enclosed in quotation Rachelle Owlsey, ID Dana Redgate, OK marks. Failure to do so will automatically disqualify a contes- Bob Gitter, MS Curtis Childers, TX tant. This applies to all contests above the local level." Sam Walters, DE

57 Committee Reports Information & Promotion

We make the following recommendations: • national activities • state activities

1. Use the FFA New Horizons magazine to distribute mail- • chapter activities (priority given to chapters with greatest back questionnaires which would allow members to express need). their wants and needs. 10. We commend the national organization on the the newly 2. Reproduce FFA materials in foreign languages to serve the revised Student Handbook. needs of a growing diverse membership. 3. Review and update FFA materials every three to five We extend our most heartfelt thanks to Rich Katt, Neb., for years. Review videos and PSAs every two years. his diligence and contribution to the success of this committee. 4. Public service announcements should: Our thanks also go to Bill Stagg, Amy McDonald and their staff, • be produced for a bilingual audience as well as subcommittee consultants Jim Meek, Pete Dreisbach, • feature celebrities with high national profiles Kirk Edney, and Terry Heiman. • feature a national officer as spokesperson • incorporate a year-long theme Respectfully submitted: • be distributed to media at least six weeks before antici- pated use. A reminder should be sent one week in advance. Tyson Stuhr, AZ, (chair), Wade Detrick, OK 5. Obtain coverage on Channel 1. Special attention should be Edric Funk, MN, (Vice Chair) Jason Snow, VT given during the national convention, FFA Week and other Michael Beckerink, NY Cristina Dicklich, WY significant events. Candice Berndt, NE Donnie Steed, TN 6. Approach large agricultural advertisers about including Josh Black, AL Jeff Edwards, KY FFA coverage in their advertisements. This should include Casey Blackburn, OR Dawn Steinberg, FL print, radio and television media. John Branning, MS David Everingham, GA 7. Seek sponsorship to allow FFA Horizons to be New Jerie Browning, AL Christy Umphries, AR distributed to public and middle school libraries. As an Tony Pope, SC Junior Good, VA alternative to full sponsorship, chapters might "adopt" local Tammy Cole, VA Heather Voth, OK libraries. Toye Putman, NC Stacey Hager, KS 8. Include the "FFA Is..." brochures in mailings to guidance Brooke Collins, CA Britt Ward, AL counselors. Michael Schertz, TX Todd Harrell, TX 9. Prioritize national officers' time as follows: Tricia Weis, MN Brad Harrison, Wl Kevin White, CA

Steve Hartly , IL Charmyn Wiley, NM Walter High, SC Gregg Wolf, MO Jeff Jennings, AR Jeremy Kavanagh, CA

In history classes, Edward King, NC students learn Shanelle Krause, IA about the future by Rob Lamy, OH studying the past. Carol Loosen, Wl Several members Tait Martin, LA appear to be Troy McCrum, ME Chris McMurrough, implementing this TX idea as they peruse Michael Mills, MO Amy Nicol, OH past covers of FFA New Horizons, Denise Perez, GU J formerly known as JoAnn Petty, TX The National Scott Picker, WA FUTURE FARMER.

58 Committee Reports International Development

Ivan Babanski, right, offered a precious commodity to FFA Newsroom media:

firsthand knowledge of life in the Soviet Union. A part of FFA's Soviet program, Babanski was selected to work for one year on a U.S. farm. Orion Samuelson, WGN-TV, Chicago, talked with Babanski about his

impressions of American agriculture.

Our committee studied ways to improve international 3. Promote sponsorship from local chapters, alumni and development. It offers these recommendations: community businesses. 4. Encourage younger members to plan long-range SAE Promotions programs to finance future international opportunities.

1. Include at least one article and advertisement about all 5. Promote financing programs within the state and /or international programs (including inbound, outbound and national levels to match the full amount or a percentage of the financial information) in each issue of FFA New Horizons. local fund raising efforts of members. 2. Include an information request card or cut-out with each 6. Change the price list to indicate that travel expenses to article or advertisement in FFA New Horizons. point of departure are not included in estimated costs. 3. Have the national officers educate state officers about international programs at each National Leadership Conference Short Programs for State Officers (NLCSO). 1. Make the short programs available to eligible FFA 4. Provide each state association with a promotional package members. This group includes juniors in high school through at the NLCSO. Include applications, scholarship information, a age 25, and includes past FFA members, collegiate members video, pamphlets and a new question /answer sheet. and Alumni members. 5. Design a question /answer sheet that will include basic 2. Include pages on emergency procedures in the participant information about international programs. handbook. 6. Provide "ready to publish" press releases or advertise- 3. Provide a means for correspondence between participant ments to state associations for use in their state newsletters. and host family before departure. 7. Send a national officer to the World Congress of Young 4. When a participant is selected, send a personal informa- Farmers, which is held every three years. tion sheet, including a personal essay, to the host family. 8. When funds become available, revise the international 5. Design and develop an FFA emblem pin and T-shirt travel video "A World Journey" to include a segment about the specifically for international travel and as gifts for hosts. short programs, and make the segment concerning the national 6. Develop a gift information sheet concerning appropriate officers' travel, proficiency travel and Stars' travel separate from gifts, how they should be wrapped and when they should be the short- and long-term programs. presented. 7. Make foreign language books and tapes available through Finance the National FFA Supply Service.

