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THE BEST-SELLING AMERICAN TRUCKS ARE BUILT FORD TOUGH. fFA NewHoriTons OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION
June-July-August, 1993 Volume 41 Numbers
7 20 Oceans Of Opportunity The FFA Jacket...Who's Worthy A Chicago FFA member makes a splash of Wearing It? raising, breeding and then selHng tropical Should politicians, entertainers and other fish to pet stores. non-members wear the FFA jacket? 16 22
Stars Go To Europe Sports Champions These FFA award winners were left to Paralympic competitor and former mem- fend for themselves in a world that didn't ber Kevin Saunders tells how FFA helped speak English. him succeed after being wheelchairbound. COVER STORY
10
Project Adventure Don't look down! Marguerite Lisai. Springfield. Vermont, braves the high ropes course for the first time.
Photo by Lawinna McGary
CAREERS 8
Careers In The Global Economy
It's a small world with big opportunities if you're interested in agricultural careers in the international arena. DEPARTMENTS 19 Taking The Reigns Of A 5 Front Line 23 FFA In Action
Western Ranch 6 News in Brief 26 Get To Know Today's successful farm and ranch man- 17 Joke Page agers use al 1 of their resources for success.
FFA New Horizons (ISSN 0027-931 5), formerly The National FUTURE FARMER, is prepared and published bimonthly by the National FFA Organization, 5632 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria. Virginia 22309-0160, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education as a service to state and local vocational agriculture education agencies. . .
flZT /2Z7 THE FRONT LINE Magazine Staff Editor. Andrew Markwart Associate Editor, Lawinna McGary Contributing Editor, John M. Pitzer
Art & Production, Linda Flint Director of Advertising. Glenn D. Luedke Publishing Assistant. Phyllis Mosher o many, contest and awards are at the Circulation Fulfillment Manager. Dottle M Hinkle Assistants, Susan Fernandas, Heather M Boyington heart of the FFA. Anyone who has ever T participated in a contest or received an National Officers
National President, Travis Park. RR 3. Box 112, Franklin. award i^nows hov\ it can boost your confi- IN 46131. National Secretary, Kevin White, 21941 dence, drive you to achieve more and prob- Sunnyside Dnve. Anderson, CA 96007. National Vice ably get your name in the paper. Presidents. Dennis Degner, Route 1, Box 355, Malone, iQ TX 76660; Todd Hingson, Route 2, Box 1300, Live Oak, But are the current activities on target? Do City. Kleiboeker, , ^ 32060, John RR 1 Box 103, Stotts FL they capture student interest and provide for MO 65756, Rick Perkins, 721 5 East County Road 16. industry Bloomville, OH 44818 what the agricultural needs? These questions ha\ e been put to the National Contest and Awards Task Force appointed by the FFA Board of Board of Directors Directors. They have been challenged to design FFA activities that meet Chairman. Larry Case; Members of the Board. Jamie Cano. Everett Hams, Marion Fletcher. Bobby Muller, the needs of students, parents, advisors and the agricultural industry for the Tom Munter, Dewey Stewart, Les Thompson, Rosco year 2000. Vaughn "What business and industry want are people \\orking with people to National Staff get things done," says Rhett Laubach. 1 992-93 Oklahoma president, National Advisor. Chief Executive Officer. Larry Case, FFA Executive Secretary. Coleman Harris: Chief Operating who, along with Paul Friedrichs. 1992-93 Kansas FFA president, is Officer. Bernie Staller; National Treasurer, Charles Keels: serving as a student representative on the task force. "The skills they need Team Leaders — Student Services. Andrew Markwart, Teacher Services. Marshall Stewart, Partner Relations. to ha\e in the workforce are the same skills we should be emphasizing at Joyce Winterton, Sponsor Relations. Doug Butler; Human the chapter level." adds Laubach. S Fiscal Resources. Lennie Gamage; Communication The task force's first step was to ask some key questions to students, Resources. William Stagg,D;s/n£)uf/on Resources, Janet Lewis and James Long, FFA Ventures. Dennis Shafer parents, advisors, administrators and state FFA staff through a study. Students said they most often enroll in agriculture classes because they Advertising Offices FFA New Horizons want to participate in FFA activities, enjoy working outside the classroom P.O. Box 15160 and plan on going into a career in the agricultural industry Alexandna, VA 22309 703-360-3600 FFA members said they participated in contest and awards because they The Brassett Company like the feeling of winning, it increased their self esteem and it ga\e them 1737 Fairgreen Drive Fullerton, CA 90036 714-523-2776 a chance to win prizes or scholarships. The\ \ alued teamw ork and taking responsibility for a project more than learning a specific skill. A whopping Midwestern States 71 percent of those students surveyed said that cooperation in FFA Karaban / Labiner Associates. Inc. 75 East Wacker Dnve Suite 930 activities is more important than competition. (For more study results, see Chicago, IL 60601 312-236-6345 "News in Brief" page 6.) Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey Based on the study's results, the task force created a "Philosoph\ for
Karaban / Labiner Associates, tnc FFA Awards and Contests" that includes guidelines for individual, team 130 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036 212-840-0660 and chapter activities. In July, the FFA Board of Directors will discuss the
report. If they approve it. each FFA activity will be reviewed to see if it Robert Flahive Company 22 Battery Street meets up to the new standards. If it doesn't, it will either be changed or San Francisco, CA94111 415-781-4583 dropped. New activities may be created. FFA New Horizons (ISSN 0027-9315}, formerly The Na- Laubach says that the student voice was clearly heard on the task force tional FUTURE FARMER, is prepared and published agribusinessnien. state FF.A bimonthly by the National FFA Organization, 5632 Mount of agriculture teachers, college professors, Vernon Memonal Highway, Alexandria, Virginia 22309- officials and national staff. He said that many times during the meetings, 0160, in cooperation with the U S. Department of Educa- all heads would turn to the student representatives for their point of view tion as a service to state and local vocational agriculture
education agencies Application to mail at 2nd Class "We were in the thick of the discussion and we were listened to. You can postage rates is pending at Alexandria, VA and additional get lost in the statistics, but we kept the group focused on what those mail offices POSTMASTER: Please send change of numbers really mean." addresses to Circulation Department, FFA New Hori- zons. P O Box 15160, Alexandna, Virginia 22309-0160- During the summer of "95. your advisor will receive a new set of
CORRESPONDENCE: Address all correspondence to: guidelines for FFA contests and aw ards. Ev erything from public speaking FFA New Honzons. P Box 15160. Alexandria. Virginia proficiency award will 22309-0160 Offices located at the National FFA Center, to livestock judging to the agricultural mechanics approximately eight miles south of Alexandria, VA. have been rev ievved and changes will have been made. The w ork between SUBSCRIPTION: S3 50 per year in U.S. and possessions now and then will have a huge impact on the FF.A. (FFA members SI 75 paid with dues) Single copy Si 50, five or more 75c each Foreign subscriptions, S3. 50 plus S2.00 extra for postage. Copynght 1993 by the National FFA Organization ^-% The i© Audit ^A (\.^^ Bureau
June-July-August. 1993 NEWS IN BRIEF
How To Have An Awesome AGRISCIENCE A Chance To Thank Your Advisor The date to have your Advisor Tribute contest entry postmarked has Project been changed to June 25. If you would like to recognize your advisor in the magazine, type a letter on plain white paper stating what your advisor Yoii don't have to be a rocket scientist means to you and why. Include your name, home address, home to start an agriscience project. Soil tests, telephone number, school telephone number, FFA chapter and FFA tissue cultures and growth regulator ex- advisor's name with the letter. Send your entry to FFA New Horizons, all classroom acti\ i- periments are typical Advi,sor Tribute. P.O. Box 15160. Alexandria. VA 22309-0160. We'll ties, but they can also be agriscience publish the top entries in the September-October issue and one winner projects you can win awards and money will be chosen to speak at the National FFA Convention. with. Each state winner in the Agriscience Student Recognition Program wins
SI. ()()(). Eight national finalists will be awarded at least $3,000. The national Time To Celebrate... You Mal(e It Happen the national runner-up wins $3,300 and FFA Membership Is Growing Here's a fun way to recruit more mem- \\ inner rakes in S7.000. Last year FFA membership numbers bers into your chapter. The You Make It To order a tun-to-read application/how- went up for the first time in ten years. This Happen game show lets you present FFA to guide and brochure that shows how to year the trend continues. As of publica- facts to seventh and eighth graders in an put together an agriscience project con- tion time. FFA had 1 1,214 more members exciting w ay. E\cry FFA advisor will get tact: Teacher Services Specialist, Greg than last vear, for a total of 412.788. these materials by September 1. Egan. 3632 Mt. Vernon Memorial High- way, Alexandria. VA 22309 or phone him Contests And Awards Study May Spur Changes at 703-360-3600. ext. 264. A professional research organization (6.3), shyness (6.2). conflicts with part-
has done a study of all FFA contests and time jobs (6.0). and a feeling they don't fit American Royalty awards. They sent sur\eys to 300 students (3.8) are barriers that reduce participation.
