fcSEg

PROCEEDINGS th 47 CONVENTION KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

October 15-18, 1974 The FFA Creed

I believe in the future of farming, with a faith born not of words but of deeds—achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come up to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discom- forts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discourage- ment, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. [ believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so—for others, as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that rural America can and will hold true to the best traditions in our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

The Creed was written by E. M. Tiffany, and adopted at the 3rd National Convention of the FFA. (Revised at the 38th Convention.) 1974 PROCEEDINGS

47t6 NATIONAL CONVENTION

OF THE

Future Farmers

of America

HELD AT

MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

OCTOBER 15-18,1974

Prepared by the Future Farmers of America in cooperation with the Division of Vocational and Technical Education, U. S. Office of Education, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Washington, D. C. 20202

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page National Directory iv Introduction v National FFA Officers, 1974-75 vi Official Delegates x National FFA Chorus xii National FFA Band xiii Minutes of the 47th National Convention: Tuesday, October 15 1 Wednesday, October 16 2 Thursday, October 17 5 Friday, October 18 9 Special Recognition: American Farmer Degree 12 Honorary American Farmer Degree 18 Distinguished Service Awards 22 VIP Citations 23 Distinguished Service Citations 23 National Officer Addresses 24 Agricultural Career Show 38 Committee Reports: Nominating 39 Auditing 39 Bicentennial 40 International Program 41 National Incentive Awards 42 National Chapter Awards 42 National Contests 43 National Convention 44 National Degree Program 46 FFA Alumni 46 National FFA Supply Service 47 National FFA Calendar 47 National Leadership Conferences 48 National Program of Activities 49 Regional State Officer Leadership Conference 49 National Future Farmer Magazine 51 Report of the National FFA Treasurer 51 National FFA Foundation Awards and Contests: Star Farmer of America 57 Star Agribusinessman of America 58 National Chapter Awards Program 59 National Chapter Safety Awards 64 Building Our American Communities 67 Agricultural Proficiency Awards 70 National Public Speaking Contest 73 National FFA Contests 76 1973-74 NATIONAL FFA OFFICERS

President, G. MARK MAYFIELD, Caney, Kansas Secretary, FREDERICK McCLURE, San Augustine, Texas Vice President, Central Region, KEITH MOHLER, Mulberry, Indiana Vice President, North Atlantic Region, DOYLE WAYBRIGHT, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Vice President, Pacific Region, JAY PHILLIPS, Springville, Utah Vice President, Southern Region, JIMMY ALVAREZ, Starke, Florida NATIONAL FFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS H. N. HUNSICKER, Chairman WM. PAUL GRAY, Secretary JULIAN M. CAMPBELL, Treasurer JOHN W. BUNTEN, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Office of Education, California RALPH DREESSEN, Assistant State Supervisor, Vocational Agriculture, Oklahoma H. E. EDWARDS, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Office of Education, Illinois DON ERICKSON, State Supervisor, Vocational Agriculture, North Dakota GORDON GALBRAITH, Specialist, Agricultural Education, Oregon JOHN W. LACEY, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Office of Education, Colorado GLENN W. LEWIS, State Supervisor, Agricultural Education, Maryland BRYON F. RAWLS, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Office of Education, Missouri JAMES W. WARREN, JR., Senior Program Officer, U.S. Office of Education, Pennsylvania CONSULTANTS GEORGE DUNSMORE, State Consultant, Agricultural Education, Vermont VANIKS. EADDY, Associate Professor, Agricultural Education, Auburn University,

BILL HARRISON, President, NVATA, Inc., Oklahoma LUTHER LALUM, Vocational Agriculture Instructor, Montana JOHN MURRAY, Vocational Agriculture Instructor, Minnesota WILLIAM SMITH, Instructor, Agricultural Education, Rutgers University, New Jersey MARVIN D. THOMPSON, Professor and Chairman, Department of Agricultural Educa- tion, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin LEON A. WAGLEY, Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, New Mexico State University, New Mexico

BOARD OF TRUSTEES FFA FOUNDATION, INC. H. N. HUNSICKER, President WM. PAUL GRAY, Secretary JULIAN M. CAMPBELL, Treasurer EDWARD F. CARTER, Executive Vice President, Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, Ohio BILLY L. CONNER, Consultant, Vocational Agricultural Education, Texas RALPH DREESSEN, Assistant State Supervisor, Vocational Agriculture, Oklahoma H. E. EDWARDS, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Office of Education, Illinois DON ERICKSON, State Supervisor, Vocational Agriculture, North Dakota GORDON GALBRAITH, Specialist, Agricultural Education, Oregon GORDON HALL, Assistant Supervisor, Agricultural Education, Arizona BILL HARRISON, President, NVATA, Inc., Oklahoma GLENN W. LEWIS, State Supervisor, Agricultural Education, Maryland G. MARK MAYFIELD, National FFA President, Kansas MALCOLM McVIE, President, Elanco Products Company, Indiana FRANCIS N. MURPHY, Past President, NVATA, Inc., South Dakota BYRON F. RAWLS, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Office of Education, Missouri MARVIN D. THOMPSON, Professor and Chairman, Department of Agricultural Educa- tion, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin LEON A. WAGLEY, Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, New Mexico State University, New Mexico ROBERT L. WALSTON, Vice President, Funk Seeds International, Inc., Illinois

iv INTRODUCTION

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) is the national organization of students studying vocational agriculture in public secondary schools, under the provisions of the National Vocational Education Acts. Launched at Kansas City in November 1928, the organization has continued to develop

rapidly. The active membership is 465,180 in 7,726 chapters.

The primary aim of the FFA organization is the development of agri- cultural leadership, cooperation, citizenship and patriotism. Other pur- poses include: strengthening the confidence of youth in themselves and their work; more intelligent choice of agricultural occupations; improving

the rural home and its surroundings; encouraging cooperative effort; en- couraging thrift; improving scholarship; providing organized recreational activities and supplementing, by means of student-initiated and student- directed activities, the systematic instruction offered to students regularly

enrolled in vocational agriculture courses.

The FFA has taken its place with other organizations and agencies interested in the upbuilding of agriculture and the improvement of country

life. National headquarters of the FFA is located in the National FFA Center at Alexandria, Virginia.

The 47th National Convention of the Future Farmers of America was held in the Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri, October 15-18, 1974. The over 17,400 who registered from fifty chartered associations for that youthful exposition of progressive leadership development, to- gether with many representatives from foreign countries, must surely have returned home with a stronger belief in the future of agriculture.

The minutes of the convention sessions are included, along with certain other important material which is supplementary to or explanatory of the convention activities. Thanks are due many persons whose leader- ship and dedicated efforts made possible one of the most successful con- ventions in the history of the FFA.

WM. PAUL GRAY National Executive Secretary NATIONAL FFA OFFICERS, 1974-75

ALPHA E. TRIVETTE, a 20 year old agribusinessman from Ladysmith, Virginia, is the 1974-75 National FFA President. Because of limited farming opportunities at home, Alpha decided as a sophomore to pursue an agribusiness related course of study which included placement for work experience in several local businesses. Since enrolling in the vocational agriculture program, Alpha worked as a clerk in the local farm cooperative, then as a clerk and maintenance man for an oil company. For the last three years he worked as a maintenance and repairman for a service center specializing in tune-up and repair of small gasoline engines.

An active leader in the FFA and in his high school, Alpha served as secretary, and president of the Ladysmith FFA Chapter. He was president of the Virginia FFA Association in 1973-74 and throughout his four year enrollment in vocational agri- culture, Alpha participated in numerous FFA contests at the federation and state levels. For two years Alpha was captain of the Ladysmith baseball team, and in 1973 he was co-captain of the basketball team. He was a delegate to Virginia Boys State and served from 1970-74 at the state level on the Keep Virginia Green Committee. He was an honor graduate from Ladysmith High School in 1973.

Alpha plans to enter college and major in agricultural education after the com- pletion of his year in office.

D. SCOTT McKASN, a 20 year old agribusiness student from Crothersville, Indiana, is the National FFA Secretary. During the four years he was enrolled in vocational agriculture, Scott maintained a small beef herd but his main agriculture related experience has been in radio broadcasting. Since 1969 Scott has been employed by radio station WMPI first as an announcer then as farm director and more recently as both program director and farm director. As farm director for the station, Scott has become well known throughout the agricultural community as the voice of local agriculture.

Since enrolling in the vocational agriculture program, service to the FFA has been one of Scott's major goals. He was district sentinel and vice president, and was vice president, secretary, and president of the Crothersville FFA Chapter. In 1973-74 Scott was president of the Indiana FFA Association. He was a member of the chapter parliamentary procedure team and participated in numerous public speaking contests. A member and officer in the National Honor Society, Scott was a class officer for three years. He was a member of the school debate club and in 1972 he participated in Indiana Boys State where he was runner-up for Governor.

Scott is majoring in prelaw at Franklin College in Indiana with a goal of becom- ing involved in agricultural politics. He has taken a leave of absence from his col- lege studies for the next year to devote full time to his duties as National FFA Secretary.

GARY W. KELLEY, 20 of Ripley, West Virginia, is the North Atlantic Region Vice Presi- dent. Gary lives on a crop and livestock farm and maintains a cattle and crop farming operation in partnership with his parents. He is a graduate of Ripley High School.

V! Six young men were elected to serve as National Officers in 1974-75, during the National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. They are: (Standing, left to right) Gary Wayne Kelly, 20, of Ripley, West Virginia, North Atlantic Region Vice President; Bart Brashears, 20, of Alex, Oklahoma, Southern Region Vice President; Scott McKain, 20, of Crothersville, Indiana, National Secretary; Gerrit W. De- Bruin, 20, of Monroe, Wisconsin, Central Region Vice President; Peter Giacomini, 19, of Ferndale, California, Pacific Region Vice President; & Alpha Everette Tri- vette, 19, of Ladysmith, Virginia, National President.

At the present time Gary has 50 percent ownership in 53 head of beef cattle, 40 acres of corn and 50 acres of hay. He has built his interest in the farming opera- tion from one calf and a small swine project to his current share in the 350 acre family farming operation.

An active FFA member, Gary served first as secretary and later as president of the Ripley Chapter. In 1972 he was secretary of the West Virginia FFA Association, and in 1973 he was elected president of the Association. As a participant in the FFA Public Speaking Contest, Gary won the State FFA Public Speaking Contest in 1972 and placed second in the regional eliminations for the National FFA Public Speaking Contest. He also participated in the livestock, land judging, and parliamentary pro- cedure contests at the local, district, and state levels. In other high school activities Gary was Rotary Student of the Month, and was on the track team. He recently served on the West Virginia Hall of Fame Committee and was on the Rural Economic/ Environmental Committee.

Prior to his election as National Vice President, Gary was enrolled in West Virginia University where his major was agricultural economics. He plans a career in agribusiness following graduation.

PETER D. GIACOMINI, a 19 year old dairy farmer from Ferndale, California, is the Pacific Region Vice President. Peter began his dairy project ten years ago with the gift of a registered Guernsey calf from his father. Since enrolling in the high school

VII vocational agriculture program as a freshman, he has built his dairy herd from six head to thirty-six heifers and cows. Peter houses and cares for his herd on his parent's Clover Jack Farm, providing labor in return for the use of facilities and equipment.

In the FFA, Peter has a background of leadership and service to local and California FFA members. He served as chapter president in 1971-72, was area president in 1972-73, and was state president in 1973-74. A member of the chapter parliamentary procedure team, Peter participated at local, federation, district and state levels. He has also participated in the public speaking contest and was on the California Dairy Cattle Judging Team that represented the state at the 1972 National FFA Convention. An honor student in high school, Peter was on the school news- paper staff and participated in a number of school activities. He is a member of the American Guernsey Cattle Club and his cattle have received national recognition in the past years. In 1974 he was presented the National Youth Award by the American Guernsey Cattle Club.

Peter plans to return to dairy farming following the completion of his term in national FFA office and graduation from college.

BART BRASHEARS, 20, of Alex, Oklahoma, is the Southern Region Vice President. An experienced FFA leader, Bart has a small beef operation and has worked exten- sively in local and regional agribusiness firms. In addition to his production projects Bart has been involved in the family custom harvest and trucking business. He has also had extensive business experience off the farm in local agribusiness firms working first as a trainee for the U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service, then for the First National Bank and Trust Company of Chickasha, Oklahoma, and most recently for Farmland Industries, Inc., of Kansas City, Missouri.

Bart was president of the Alex FFA Chapter for two years from 1970-72. He served the Oklahoma FFA Association as secretary in 1972-73 and as president in 1973-74. In public speaking competition Bart won contests at the chapter, district, and state levels. He also participated on the chapter parliamentary procedure team.

A member of the Oklahoma honor society for three years, Bart was editor of his school newspaper, was on the high school football and track teams, and was selected for Boys State. At Oklahoma State University where he recently began his junior year, Bart is a member of the Farm House and Alpha Zeta fraternities. He was named one of OSU's top ten freshmen, serves on the President's Council, and was on the Dean's Honor Roll.

Although he is currently on a leave of absence from Oklahoma State University to serve as a National FFA Officer, Bart plans to continue his education in agricul- tural economics.

GERRIT DeBRUIN, a 20 year old dairyman from Monroe, Wisconsin, is the Central Region Vice President. Gerrit began his supervised experience program as a fresh- man in vocational agriculture with three Brown Swiss cows, a sow and litter. Although he discontinued the swine operation, Gerrit has continued to build his dairy herd to a total of 12 animals at the present time. He maintains his herd with the family dairy herd and works closely with his father and other family members in the total farming operation.

viii An immediate past president of the Wisconsin FFA Association, Gerrit has been an active FFA member throughout his four years in vocational agriculture. He served the Juda FFA Chapter as secretary in 1970-71 and as president in 1971-72 prior to being elected vice president of the Wisconsin FFA Association in 1972-73. He par- ticipated in farm management, dairy cattle and land judging contests at the district and state levels, and in 1972 he was a member of the Wisconsin Dairy Judging Team that placed fourth in the National FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. In other high school activities Gerrit was president of the Student Council, worked on the school newspaper staff, and was class valedictorian.

Currently a student at the University of Wisconsin, Gerrit is majoring in Dairy Science and he recently completed a term on the Agricultural Student Council. He is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and Alpha Zeta Fraternities at the University of Wisconsin. He plans to return to the farm on completion of his college education. * * * *

National FFA Chorus.

National FFA Band.

ix OFFICAL DELEGATES

J 7 6 Delegates taking official action to raise 643 candidates to the American Farmer Degree.

ALABAMA GEORGIA PAUL STANFIELD, Clanton STEVE NEWTON, Millen EDDIE BLIZZARD, Hollywood MIKE BOZEMAN, Thomasville DANNY WILLIAMSON, E. Brewton REGGIE STOWERS, Juno JOHN SUMMERFORD, Falkville HAWAII ARIZONA ROBERT McCLURE, Lahaina JIM TYSON, Laveen ROBERT NAPALAPALAI, Waialua TINA TAYLOR, Douglas IDAHO ARKANSAS PAUL OGBURN, JR., Payette BRUCE MALOCH, Emerson HAROLD NEVILL, Parma TIM MURPHY, Brookland ILLINOIS CALIFORNIA S. GENE SCHWARM, Loogootee JOHN WEISZBROD, Chino JON SCHOLL, Colfax MARK SCHEIBER, Nicolaus RON McKINNEY, Charleston DENNIS JOHNSON, Gait COLORADO INDIANA MARK LUTE, Walkerton TRACY SMITH, Montrose DAVID FLINT, Washington RUSS PIRNIE, Greeley CONNECTICUT IOWA VINCENT MALERBA, Norwich DAN BEHAUNEK, Belle Plaine Guttenberg DANIELS. HALE, Storrs GARY KREGEL, DELAWARE KANSAS FRANK STAFFORD, Newark SAM BROWNBACK, Parker JOE GIBSON, Wyoming LONNIE BERGER, Hanover FLORIDA KENTUCKY DANNY SCHIFFER, Orlando JOE ROBERTS, Clinton GREGWILBANKS, Mascotte RICHARD WHITE, Clay LOUISIANA OHIO CLAYTON NORRED, JR., Dodson RICHARD McDANIEL, Nevada STEVE FUSSELL, Covington TOM WHITE, Big Prairie PEGGY SINE, Ashland MAINE HAROLD RIDER, Fort Fairfield OKLAHOMA WALLY DEVOE, Limestone BILL NOWLIN, Colcord JAMES BODE, Geary MARYLAND RANDY RAY, Okmulgee DWIGHT DOTTERER, Woodsboro ROBERT FRAZEE, Friendsville OREGON JON CHANDLER, Culver MASSACHUSETTS GREG MEARS, Hood River RUSSELL MEDUSKI, Holden KEN ELWELL, Salem PENNSYLVANIA GARY R. BUTTERS, Morris MICHIGAN GREGORY A. LANDIS, Lancaster RON CARLISLE, Cassopolis ANITA STUEVER, Capac PUERTO RICO MILTON VAZQUEZ, San German MINNESOTA NOEL E. LUGO, Quebradillas DeLON CLARKSEAN, Gary, South Dakota DAVE BARNHART, Rochert RHODE ISLAND TIM McNAMARA, Goodhue HARVEY DINERMAN, North Scituate MARK SALISBURY, Central Falls MISSISSIPPI SAMMY MATHIS, Jackson SOUTH CAROLINA MIKE MOSS, Grenada DUSTY WESTWOOD, Prosperity JAMES A. TATE, Anderson MISSOURI STEVE BROWN, Camden SOUTH DAKOTA JIM BELLIS, Aurora RICHARD STOEBNER, Olivet KELLY HODGE, Hamill MONTANA CLARK JOHNSON, Billings TENNESSEE PAT HOLT, Lolo RANDY YARBRO, Kenton STEVIE STAFFORD, Greenfield NEBRASKA RICHARD K. MORTON, Friendship JON PROPST, Seward FRED DUBS, St. Edward TEXAS DOUG LEGGETT, San Angelo NEVADA BOBBY TUCKER, Mineola DEL BIEROTH, Mountain City RAYMOND BULLINGER, Henrietta PETE MORI, Tuscarora MARVIN ISAACKS, Arp NEW HAMPSHIRE JIM COLTON, Aledo BRUCE LYONS, Colebrook GENE HALL, Bon Wier PETER LINDSAY, Hudson UTAH NEW JERSEY ALBERT CORNABY, Spanish Fork ROBERT NYLAND, Washington GORDON YOUNG, Mona JAMES DREWS, Allentown VERMONT NEW MEXICO JOSEPH SEVERY, Cornwall JAMES THOMPSON, Rincon CHARLES COLLINS, Chelsea ROSS BURCHARD, Folsom NEW YORK VIRGINIA JAY CECIL, Dublin SUSAN MULLIKIN, Prattsburg DAVID SEE, Broadway JOEL STROUD, Portageville LYNWOOD PIERSON, Farnham NORTH CAROLINA DAVID ERVIN, Statesville WASHINGTON CHUCK SADLER, Yanceyville STEVE LEMMONS, Toledo JOE HAMPTON, Claremont RANDY MULLEN, Pasco NORTH DAKOTA WEST VIRGINIA DARRELL BOHNHOFF, New England LEMON DOTSON, Alva BARRY JENNINGS, Washburn MONTGOMERY POSTLETHWAIT, Burton

XI WISCONSIN WYOMING TOM PECHACEK, River Falls JAY BERRY, Cheyenne REED PEARSON, Poplar BOB MEDOW, Shoshoni BROCK MILLER, Bloomer

NATIONAL FFA CHORUS MEMBERS

MARVIN D. MYERS, Director, W. Lafayette, Indiana

ALABAMA MARYLAND Randy Lee King John Louis Krueger, Jr. ARIZONA MICHIGAN Virginia Lynn Klein Margaret E. Smith ARKANSAS Larry A. Zuhlke Jerald Paul Ditzig MISSISSIPPI Ronald Duane Luttrell Joy Moss CALIFORNIA Dana Andrew Lawler MINNESOTA Patryce Melinda White Dora Gransee Todd Sherman DELAWARE Jeff Simonson Deborah Ann Ashcraft FLORIDA MISSOURI David L. Brown Foy Fred Fish Doris Elaine Jamie Susanne Walker Harris Stacy Edward Kottman GEORGIA Randy Ogle Lamar Raymond Watson MONTANA ILLINOIS Tim Jensen Jim Cahill Kirk Mathew Mogen Steven Mitchell Dudley John F. Sweeney Robert Franklin Reif Mark Allan Wilson NEBRASKA INDIANA Kim Cromwell Kevin Fry Keith Fadely Roy Rieger Andy Gall Dawson Guyer Loren Wissman Rodney Kelsay NEW HAMPSHIRE Lori Strieby Susan Annis John Wagner Kevin Peter Jondro IOWA NEW MEXICO Jimmie Lyne Barker, Jr. Lawrence Carlos Anaya Mike Earll Boyd Frank Dennisson Wesley E. Klein Susan Kay Perry Sallie Jo Muhlenbruch Mike Striegel NEW YORK David Alan Triggs Susan Edwards KANSAS Steven Rutherford Barry Kane NORTH CAROLINA Lorrie Ann Lindsey Joseph E. Fulton Arthur Leon Meier James Thedie Ham Marion Wayne Robison Wade B. Jordan, Jr. KENTUCKY James Henry Pridgen Richard Scott Berryman NORTH DAKOTA MAINE Tim Mecham Warren K. Grass Robert Duane White

XII OHIO TEXAS Thad C. Cooperrider William Lee Bevly, Jr. Rodney Nutter Dona Joyce Gossett Cindy Sue Wick UTAH Darrell Wilson Jeffery L. Anderson James Fridal OKLAHOMA Jimmie Mark Choplin VERMONT Drew Christensen Karen Ruth Fuller VIRGINIA OREGON Jackie Wayne Finney Kevin Lee Homann Michael Heatwole Trina Scheuermann Holmes Spears PENNSYLVANIA WASHINGTON Mary F. Alward Jeffry Robert Martin Stephen Paul Davis SOUTH DAKOTA WISCONSIN Jeffrey E. Dahlberg Christian Bettenhausen Daniel John Graber Michael George Conard Cary Lee Holt Roberta Lea Connelly Robert Meyer Daniel J. Masrud WYOMING TENNESSEE Victoria L. Hansen Phillip Burr Hinton Les Smith

NATIONAL FFA BAND MEMBERS

ROGER HEATH, Director, VPI, Blacksburg, Virginia

ARIZONA ILLINOIS Dennis D. Bushong Mark Monier Gary Lane Fox Jerry Whalen ARKANSAS Jane Yana Kenford Carter INDIANA Sherry Gaby CALIFORNIA Charles Garrison Jan Backlund Mary Ann Lutes Jeri Blomstrom James Moyer Melvin Machado IOWA David Ouismorio David Body Julie Wright Cameron C. Dubes CONNECTICUT David Grasty John Pryor, Jr. Keith Hemphill Tom Robarge Dale D. Poison FLORIDA Terry Wierenga Robbie Bell KANSAS Beth Brown Debbie Hundley Tim Walker Deanna Raab David Rumbaugh GEORGIA Melvin Waite Duane J. Lowman KENTUCKY Marty W. Williamson Dan Combs Bart Youngblood Ricky Smith IDAHO MAINE Jerry Stevenson Tim Guiggey Sam Stone Steven Poole

XIII MARYLAND OKLAHOMA Leona Ludwig David Combs Barry Parker Scott Graves Mike Railton MICHIGAN Dwight C. Shreck Joe Brozowski Bobby G. Simma Mary Guenther Jay Willson Steve Shellenbarger Kenney Walker OREGON Calvin Woolston Lee Hill Rick Swart MINNESOTA Chuck Sykes, Jr. Steve Cyphers PENNSYLVANIA Bruce K. Goettl Martin Mary Gruber Heyler Jane Thompson Steve Laudenslager Gregg Webster SOUTH DAKOTA Kerry L. Jackson MISSOURI Deborah Ode Dan Bade Ted Brewer TENNESSEE Cheryl Frazier Wesley Robert Marlor, Jr. John R. Jones TEXAS MONTANA Darlene Ann Albert Amy E. Hill Lynn McCormick Ken Lawrence Kevin O'Connell Rebecca Leake NEBRASKA Byron Morgan Brad Anderson Randall Reynolds Steve Lange UTAH Lowell Schroeder David Dahl Mary Beth Sebade Mike Johnson NEW HAMPSHIRE VERMONT David H. Cantin Stuart Hull NEW YORK VIRGINIA Jeff Toussaint Charles Creasy Travis Merritt NORTH CAROLINA Jeffrey R. Wisecarver Randy E. Moles WASHINGTON NORTH DAKOTA Pamela Brown Donald Heggem Lloyd L. Walker Timothy Howey Brian M. Winter Ross Wood OHIO Robert Agle WISCONSIN Norman A. Bern Bill Barga Lindsey Driver Vicki L. Costa Terry Rebbeca Creech Pickett CurtWeittenhiller Terri Davis Alana Loos WYOMING Thomas Page Barbara Clement Jeff Parks Daryl H. Shoop

XIV Minutes of the Convention

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1974 General Business Session

The General Business Session of the 47th National FFA Convention, convening in the Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri, was called to order at 1:30 o'clock by President Mark Mayfield of Caney, Kansas.

