National FFA Convention Highlights Thursday, Oct. 22

Contact: Andrea McNeely, (317) 586-5098 Julie Woodard, (317) 586-5103

FFA Members Volunteer in Indy

Thursday, Oct. 22 Friday, Oct. 23 All day, various sites

The National FFA Days of Service promote civic engagement through agricultural education and service learning. Hundreds of FFA members will volunteer at several locations throughout Indianapolis helping at local food banks helping local schools with urban gardens, and more.

All Days of Service Participants will gather Thursday and Friday morning at 7 a.m. at Victory Field, before heading out to the service sites.

Visit the Days of Service webpage for a complete list of sites.

Agricultural Issues Forum Finals

Thursday, Oct. 22, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom 3, 4, 5

Finalists in the Agricultural Issues Forum will compete for individual and team honors. Teams of five to seven students present a current agricultural issue to a panel of judges. Presentations can include skits, costumes and props.

Keynote Speaker, Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant

Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Conseco Fieldhouse

Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant will address thousands of students and sponsors during the third general convention session. Monsanto, a company 100 percent devoted to agriculture, is focused on applying innovation and technology to help its farmer customers increase yields while conserving more of our world’s precious resources including water and energy. Under Grant’s leadership, Monsanto has increasingly relied on building partnerships to achieve commercial, environmental and social humanitarian goals.

National FFA Agricultural Career Show

Thursday 8:00 – 6:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 – 4:00 p.m. Indiana Convention Center

The National FFA Agricultural Career Show allows FFA members to explore careers and educational opportunities. The show features more than 300 companies, colleges and organizations. Some of this year’s highlights:

U.S. Army

Soldiers share principles of leadership, career opportunities and demonstrate marksmanship and dog handling in their booth at the National FFA Agricultural Career Show.

Media can conduct interviews, gather footage and tour the Strength in Action Zone during the following times:

• Thursday, Oct. 22, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 23, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Visuals: The following live-shot, taped segment and interview opportunities are available:

• Military Working Dog Demonstrations: Army dogs play a critically important role in U.S. Army missions by sniffing for bombs, ferreting out terrorists and helping to safeguard military bases, all while ensuring the safety of our Soldiers. Speak with a Soldier handler and see Army dogs demonstrate their response rate to key commands, physical speed, agility and detective abilities and bite work with decoys. Soldier handlers can discuss the special training and leadership skills required of both dogs and handlers.

• Army Marksmanship Unit Shooters: Members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit will give non-live-fire demonstrations highlighting different shooting techniques and stances. They also will discuss the importance of gun safety and speak to the leadership skills that are important for success. These Soldiers compete internationally and train other Soldiers to be safe and proficient marksmen.

The Army Marksmanship Trailer contains two shooting simulators that replicate current U.S. weapons systems. The training simulator offers a wide array of targets and video scenarios for training military personnel from the basic trainee to Army Rangers and Special Forces Soldiers. The system also includes training for police force personnel and hunters. The computer software offers safety briefs, a hunter education course, military combat skills training and more.

• Ryan Newman – U.S. Army NASCAR Driver [Thursday Only]: U.S. Army NASCAR driver Ryan Newman will be at the Army booth on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 12:30-2 p.m. to speak with FFA students. His show car also will be on display.

• Strength in Action Zone Army Booth: See Soldiers give fitness demonstrations, tour the Army marksmanship trailer, see and learn about the NASCAR and NHRA show cars, and participate in other interactive elements of the exhibit.

Monsanto Mobile Technology Unit:

The MTU is a 53-foot long, 1,000 square-foot interactive display featuring Monsanto's latest advances in seed breeding, biotechnology and new product development designed to help students become more aware of the career opportunities available within agriculture. The 30 minute tours have been booked for weeks prior to convention as advisors schedule time for their students to see the latest developments in technology. More than 1,200 students are expected to experience the MTU at the convention.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCT. 20, 2009

FFA Float Will Connect With Millions on New Year’s Day

INDIANAPOLIS— On the morning of January 1, 2010, the National FFA Organization will make contact with an estimated 42 million people in the United States, and more than 100 million people worldwide, through participation in the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade. Television viewers settled in to watch this New Year’s Day tradition will witness history being made, as the first-ever FFA float in the Rose Parade not only makes its way down Orange and Colorado Boulevards before the crowds in Pasadena, but into the living rooms, and into the hearts, of families watching at home. On and surrounding the float will be the 2009- 2010 National FFA Officer Team, National FFA Advisor Dr. Larry Case and the four Stars Over America, along with invited FFA presidents from every U.S. state, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

The float, FFA Today, is one of the largest in the parade, at 75 feet long, 30 feet tall and 18 feet wide. It features three gigantic sculptures depicting FFA members engaging in agricultural, educational and development activities. The float will further be highlighted by several elements from the FFA emblem, each with a significant meaning. Alongside the emblem are a sleek horse, a combine, barn and windmill, a stand of evergreens, a grove of fruit trees, and finally urban buildings and a communications satellite – contrasting with the rural features to display the scope of FFA activities. The float is designed to represent all FFA members, past and present, as well as portray a most positive image of agriculture into rural, suburban and urban-based homes. In addition to more than 10,000 fresh flowers, the float will be decorated by FFA members with commodities grown by the American farmer, including corn, wheat, soybeans, and cotton.