For a little more than two weeks of and 260 advisors as well as to parents, •Students and adults generally be- work you could win a $3,000 scholarship, school administrators and state staff. A lieve female and male students have the as well as all sorts special FFA task force, at the July board same opportunities to participate in FFA of other prizes. meeting, will re\'ievv the study and decide contests and awards (92.5%). Seven per- All you have to if contests and awards changes should be cent of students responded that females do is request an made. and males do not ha\e equal opportuni- application from Here are some of the student's answers. ties. Reasons these students felt there was your state FFA They assigned values on a scale of one (not gender bias are: the nature of the activities staff for the important) to ten (very important) for each (41%), advisors attitudes (24%), and American Royal Student Ambassador answer. physical strength (24%). Program. The deadline to have your entry •When asked why they participate in •In answer to the question, in the fu- contests awards, students reported: they ture, should activities promote com- postmarked is September 1 . Judges are and FFA looking for contestants who have high like the feeling of winning and self esteem petition or cooperation, a majority (71%) academic achievement, public speaking (S.l ). hope to win prizes or scholarships of the stLidents rated cooperation as being ability and knowledge of agriculture or (8.0). like to go on trips (7.7). enjoy the more important. Adults tended to rate agriculturally related fields. teamwork (7.6). and learn from preparing cooperation higher than students. They will choose one female and one for them (7.1). •Students recommended that all stu- male FFA member to reign for the Ameri- •What is important for students to learn? dents should be recognized for participat- can Royal Horse Show and R leo perfor- Taking responsibility (8.7) and teamwork ing at the first level above the chapter. mances. (8.3) were rated highest by all students and •The four most important types of rec-
For more information, com, ' yoLir adults, while learning a specific skill (7.0) ognition for students were plaque or tro- state advisor; American Royal Li i--on. and learning to win (3.3) were rated lowest phy (8.4% ), write-up in local paper ( 8.2% ),
Pam Petty, 816-221-9800: or Stuc.nl by both students and adults. local awards banquet (8. 1 %) and recogni- .Embassador Program Chairperson, Kathy •Students reported that involvement in tion from friends and family. Scaalia. 816-33.V2120. other activities (6.7), work after school
FFA New Horizons Oceans of Opportunity
Chicago FFA member makes a splash with basement business
By Jennifer West. FFA Member Hesperia, California
just a couple of hundred Withdollars, space for a lew fish
tanks and a lot of patience, you
could be in the tropical fish business. Jason Ziegler, fish breeder and FFA member from Chicago. Illinois, says
patience is a key because. "The fish aren't going to spawn when you want them to." He's been waiting on one pair of fish for two years—with no results. Ziegler's parents first gave him an aquarium and tropical fish when he was three. By his freshman year he w as selling some of the fish he bred in his basement.
"The first time. I sold to just one pet shop.
Later. I learned to spread out. to sell to different stores and get a higher price for my fish." Now a junior in high school. Ziegler's monthly income averages between $50 and $75. He delivers about 200 fish a month to various pet shops. Fish prices range from $1 an inch to $50 each, de- pending on how hard they are to breed. "First you have to find something that interests you. then you Building a business relationship with have to do something that's demanding," says Ziegler. who's raised and bred varieties of African and South .American tropi- the store owners is a key to a successful ca! fish for three years. enterprise, says Ziegler. "Pet shops are very picky about where they buy their fish
from, because there are always woiTies spawning), soft water, a specific pH level accomplished that. Now . I'd like to get about parasites and such." Owners must and high quality food. bigger tanks and expand to more exotic know you provide a good supply for them To entice the fish to spawn. Ziegler breeds of fish."
to keep buying from you, he says. puts a dozen of one type offish in the same Running his fish enterprise fits well Ziegler spends about two to three hours tank. After the fish choose their mate, and with Ziegler's ambitions to become a vet-
a day at work . He hires se\ eral freshmen are put in a tank of their own. Ziegler erinarian and to own his own pet shop. as apprentices. "They've learned a lot." waits for the next generation to be born. "The best pan about my business." he
he says of his assistants. "When I find a Through his FFA experience. Ziegler says, "is that I'm doing somethijig I en- freshman who doesn't have an SAE [su- says he has learned to keep efficient joy." To other FFA members considering pervised agricultural experience program], records. "By using record books. r\e starting a business, he advises, start small
ril train them to help me with my busi- found out how much better it is to write and build your way up. Find out what you
ness. Often, they start fish projects of their everything down, so I can keep track of are interested in and make sure it's de-
own." customers and how much I earn." manding. If it's not challenging, Ziegler
Not everyone is suited for raising these By plowing 90 percent of the mone\' he says it may be hard to stay interested. As scaly creatures though. "It's achallenge," earns back into the business. Ziegler feels a final note, he says, "Don't give up. Ziegler says. The fish have to have a he has accomplished many of his goals Sometimes you might think that running
certain constant temperature (83 degrees and plans to expand. "When I began. I your own business is too difficult, but in
Fahrenheit normally and 87 to 89 when wanted to be self-supported, and I think I the long run, it's worth it." ...
June-July-August. 1993 CAREERS IN THE
WatchJorBifiOpportunities
inrfhe International Arena By Michael Wilson
tching to see the world, visit exotic lands, explore a new ing products."
, culture'.' Your future may be tied to agricultural exports. Those FAS workers who are stationed in Washington might That's because the American farmer no longer provides work on various economic reports, analyze the en food and fiber for his fellow citizens alone. Of the 1 28 people risk of various countries, or collect information o^ one farmer can feed, 34 of them live in other countries. global supply and demand. "The idea that we're in a global economy has finally FAS hires economists who specialize in caught hold in agriculture," says Dr. Lowell Hill, University agriculture and international affairs. These jobs of Illinois professor of agricultural marketing. "Almost with FAS almost always require a four-year anything we do in agriculture now needs an international college degree plus a master's degree, prefer- understanding." ably in agricultural economics. FAS com- That's where you come in. Hundreds of farm monly recruits for these jobs at land grant commodities, both raw and processed, ik colleges. are sold overseas in virtually hundreds Other jobs tied to farm exports are of countries. About one million jobs are found in the private sector. For tied in one way or another to example, a grain merchandiser for a those exports, according to the large multinational grain company U.S. Feed Grains Council might negotiate with people in (USFGC). ,^ other countries to make grain
Most are in assembling, , sales, explains Dr. Hill. '^ ^ ^
processing, and distributing ' ' Commodity organizations often agricultural products. Transpor- need people with international ex- / tation in trucking, rail, river jobs pertise, says Dr. Hill. These organizations, /tl- barge, and shipping, depend funded by farmer contributions ("checkoffs"), exports. « heavily on Many ,'^h. are challenged to create new markets for their agricultural researchers study ;;v\ commodities. ; ways to improve grain quality for Many checkoff-funded commodity when the crop is shipped overseas. '# organizations have offices in other Nearly every agricultural career countries staffed with Americans area has connection to some farm whose job it is to educate foreigners exports. on ae,w ways to use U.S. farm commodi- ties. The American Soybean Association Destination: Overseas? conducts over 200 export expansion activities in 76 countries. On the other hand, some jobs are directly tied to farm They set up trade fairs and conferences and conduct feeding exports. Some of these jobs are located in places like Wash- trials or seminars to promote U.S. soybeans. ington, D.C. —and Rome, Paris, Moscow, and Tokyo. Farm equipment companies—both American—and foreign- Let's start with the Foreign Agricultural Service, an owned—need people who can help market their products in agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that supports other countries. You may wind up working as a technician or the private sector in expanding exports of U.S. farm products. engineer for John Deere in France, since many American- Three-fourths of FAS staff work in Washington, D.C. The owned farm equipment companies sell overseas. Or you may rest work overseas, representing the interests of U.S. agricul- land a similar job here working for Claas, a German-owned ture in more than 80 untries. farm equipment company that sells machinery here in the One of those jobs nvL^ht be as an agricultural attache. United States. Hundreds of smaller companies are constantly
"Their job is to be the rt'^-esentative of the U.S. government striving to find new markets for their farm equipment.