1. Provide twelve scholarships for short term programs through the National FFA Foundation. 2. Encourage state FFA foundations and/or associations to assist in funding international programs. (Continued on Page 60)

59 Committee Reports

International Development

Long Programs 7. Include agricultural experiences, emphasis on the educa-

1. Provide a means by which participants and host families tion of value, cultural understanding, policies, marketing/ may correspond before departure. international trade and career opportunities in the restructuring 2. Encourage students to take a language course to enhance of the Work Experience Abroad (WEA) Program. their experience. 8. Rename this restructured program International Intern- 3. Design and develop an emblem pin and T-shirt for use by ship Program. participants and as gifts for hosts. Respectfully submitted: 4. Develop a gift information sheet concerning appropriate gifts, how they should be wrapped and when they should be Mat Spurgeon, IN presented. Garrett Sonnier, LA (Chair) Liam Brody, (Vice Chair) Alison Fry, PA 5. Develop information dealing with expectations of the NY Travis Long, TN program for outbound hosting families. Christa Vibbert, OR Douglas Ring, Frank Franklin, TX 6. Provide a goal-setting session for participants before they NH Kim Stricklen, TX depart for their state or country. Wayne Hassinger, II, PA Liz Anderson, CT Jim Shertzer, OH Kay Farmer, GA Craig Desjardins, MA Lydia Leon, VI Corena Mills, Ml Sharen Jenkins, NM Matt McKamey, MT Tara Eurek, NE Shaun Lambertsen , IA Stacy Bauer, MN Lori Bodart, Wl Kami Freitas, CA Gayle Aubrey, KY Brian Kooyman, CA Davon Taylor, TX Brian Peters, AR Cherie Shelton, TX Karen Eulinger, MO Brenda Moore, CA John Clement, AL Carrington Pelleria, LA

Charles Nichols, IA Casey Mattox, AL Robert Pollock, VA Nancy Wheeler, GA Greg Garrett, OK Manuel Tort, PR Colleen Aguiar, CA Kelley Frennier, NY Victoria Graham, NC Justin Whitefield, OK

Chris Miller, IL Chris Timberman, WY Shawn Crocker, FL

The National FFA Convention didn't go unnoticed by Without the courage to seek out and challenge the unknown, Christopher Russian Republic Leader Boris Yeltsin. A letter was sent Columbus would have never found America, National FFA Secretary by fax to the National FFA Organization before the start Danny Grellner explained in his retiring address. Like Columbus, FFA of the convention and read to FFA members by Soviet members need to have courage and self-confidence in order to learn about Stepan Khrouslov. Khrouslov arrived in the U.S. last June and see foreign lands. for a year of hands-on training in agriculture.

60 Committee Reports Leadership

• a sample camp agenda. • a program of sophomore motivation. 13. Organize a special activity (dance, movie, sports, etc.) during free time at MFE. 14. Publicize national leadership programs in the national publications. 15. Develop separate promotional pamphlets for adult and student MFE and WCP. 16. Produce a video to explain the concept of Project Pals. 17. Implement an adult leadership series in Between Issues. 18. Produce a satellite leadership program for chapter members, including: • update on national FFA programs, awards, etc. • team building • goal setting • a live teleconference hotline 19. Implement a motivational exchange program by national Who says state officers don 't know how to have fun? After diligently officers for state officers. discussing the organization 's business items, these delegates took time 20. Develop a national outline addressing team building for to enjoy the convention. chapter officers. 21. Develop a telephone hotline to address programmatic Our committee studied ways to improve chapter and state questions from FFA's "customers." (proficiency, application, associations. We offer these recommendations: contests, chapter applications, etc.) 1. Provide a summary evaluation from each of the leadership 22. Design a leadership development video series to develop conferences, including NLSCO, State Presidents Conference, leadership in individuals and chapters. Washington Conference Program and Made For Excellence. 23. Develop a directory of current and past national officers Distribute these to appropriate programmatic committees and staff to be available to states for their use in conducting before the national convention. workshops. 2. Send all national mailings pertaining to leadership 24. Implement a satellite program aimed toward motivating activities to chapters as well as to chapter advisors. and educating chapter advisors. 3. Encourage state associations to work with the FFA Alumni in continuing to promote and expand scholarship programs for leadership program participants. Respectfully submitted: 4. Direct the Contest and Awards Committee to encourage state associations to develop quiz, creed and speech contests for sophomore FFA members. Shannon Washburn, KS, (Chair) Melanie Miles, TX Tracey Bolinger, IN, (Vice Chair) Alice Moore, NH 5. Endorse the agricultural issues forum and continue with Laura Alisch, MT Ronald L. Osterholt, OH the development of this program. Trent Ashby, TX Donald Poage. WV 6. Include visits with the secretary of agriculture and the Norman Atkins Jr., AL Ricky Rankin, KY secretary of education during SPC. Bobby Briggs, TX John Robert, TX 7. During SPC, join with WCP participants for an activity. David Bright, CA Jamie Rouse, VA 8. Include sessions on recruitment, leadership development Jeffrey Brock, MS Micah Rutland, MS and team building in the advisors' WCP and MFE. Courtney Burch, TX Dan Schueler. MN 9. Organize an advisor leadership workshop during the Linda Burton, Wl Marrio Seals, national convention. AL Alan Butzer, NY Shandee Smith, OK 10. Complete scheduling of national officers for national Gaylette Corley, KS Shawn Staley, SD activities and state conventions in December. Confirm all other Curt Davis, TN AnnaThompkins, IL state activities three months before the activity date. Confirm all Bryan Fiz, WA Dennis Toedebusch, MO activities below the state level 45 days before the event. William Harman, SC Jeff Tucker, GA 11. Establish a committee to develop workshops at the Heather Hartsfield, OK Davelyn Villegas. HI national convention which would promote opportunities in Courtney Hunt, CA Washington, agricultural issues. Amber CA George Inhof, PA Ryan Wood, KY 12. Encourage all states to participate in the NLCSO. The Jason Keen, FL Jeremy Woodruff, OK NLCSO conference should also be held before the SPC. NLSCO should include: Deanne Lamere, CT Scott Wooten, IN Daryl Lies, ND Shelley wright, AR • more materials and handouts pertaining to current Casey Mack, Clint Yates, LA agricultural issues. CO Robert Maddock, ND Jennifer Eastan, AZ • materials for speeches, chapter visits, eye openers and Henry McDade, NC information on how to deal with legislative issues.