All of the FFA float costs and expenses for this major communications effort are being underwritten entirely by RFD-TV and the sponsors and advertisers associated with RFD-TV’s live broadcast of the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade and Equestfest. The float also promotes and ties in with the weekly, half-hour FFA news magazine program on RFD-TV.

“When we first learned of the 2010 Rose Parade theme, “A Cut Above The Rest,” we immediately thought of FFA, and saw this as an opportunity to not only pay tribute to the world’s premiere youth organization, but at the same time to also showcase FFA activities on a world stage in this continuing effort to connect and educate the urban world about the positive aspects of rural America”, stated Patrick Gottsch, founder and president of RFD-TV.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to communicate the FFA message to the world,” added Bill Stagg, communications director for the National FFA Organization. “The float is beautiful, and it will be a beacon of pride for all associated with FFA. The opportunity to assemble so many FFA leaders in one place at one time has never happened before outside of our annual convention. What a way to start a new decade!”

The Tournament of Roses Parade is simultaneously carried live or on tape delay by six national or cable television networks in the United States (ABC, NBC, HGTV, Univision, RFD- TV/RFD HD, KTLA) and begins at 11 a.m. (Eastern time). The parade will also be distributed into more than 110 countries around the world. Extensive print and radio media cover the events and floats leading up to the parade and the afternoon Rose Bowl football game. It is anticipated that interview opportunities for FFA will also materialize with outlets such as the Today Show with Al Roker, KTLA, and other media.

“Never before has there been a chance to showcase FFA to the entire country, and project the good work being done by young leaders in agriculture, on so many prime media outlets at once,” said Raquel Gottsch, public relations director for RFD-TV. “From day one, RFD- TV’s primary goal has been to find common ground for urban, rural and suburban residents again. The Rose Parade provides a platform to the world. This is going to be good for FFA and the entire agriculture industry; it will take agricultural communications to a whole new level”.

In addition to its regular live production and broadcast of the two-hour Tournament of Roses Parade hosted by Crook & Chase along with Pam Minick, RFD-TV will also air a one-hour special on the “Making of the FFA Float” beginning at 10 a.m. (Eastern time), and will repeat the entire three-hour Rose Parade broadcast set several times during the first week of January. There is will also be a live Web feed of the float being built and decorated on the www.rfdtv.com Web site, plus “Float Updates” on the channel.

About RFD-TV, LLC Launched in December of 2000 and now beginning its 10th year of broadcasting, RFD-TV is the nation's first 24-hour television channels dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America with programming focused on agriculture, equine, rural lifestyle, along with traditional country music and entertainment. The channel is now distributed into over 40 million homes worldwide by DBS and cable systems including DISH Network, DIRECTV, Comcast, Verizon FiOS TV, Mediacom, Charter, Bresnan, Suddenlink, Bright House, Time Warner, Cox, and over 600 independent rural cable systems. Production originates in studios located in Nashville, Tennessee for RFD-TV and RFD HD, and now London, England for RURAL TV, the company’s new international channel, which launched throughout the UK to over 10 million homes on Sky and Freesat in March/2009. RFD-TV The Magazine now has over 160,000 paid subscribers for its bi-monthly publication, and the company continues to operate RFD-TV The Theatre in Branson, Missouri. www.rfdtv.com

About the National FFA Organization The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members—all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture—as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988 in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st United States Congress, and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

###

Contacts:

Julie Adams National FFA Organization 317-802-4225 [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCT. 20, 2009

RFD-TV Unveils Rose Parade Broadcast Schedule

New Year’s Day Coverage to Revolve Around FFA Float

INDIANAPOLIS—Today, RFD-TV released its television broadcast schedule for coverage of the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade, which will originate from Pasadena, California on Jan. 1, 2010. The RFD-TV/RFD HD coverage will be heavily centered around the history making, first-ever FFA float in the Rose Parade, which was announced today at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind.

The live broadcast on RFD-TV/RFD HD will begin on New Year’s morning with a one-hour special, “The Making of the FFA Float,” at 10 a.m. (Eastern), 9 a.m. (Central), 8 a.m. (Mountain) and 7 a.m. (Pacific). This program will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the start-to-finish process on designing, building and decorating of the FFA float. RFD will also feature on-location interviews with FFA members involved with the float, including the 2009-2010 National FFA Officer Team, the winners of the Stars Over AmericaPageant, the 52 state and territory FFA presidents set to march along with the float, National FFA Advisor Dr. Larry Case, plus other FFA executives and guests.