in areas of agriculture in t : foreign country," explains Dr. Many private companies and commodity organizations need Hill. "They work with trade ; oups, conduct meetings on professionals in marketing or communications, points out
policy, try to negotiate better ii ade terms, and help in proinot- Donna Dunn, USFGC director of membership and communica- \ \ of another nation, he «iys. If you would like more information on agricultural exports or related career fields, write: •American Soybean Association, 540 Mary ville Centre Drive, Suite # 390, P.O. Box 419200, St. Louis, MO 63141, Phone: 1-800-688-7692 •U.S. Feed Grains Council, 1400 K Street, N.W. Suite 1200, Washington, D.C. 20005. Phone: 202-789-0789 •Foreign Agriculture Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250-1000
5.02 Quadrillion Kernels... and Counting
When it comes to US. agri- - would contain 5.02 quadril-
G-Mfons. Those are skill areas that are almost always in demand cultural exports, corn is king. We lion kernels of com. - no matter what type of company or organization you work for. produce 40 percent of the would take 373, 1 34,320 pick- world's corn and supply over up truck loads to deliver. two-thirds of the world's com -would generate approxi- College Education exports. Twenty-eight percent of mately SI 35 billion at today's You will need a college education for most of these jobs. the 1992 crop was sold over- market price.
"You also need to have an interest in people, geography', and seas. It is by far the top export - would cirdethe earth'sequa- policy," says Dr. Hill. aop, both in volume and value. tor seven times if loaded into In May, the United States rail cars. "Students who are more people-oriented, with a broad exported its SOth-billion bushel - would take one-sixth the land interest in what's happening in the world around them, will of com. According to the U.S. area of the United States to candidates for these international positions." make good Feed Grains Council, 50 billion grow. You should also be interested in learning another lan- bushels... guage—not just to communicate, but to learn about the culture
June-July-August. 1993 n^ti/^tiA^
Outdoor teombuilding teaches confidence and trust
ou're on a cable 25 feet up "It's kind of exciting and it's kind of
in the air. A wave of dizzi- scary," says 1 7-year-old Marguerite Lisai.
ness hits. Your body is shak- describing her first time on the high ropes.
Marguerite Lisai is crossing the multivine Y ing. Breathe. ..and focus on "I found out I could make it across, which traverse with the help of her support crew. your goal. Just look ahead. ..a few a lot of people can't do. It makes me Teammate Jody Aldrich (to the right of the tree) more steps to the tree and you'll be proud. It's given me self confidence." gives encouraging words from below. safe. Whatever you do. don't Lisai is one of about 80 students in the faaalU! past two years who have tackled outdoor By Lawinna McGary Welcome to the world of team activities like the wild woosey. teepee building in Springfield. Vermont. shuttle, spider's web and the WALL.
There are 1 7 team-building activities per- formed on elevated ropes and logs. Some are only inches from the ground while others are more than 20 feet from firm
footing. There's little chance of an acci- dent. In the highest activities, students are safely harnessed in and attached to ropes that ease them to the ground. Yet, the experience strikes fear in the hearts of most people. "I'm scared of heights," says junior
Harold Rock. "But I keep going out there and keep challenging myself."
Team Time
Chapter members first constructed the outdoor elements for a Building Our American Communities project. Advisor Hank Stopinski wanted a way to bring his classes and the community together. Stu- dents from four other high schools, as well as adult students, attend his technical center. With such a mix of people in his
classrooms. Stopinski found it hard to get Slipping Matt Lloyd through the ropes without touching ANYTHING is the goal students to work together and to trust each of the Spider's Web. other.
His goal is to have each student go through team-building exercises. These
10 FFA New Horizons outdoor activities show you how to make give 100 percent; everything is challenge decisions, set goals and "realize the power by choice. ..no activities are forced on Adventure Can Be Yours of the team can make a significant differ- anyone; only positive reinforcement al- For more facts on hov; lo set up your own team ence," he says. lowed; and everything heard in the group building activities, contact one of these Project
Rock's first time on the course was stays in the group. Adventure offices. during freshman orientation. "I saw a dif- "There are no put downs in this class. Main office: ferent side of people." People in different It gives you confidence to speak out and PO Box 100
cliques to together, he says. say what you want to say . To say what you began work Hamilton, MA 01936 "Most of the time in school, you're put in feel." Rock says. Because of a learning (508) 468-7981 a certain class. If you have cool clothes disability. Rock says he gets frustrated in 116 f^aple Street and money, you're in. If not, you're out. other classes. Being in forestry, some- Brattleboro, VT 05301 at, It's hard. You lose your self confidence. thing he's good and then being encour- (802) 254-5054
That's what is so great about this class. It aged on the ropes courses by friends, has PO Box 14171 doesn't matter who you are. You can be helped him decide to stay in school. Portland, OR 97214 great at anything." Knowing that no one will blast you at (503)239-0169 "I've always had a hard time working lunch after you' ve spilled your guts in the
with people," says Lisai. "Since I was a morning, says Stopinski, is an important PO Box 2447 Covington, GA 30209 little kid, I've always been secluded and part of the program's success. (404) 784-9310 shut off from everybody else. It (the team "A lot of people feel much better about
building) has really made a change in my themselves when other people are giving Ttiis non-profit corporation, dedicated to helping schools, offers these resources: life. Now I like working with other kids." support and helping," says chapter vice •staff who can build your site or provide literature president Mike Johnston. Before this that shows how to build your own
course. lot I It's Cool To Be Kind "A of people didn't think was •books on topics such as adventure games, ice to graduate. breakers and problem solving Before members can brave the ele- going Now I'm an 'A' stu- •staff who will show teachers and others how to ments and a team, they through dent, and I'm in a lot of extracurricular become go set up and run events activities. I'm even going to college. This about an hour of instruction. Then they •equipment for games, problem solving events ••• must agree to follow these rules: always program made me want to do more." and ropes courses (You can order catalogs from the Georgia and Massachusetts offices.)