61 Committee Reports Member Services

The Member Services Committee studied ways to improve chapter and state services. We offer these recommendations: Subscriber Services 1. Add a one-page advisor and state officer circular to the Magazine Design magazine to explain how it can be used in their program and curriculum. It should encourage chapter advisors to check their 1. Insert inspirational quotes in articles and offset them from rosters to prevent multiple magazines in a household. regular type for future reference. 2. Pursue the use of computer disks for roster storage. 2. Enlarge the subscription offer to make it more visible to 3. Insert a two-page separate section for seasonal and or new readers and encourage the use of subscriptions as gifts to items with a pull-out order form and coupon to be printed at parents and sponsors. least three times a year. 3. Substitute an "A Week in the Life of a National Officer" 4. Print the catalog every year with a one-page coupon article for "My Turn." This would bring the officers closer to the section considering the following options: a) not to limit members and inform them of officer duties. coupons and b) coupon card club. If you order a certain number 4. Decrease the number of posed shots and increase the of items, you get a discount on the next items you order; c) put number of action photos with detailed captions to encourage an expiration date on the coupons for that catalog year; d) each the reading of articles. order makes a student eligible for a prize; e) seasonal coupons 5. In reference to last year's Feedback Report, pages 40-47, for slow times of the year. we recommend increasing chapter correspondence by choosing 5. Promote coupons in future issues of the magazine. the most unique chapter scoop and printing only their address as recognition. 6. Have an announcement page to inform members of dates for WCP, MFE and scholarships well in advance of budgets and deadlines. 7. Have a "Did you Know?" column for past events. There is great interest in FFA history. Limit this feature to three or four facts, not a whole page. 8. Have a "Quotes" feature in place of "Sports Champions" feature. A famous person or celebrity page of past FFA mem- bers is encouraged. 9. In articles on careers, include a footnote or a reference page on how to obtain more information. 10. Feature articles on student participation in FFA pro- grams such as WEA, MFE, WCP, etc. 11. Continue funding for "Go for the Gold" and encourage

publication. Continue the "You Make It Happen" series. 12. Rename one issue of Chapter Scoop of the FFA New Horizons "State Scoop" and include recreational activities from each state. The National Agricultural Career Show included all sorts of interesting 13. Publish news or ideas from outstanding FFA Alumni. items. These FFA members took an imaginary test drive in one ofthe many 14. We recommend the FFA New Horizons cover be propor- shiny, new vehicles on display. tional to the regional agricultural diversity and the articles inside be equally represented. 6. Provide the supply service with magazine advertising at Polling cost. 7. Focus on the following categories of advertisers: shoes, 1. Compile a "mini student catalog" of personal items for hosiery, sunglasses, briefcases, luggage, computers, film, insertion in FFA New Horizons. This recommendation arises batteries, radio and car equipment manufacturers, colleges, from the Member Services Committee survey which showed airlines and other providers of transportation, livestock that 31 percent of members polled have not seen a National FFA organizations, trucks such as Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet, fast Supply Service catalog recently and that 77 percent of the food chains, and electronic communication companies such members polled would like to be able to order items now in the AT&T and General Electric. catalog from a magazine insert. 2. Of members polled in the survey, 94 percent of the Product Review and Development members who do not have a supply service booth at their state We recommend that the National FFA Board of Student conventions would like to have one. We recommend that the Officers and Board of Directors devise procedures to allow the Supply Service provide more information to state associations collection of royalties by the National FFA Organization. The regarding such booths. official emblem and initials "FFA" would be licensed. Present 3. We recommend that FFA New Horizons staff encourage all suggested procedures to the delegates of the 65th National FFA states who publish a magazine or newsletter to send to the staff Convention for their approval. a copy of each publication to help keep the national publication informed.