Then, RFD-TV’s two-hour live coverage of the 121st Annual Tournament of Roses Parade broadcast will immediately follow beginning at 11 a.m. (Eastern). All three hours will be once again be hosted by the veteran broadcast team of Lorianne Crook & Charlie Chase, with Pam Minick providing her expert commentary at ground level along the actual parade route. The RFD-TV broadcast will also feature an “FFA Cam” which will be affixed to the FFA Float and provide viewers a chance to see the crowd reaction as the FFA float makes its way down the five-and-a-half mile parade route before the more than 1 million spectators expected to attend.

As is its tradition, RFD-TV’s Tournament of Roses coverage will be broadcast with limited commercial interruptions and will feature all of the equine groups participating in the parade. RFD-TV advertisers and sponsors make such a broadcast possible, including Nationwide Insurance and the PBR (Professional Bull Riders).

“We expect RFD-TV’s largest Nielsen-rated audience ever for our comprehensive carriage of this upcoming Rose Parade,” stated Patrick Gottsch, founder & president of RFD-TV. “The extensive coverage of the FFA float, combined with our broadcast team of Crook & Chase, Pam Minick’s commentary, and limited-commercial interruptions is a package that will have all of rural America watching, as it cannot be duplicated by any other television network.”

RFD-TV will also provide a live streaming feed through its website and offer repeats of its Rose Parade broadcasts, in addition to providing updates and details as the FFA float evolves and is decorated leading up to the New Year’s Day broadcasts. A DVD of the entire three-hour telecast will also be offered for sale for those wishing to get a souvenir copy.

About RFD-TV, LLC Launched in December of 2000 and now beginning its 10th year of broadcasting, RFD-TV is the nation's first 24-hour television channels dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America with programming focused on agriculture, equine, rural lifestyle, along with traditional country music and entertainment. The channel is now distributed into over 40 million homes worldwide by DBS and cable systems including DISH Network, DIRECTV, Comcast, Verizon FiOS TV, Mediacom, Charter, Bresnan, Suddenlink, Bright House, Time Warner, Cox, and over 600 independent rural cable systems. Production originates in studios located in Nashville, Tennessee for RFD-TV and RFD HD, and now London, England for RURAL TV, the company’s new international channel, which launched on SKY and Freesat to over 10 million homes throughout the UK in March/2009. RFD-TV The Magazine now has over 160,000 paid subscribers for its bi-monthly publication, and the company continues to operate RFD-TV The Theatre in Branson, Missouri. www.rfdtv.com About the National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members—all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture—as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988 in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st United States Congress, and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

### Contacts:

Julie Adams National FFA Organization 317-802-4225 [email protected]

Contact: Andrea McNeely, (317) 586-5098 Julie Woodard, (317) 586-5103

National FFA Convention Highlights

Wednesday, Oct. 21

FFA Grand March

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2:45 p.m.

Join the National FFA Band and Talent as they lead FFA members and guests on a grand march from the Indiana Convention Center to Conseco Fieldhouse where the first session will take place. The march marks the official kick-off the 4-day convention.

Keynote Speaker, Mike Rowe

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 4 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 8 a.m. Conseco Fieldhouse Mike Rowe has had more jobs than you. In fact, Mike has had more jobs than anyone. As the creator and executive producer of Discovery Channel's Emmy-nominated series Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, Mike has spent years traveling the country, working as an apprentice on more than 200 jobs that most people would go out of their way to avoid.

He will address FFA members and advisors during the opening convention sessions.

National FFA Agricultural Career Show Wednesday, 11:30 - 6:00 p.m. Thursday 8:00 – 6:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 – 4:00 p.m. Indiana Convention Center

Monsanto Mobile Technology Unit:

America’s Heartland and SchoolTube.com:

America’s Heartland and SchoolTube.com will have a mini TV studio set up at the Career Show (Booth numbers #1473-1475). Members and teachers are encouraged to stop by and get interviewed or learn more about the world of TV and podcasting.

America’s Heartland television show and SchoolTube.com are also proud to join together for special online coverage of the convention. Those unable to come to Indianapolis can watch LIVE streaming of the general sessions presented at Conseco Fieldhouse. America’s Heartland and SchoolTube.com will also be filming behind-the-scenes stories and interviewing students throughout the convention. These feature stories will run all day on this special web channel dedicated to convention coverage.

GAC:

The Great American Country TV network (GAC) and FFA New Horizons Magazine are partnering on a program called "I AM FFA... And I Am Our Country’s Future" — a series of features stories covering the wide array of student accomplishments. Selected students will be highlighted through video and pictures to showcase their individual stories, not only as exceptional FFA members, but as teens with cool skills and talents. They will be located in the GAC Acoustic Green Room, Booth 741.