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R.t? 5 S 20, Deot FFA, E B'op'Ti'ie'd NY 14J43 ^«^:
iip toUSto Convince C it's SBffe at hon tJyfeec^w^ E>4fe««i&A<;i«it n u I ^ , 7"~'he boys (and girls) The challenge for all of us in of summer take to agriculture is to find a way to o/th7the ballfield each year help consumers sort through with high hopes of scoring the headlines — distmguishmg home runs, fielding hits and accuracy from accusation - avoiding as many errors as while still searching for ways possible. The same could be of improving our score card on said of the American agricul- food safety. Our best chance tural team as it seeks to avoid tor winnmg with the American the tag that our food is unsafe. people is to deliver a powerful With each passing season, pitch on food. And, as an FFA new doubts are raised about member, you are one of agri- the safety of our nation's food culture's Designated Pitchers supply and the reliability of on food safety. its food protection system. Concerns about food safety- Sometimes the questions have covered the waterfront... focus on how the food was from ripening agents used in raised or grown. At other apple production to fungicides times, concerns center on on peanuts, herbicides on corn, how it's processed, packaged growth hormones used in beef or shipped. production and food additives In nearly every instance, used bv processors. Why do the questions are resolved and we use these products:' Are the matter becomes a faded they safer' Do we really need memory. Americans go on them.^ What are the long- about their daily lives, eating term health effects? How can three square meals a day, rarely we be sure our food is safe' concerned about the safety of the food they put on their These questions are fair. And each of us should know plates and in their mouths. how to respond by covering all the bases. Until another headline stirs their fears and jolts their confidence. First Base: Sometimes the headlines are constructive, reminding The Farm all in the food industry to do a better job. But, other stories Have you ever met a farmer who are merely collections of accusations made by one group or iust couldn't wait to spend money on another - mostly done with the best of intentions but often herbicides or livestock antibiotics.' As lacking in both forethought and fact. wise-cracking Macaulay Culkin said in Himu Alone. Each report seems to chip away at the public's trust "I don't think so." of farmers, farm suppliers, food processors, government With less than 2 percent of Americans producing food regulators and food retailers. for the rest of the nation and a major portion of the world. n u I farmers have their work cut out for them. The farmer's suc- The same exhaustive research goes into other produc- cess at producing vast quantities of fruits, vegetables, cereals, tion inputs and food processing additives. In fact, anything grains and fiber crops, as well as cattle, hogs and poultry, that has a remote chance of becoming part of the food supply has made American agriculture our Number One industry - is subjected to a wide variety of company and government- and something ot a miracle worldwide. Yet most consumers directed testing. never give it a second thought; we expect to find fresh and processed foods — readily available, convenient and affordable Third Base: - whenever we stroll into a grocery store. The Government This food abundance could only be possible through Three federal agencies are the farmer efficiency, use ot the latest advances in machinery, primary guardians of our food supply. agronomic practices and science, and thoughtful attention to They are: carefully managing these technologies. Without these tools, a farmer could feed only a handful ot people (as was the case • Environmental Protection Agency (expected only 50 years ago) rather than the nearly 130 consumers ted to become the Department of Environmental Protection). by each U.S. farmer today. EPA is responsible for carrying out a law commonly known Sure, some ot those innovations have names that the as "FIFRA " - the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and public often misunderstands - names like pesticides, anti- Rodenticide Act. FIFRA requires that pesticides used in biotics, growth hormones, hybrid seed varieties, genetically food production meet tough standards for safety by being engineered crops, and a host ot other food production tools subjected to more than 120 health, safety and environmental and techniques. But there's no doubt about it: Farmers don't tests. The law sets spe- "While consumers use these tools because they want to spend their hard-earned cific guidelines for prod- should remain alert money. They are quick to recognize which innovations uct labeling, registration, about the foods they eat, "work" and which ones don't. Thanks to farmers making the transportation and work- right choices, our food production system has become the they also should realize er safety during use. In model for the world. that the U.S. food supply brief, FIFRA ensures rig- is vigorously regulated orous testing and safety to the public and envi- Second Base: and remains among the ronment, and verifies The Laboratory safest in the world." that any pesticide's The tools used in food production don't Dr. Louis Grivetti Food Historian and Professor of Nutrition benefits far outweigh just happen. They are the result oi lifetimes University of California at Davis its potential risks. of careful research, study, and field, green- • Food and Drug Administration. FDA adminis- house and laboratory experimentation. Put simply, today's ters the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, one of the productivity enhancements are the product ot research, world's most comprehensive laws designed to protect food research, research (more research) and. ..success! " safety. Because no food is "pure," this law sets a "tolerance Take ag chemicals, for example. On average, only one level tor all chemical traces and food additives present that (that's right, just one) in 20,000 pesticides survives the jour- might constitute a "residue. " This covers artificial sweeten- ney from the chemist's lab, through testing, beyond regulato- ers, preservatives, traces of animal drugs, pesticides - even r}- review, to the marketplace. (More about the regulatory food packaging materials. Together with federal environ- process later.) Many discoveries are rejected because they mental officials, the Food and Drug Administration sets don't n-er-t manufacturer standards for pest control, guide- the legal limits tor residues in raw agricultural commodities lines for s. ty to humans and the environment and countless and processed foods. other tests. 's long and winding process takes from seven CO 10 years ana ,ts pesticide manufacturers anywhere from • Food Safety and Inspection Service. FSIS is $35 million to $5^ -uUion. Again, all to end up with responsible for ensuring that meat and poultry products are only one product out o' "'0,000 candidates! safe, wholesome and accurately labeled. This USDA agency t_yii€Cfai SVt/t^e^^^n^ <,.7a^^^-f7t^ft^ " a n o d inspects products for domestic and export consumption and handling and preparation concerns apply to fruits and checks imported products as well. FSIS assures that those vegetables, too. who raise animals and process food have lived up to their food But, assuming our foods are properly handled and pre- safety responsibilities. Consider these facts: pared, are consumers still at risk because of food additives? As mentioned earlier, food additives are closely regulated More than 7,000 inspectors are stationed in meat and and can only be used for a specific food purpose. They cannot poultry plants nationwide. be used to hide inferior products, trick consumers or destroy Slaughter inspectors and veterinarians nutrients. Without food additives, according to the Dietetic inspect nearly 120 million live- American Association, ice cream would icy stock and 6 billion poultry for form crystals, butter separate signs of disease or abnormali- peanut would and marshmallows would be hard. ties, before and after slaughter. The most commonly used food * ' Food technologists and processing additives are sugar, salt and corn inspectors annually re-impect about syrup. These and all other additives 150 billion pounds of hot dogs, are listed on the product package to assist chicken nuggets, frozen entrees and consumers in making informed choices. processed products. With all the health concerns surround- ing food safety, it's important to remind J» About 325,000 samples are checked each people that the best health insurance is a year for residues of animal drugs, pesticides or sound, balanced diet of nutritious foods - includ- other chemicals, and roughly 40,000 are checked for ing fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, dairy and poultry- bacteria or parasites. products, fish and meats. Do you eat five servings of fruits So, what does all this regulation, testing and inspection and vegetables every This special day? (Did you say, message on food mean to us? It means our food is safe. In fact, regulations is brought to you by: "?) require such wide margins of safety that a 40-pound child "I