62 .. Committee Reports

Member Services

The delegates request that any such plan include limiting other companies, i.e., can the organization be held responsible the authority for approval of any royalty arrangements to the for false or misleading advertising claims, even if presented in National FFA Board of Student Officers and Board of Directors. good faith? We further request that the plan address the following three comments and eight questions. We offer these recommendations:

1. Use the FFA mural as the front cover for the catalog. Comments: 2. Offer the FFA mural for purchase as a poster through the 1 The National FFA Board should be responsible for catalog. approval, not the chief operating officer, national advisor or any 3. Update the FFA greenhand shirt to a modern style. other individual. 4. Design and produce an international emblem (that depicts 2. Company use of the emblem or letters should be granted the United States and FFA) to be given to visiting representa- for a probationary period. tives from foreign countries . We suggest this to be an upright 3. Companies should not be allowed to duplicate items paper weight of the official emblem with two cloth flags already sold by the supply service, unless it can be done in a crossing behind, a U.S. flag and the visiting country's flag. manner which there is more profit in the licensing than in the 5. Stress quality in all items offered. sales through the supply service. 6. Take steps to make the FFA catalog more accessible to the members.

Questions: 7. Raise awareness of the catalog items which are 100 1 Will there be a limit on the number of companies or percent guaranteed. products receiving this permission? 8. Print a Spanish edition of the Official FFA Manual to 2. How long will a company have the right to use the better serve Spanish-speaking members. emblem?

3. Will the organization reserve the right to review any We would like to thank Nancy Trivette for her dedication to advertising campaigns associated with promotion of items that our task and to the national staff members who provided use the emblem? insight into these issues. 4. Can the organization reserve the right to revoke the permission under certain circumstances? 5. Will this mean penalties for companies that do not receive permission?

6. What legal action can or will be taken against a company Respectfully submitted, using the emblem without permission? 7. How can unauthorized use be controlled? Michael Smego, Ml (Chair) Kelly Campbell, UT 8. What legal liability is implied in the use of the emblem by Steven Mitchell, AR (Vice Chair) Lynsia Jordan, TX Rachel Massey, OK Chris Richard, PA LauraJunevitch, WA Charles Staudt, IA Keith Moffat, Rl Kevin Jones, NC Tammy Packard, OH Corey Flournoy, IL

Priscilla Mandulak, AK Mike Bennett, CA Lorinda Graham, CA Carol Bettis, AR Brian Williams, UT Renae Southwick, ID Keith Cain, MS Mathew Vaupel, MN Mark Anderson, MN Brock Legan, MO Christopher Foley, AL Kerry Burkley, TX

Erin Freel, FL Nina Weston, AL Bryan Mervin, DE Cheryl Garmon, TX Tyler Grandil, AZ Coleen Johnson, Wl Amy Cota, NY Trisha Baily, FL

Jill Guthrey, LA Melissa Beale, IN Brent White, KY Doug Lineberry, VA Scott Thiol. ND Sherry Proctor, KY Stefan Maupin, TN David Lulich, Wl

Bobby Ferris, GA Jim McFaddin, TX

FFA members shopped the National FFA Supply Service boothat the agricultural career show. The booth was a city block long, said Supply Service Convention Manager Dennis Shafer. The most popular items were specially designed T-shirts and sweatshirts. Shafer estimated that as many as 10,000 orders were taken over three days.

63 Committee Reports Membership Development

National Equity Junior FFA Development We recommend that the National FFA Organization shall We submit these recommendations:

have four equal regions based on membership and number of 1. Offer states the option of choosing activities in which Jr. associations. Evaluation shall take place every three years, and FFA members can be involved. realignment of regions shall occur when membership of a 2. Provide a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional region varies more than 15 percent of the regional average and/ contests that relate to the curriculum. or number of associations varies by more than two of the 3. Provide an optional award based upon level of accom- average. During the annual January board meeting, the plishment and class completion. National FFA Board of Directors shall consider a new realign- 4. Include items such as careers in agriculture, agriculture ment that would become effective September, 1992. technology and an introduction to the FFA in the curriculum. We recommend that the new regions be aligned as follows: Recruitment and Retention Region I - 15 states, 24.8 percent, 94,903 FFA members We offer these recommendations. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachu- 1. Provide opportunities for hands-on recruitment and setts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, retention experience at NLCSO. Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Missouri 2. Surveys should be taken at the national convention to review needs for next year. Region II - 12 states, 24.4 percent 93,209 FFA members 3. Include past state officers on the planning committee for New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, NLCSO. North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, 4. Create a new recruitment video focusing on the diversity Alabama and District of Columbia of students in the FFA. This video should show that students can participate in sports, music and other activities as well as Region HI -• 15 states, 24.8 percent, 98,874 FFA members the FFA. Focus on teamwork, leadership and direction and Mississippi, lx>uisiana, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Texas, their correlation to FFA and every day high school life. Toward Arkansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, South the end of video have short clips of famous past FFA members. Dakota, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Guam 5. Provide one copy of all recruitment material to each state.