Contact: Andrea McNeely, (317) 586-5098 Julie Woodard, (317) 586-5103

National FFA Convention Highlights Tuesday, Oct. 20

Tournament of Roses Parade Announcement Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 8:30 a.m. Serpentine Lobby, Indiana Convention Center

Where would the Tournament of Roses be without agriculture? It’s an excellent question, and this year, FFA will be showing why their members are a cut above the rest and the important role they play in agriculture. Through the generosity of RFD-TV, FFA will have a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

National FFA will make the official announcement on Tuesday, Oct. 20 FFA members will be available for interviews, along with National FFA and RFD-TV officials.

National FFA Band Live at the Indianapolis Artsgarden Tuesday, Oct. 20, 11:00 a.m.

The National FFA Band will give a free, one-hour live performance at the Indianapolis Artsgarden in the Circle Center Mall. Contact Andrea McNeely or Julie Woodard to schedule interviews with the band’s director and members.

Welcome Luncheon Tuesday, Oct. 20, Noon Indiana Convention Center

The National FFA Convention Welcome Luncheon sets the stage for the National FFA Convention, which officially begins on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Indiana Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman will speak, along with Jeff Simmons of Elanco Animal Health and National FFA CEO Larry Case.

Contact: Julie Adams, 317-802-4225 Andrea McNeely, 317-802-4253

National FFA Convention, Oct. 21 – 24

Next week, the National FFA Organization will host its 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. More than 55,000 high school students from across the United States will gather to compete, perform and learn through competitions, workshops, sessions and more.

Get your media credentials by sending in your media registration form on or before Friday, Oct. 16; or, stop by the Media Registration booth in the Conseco Fieldhouse lobby during convention hours.

For a complete schedule of convention events, go to www.ffa.org/convention. Highlights:

Tournament of Roses Parade Announcement

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 8:30 a.m. Serpentine Lobby, Indiana Convention Center

Where would the Tournament of Roses be without agriculture? This year, FFA will be showing why their members are a cut above the rest and the important role they play in agriculture. Through the generosity of RFD-TV, FFA will have a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

National FFA will make the official announcement on Tuesday, Oct. 20. FFA members will be available for interviews at that time, along with National FFA and RFD-TV officials.

Keynote Speaker, Mike Rowe

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 4 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 8 a.m. Conseco Fieldhouse

Mike Rowe has had more jobs than you. In fact, Mike has had more jobs than anyone. As the creator and executive producer of Discovery Channel's Emmy-nominated series Dirty Jobs With Mike Rowe, Mike has spent years traveling the country, working as an apprentice on more than 200 jobs that most people would go out of their way to avoid.

He will address FFA members and advisors during the three opening convention sessions. Keynote Speaker, Hugh Grant

Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Conseco Fieldhouse

FFA Members Volunteer in Indy

Thursday, Oct. 22 Friday, Oct. 23 All day, various sites

The National FFA Days of Service promote civic engagement through agricultural education and service learning. Hundreds of FFA members will volunteer at several locations throughout Indianapolis. They will help at local food banks, help local schools with urban gardens, and more.

All Days of Service participants will gather Thursday and Friday morning at 7 a.m. at Victory Field before heading out to the service sites.

Visit the Days of Service webpage for a complete list of volunteer sites.

Agriscience Fair

Friday, Oct. 23, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Lucas Oil Stadium

Students in grades 7 through 12 conduct research projects in their local communities and then present their findings to a panel of judges at the agriscience fair in hopes of winning national honors. The competition is divided into five categories: Botany, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Zoology, and Biochemistry/Food Science/Microbiology.

Agriscience Fair participants will be available for interviews during an open house on Friday morning in Lucas Oil Stadium.

FFA Celebrates an Historic Milestone

Friday, Oct. 23, 12:00 p.m. Conseco Fieldhouse

At the 1969 National FFA Convention, delegates voted to allow female agriculture students to join the organization. A special "40 Years of Women in FFA" ceremony will take place during the fifth convention session, Friday, Oct.23 at 12:00 p.m.

Interviews with current female FFA members and female alumni members can be arranged upon request.

The IUPUI University Library will also host a special exhibit about the women’s contributions to the organization. For more information on the exhibit contact Brenda Burk, Philanthropic Studies Archivist at [email protected] or 317.278.2329

Stars over America

Saturday, Oct. 24, 7:45 a.m. Lucas Oil Stadium

Sixteen outstanding students from across the United States have been nominated for the Stars over America awards, one of FFA’s most prestigious honors. There are four finalists in each of four areas: American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agriscience, American Star in Agricultural Placement, and American Star Farmer.

Visit the National FFA Awards page for information on each finalist.

The four winners will be announced on Saturday during the eighth convention session.

Interviews are available by appointment. Contact Kristy Meyer, 317-586-5104

National FFA Agricultural Career Show

Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Indiana Convention Center

Monsanto Mobile Technology Unit The MTU is a 53-foot long, 1,000 square-foot interactive display featuring Monsanto's latest advances in seed breeding, biotechnology and new product development designed to help students become more aware of the career opportunities available within agriculture. The 30 minute tours have been booked for weeks prior to convention as advisors schedule time for their students to see the latest developments in technology. More than 1,200 students are expected to experience the MTU at the convention.