don't think so The Alliance For Well, the National could eat 340 oranges EVERY DAY FOR LIFE and still not A Clean Rural Environment Institute consume the equivalent amount of pesticide residues that Cancer says that rich fruits O might cause health problems in laboratory mice. Three diets in and vegetables are the hundred forty oranges a day? "/ don't think so. (§D best defense against at least nine forms of Home Plate: cancer. The Consumer Clearly, you've -FMC How many times have you tasted got the facts needed cookie batter containing eggs? According to deliver a winning Griffin to the American Dietetic Association, pitch on food safety. that's a no-no, because raw eggs could contain harmful And agriculture has bacteria. a great team with lots Hoechst^ Believe it or not, foods are at their greatest risk once of talent. With all Roussel J^ they've reached the consumer's home, mostly because of how the bases loaded in the food is frozen, thawed, refrigerated, cooked (not cooked) favor of consumers, Monsanto or handled. Improperly cooked meats, for example, can the healthful benefits carry dangerous bacteria. of food will continue People often become ill because they fail to wash their to outscore the risks, hands after handling raw poultry and other meat. Similar season after season. f^yiieoca^ Ss£i^tM,f<-€<^cft^ tjTec/t^^^teft^ Say What? FFA award winners were left to fend for ttiemselves in a world that didn't speak English ByAnayMarkwan Everything was fine for Darren families in rural Germany. aged just tine. They realized communica- Funk until he stepped inside the Do you remember the first time you tion gets stripped down to bare essentials airport in Hamburg. Germany. heard someone speaking another language when you have to look up every other No one was speaking EngHsh. you didn't understand? Sounds like gib- word in a pocket dictionary. Forget the This was more of an adventure than he berish. Ultra-high-speed gibberish. ..like proper way to ask "when will we be eating had bargained for. everyone in the country went to dinner?" Intelligent people are reduced to Funk, western region star fanner, was auctioneering school. "It was like being exaggerated hand gestures that resemble on the Stars International Marketing Tour, illiterate." recalls Funk. "I couldn't even scooping Cheerios out of a bowl while a 1 0-day whirlwind trip through Germany. communicate with the taxi driver. The asking repeatedly. "Dinner? Eating? Belgium and France. With him were louder I got, the faster he went, no matter Time? Munch-Munch'" Randy Bogden. western region star in what I said." By the next day, the group had been agribusiness; Brian Lake, eastern region After meetings with U.S. Department transformed from chatterbox tourists into star farmer; Jeff Martin, eastern region of Agriculture export officials and a tour carefully paced bi-lingual communica- star in agribusiness; Rosco Vaughn, FFA of a meat processing plant, the travelers tors. They were actually speaking to other board member and his wife, Susan; Funk's piled into a van and headed south to their .American group members in the same advisor, Gaylen Smyer and myself. host families. The two-hour trip from Ham- manner as German hosts, such as, For the time being. Funk burg was spent cramming basic Ger- "1... am. ..very. ..happy. ..to. ..see. ..you. ..this... and his fellov\ travelers man survival words. "Yes. No. morning. ..Brian." could relax, sort of, » \ Please. Thank you. Where is the The Stars quickly learned their early while their jiy • bathroom?" fears were unfounded. Their hosts were t r u s t \' _^ It was dark when the van kind, helpful and hospitable. They went out tour \\, dropped off Funk and ad\'i- of their way to make sure you were com- sor Smyer at a brick farm- fortable. These were good people. Friend- house near a small town ships were made quickly. After only two called Biicken. It was thou- days, there were heart-tugging good-byes, sands of miles away from promises to write and invitations to visit. Burley. Idaho, and they were On the final night of the tour, the Stars feeling every mile of the distance. reflected on their journey while having "I felt abandoned." recalls Funk. dinner in the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The But upon greeting their hosts at the group had visited the historic cities of door, they realized everything was going Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium; Paris. to be all right. Though the mother and France and Hamburg, Germany.They were father of the house spoke little English, with high le\'el officials at the U.S. em- their daughters had traveled to the U.S. bassies in each country. They toured mu- and Canada. Better still, the German seums, and attended international farm armer grew sugar beets and potatoes, shows. Yet each one agreed without res- just like the western region star farmer ervation that the stay with families meant and his advisor. They quickly the most to them. learned that the desire to talk The one e\ent that had been the most about the latest trends in fann- scary and the most frustrating wound up ing doesn't know international being the most rewarding. "I wouldn't boundaries. The young women trade that for anything." says Funk. "I interpreted for the crop fann- would have stayed there for the whole ten ers from different sides of the days if could have." ••• .Atlantic. "We talked beets and guide navigated then 'Mough spuds until the city to our interpreters couldn't stay The Stars International Marketing Tour Is spon- their business appoin ^.-nts and sight- awake anymore." said Smyer. "It took the sored by American Cyonamld Compony, Agricultural Division; Case IH; Farm Credit seeing tours. But in th ick of their edge off." added Funk. System: NA-CHURS Plant Food Company minds, they knew they wo. '\" on their Others in the group weren't as fortu- and Pioneer Hi-Bred international as a spe- own the next evening, stayii;^ ,ith farm nate to get in-house interpreters, but man- cial project of the National FFA Foundation. = 19)^^"^,^'^'^ gUDBuj yjj s3op IDLj/^ 2V:Jd >DM i^^PJi = iH^'P Biufijag gpuo^sjapun noX oq = 3315 u3i^3(Sja^ FFA New Horizons JOKE PAGE Zena: Great news! The teacher said we'd A zookeeper was talking to three boys Q: Why do seagulls fly over the sea? have a test, rain or shine. who were in trouble. He said, "Tell me A: Because if they flew over the bay they " you would be Bena: What's so good about that? your names and what were doing. called bagels, The first boy said, "Tommy. I was trying Joanna Steck Zena: It's snowing! " to feed peanuts to the lions. Fort Orange. FL Jamie Dildine The second boy said. "Billy. I was trying Hxdro. OK " Q: How do you get down from an el- to feed peanuts to the lions. ephant".' The third boy said, "My nanw is Pea- " A: You don't. You get down from a duck. nuts. Gerald Lewandowski / B. Younghlood Millis. MA Watson. OK Q: What do you call a minor bird Doc:. Take one of those blue pills every accident' morning with a glass of water, one of the A: A feather bender. red ones at noon with a glass of water, and Ernest Jess one of the green pills every night before Arthur. IL bed with a glass of water. Patient: OK, Doc, but give it to me straight. Q: What do you know if you find bones on What's wrong with me? the moon? Doc: You're not drinking enough water. A: The cow didn't make it! Bobbie Mae Cooley Brandon Dohler Bowen, IL Beulah. ND Mr. Williams realized thai being Charlie and Friends lost ill thought was new territoiy for Robert and began to organize a search party to bring him hack to reality. Judy: My father always whistles when he works. Rudy: He must be a happy guy. Judy: Not really. He's a traffic cop. Michael L Wilco.x Founlainlown, IN Jim: I saw a man-eating shark in the aquarium. John: That's nothing. I saw a man eating shrimp in the cafeteria. Joseph Sestae Tabor. SD Q: What did the farmer say to the seed? A: I'll cheer you up. if you'll root forme. Ann Cheek. Will Cheek Rayvllle. LA Q: Why did the cow cross the road? A: It was the chicken's day off. Jason Harbin 'No birthday party. They're celebrating nty volunteering to do extra chores. Adamsville. TN rFA NEW HORIZONS will pay $5.00for each Jake .wlecledfar litis page. JoU-^ aius} he aiUresscd to FF.\ NEW HORIZONS. P.O. Box I SIM. .\le.-iandha. V.\ 22309. or >ia NOTICE: Slartirani nil the At; Ed Network la FFIOOA. In can- afdiiplicalion. payaieiu will i>e far llie firsl one received. Canlribution.s cannal be achunvtedged Or retltmed. June-July-August. 1993 17 National Officers Present New FFA Fashions for 1993-94! Here's a sneak preview of just a few of the exciting new fashions that will be featured in the 1993-94 FFA catalog. This is your chance to order these new items even before the catalog comes out next Fall! (top row l-r): Dennis Degner is shown in a turtleneck sweatshirt with "FFA" embroidered in gold on navy collar. M-L-XL-XXL Item SWS-TN ea S41.95, size XXL $45.95 Travis Park is wearing a heavyweight ash sweatshirt with navy lined hood and drawstnngs. M-L-XL-XXL Item SWS-NH ea 365,50, size XXL S71. 50 Todd Hingson and Rick Perkins are pictured in the colorblock sweats, available in maroon/navy and green/navy-both with contrasting embroidery as shown. M-L-XL-XXL NEW FFA FASHIONS ORDER FORM TO ORDER: Send order form wiih VIS.