6. Include written lesson plans in the "Make It Happen!" Region IV -12 states, 25.9 percent, 94,459 FFA members packet for teachers. Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North 7. Choose bright blue and yellow for the "Make It Happen!" Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and cover. Each section should be a different color. Alaska 8. Include an explanation on the "1+3" poster of the program, the advantages of participation and directions on how Developing FFA Partners to get more information. We make these recommendations. 9. Include an article on the 1+3 program in the fall issue of 1. Form a task force to develop a fact sheet and video for FFA New Horizons. guidance counselors/administration. The fact sheet woulf br 10. Send a packet of scholarship and academic benefits of sent first to each guidance office offering the free video. The agricultural education and the FFA to counseling offices. video and fact sheet should include scholarship opportunities, statistics, careers, and testimonials (video only). We would like to recognize Phil Berkenbile, Raymond

2. Develop a booth promoting Agricultural Education/FFA Cochrum, Troy Newton and Steve Brown for their assistance for use at national education conventions. 3. Send national officers to national education conventions Respectfully submitted: as a part of their official duties. National officers should visit Andrew Lacy, OH (Chair) Brian Kubik, NE George Bollinger, MD each state convention for administrators /guidance counselors Jason Strieker, CA (Vice Chair) Lila Worthington, CA Beth R. Miller, VA based on a five-year rotation plan. States showing membership Bryan Armstrong, MA Kristy Harrison, FL Arthur Mejia, CA decline should be given first priority. Lee Van Wychen, Wl Matt Fannin, LA Jeff McElroy, CO 4. Include a special section under the Chapter Visits section Bruce Scamman, NH Jody Brinker, IN Michelle Bowen, NC

of the NLCSO Handbook dealing with guidance counselors/ Jodi Hall, PA Sara Persons, Ml David Nelson, AR administration. We also suggest that national officers stress this Kellee Jones, UT Kevin Fruendt, OK Aran DeHart, AL section to state officers. Heather Retzloff, TX Jason Hickey, AL Julie L Riedell, IA Bradley S. Hornsby, KY We support the Agricultural Education Business and Robert Duval, NV Jason Grigg, TX Kyle Sharp, OH Chris Reeves, AL Dillon Vanzant, TN Education Forum. Chiku Hodge, VI Mark Otter, OR 5. Include an orientation, at least two workshops and a final David Dillabo, CA Greg Padgett, SC banquet in the forum. Laura Jaspers, SD Jay Ramsey, IL 6. Encourage guidance counselors/administration to attend Amanda Hulett. MO Kelly Thompson, GA at least two business sessions and at least one Alumni Leader- Kelly Watson, TN Shawna Wilcox, NM ship Workshop. Kevin Mosely, OH Lex Godfrey, UT

64 Committee Reports National FFA Convention

The National FFA Convention Committee makes the following recommendations:

Career Show

1. Promote times and location of the Career Show by advertising in FFA New Horizons, printing information on registration forms and pre-convention materials; post banners and signs around the convention complex, espe- cially by the escalators; and promote on the audio visual screens.

2. Provide each exhibitor with a subscription to FFA New Horizons.

3. Recognize exhibitors in FFA New Horizons. 4. Extend show hours and improve room temperature. 5. Place a directory, with FFA members cut the carpet with their fancy footwork. legend, at the show entrance.

3. List phone numbers and addresses of full and subcommit- Convention Program tee chairs and vice chairs in the delegate packets mailed to

1. Maintain high quality speakers that identify with the FFA. states.

2. Develop a rotational system for awards and degree 4. During the State Presidents' Conference, encourage all presentations. State Associations to hold national delegate orientation and 3. Place a map in the program showing the areas surround- training sessions prior to the National Convention. ing the convention hall, including restaurants and shops. 5. Distribute each state's delegates more equally among 4. Improve the sound system and consider the technical committees. needs of all individuals and groups on the convention program. 6. Allow states to pay registration fees in advance and on 5. Require every member appearing on stage be in official site. Clearly identify registration places and procedures. dress. Respectfully submitted: 6. Encourage the band and chorus to coordinate presenta- tions with talent directors to avoid duplications and to enhance Toby Stephens, AR (Chair) session themes. Cathryn Piggott, TX Matthew A Syme, CT Erica Clark, TX (Vice Chair) Jason Abbott, Ml Jason Chappell, NC Chandler W.Geater, IA Jason Brockshus, IA Hanna Carter, ME Convention Operations Casey Bradshaw, KY Kristie McDaniel, IL Mark Ponder, AL Nicole Dillabo, CA 1. Recognize courtesy corps members with a "dutch treat" Cory Schrag, SD Brad Jensen, NE Matt Garnett, OK meal function; publish corp members' names in the Convention Karinda Davis, AR Julia E. Hernandez, PR Kimberly Rupple, CO Proceedings; and provide each member with a pin. Howard Meredith, Jr., MD Jason Underbrink, TX Angela Headrick, AL 2. Direct corp to assertive members be more in maintaining Dean Jardee, MT Raquel Lacey, IL order in the auditorium, especially during business sessions. Francis Maag, OH Heather Heaton, UT 3. Locate band, chorus and talent groups in isolated practice Brandi Canady, GA Pedro J. Cuevas, PR rooms to Patrick Sandel, LA eliminate distractions during contests and interviews. Andrew Smeltz, PA Corey Parks, FL 4. Organize meal functions in Bartle Hall "cafeteria style" Josh Bledsoe, NC Stacy Handke, MO with more appropriate foods and a greater selection of bever- Michael Palmer, TN Aaron Johnson, IN ages. Adam Thomason, WA Daryl Baxley, AL Tara Mueggenborg, OK Nikki May, VA Stephen Kunzler, ID Erik Huschitl Wl Delegate Operations Carlos DeLaTorre, CA Chris Matzdorf, MN 1. Expand seating in delegate area to allow easy access for all Trey Myers, MD delegates, including the handicapped. Rotate states with Jon Ivy, TX national officers. Provide each state with a well-defined seating Christi Payne, TX area. Susan Michl, CA 2. Mail extra delegate packets for substitute delegates to all states.