America’s Heartland and SchoolTube.com America’s Heartland and SchoolTube.com will have a mini TV studio set up at the Career Show (Booth numbers #1473-1475). Members and teachers are encouraged to stop by and get interviewed or learn more about the world of TV and podcasting.

GAC The Great American Country TV network (GAC) and FFA New Horizons Magazine are partnering on a program called "I AM FFA... And I Am Our Country’s Future" — a series of features stories covering the wide array of student accomplishments. Selected students will be highlighted through video and pictures to showcase their individual stories, not only as exceptional FFA members, but as teens with cool skills and talents. They will be located in the GAC Acoustic Green Room, Booth 741.

Delo Tractor Restoration Competition Heats Up the National FFA Convention

By Dorothy Spencer

Members of the Eufaula Alabama FFA Chapter believe that the second time, not the third time, is a charm. Last year at the 2008 National FFA Convention, the chapter took home first place in the annual Delo Tractor Restoration Competition. This year the team is looking to do the same.

The Delo Tractor Restoration Competition is an opportunity for teams and individuals alike to prove their skills at antique tractor restoration. All participants must completely restore an antique tractor and then submit a written workbook summary and movie detailing their experience. From these submissions, a group of finalists are given the opportunity to prepare a 20-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute question and answer session at the final round of the competition held during the national FFA convention.

Since 1995 students from across the country have been using the skills they would normally use in the classroom or in the business world to tear apart and put back together antique tractors to earn up to $5,000. This competition challenges students to learn and apply skills such as equipment maintenance, teamwork, project management, budgeting, planning and marketing.

After 1,215 hours spent working on their 1944 Oliver 70 RC, the 10 members of the Eufaula team have “become like a family,” said sophomore and first-time team member Chad Hamm. Andrea Pittman, a senior completing her second year on the team, said that the team was able to create bonds that can never be broken. Team leader Jackson Harris, a sophomore and returning team member, said that the entire community of Eufaula supported the team.

The team picked the Oliver 70 RC out of a warehouse full of tractors at Landmark Park in Dothan, Ala. Now that the tractor is restored, it will be displayed at Landmark Park—home to the only agriculture museum in Alabama. “This is our chance to give back to the community,” said Pittman.

The Eufaula chapter has learned skills they can transfer to other areas of their lives. “The most

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important thing I have learned is work ethic,” said Harris. Knowing what has to be done and doing it is essential to being able to succeed at something, Jackson continued. Communication and cooperation were also skills that the Eufaula team felt they gained from the experience.

Julian Cran, marketing manager for Chevron Global Lubricants, also believes that the competition allows students to develop life skills. “The students are really running a small business,” Cran said. They have a budget to balance between repairs, parts and services. “In the end, the budget has to meet the gain,” Cran added. This process challenges students to be creative, manage their time and work together.

Eight-year judge Dennis Rupert has seen many teams come to the competition and has noticed changes among the team members. According to Rupert, team members gain more confidence over the years and develop their public speaking, communications, organization and general mechanics skills. “These are skills that can benefit you whether you are broken down on the side of the road or helping your child with a science project,” Rupert said.

This year the competition organizers created a community among the participants. By creating a Facebook page, a Twitter account and a You Tube page, students and supporters from around the nation were able to connect. Each of the 12 finalists posted videos on the Delco Tractor Restoration You Tube page and kept track of local radio, newspaper and television coverage via the Facebook page. Overall competition organizers and sponsors were very happy that social media could create such a grassroots community.

Hex Salsbury is a first-year judge for the competition, but a long-time tractor restorer and supporter. Salsbury says that reason he values the competition is because the end of the day it isn’t about how the tractor looks, it’s about what the students learned. Those skills learned are something that the students will take with them forever.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2009

Contact: Julie Adams [email protected]

JOHANNS’ RESOLUTION HONORS 40 YEARS OF WOMEN IN FFA

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Johanns today led a bipartisan effort in the Senate to commemorate 40 years of membership by women in the Future Farmers of America, now known as the National FFA organization. A Johanns-led resolution passed in the Senate by unanimous consent on Wednesday night.

"Our nation has benefited greatly from the FFA’s decision to open its doors to female membership 40 years ago," said Johanns. "The leadership and service that women have contributed to FFA have helped the program move toward new and innovative ideas, and their contributions to agriculture have been invaluable to our state and nation."

Click here to read Senator Johanns’ submission to the Congressional Record honoring women in the FFA.

--MORE--

Fast Facts:

· Forty years ago during the 1969 National FFA Convention delegates voted to allow women to join FFA.

· Today, 41 percent of all National FFA members are women and more than 50 percent of leadership positions in the National FFA are held by

· More than 800 Nebraska women have received their American FFA degrees, the highest honor awarded to FFA members.

· Ninety Nebraska women have served as State FFA officers with eight serving as President.