-\A1C information helow. check or money order made payable to the National Item SWS-CB-M (maroon) FFA Organization. Send to FFA Distribution Services. P.O. Box 1516(1. .Alexandria. V.A 223(W, Only credit card Item SWS-CB-G (green) orders by phone (703) 7S()-5600. ea 552,95, size XXL $55.95 ITEM# SIZE QTY. COST Name: SWS-TN Address: (hoii •nw): SWS-NH City St: Zip: : SWS-CB-M John KleiL - (left) is wearing the Phone: new shield sv, 'lirt in red, white, SWS-CB-G ( Handling: Order S25.00 or less, add $2.50; S25.()l-S50.00. blue and gold' K '.-XXL SWS-SH add S3.75; $.50.01 -$100.00, add $7.50; over $100.00, Item SWS-SH add $12.50) TOTAL ea $24.95, size XXL _ ^5 MC [^ VISA (^ EXPIRE DATE: HANDLING Kevin White (right) is sho. , ,.; 'he CREDIT CARD NO. STATE TAX (VA only) same sweatshirt as Dennis Degner. Signamrf: TOTAL ENCLOSED " — Taking the Reigns of a Western Ranch Today's successful ranch manag- ers use all of their resources By Joseph W. Byers Farming and ranching and manag- ing wildlife work together to pro- vide the best of all possible worlds, says Frank Simms, manager and "I think my people dealing-skills are the biggest vice president of a 32,000 acre ranch in reason I got this job," says ranch manager northern New Mexico. Frank Simms. Livestock, such as cattle, sheep and buffalo occupy 26,000 acres. The rest of the land, more than six thousand acres, is $12,000to$l 5,000 peryear.whilearanch when he meets clients at 4:30 a.m. and reserved for big game hunting and trout foreman may earn $30,000 to $40,000. wraps things up at nine in the e\ening fishing—the two main attractions for Holding the reigns of the entire ranch will six days a week. people staying at the Chama Ranch lodge. net between $50,000 and $100,000 per "I have to push myself on a variety of To help assure there are plenty of big year, says Simms. horizons including farming, timber and game to hunt, Simms grows alfalfa and wildlife management."" says Simms. All native hay to feed wildlife during the Meeting Ttie Ctiallenge cogs of the wheel must be meshing in a winter months. He says timber operations Each day Simms meets with ranch positive way. from wildlife to lodging, to also wildlife support by providing new hands at 6:45 a.m. to discuss the work hunting, to livestock. It is important that plant growth. plan. He promotes and operates the busi- one area does not overshadow the others. "The more diverse you are the greater ness, with trips into the field as needed, "To me, the most thrilling part of the job the profitability of the operation,"" says leaving the office at 7 p.m. The long hours is dealing with the unexpected. There is Simms. "Our hunting division is the big- ^et even longer during the hunting season ne\'er a dull moment."" ••• gest producer of revenue. Outdoor recre- ation in terms of hiking and wildlife tour- ing is our fast growing area."' Making The Most Of What You Have As you think about your future or the "Ten or 20 years ago people would Paying Your Dues future income potential of the land on which have pooh-poohed the idea of bird watch- Managing such a large operation takes you live, Simms says, analyze your re- ing, or that people would pay you for the skill, experience and education. "To man- sources. He advises that you figure out opportunity to trespass on your property. age a 15 million dollar ranch, you can"t what part of your land is occupied by wild- But these days attitudes have changed, expect to start at the top,"" says Simms, life, and what is the value of that wildlife' Simms says. "People come from all over who grew up on ranches in northern New For example, the excellent fishing at the country and around the world to pur- Mexico and Colorado. "You need all the Chama provided recreation for major cor- chase the opportunity to hunt, fish and see education you can get, including a solid porations such as Chrysler, Prudential and a working ranch. It's obvious people want business background along with agricul- Quaker Oats. Corporate leaders mix busi- to get away and see things in nature they tural sciences and lots of experience along ness and pleasure by meeting at the lodge. don't ordinarily see. Thafs what is really the way. Understanding timber manage- On a smaller scale, your farm or ranch creating the opportunity for commercial- ment, wildlife principles and livestock may have streams or ponds that could be ization. I think this is the most exciting time nutrition will help qualify you,"" he says. stocked with fish. A bed-and-breakfast inn in history to be in the outdoor recreation The first step to becoming a manager is may provide extra income. business." to get a job in the field. Ranch hands make June-July-August. 1993 19 The FFA Jacket: Who's Worthy of Wearing It? By Jeri D. Matties r What do you think? Let us know who you think should be able to wear the FFA jacket. Just answer these questions and return them to us by July 20. We'll take your response to the Board of Directors and the 1993 convention delegates. Send your answers to; Jacket Question, FFA New Hori- zons, P.O Box 15160, Alexandna, VA 22309-0160. I lyRsssS--"-"^'^^'-Texas, ;VT"eStromK>e.n, Should FFA allow non-members to have FFA jackets? J yes J no Levi's® and Wrangler®. Pepsi® and Coca-Cola®. The If yes, who should be eligible to receive an FFA jacket? American flag and the official FFA jacket. What do they Che ^11 categories you feel would be appropnate. all have in common? Each is a recognized symbol. Coipo- rations spend years and huge amounts of money to establish J national tiers their symbol in the mind of the public. For many people the FFA '• J celebrities . 'rack record of integrity jacket represents honesty, integrity, patriotism and hard work. J local leaders : make significant contributions The jacket's symbolism has become so powerful it is popping to FFA up on non-members all over the place. These people wear the J parents jacket to show their support of FFA. While meaning well, they J teachers have stepped on FFA toes across the country by violating an FFA If you have extra commeii's, pierse write them on a policy that states only active members can wear the official FFA separate page and send in w\h .ii,-; L.ur« e /. Thanks. jacket. L J Lyle Lovett, country music's answer to the big band sound, 20 FFA New Horizons . appeared on stage at Farm Aid VI wearing his vintage FFA jaci With the recent for Thanks!" Write for free "Knife-Know-How" booklet: a jacket. Recent - El Cajon, rash of requests and William Koukasjr, Narragansett, R.I. Dept NHF-693,B0X 1267, CA 92022 studies indicate only slumping jacket about one-third of sales, the National active members FFA Board of Di- ownjackets. Public- rectors asked delegates to re-examine the policy. The 1991 ity of national leaders and celebrities with jackets could gi\e National FFA Convention delegates suggested creating an hon members more incenti\ e to ow n and wear FFA jackets. orary jacket similar to the •If jacket ownership were advisor's jacket for people who opened up to non-members would uphold the ideals and prin- FFA'ers would no longer have cipals of the organization. The jacket's symbolism has exclusive use/rights to the offi- The board decided not to pro- cial jacket. duce an honorary jacket, because become so powerful it is •Presenting the jacket to it might get confused with the communitv leaders who have honorary chapter, state and popping on non-mem- contributed to the local chapter American FFA degrees. But, they up be a positive public relations agreed to consider presenting a tool. small number of official FFA bers all over the place. •If non-members were eli- jackets to highly recognizable gible to receive ajacket. it w ould individuals who would help build pride and prestige in the jacket. be difficult to decide w ho should get ajacket and who shouldn't. The basic question is, "Does allowing only FFA members to June-July-August. 