65 —— ————— — Committee Reports Nominating

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T/i£ Nominating Committee spent many hours pondering their choices for the 1991-92 National FFA Officer team. The nine-member committee's task was anything but easy. From 39 highly qualified candidates, they narrowed the field to six

during a process that spanned five days. The members were, front row from left, Lisa Ralph, Rick Perkins, Melissa Barnes,

Todd Hingson and Brent Kisling. Top row, from left, Josh Guthrie, Doug Reynolds, Alvin Winslow and Chris Kaldowski.

We have given careful and deliberate President Lee Thurber, Neb. Respectfully submitted: consideration to all applicants running

for national office. The committee Secretary Michael Stevenson, Mont. Rick Perkins, OH (Chair) nominates the following slate of candi- Vice President Brent Kisling, OK dates to the delegates of the 64th National Melissa Barnes, NV FFA Convention to serve as national Central Region —Chadwick Luthro, Iowa Douglas Reynolds, IA officers for the year 1991-92. Josh Guthrie, TN Vice President Lisa Ralph, DL Eastern Region Wesley Barefoot, N.C. Chris Kalkowski, NB Todd Hingson, FL Vice President Alvin Winslow, ME

Southern Region Shane Black, Ala. Sidney E. Koon, Jr. (Consultant) Stacy A. Gartin (Consultant) Vice President

Western Region Louie Brown, Jr., Calif.

National Treasurer Charles L. Keels, N.C.

National Executive Secretary C. Coleman Harris, Washington, D.C.

National Advisor Larry D. Case, Wash- ington, D.C.

66 Committee Reports

Program of Activities

The program of activities committee encourages the National FFA Board of Directors to continue the implementation of the current Program of Activities with the following recommenda- tions:

1. Update and revise the FFA New Horizons directory every year.

2. Update the Program of Activities to include recent additions to the FFA Alumni scholarship program.

3. Update the Program of Activities every year so that it complies with constitutional amendments. 4. Revise the Program of Activities to reflect the recent restructuring at the National FFA Center.

Respectfully submitted:

Shannon Washburn, KS (Chair) Matthew Schweer, KS (Vice Chair) Donita Massey, NM Marci Hyatt, ID Andrew Lacy, OH Garrett Sonnier, LA

Erin Freel, FL Amber Washington, California's state secretary, served

Tyson Stuhr, AZ as an official delegate for the second time. "It's amazing Toby Stephens, AR that so muchpowerand responsibility has been entrusted

to us," she said. "It makes mefeel like I'm really important and that what we say really means something."

t 1 p * - "^V -<*, **i *-4£ *' J< :Z& " h 1 - 4 r ^^m J •*** ^ ***- *a^L * ' *** V:;S&- k •-- jfek "• 1 BHal & H *r~~ :

Weather conditions during the convention were fickle: one day's glimpses of sunshine led to another's rain and fog. These members faced the wind to take in Kansas City sights.

67 Committee Reports Support Services

The Support Services Programmatic Committee makes these recommendations:

should follow the guidelines stated in the first recommendation. 1. Investigate publications which would update FFA 16. State officers should become active in their State Alumni members about current events in various secondary and programs by attending meetings, conferences and conventions. postsecondary agricultural organizations. This may be pub- 17. Actively pursue membership development in the FFA lished periodically and/or incorporated into an existing Alumni. This Alumni membership development program publication. We also recommend that the National FFA should be patterned after current FFA membership develop- Organization continue to communicate with these organizations ment programs with use of Alumni recruitment pamphlets, through general correspondence. brochures, videotapes, and other relevant promotional material. 2. Create a informational packet, including a pamphlet and In addition, we request that FFA New Horizons magazine an idea video that summarizes the types of youth organizations dedicate a minimum of one article per issue to Alumni. This available to secondary and postsecondary students. Gear this program should promote development of weak Alumni information toward younger secondary students. chapters and creation of new Alumni chapters. 3. National boards, including the national officers, of all 18. We request that FFA Alumni offer a three- year member- secondary and postsecondary vocational student organizations ship package as an additional option to the current FFA 3-year meet in Washington, for a joint board meeting for DC, package. In addition, we suggest FFA Alumni communicate training team building within the respective leadership and with other Alumni organizations in search of innovative vocational student organizations. membership development programs. We suggest that the 4. Encourage joint leadership activities at the state level that leadership of the FFA Alumni submit articles to the FFA New deal purely with the promotion of leadership and not the Horizons Magazine. promotion of individual organizations. Publicize these activities 19. Change the name of Support Services Committee to on the state and community levels. Cooperative Relations Committee. 5. Develop an informational poster which would be distributed to all local FFA chapters. Included should be brief descriptions about FFA resource organizations and their addresses. Reply cards should be made available so that Respectively submitted, members could contact individual organizations to receive