Following the Roll Call of States, it was moved by Fussell of Louisiana, seconded by White of Kentucky and carried that the Minutes of the 46th National FFA Convention, as submitted and as recorded be approved. President Mayfield announced the appointment of the Auditing, Na- tional Program of Activities and Nominating Committees. Vice President Mohler assumed the chair. Music was then provided by Nancy Fairless, convention organist, of the Tennessee FFA Association.

J. M. Campbell, National FFA Treasurer, presented his report. Mathis of Mississippi moved the acceptance of Mr. Campbell's report; motion seconded by Dinerman of Rhode Island and carried. Clarksean of Minnesota presented the report of the Auditing Com- mittee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Gibson of Delaware and carried. Bode of Oklahoma presented the report of the National FFA Supply Service Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Flint of Indiana, and after considerable discussion carried. Brownback of Kansas presented the report of the National Future Farmer Magazine Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Berger of Kansas and carried. Ogburn of Idaho presented the report of the National FFA Official Calendar Program Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Dotson of West Virginia and carried. Roberts of Kentucky presented the report of the National Program of Activities Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Mc- Namara of Minnesota and carried. Bieroth of Nevada presented the report of the National Incentive Awards Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Smith of Colorado and carried. Newton of Georgia presented the report of the National Degree Pro- gram Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Morton of Tennessee and carried. Vice President Phillips assumed the chair. Nyland of New Jersey presented the report of the National FFA Con- tests Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Hale of Con- necticut and carried. Johnson of Montana presented the report of the National Chapter Awards Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Lute of Indiana and carried. 2 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Pechacek of Wisconsin presented the report of the National Leader- ship Conferences Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Stafford of Delaware and carried. Nowlin of Oklahoma presented the report of the Regional State Officer Leadership Conferences Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Bellis of Missouri, and after considerable discussion carried. National Advisor H. N. Hunsicker presented the names of individuals recommended by the Boards of National FFA Officers and Directors to receive the Honorary American Farmer Degree, Distinguished Service Award and VIP Citation. He also presented the names of two organizations recommended to receive the Distinguished Service Citation. Tyson of Arizona moved to approve the recommendations of the Boards of National Officers and Directors; motion seconded by Brownback of Kansas and carried. President Mayfield resumed the chair. The meeting adjourned with the Closing Ceremony at three-twenty o'clock.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1974 Special Evening Session

The Special Evening Session was called to order with the Opening Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. by President Mayfield. Music was presented by the National FFA Band. The band then played "Hail to the Chief." The Honorable Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States, was introduced by President Mayfield. President Ford presented a very inspiring address, after which the Honorary American Farmer Degree was conferred upon him. The National FFA Chorus sang "A Toast" to the President. The meeting adjourned with the Closing Ceremony at 8:30 o'clock. Following the Closing Ceremony the Vespers Program was presented by the National Officers and National Chorus.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1974 Morning Session

The Opening Session of the 47th National FFA Convention, convening in the Municipal Auditorium, was called to order with the Opening Cere- mony at nine o'clock with President Mayfield presiding. The report of delegate credentials was called for and Secretary Mc- Clure reported 116 delegates present from 50 chartered associations. The Posting of Colors was presented by the Color Guard from the Richards Gebaur Air Force Base, followed by the "Star Spangled Banner" by the National FFA Band and Chorus. Dwight Seegmiller narrated the script, accompanied by the National FFA Chorus. A special presentation "America the Beautiful" made available through the courtesy of CBS and written by Mr. J. Spencer Kinard, nar- rator of "The Spoken Word" was held. FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 3

The invocation was delivered by Dwight Seegmiller, National FFA President, 1972-73. Dwight was then presented a special plaque of ap- preciation by President Mayfield. President Mayfield introduced his fellow national officers and then gave a brief address of welcome. The national officer candidates were introduced. The Address of Welcome was given by the Honorable Charles B. Wheeler, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. Mayor Wheeler was then pre- sented with an FFA baseball cap and cowboy hat to add to his hat collection.

In keeping with the convention theme, "A Chance for Growth," a special "Salute to the American Vo-Ag Instructor" was presented in slide form. This was made available through the courtesy of "Farm Journal." Following remarks by National Advisor H. N. Hunsicker, music was presented by the National FFA Band, under the direction of Roger Heath of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia. Secretary McClure presented the National Officers' Yearly Report, which showed in slide form the activities and highlights of the officers during the past year. Lute of Indiana moved the acceptance of this report and that the convention go on record as commending the officers on a great year of service to the FFA, and a job well done; motion seconded by Burchard of New Mexico and carried. Special presentations were made to The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company and the Union Pacific Railroad Company for their continued support of the vocational agriculture program.

Secretary McClure presented his retiring address, "He Ain't Heavy." Leggett of Texas moved the acceptance of this address and that Secretary McClure be commended for the fine job he has done, and the fine quality of leadership he has displayed not only as a national officer but during his entire FFA career; motion seconded by Chandler of Oregon and carried. A salute was then made to the American Royal Association. Mr. Willis C. Theis, President of the American Royal Association, made brief remarks. Music was then presented by the National FFA Chorus under the direction of Marvin Myers of W. Lafayette, Indiana.

The next item of business was the setting of National FFA Dues for the coming year. Clarksean of Minnesota moved that National FFA Dues be set at $1.50 for the coming year; motion seconded by Lemmons of Washington. After considerable discussion, the motion carried.

The meeting adjourned with the Closing Ceremony at eleven-fifty o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1974 Afternoon Session

The Second Session of the convention was called to order with the Opening Ceremony at two o'clock by President Mayfield. 4 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Following music by the National FFA Band, Mr. H. D. Griffin, Associate Director of the American Vocational Association, made brief remarks. He was then presented with the Distinguished Service Award.

Vice President Waybright assumed the chair.

Scholl of Illinois presented the report of the Bicentennial Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Summerford of Alabama and carried.

Miss Pam Powell, Staff Assistant, The White House, was introduced and gave brief remarks. Vice President Waybright presented Miss Powell with a token of appreciation.

Vice President Alvarez presented his retiring address "Why Not?" Wilbanks of Florida moved the acceptance of this report and that Vice President Alvarez be commended for the outstanding service he has ren- dered to the FFA with his inspiring words given to FFA members across the Nation that may help them to be better individuals, and also for the dedica- tion he has shown and given to the FFA; motion seconded by Behaunek of Iowa and carried.

Following music by the National FFA Band, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in the National Chapter Award Program were presented by the national officers.

President Mayfield resumed the chair. He then asked that all in at- tendance bow their heads in a moment of meditation for Mr. V. Stanley Allen, who that morning had passed away. Mr. Allen had served on the National FFA Staff for 22 years and at the time of his death was controller for the organization.

The next item of business was proposed amendments to the National FFA Constitution. It was recommended that Article VI, Section D "State Farmer Degree," Item 8, be amended by striking out "2%" and inserting "3%" to read as follows:

"Each State Association shall be entitled to elect at least 10 qualified individuals annually; where state membership exceeds 500, not more than 3%* of the total State membership may be ." elected . .

(*Any State Association, in the judgement of its delegates, may be more restrictive but may not exceed the amended quota.) Berger of Kansas moved the acceptance of this proposed amandment to the National FFA Constitution; motion seconded by Mori of Nevada. After some discussion the motion carried.

It was recommended to amend Article XI, Section B, by deleting the figure "10,000" in two places and substitute the figure "2,500" in each place to read as follows:

"Each State Association is entitled to send two delegates from its active membership to the National Convention plus one addi- tional delegate for each 2,500 active members or major fraction ." thereof above the first 2,500. . . FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 5

Bode of Oklahoma moved the acceptance of this proposed amendment to the National FFA Constitution; motion seconded by Blizzard of Alabama. After considerable discussion the motion failed.

Ervin of North Carolina moved to amend Article III, Section B of the FFA Bylaws by moving North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia to the North Atlantic Region and moving Texas and Oklahoma to the Pacific Region; motion seconded by Pierson of Virginia. After considerable discussion the motion carried. Newton of Georgia moved that more microphones be installed in the convention hall next year, in order to speed up the business sessions; motion seconded by Tate of North Carolina and carried. The meeting adjourned with the Closing Ceremony at four-thirty o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1974 Evening Session

The Third Session of the convention was called to order with the Opening Ceremony at seven-thirty o'clock by President Mayfield.

Following a concert by the National FFA Band, Secretary McClure gave an explanation of the National Public Speaking Contest, and the con- testants were introduced. After the introduction of the judges and time- keepers the Contest was held. The National FFA Chorus presented several numbers. Recognition was then given to Collegiate and Agricultural Education groups, the Ameri- can Royal Queen Candidates and Past National FFA Officers.

VIP Citations were presented to five individuals and the Distinguished Service Citation presented to two organizations, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in the National Chapter Safety Program were presented by the national officers.

Mr. Brooks Robinson, All Pro Third Baseman of the Baltimore Orioles, was introduced and addressed the convention delegates. Mr. Robinson was then presented with a special plaque of appreciation for his participa- tion in the convention.

Winners in the National Public Speaking Contest were announced and awards presented. The National Winner was Randy Harris, representing the Pacific Region.

The meeting adjourned with the Closing Ceremony at ten o'clock.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1974 Morning Session

The Fourth Session of the convention was called to order with the Opening Ceremony at nine o'clock by President Mayfield. Vice President Alvarez assumed the chair. 6 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Following music by special FFA talent, Wilbanks of Florida presented the report of the FFA Alumni Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Jennings of North Dakota and carried. The following were introduced and gave brief greetings: MissAIC: Kim Miller, Alabama National Grange Princess: Bobbie McLaughlin, North Carolina Miss Rural Electrification: Kathy Harriss, Illinois The Distinguished Service Award was presented to those individuals recommended by the convention delegates. Vice President Phillips presented his retiring address "You Can't Get There From Here." Young of Utah moved to accept Vice President Phillips' address and that he be commended for a job extremely well done; motion seconded by Moss of Mississippi and carried. Presentation of the FFA Foundational Agricultural Proficiency Awards was made by the National Officers in a colorful ceremony. Music was presented by the National FFA Band, under the direction of Mr. Roland Rutz of Montgomery, Minnesota. President Mayfield re- sumed the chair. President Mayfield then introduced the following individuals who gave brief greetings on behalf of their organizations: Future Homemakers of America: Victoria Pope, National Presi- dent, Alabama Future Business Leaders of America/Phi Beta Lambda: Les Baledge, National Vice President, Southern Region, Arkansas Distributive Education Clubs of America: Don Meyer, Central Regional Vice President, High School Division, Missouri Office Education Association: Chester Hunter, Regional Vice President, Illinois

Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in the Building Our American Com- munities Program were presented by the National Officers. The four Regional Winners in the BOAC Program were announced. A slide program depicting the total BOAC concept and featuring the 1974 Regional Winners was presented. Dr. James Bostic, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development, was introduced and gave brief remarks, after which the Santa Fe "Senior" Chapter, Alachua, Florida was announced as the Na- tional BOAC Winner. The meeting adjourned with the Closing Ceremony at eleven-thirty o'clock.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1974 Afternoon Session

The Fifth Session of the convention was called to order with the Open- ing Ceremony at two o'clock by President Mayfield. Vice President Phillips assumed the chair, and entertainment was provided by special FFA talent. President Mayfield resumed the chair. FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 7

The Honorary American Farmer Degree was conferred on those can- didates approved by the convention delegates. Mr. Bill Harrison, President of the NVATA, Inc., made brief remarks on behalf of the vocational agri- culture instructors. Vice President Phillips assumed the chair. Service plaques were then presented to the following outgoing members of the FFA Board of Directors and Foundation Board of Trustees: Billy L. Conner, Ralph Dreessen, Gor- don Galbraith, Francis N. Murphy and Leon Wagley. Vice President Mohler presented his retiring address, "A Story Ever Told." Lute of Indiana moved the acceptance of Vice President Mohler's address and commended him on a job well done; motion seconded by Propst of Nebraska and carried.

Mr. Donald L. Staheli, President of Allied Mills, Inc. and 1951-52 National FFA President, was introduced and gave an inspiring address. Mr. Staheli was then presented a plaque in appreciation of his continued support of the FFA and his participation in the convention. President Mayfield resumed the chair.

Bode of Oklahoma moved to accept with pride the list of candidates recommended by the Boards of National FFA Officers and Directors to receive the American Farmer Degree; motion seconded by Schwarm of Illinois and carried. An impressive American Farmer Degree Ceremony followed.

The next item of business concerned the amending of Article III, Sec- tion B, of the FFA Bylaws, regarding the change of names of the four regions. It was moved by White of Ohio, seconded by Pirnie of Colorado and carried that the names of the FFA regions shall be "Eastern" in place of "North Atlantic", "Central", "Southern" and "Western" in place of "Pacific".

It was moved by Harlow of Ohio, seconded by Summerford of Alabama and carried that the delegate body of the 47th annual National FFA Con- vention commend The Honorable Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States of America, for a most inspiring and memorable presentation at our National FFA Convention; and furthermore that the delegate body go on record as commending President Ford for his efforts in furthering Ameri- can agriculture and improving farm life as shown by his action at Xenia, Ohio, and other disaster stricken areas. We would ask the National Execu- tive Secretary, Mr. Wm. Paul Gray, to relay such a commendation.

The meeting adjourned with the Closing Ceremony at four-twenty o'clock.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1974 Evening Session

(Prior to the Opening Ceremony, a very excellent FFA talent show was held, under the direction of Don Erickson, State FFA Advisor, North Dakota.)

The Sixth Session of the convention was called to order at eight o'clock with the Opening Ceremony by President Mayfield. 8 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Following the Grand Entry and music by the National Band, the Na- tional Chorus presented a concert. Prior to the evening session the Foundation Sponsors' Dinner and Recognition Program was held at the Hotel Muehlebach. At that time special plaques were presented to the 15, 25 and 30 year sponsors. These companies were:

15 Year Sponsors

H. J. Baker and Brothers, Inc. Hesston Corporation Inc. Cessna Fluid Power Division The National Grange Doane Agricultural Services, Pittsburgh Forgings Company

Empire Plow Company Western Land Roller Company The EPH Foundation Wohlert Corporation

25 Year Sponsors

American Can Company Gold Kist, Inc. Foundation Illinois Central Gulf Railroad American Institute of Company Cooperation u _ . . ^ ,r _ H. D. Lee Company Carnation Company Sentr Corporation E. I. duPont deNemours and y Company, Inc. Uniroyal Foundation

30 Year Sponsors

Massey-Ferguson Inc. Successful Farming

Recognition was given to all Sponsors to the National FFA Foundation, Inc., members of the Foundation Executive Council, Industry Chairmen and State Chairmen.

Mr. Robert L. Walston, Vice President, Funk Seeds International, Inc., and 1974 Chairman of the Foundation Sponsoring Committee, was intro- duced and gave brief remarks, with special slide recognition given to Star, Gold and Special Project Sponsors. The Honorary American Farmer Degree was conferred upon Mr. Walston and he was presented with a special plaque of appreciation.

Mr. Edward F. Carter, Executive Vice President, Firestone Tire & Rubber Company and 1975 Chairman of the Foundation Sponsoring Com- mittee gave brief greetings.

Remarks were then made by Dr. William F. Pierce, Deputy Commis- sioner for Occupational and Adult Education, U. S. Office of Education, after which the Honorary American Farmer Degree was conferred upon him. FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 9

Following the Massing of State Flags by the Star State Farmers, the "Stars Over America" pageant was held, and the film "Stars Over America" was shown. The Regional Star Farmers and Regional Star Agribusinessmen were introduced. The Honorary American Farmer Degree was conferred upon the parents of the eight "Stars" and special presentations given to their wives. The Star Farmer of America Vernon Louis Rohrscheib of Fair- mount, Illinois, and the Star Agribusinessman of America Ronald Dean Schwerdtfeger of Capron, Oklahoma, were then announced. The meeting adjourned with the Closing Ceremony at ten-fifteen o'clock. This was followed by a talent show.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1974 Morning Session

The Seventh Session of the convention was called to order at eight forty-five o'clock with the Opening Ceremony by President Mayfield.

Following music by the National FFA Chorus, Mr. J. M. Campbell, National FFA Treasurer gave an explanation of the 1974-75 National FFA Budget. Schwarm of Illinois moved the acceptance of this proposed bud- get; motion seconded by Berger of Kansas and carried. Vice President Alvarez assumed the chair.

Tyson of Arizona presented the report of the International Program Committee and moved its acceptance; motion seconded by Lute of Indiana and carried. Rick Tally, National President of Junior Achievement, Inc., was intro- duced and gave brief remarks.

International guests were escorted to the stage and Honorary Mem- bership was conferred upon them. Mr. Bernardo Romero of Colombia, and Mr. Kanichi Kawata of Japan, gave brief greetings. Participants in the 1974 Work Experience Abroad Program were introduced and presented certificates. Lisa Tomko of the Florida FFA Association, gave a report on the 1974 WEA program and presented on behalf of the group to the Na- tional FFA Archives, 13 flags representing the 13 countries that the group had visited during the summer.

Vice President Waybright presented his retiring address, "I Have But One Enemy." Landis of Pennsylvania moved the acceptance of this address and that Vice President Waybright be commended on an excellent job well done; motion seconded by Stanfield of Alabama and carried.

Special guest Johnny Rodriguez of Bracketville, Texas, was intro- duced and gave brief remarks. A plaque in appreciation for his participa- tion in the convention was presented to him.

Vice President Mohler assumed the chair.

The top judging winners in Livestock, Horticulture, Agricultural Me- chanics, Meats, Poultry, Dairy Cattle and Milk Quality and Dairy Foods were announced. 10 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Mr. William Kufuss, President of the American Farm Bureau Federa- tion; Mr. Orion Samuelson, Farm Service Director, WGN Radio and TV; and the Honorable Jerry Litton, U. S. Congressman from Missouri, were recognized as the recipients of the first FFA Alumni "Outstanding Achieve- ment Award" for their achievements and distinguished service to American agriculture, which has reflected honor upon the FFA and vo-ag programs. These former FFA members had been presented their awards at the FFA Alumni Annual meeting at the Hotel Muehlebach earlier that morning. Con- gressman Litton then gave brief remarks.

The Honorable Earl L. Butz, Secretary, U. S. Department of Agricul- ture, was introduced and addressed the convention. President Mayfield resumed the chair. Members of the Nominating Committee were introduced. Tucker of Texas presented the report of the Nominating Committee and moved its acceptance; motion seconded by Flint of Indiana. There being no further nominations from the floor the slate of candidates submitted by the Nomin- ating Committee was unanimously elected.

The meeting adjourned with the Closing Ceremony at eleven-five o'clock. (During the afternoon FFA members attended the Dedication of the American Royal Kemper Crosby Arena and also FFA Day at the American Royal Livestock and Horse Show.)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1974 Evening Session

The Final Session of the convention was called to order with the Open- ing Ceremony at seven o'clock by President Mayfield.

Recognition was given to those participating in the FFA Talent on the convention program. Leggett of Texas presented the report of the National Convention Committee and moved its adoption; motion seconded by Ervin of North Carolina and carried. Vice President Waybright assumed the chair.

President Mayfield gave his retiring address "Life is a Contest." Brownback of Kansas moved the acceptance of President Mayfield's ad- dress and that he be commended for his outstanding leadership and dedi- cation to the FFA; motion seconded by Bohnhoff of North Dakota and carried.

President Mayfield resumed the chair. The Honorary American Farmer Degree was conferred upon the parents and local advisors of the national officers. Mr. Loren J. Phillips, father and also advisor of Vice President Phillips, received a special plaque since he had received the Degree as a vocational agriculture teacher in 1973. Leadership plaques and $1,000. scholarships were then presented to the national officers. FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 11

The newly-elected officers were installed in a very impressive cere- mony, and national officer pins were presented to each of the past officers. Alpha Trivette, newly-elected president, presented Mark Mayfield with the gavel he used to open the convention. The new president extended greet- ings.

The final session of the convention adjourned sine die at nine o'clock with the Closing Ceremony by the new officers. Following the Closing Ceremony, special entertainment was provided by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.

1973-74 National FFA officers.

Firestone show. 12 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

SPECIAL RECOGNITION American Farmer Degree

Each year at the convention, members who have achieved the highest degree are recognized in an impressive ceremony. There were 643 who received the degree.

ALABAMA Stanley Eugene Foster, Paragould Tommy M. Barnett, Athens Billy C. Green, Everton John R. Borden, Gardendale Rodney Joseph Hinson, Fayetteville Victor Lee Buchanan, Cullman Bobby Hope, Barber Ronnie Childress, Thorsby Kenneth W. Lambeth, Fayetteville Jerry Albert Daw, Owassa Richard Allen McGinnis, Fayetteville Von Formby, Geraldine Joe Mills, Lowell Mike Fuller, Enterprise John W. Payne, Morrilton Richard Wayne Hendrix, Enterprise John Paul Pendergrass, Charleston Clifton Homan, Gordo Eddie Rimmer, Greenbrier Charles Kendrick, LaFayette Donald Ray Seaton, Lavaca M. F. Long, Elkmont Terry Dale Smith, Fort Smith James Lurwig, Lillian Mark Waldrip, Moro Robert Eugene Martin, Geneva Curtis Ray Massey, Coffee Springs CALIFORNIA Charles Rex Mayfield, Russellville Robert George Boykin, San Luis Obispc Edward McCullers, Titus Manuel A. Brazil, Petaluma Jimmy McNeil, Evergreen Jeff Briggs, Lancaster Thomas Edward Minton, Gadsden Thomas W. Chaney, San Joaquin Ben L. Moore, Dozier Daniel L. Clendenin, Merced Wesley Malcolm Patterson III, Falkville Joe W. Conant, Wheatland Roger Raby, Harvest Michael J. Correia, Visalia Gregory Starnes, Bremen Donivan Chris Crawford, Wasco Philip Starnes, Bremen David Albert DePaoli, Strathmore James E. Taff, Phil Campbell Robert Vine Fallert, Jr., Porterville Jimmy Taylor, Opp Jaime Bettencourt Farao, Santa Maria Carlon Bruce Tidwell, Oneonta Peter Donald Giacomini, Ferndale Philip Varner, Wetumpka Gordon L. Heinrich, Modesto Michael David Whisenhunt, Vinemont Peter Jorgensen, Santa Rosa Harry L. Whitt, Attalla Patricia Ann Knoch, Visalia Billy Fred Williams, Centre Virgil Kronberg, Hilmar Johnnie F. Wood, Titus Mark S. McLean, Gridley Terry Wootten, Ider Frank David Quaresma, Modesto Benny Quintela, Jr., Fresno ARIZONA Mike Reed, Turlock Kim Allen Bennett, Willcox Roger Dell Riley, Bakersfield Shim J. Bennett, Willcox Kenneth M. Rowe, Grass Valley Jose Angel Bernal, Benson Jim Schohr, Gridley Neil Alan Bowman, Yuma Ross E. Spitzer, McFarland Eric T. Burgeson, Chandler Lesslie K. Stanley, Grass Valley Jerry Dee Johnson, Willcox Dean M. Teixeira, Santa Maria Clay Riggs, Willcox Larry Byron Waller, Gridley John Paul Weiszbrod, Chino ARKANSAS Paul J. Wenger, Modesto Arvin Loyd Brisco, Harrison Dana Alynne Wiking, Palmdale Joe G. Brooks, Springdale David Yrigoyen, Banta James William Burr, Decatur Wayne Zipser, Modesto Larry W. Cook, Malvern Hartsell D. Crutchfield, Lamar COLORADO Mike Firtenberry, Palestine James E. Anderson, Longmont FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 13