· Four Nebraska women have served as National FFA officers.

· Over the next few days, FFA members from all 50 states and territories will descend on Indianapolis, IN for their National FFA Convention, where they will celebrate 40 years of women contributing to the organization.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

Social Media Changes How FFA Members Connect

By Kelsey Ross and Dustin Petty

Have you Tweeted today? Changed your Facebook status?

If you’re an FFA member, or below the age of 25, chances are that you have.

But did you know that you can the National FFA on Facebook and Twitter, as well as on its own social networking website, FFA Nation. All of these venues are ways for FFA members to connect with other FFA members from across the country, and this week, members can follow all the happenings of the 82nd National FFA Convention!

Several members are already connected: FFA Nation has 4,443 members; the National FFA Organization page on Facebook has 18,792 fans; and National FFA has 2,371 followers on Twitter.

“Our number one goal with the social media,” said Andrea McNeely, Communications Specialist with the National FFA Organization, “is to get the word out in as many channels as possible so that we can reach a wider audience.”

McNeely added that since Twitter, Facebook and FFA Nation each cater to different audiences, by using all three, more people can be reached.

“FFA Nation gives students an opportunity to connect and share ideas,” said Kim Newsom, editor of FFA New Horizons. “National Convention lasts for just one week but with FFA Nation, you can stay connected all throughout the year.”

Your closest friends may already be linked on one of these mediums…are you?!

Use of social media doesn’t stop at the national level.

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In an unscientific poll taken at the 82nd National FFA Convention, 95% of students polled had active Facebook accounts. With over 300 million users worldwide, members can befriend people they met at a leadership camp or national convention, post pictures and events and update your personal status, telling your newfound “friends” about what you’re doing.

“I went to Washington Leadership Conference this summer,” said Katie Dalton of the Russell County FFA Chapter in Kentucky, “and Facebook is how I keep in touch with all the friends I’ve made. I probably talk to a lot of them every day and I wouldn’t be able to without Facebook.”

Facebook has also been utilized as a tool for chapters to stay connected and show pride for all they do.

The Missoula FFA Chapter in Montana uses their Facebook group to inform members of upcoming events, also giving those in the group the opportunity to post pictures related to their chapter.

“My chapter just started a Facebook group and it’s working really well for us,” said Dakota Fox of the Webster County FFA Chapter in Kentucky. “Everyone who’s joined the group knows exactly what’s happening in our chapter.”

One chapter that has gone above and beyond is the Shenandoah FFA Chapter in Middletown, Indiana. Utilizing Twitter, Facebook, podcasts, blogs and a chapter website, co- advisor Jessica Geisler has seen firsthand how her members have benefited from social media.

“Instead of having to dial-up students, one-by-one, we can send out a mass Facebook message, keeping everyone in the loop,” said Geisler. “We’ve had parents, grandparents, cousins, friends and alumni, too start following us on Facebook so they can know what’s up and can support our students.”

Followers of Twitter and FFA Nation paled in comparison to the popular networking site, however, with only 2% and 8% membership among those polled, respectively.

---continued---

These social networking sites are amazing ways for you to keep in touch with friends you met at National Convention and other events. They can be used as an opportunity to not only keep in touch, but also to get advice on anything and everything regarding your involvement in the FFA! Need help with your beef production proficiency? Check out the “We Show Cattle” group on FFA Nation! Want to know where to be while at National FFA Convention? Check out our Facebook page! Need a new fundraiser for your chapter? Tweet about it, and let your FFA followers help out!

The potential for connecting the vast majority of the 506,000 FFA members through Twitter, Facebook and FFA Nation is there. Just years after their activation, over 25,000 members have linked up on the sites.

“Ideally,” said McNeely, “by keeping people informed about FFA through social networking– people can feel connected to FFA on a daily basis, not just when they’re attending an FFA event, like the national convention.”

The goals of the National FFA Organization and members, as related to social media, are common ones: connecting people together and making our world a slightly smaller, more welcoming place.

So don’t be a twit. Tweet!

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Ponchatoula FFA Named National Chapter Award Winner

INDIANAPOLIS – The Ponchatoula FFA of Ponchatoula, La., was named Model of Innovation winner in student development at the 82nd annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The nation’s top 10 chapters in the student development division competed for the award. Ponchatoula FFA received a plaque in an onstage ceremony during the convention’s second general session on Thursday, Oct. 22. Top chapters were also selected from chapter and community development divisions. Realizing that a major diversity need within the chapter was going unmet, the Ponchatoula FFA set out to level the playing field for all its chapter members through “Lights, Camera, Diversity in Action.” The program addressed the fact that 20 percent of the chapter membership had special needs. Members helped make school resources available to the special-needs members of the chapter so that every member could develop a successful supervised agricultural experience program. Ponchatoula members in regular classes also attended a sensitivity workshop to better prepare them to work cooperatively with those members who are autistic and with special needs. Following the training, teams of students involving agriculture students and students with special needs started a successful dog treat enterprise, which allowed each special needs member in the Ponchatoula FFA to earn enough funds to purchase their own FFA jacket. The Models of Innovation awards are sponsored by the National FFA Foundation. It is one of the many ways FFA members accomplish the FFA mission and succeed in making a difference in their communities and the lives of others. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50