more information. Troy Crowe, Ml (Chair) Joe Ash, IL 6. Invite the national representatives of resource organiza- Dennis Degner, TX (Vice Chair) Andy Hart, GA tions to the National FFA Convention. Recognize these indi- John Orth, AL Kim Smith, FL viduals and their organizations' contributions. Janine Kagay, CA Joe Skeen, WV 7. Send current FFA information, such as the FFA New Gretchen Anderson, SD Dennis Beavers, TN Horizons magazine to national resource organizations. Lee Mayfield, SC BaLindaStuckey.OK 8. Continue to encourage the development of state councils Jason Larison, KS Candy Boswell, OR of agricultural education which include representatives from Jennifer Bergmann, Wl Melissa Claverie, CA resource organizations. Also encourage the cooperation of state Paul Cassell, VA Kimberly Morris, NC councils at the regional and national levels. David Crisostomo, GU Cody Hendley, MO 9. Provide supplemental information about the Council on Richie Harris, Jr., TX Matt Cooper, AL Agricultural Education and the National FFA Foundation Stephanie Weaver, CA Jeanne Wright, NV scholarship program in the FFA New Horizons magazine. Wade Lang, SD Brian Benson, OK 10. Encourage the Foundation to continue to support special Tiffany Aired, MS Tobin Boenig, TX high school programs that the Council is developing. Adrian Pettis, AL Newley Spikes, TX

11. Continue to stress the importance of writing thank you Dale Heagy, PA Jill Haugerud, Wl notes to sponsors. Include pertinent information about writing Jennifer Sledge, KY Kyle Holveck, OR these notes in the FFA New Horizons magazine. Brian Traxler, MN Jesse Andres, MT

12. Conduct a seminar for state coordinators of FFA fund Adrianne Rhone, TX Benjamin P. Cummings, WV raising. Sponsored by the National FFA Foundation, the Danielle Farrar, WA Sharon Duckworth, NJ seminar would feature a professional philanthropy specialist. Stephanie Gompf, OH Andrew McCrea, MO 13. Encourage all agriculture educators to attend in-service Dawn Daigle, LA Brandon Abbott, AL training sessions that are provided by the Council to teach them Sarah Ochs, IL about new curriculums. 14. Formulate new Alumni guidelines for each state to follow in establishing and continuing a sound Alumni program. Guidelines may include set dues, responsibilities, leadership and identification of chapters without affiliates. 15. Encourage state officer teams to implement programs to inform FFA members about the National Alumni Organization. These programs may take the form of chapter visits, career shows, conferences, workshops, or conventions. Each program

68 Behind the Scenes National Convention Proceedings

Volume LXIV Long before National President Mark be? How many rows of chairs should line The 64th National FFA Convention Timm raised the opening gavel, countless the convention floor? Proceedings is published by the National individuals were making preparations The list of questions was endless, but FFA Organization as a record of for the 64th National FFA Convention. because of the dedication of individuals the organization's annual convention held in National FFA officers and staff who assisted, the convention came Kansas City, Missouri, November 14-16, members at the National FFA Center together like pieces of an intricate jigsaw. 1991. concentrated on the big issues as well as From supervisors of national contests to the smallest details to ensure a smooth, parents who chaperoned their children, professional convention. Who would all were important. All were appreciated Proceedings Staff speak? What business issues should be and all were vital to the success of the Shirley Sokolosky addressed by committees? What color largest annual youth convention in the Editor should the ink on the printed program world. Molly Wilson Associate Editor-Photos

Thelma Schoonmaker Associate Editor-Writing

Linda Flint Associate Editor-Layout and Design

Sam Harrel Orlin Wagner Michael Wilson Andrew Markwart Cameron Craig Lawinna McGary Lightfoot Photography Photographers

Tom Corby Darkroom Director

Fedor Razzuri Cynthia Dobbe Darkroom Technicians

Marion Fay Jeanne Hummer Editorial Assistants

FFA Communications Team

Bill Stagg Director/Team Leader Communications Resources

Gayle Crowder Communications Consultant

Roni Horan Communications Consultant

Amy McDonald Communications Consultant

Special thanks to Jeri Matties, Lynn Hamilton, Jody Corby The Courtesy Corps worked fast andfuriously behind the scenes, eager to ensure the convention ran smoothly. The 1^00 FFA members representing 258 chapters did everything,from checking for badges, to distributing the FFA1\MES every morning, to running to the drugstore in search of aspirin for an aching staff member's headache, to stuffing news packets for the media. Behind the Scenes

Additional copies of this publication are available from the National FFA Supply Service, 5632 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, P.O. Box 15160, Alexandria, Va. 22309. Phone 703-360- 3600. Cost per copy is $1.00 plus handling.