Donald Cleo Brown, Yuma Lynn Bowman, Oneida Ted C. Jones, Montrose Donald Ray Cann, Manhattan Dave A. Koon, Fort Collins Dan Clark, Bloomington Kent Telinde, Monte Vista Steven Diedrich, Sycamore Wayne E. Vangraefschepe, New Raymei Mike Easley, Salem Greg Emmert, Georgetown CONNECTICUT Dennis Flink, Sycamore Dennis L. Foltz, Mt. Carroll Donald E. Pollard, Falls Village Gradert, Cambridge Donald F. Porzio, Glastonbury Roger W. Darwin Hall, Sycamore FLORIDA Dean Henrichs, Onarga Carl Hinthorn, Normal Bobby Barnhill, Chiefland Richard Kober, Morton George Ingram Bell, Mayo Michael E. McLane, Wolf Lake David Clay Cash, Lake Wales Bob Meeker, Delavan Tony Lamar Coppage, Groveland David W. Ramsey, Rochester Steven Dicks, Lake City Joe E. Rich, Sycamore James B. Evans, Jr., Lake Helen Vernon L. Rohrscheib, Fairmount Norman D. Flowers, Moore Haven Dave Rothermel, Broadlands Preston Greene, Fort Meade Thomas L. Scheider, Red Oak Kirk Griffin, Chiefland Allen Shearer, Sycamore Phillip Kuharske, Groveland Steven Michael Tindall, Red Bud Delbert K. Redditt, Christmas Michael Winckler, Prophetstown Wayne C. Smith, Moore Haven Thomas L. Umiker, Valrico INDIANA William Ivy Williams, Sanderson Robert Edward Basting, Woodburn GEORGIA William Daniel Basting, Woodburn David Keith Beiswanger, Wolcottville Calvin Ray Adams, Athens David V. Dunn, Frankfort Paul P. Akins, Chula Ray Monroe Kitson, Columbia City Michael Harvey Buckner, Junction City J. B. Larson, Frankfort Larry Newton Bush, Forsyth Scott McKain, Crothersville Roger C. Byrd, Hazlehurst Bruce E. Prange, New Palestine James Morris Cargle, Chula Albert Schmitz, Wadesville Anthony A. Collier, Meigs Jerry Vaughn, Roachdale Franklin Denison, Screven Daniel Owen Voreis, Argos Mickey Fourakres, Lakeland Robert E. Waits, Rushville Emory (Sonny) Gay III, Millen Stephen Ronald Greenway, Alma IOWA Larry Gene Grier, Buena Vista Robert Louis Joyce, Lakeland David M. Amundson, Elgin Alton Timothy Leard, Lavonia Alan D. Brueggeman, Harris Alexander Reuben Morrell, Camilla Norman W. Bruhns, Buffalo Center David Neal Penland, Waycross Craig J. Church, Cresco Leonard Phillips, Climax Sigmund Lee Cornelius, Maquaketa Tommy Allen Rollins, Lyons Craig N. Cowden, Pleasantville Wayne Rouse, Waycross Patrick R. Curl, Wellman Wade Summerlin, Moultrie Roger LeRoy Hackbarth, Iowa Falls Dennis Paul Lovick, Forest City HAWAII David J. Morford, Dexter John Nakamura, Waialua Steven Wayne Olsen, Atlantic Dean Eugene Parks, Spencer IDAHO Mark Remsburg, Lake City Tom Buck, Payette Greg F. Schulte, Edgewood Michael Duane Kendall, Emmett Dennis Topf, Dow City Doyle McPherson, Kuna Gary D. Utt, Bloomfield Michael J. Meade, Declo Daniel Herbert Walther, Waverly Eric Walz, Rexburg Curtis Elwood Winquist, Akron David M. Wilken, Kendrick KANSAS ILLINOIS Jeff A. Coburn, Arkansas City Larry E. Abbe, Paxton Mark Edelman, Sabetha Henry R. Altepeter, Maple Park Gary Gano, Hill City 14 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Don J. Garlow, Concordia Thomas E. Braid, Durand Terry Walter Henry, Randolph Gary Robert Carmichael, Evart Rickey D. Maxson, Edna Wayne Eldon Cook, Mason Rodney L. Nulik, Arkansas City Michael Freiny, Marshall Gary W. Sinn, Mahaska Todd E. Goetz, Riga Brad Trexler, Hill City Rolland William Groenink, Coopersville Kenton Leroy Weltmer, Smith Center Gary Allen Hora, St. Joseph Kent Allan Houghtaling, Reese KENTUCKY Karl M. Kincade, Port Austin Cecil Dean Bradshaw, Nicholasville Dennis D. Matthews, Corunna Gilbert E. Brooks, Bowling Green Robert Alan Moore, Elsie Gary Dale Bush, Bowling Green Peter D. Ondersma, Capac Johny M. Collins, Richmond Paul Pschigoda, Lodi, Ohio Stevan M. Chapman, Glasgow Daniel R. Sokol, Webberville McGuire Conway Colliver, III, Flemingsburg MINNESOTA Terry A. Cowles, Bowling Green Douglas Anderson, Porter Jesse T. Jepson, Franklin Gary Fuchs, Lake Lillian James Dixie Jones, Jr., Princeton Ronald L. Garner, Atwater William E. Lynch, Jr., Hickory Patrick D. Henneberry, Renville Rodney F. Macy, Hardinsburg Dean F. Ibberson, Sleepy Eye James L. Midkiff, Whitesville Brad Robert Irwin, Motley William Mitchell, Jr., Versailles Michael A. Krueger, Springfield Garry Dale Seaton, Caneyville Ronald J. Leinen, Breckenridge Ralph Glenn Sageser, Shelbyville Larry A. Lexvold, Goodhue Dennis M. Smith, Glasgow Jan Rudolph Lust, Little Falls Donald E. Wright, Jr., Paducah Roger Malz, Belle Plaine James Lacy Williams, Princeton Richard Mittag, Barrett Daniel A. Neterval, Evansville LOUISIANA Dennis L. Potter, Springfield Ronald Broussard, Abbeville Glen A. Ramstad, Ada Robert G. Choate, Chestnut Michael L. Schweiss, Hector Randal Gene Goins, DeRidder Jim Sorlie, Osakis Gary V. Hamilton, Franklinton Gary K. Shaske, Kenyon Nicolas R. Hebert, Raceland Merlin James Teerink, Worthington Lucien Paul Laborde, Jr., Hamburg David Gary VanderKooi, Worthington Mark J. Naquin, Thibodaux Richard Frank Weber, Clinton Billy R. North, Bains James Percy Simmons, Franklinton MISSISSIPPI Raymond Charles Stevens, Loranger Leonard Beatty, Pulaski Jerry Aroe Thomas, Franklinton Joe A. Brown, Morton Randy Welch, Franklinton James Terry Farris, Mantachie Gary H. Wilbanks, Jena John David Hall, Falkner John Leonard Herzog, Raymond MAINE Clarence Wendell McCaughn, Morton Michael Peter Corey, Easton James E. Parker, Wiggins James Lit Parker, Perkinston MARYLAND Mike Pearson, Walnut Timothy William Beall, Germantown Martin Roy Robertson, Tipiersville Michael William Harrington, Gaithersburg MISSOURI Allen O'Hara, Frederick Kenny Alexander, El Dorado Springs Edward L. O'Hara, Frederick Stanley Craig Armstrong, Edgerton Bruce M. Schrader, Chestertown David T. Chapman, Collins Gary Ray Chinn, Clarence MASSACHUSETTS Gale Dean Fletcher, Brunswick Eric L. Kibbe, West Breckfield N. Kent Hagerla, Edina Russell David Meduski, Holden W. Melvin Hoffman, Lebanon Brian Lee Hunt, Braymer MICHIGAN Anthony James Jaecques, Clifton Hill Stuart G. Bierlein, Vassar Charles A. Krueger, Verona Keith R. Blonde, Litchfield Gary Walter Linnenbringer, Auxvasse FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 15

David Marino, Macon NORTH CAROLINA Richard R. Marshall, Jamestown S. D. Beam, Forest City Kenneth Meinke, Princeton Roger M. Callis, Holly Springs James Roger Murray, Golden City Christopher Robin Cannon, Newport David August Patke, East Washington Orlando F. Comer, Eagle Springs George W. Quinn, Chillicothe Michael Lynn Davis, Leasburg Phillip Rawlings, Poynor Merrill Eugene Deal, Statesville Sam Rhoades, Thayer Joe A. Dupree, Willow Springs Jack Seaton, Nixa Donald R. Gowan, Rutherfordton Vernon Eugene Smithey, Camden Joseph Keith Harrelson, Cerro Gordo James H. Thomas, Jr., Marshall Monte Levone Herring, Cerro Gordo Nolan Eugene Williams, Jr., Hannibal Ricky Earl Joyner, Mount Olive Perry Dexter Keen, Mount Olive MONTANA Randy Keith Kilby, Swannanoa Billy Little, Elm City Daryl L. Heimbichner, Billings Ray Lockamy, Godwin Terry L. Metcalfe, Moccasin Daniel W. Michael, Billings Randy Joe Marshburn, Morrisville Garry Franklin Mastin, David J. Patterson, Columbus Hamptonville Alan Gray McKinney, Salisbury David J. Pelton, Fishtail Arthur McLaurin, Fayetteville Tony Vance Melvin, Fayetteville NEBRASKA Larry Allen Naylor, Clinton Michael LeRoy Bannan, Harrison W. Ken Page, Godwin Brian L. Bevans, Waverly Michael Hearld Porter, Peachland Ronnie L. Doerneman, West Point Kim Yates Prestwood, Hudson Alan W. Dux, Gladstone James Hoid Raynor, Goldsboro Harold E. Fricke, Kimball Joseph Kenneth Sanderson, Four Oaks Michael Brent Jacobson, Sutton Earl Douglas Shook, Leicester Douglas Glen Pollard, Almeria Thomas Alan Simmons, Yanceyville Larry Dean Rasmussen, Mead Michael Lynn Trivette, Union Grove Tim R. Volk, Battle Creek R. W. Underwood, Autryville Gary W. Wilcox, Battle Creek John Williams, Autryville Thomas Eddie Williamson, Clinton NEVADA Charles Edward Williamson, Chadbourr Scott Carpenter, Elko Bill McKnight, Elko NORTH DAKOTA Stacey Chaput, Langdon NEW HAMPSHIRE Dale K. Enerson, Stanley J. Gordon Goetz, Washburn David Bascom, Epping Jeffrey J. Jennings, Washburn Paul W. Davis, Jr., Lancaster Ross Olson, Langdon David T. Pearce, Bismarck NEW JERSEY Edward A. Rath, Bismarck Morris Elmer Gould, Millville Dwight H. Reuther, Bismarck Robert D. Smith, Belvidere Mark A. Williams, Alfred

NEW MEXICO OHIO Dennis Badertscher, Ada Danny Gene Franks, Portales Dan Brenner, Sunbury Harold Hammack, Jr., Polvadera John H. Brown, Norwalk Debbie Jones, Tatum Harold Christian Clase, Ashley Ralls Clayborn Jones, Tatum Richard L. Crawford, West Union Alan Dewayne Parker, Elida Keith Crone, Ashland Don E. Sumrall, Grady Ronald W. Fitzwater, Greenville Richard N. Vaughan, Fort Sumner Gregory J. Garmyn, Defiance Dean Harrington, Bryan NEW YORK Donald E. Hoffman, Gnadenhutten Paul Thomas Carroll, Bainbridge Howard Milton Jelley, Sidney Gary George Galley, Walton Ronald Vernon Kill, Venedocia James E. Johnson, West Edmeston Dale E. Kreider, Seville Donald G. Kingston, Madrid Steven Douglas Lord, Galena Richard T. Seacord, Greenwich Jared Lawrence McClarren, Delta 16 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Dwight Miller, Delaware John Roland Moyer, Newmanstown Rick L. Miller, Mechanicstown Jacob W. Musser, Quarryville Gary Robert Moffett, Marysville Dale Martin Nolt, Manheim Jerry Murphy, Upper Sandusky Steven B. Ott, Bangor Robert David Rausch, Marysville Gerald L. Seyler, Loganton Konrad K. Shriner, Junction City Stephen W. Shupp, Danville Tom K. Smith, West Liberty John Calvin Will, Berlin Larry D. Starling, Delaware Jay Calvin Zimmerman, Denver Michael Lee Tobe, Ottawa James Arthur Todd, Wooster PUERTO RICO Timothy T. Tryon, Greenville Noel E. Lugo Rivera, Quebradillas Ted William Waddle, Washington Kim Wells, Warsaw RHODE ISLAND Gordon Wenig, Bowling Green Gayle Ann Kenney, Hope Valley Ned L. Young, Van Wert Cindy Payne, Wyoming OKLAHOMA SOUTH CAROLINA Raymond Fred Beason, Delaware Kenneth C. Cloniger, York Bart Brashears, Alex Dennis Philip Cox, Loris David Richard D. Cook, Cordell Lawrence Green, Greer Keith Metz, Greer John J. Dean, Stillwater Allen Riddle, Fountain Inn Gillis Rylen Deweese, Stillwell William Jr., Gregory Fisher, Kingfisher Bruce Shirley, Honea Path Daniel Gene Geis, Hitchcock SOUTH DAKOTA H. L. Goodwin, Jr., Tahlequah Douglas Rae Buller, Brookings Michael Lee Goolsby, Guthrie Mark F. Christensen, Webster Fred V. Hejduk, Jr., Stillwater Gary W. Dozark, Academy Bradford W. Hildabrand, Hunter Marion D. Maude, Farmingdale Truman Keith Jones, Mountain Park Kendal James Thompson, Willow Lake Paul Dean Keiffer, Helena Kris Lynn Kinzie, Cushing TENNESSEE Jerry Lehenbauer, Ames Fred Aired, Jamestown Terry Lehenbauer, Ames Billy Wayne Bivens, Dyersburg Nixon, Mark Freedom Don Clark, Covington Dale Oringderff, Carmen Glenn M. Head, Adams Chell Propp, Adair Robert Milton Hendrix, Jr., Dyersburg Jerold Don Ross, Boynton Jerry Pate Hollingsworth, Finley Ronald Dean Schwerdtfeger, Capron Samuel G. Inman, Ten Mile Dale C. Teeters, Watonga Jackie Lynn Jones, Newbern Rickey Lynn Willis, Verden John David Ledbetter, Shelbyville Lynn Wood, Sentinel Roy W. Major, Lebanon OREGON Leslie Brice Moffatt, Brighton Donnie Pierpoint, Big Sandy Faw, Vale John W. Danny Joe Pritchett, Finley Michael Ira Gangwer, Parkdale Rufus K. Reese, Gallatin Bernard Ted Jones, Pendleton Danny Lee Shelton, New Market Michael Stephen Macnab, Wasco Michael Paul Snapp, Church Hill Richard H. Macy, Culver Paul Joyner Spain, Jr., Milan Kirk Makin, Enterprise Alfred Ray Wakefield, Lewisburg Daniel Rex Nichols, Oregon City Ennis Core Wallace, Jr., College Grove Kenneth H. Read, Culver Greg Williams, Martin John Steven Woodby, Decatur PENNSYLVANIA R. E. Woodward III, Lewisburg Glenn K. Carper, McClure Michael A. Hartman, Robesonia TEXAS Dennis Grandahl Hay, Berlin Ricky Ray Allison, Springtown Boyd M. Hitz, Annville Steve Barnes, Itasca Roy P. Hoppes, Hamburg Terry Lynn Bechthold, Booker Paul L. Lawrence, New Castle Gregory Jay Buenger, Industry Joseph S. Lefever, Manheim Bill Byrd, Campbell James L. Madigan, Towanda Jeffrey Neil Carlton, DeKalb Duaine LeRoy Mowrey, Reynoldsville Dan Cheshier, DeSoto FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 17

Robert Boyd Cox, Colorado City Wayne Thomas Watson, Heber Bill Craft, Cleburne E. C. Crump, Henrietta VERMONT Larry Thomas Day, Seminole Kevin H. Hamilton, Brattleboro John A. Deaton, Emory Robin Ellen Severy, Cornwall Jackie Elliott, Floydada Gary Faircloth, Cleveland VIRGINIA Darrell Farrell, Sugarland Joseph O. Boiling, Jr., Bedford John Lane Freeman, Jr., Raywood James W. Bondurant, Concord Jim Fry, Lipscomb Luther Lee Bowyer, Jr., Moneta Robert D. Goodwin, Paducah James Hugh Bradford, Appomattox Rickey Gruben, Roby John Stark Braford, Appomattox Billy Holbert, Arlington Hugh Nelson Clark III, Crozet Don Hudspeth, Valley View Keith Brock Coffman, Harrisonburg Marvin L. Isaacks, Arp Joseph Wesley Combs, Bristol Mark Jones, Livingston Luther Lee Day, Jr., Midland Bobby Judd, Lorena Dennis Deray Diehl, Penn Laird Leroy Korus, San Antonio David Allen Goad, Dry Fork George Henry Krejci, Jr., Needville George L. Jones, Gladys David Leonard, Liberty Neil T. Jones, Aroda Charles Light, Colorado City James Vernon Kindig, Waynesboro George Michael Maedgen, Troy Gary Eugene Kirby, Mechanicsville Dennis Marek, New Ulm Wayne Kirby, Mechanicsville Randy Gene Morgan, Call John Lee Leonard, Midland Garland Kirk Morris, Colorado City Cecil E. Meyerhoeffer, Jr., Jimmy Mumme, Hondo Mt. Crawford Glenn Alfred Neumann, Big Foot Shawn Seth Morgan, Abingdon Eugene Wilson Oatman, Jr., Loving William Preston Pointer, R. Douglas Parker, Fruitvale Mechanicsville Pete J. Pawelek, Jourdanton Kenneth Wayne Price, Marion Charles Egbert Pfluger, Jr., Alpha Everette Trivette, Ladysmith New Braunfels Jack Curtis Powell, Jourdanton WASHINGTON Darrell W. Richter, Pleasanton Wayne M. Allert, Rosalia Butch Ritz, Danbury Kirk E. Blair, Pasco Jack Morris Robinson, Austin Bill Allen Daniels, Longview John Albert Smith, Cleveland John Ferrell Elliot, Cheney John Sommerlatte, Industry Jeffrey Harlow, Pullman Larry Waddell Strain, Colorado City Russell H. Salvadalena, Pasco Steven Suchomel, Coupland Gary William Schultz, Reardan Nelson D. Teinert, Austin Wayne Donald Steffen, Monroe Kendall Lee Terrel, Follett Robert L. Stewart, Castle Rock Phillip Thompson, Moody Patrick N. Walen, Graham Randall Cayle Thompson, Pleasanton Teresa A. Walen, Graham Bill Tiller, Elysian Fields Garry H. Westerman, Warden Jimmy Eugene Titsworth, Cameron Lynn Upham, Olney WEST VIRGINIA Harold K. Venable, Frisco Barry Gene Booth, Peterstown Lanny Ross Vinson, Ovalo Thomas Oscar Douglass, Edwin B. Wade, Telephone Grimms Landing Raymond Waiser, Thrall David L. Eddy, Cassville Randall K. Watson, Sherman Gary Wayne Kelly, Ripley Steve R. Wilson, Weslaco Dale Eugene Mullenax, Dwight David York, Mt. Pleasant Horse Shoe Run William C. Robertson, Kingwood UTAH Gary D. Brown, Grantsville WISCONSIN Evan LaMar Crandall, Springville Wayne Wilson Berg, Markesan Wade Keven Jensen, Cleveland David J. Bloomer, Green Bay Edward Luke, Midway Ronald Culver, Oshkosh West Grant J. Rasmussen, Fillmore GerritW. DeBruin, Monroe Lawrence D. Warburton, Tremonton Dennis L. Dorn, Janesville 18 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Joseph R. Draxler, Glenwood City Dennis Elwin Post, Beloit Richard J. Dvorak, Whitelaw Dennis M. Rose, Reedsburg Don Alan Eggert, Shawano Larry Scheuer, Marshfield Dennis Ray Gerndt, Suring Stanley John Skic, Merrill Neal Curtis Halverson, Maiden Rock Thomas P. Venable, Janesville Dale A. Hanson, Barron Jerome Charles Wamsley, Cassville Dale Marvin Heck, Mondovi Keith Cyril Weisenbeck, Durand Allen D. Herrman, Sparta Franklin M. Wolosek, Plover Walter Emil Herrman, Barron Rudolph J. Kaderly, Juda WYOMING Larry Laufenberg, Cashton David A. Buell, Buffalo Randall J. Meyer, Loyal William Leo Ogg, Worland Gary Ott, Brillion Tim L. Pexton, Douglas Kenneth M. Pelzin, Marion Kent M. Taylor, Riverton

Honorary American Farmer Degree

Local advisors are often the "motivating force" behind FFA members who achieve high goals in the organization. Advisors are selected by the State Association on a criteria that encompasses the entire instructional program. Those men receiving this honor were:

Hill J. Beans, Jr., Francis Marion High School, Marion, Alabama Marvin C. Brand, Jr., Straughn High School, Andalusia, Alabama Elmer Jackson, West Limestone High School, Lester, Alabama Merwin M. Stearns, Mesa Community College, Mesa, Arizona James E. Gambill, Brookland High School, Brookland, Arkansas Karl Bakken, Fallbrook Union High school, Fallbrook, California Harvey S. Brockmeyer, Bakersfield High School, Bakersfield, California Neal W. Cook, Gait Joint Union High School, Gait, California Robert Tomasevich, College of Sequoias, Visalia, California Paul Starbuck, Meeker High School, Meeker, Colorado Eugene Doss, Mulberry High School, Mulberry, Florida James C. Lane, Lake Wales High School, Lake Wales, Florida William E. Priest, Jr., Gainesville Agribusiness Center, Gainesville, Florida Thomas S. Boles, Tompkins High School, Savannah, Georgia Edward H. Stowers, East Hall High School, Gainesville, Georgia Kongo Kimura, Pahoa High and Elementary School, Pahoa, Hawaii Joseph W. Berger, Charleston High School, Charleston, Illinois Carl L. Miller, Lena-Winslow High School, Lena, Illinois (Retired) John M. Olson, Hiawatha Community Unit High School, Kirkland, Illinois Kenneth Poole, Salem Community High School, Salem, Illinois Rudolph E. Engstrom, Lake City Community Schools, Lake City, Iowa Wayne A. Nattress, Buffalo Center Community School, Buffalo Center, Iowa A. Hugh Townsend, Clarion Community School, Clarion, Iowa Earl Anderson, Williamsburg High School, Williamsburg, Kansas Edward B. Zahn, lola Senior High School, lola, Kansas Gaylon Leach, Boyle County High School, Danville, Kentucky Louis M. Austin, Jr., Pearl River High School, Pearl River, Louisiana M. C. Dore, Erath High School, Erath, Louisiana Richard C. Weber, South Lafourche High School, Galliano, Louisiana Robert S. DeLauder, Jr., Damascus High School, Damascus, Maryland FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 19

Sherwood W. Webber, Norfolk County Agricultural School, Walpole, Massachusetts

Earl J. French, Reese High School, Reese, Michigan Lowell McMillen, Niles Senior High School, Niles, Michigan Martin Aaser, Worthington Senior High School, Worthington, Minnesota Vernon Bruhn, Waconia High School, Waconia, Minnesota C. Richard Forsline, Northfield Senior High School, Northfield, Minnesota Franklin F. Stuckey, New Ulm Public Senior High School, New Ulm, Minnesota Earl H. Beal, Laclede County Schools, Conway, Missouri Nelson H. Hall, Four Rivers Area Vocational-Technical School, Washington, Missouri Jim Riley, Cameron High School, Cameron, Missouri Louis Horton, Elko High School, Elko, Nevada Roger Harrison, Barker Central High School, Barker, New York Robert C. Watson, LaFayette Central High School, LaFayette, New York James H. Nayes, Jamestown High School, Jamestown, North Dakota Edmund Barnett, Waterford High School, Waterford, Ohio Raymond Griffith, River View High School, Warsaw, Ohio Joe Parrish, Caldwell High School, Caldwell, Ohio Duane A. Van Sickle, Buckeye Valley High School, Delaware, Ohio Bill Bearden, Okmulgee High School, Okmulgee, Oklahoma Ross Chandler, Agra High School, Agra, Oklahoma Keith C. Hoar, Pond Creek High School, Pond Creek, Oklahoma Calvin G. McMindes, Eldorado Public School, Eldorado, Oklahoma Roger E. Schoenborn, Clatsop County Intermediate Education District-Area Vocational Center, Astoria, Oregon Kemble H. Tellefson, Umapine High School, Milton-Freewater, Oregon Neal R. Burtner, Owen J. Roberts School District, Pottstown, Pennsylvania William M. Fredd, Solanco High School, Quarryville, Pennsylvania Charles Huffman, Liberty High School, Liberty, Pennsylvania C. W. Altman, Agua Dulce High School, Agua Dulce, Texas Coy R. Jaggers, DeKalb High School, DeKalb, Texas J. H. Merka, Rogers Public High School, Rogers, Texas Francis E. Todd, Vernon High School, Vernon, Texas F. Wendell Latham, Staffort Senior High School, Falmouth, Virginia Boyd W. Roller, Strasburg High School, Strasburg, Virginia William Lee Simmons, Fort Defiance High School, Fort Defiance, Virginia Lawrence E. Gross, Jr., Kelso High School, Kelso, Washington Clarence Pearson, Eatonville High School, Eatonville, Washington Robert D. Walen, Bethel High School, Spanaway, Washington Paul K. Silcott, Lewis County High School, Weston, West Virginia Donald J. Halada, Mishicot Community High School, Mishicot, Wisconsin Eugene King, Cadott High School, Cadott, Wisconsin Fred V. Meinke, Beaver Dam Senior High School, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Arland C. Carlson, Lander Valley High School, Lander, Wyoming