1993 21 s SP®RTS CHAMPI0NS By Bob Bruce Kevin Saunders is just your nor- ships, and was named Best All Around Kevin, "so I figured I wasn't going to stop mal, highly successful pent- Wheelchair Athlete in the world. at 36. I went ahead and met 72 people." athelete who got blown up in a All this from a guy who'd been ham- He won the contest. "That showed me grain elevator explosion, thrown burger just seven years before. Kevin says that if you go above and beyond the call of the length of a football field, folded in half FFA played a part in his success. duty, you can reach the top." at the chest, and then wound up in a "You have to remember that you have "FFA taught me the value of honesty, wheelchair for the rest of his life. a goal and you've got to focus on the hard work, and discipline. There were Whoa, there. Want to run that positive," he says. "That's one thing the some real tough times during my training one by again? for the Paralympics, and the val- OK. We'll cover the gruesome ues I learned at FFA were partly stuff first because it's true and it what kept me going." makes a difference. But we're not You think running is hard on going to dwell on it. Kevin never the body* Try wheelchair sprint- does. ing. "When you push a racing It was 1981. Kevin Saunders, wheelchair you have to get your farm boy from Downs, Kansas, elbows up as high as you can and was working his job as a grain then you hammer them down inspector for the USDA. He was on through the push rims just as hard the silo when way down below as you can. like you're punching something went wrong. There was somebody." a rumble like a freight train, a To help protect his hands. Kevin whoosh, and a huge fist punched designed his own gloves made him through the air and smashed from leather work gloves and cut- him down against the asphalt park- up pieces from a rubber overshoe. ing lot, 300 feet away. Even so, he says, "You push so Ten of his coworkers died in the hard it'll rip the skin right off your blast. Most people thought Kevin fingers. Sometimes you' ve got raw would soon join them. meat on your first two fingers of They were wrong. each hand but you just have to 'You know how most people suck it up and work through it." fold at the waist?" says Kevin. "I That doesn't mean, says Kevin, was folded at the chest." His back that every struggle for success has was broken. His lungs were punc- to be suiTounded by pain. What it tured. He was a mess. does illustrate is that everyone has But even after spending a year within themselves the potential to in hospital rehabilitation, he never Paralympic competitor and former FFA member be a champion and if the goal is Kevin Saunders was Best All Around Wheel- gave up. In 1983 he rolled in his named important enough to you, the dis- chair Athlete in the world. comfort felt along the way will be first event, the Peachtree I OK Road Race in Atlanta. In 1984 he learned that FFA is about—about the future, about worth it. wheelchair athletes were competing in living a positi\e, balanced life and doing "It's like the Olympic credo," says the Olympics in Los Angeles. the best yi)u can." Kevin. "The important thing is not to win "They call them Paralympics," says He still remembers one of the most but to take part. The important thing in life Kevin. "You compete right there in the valuable lessons he learned from FFA is not the triumph but the struggle." that mile. If that sounds inspirational, it's sup- Olympic stadium. When I heard that, I about the payoff in going extra decided to compete in the 1988 Seoul "When I was a freshman in high school posed to be. These days Kevin is a one- lectures, Olympics." I attended a Greenhand conference. They man motivational empire, with Training was gruesome. He lifted had this contest where you're supposed public appearances, a book of his life for October release, host weights and wheeled i ^ chair60 miles on to meet as many people as you can and story scheduled "Achievers" on an average day. Four yeai -, later he won a write down their name, where they came of his own cable TV show bronze medal in the penl,:''ilon. Along from, and something about them." America's Disability Channel coming in the way he won a trunk full oi ;:old medals Everybody was given a sheet of paper the fall, and of course his work as the first at the 1990 Pan American Gaines, the with 36 spaces to fill in, and a time limit. disabled person to serve on the President' 1990 World Track and Field Champion- "But they said it was a contest," explains Council of Physical Fitness. ••• 22 FFA New Horizons FFA IN ACTION FFA Member In The White House By Paul Bolstad. FFA member Gays Mills, Wisconsin Silverton, Oregon, member Rebecca Fisher met with President Clinton on Feb- ruary 25 to witness the signing of the Congress-approved National FFA Week Proclamation. The document commemo- rates FFA's role in educating future agri- culturalists and denotes February 21-27 as National FFA Organization Aware- ness Week. Her White House odyssey really be- gan when she visited our nation's capitol during the Washington Conference Pro- gram. There she met Congressman Mike Kopetski. He was impressed with Fisher, then a sophomore. During her Junior year, he agreed to speak at her FFA banquet. Then, last November, when he wanted to introduce a student-written proclamation to commemorate FFA Week in Congress, he turned to Fisher. "It was just so incredible to say 'there's the president, he's coming over to meet "It was pretty simple," advisor Andy us.' It was a major adrenalin rush, " says Rebecca Fisher, fourth from right. Bellando says ofthe proclamation. "I gave Rebecca some basic FFA data, names and believe he was asking me to come back to The next afternoon. President dates. She fleshed out the resolution, and Washington. I remember telling all my Clinton signed the bill into law . then Liz Foster [a Kopetski aide] put it into the friends, then telling myself with disbelief ga\'e the pen he used to Fisher. was \'ery impressi\e correct legal language. She added all of 'this is what I'm going to be doing tomor- "He —he seemed much taller in real-life than we the 'herewiths' and such, but Rebecca row'," Fisher recalls. had envisioned him. I come from a did most ofthe actual writing." "We later cleared the way for state Republican area, and a lot of my friends "It was really interesting to see my bill FFA president Ginger Price to come teased me and said, "Oh. he's just a put into official terminology," says Fisher. along," Bellando adds. Democrat, he doesn't really matter.' But "We sat down [with Liz Foster] for an Fisher, her parents Nancy and Doug, I didn't care w hat part_\ he w as. He was afternoon in November and wrote the bill. Price for and Bellando were on a plane still a president, and I got to meet him." 1 knew it had to go through both houses of Washington at 6:30 the next morning. Congress, but I was really busy during January and February, so I sort of forgot Wyoming ThJS TCSt WaS FUll about it." Fisher's bill easily passed in the House The Paintrok FFA is located in Basin, Wyoming, which is a small agricultural of Representatives on Tuesday, February community. During FFA Week the chapter conducted an agricultural quiz for the 112 16, and in the Senate the next day. On students in their school. Here are some of their questions with the percentages of those Friday, February 19, Kopetski called who knew the answer and those who did not: Fisher with the news. She was proud of is Knew: 71 '7f Didn't know: her work, but she didn't really get excited What a steer? 29% is Knew: 877c Didn't know: until Kopetski called again the following What a baby goat called? 13% Tuesday. What is a ewe? Knew: 81% Didn't know: 19% Where does veal from? Knew: 61% Didn't know: 39% "He called me at school and asked me come is horse called'.' Knew: 66% Didn't know: if I'd like to come to Washington and see What a castrated 34% my bill signed into law. He'd contacted The chapter also held an agricultural career seminar during the week. RJR Nabisco, and they agreed to pay the 6uip|36 g 8IUB0 f daaqs aiemoi £ pi>i z aui/voq 8|blu paisjiseo i :£j3msuv way for my family, myself, and Mr. Bellando. I was totally shocked. I couldn't (Action Continued on Page 24) June-July-August. 1993 23 FFA IN ACTION iCoiuiniied from Page 231 Colorado Oklahoma FFA Gift of Life Student Association of ^^^HpK^?^ the Year KH The Waurika. Oklahoma, FFA was ^" R 1 presented the 1992 Red Ribbon 1 Cam- ^^n ^^^^1 r 1 I paign Student Association of the Year Award for contributing to their community's campaign against substance i abuse. IP Major work by the chapter included v^3^^^^^^K vJPJ! sponsoring postercontests and presenting 1 substance abuse prevention programs at 1t - ~^^K0'^'^l& _ area elementary schools, presenting an awards assembly for Red Ribbon Cam- paign participants and distributing news- paper articles. Casey Pilreen, a member the chapter, -V. hnt was honored for her video campaign and 1 named Campaign Student of the Year. f ^^1 Amfy _^^Mff Jennifer Timmer, treasurer, and Gena Mack, president, watch the techni- The Wan-en FFA in Vincent, Ohio, donation. cian prepare chapter member Monica Smith for her blood included cowboy day. barn and boot day, hat day, blue and gold day, and The Moffat County. Colorado, FFA in homeroom classes. The local newspa- tractor day in their FFA week activi- sponsored a high school blood drive with per and radio station publicized the FFA ties. They also prepared a short video a community blood center for the second Gift of Life project to other adults. that was shown with school announce- year in a row. The goals of the event were Overall, 40 students and 68 others gave ments. to collect blood and to involve high school blood and 27 people signed up to partici- •••••••• students in the effort. pate in a national registry for bone mar- Seven members of the St. FFA members promoted the program row donors. Johnsville, New York, Chapter en- ' tered an envirothon contest sponsored by the local soil and water conserva- tion district. The contest tested the members" knowledge of current is- sues related to the environment, for- estry, wildlife, soils and aquatics. Nevada Tribal Spokesman Kyle Prior, Nevada FFA vice president last year, gave a keynote address at the Intertribal Agriculture Council sym- posium in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a member of the Elko Bank of Western Shoshone, Owyhee, tribe. He explained his FFA experiences and his commitment to agriculture and rallied the 420 attendees by speaking of the great future that awaits youth in agricultural fields. Native American farmers BALLY and ranchers from across the country attended the sympo- iS sium hosted by the Phoenix Area Tribes. The theme was 'Indian Agriculture: Past, Present, Pathways to the Future." 