Index

19 Agriscience Teacher of the Year 20 Agriscience Student Recognition 46 Alumni 14 American FFA Degrees 30 Band 23 Building Our American Communities 51 Business 48 Career Show 31 Chorus 54 Committee Reports 54 Awards & Degrees 54 Auditing 57 Contests 56 Chapter & State Association Operations 58 Information & Promotion 60 International Development Lola Langbeamed while she visited with Bob Seefeldt, national convention manager the 61 Leadership FFA for awards area. Lane, Mount Vernon, Wash., was the Western Region Star in Agribusiness. 62 Member Services of 64 Membership Development 65 National FFA Convention 66 Nominating

67 Program of Activities 68 Support Services 21 Computers in Agriculture Convention Managers 22 Contests 70 Convention Managers Coleman Harris - Convention General Manager 52 Delegates Lennie Carnage - Convention Business and Registration 44 Distinguished Service Citations Woody Cox - Alumni 28 Extemporaneous Speaking Contest Carol Duval - Contests 49 Honorary American FFA Degrees Tony Hoyt - Convention Program 25 National Chapter Awards Jack Pitzer - Courtesy Corps 43 National FFA Foundation Robert Seefeldt - Awards 9 Officer Candidates Dennis Shafer - Supply Service 72 New National Officers William Stagg - News and Information 26 Prepared Public Speaking Contest Bernie Staller - Sponsors 12 Proficiency Awards Marshall Stewart - Delegate Operations 32 Retiring Addresses George Verzagt - Career Show 24 Safety Awards 10 Stars Over America 29 Talent

45 VIP Citations Prepared and published by the National FFA Organization in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education as a service to state and local agricultural education agencies.

70 So long for new...

Mark your calendars: 1992...Nov. 12-14...65th National Convention 1993...Nov. ll-13...66th National Convention 1994...Nov. 10-12...67th National Convention 1995...Nov. 9-11...68th National Convention 1996...Nov. 14-16...69th National Convention

71 1991-92 National FFA Officers

National officers elected at the 64th National FFA Convention were (from left) Mike Stevenson, Louie Brown, Jr., Shane Black, Wesley Barefoot, Chad Luthro and Lee Thurber.

The 1991-1992 national FFA president was elected national FFA vice president University to receive a degree in agricul- is Lee Thurber, 20, of Roca, Neb. Thurber for the central region. Luthro is a tural education. is a member of the Norris FFA Chapter, member of the Prairie Valley FFA Shane Black, 21, Athens, Ala., was and served as Nebraska state FFA Chapter, and served as the 1989-90 Iowa elected national FFA vice president of the

president last year. He was the state FFA Association secretary . In 1990, he southern region He is a member of the winner in both the extemporaneous and was named the American Star in Clements FFA Chapter, and participated prepared public speaking contests, and Agribusiness, and was winner of the in the state public speaking, nursery was a national FFA scholarship recipient. national Computers in Agriculture landscape and quartet contests. He was Thurber' s Supervised Agricultural program in 1989. FFA vice president for Alabama. Experience (SAE) program consists of a For his SAE program, Luthro Black's SAE program consists of feeder to finish swine operation, market founded a corporation, Agri-Tech cotton production and work placement at cattle and market lambs. He attends the Products Company, which provides Progressive Farmer magazine. He attends University of Nebraska Lincoln, where he computer and software sales and service Birmingham-Southern College, where he is a sophomore majoring in agribusiness. to meet the needs of agricultural clients. studies political science. He plans to He plans to pursue a master's degree He plans to obtain a degree in agricul- pursue a career in agricultural law. after graduation. tural education from Iowa State Univer- Louie Brown Jr, 21, of Hartford, Mike Stevenson, 19, of Hobson, sity, and teach agriculture at the high Calif., was elected national FFA vice Mont, will serve as 1991-92 national FFA school level. president of the western region He is a secretary. In Montana, Stevenson served Wesley Barefoot, 19, of Dunn, N.C., member of the Hanford FFA Chapter, as first vice president, and earned was elected national FFA vice president and served as California FFA vice recognition as the state and regional beef for the eastern region. He is a member of president. proficiency winner, as well as star state the Midway FFA Chapter. Barefoot Brown's SAE program included work farmer. Stevenson is a member of the served as North Carolina FFA vice placement with an electronic fruit sorting Hobson FFA Chapter. president, and was selected star state company and a USDA Dairy Herd Stevenson's SAE program includes a agribusinessman in 1990. He was also Improvement laboratory. He also registered black Angus and Columbia the 1988 National Fiber Crop Proficiency operated a small flock of sheep. sheep operation. He is a freshman at winner. He attends California Polytechnic Montana State University, where he is Barefoot's SAE program consists of State University, where he is a sopho- majoring in business administration. cotton production, custom cotton picking more studying agricultural business After graduation, he plans a career as a and a cotton picker repair business. He policy. After graduation, he plans to professional speaker and farm operator. attends Wayne Community College and obtain a law degree and pursue a career Chad Luthro, 21, of Moorland, Iowa, plans to transfer to North Carolina State in agricultural lobbying.