Honorary American Farmers

Honorary membership is also awarded to adults who have helped to advance agribusiness and the FFA, and who have given outstanding serv- ice on a national level. Those receiving this recognition were: 20 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Carl F. Albrecht, Associate Professor, Agricultural Engineering Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan Darrell Anderson, Supervisor, Agricultural Education, Denver, Colorado (President, NASAE) Terrell H. Bell, Commissioner, U. S. Office of Education, Washington, D.C. Raymond Brush, Administrator, American Association of Nurserymen, Inc., Washing- ton, D.C. Billy L. Conner, Consultant, Vocational Agricultural Education, Austin, Texas Irving C. Cross, Professor, Agricultural Education and Section Head, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado Philip B. Davis, Hitchita, Oklahoma (Retired Head Teacher Trainer, University of Oregon) G. Floyd Dye, Vocational Consultant, Somerset, Pennsylvania (Retired Chief, Western Region Vocational Educational Field Services, Pennsylvania) Vanik S. Eaddy, Associate Professor, Agricultural Education, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States, Washington, D.C. Gerald R. Fuller, Chairman and Professor, Department of Vocational Education and Technology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont (President, AATEA) John C. Gage, Gage, Tucker, Hodges, Kreamer, Kelly & Varner, Kansas City, Missouri Gordon Galbraith, Specialist, Agricultural Education, Salem, Oregon H. W. Green, State Supervisor, Agribusiness Education, Montgomery, Alabama Kenneth E. Hansen, State Supervisor, Vocational Research, Boise, Idaho Bill Harrison, President, NVATA, Inc., Leedey, Oklahoma Paul E. Hemp, Professor and Chairman, Agricultural Education, University of Illinois Urbana, Illinois Veronica A. Horan, Secy., Information Office, National FFA Center, Alexandria Virginia James H. Hutchinson, Professor of Agricultural Education, Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. Reuben L. Johnson, Director of Legislative Services, National Farmers Union, Wash ington, D.C. Elwood M. Juergenson, Davis, California (Retired Professor of Agricultural Education University of California) Charles L. Keels, State FFA Executive Secretary, Raleigh, North Carolina C. H. Kirkman, Cooperative Education Specialist, Farmers Cooperative Services, U. S Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. William L. Lewis, Director, Occupational and Adult Education, U. S. Office of Educa tion, Chicago, Illinois Arthur A. Link, Governor of North Dakota, Bismarck, North Dakota William J. Marshall, Officer in Charge, Livestock Market News at Kansas City, U. S Department of Agriculture, Kansas City, Missouri David R. McClay, Head, Department of Agricultural Education, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania Ronald A. Miller, Associate Editor, Johnson Hill Press, Inc., Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin Arthur L. Mitchell, Manager, Special Services, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Washington, D.C. Alvin E. Oliver, Executive Vice President, National Grain and Feed Association, Wash- ington, D.C. William F. Pierce, Deputy Commissioner of Education, U. S. Office of Education, Washington, D.C. Henry L. Poll's, Vocational Education Coordinator, Olympia, Washington Roy Edward Powell, Sr., Assistant State Supervisor, Agricultural Education, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia Laurence L. Pressly, Manager, Agribusiness Department, The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri Clare D. Rejahl, Executive Secretary, Wisconsin Association Vocational Agriculture Instructors, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin James H. Shepard, Coordinator, Vocational Instructional Programs, Little Rock, Arkansas George Stephens, Director of Farm Marketing Services, Bruce B. Brewer Advertising Inc., Kansas City, Missouri FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 21

Education, J. Y. Terry, Professor and Head, Department of Vocational Agricultural Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana Gil F. Thornton, Commissioner, State Department of Agriculture, Nashville, Tennessee William J. Tucker, Bellefonte, Pennnsylvania (Retired Area Supervisor, Vocational Agricultural Education, Pennsylvania) E. Van Vleck, Manager, Farm Journal's FFA Programs, FARM JOURNAL, Park Ridge, Illinois Robert L. Walston, Vice President, Funk Seeds International, Inc., Bloommgton, Illinois (Chairman, 1974 National FFA Foundation Sponsoring Committee) M. O. Whithed, Gilmanton, New Hampshire (Retired Manager, Agricultural Marketing, Electric Energy Association, New York) Eldon E. Witt, State FFA Executive Secretary, Roanoke, Illinois Willard H. Wolf, Professor Emeritus, Agricultural Education, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Parents of National FFA Officers

Garold B. Mayfield, Caney, Kansas Eleanor G. Mayfield, Caney, Kansas F. D. McCiure, San Augustine, Texas M. N. McCiure, San Augustine, Texas Richard C. Waybright, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania A. Lorraine Waybright, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Harold L. Mohler, Mulberry, Indiana Margaret Mohler, Mulberry, Indiana Harold A. Alvarez, Starke, Florida Myrtle J. Alvarez, Starke, Florida Karma Phillips, Springville, Utah

Parents of Star American Farmers

Ervin V. Vangraefschepe, New Raymer, Colorado Doris R. Vangraefschepe, New Raymer, Colorado Clifford O. Rohrscheib, Fairmount, Illinois Dorothy Rohrscheib, Fairmount, Illinois John R. Moyer, Newmanstown, Pennsylvania Mary K. Moyer, Newmanstown, Pennsylvania Don C. Day, Seminole, Texas

Parents of Star Agribusinessmen

Al Patke, Washington, Missouri Ethel Patke, Washington, Missouri Orlie D. Schwerdtfeger, Capron, Oklahoma Donna L. Schwerdtfeger, Capron, Oklahoma Jacob H. Musser, Quarryville, Pennsylvania Etta H. Musser, Quarryville, Pennsylvania Robert D. Walen, Graham, Washington Olive Joan Walen, Graham, Washington

Vocational Agriculture Instructors of National Officers

Ralph Field, Associate Professor, Department of Adult and Occupational Education Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas S. J. Nickleberry, Advisor, San Augustine FFA Chapter, San Augustine, Texas 22 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

George W. Glenn, Advisor, Gettysburg FFA Chapter, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania David B. Smith, Jr., Advisor, Interlachen FFA Chapter, Interlachen, Florida Dale Henze, Advisor, Rossville FFA Chapter, Rossville, Indiana

Distinguished Service Awards

To appropriately recognize those adults who have given outstanding service to the FFA on a State or Regional, and in some cases National level, the Distinguished Service Awards are awarded at the national con- vention. Those receiving the award were:

Lynn Adair, President, National Association of Farm Broadcasters, Salt Lake City, Utah Allan C. Atlason, Secretary, National Society of Live Stock Record Associations, Gurnee, Illinois Eugene P. Barns, Public Relations Manager, Farm Machinery, Massey-Ferguson Inc., Des Moines, Iowa W. Forrest Bear, Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota Robert C. Bjorklund, Farm Editor and Member, Editorial Board, Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Wisconsin Parke C. Brinkley, President, National Agricultural Chemicals Association, Washing- ton, D.C. Carrol Burchinal, State Director of Vocational Education, Bismarck, North Dakota R. C. Butler, Professor Emeritus, Agricultural Education, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia Luis Camara Capra, General Supervisor, Vocational Agriculture, Arecibo, Puerto Rico N. K. Carnes, St. Paul, Minnesota (Retired General Manager, Central Livestock Asso- ciation Inc.) Floyd Cashman, Rancher, Cheyenne, Wyoming Richard D. Chumney, Director, Division of Rural Resources, State Department of Agriculture, Trenton, New Jersey William M. Dickson, President, The First National Bank, Ronceverte, West Virginia Donna Dunwoody, Dunwoody Convention Reporting, Shawnee Mission, Kansas Omar H. Ergle, Jr., Director, Vocational Education, Pasco County, Dade City, Florida Wm. A. Euren, Fargo, North Dakota (Retired Professor of Music, North Dakota State University) H. Dean Griffin, Associate Director, American Vocational Association, Washington D.C. Ferneva P. Harms, Secretary, BOAE, U. S. Office of Education, Kansas City, Missouri Evelyn Hood, Secretary, DVTE, U. S. Office of Education, Kansas City, Missouri Irwin B. Johnson, Director of Information, Farmers Home Administration, Washington D.C. Hartley V. Martin, Executive Director, The New York FFA Leadership Training Founda tion, Inc., Central Square, New York John H. Mitchell, Professor and Head, Department of Vocational Agricultural Educa tion, University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, Louisiana Kenneth Lee Owen, Supervisor, Vocational Education, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Olympia, Washington Clyde N. Rogers, Consultant, CROP, Columbus, Ohio Stanley D. Sahlstrom, Provost, University of Minnesota Technical College, Crookston, Minnesota T. Wilson Sparks, Executive Vice President, Mid-South Fair, Memphis, Tennessee Robert L. Uttley, Manager, AMOCO, Amoco Public Affairs, Western Area Office, Shawnee Mission, Kansas Keith L. Wilkey, Farm Editor, Quincy Herald-Whig, Quincy, Illinois Harold O. Wilson, Education Advisor, Governor's Office, Sacramento, California Frank J. Wolff, Assistant Superintendent, Nassau BOCES, Westbury, New York FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 23

VIP Citations

There are many individuals, who from the beginning of the FFA, have continued to give support to the organization "over and beyond the call of duty." This year marks the fifth year that long-time friends and great supporters of the FFA have been recognized with a "VIP Award." The five distinguished gentlemen were:

G. F. Ekstrom, Sun City, Arizona S. Archie Holdridge, Madison, Connecticut Walter S. Newman, Blacksburg, Virginia H. W. Sanders, Blacksburg, Virginia Louis M. Sasman, Madison, Wisconsin

Distinguished Service Citations

There are many organizations which have provided outstanding serv- ice to the National FFA Organization. They have contributed personnel, time and money to further the aims and purposes of the Future Farmers of America. This year, those organizations receiving this Citation were:

Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, Kansas City, Missouri Keep America Beautiful, Inc., New York, New York

FFA honors adults for outstanding support 24 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

National Officer Addresses

LIFE IS A CONTEST

G. MARK MAYFIELD, National FFA President

Tonight I find it impossible to accumulate the words that would cor- rectly express this year. The only appropriate fashion would be with soar- ing rockets, waving flags, confetti, streamers, fireworks in the sky, and music provided by the band. Space will not

permit that. Even though it would be fitting, for the last 364 days have been nothing but skyrockets and fanfare never witnessed before by Mark Mayfield. And during this year of

parade and celebration, I have become better acquainted, and now better understand the breed of people that roam this country. I've seen from "Prince to Pauper"; I've seen the mishaps — the miracles; mansions to slums;

inequality to justice; and I do not claim to be knowledgeable because of what my eyes have

seen. But I do know I have seen American people that regardless of race or creed, regard- less of social status or background, they were people that were all-knowing, people with supremacy, people that had conquered the earth and challenged the infinity of space, people that, rich and poor alike, lived and thrived and feasted on competition!!! That's

right . . . competition. The epitome of motives. And enough value cannot

be placed on that quality, for competition will . . .

Make an average man great, and transform a lover into hate. It'll turn a failure into success, and make a business give its best. It'll cause an athlete's adrenalin to flow, and force us to learn all we can know. Jim Ryun would run against it; Al Capone would gun against it. If you don't believe in competition, your faith must lie in superstition. Competition: Farmers will go to seed for it, Congressmen will plead for it. Competition is the key — It makes America a DEMOCRACY.

Henry Ford II said that competition was the keen cutting edge of busi- ness that continually shaved away at costs. Now that is the informative, boring and practical application of competition. The emphasis of com- petition should be placed on the philosophical aspect; in one's mind. By that I mean, "Who is your number one opponent?" Doyle Waybright in his retiring address said it earlier: "I have but one enemy, he is me." Com- pete against yourself. I didn't say for yourself; I said against yourself. You are the only one, besides the Almighty Being, that knows your limita- FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 25 tions and knows when you are capable of more. Many people look else- where for someone to compete against, that's not necessary. The virtue of all achievement is victory over oneself, those who know this victory can never know defeat.

It has been said that "anyone can win". That phrase standing alone is just invalid. Anyone can win, unless there happens to be a second entry.

Then it takes perseverance, inner drive, and values placed on competition and winning. The immortal Vince Lombardi, former coach of the Green Bay Packers, said that "Winning isn't everything— it's the only thing." His son said that he was misquoted and actually said "Winning isn't every- thing—the will to win is." Regardless of which one you prefer to believe, it is quite obvious that Vince Lombardi, a mover of men, placed high priority on a competitive mind. President Ford, in an interview as Vice President, said that in some areas of life— like politics—you don't even get a chance to prove yourself until you win. He too places high priority on a competitive mind.

This year the six of us competed against each other; striving for excellence, trying to speak the best, remember the most, or leave the best impression. But we did it with a smile on our face, and compassion in our heart, hoping that each other would do better. By a teammate doing well there was a high standard to compete against. If I could single out one

it moment this year when I prayed and hoped for something the most, would be at a function when another national officer was speaking. I had nothing to do but sit and observe. But I sat nervously, and I observed in a cold sweat, wringing my hands, hoping that the national officer, a brother of mine, would perform well, speak fluently, and praying that his audience be attentive. It was this deep competition—yet compassion for one an- other that made this team of national officers superb. Pardon my partiality.

Compete yet Cooperate. For some reason people don't associate the two together. It's not a prerequisite that to cooperate you must all be alike. This year all six of us definitely had separate personalities. Sure we had our differences; sure we had arguments; sure we didn't always come to a unanimous decision. But we still did compete. Keith competed for knowl- edge; Doyle sought sincerity; Fred wanted enthusiasm; Jay's quest was for uniqueness; Jim saw a dire need for friendship. And how we did compete, but we competed together. The greatest sight to one's eyes at a boxing match is when the fight is over and the boxers gather at the center of the ring, and loser puts his arms around the champion giving him a congratula- tory hug. It's comforting at a track meet to see the opponents at the starting blocks, shaking each other's hands, hoping for them to do well. At a Board meeting, what could be better than seeing the executives with smiles on their faces after they had completed a heated debate against each other on items like department priorities and budget cuts. Cooperate, still but Compete . . . Compete . . . Compete . . . and never be satisfied with anything less than you are capable of. Don't be less than you can be; don't be less than you can dream. 26 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

You're gonna win, and you're gonna lose, and even some are gonna get rained out. But remember that life is a contest and life lived without competition is nothing more than life lived in mediocrity and calmness and stale dormancy. A far cry from UTOPIA.

One year ago I said that the FFA was so big that you or I, individually,

couldn't ruin it. So big that you or I, individually couldn't make it. But that

it depended upon the actions of you and I together. If we will but choose to compete together for the highest reaching, this organization can prosper to heights never dreamed before. I've seen those heights this year, for this

year of competition has been. . . .

a season without end, It's been days spent with a friend.

At times, I admit, I had doubt; But all in all, it's been like a championship bout. It's been the icing on the cake; It's been like springtime at the lake. It's meant running in the rain; And going to a baseball game. It's meant being delayed by storm, or hail or snow; And being so tired, you didn't care or really know. So we played a lot of cards When the days were pretty long and pretty hard. It's been those hours that grew long; It's been the six of us laughing, singing a song. My patience, at times, grew nigh But still, this year of my life is a high. It's been renewing a love for me, And learning how to ski. It's been a year of Brotherhood,

Where I hoped I did the things I should. It's been like a Super Bowl Victory; And time to shape my destiny. It's been like owning a Grand Champion Steer. And now time to leave, and shed a tear.

That poem you probably couldn't understand much, because you see

it has a personal touch. Ladies and gentlemen, I make no false pretenses,

it is very difficult to leave an organization that for the last seven years has

literally been my life. But I leave, knowing the torch shall be passed to more able bodies, better hands, and wiser minds. Asking that they too shall see the virtue to Compete. Life is too short not to do so, and some-

how this evening I have failed once again to say how I feel and transmit my emotions. Possibly by using the artistic and beautiful Indian sign

language, as I did many times this year, I can better release the thoughts that are drowning in my mind.

Life is a contest wrapped among chances and mysteries to make it beautiful and unique. Like a sleek antelope competing against the mysterious leopard for survival. And like the highest mountain, this contest provides victory not for all, only those who can compete and still work together, and only those who will to conquer themselves. The true competitor has a love for his fellowman. In

childhood, I remember competing to reach the highest branch

in the tallest tree. I feared not of falling for I had not

witnessed enough of life to know my limits. But now I

know I can fall, and if I did, how many true competitors would be there to pick me up. The true competitor never questions his own strength, and never becomes idle. For Man is like water; it may flow or be still. If it flows it shall grow, but if it stands too long, it will harbor no life at all. Compete for God, for Country, for brother, for you and may we all harvest a bountiful victory for tomorrow. God Bless You All FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 27

HE AIN'T HEAVY...

FRED McCLURE, National FFA Secretary

We have tried to bring peace to our world. We have tried with guns, ships, planes, and rockets. We have tried with food, farm machinery, medicine, and clothes. But we have failed in all our efforts to secure that lasting peace.

There are two ways to secure a lasting peace in our world. One is to destroy it com- pletely so there would no longer be a world. close we And I doubt if many of us realize how are growing to doing that just every day. The other way to bring peace is for you and me and

everyone else to lead love-filled lives. I know that seems childish to a good many of you. It's too simple for some and too complicated for

others. Be that as it may, it is still the only alternative to destruction.

Today, I am writing the final words of the book entitled, "What the FFA Has Meant to Me." Needless to say, words can express only a small

portion of FFA's significance in my life. I am forever grateful that this chapter has shown me

how difficult it is for some to accept the fact that we were placed here not to speak of our love but to show it. Love is the single most abundant ingredient in the overall composition of man.

Not too long ago, a 26-year-old black ex-Marine named Curtis Stokes was seriously injured because "he got involved," and helped a fellow human being for the seventh time in four years. Stokes was admitted to a hospital in New York with knife wounds of the face and chest. His spine, twisted in the brawl with the three muggers, will require surgery before he can walk again.

You might be interested to know that during the last "four years Stokes has fought and captured four would-be muggers in a subway; stopped a rape attempt in the Bronx; captured a man turning in a false fire alarm; disarmed a man pointing a gun at a policeman; and taken a knife away from a man attacking a policeman. In case you're wondering, none of the people Stokes has saved from harm and possible death have befriended him. What have his efforts toward good done for him?

What is happening to us and our country? That's a big question and just as important as it is big. There's an answer and really it isn't too complicated. We have left out the most important part of our life too much—a belief in the power of love for our fellowman. When you settle on it, that's just about the size of it.

Whether we like it or not, part of the blame falls on you and me. We've been slack, even lazy, in trying to build an atmosphere of love and 28 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

concern. We've taught hatred because of color of skin or lack of educa-

tion or too much money or just pure selfishness! We've done it indirectly

sometimes but that doesn't make it any less deadly.

Fellow FFA members, we live in a great country where thousands of men have lived and died in support of the democracy America has afforded each of us. These individuals have fought for our flag, our fellowman, and our freedoms and rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Freedoms of speech, the press, our right to protect ourselves, and to as- semble for this very Convention have all been dreams turned into realities. Most importantly of all, we can share in shaping our own world by each man having one vote, another privilege we sometimes abuse. Yet, we have all of these freedoms because of our patriots' love for America!

In FFA, we again sometimes abuse our privileges for I regret the

times that I visited FFA chapters where I found advisors, maybe due to their lack of understanding or faith in their members, who failed to give their members a chance to achieve by having 100% FFA membership.

On the other hand, I regret the number of FFA members that I saw who neither cared for their chapters, themselves, nor the individuals around them, and failed to receive the opportunities that FFA offered to them for the asking and their total commitment.

I regret, too, the number of states that I visited where state staffs' had complete leadership of the FFA, with state officers who were not given

their chance for growth. By the same token, I regret the number of state officers who refused to gain the full benefits of FFA by unendingly giving their best. Now, this is not an attempt to paint a dark picture of the FFA,

yet it is the task of facing reality, of facing life. Life has but one desire, and that is to fulfill itself. Therefore, we must constantly give our best. If you want to be thoroughly used up when you die, the harder you work, the more you'll live. Life is no brief candle for me; it is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn

brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. One year ago, the six of us were given the torches of this organization. I hope that through my small and meager contributions that I was able to share with you my philosophies of love and happiness in life. Life is too short for us to live it with no purpose in mind, nor without joy in our lives.

Curtis Stokes helped the man who was being attacked. Do you know what the victim did when Stokes aided him? He ran! HE RAN!! Stokes had something to say about it all, however. He said, "I still believe in people and I love them." Sound familiar?

Yes, I guess the final chapter in this book should be entitled "LOVE"; for God, for one another, for the FFA, and for ourselves. It's a marvelous chance for growth to be members of the FFA, receiving the chances to learn, to mature, to care, to love, and to realize as my five brothers and I have learned that life is no brief candle leading us to who knows where. The welfare of those around us should be our concern, and we must share.

For life is an experience where we should care, because He Ain't Heavy . . . He's My Brother. FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 29

The road is long, with many a winding turn, that leads us to who knows where, who knows where. But I'm strong, strong enough to carry him; He ain't heavy, He's my brother. So on we go, his welfare is my concern, no burden is he to bear,

we'll get there. For I know he would not encumber me. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother. If I'm laden at all, I'm laden with sadness that everyone's heart isn't filled with the gladness of love for one another. It's a long, long road, from which there is no return. While we're on our way to there, why not share? And the load doesn't weigh me down at all; He ain't heavy, He's my brother.

A STORY EVER NEW

KEITH MOHLER, National FFA Vice President, Central Region

I think that one of the world's most beautiful buildings is the famous one situated at Turtle Bay in New York City. You've all seen pictures of it. It's the huge slab-sided monolith where so many of the world's dreams have been born and where many of them die. It's the United Nations Building. There's prob- ably no building in the world with more right to

have an air of gloom hanging over it. So many good ideas and noble intentions have been shouted down or vetoed within its walls. But yet, on these gray walls there hangs a plaque, with a message of hope. The plaque says,

"What a privilege it is to live today and tomor- row."

Yes, what a privilege it is for us to be able to live today and tomorrow, for the story of tomorrow is an exciting one. It's a fast paced, ever changing, ever challenging Story Ever New. For the past twelve months life has certainly been a story ever new for the six of us. In the space of just two days after the time the six of us ran up to this stage we had a new title, new plans, new clothes, new friends and new goals for ourselves. And it kept up all year long as we jumped at new opportunities and met thousands of new people.

For sure, this year we've lived an exciting story ever new— but do you think that as this convention closes we'll quietly return to our homes, farms and schools and settle down to living a story ever old? Do you really think that any of you here in this convention hall —whether you be a green- hand or an American Farmer, a native of New York City or a rider of the Texas plains—need be satisfied with living a Story Ever Old? Of course not! For all of us life must be a story ever new. A story of new people to get to know—a story of new opportunities to test our skill against. Indeed, what a privilege it is to live today and tomorrow. What a privilege it is to meet new people, find new opportunities.

One of life's most pleasant experiences is meeting new people and making new friends. This fast paced current of life confronts us with new 30 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

faces as surely as a rock rubs against new rocks as it's washed down a mountain streambed. There's no shortage of people, and the new people

we meet should be an important part of our lives. I wish all of us would take time to forget ourselves once in awhile and show a genuine interest in the people we meet. Will Rogers never met a man he didn't like and most of us can learn a lesson from the plain talking Oklahoma cowboy. The only source of new ideas and new perspectives is new people. We learn so much; we grow so much when we involve ourselves with new people, and learn to enjoy this important part of the story ever new.

There are some who say there are no Horatio Algers anymore, that any boy cannot be President, that there are no big opportunities left. People whine that in this bigger, faster paced, increasingly more difficult world one person can no longer make his weight felt or his voice heard.

Quite simply, that is not so. The world wouldn't last long if nobody answered new challenges and new opportunties. Our very democracy is based on the conviction that there are extraordinary abilities in ordinary people—people like you and me and about 450,000 other FFA members. We just wouldn't be making the most of our story ever new if we didn't use our extraordinary abilities to do some extraordinary things.

It's surely an exciting story, this "Story Ever New." Really I think the excitement of all this newness would be too much for any of us were it not for a strong foundation to base it all on. We do have our foundations and they're solid ones indeed. The foundation of a parent's love, and a recognition and return of that love. The foundation of a democratic society and the patriotism and commitment that will keep it that way. Above all, the foundation of a belief in Almighty God and a humble submission of our will to His. These are the foundations on which you and I can build our "Story Ever New."

It's not an easy task but it's a worthwhile one. After all it really is a privilege to live today and tomorrow. There's always a new world of chal- lenge and opportunity. America is calling:

Give me men to match my mountains Give me men to match my plains Men with empires in their purpose And new ideas in their brains.

To answer challenges like these, you and I will accept the chance for growth, stick our heads up above the crowd, and write our own life's chapter in Our Story Ever New,

"I HAVE BUT ONE ENEMY"

DOYLE WAYBRIGHT, National FFA Vice President, North Atlantic Region

I've got a million friends Ain't got one to spare

I have only one enemy And he travels with me everywhere FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 31

Elmer Grim, a farmer back in the hills of West Virginia, shared that his farm last bit of advice with me before I walked out the barndoor on heart November on a snowy morning. That message I have tried to take to myself and have carried with me everywhere I've gone this past year. It speaks so well of

the experiences that I have lived through as a Future Farmer member and during my travels as a national officer to all corners of this great nation of ours.