24 FFA New Horizons I nzt ^— F F A IN ACTION fY|/^Rk€TPL/^a 1993 CLOSING DATES FOR MAIL ORDER ADVERTISING Michigan Greenville, Ohio, FFA received a $1,000 grant for a Building Our Ameri- Michisan FFA Challenges September/October July 20 can Communities (BOAC) project in co- Urban Students November/December September 20 operation with the city park commission January/February November 20 Through the financial support of the and Fram, Inc., to organize a Senior For W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Michigan Citizens Fitness Trail in a local park. more information Association of FFA provided leadership call or vt/rite us today! training to some 200 urban high school The Lowell, Michigan, Chapter FFA New Horizons students. Michigan's 14 state officers led boasts two state officers this year. David 130 West 42nd Street, Suite 1804 fine "24-Hour Challenge" programs. Hildenbrand was elected state president New York, NY 10036 The 24-Hour Challenge gives "nontra- and Randy Grieser was elected vice presi- ditional" students the same leadership dent. They have competed and served CONTACT: MARVIN LABINER Telephone: 212-840-0660 opportunities as FFA members. They drew together all through their FFA careers. students from the Detroit. Flint, Lansing and Grand Rapids area.s—urban areas that The Washington, Missouri, Chapter Big Jim^" Halters I do not have access to traditional FFA and the local DECA chapter sponsored a Scientific Marvsl Controls Th« Meanest Animals chapters. About 20 schools sent represen- fund-raising activity that featured per- Haiter breaks cattle sneep tatives to 24-Hour Challenges. goats etc m riaK trie time formances by country music entertainers Call or write tor tree catalog ot unique exciting products The state officer team conducted ses- Mark Collie and Exile. Chapter mem- V^ & Big Jim Halter Co (512) 249'24«)l sions on goal-setting, teamwork, brain- bers helped set up stage equipment and Rt 3 Box 313a Boerne Tx 780061 storming, etiquette and more. served refreshments. TRAIN FOR A CAREER Iowa ASA Farm Aid Helpers VETERINARY TECHNICIAN Bel-Rea is the only pnvately owned A V M A accredited school m the U.S with its own teaching hospital. Our 18 month Associate Degree program prepares you for a caring career with large and small animals Metro Denver - 751-8700 Toll Free -1-800-950-8001 Bel-Rea Institute of Anunal Technolog>- 1681 S. Dayton St. • Denver. CO 80231 American Vetennaiy Medical Assn and CCA accredited Animal lovers! Home study prepares you for great jobs in animal care and veterinary assistance. Free literature: 800-223-4542. Address _ Crty School of Animal Science, Dept CG634 6065 Roswell Road. Atlanta,Atlanta. Georgia 30328 ^k. I I ^S Hatching prizewinning 5^^J,t chicks, ducks, turkeys, P^^^sants, goslings, Lffl[(fllld YEAR guineas. Free catalog. RIDGWAY HATCHERIES, INC. LaRue 22, OH 43332 800-323-3825 Several Iowa FFA members volunteered their services to help behind the scenes BE A PARALEGAL! at Aid VI. Farm Members from the United and Iowa State University collegiate Attorney -instructed hom .-.„ct\ prepares you for an exciting future - Amenca s hot- chapters raised more than $3,000 by selling raffle tickets for chances to win a test career. Free book!t'!= S00-223-4S42. guitar autographed by many of the Farm Aid VI performers like Willie Nelson and John Cougar Meliancamp. From left to right, in front of the stadium where the " concert was held, are The School of >5a! Studies, DepLLGo34 Bob Gunzenhauser, Jason Allison and Saul Hammond. 6065 Roswel' i :. Atlanta. Georgia 30328 June-July-August. 1993 AET TA I/IIAIII uci ivivnvn ^a. Rick Perkins n the year 2033 where will you be? ties and how it was possible to take college myself." As a perfectionist. Rick found it What? You haven't planned that far prep and be in FFA. easy to be hard on his performance. ahead? National FFA vice president Sold! Rick switched to agriculture his "I took things a little too seriously," he I Rick Perkins second week of says now. Rick recalls a baseball game the knows exactly where high school. "It summer after his eighth grade year. He he should be 40 years wasn'ttheeasiest was at the plate. "I had a full count and from now. Barring any class you could struck out. For two weeks I was saying I sudden detours, his lake. I learned lost that game for us. After that when I got detailed directions, quickly I had to up to the plate I would think don't strike mapped out in high work hard for an out, don't mess up." To cover up for his school, should lead "A'. There was a low self esteem. Rick says, "I would put him straight to the test every Friday on my cocky attitude." White House. during my fresh- "Two things changed my self esteem," Why would anyone man year." says Rick, "FFA and Jami [his girlfriend want to be known as Rick won his of five years]." Mr. or Ms. president? chapter and Now, he says, "I believe in myself. "At first it was the county creed con- That's where it has to start if you don't power," says Rick, test and then, "got believe in what you're saying who else who had joked around involved in pub- will?" Rick visualizes himself as head of about being president lic speaking by the country. Photos of Presidents Bush as a freshman in high default. Nobody and Reagan on his bedroom wall remind school. But now, he else wanted to do him of the D.C. possibilities. says, "I want to help. Who knows? Visions of being presi- it." Rick was so But he says, if the White House i.sn't dent may already have been dancing That's what I think it shy at first he part of his future, he won't feel he' s failed. aroundtwo-year-old Rick Perkins' head. all comes down to. 1 couldn'tevenask "I've accepted the chance that there might have a pride for my country. And I've questions in class for fear the words be different routes. It may come down to always been intrigued with our govern- wouldn't come out right. Once, while a decision between family and politics." ment and the way things work." giving a speech to his chapter. Rick froze. "I started to say good afternoon, my name surprises thank you. No is. ..and I forgot my name. I ran out of the Rick's Road To The White House: the "I've always been one to look into room almost in tears." - graduate with bachelor's degree in agri- future plan ahead. I'm very structured and With practice, speaking in front of cultural economics - have internships with agricultural compa- scheduled. I know that's the only way I crowds became easier. Rick competed in nies and network with agricultural lawyers can get anything accomplished." public speaking for three years and gained while still in school As a seventh grader. Rick already knew the confidence to run for chapter, district - study abroad - six years for an he wanted to be a lawyer. FFA didn't fit into and state office. He was on the livestock practice law for five or agricultural company his plans. "I didn't sign up for it because I and soils judging teams and went to the - possibly enter private law practice thought agriculture only for farmers. I state level in interview contest. was the job - run for local office such as councilman talked to the guidance counselors and they At the same time Rick was in FFA, he - run for state representative, senator or said FFA wasn't for students with good also played on the baseball, basketball governor - begin campaign for White House grades, and that I couldn't take all college and golf teams. "I've always been in- prep classes if I was a member." Then an volved in sports. That's where I devel- Family members who help Rick reach his agricultural advi.sor talked to Rick and his oped a very competitive edge. I take things dreams are his father, Don; mother, Sarah; Bob, mom. He explained FFA leadership activi- I do seriously, and can get very upset with and brothers Dan, Mike and 26 FFA New Horizons y S-10 Tahop Extended -Cab • Up to $2300 in option package savings .3L V6, the biggest V6 you can get, standard in 4x4.If Room for four with available rear jump seats. standard;^ """^I Rear-wheel anti4ock brakes More than 98% of all Chevy trucks sold in the last 10 years are still on the road. Over the years, no other truck is that dependable, foreign or domestic.** evpolet. The Most Dependable, Longest-Lasting Trucks. I For a free product brochure call 1-800-950-2438. ' •Based on M.S.R.P. of Preferred Equipment Group BAA6 versus equipment purcliased separately. Maxin^^Hj^HBjiWD model S2313. Maximum savings on 4WD model $1897. * See your dealer for details. tOn 4WD models anti-lock brakes operate in 2WD only. 'Dependability baseOTirraP?!^: 1982-1991 lull-line truck company registrations. Excludes othet CM products. Chevrolet, the Chevrolet Emblem and S-10 are registered trademarks and Chevy and Tahoe are trademarks of the GM Corp. ©1992 GM Corp. All Rights Reserved. Buckle up, America! BAILOUTHEREANDYOUSONDANEXCELLENTCHANCE OFGOING NOWHERE m. So stay in school. This message is brought to you by the United States Air Force Because we know how far a good education can take you. AIMOGK AIRFORCED