states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

David C. Hinson Middle School FFA Named National Chapter Award Winner

INDIANAPOLIS – The David C. Hinson Middle School FFA Chapter of Daytona Beach, Fla., was named “Outstanding Middle School” Model of Innovation winner at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The nation’s top 10 three-star gold chapters in the middle school development division competed for the award. The chapter received a plaque in an onstage ceremony during the convention’s second general session on Thursday, Oct. 22. Top chapters were also selected from student, chapter and community development divisions. Members of the Hinson FFA have stepped up their agriscience skills. The entire chapter of seventh and eighth graders participated in an online curriculum on planting science, and 37 percent of the chapter members developed agriscience fair projects based on their online learning. In a drive to increase chapter recruitment, Hinson FFA members created a recruiting video and presented FFA information to local elementary schools through a series of FFA visits, playing up the long list of chapter activities for potential members. Hinson FFA members also partnered with the county’s environmental services department and marine science center to work restoring and replanting mangroves along the county’s shoreline for ecosystem replenishment. The Models of Innovation awards are sponsored by the National FFA Foundation. It is one of the many ways FFA members accomplish the FFA mission and succeed in making a difference in their communities and the lives of others. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Noble FFA Named National Chapter Award Winner

INDIANAPOLIS – The Noble FFA Chapter of Noble, Okla., was named Model of Innovation winner in community development at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The nation’s top 10 three-star gold chapters in the community development division competed for the award. Noble FFA received a plaque in an onstage ceremony during the convention’s second general session on Thursday, Oct. 22. Top chapters were also selected from chapter and student development divisions. Members of the Noble FFA made it possible for students with special needs to get the full FFA experience through their “SOULS – Special Olympics Universal Livestock Show.” In cooperation with their school principal and the special needs teachers, Noble members sent invitations to students with special needs and arranged a complete livestock show for 11 students who would otherwise been unable to participate. In the process, chapter members made some new friends and increased awareness about the therapeutic aspects of animals and livestock. The chapter's members also participated in programs to promote environmental awareness around Arbor Day and agriculture awareness by having 75 percent of chapter members volunteer to help staff an agricultural education exhibit at the Oklahoma State Fair. The Models of Innovation awards are sponsored by the National FFA Foundation. It is one of the many ways FFA members accomplish the FFA mission and succeed in making a difference in their communities and the lives of others. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present

name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Clinton Central FFA Named National Chapter Award Winner

INDIANAPOLIS – The Clinton Central FFA Chapter of Michigantown, Ind., was named Model of Innovation winner in chapter development at the 82nd annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The nation’s top 10 three-star gold chapters in the chapter development division competed for the award. Clinton Central received a plaque in an onstage ceremony during the convention’s second general session on Thursday, Oct. 22. Top chapters were also selected from student and community development divisions. Members of the Clinton Central FFA wanted to highlight thrift and financial management while earning funds to make up for school budget cuts. Clinton Central members conducted the annual Crossbred Classic swine show at the conclusion of the Indiana State Fair. With 135 boars and 119 gilts, the sale grossed more than $468,000. For their hard work conducting the show, Clinton Central members were able to award more than $17,000 to animal youth organizations, pay for their FFA memberships and even throw a pizza party for all the swine exhibitors at the fair. The Models of Innovation awards are sponsored by the National FFA Foundation. It is one of the many ways FFA members accomplish the FFA mission and succeed in making a difference in their communities and the lives of others. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their

potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

Students Lead out Loud with Agricultural Issues

By Carla Saunders

Thursday afternoon on the second floor of the Indianapolis Convention Center, the first round of the Agricultural Issues forum commenced. Five FFA Chapters from around the nation presented their community issues to a room full of spectators and four judges.

The Agricultural Issues forum is a career development events (CDE) sponsored by Elanco. CDEs help students to understand, teach, and improve agriculture on a local, state, national, and global level.

During the forum, each team is allotted 15 minutes to present an agriculture-related topic that is currently affecting their hometown such as pollution, energy, food safety, etc. The presentation has five main parts: an overview of the problem, a possible solution to the problem, pros to the proposed solution, cons to the proposed solution, a summarization of the entire issue. Concluding the presentation, each team answers questions from the judges.

This forum requires lots of discipline and practice. Students from Madisonville, Texas practice at 7:00 a.m. each morning and up to three times a day. However, the purpose of the forum is to not only to develop FFA members with public speaking, presentation, and research skills, but to also raise awareness in the local communities of the issues facing agriculture and some proposed solutions to consider. The ultimate goal is to make individuals more active in their communities and hold elected officials accountable for their decisions.