Even though I have been a member of the

FFA for seven years, I have grown up with the FFA all my life. As many of you well know, my father was a very active FFA member some 20 years ago. Since that time his active member- ship has discontinued, but my father's enthu- siasm, whole-hearted support, memorable ex- periences, and love for the organization is

always active. It is a part of his life and it is a part of mine. Who would have ever thought that a shy Greenhand as myself would go on to be- come a chapter, state, and finally American Farmer. Who would have thought that an unpopular chapter officer as my- self would have gone on to become a state president and later to reach my highest goal in the FFA, that of being a national officer of an organiza- tion for you and me. To serve in this capacity has been indeed an honor and privilege for me. When I was appearing before the nominating com- mittee one year ago, I thought that I was well qualified to hold this position, but little did I realize how limited those qualifications were. During this year, I've tried to complete the fourth line of our motto, Living To Serve.

At the same time, I was probably doing just as much as the first line says,

Learning To Do, if not more than the fourth. Earlier I said that the FFA is part of my life. This year has been a totally new life for me. Personally,

I've changed and grown a great deal. Hopefully, some of my new life I have left with many of you wherever we have met. One of the many things that I missed the most this year at home was the waking in the morning to the chirping and singing of the birds. That of walking from our home to the farming buildings a short distance up the road. I missed that walk- ing to work every morning, the dew on the grass collecting on the toes of my shoes, the cool, fresh air further awakening me, and the rising sun glowing in my face. It seemed like every living creature was awakening to a new day. On more mornings than not, \ would help a cow to deliver her new born calf. This in particular was always an encouraging way to start out the day. Watching that new born calf coming into this strange and different world from that of the perfect environment inside its mother's body. Gasping for that first breath of air and within minutes struggling to get on its legs with the stimulation of its mother's licking. After many failures at attempting to stand on all four, the calf would finally develop confidence and strength to stand up. Now standing proudly with his head high in the air accepting things as they were, he began to explore for that first suckle of milk. SCENES OF 47TH NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION-

34 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

We too, many times, come into strange places and meet strange people just as that calf being born into a strange and different world. The one thing that impressed me the most this year was the people I've met.

How important it is that we are able to communicate with each other for many of the problems we encounter in this world come from that lack of communication. Just simply through talking we can learn of the facts and clear up any misunderstandings.

Did you ever have one of those days when it seemed like everything was going wrong? The day seemed like a complete failure but yet when you reflect on the day's happenings you learned something even from those failures. When you can learn from those failures, your day is suc- cessful, just like that newborn calf failing at attempting to stand. We, too, can become successful but only through many trials and tribulations.

One of the rules that makes for a better chance of success is that of gaining confidence in yourself like the newborn calf having confidence that he could stand on his four legs. Taking on the attitude that you can achieve your goal and being constantly optimistic even during times of disappointment that is what leads to confidence in your abilities. Often times we, just like that newborn calf, are going to have to accept things as they are. Willing to keep on working in spite of what may have happened to us just a few moments ago. These four things lead to conquering enemy number one; being able to communicate with each other, being able to make success out of fail- ure, being able to have confidence in oneself, and being able to accept things as they are. That new life that I've experienced has come about for me by discovering these four abilities among the many others needed. This new life I've gained through this organization of Future Farmers of America. I've been a future farmer for the past 21 years. In the very near future I will be putting the learning, the doing, the earning, and the living to actual practice of being a farmer. During my many travels this past year, I came upon this anonymous poem entitled, "My Farm."

My farm, to me is not just land Where bare, unpainted buildings stand. To me, my farm is nothing less, Than all created loveliness.

My farm's a haven . . . here dwells rest,

Security and happiness. . . . Whate'er befalls the world outside Here faith, and hope, and love abide.

My farm is not where I must soil My hands in endless, dreary toil. But where, through seed and swelling pod, I've learned to walk and talk with God.

May the new day dawn when each and every one of us have learned to walk and talk with God.

YOU CAN'T GET THERE FROM HERE

JAY PHILLIPS, National FFA Vice President, Pacific Region

Breathe deep the gathering gloom, Watch lights fade from every room. Bedsitter people look back and lament, FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 35

Another day's useless energy spent. Impassioned lovers wrestle as one. Lonely man cries for love and has none. New mother picks up and suckles her son, Senior citizens wish they were young. Cold hearted orb that rules the night. Removes the colours from our sight. Red is gray and yellow white, But we decide which is right. And which is an illusion???

Look around you, all you see is darkness and with it comes the feeling of solitude. Do you feel comfortable or does the dark frighten you? Do you see the darkness as a friend or as a foe? The way in which you answer these two questions could show well your atti-

tudes about life and what it holds in store for you.

Many of you are stumbling around in the dark trying to discover the true meaning of life. You are searching for a solitary, lighted candle to illuminate the way and just when it is within your grasp, a wind comes up and blows out the flame. So you continue searching, aimlessly, endlessly. And some of you know what you want out of life. You carry a lighted candle and a box of matches to avoid stumbling in the dark. In- stead of searching for light you look for the doorways to success because you view darkness as an obstacle that doesn't exist.

Day to day, we come upon obstacles that threaten our existence and divert us to secon- dary goals and dreams. We are content to listen to people who constantly tell us, "You can't get there from here." All to often we place our trust in people that are stumbling in the dark, content to grab for the moon because they can't reach for the stars. It's very easy

to lose sight of the best and settle for less but we can't let it happen. In order to succeed we need to reach high to attain excellence and it's going to be difficult. Many times we must work as individuals to reach our goals

and it takes a desire to succeed if we have to be alone to do it. The price is often times very high, so high in fact that the temptation to quit making payments often overpowers us and our goal is repossessed by the bank. We're not here to sit back and wait for someone else to do everything for us. But very often we hear "Life is the unknown and the unknowable, except that we are put into this world to eat, to stay alive as long as we possibly

can." Those, who believe it are easy to spot, they're much like an oyster. They sit in their secure little spot, not concerned about anything and going nowhere in a big hurry.

It is up to us to improve from day to day. We need to work hard and be like an eagle constantly soaring to new heights, not like an oyster. Those that go farthest in life have learned that "when one school is finished its time for another to begin." 36 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

As we strive for improvement we will begin to reach a total under- standing of our position in life. It takes time to understand that "perfect speed is simply being there." When we begin to understand, our eyes will be opened to the possibility of what we might someday become.

When we see our potential it becomes easy to help others realize theirs. Only after we help those around us to achieve, can we feel the true satisfaction of success and see the big picture and understand everything we've gone through. In the end we will see how wrong, those people were for telling us "You can't get there from here." They never could because they didn't try but you will because hard work got you there. Finally we will come to the total understanding we are seeking. We will know that our limits don't exist because they are only physical. "Don't believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you'll see the way to fly." We can be anything we set our minds to be, we only have to want to be —

Be as a page that aches for a word which speaks on a theme that is timeless. Sing as a song in search of a voice that is silent.

Close your eyes for a minute and search back into your mind. Find those desires, those goals, those dreams, and concentrate on them. You see,

"you can get there from here", it just takes a little extra effort to be. . . .

Lost on a painted sky where the clouds are hung for the poet's eye you may find him if you find him. There on a distant shore by the wings of dreams through an open door you may know him if you may. Be as a page that aches for a word which speaks on a theme that is timeless while the sun god will make for your day. Sing as a song in search of a voice that is silent and the one God will make for your way.

WHY NOT?

JIMMY ALVAREZ, National FFA Vice President, Southern Region

It's with a bit of uncertainty that I make my final remarks as an FFA officer. Should it be my farewell to the organization and the people that

it, have become so much a part of me? Certainly, I want that to be a part of FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 37

but there are some other thoughts I'd like to share with you.

This year has been full of much excitement

and new acquaintances. I feel very fortunate to

have had such an opportunity. I owe my deepest thanks to all of you who have been a part of this year, but most of all to the five other officers who have shared every part of this year with me.

This year, more than any other year in our lives, has been a chance for us to grow and mature. That's one of the reasons we've chosen "A Chance For Growth" as the theme for next year. But its not only a chance for growth to national officers or state officers. It's a chance for growth to every FFA member who's willing

to take advantage of it.

This year more than anything else has given me a chance to get to know people, and to know about people. So many things have changed in the past few years. Such great transitions have taken place in so many areas that we've be- come convinced that people have changed just as much. But this year I've come to realize that people are still just people, everywhere you go. They have the same basic needs and dreams that people have had for generations past. They still need to be part of what's going on. They dream of enjoying life and making an even better one for those who follow. They hope to make some kind of contribution to this world, to leave it a better place than it was when they entered it. But, because of some of the same problems that have faced peoples of all times, lack of self-confidence and drive, they sometimes fall short of the goal.

Everyone wants to excel, but few can give themselves that extra push they need. Few believe they can excel. We spend half of our time wishing for things that we could have, if we didn't spend half our time wishing. Dreams are fine, but it takes action to make those dreams a reality.

So far you might notice I haven't made any definite points. But there are two ideas I've had in mind. First of all, we're all just people. Each person is an individual having their own problems and talents, but we're still just people. And being like everyone else makes you just as good, just as valuable as anyone else. Don't ever think you have to fit yourself into a pattern that someone else has made. Be who and what you are and let that be your pattern.

And my final challenge to you is to be a mover of people. Multitudes are out there longing to be inspired. That's not too hard to do because people want to be inspired, they want to be excited. But it takes a little more effort to move, to motiviate those people into action.

Too many people have stopped moving forward, they've become stagnant and they need help to get going again. Where will help come 38 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

from? Someone has to do it. That someone could be you. You might say

"Why should I spend my time helping those other people? Why is it my

responsibility? Why should I be a mover of people?"

To those questions, as I've done so many times before, I will answer simply "Why not?". You can move people but there's a good chance you

never will. You ask me why? I answer, "Why not?".

AGRICULTURAL CAREER SHOW

The Agricultural Career Show was established as a part of the Na- tional FFA Convention in 1966, adding a new dimension to the week-long activities. Professional societies, trade associations and educational in- stitutions provide career materials and counseling in all areas of agribusi- ness. During its nine year existence, thousands of FFA members and ad- visors have been able to assemble the latest information available on career opportunities in the broad field of agribusiness and natural re- sources. In addition, high school counselors and school administrators become more familiar with the industry of agriculture through personal contact with the professionals manning the attractive career show exhibits.

Lists of the Agricultural Career Show exhibitors, with their addresses are maintained at the National FFA Center, and made available to voca- tional agriculture teachers. These exhibitors make career materials avail- able throughout the year.

EXHIBITORS

Action/Peace Corps AG Communicators, American Association of Agricultural College Editors, American Agricultural Editors' Association, National Agri-Marketing Association, National Association of Farmer Broadcasters American Association of Nurserymen & National Landscape Association American Fisheries Society American Seed Trade Association American Society of Agricultural Engineers American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America American Society For Horticultural Science Census of Agriculture, Social and Economic Statistics Administration Cooperative Extension Service Electric Energy Association Farm & Industrial Equipment Institute National Association of Animal Breeders National Grain and Feed Association National Society of Live Stock Record Associations National Vocational Agricultural Teachers' Association, Inc. North Central Kansas Area Vo-Tech School Society of American Florists Society of American Foresters The Wildlife Society U.S. Department of Labor FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 39

Committee Reports

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

We, the Nominating Committee, do hereby submit the following can- didates for National FFA Office for the year 1974-75. After having given careful and deliberate consideration to all applications, we offer the follow- ing slate of candidates for the delegates consideration:

President ALPHA EVERETTE TRIVETTE, Ladysmith, Virginia Secretary SCOTT McKAIN, Crothersville, Indiana Vice President, Central Region GERRIT W. DeBRUIN, Monroe, Wisconsin Vice President, North Atlantic Region GARY WAYNE KELLEY, Ripley, West Virginia Vice President, Pacific Region PETER GIACOMINI, Ferndale, California Vice President, Southern Region BART BRASHEARS, Alex, Oklahoma

Treasurer J. M. CAMPBELL, Richmond, Virginia

Executive Secretary WM. PAUL GRAY, Washington, D. C.

Advisor H. N. HUNSICKER, Washington, D. C.

Respectfully submitted, BOBBY TUCKER, Texas (Chairman) CLAYTON NORRED, JR., Louisiana RUSSELL MEDUSKI, Massachussetts RANDY YARBRO, Tennessee SUSAN K. MULLIKIN, New York RON CARLISLE, Michigan JAMES L. THOMPSON, New Mexico RICK McDANIEL, Ohio ALBERT B. CORNABY, Utah

AUDITING COMMITTEE

We the members of the 1974 Auditing Committee, after careful ex- amination of the materials presented to us by the National FFA Office con- cerning the financial operation of the FFA for the fiscal year July 1, 1973, through June 30, 1974, hereby make the following recommendations:

1. That the audit report of Stoy, Malone and Company be accepted as being true and accurate. 2. That in order for the National FFA Organization to uphold its traditionally high standards, the 1974 delegate body take positive action concerning the increase in national FFA membership dues. 3. That due to the ever increasing operations of the National FFA Center effort be devoted to locating funds for the expansion of the National FFA Center. 4. That the national organization commend Mr. Julian M. Campbell, National FFA Treasurer; Mr. Edward J. Hawkins, FFA Executive Director, and the national staff for their continuing efforts and interests for the betterment of the National FFA Organization.

Respectfully submitted, DeLON CLARKSEAN, Minnesota (Chairman) TODD DYSLE, Ohio MARK SALISBURY, Rhode Island STEVE STAFFORD, Tennessee 40 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE

We, the members of the Bicentennial Committee, submit the follow- ing recommendations for participation in our Nation's 200th Anniversary Celebration through the Bicentennial Environmental Program (BICEP).

BICEP is the joint Bicentennial program of the six major Vocational Student Organizations, and has recently received official recognition from the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration in Washington, D. C.

Working under the 1974-75 BICEP theme, "Founded on Pride . . . Strength- ened on Service," the FFA Bicentennial Committee urges all members to create, develop and participate in programs which are designed to honor the past, celebrate the present and plan for the future. While BICEP pro- grams may be similar in nature to BOAC programs, we recommend the establishment of a separate national contest for the Bicentennial to com- mence during the national convention in 1976. We suggest that the National FFA Office, after approval from the Board of Directors, work with the Bicentennial Commission to formulate such a program. The committee makes the following recommendations in each area:

Local

1. Chapters take the responsibility of initiating activities in their area. 2. Use local Bicentennial Commissions in the development of programs. 3. Work with local organizations and elected officials in the promotion of BICEP. 4. Include the Bicentennial in the Chapter Program of Activities. 5. Publicize the activities and achievements of local Bicentennial activities.

State

1. Urge state associations to work with respective State Bicentennial Commissions. 2. Include Bicentennial Activities in the State Program of Activities. 3. Utilize chapter visits to inform chapters of BICEP. 4. Use state-wide publications to recognize achievements of chapter and state BICEP activities.

5. We encourage cooperation with the other vocational student organizations. 6. Invite State Bicentennial Commissions and staffs to participate in State FFA Conventions and joint vocational leadership training conferences where such conferences exist.

National

1. Devote time at the Washington Conference Programs to discuss Bicentennial activities and their importance. 2. Include BiCEP information and presentations in "Trust '75" meetings. 3. Put a detailed article concerning BICEP in The National FUTURE FARMER. 4. Encourage the NVATA and the FFA Alumni to help develop and assist in the formation of Bicentennial programs at all levels. 5. Distribute a chapter action booklet concerning the Bicentennial, to be developed by the National FFA Office to all FFA chapters. 6. Devote at least one full session of the 1976 national convention to the Bicen- tennial. 7. Hold a state officers' tour of the USA ending at Valley Forge in the summer of 1976, followed by the State Presidents' Conference in Washington, D. C. 8. The National Organization of Future Farmers of America, officers, staff and others cooperate with Agricultural Promotions, Inc. in whatever way possible, except FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 41

financial, to promote, publicize and participate in the observance of the Bicen- tennial.

a. We recommend an FFA Day be established if possible at Farmfest. b. Encourage FFA exhibits from state associations.

c. Have a representative from each state at Farmfest's FFA Day.

International

We encourage all FFA associations to work during the Bicentennial period to develop greater international understanding through the following steps: 1. Cooperate with existing People-to-People Programs. 2. Support the development of an International Agricultural Youth Convention. 3. Expand the Work Experience Abroad Program progressively throughout the Bicentennial era.

Respectfully submitted,

JON SCHOLL, Illinois (Chairman) STEPHEN FUSSELL, Louisiana STEVE BROWN, Missouri JON A. CHANDLER, Oregon JOEL STROUD, New York KELLY HODGE, South Dakota DANNY SCHIFFER, Florida

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE

We, the International Program Committee for 1974, submit the follow- ing goal for 1974-75:

Encourage by every means available the need to publicize and pro- mote to the Nation the excellent work and foreign relations accomplish- ments of the FFA International Program, and to encourage the participation of more Future Farmers in this program. To accomplish this important goal, we recommend the following:

1. The FFA, at the local, state and national levels publish a listing of the returning American exchangees and those students who are presently on the exchange program in our country in order to make their availability known for presentations to chapters, state conventions, the national organization and local adult organ- izations. 2. Make available a standard slide presentation to the state for use in WEA pro- motion at state FFA functions. 3. Encourage all states to have a WEA booth at state activities such as conventions, fairs and leadership conferences, and to have WEA personnel and/or exchangees there to talk with the members present. 4. Encourage state associations and the national organization to seek sponsors for WEA participants. 5. Encourage local, state and national recognition of international participants. 6. Explore the possibility of the major television networks presenting a program on the FFA International Program. 7. Make effective use of local TV and radio farm shows publicizing the WEA program. Also make use of local talk shows as a means of publicity. 8. Encourage national participation in the International Agricultural Olympics at the First World Conference in November, 1976, as part of the Bicentennial.

We would like to thank Mr. Lennie Gamage, Mr. Bob Hinton and Mr. Bud Riviere for their cooperation with this committee. Respectfully submitted, JIM TYSON, Arizona (Chairman) JAY CECIL, Virginia 42 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

STEVE LEMMONS, Washington MARK LUTE, Indiana JOE GIBSON, Delaware LEMON DOTSON, West Virginia

NATIONAL INCENTIVE AWARDS COMMITTEE

We, the members of the National Incentive Awards Committee, in hopes of increasing participation in FFA incentive awards programs, sub- mit the following recommendations:

1. That state associations provide special training at vo-ag teachers' conferences, especially for first year advisors, for the purpose of informing them of awards available. For example, alumni members could be utilized. 2. That a Proficiency Awards slide series be developed to be made available to chapters at a low cost or rent basis. 3. That state officers be trained at regional state officer conferences to inform and motivate chapter members through the use of state leadership conferences and chapter visits. 4. That state associations send materials encouraging the use of proficiency awards to chapter presidents at the beginning of the school year. 5. That winners on all levels be recognized through the use of pictures and slide presentations, with The National FUTURE FARMER used to explain award areas and recognize winners. 6. That a special effort be made to encourage non-production members to participate in agribusiness related proficiency award areas.

7. That an FFA Achievement Awards Program be developed to recognize all local members who can achieve 80% of the skills and jobs set forth by the local chapters. Model applications should be sent to all advisors as a guide, along with certificates which can be presented at the discretion of the local advisor. These forms could also be used to determine local proficiency award winners.

The committee sincerely appreciates the work of the National FFA Foundation in funding incentive awards and commends them for their support. Respectfully submitted, DEL BIEROTH, Nevada (Chairman) KENNETH ELWELL, Massachusetts BRUCE MALOCH, Arkansas JIMMY TATE, South Carolina ANITA STUEVER, Michigan GENE HALL, Texas EDDIE BLIZZARD, Alabama

NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARDS COMMITTEE

We, the 1974 National Chapter Awards Committee, submit the follow- ing recommendations for the improvement of the FFA awards programs:

A. Publicity

1. include BOAC, National Chapter Safety Award and National Chapter Award Programs in Advisors' and Members' Chapter guidebook. 2. Inform members and advisors about programs through "Thrust '75," leader- ship schools and personal chapter visits by state officers and staff. a. State officers help chapters with problems. 3. Utilization of television, radio, and newspapers, to inform and ask for needed help. FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 43

B. National Chapter Safety Award

1. Change name of Form I application for a "Superior Safety Award" to applica- tion for a "State Superior Safety Award."

2. Change name of Form II to application for a "National Chapter Safety Award—Gold, Silver, Bronze."

C. National Chapter Award Program

1. Change the color of the "State Superior Award" to blue, to distinguish it from the national application. 2. Change the title on State Award application, adding the word "State" to read "National Chapter Award Program Application for a State Superior Chapter Award" (changes made constant throughout application). Change title on national application to read "National Chapter Award Pro- gram—Application for a National Superior Chapter Award, Bronze, Silver and Gold." 3. More time spent on judging applications.

a. Enlarge judging team from three to six members. b. Increase in judges should reflect in the increase in the budget. c. Rotation of regions in which applications are judged.

D. BOAC

1. Place greater emphasis on long-range planning of needed projects. 2. Stress that FHA loans are available to chapters needing funding. Respectfully submitted, CLARK JOHNSON, Montana (Chairman) ROSS BURCHARD, New Mexico JIM BELLIS, Missouri SAMMY MATHIS, Mississippi CHARLES S. COLLINS, Vermont MIKE BOZEMAN, Georgia DAN L BEHAUNEK, Iowa

NATIONAL CONTESTS COMMITTEE

We, the 1974 National Contests Committee, wish to express our appreciation to Mr. Ted Amick and Mr. Robert Seefeldt for their efforts in the successful operation of the 1974 National Contests. We would like to extend a special thanks, and our appreciation to:

Jones Dairy Farm; Oscar Mayer Co.; Associated Milk Products, Inc.; Mid- America Dairymen, Inc.; American Royal; American Association of Dairymen Inc.; Firestone Tire & Rubber Company; Ralston Purina Company; and the National FFA Foundation.

We submit the following recommendations:

1. Consider holding a national Farm Management Contest, including a written test with practical situation questions. 2. That the National FFA Board of Directors appoint a National Leadership Contest Committee for next year. 3. That we recognize the top FFA team at the International Land Judging Contest at the national convention. 4. That a National Horse Judging Contest be held in conjunction with the national convention. 5. That we encourage an investigation into the possibilities of using computers to tabulate contests' scores. 44 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

6. That consideration be given to holding a National Forestry Contest. 7. That the National Contests be periodically reviewed by qualified committees.

Respectfully submitted, BOB NYLAND, New Jersey (Chairman) JOE HAMPTON, North Carolina GARY BUTTERS, Pennsylvania PAT HOLT, Montana DANIEL HALE, Connecticut RANDY RAY, Oklahoma GREG MEARS, Oregon

NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE

We, the 1974 National Convention Committee, having reviewed the 46th National FFA Convention Proceedings and the 47th National Conven- tion, wish to commend the national officers and Board of Directors for one of the best conventions ever held. However, in an attempt to improve the excellence we have attained, we make the following recommendations:

1. More time be allowed for the business session on Tuesday afternoon. 2. The slide presentations were an asset to the convention and we strongly urge the continuance of these presentations. 3. Prior to the convention, alternate delegates be sent items necessary to conven- tion business which would include all proposed amendments to the constitution and/or bylaws, delegate calendar of events and other pertinent information. 4. We commend the national organization for the use of pictures in the 1973 Con- vention Proceedings, and encourage the use of more action photographs in the future. 5. The national officers continue beginning the first evening session of the conven- tion with an inspirational Vespers Program conducted by them. 6. The national organization continue to recognize the importance of delegate participation in organized sponsored meal functions.

We also recommend that the Future Farmers of America commend and extend sincere appreciation to the individuals and groups that have devoted their time and money in making this convention a tremendous success.

1. The National Advisor, Mr. H. N. Hunsicker; National Executive Secretary, Mr. Wm. Paul Gray; National Treasurer, Mr. J. M. Campbell; members of the National Board of Directors; national staff and secretaries; state staffs and local advisors for their untiring efforts and continuing assistance to members of the FFA.

2. The 1973-74 National FFA Officers for providing all of the characteristics and traits of inspiration, leadership and brotherhood, and to the united dedication of these six men who contributed to the success of the 47th convention. 3. The Honorable Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States, for his inspiring address, continued support to the FFA and tremendous interest in American agriculture. 4. Mr. Robert L. Walston, 1974 Chairman of the Foundation Sponsoring Committee, and the members for their outstanding job and the leadership portrayed in that organization. 5. All members of the President's National Advisory Council on Vocational Educa- tion for attending and participating in the convention program. 6. Honorable Charles B. Wheeler, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri; the Kansas City Police Department and the residents of Kansas City for their fantastic hospi- tality and loyalty to the FFA. FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 45

7. All members of the National FFA Band and Chorus, and a special thank you to the convention organist, Nancy Fairless of the Tennessee Association. We also wish to express our thanks to Mr. Roger Heath, Mr. Marvin Myers, Mr. Don Erickson and their loyal assistants for rendering their services to the musical aspects of this convention. 8. The Kansas City FFA Convention Advisory Committee, the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the management and staff of the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium for their continued belief in our purposes and their unselfish loyalty in serving the FFA. 9. Brooks Robinson, professional baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles for his stimulating remarks and support to the FFA. 10. Miss Pam Powell, White House Staff Assistance, for her appearance and con- tinued support to the FFA. 11. William F. Pierce, Deputy Commissioner for Occupational and Adult Education, U. S. Office of Education, Washington, D. C. for his remarks and support of the FFA.

12. Donald L. Staheli, President of Allied Mills, Inc., for his address and continued support of the FFA. 13. Mr. William Harrison, NVATA President, for representing all ag teachers across the Nation. 14. Honorable Earl L. Butz, U. S. Secretary of Agriculture, for his enlightening remarks and support to the FFA. 15. Dr. James Bostic, U. S. Department of Agriculture, for his remarks reassuring his support to the FFA. 16. The Wurlitzer Organ Company for providing the electric organ which added pleasure to the convention. 17. The directors and assistants of the Press Corps, Courtesy Corps, Ushers, Stage/ Arena Crews and all others who assisted in the smoothness of the convention.

18. The sponsors of the FFA Foundation who made it possible for the FFA to honor their top groups and individuals. Their support is greatly appreciated.

19. The sponsors of all meal functions for taking time to meet with us and giving their continued support to us. 20. The sponsors of the slide and film presentations for their time and efforts in constructing these presentations to give us a better insight of our organization. 21. All companies, civic clubs and individuals who sponsored and made possible the many activities providing involvement and enjoyment for the FFA members. 22. The trade and professional associations, exhibitors of the informative and worth- while agricultural career exhibits and the state associations for their important and dynamic exhibits.

23. The respected judges, officials and participants in the various contests, awards programs and other special events for serving the FFA by selecting the winners. 24. The people of the American Royal for providing a day of festivities that was educational and entertaining for the members and allowing the FFA for having a part in dedicating the new arena. 25. Farm Journal, Inc. for its part in paying "A Salute to the American Vo-Ag instructor." 26. The Color Guard from Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base. 27. All organizations of the press, television and radio that have let the Nation know about this convention, and our appreciation to Dan Reuwee for his pub- licizing efforts. A special thanks to the major television networks who sacrificed time to cover the President's inspiring address and other convention proceed- ings. 28. Dwight Seegmiller for opening the 1974 National FFA Convention, with an ap- propriate invocation.

29. All chapter representatives and their advisors, and all state officer representa- tives and delegates for their attendance and cooperation in the conducting of the 47th National FFA Convention. 46 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

30. We commend the FFA members who have attended this year and conducted themselves in a manner that reflected the high ideals of the FFA. We strongly suggest that states use careful selection of convention participants so that future disciplinary problems will not arise. Local advisors and officers are like- wise responsible for dress and conduct by participants at the convention. 31. The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company for once again climaxing our convention with their program.

Respectfully submitted, DOUG LEGGETT, Texas (Chairman) VINCENT MALERBA, Connecticut TIM MURPHY, Arkansas JAMES DREWS, New Jersey RON McKINNEY, Illinois RICHARD MORTON, Tennessee

NATIONAL DEGREE PROGRAM COMMITTEE

The National Degree Program Committee, after careful consideration and reviewing the 46th National Convention Proceedings, submit the following recommendations:

1. We encourage that additional information be provided to vocational agriculture instructors by the state associations and the national organization, stressing the opportunities in agribusiness. Also, stress the opportunities in degree advance- ment, with special emphasis on post-high school students applying for higher degrees. 2. We recommend that uniform recognition be given to agribusiness and production degree recipients on all three levels of operation. 3. We suggest that the proposal relating to the State Farmer Degree membership percentage, be accepted by the delegate body.

4. We would also like to encourage better utilization of all American Farmers to serve as an inspiration to FFA members locally.

Respectfully submitted, STEVE NEWTON, Georgia (Chairman) DAVID SEE, Virginia LONNIE BERGER, Kansas RANDY MULLEN, Washington FRED DUBS, Nebraska HAROLD NEVILL, Idaho

FFA ALUMNI COMMITTEE

We, the 1974 Alumni Committee, commend the 1973 Alumni Com- mittee on the fine list of recommendations they presented last year, and, in doing so, resubmit them with the following additions:

1. The National Legion of Merit Citation award winners be recognized at the State FFA Conventions. 2. Consideration should be given that the Legion of Merit Citation be awarded upon the basis of number of Alumni members enrolled. For example, rated as gold, silver, and bronze. 3. Alumni thrust be toward organizing local Alumni chapters. 4. The pamphlet, "HELP!—Can You Use Some?", be used to motivate local FFA advisors in starting local FFA Alumni affiliates (chapters). 5. Provision concerning Alumni activities be made a part of the application for Honorary State and American Farmer Degrees for teachers. 6. An officer structure filtering from the state to local level be established to administrate the State Alumni Association in all states. FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 47

7. An awards system be established that recognizes those FFA chapters who have an affiliate Alumni chapter whose membership has equalled the FFA chapter membership. 8. Each chapter qualify at least one recipient for the Legion of Merit Citation to be presented at the next National FFA Convention. 9. Each Alumni member be involved in at least one function in cooperation with the local FFA chapter each year. 10. FFA organization at all levels give complete support to the FFA Alumni Associa- tion.

11. The Alumni Association be commended for the support it has rendered the FFA thus far.

Respectfully submitted, GREG WILBANKS, Florida (Chairman) JAY A. BERRY, Wyoming PEGGY SINE, Ohio JOHN SUMMERFORD, Alabama GENE SCHWARM, Illinois MIKE MOSS, Mississippi MARK R. SCHEIBER, California

NATIONAL FFA SUPPLY SERVICE COMMITTEE

We, the National FFA Supply Service Committee offer the following recommendations:

1. That the official dress for male members be dark, solid slacks, blue FFA tie, dark shoes and sox, official jacket zipped to the top and solid white shirt. 2. That the official dress for female members be a dark, solid skirt, a white turtle neck or a white blouse with scarf, and official jacket zipped to the top. Dark slacks may be worn for outdoor activities, such as judging. 3. That FFA members should be appropriately dressed for all occasions. 4. That the members ID signs be adjusted to allow more lettering. 5. That a third letterhead be added to the stationery offered in the Supply Service catalogue. This will be the blue and red background with FFA in gold, as is now being used by the national organization.

6. That all members anticipate all needs and order early to avoid rush orders, and that they combine orders if possible. 7. That the Supply Service check into possibilities of supplying female FFA mem- bers patterns for dress at unofficial activities.

The committee would also like to commend our Supply Service for their efforts in giving members quality items and maximum service, and would like to encourage all members to continue supporting our Supply Service.

Respectfully submitted, JAMES BODE, Oklahoma (Chairman) BROCK MILLER, Wisconsin JIM COLTON, Texas HAROLD RIDER, Maine TINA TAYLOR, Arizona DAVID FLINT, Indiana

NATIONAL FFA CALENDAR COMMITTEE

We, the Calendar Committee of the 47th National FFA Convention, wish to commend the entire Calendar staff for their work in developing and promoting the Calendar Program. After meeting for the first time since 1971, we reviewed the calendar committee report and recommend the following: 48 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

1. Encourage each member to have an Official FFA Calendar. 2. Remind chapters that the Official FFA Calendar Program is an excellent public relations tool. 3. Institute ways to inform chapters of our Calendar Program.

a. State officers explain the Calendar Program during chapter visits and state conventions. b. Information may be obtained about the Calendar Program at the following address: Calendar Department The National FUTURE FARMER Magazine P.O. Box 15130 Alexandria, Va. 22309

c. Information be sent out to local chapters concerning the calendars. This to be followed up by a postcard to secure the intent of the chapter.

4. Chapters should be encouraged to place orders in the early spring. To insure pre-holiday delivery, orders should be received no later than December 1. 5. We recommend the promotion of a National Calendar Week.

a. To be held in early spring. b. With a big calendar push in The National FUTURE FARMER Magazine. Respectfully submitted, PAUL OGBURN, JR., Idaho (Chairman) REGGIE STOWERS, Georgia REED PEARSON, Wisconsin PETE LINDSAY, New Hampshire HARVEY DINERMAN, Rhode Island ALBERT NAPALAPALAI, Hawaii DUSTY WESTWOOD, South Carolina

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES COMMITTEE

We, the members of the National Leadership Conferences Committee have reviewed, evaluated and accepted all aspects of the Washington Con- ference Program and Conference Staff recommendations for the summer of 1975 and respectfully make the following recommendations: Chapter Conference Program — Add Pre-mail to chapter representatives a suggested form letter which they can use as a guideline when making an appointment with their Congressmen and Senators prior to attending the Washington Conferences. Increase the number of Conferences to six week long programs on a similar format as last year, with the possibility of adding a seventh if an overflow exists. Leave conference fee at $110 subject to change due to the increasing expenses of materials, meals, lodging, etc. State President Conference — Add

Pre-mail Congressional visitation cards to state staff members, advisors, etc. and have them forward those to newly elected state presidents. Former state officers and members eligible to be national officer candidates will not be allowed to attend the State Presidents Conference under any conditions. To follow up the 1974 Summer Leadership Conferences, we, the members of this committee, make the following resolutions to go on record for the 47th Annual National FFA Convention:

"Be it resolved that the National FFA Organization sincerely appreciates the support and sponsorship from the General Motors Corporation of the 1974 State Presidents Conference." FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 49

"Be it resolved that the National FFA sincerely appreciates the efforts and cooperation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and a special thanks to the Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz for taking time out from his schedule to speak to the participants of the State Presidents Conference."

"Be it resolved that the National FFA Organization sincerely appreciates and would like to at this time issue a very special thank you to President Ford and his entire White House staff for the excellent tour of the White House, and for President Ford's comments on his support of the FFA."

"Be it resolved that the National FFA Organization commends and appreciates the work of the national staff at the FFA Center; Dennis Sargent, Conference Director; Sammy Peebles, Conference Counselor; Bruce Erath, Conference Counselor; Mr. Coleman Harris, Mrs. Rick Walz, the National FFA Officers and the entire national staff in making the 1974 Summer National Leadership Conferences a success."

Respectfully submitted, TOM PECHACEK, Wisconsin (Chairman) RICHARD STOEBNER, South Dakota FRANK STAFFORD, Delaware GARY KREGEL, Iowa JOHN WEISZBROD, California MARVIN ISAACKS, Texas PAUL STANFIELD, Alabama DAVE BARNHART, Minnesota

NATIONAL PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

We, the members of the National Program of Activities Committee, have carefully reviewed and inspected the proposed 1975 National Pro- gram of Activities, and submit the following recommendations to the Boards of National Officers and Directors for their consideration:

1. Expand The National Future Farmer Magazine survey to include a broader spec- trum of members. 2. Include the How-To-Do-lt and Idea packet for National FFA Week in the Official Supply Service catalogue. 3. Consideration be given to increasing the use of National FFA Officers to better implement the National FFA Program of Activities. 4. List all publications that are available from the National FFA Center in the Official Supply Service catalogue. 5. Establish an additional National FFA Convention Committee, "Information and Public Relations" to increase public awareness of FFA. 6. Delegates receive the 1975 National FFA Program of Activities, including an additional column identifying the accomplishments of each goal. 7. Consideration be given to recommendations of the National FFA Convention Committees affecting the National FFA Program of Activities. 8. Submit additions and corrections to the 1975 proposed National FFA Program of Activities. Substitute percentages in place of numbers wherever appropriate (example, "contest and awards," goals).

Respectfully submitted,

JOE ROBERTS, Kentucky (Chairman) TIMOTHY F. McNAMARA, Minnesota GREGORY A. LANDIS, Pennsylvania LYNWOOD PIERSON, Virginia CHUCK SADLER, North Carolina DENNIS JOHNSON, California RUSSELL PIRNIE, Colorado DARRELL BOHNHOFF, North Dakota

REGIONAL STATE OFFICER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

We, the members of the Regional State Officer Leadership Conference Committee for 1974, would like to commend the planning committee that 50 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

met in Washington, D. C. last December for their efforts and planning, which we feel resulted in very successful conferences. However, we would like to submit the following recommendations in order to further improve these conferences.

That the primary objectives for the Regional State Officer Leadership Conferences should be:

1. Improve communication ability. a. Personal one-to-one relationships. b. Improve speech mechanics, writing and presentation.

2. Develop social graces. 3. Meet other state officers and exchange ideas. 4. Motivate and inspire state officers. 5. Assist state officers in planning state conventions and other meetings. 6. Develop a feeling of patriotism.

We would also like to submit the following general recommendations:

1. To insure individual participation, we recommend that no more than 35 to 45 officers attend any particular conference. 2. All state associations be encouraged to attend a Regional Leadership Confer- ence and bring each state officers. 3. We recommend the revision and addition of the following materials.

a. Include in the delegate packet the book entitled "Chapter Champions". b. Condense the material contained in the publications entitled: Public Speak- ing Hints, Illustrating Your Speech, State Officer Handbook, Group Dynamics, so that it may be presented in a more convenient (5V2 x 8V2") form for state officers to carry. c. Include in the State Officer Handbook materials covering the many topics related to travel and topics relative to the planning of state conventions.

4. Prepare news releases for newspaper, radio, and television to be filled out by the delegates at conference time. 5. The host state make arrangements for a photographer to take group pictures.

6. Two national officers be provided for all regional conferences and, if the con- ference is rather large, at least one national officer for every 20 participants. 7. A member of the national staff attend each regional conference to serve as a resource person. 8. Each participant in the conference receive a certificate recognizing his or her involvement in the conference. 9. Funds be available for each regional conference to pay travel and per diem for outside resource personnel. 10. The host state provide names and addresses of those individuals to which "thank you" notes or letters should be sent. 11. State Officer Leadership Conferences should be arranged so that no conferences will be held later than two months after a state officer assumes the duties of his or her respective office.

Respectfully submitted, BILL NOWLIN, Oklahoma (Chairman) RICHARD WHITE, Kentucky JON PROPST, Nebraska TRACY SMITH, Colorado PETE MORI, Nevada JOSEPH SEVERY, Vermont GORDON YOUNG, Utah BOB MEDOW, Wyoming —

FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 51

THE NATIONAL FUTURE FARMER MAGAZINE COMMITTEE

We, the members of the 1974 National Future Farmer Magazine Com- mittee wholeheartedly congratulate the staff of the The National Future Farmer Magazine for publishing an excellent and informative magazine. After reviewing several past and current issues we submit the following recommendations:

1. Encourage the printing of opinion surveys to show how FFA members feel toward certain issues of national concern and of concern to the FFA organization. 2. Suggest The National Future Farmer print several feature articles per year to show what the Alumni Association is doing to help FFA chapters. 3. Recommend the use of more FFA member contributions in the magazine by having

a. An annual photo contest. b. More local and state feature articles.

4. Encourage more FFA participation in The National Future Farmer Magazine by:

a. Submitting higher quality jokes. b. Submitting more feature articles concerning local and state events.

5. Recommend that The National Future Farmer staff continue to improve the magazine by sending opinion surveys to state presidents and random members. 6. Encourage The National Future Farmer Magazine to support Bicentennial activi- ties conducted by local chapters and state associations by appropriate coverage wherever possible.

7. If National FFA Dues are increased, attention should be given to provide for increased costs of production and distribution needed to maintain the high quality of The National Future Farmer.

Respectfully submitted, SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas (Chairman) DANNY WILLIAMSON, Alabama DAVID ERVIN, North Carolina REX POSTLETHWAIT, West Virginia RAYMOND BULLINGER, Texas ROBERT McCLURE, Hawaii BRUCE G. LYONS, New Hampshire

REPORT OF THE NATIONAL FFA TREASURER J. M. CAMPBELL

It is my privilege as National Treasurer of the FFA to bring to you a brief report of the financial status of your organization.

We have included in the delegates' packet of materials a mineo- graphed statement of Income and Retained Income for the year ended June 30, 1974 and a double printed sheet showing the percentage dis- tribution of Revenue and Expenditures for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1974. Delegates may refer to these now.

As you are probably aware, this is the third year that your organization has operated under a central accounting system at the FFA Center in Alexandria. Under the re-organized financial structure, provisions were made for a comptroller to coordinate all of the FFA Organization's finances of the three major divisions; namely, the FFA Program Division, the FFA Magazine and the FFA Supply Service. Actually each division is identified within the financial structure, including the budget. 52 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

In the interest of time, I will not go into a lot of detail. Rather I will first review briefly the consolidated statement and then discuss the per- centage distribution of revenue and expenditures for the past year. (Refer to the Statement of Income and Retained Income — year ended June 30, 1974.)

Operating income from all sources for the year just ended totaled $1,765,117.11. This revenue was derived from merchandise sold to FFA members, advertising, subscriptions, calendar sales, membership dues, interest earned on reserve funds, management services, registration fees, and miscellaneous income.

The combined operating expenses of the three divisions for the year ended June 30, 1974 was $1,626,146.81. These expenses consist pri- marily of salaries, editing, printing and mailing the magazine and calendar, travel of national officers and Board of Directors, cost of operating the National Convention, maintenance of your FFA building, freight and post- age and other national office expenses.

Comparing the retained income balances at the beginning and the end of the fiscal year, net income was $173,540.20. (Refer to the pie shaped charts showing the percentage distribution of Revenue and Expenditures for the year ended June 30, 1974.)

The total revenue, including the goods sold through the Supply Serv- ice, was $3,805,628.

1973 1974 Supply Service Sales 70.50% 70.50% FFA Dues 13.99% 12.83% Advertising FFA Magazine 7.64% 10.86% FFA Calendar Sales 2.96% 2.26% Convention Registration Fees 1.16% 1.15% Service Charges 1.14% 1.37% Interest •82% •37% Miscellaneous Subscriptions •59% .14% Other Revenue 1.20% .52%

Total Expenditures amounted to $3,632,087

Supply Service — Cost of goods sold 50.99% 52.28% FFA Program Division Operating Cost 13.68% 11.81% Supply Service Operating Costs 11.66% 12.69% FFA Magazine Operating Costs 10.40% 11.34%

Fiscal Accounting Division and Building Operations 6.64% 4.30% FFA Magazine Printing & Distribution Costs 6.63% 7.58%

Separate from the Consolidated FFA Account is the National FFA Foundation which received its income from contributions from 922 spon- sors and from interest on reserve funds. The greater part of the FFA Foundation budget is expended in connection with your incentive awards FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 53 program and special projects recognizing agricultural education members of the FFA for outstanding achievement in agricultural and leadership activities. Mr. Robert Walston, Chairman of the Sponsoring Committee, will have a more complete, up-to-date report Thursday on the status of the FFA Foundation.

On the recommendation of your National Officers and Board ot Directors, reserve funds, operating capital and other available FFA funds are invested from time to time on a short term basis in banks and other financial institutions. Our investment program for the FFA as of October 1, 1974 totaled $510,027.78.

All the FFA Financial data is now processed through a mini-computer located at the FFA Center. This new system gives up-to-date information on cash flow three times a week which is most helpful to the FFA staff members in making management decisions relating to your organization.

Your accounts are audited annually by Certified Public Accountants and copies of these audits are presented to your National Officers and Board of Directors for review in detail during board meetings. The records are reviewed by your FFA Auditing Committee. A copy of the audit is also submitted to the Congress of the United States as required by law.

In closing this report, I would like to say that your organization is in a sound financial condition, but you must be alert to inflation in our economy, increases in costs of goods, supplies and services. We also want you to know that we exercise every safeguard in handling the funds of your organization. —

54 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED INCOME

Years Ended June 30, 1974 and 1973

Year Ended Year Ended June 30, 1974 June 30, 1973

Operating Income: Sales $2,668,957.31 < £2,255,039.90 Less: Cost of Goods Sold 1,917,255.65 1,580,451.12 Gross Profit $ 751,701.66 $ 674,588.78 Advertising Income Net of Agency Commissions and Discounts 313,146.18 244,465.68 Subscription Income 247,398.45 242,533.26 Calendar Income 101,363.05 94,705.92 Membership Dues 232,627.00 223,818.00 Convention Registration Income 53,392.00 37,241.00 Management Services- Special Projects 25,000.00 25,000.00 International Program- Net — 4,296.59 Service Charge Income 38,429.77 36,517.98 Summer Conferences- Net — 4 (1,136.23) Grants and Royalties 2,000.00 325.00 Reprint Sales 59.00 112.00 Total Operating

Income 1,765,117.11 : 1,582,467.98

Operating Expenses: Salaries 530,439.87 476,604.01 Magazine Costs: Production 266,546.98 205,596.08 Advertising 89,576.69 79,881.16 Circulation 66,223.28 57,823.27 Editorial 25,584.17 24,991.50 Calendar Costs and Expense 91,737.44 86,899.82 Freight and Postage 92,254.01 87,192.56 Travel 70,941.12 64,022.61 National Convention 50,994.28 51,234.64 Maintenance and 59,289.59 54,571.57 Utilities Depreciation 31,216.93 29,849.90 Retirement Expense (Note 3) 28,308.03 50,419.91 Printing, Stationery and Supplies 29,471.41 36,902.44 F.I.C.A. Tax 37,060.99 30,259.85 FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 55

FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED INCOME (Cont'd.)

Year Ended Year Ended June 30, 1974 June 30, 1973

Operating Expenses: (Cont'd.) Advertising 19,460.33 31,065.22 National and Regional Leadership Conference 3,871.52 4,879.06 Public Relations 18,233.04 20,510.02 Wrapping and Shipping Supplies 14,048.21 12,307.99 Awards 7,465.72 7,441.10 Legal and Accounting 21,741.30 17,898.27 National Officers' Scholarships 6,000.00 6,000.00 Payroll Expense 1,419.01 1,412.29 Insurance—Disability 13,733.13 6,381.21 Group Hospitalization Insurance 3,159.99 3,066.16 Insurance—Other 7,119.25 6,808.96 International Activities 7,886.89 8,410.51 Telephone and Telegraph 14,037.94 13,903.52 Virginia Unemployment Taxes 961.38 3,298.21 Discontinued and Obsolete Merchandise 3,087.16 308.91 Merchandise Losses 4,649.31 2,480.75 Office Equipment Repairs 2,468.49 3,017.72 Office Expense 2,446.14 2,501.29 Truck and Auto Expense 830.35 514.86 Miscellaneous 1,973.29 2,864.68 Clothing and Equipment 1,909.57 1,682.58

Total Operating Expenses 1,626,146.81 1,493,003.23 Operating Income 138,970.30 89,464.75

Other Expenses: Cash Discounts 5,992.27 4,693.55 Discounts and Allowance 3,978.09 3,802.36 Bad Debts 898.15 10,868.51 2,080.24 10,576.15 128,101.79 78,888.60

Other Income: Interest Income 37,446.94 26,302.52 Discounts Received 2,417.95 2,766.47 Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Equipment (390.79) 2,143.94 Miscellaneous 5,964.31 45,438.41 3,646.92 34,859.85 Income Before Extraordinary Items 173,540.20 113,748.45 56 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED INCOME (Cont'd.) Year Ended Year Ended June 30, 1974 June 30, 1973

Extraordinary Items: Initial Provision for Doubtful Accounts 1,908.00 Abandoned Plans for Proposed National FFA Center 12,537.27 14,445.27 Net Income 173,540.20 99,303.18

Retained Income: Balance, July 1 1,751,146.73 1,606,496.02 Depreciation Reserve Fund Transferred to Retained Income (Note 1) - 1,751,146.73 45,347.53 1,651,843.55 Balance, June 30 $1,924,686.93 $1,751,146.73 FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 57

National FFA Foundation Awards and Contests

STAR FARMER OF AMERICA

Since 1929, Star Farmers have been selected from the American Farmer candidates who receive the degree at the time of the National FFA Convention. A check for $1,000 went to the Star Farmer of America, and checks of $500 were awarded to each of the other three regional "Stars".

Star Farmer of America — Vernon Louis Rohrscheib, Fairmount, Illinois

Star Farmer, North Atlantic Region — John Roland Moyer, Newmans- town, Pennsylvania

Star Farmer, Pacific Region Wayne E. Vangraefschepe, New Ray- mer, Colorado

Star Farmer, Southern Region — Larry Thomas Day, Seminole, Texas

Stars over America

STAR FARMER OF AMERICA JUDGES

Gregory Bamford, President, Bamford Land Company, Colorado; John E. Butterbrodt, President, Associated Milk Producers, Inc., Wisconsin; Edward F. 58 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Carter, Executive Vice President, The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, Ohio; P. G. Connell, Jr., President, Agricultural Division, American Cyanamid Company, New Jersey; Anthony G. DeLorenzo, Vice President, General Motors Corporation, Michigan; Tony T. Dechant, President, National Farmers Union, Colorado; W. Eugene Flynn, Vice President, Mid-American Dairymen, Inc., Nebraska; Owen K. Hallberg, President, American Institute of Cooperation, Washington, D. C; Bill Harrison, President, National Vocational Agriculture Teachers' Association, Okla- homa; R. M. Hendrickson, President, Agricultural Division, Pfizer, Inc., New York; Carl J. Kensil, Vice President of Marketing, Ciba-Geigy Corporation, North Caro-

lina; William J. Kuhfuss, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Illinois; S. F. Lancaster, Vice President, Marketing, Agricultural/ Industrial Equipment, International Harvester Company, Illinois; John A. Morgan, Chairman of the Board, Butler Manufacturing Company, Missouri; Lane M. Palmer, Editor, Farm Journal, Pennsylvania; William F. Pierce, Deputy Commissioner for Occupational and Adult Education, U. S. Office of Education, Washington, D. C; Donald L. Staheli, President, Allied Mills, Inc., Illinois; Roderick Turnbull, Director of Public Affairs, Kansas City Board of Trade, Missouri.

STAR AGRIBUSINESSMAN OF AMERICA

Beginning in 1959 the Star Agribusinessman of America has been selected from the American Farmer candidates. The Star Agribusinessman of America received a $1,000 award from the National FFA Foundation, Inc. Each of the other regional "Stars" received $500.

Star Agribusinessman of America — Ronald Dean Schwerdtfeger, Capron, Oklahoma Star Agribusinessman, Central Region — David August Patke, Wash- ington, Missouri Star Agribusinessman, North Atlantic Region — Jacob W. Musser, New Holland, Pennsylvania Star Agribusinessman, Pacific Region — Patrick N. Walen, Graham, Washington

STAR AGRIBUSINESSMAN OF AMERICA JUDGES

Darrefl Anderson, President, National Association of Supervisors of Agri- cultural Education, Colorado; Emmett Barker, Executive Secretary, Farm and In- dustrial Equipment Institute, Illinois; Charles Dana Bennett, Special Consultant, Foundation for American Agriculture, Washington, D. C; 8. M. Brown, Senior Vice President, Massey-Fergusion, Inc., Iowa; V. H. Dolen, Regional Vice Presi- dent, Standard Oil Division, Amoco Oil Company, Kansas; Gus R. Douglass, Commissioner, State Department of Agriculture, West Virginia (President, Na- tional Association of State Departments of Agriculture); William J. Jensen, Senior Vice President, Butler Manufacturing Company, Missouri; John J. L. Johnson, General Sales Manager, Tractor and Implement Operations, Ford Motor Company, Michigan; H. G. McCarty, Vice President, Sperry-New Holland, Pennsylvania; A. Malcolm McVie, President, Elanco Products Company, Indiana; Clarke A. Nelson, Group Vice President, Carnation Company, California; Owen J. Newlin, FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 59

President, Pioneer Seed Company, lowo ; Alvin E. Oliver, Executive Vice President National Grain and Feed Association, Washington, D. C; David A. Phillipson Vice President and General Manager, Agricultural Division, The Upjohn Company Michigan; M. H. Powell, Executive Vice President, Farm Journal, Inc., Pennsylvania Thomas R. Schedler, Executive Vice President, American Fishing Tackle Manu facturers Association, Illinois; H. W. Sheldon, Manager, Agriculture Business, Ag Organics Department, Dow Chemical Company (U.S.A.), Michigan; John A

Stearns, Producer, Agriculture . . . U.S.A., California; Fred Stines, Vice President

Magazine Division, Meredith Corporation, Iowa; Robert L. Walston, Vice President Funk Seeds International, Inc., Illinois; Leavitt S. White, Public Affairs Department

E. I. duPont deNemours and Company, Delaware.

NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARDS PROGRAM

The National FFA Chapter Awards Program, conducted annually by the national organization, is designed to encourage and reward chapter effort, stimulate group action among members, and encourage improve- ment in local chapter programs of activities. The awards program has been a valuable aid in stimulating both individual and cooperative effort, and in crystallizing chapter programs of activities into a series of worth- while activities.

Chapters were grouped into Gold, Silver and Bronze Emblem classi- fications, according to their record of accomplishments in supervised agricultural occupations experience programs, cooperative activities, com- munity service, leadership activities, earnings and savings by members, conduct of meetings, scholarship of members, recreation and participation in state and national activities. 60 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

The top "Gold Emblem" rating was awarded to 99 local chapters. "Silver Emblem" ratings went to 113 chapters and "Bronze Emblem" ratings to 74 chapters. Chapters earning awards for this year follow.

Alabama GOLD EMBLEM: Scottsboro Chapter, Scottsboro; SILVER EMBLEM: Chelsea Chapter, Chelsea; Crossville Chap- ter, Crossville.

Arizona GOLD EMBLEM: Gilbert Chapter, Gilbert; SILVER EMBLEM: Chandler Chapter, Chandler.

Arkansas GOLD EMBLEM: Mansfield Chapter, Mansfield; SILVER EMBLEM: County Line Chapter, Ratcliff.

California GOLD EMBLEM: Hilmar Chapter, Hilmar; SILVER EMBLEM: Ceres Chapter, Ceres; BRONZE EMBLEM: Madera Chapter, Madera; Mt. Whitney Chap- ter, Visalia.

Colorado GOLD EMBLEM: Eaton-Highland Chapter, Eaton; Golden Chap- ter, Golden; Larimer County Chapter, Fort Collins; SILVER EMBLEM: Lamar Chapter, Lamar; BRONZE EMBLEM: Woodlin Chapter, Wood row.

Connecticut GOLD EMBLEM: Housatonic Valley Chapter, Falls Village; Killingly Chapter, Danielson. Florida GOLD EMBLEM: Greensboro Chapter, Greensboro; Santa Fe "Senior" Chapter, Alachua; South Sumter Chapter, Bushnell; Zephyrhills Chapter, Zephyrhills. SILVER EMBLEM: Bartow Chapter, Bartow; Fort Meade Chapter, Fort Meade; Groveland Chapter, Groveland; Interlachen Chapter, Interlachen. BRONZE EMBLEM: Bradford Chapter, Starke; Hamilton County Chapter, Jasper; Moore Haven Chapter, Moore Haven; Palatka Chapter, Palatka; Santa Fe "Junior" Chapter, Alachua. Georgia GOLD EMBLEM: Dawson County Chapter, Dawsonville; Early County Chapter, Blakely; Moultrie Chapter, Moultrie; SILVER EMBLEM: Banks County Chapter, Homer; Commerce Chapter, Commerce; Jeff Davis Chapter, Hazlehurst; Effingham Chapter, Springfield; Montgomery County Chapter, Mt. Vernon; Oconee County Chapter, Watkinsville; Southeast Bulloch Chapter, Brooklet; BRONZE EMBLEM: Murray County Chapter, Chatsworth; Stephens Chapter, Eastanollee; Ware County Chap- ter, Waycross. Hawaii BRONZE EMBLEM: Waialua Chapter, Waialua. Idaho SILVER EMBLEM: Fruitland Chapter, Fruitland; Meridian Chap- ter, Meridian; BRONZE EMBLEM: Emmett Chapter, Emmett. Illinois GOLD EMBLEM: Georgetown Chapter, Georgetown; Jacksonville Chapter, Jacksonville; Mt. Carroll Chapter, Mt. Carroll; Northwestern Chapter, Sciota; Paxton Chapter, Paxton; Southwestern Chapter, Piasa; Sycamore Chapter, Syca- more; Warren Chapter, Monmouth; FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 61

SILVER EMBLEM: Ashland Chapter, Ashland; Galesburg Chapter, Galesburg; Northwestern Chapter, Palmyra; Roanoke-Benson Chapter, Roanoke; Salem Chapter, Salem; Sandwich Chapter, Sand- wich; Teutopolis Chapter, Teutopolis; BRONZE EMBLEM: Belvidere Chapter, Belvidere; East Pike Chap- ter, Milton; Malta Chapter, Malta; Ridge Farm Chapter, Ridge Farm; Wapella Chap- ter, Wapella.

Indiana. GOLD EMBLEM: Clinton Central Chapter, Michigantown; Wood- Ian Chapter, Woodburn; SILVER EMBLEM: Brownstown Central Chapter, Brownstown; Greenfield Central Chapter, Greenfield; Prairie Heights Chapter, LaGrange; Ross- ville Chapter, Rossville; BRONZE EMBLEM: Columbia City Chapter, Columbia City; Tri- High Chapter, Straughn.

Iowa GOLD EMBLEM: Buffalo Center Bison Chapter, Buffalo Center; Iowa Falls Chapter, Iowa Falls; Manchester Chapter, Manchester; South Hamilton Chapter, Jewel; Waverly Shell Rock, Waverly. SILVER EMBLEM: North-Linn Chapter, Coggon; Sac City Chap- ter, Sac City; St. Ansgar Chapter, St. Ans- gar; BRONZE EMBLEM: Crestwood Chapter, Cresco; Monticello Chap- ter, Monticello.

Kansas GOLD EMBLEM: Arkansas City Chapter, Arkansas City; West- moreland Chapter, Westmoreland. SILVER EMBLEM: Atchison County Chapter, Effingham.

Kentucky GOLD EMBLEM: Bullitt Central Chapter, Shepherdsville; Lowes Chapter, Lowes; Lyon County Chapter, Eddyville; SILVER EMBLEM: Caldwell County Chapter, Princeton; West Hardin Chapter, Stephensburg; BRONZE EMBLEM: East Hardin Chapter, Glendale; Farmington Chapter, Farmington; Memorial Chapter, Waynesburg.

Louisana. GOLD EMBLEM: Oak Grove Chapter, Oak Grove; Saline Chap- ter, Saline; Slidell Chapter, Slidell; SILVER EMBLEM: Comeaux Chapter, Lafayette; Jena Chapter, Jena; South Lafourche Chapter, Galliano; Southwood Chapter, Shreveport; Winnfield Chapter, Winnfield. BRONZE EMBLEM: Many Chapter, Many; Thomas Chapter, Frank- linton.

Maine GOLD EMBLEM: Limestone Chapter, Limestone; SILVER EMBLEM: Mars Hill Chapter, Mars Hill. Maryland GOLD EMBLEM: Damascus Chapter, Damascus; Gaithersburg Chapter, Gaithersburg; BRONZE EMBLEM: Flintstone Chapter, Flintstone.

Massachusetts SILVER EMBLEM: Smith Chapter, Northampton; Wachusett Chapter, Holden. 62 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Michigan GOLD EMBLEM: Cassopolis Chapter, Cassopolis; Corunna Chapter, Corunna; Marshall Chapter, Mar- shall; SILVER EMBLEM: St. Louis Chapter, St. Louis; Ubly Chapter, Ubly; BRONZE EMBLEM: Hastings Chapter, Hastings; Montague Chap- ter, Montague.

Minnesota GOLD EMBLEM: Eagle Bend Chapter, Eagle Bend; New Ulm Chapter, New Ulm; Stillwater Chapter, Still- water; SILVER EMBLEM: Faribault Chapter, Faribault; Jackson Chapter, Jackson; Litchfield Chapter, Litchfield. BRONZE EMBLEM: Forest Lake Chapter, Forest Lake.

Mississippi SILVER EMBLEM: Falkner Chapter, Falkner; Walnut Chapter, Walnut.

Missouri GOLD EMBLEM: Chillicothe Chapter, Chillicothe; Salem Chap- ter, Salem; SILVER EMBLEM: Albany Chapter, Albany; East Prairie Chapter, East Prairie; Hamilton Chapter, Hamilton; Montgomery County Chapter, Montgomery City; North Callaway Chapter, Kingdom City; Princeton Chapter, Princeton; BRONZE EMBLEM: Carl Junction Chapter, Carl Junction; Car- thage Chapter, Carthage; Nodaway-Holt Chapter, Graham; South Shelby Chapter, Shelbina.

Montana SILVER EMBLEM: Flathead Chapter, Kalispell; BRONZE EMBLEM: Fairview Chapter, Fairview.

Nebraska GOLD EMBLEM: Central Chapter, Raymond; Geneva Chapter, Geneva; SILVER EMBLEM: Kimball Chapter, Kimball; St. Edward Chap- ter, St. Edward; BRONZE EMBLEM: Omaha South Chapter, Omaha.

Nevada SILVER EMBLEM: Ruby Mountain Chapter, Elko; BRONZE EMBLEM: Moapa Valley Chapter, Overton.

New Hampshire... BRONZE EMBLEM: Colebrook Chapter, Colebrook.

New Jersey GOLD EMBLEM: Belvidere Chapter, Belvidere; SILVER EMBLEM: North Hunterdon Regional Chapter, Annan- dale.

New Mexico SILVER EMBLEM: Clovis Chapter, Clovis; BRONZE EMBLEM: West Mesa Chapter, Albuquerque.

New York GOLD EMBLEM: Barker Chapter, Barker; Hamilton Chapter, Hamilton.

North Carolina GOLD EMBLEM: Cary Chapter, Cary; West Columbus Chapter, Cerro Gordo; SILVER EMBLEM: North Irdell Chapter, Olin; Southern Wayne Chapter, Dudley; BRONZE EMBLEM: Clyde A. Erwin Chapter, Asheville. North Dakota GOLD EMBLEM: Jamestown Chapter, Jamestown; SILVER EMBLEM: Hettinger Chapter, Hettinger; Rugby Chapter, Rugby. FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 63

Ohio GOLD EMBLEM: Big Walnut Chapter, Sunbury; Buckeye Valley Chapter, Delaware; Carrollton Chapter, Car- rollton; Northwestern-Clark Chapter, Spring- field; River View Chapter, Warsaw; SILVER EMBLEM: Fairfield Union Chapter, Lancaster; Green- ville Chapter, Greenville; Marlington Chap- ter, Alliance; Montgomery County Chapter, Clayton; Sheridan Chapter, Thornville; BRONZE EMBLEM: Westerville Chapter, Westerville.

Oklahoma GOLD EMBLEM: Burlington Chapter, Burlington; Okmulgee Chapter, Okmulgee; Owasso Chapter, Owasso; Tahlequah Chapter, Tahlequah; Tecumseh Chapter, Tecumseh; SILVER EMBLEM: Broken Arrow Chapter, Broken Arrow; Collins- ville Chapter, Collinsville; Fletcher Chapter, Fletcher; Morrison Chapter, Morrison; Pra- gue Chapter, Prague; Tishomingo Chapter, Tishomingo; Vinita Chapter, Vinita. BRONZE EMBLEM: Copan Chapter, Copan; Davenport Chapter, Davenport; Holdenville Chapter, Holden- ville; Jay Chapter, Jay; Mannford Chapter, Mannford; Muskogee Chapter, Muskogee; Webbers Falls Chapter, Webbers Falls.

Oregon GOLD EMBLEM: Silverton Chapter, Silverton; SILVER EMBLEM: Canby Chapter, Canby.

Pennsylvania GOLD EMBLEM: Cloister Chapter, Ephrata; Northern Lebanon Chapter, Fredericksburg; SILVER EMBLEM: Grassland Chapter, New Holland; Manheim Chapter, Manheim; BRONZE EMBLEM: Twin Valley Chapter, Elverson.

Rhode Island SILVER EMBLEM: Scituate Chapter, North Scituate; BRONZE EMBLEM: Chariho Chapter, Wood River Junction.

South Carolina GOLD EMBLEM: Greenville Chapter, Greenville; SILVER EMBLEM: James F. Byrnes Chapter, Duncan; BRONZE EMBLEM: Woodruff Chapter, Woodruff.

South Dakota GOLD EMBLEM: Pierre-Oahe Chapter, Pierre; SILVER EMBLEM: Hoven Chapter, Hoven; BRONZE EMBLEM: Menno Chapter, Menno.

Tennessee GOLD EMBLEM: Bradley Chapter, Cleveland; Dayton Chapter, Dayton; Dyersburg Chapter, Dyersburg; Warren County Chapter, McMinnville; SILVER EMBLEM: Dickson County Chapter, Dickson; Meigs County Chapter, Decatur; Polk County Chapter, Benton; Rogersville Chapter, Rogersville; BRONZE EMBLEM: Horace Maynard Chapter, Maynardville; Sevier County Chapter, Sevierville.

Texas GOLD EMBLEM: Cal Farleys Boys Ranch Chapter, Boys Ranch; Canyon Chapter, Canyon; Cleburne Chapter, Cleburne; Hamlin Chapter, Hamlin; Hull- Daisetta Chapter, Daisetta; Klein Chapter, Spring; Midway Chapter, Henrietta; Sulphur Springs Chapter, Sulphur Springs; Nacog- doches Chapter, Nacogdoches. 64 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

SILVER EMBLEM: Agua Dulce Chapter, Agua Dulce; East Cen- tral Chapter, San Antonio; Fort Bend Chap- ter, Stafford; Garland Chapter, Garland; Glen Rose Chapter, Glen Rose; Little Cypress-Mauriceville Chapter, Orange; Lorena Chapter, Lorena; Mason Chapter, Mason; Quanah Chapter, Quanah; Sidney Lanier Chapter, Austin; Van Vleck Chapter, Van Vleck; BRONZE EMBLEM: Anahuac Chapter, Anahuac; Anson Chapter, Anson; DeKalb Chapter, DeKalb; Frisco Chapter, Frisco; Frost Chapter, Frost; God- ley Chapter, Godley; Lindsay Chapter, Lind- say; Mabank Chapter, Mabank; Mission Chapter, Mission; Pleasanton Chapter, Pleasanton; Tatum Chapter, Tatum; Wes- laco Chapter, Weslaco.

Utah GOLD EMBLEM: Bear River Chapter, Tremonton; Millard Eagle Chapter, Fillmore; SILVER EMBLEM: Sky View Chapter, Smithfield; Spanish Fork Chapter, Spanish Fork.

Vermont BRONZE EMBLEM: Chelsea Chapter, Chelsea; St. Albans Chapter, St. Albans.

Virginia GOLD EMBLEM: Montevideo Chapter, Penn Laird; C. T. Smith Chapter, Ladysmith; SILVER EMBLEM: Appomattox Chapter, Appomattox; Turner Ashby Chapter, Dayton; BRONZE EMBLEM: Carroll County Chapter, Hillsville.

Washington GOLD EMBLEM: Eatonville Chapter, Eatonville; SILVER EMBLEM: Kelso Chapter, Kelso.

West Virginia GOLD EMBLEM: Ripley Chapter, Ripley; SILVER EMBLEM: Greenbrier East Chapter, Lewisburg; Man- nington Chapter, Mannington; BRONZE EMBLEM: Lewis County Chapter, Weston.

Wisconsin GOLD EMBLEM: Bloomer Chapter, Bloomer; Denmark Chap- ter, Denmark; Evansville Chapter, Evans- ville; Green Bay East Chapter, Green Bay; Monroe Chapter, Monroe; Westby Chapter, Westby; SILVER EMBLEM: Delavan-Darien Chapter, Delavan; Granton Chapter, Granton; Janesville-Parker Chap- ter, Janesville; Marshfield Chapter, Marsh- field; Mineral Point Chapter, Mineral Point; Viroqua Chapter, Viroqua; BRONZE EMBLEM: Cadott Chapter, Cadott; Waupaca Chapter, Waupaca.

Wyoming. GOLD EMBLEM: Buffalo Bill Chapter, Cody; BRONZE EMBLEM: Burns Chapter, Burns.

NATIONAL CHAPTER SAFETY AWARDS

The National Chapter Safety Awards Program Is designed to stimu- late activities by local chapters which will result in the more widespread use of safety rules, thus lessening the tremendous suffering and loss of FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 65

life, time and property that is caused each year by preventable farm ac- cidents and fires.

The best applications from each state on the basis of one chapter per 5,000 members or major fraction thereof, were sent to their various regional offices where a panel of experts ranked them in the Gold, Silver and Bronze Emblem awards.

There were 20 Gold Emblem Chapters, 31 Silver Emblem Chapters and 37 Bronze Emblem Chapters. The winning chapters are as follows:

Alabama BRONZE EMBLEM: Jackson Chapter, Jackson; Scottsboro Chap- ter, Scottsboro.

Arizona SILVER EMBLEM: Chandler Chapter, Chandler; BRONZE EMBLEM: Gilbert Chapter, Gilbert. Arkansas GOLD EMBLEM: Mansfield Chapter, Mansfield; SILVER EMBLEM: Magnet Cove Chapter, Malvern.

California BRONZE EMBLEM: Mt. Whitney Chapter, Visalia.

Colorado GOLD EMBLEM: Eaton-Highland Chapter, Eaton; Larimer County Chapter, Fort Collins.

Connecticut GOLD EMBLEM: Housatonic Valley Chapter, Falls Village.

Florida GOLD EMBLEM: South Sumter Chapter, Bushnell; SILVER EMBLEM: Zephyrhills Chapter, Zephyrhills.

Georgia GOLD EMBLEM: Perry Chapter, Perry.

Idaho SILVER EMBLEM: Buhl Chapter, Buhl; BRONZE EMBLEM: Payette Chapter, Payette.

Illinois GOLD EMBLEM: Warren Chapter, Monmouth; SILVER EMBLEM: Southwestern Chapter, Piasa; BRONZE EMBLEM: McLeansboro Chapter, McLeansboro.

Indiana GOLD EMBLEM: Brownstown Chapter, Brownstown; SILVER EMBLEM: Clinton Central Chapter, Michigantown.

Iowa BRONZE EMBLEM: Audubon Chapter, Audubon; South Hamilton Chapter, Jewel.

Kansas SILVER EMBLEM: Goessel Chapter, Goessel; BRONZE EMBLEM: Hill City Chapter, Hill City.

Kentucky GOLD EMBLEM: Lyon County Chapter, Eddyville; SILVER EMBLEM: Caldwell County Chapter, Princeton.

Louisana SILVER EMBLEM: Saline Chapter, Saline; Slidell Chapter, Slidell; BRONZE EMBLEM: Franklinton Chapter, Franklinton.

Maine BRONZE EMBLEM: Limestone Chapter, Limestone; Presque Isle Chapter, Presque Isle.

Maryland GOLD EMBLEM: Walkersville Chapter, Walkersville.

Michigan SILVER EMBLEM: Cassopolis Chapter, Cassopolis; Hastings Chapter, Hastings.

Minnesota SILVER EMBLEM: Faribault Chapter, Faribault; BRONZE EMBLEM: Eagle Bend Chapter, Eagle Bend. 66 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Mississippi BRONZE EMBLEM: Stone Chapter, Wiggins; Walnut Chapter, Wal- nut.

Missouri SILVER EMBLEM: Montgomery County Chapter, Montgomery City; BRONZE EMBLEM: East Prairie Chapter, East Prairie.

Nebraska GOLD EMBLEM: St. Edward Chapter, St. Edward; SILVER EMBLEM: Central Chapter, Raymond.

Nevada GOLD EMBLEM: Ruby Mountain Chapter, Elko.

New Hampshire. ...SILVER EMBLEM: Colebrook Chapter, Colebrook.

New Jersey GOLD EMBLEM: Belvidere Chapter, Belvidere; North Hunterdon Regional Chapter, Annandale.

New Mexico BRONZE EMBLEM: Tucumcari Chapter, Tucumcari. New York SILVER EMBLEM: Salem Chapter, Salem; BRONZE EMBLEM: Sherburne-Earlville Chapter, Sherburne.

North Carolina SILVER EMBLEM: South Lenoir Chapter, Deep Run; BRONZE EMBLEM: North Lenoir Chapter, LaGrange.

North Dakota BRONZE EMBLEM: Rugby Chapter, Rugby; Washburn Chapter, Washburn.

Ohio GOLD EMBLEM: Big Walnut Chapter, Sunbury; River View Chapter, Warsaw; BRONZE EMBLEM: Montgomery Co. Chapter, Clayton.

Oklahoma SILVER EMBLEM: Thomas Chapter, Thomas.

Oregon GOLD EMBLEM: Silverton Chapter, Silverton; BRONZE EMBLEM: Redmond Chapter, Redmond.

Pennsylvania GOLD EMBLEM: Northern Lebanon Chapter, Fredericksburg; BRONZE EMBLEM: Headwaters Chapter, Ulysses.

South Carolina SILVER EMBLEM: Greenville Chapter, Greenville; BRONZE EMBLEM: Bowman Chapter, Bowman.

South Dakota SILVER EMBLEM: Hoven Chapter, Hoven; Viborg Chapter, Viborg.

Tennessee BRONZE EMBLEM: Dyersburg Chapter, Dyersburg; Greenback Chapter, Greenback; Horace Maynard Chap- ter, Maynardville; Morristown Chapter, Morristown; Shelbyville Central Chapter, Shelbyville; Warren County Chapter, Mc- Minnville.

Texas SILVER EMBLEM: Hull-Daisetta Chapter, Daisetta; Nacogdoches Chapter, Nacogdoches.

Utah SILVER EMBLEM: Bear River Chapter, Tremonton.

Vermont SILVER EMBLEM: Craftsbury Chapter, Craftsbury Common; BRONZE EMBLEM: Center Vermont Chapter, Randolph.

Virginia SILVER EMBLEM: Montevideo Chapter, Penn Laird; BRONZE EMBLEM: Botetourt Chapter, Fincastle; Fort Defiance Chapter, Fort Defiance.

Washington GOLD EMBLEM: Eatonville Chapter, Eatonville; SILVER EMBLEM: Castle Rock Chapter, Castle Rock. FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 67

West Virginia BRONZE EMBLEM: Lewis County Chapter, Weston; Shady Spring Chapter, Shady Spring.

Wisconsin GOLD EMBLEM: Denmark Chapter, Denmark; SILVER EMBLEM: Green Bay East Chapter, Green Bay; Monroe Chapter, Monroe.

Wyoming SILVER EMBLEM: Buffalo Bill Chapter, Cody; BRONZE EMBLEM: Burns Chapter, Burns.

BUILDING OUR AMERICAN COMMUNITIES

A contemporary, exciting and challenging program was recognized for the fourth time at this year's convention. The FFA-BOAC program is designed to provide total involvement of FFA members in meaningful programs designed to meet the determined needs of every community.

It provides opportunities for FFA chapters to organize for action to make their community a better place in which to live and work and to take pride in telling about their accomplishments.

Gold Emblem ratings were awarded to 33 chapters, Silver Emblem to 33 chapters and Bronze Emblem to 38 chapters. Four regional winners were selected and appropriate recognition given to them at the national convention. The regional winners were:

Santa Fe "Senior" Chapter, Alachua, Florida — National Winner Eatonville Chapter, Eatonville, Washington — Pacific Regional Winner Shady Spring Chapter, Shady Spring, West Virginia — North Atlantic Regional Winner Hastings Chapter, Hastings, Michigan — Central Regional Winner

National BOAC award winner. 68 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Other chapters earning National BOAC awards this year were:

Alabama BRONZE EMBLEM: Hayneville Chapter, Hayneville; Sunshine Chapter, Newbern.

Arizona SILVER EMBLEM: Peoria Chapter, Peoria; BRONZE EMBLEM: Gilbert Chapter, Gilbert.

Arkansas GOLD EMBLEM: Fayetteville Chapter, Fayetteville; SILVER EMBLEM: Mansfield Chapter, Mansfield.

California GOLD EMBLEM: Hilmar Chapter, Hilmar; BRONZE EMBLEM: Mt. Whitney Chapter, Visalia.

Colorado GOLD EMBLEM: Eaton-Highland Chapter, Eaton; SILVER EMBLEM: Wiggins Chapter, Wiggins.

Connecticut SILVER EMBLEM: Woodbury Chapter, Woodbury; BRONZE EMBLEM: Hale-Ray Chapter, Moodus.

Delaware BRONZE EMBLEM: Sussex Vocational-Technical Chapter, Georgetown.

Florida GOLD EMBLEM: Santa Fe "Senior" Chapter, Alachua; South Sumter Chapter, Bushnell.

Georgia SILVER EMBLEM: Valley Point Chapter, Dalton; BRONZE EMBLEM: Pelham Chapter, Pelham.

Hawaii SILVER EMBLEM: Waialua Chapter, Waialua.

Idaho BRONZE EMBLEM: Blackfoot Chapter, Blackfoot; Buhl Chapter, Buhl.

Illinois GOLD EMBLEM: Sycamore Chapter, Sycamore; Warren Chapter, Monmouth; SILVER EMBLEM: East Pike Chapter, Milton; Watseka Chapter, Watseka; BRONZE EMBLEM: Georgetown Chapter, Georgetown.

Indiana BRONZE EMBLEM: Greenfield Central Chapter, Greenfield; Owen Valley Chapter, Spencer.

Iowa GOLD EMBLEM: Colo Chapter, Colo; Sac City Chapter, Sac City; BRONZE EMBLEM: Winterset Chapter, Winterset.

Kansas GOLD EMBLEM: Mission Valley Chapter, Eskridge; BRONZE EMBLEM: Hill City Chapter, Hill City.

Kentucky GOLD EMBLEM: Fulton County Chapter, Hickman; Lyon County Chapter, Eddyville.

Louisiana GOLD EMBLEM: Saline Chapter, Saline; BRONZE EMBLEM: Centerville Chapter, Centerville.

Maine BRONZE EMBLEM: Lee Academy Chapter, Lee; Limestone Chap- ter, Limestone.

Maryland GOLD EMBLEM: Catoctin Chapter, Thurmont; SILVER EMBLEM: Gaithersburg Chapter, Gaithersburg. Massachusetts BRONZE EMBLEM: Smith Chapter, Northampton. Michigan GOLD EMBLEM: Hastings Chapter, Hastings; Stephenson Chapter, Stephenson. FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 69

Minnesota GOLD EMBLEM: Forest Lake Chapter, Forest Lake; SILVER EMBLEM: Bird Island Chapter, Bird Island.

Mississippi BRONZE EMBLEM: Stone Chapter, Wiggins.

Missouri BRONZE EMBLEM: Chillicothe Chapter, Chillicothe; East Prairie Chapter, East Prairie.

Montana SILVER EMBLEM: Columbus Chapter, Columbus; Fairview Chap- ter, Fairview.

Nebraska SILVER EMBLEM: Pierce Chapter, Pierce; BRONZE EMBLEM: Stanton Chapter, Stanton.

Nevada BRONZE EMBLEM: Mason Valley Chapter, Yerington.

New Jersey SILVER EMBLEM: Belvidere Chapter, Belvidere; BRONZE EMBLEM: Allentown Chapter, Allentown.

New Mexico SILVER EMBLEM: Clovis Chapter, Clovis; BRONZE EMBLEM: Tucumcari Chapter, Tucumcari.

New York GOLD EMBLEM: Nassau Chapter, Westbury; SILVER EMBLEM: Sherburne-Earlville Chapter, Sherburne.

North Carolina GOLD EMBLEM: West Carteret Chapter, Morehead City; SILVER EMBLEM: South Lenoir Chapter, Deep Run.

North Dakota SILVER EMBLEM: Rugby Chapter, Rugby; BRONZE EMBLEM: Washburn Chapter, Washburn.

Ohio GOLD EMBLEM: Delaware Chapter, Delaware; SILVER EMBLEM: Big Walnut Chapter, Sunbury; Ridgedale Chapter, Morral.

Oklahoma GOLD EMBLEM: Springer Chapter, Springer; BRONZE EMBLEM: Mannford Chapter, Mannford. Oregon GOLD EMBLEM: Redmond Chapter, Redmond; SILVER EMBLEM: Silverton Chapter, Silverton. Pennsylvania GOLD EMBLEM: Grassland Chapter, New Holland; SILVER EMBLEM: Northern Lebanon Chapter, Fredericksburg; BRONZE EMBLEM: Berlin-Brothersvalley Chapter, Berlin.

Rhode Island SILVER EMBLEM: Scituate Chapter, North Scituate; BRONZE EMBLEM: Chariho Chapter, Wood River Junction.

South Carolina SILVER EMBLEM: Bowman Chapter, Bowman; Greenville Chap- ter, Greenville.

South Dakota GOLD EMBLEM: New Underwood Chapter, New Underwood; SILVER EMBLEM: Doland Chapter, Doland. Tennessee BRONZE EMBLEM: Horace Maynard Chapter, Maynardville; Warren County Chapter, McMinnville.

Texas SILVER EMBLEM: Frost Chapter, Frost; Lorena Chapter, Lorena; BRONZE EMBLEM: Klein Chapter, Spring.

Utah GOLD EMBLEM: Wasatch Chapter, Heber City; BRONZE EMBLEM: Richfield Chapter, Richfield. Vermont GOLD EMBLEM: Lyndon Chapter, Lyndon; BRONZE EMBLEM: Center Vermont Chapter, Randolph. 70 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Virginia SILVER EMBLEM: Appomattox Chapter, Appomattox; BRONZE EMBLEM: Broadway Chapter, Broadway; William Campbell Chapter, Naruna.

Washington GOLD EMBLEM: Eatonville Chapter, Eatonville; SILVER EMBLEM: Pasco Chapter, Pasco; BRONZE EMBLEM: North Thurston Chapter, Lacey.

West Virginia.. GOLD EMBLEM: Shady Spring Chapter, Shady Spring; BRONZE EMBLEM: Ripley Chapter, Ripley.

Wisconsin GOLD EMBLEM: Cadott Chapter, Cadott; Denmark Chapter, Denmark; Green Bay East Chapter, Green Bay; Stoughton Chapter, Stoughton. SILVER EMBLEM: Bloomer Chapter, Bloomer; Evansville Chap- ter, Evansville.

Wyoming. GOLD EMBLEM: Buffalo Bill Chapter, Cody; SILVER EMBLEM: Thermopolis Chapter, Thermopolis.

AGRICULTURAL PROFICIENCY AWARDS Seventy-two regional winners of the 18 Agricultural Proficiency Awards met for a luncheon with persons from government, business and industry who served as judges. The judging of each of the 18 areas was done on the basis of interviews and information submitted to the FFA by regional winners. Each national winner received a check in the amount of $250.00 from the National FFA Foundation, Inc., and regional winners a check for $200.00. Following are Agricultural Proficiency Award winners who were recognized at the 1974 National FFA Convention.

> , - ... FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 71

AGRICULTURAL ELECTRIFICATION

Name Chapter & State Region

CURTIS S. MAUGHAN Sky View, Utah National Winner MARK ALAN GAGNON Alpena, Michigan Central Regional Winner DAVID BRENT NANCE Van Vleck, Texas Southern Regional Winner MIKE PEASLEE Kingwood, West Virginia N. Atlantic Regional Winner

AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS BRENT BRONNER Crestwood, Iowa National Winner DON BROWN Yuma, Colorado Pacific Regional Winner JOHN L BURNHAM Rockville, Connecticut N. Atlantic Regional Winner LEON DEWAYNE BRISTOW Ponca City, Oklahoma Southern Regional Winner

AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING LYNN RAYGROFF Grassland, Pennsylvania National Winner DONALD ROGERS Hull-Daisetta, Texas Southern Regional Winner PAT JONES Eatonville, Washington Pacific Regional Winner JOHN J. POTTS Denmark, Wisconsin Central Regional Winner

AGRICULTURAL SALES AND/OR SERVICE

DAVID L. PREWETT Fromberg, Montana National Winner DENNIS EUGENE SWILLEY Santa Fe, Florida Southern Regional Winner PAUL BERGMANN Stillwater, Minnesota Central Regional Winner DENNIS PIERCE North Kingstown, N. Atlantic Regional Winner Rhode Island

BEEF PRODUCTION TAYLOR BROWN Fergus of Lewistown, National Winner Montana JERRY BURKETT Stuttgart, Arkansas Southern Regional Winner ROLAND F. PENCE King City, Missouri Central Regional Winner HOWARD JAY Owen J. Roberts, N. Atlantic Regional Winner STOLTZFUS Pennsylvania

CROP PRODUCTION RONALD BISCHOFF Marshall, Michigan National Winner DAVID OSWALT Winfield, Alabama Southern Regional Winner JESSE F. PHILBRICK Limestone, Maine N. Atlantic Regional Winner GLENN W. FREEBURG Albin, Wyoming Pacific Regional Winner

DAIRY PRODUCTION BRIAN CARL MARTENS New Ulm, Minnesota National Winner CALVIN L. TANNER Wamogo, Connecticut N. Atlantic Regional Winner ALAN MANN Silverton, Oregon Pacific Regional Winner MIKE JONES Antioch, Tennessee Southern Regional Winner

FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT CECIL BURNEY Chelsea, Alabama National Winner DENNIS EDWARD EHLE Woodlan, Indiana Central Regional Winner JOHN HARRIS North Kitsap, Pacific Regional Winner Washington ELMO DALE WILES, JR. University High, N. Atlantic Regional Winner West Virginia 72 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

FOREST MANAGEMENT JOHN MITCHELL Bear Lodge, Wyoming National Winner GREG LYONS Baker County, Florida Southern Regional Winner CHRIS MICKMAN Fridley, Minnesota Central Regional Winner DOUGLAS WATSON Spud Growers, N. Atlantic Regional Winner Pennsylvania HOME AND FARMSTEAD IMPROVEMENT MALCOLM WADSWORTH Wetumpka, Alabama National Winner DUANE BROWN Yuma, Colorado Pacific Regional Winner HOWARD LUECK Fergus Falls, Minnesota Central Regional Winner RICHARD HARRISON Barker, New York N. Atlantic Regional Winner LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION JOHN ALLEN SMITH, JR. Greensboro, Florida National Winner RONNIE BROCK Stet, Missouri Central Regional Winner GREGORY L. SNYDER Lehigh County, N. Atlantic Regional Winner Pennsylvania GORDON LENHARD Deer Park, Washington Pacific Regional Winner ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE PHILLIP BARRON Tanner "A", Alabama National Winner PAULW. DAVIS, JR. W.M.R.H.S. Abnaki, N. Atlantic Regional Winner New Hampshire DAVID A. STAAB Gervais, Oregon Pacific Regional Winner DANN J. MAY Green Bay East, Central Regional Winner Wisconsin OUTDOOR RECREATION

JOE TYRRELL Sycamore, Illinois National Winner PHILLIP E. BAGWELL Douglas, Arizona Pacific Regional Winner ALLEN W.YOUNG Colebrook, New N. Atlantic Regional Winner Hampshire JEFFERYC. STANLEY South Lenoir, North Southern Regional Winner Carolina

PLACEMENT IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION WILLIAM ZAMUDIO Elfrida, Arizona National Winner RANDAL JONES Bay Minette, Alabama Southern Regional Winner ALLYN HURLBURT, III Housatonic Valley, N. Atlantic Regional Winner Connecticut JOHN D. OTT Delaware Hayes, Ohio Central Regional Winner POULTRY PRODUCTION STEVEN ALBER North Fayette County, National Winner Iowa MICHAEL L MARTIN Grassland, Pennsylvania N. Atlantic Regional Winner BROWNIE EDWARD Warren County, Southern Regional Winner HENNESSEE Tennessee GARTH W. CHRISTENSEN North Sanpete, Utah Pacific Regional Winner SHEEP PRODUCTION RUSSELL KEITH PRENTICE Bokchito, Oklahoma National Winner DEBRAA. GRANT Storrs, Connecticut N. Atlantic Regional Winner STEVE WILDER Meridian, Idaho Pacific Regional Winner TERESA HUMBURG Fremont, Ohio Central Regional Winner FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 73

SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT ARTHUR ARNOLD Warren, Ohio National Winner STEVE GRAY Tift County, Georgia Southern Regional Winner GARYWYNKOOP Damascus, Maryland N. Atlantic Regional Winner WAYNE NIELSON Emery, Utah Pacific Regional Winner SWINE PRODUCTION JOHN STEVEN MARTIN Smithsburg, Maryland National Winner DAVID DATTERI Fort Morgan, Colorado Pacific Regional Winner DARVIN KETTWICK Buffalo Center Bison, Central Regional Winner Iowa BILL BEARDEN, JR. Okmulgee, Oklahoma Southern Regional Winner

NATIONAL FFA PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST

The National FFA Public Speaking Contest is held in Kansas City,

Missouri. It is the final elimination of a nationwide contest that started in local chapters, with winners progressing through area or federation competition, then state contests, and four regional contests.

Each of the four members who participated in the national contest already had won a medal at the local chapter level and a $100.00 prize at the state level. The winner of the national contest received $300.00. Other awards were $275.00 for second, $250.00 for third and $225.00 for fourth. All awards and travel funds are provided by the Future Farmers of America Foundation, Inc.

Each contestant spoke from six to eight minutes on an agricultural subject of his own choosing, then was subjected to five minutes of ques- tioning by the judges. Scoring was done on the basis of speech delivery, manuscript and answers to questions. JUDGES

Philip J. Leyendecker, Dean, College of Agriculture and Home Economics, New Mexico State University, University Park, New Mexico William F. Pierce, Deputy Commissioner for Occupational and Adult Education, U. S. Office of Education, Washington, D. C. Mary George Jordan Waite, President, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Centre, Alabama TIMEKEEPERS

William L. Lewis, Director, Occupational and Adult Education, U. S. Office of Educa- tion, Chicago, Illinois E. Van Vleck, Manager, Farm Journal's FFA Programs, Farm Journal, Park Ridge, Illinois SPEAKERS First Place—Randy Harris, Clovis, New Mexico THE COMING FAMINE Second Place—Mark Booth, Huntington, West Virginia FOOD EXPORTS—SALVATION OF AMERICA Third Place—Tom White, Prairie, Ohio THE CHOICE Fourth Place—Frank Sam Moore, Cornersville, Tennessee FUTURE FARMERS—LEADERS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW 74 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

THE COMING FAMINE

RANDY HARRIS, Clovis, New Mexico How many of us have seen a promising crop burned and dead from a lack of that most precious liquid, water! Water is the lifeblood of man and agriculture, not only in our arid southwest but in the entire nation. We are faced with a very grave problem, the rapidly declining supply of

fresh, usable water. I would like to discuss our need for fresh water, its importance to the economy, the problem of the declining supply, and most important, the wisest solution to the problem.

Irrigation is by far the most prodigious consumer of our nation's water supplies. Irrigation water is applied at a rate of about 200 billion gallons a day in the United States, and we all realize that water is needed in 1975 more than ever before. We have reached the point in American agriculture at which unproductive land is a wasteful luxury. Two-thirds of the world's food is produced in irrigated regions. These regions produce record yields of high quality crops on small areas. Agriculture is the big- gest industry in the country, and water is the key to successful agriculture.

In the southwest, irrigation is a must if we are to grow successful crops consistently. The fact that most of the nation's irrigated land is in the west bears this out. More water is used for irrigation here than for any other purpose, and the demand for it signifies its scarcity.

Rivers in the southwest are being used to their utmost capacity. Natural runoff in the Rocky Mountain states is simply too insufficient to supply the vast demand for water. Underground water is one of the most widely used sources of fresh water, but now this dwindling supply must be replenished.

Our greatest threat is this declining supply of water. Most of the cities in the southwest rely entirely on underground water for their needs. When FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 75 water is mined in the same region by several, drops of up to 30 feet per year have been recorded. The drain on our water formation is by far greater than precipitation alone can replenish, and geologists tell us that, that is its ony source of renewal. Often when a well starts to pump less than usual, another well is drilled to make up for the loss. The increasing expense of additional wells will soon be so great that farmers can no longer afford to continue irrigation by underground sources. At the same time, many cities in the southwest have drilled wells outside of city limits, draw- ing down the supply even further.

The southwest's irrigated crops support the most intensive cattle feeding area in the world. With adequate fresh water, the cattle industry flourishes. New kinds of jobs are continually opening and wages are good. All businesses profit from an adequate water supply for farming needs, because when water is plentiful, agricultural income will be certain and bountiful. The various levels of government profit when there is enough water for agriculture because of substantial taxes. The entire economy of our nation is strongly based on agriculture which in turn relies on fresh water.

What will happen to the economy when water disappears in the South- west? Economists project that receipts to farmers will drop 60%, pur- chases will drop 50%, employment will drop 50%, and taxes from agri- culture will drop by two thirds. In Curry County, my home, the total farm and ranch receipts were recently estimated at $30.3 million a year. If irrigation were to cease, these receipts would drop to $10.5 million or about one-third of the normal average. This percentage would carry throughout most of the entire southwest. When water is short, profits are short.

We may very well have our own American Sahara in a few short years. Time is running out! Let's not copy the oil crisis with a water crisis! If we start now to save, and use our water resources wisely, we can avoid the ominous results. It will be easier, better planned, and more economical, if we start to work immediately on an idea to keep the vital southwest alive.

The most practical, economical and conservative idea in many people's opinion is transporting water from wet regions to arid regions. For ex- ample, from the Mississippi River alone a yearly surplus of water is being dumped into the Gulf of Mexico at a rate of 400 million acre-feet annually. These surplus waters at times cause floods and millions of dollars in dam- ages to cities and agricultural lands. Would it not seem wise to take this wasted water in times of surplus, and transport it to arid regions where it would benefit everyone? This is what the "Texas Water Plan" proposes to do. It will cost money and take time, but over a period of years a transport system would pay for itself many times over in municipal, industrial, and recreational benefits alone. Think of the billions of dollars the southwest would contribute after receiving the much needed water not only for its lands, but also for its cities, and industries.

America is no longer a nation of surplus. Louisiana Governor Edwin

Edwards said, "We have reached the point at which it is imperative that 76 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

our nation's resources be utilized to benefit everyone." States blessed with excessive water must realize that they, too, will profit by sending a part of their water to a thirsty, but productive land in the southwest.

It will take years for any huge water reviving project to be built, and by the time the public and government "get on the ball" many vital agri- cultural lands, and the farm families which operate them, will have per- ished. This will be a very tragic blow to the world. People are going to have to become accustomed to the cost of moving water greater distances. Our nation's economy depends on the southwest being able to transport water for its agricultural, industrial and municipal needs.

Harry Burleigh, Director of the Texas Water Development Board said, "When you go in and rebuild a ghetto you haven't created any new wealth or any new resources. At least when you move water to arid areas and put

it to work, you've put an unused resource to work making money, providing jobs, and creating a new and better way of life." The coming water famine can be and must be avoided! If you say the idea is impossible, remember the slogan of the United States Armed Forces, "The impossible just takes a little longer."

NATIONAL FFA CONTESTS

An important part of each National FFA Convention is the National FFA Contests. All seven National Contests—Agricultural Mechanics, Dairy Cattle, Horticulture, Livestock, Meats, Milk Quality and Dairy Foods, and Poultry—are conducted in Kansas City. The winning teams and the high scoring individuals receive special trophies. The contests and the national winners are listed below.

AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS—40 State Teams Participated First Place—MINNESOTA. The team was composed of Jim Talberg, Brad Burk- land and Scott Kuehn, and coached by Dene Byers, vocational agriculture instructor, Milaca High School, Milaca, Minnesota.

The five high scoring individuals were: 1. Pat Larson, California 2. Paul Langenkamp, Ohio 3. Kenny Anderson, Missouri 4. Jim Talberg, Minnesota 5. Robert Voges, Texas

DAIRY CATTLE—46 State Teams Participated First Place—CALIFORNIA. The team was composed of Kelly Rodriguez, Don Warden and Jeanne Helpenstine, and coached by Leslie Ferreira, vocational agricul- ture instructor, San Luis Obispo Senior High School, San Luis Obispo, California.

The five high scoring individuals were: 1. David Miles, Kentucky 2. Reda Lamphier, New York 3. Joe Bigley, West Virginia 4. Sarah Wilkinson, Michigan 5. Mick Massa, Kansas FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA 77

HORTICULTURE—33 State Teams Participated

First Place—WISCONSIN. The team was composed of Barb Boehmke, Sue Kartman and Mary Laufenberg and coached by B. Dreischmeier, vocational agriculture instructor, Middleton High School, Middleton, Wisconsin.

The five high scoring individuals were: 1. Nancy Vinkler, Ohio 2. Mike Boyle, Iowa 3. Mark Jennings, Missouri 4. Sue Kartman, Wisconsin 5. Barb Boehmke, Wisconsin

LIVESTOCK—44 State Teams Participated First Place—CALIFORNIA. The team was composed of Greg Sheffield, Tom East and Judy Ziegler, and coached by Alfred DeRose, Jr., vocational agriculture instructor Atascadero High School, Atascadero, California.

The five high scoring individuals were: 1. Greg Sheffield, California 2. Tom Resch, Minnesota 3. Tom East, California 4. Craig Hertsgaard, North Dakota 5. Robbie Taylor, Oklahoma

MEATS—37 State Teams Participated

First Place—OKLAHOMA. The team was composed of Steve Meyer, Mike Brashears and Markus Wichman, and coached by Hugh D. Hardie, vocational agri- culture instructor, Mannford High School, Mannford, Oklahoma.

The five high scoring individuals were: 1. Markus Wichman, Oklahoma 2. Teron Jackson, Florida 3. Duaine Marxen, Minnesota 4. Mike Brashears, Oklahoma 5. Mike Bumgarner, Ohio

MILK QUALITY AND DAIRY FOODS—34 State Teams Participated

First Place—MISSOURI. The team was composed of Dewayne Brake, Robert Smith and Brent Sturgeon, and coached by Melvin E. Barnes, vocational agriculture instructor, Licking High School, Licking, Missouri.

The five high scoring individuals were: 1. Brent Sturgeon, Missouri 2. Terry Brown, Illinois 3. Lori Couto, California 4. Robert Smith, Missouri 5. Dewayne Brake, Missouri 78 FORTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

POULTRY—35 State Teams Participated

First Place—KANSAS. The team was composed of Kent Chambers, Rick Jensen and John Gutschenritter, and coached by Wayne Coltrain, vocational agriculture in- structor, Neodesha High School, Neodesha, Kansas.

The five high scoring individuals were: 1. John Gutschenritter, Kansas 2. Rick Jensen, Kansas 3. Kenneth Stevens, Oklahoma 4. Shawn Cover, Texas 5. Ron Jacobsen, Wyoming -IONAL OHGANIZA-'IOMU

88SF

I ROYAL ASSOCIATION WELCOMED THE NATIONAL CONGR L AGRICULTURE STUDENTS IN NOVEMBER 1926 FOR L JUDGING CONTESTS, A FORERUNNER OF THE FUTUR ICA, FOUNDED IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI IN I9<

ROYAL AND CITIZENS OF KANSAS

I AND COOPERATION TO IMPR

: : VijC J: TtQ k r !' :' .:' >..'>' a I A -k •: L f ? F '-'til. f ! 4

YAL ASSOCIATIO:

FARMER tMI m ^oWTH

W^iP*wk

a ehanee

a ehanee n 4Sn 6 1

a chance 77

ill aft I

gs> a ch

a# cfc

a cha LEU ^i.fTii