The students participating in this forum are truly “Leading Out Loud.”The Agricultural Issues Forum winners will be announced at 1:30p.m. on Saturday, October 24, during the ninth general session at Conseco Fieldhouse. Results will also be posted on www.ffa.org/convention.

FFA Agriscience Fair Produces Individuals Dedicated to Success

By Carla Saunders

Early Thursday morning at Lucas Oil Stadium, 534 FFA members patiently waited for their scientific research projects to be judged for the organization’s annual Agriscience Fair, held during the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Open to students in grades 7-12, the agriscience fair gives FFA members the opportunity to participate in research projects in their local communities and then prepare a scientific report and display for judging at the national level. Competition is divided into five categories: Botany, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Biochemistry/Food Science/Microbiology.

Dannette Ward, an agriscience fair committee member and the inventor of Roundup Ready Soy Bean, is excited about the fair. “The level of difficulty has gone up and I think that’s great. Agriculture is changing and these students are reaching the challenge.”

Students have the option to compete with a partner or individually. Sam Baker, a high school senior from West Brook Walnut Grove in Minnesota, is competing individually under the category of Biochemistry/Food Science/Microbiology. The inspiration for her project developed one evening while watching the news. “Two scientists were going back and forth about whether children were acquiring brain defects from chewing on plastic toys that accumulate bacteria. I decided I would do my own research to figure out an answer myself.”

Farmer and first-time judge King Clark from Morocco, Ind., is ready to get started. Clark is more concerned about the respect and politeness given during the presentation than the actual project’s difficulty. “I’m looking for students to shake my hand, thank me for my time before and after, speak slowly so I can understand, ask me if I have questions when they’re finished, and keep eye contact as much as possible.”

The agriscience fair award winners will be announced at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, during the seventh general session at Conseco Fieldhouse. Results will also be posted on www.ffa.org/convention after the session.

FFA members Broadcast Themselves on America’s Heartland

By Dorothy Spencer

Now FFA members have whole new way to broadcast themselves. Through a partnership with America’s Heartland, home and chapter videos are being used to tell the stories of FFA members and helping educate the public about agriculture.

America’s Heartland is a television series dedicated to telling the story of American agriculture to those not directly involved in the industry. Shown on television stations across the nation and now in its fifth season, America’s Heartland is produced in conjunction with public television and reaches over one million viewers per episode.

Through the use of “home-grown” videos, the makers of America’s Heartland tell the real stories of those involved in agriculture. America’s Heartland travels around the country to share the unique stories of those who produce the food everyone eats.

The makers of America’s Heartland want to get FFA members involved. Jason Shoultz, producer and writer for America’s Heartland, and Tyler Bastine, associate producer, have acquired two portable video cameras for FFA members to use. Their idea is to send the cameras to FFA members and let them tell their stories, talk about community service events and show the world new solutions to problems through video. “It’s all about you,” said Shoultz.

Once FFA members have recorded their stories, they simply send the footage and camera back to America’s Heartland. From there, Bastine creates a five minute clip that is posted online under the America’s Heartland banner.

Shoultz hopes that by posting all the stories online and using social media, America’s Heartland will be able to reverse the typical discovery process. “We want people to see clips from the show on the internet, and then watch the show on television,” said Shoultz.

The goal is that the public will be able to connect and relate to the stories of FFA members and others involved in agriculture. Ross Newton, an FFA member from Bloomington, Indiana, saw the opportunity to use one of America’s Heartland cameras to educate his community. Once the camera

was sent to him, Newton filmed himself and a fellow FFA member talking about their stories and role in agriculture. “I wanted to help raise awareness about agriculture,” said Newton.

Andrew Skonieczny and Dania Gomez from the Mattabest, Connecticut chapter are excited to have the chance to share their chapter’s story. “We think it is great!” said Gomez. As reporter for the chapter, Skonieczny is already using video to educate his high school about agriculture. By broadcasting on the high schools new feed, Skoniezny has already been able to reach out to his community and is eager to get started working with America’s Heartland. “We’re gonna make a video now,” said Skonieczny.

What should FFA members do if they are looking to get started on their own video? The first step is to let the crew know of their idea and desire to tell their story by contacting them via Facebook or the America’s Heartland website.

Once the camera arrives, FFA members have one week to shoot their footage. General tips for taping from the makers of America’s Heartland include holding the camera steady, using a microphone if possible, keeping the lens clean and shooting plenty of extra video. “Really, just have fun with it,” said Bastine.

Advice Ross has for other students making videos is to enlist friends to help and to be genuine. Shoultz also advises members to really think about telling the story of how they solve problems. “They [FFA members] are really tomorrow’s problem solvers, and people want to watch,” said Shoultz.

Strength in Action Zone—U.S. Army Booth Helps FFA Members Find Their Strength for the Future

By Dorothy Spencer

The Army Strength In Action Zone at the National FFA Convention Career Show, allows FFA members to test their strength and win prizes while finding out about the many opportunities the Army has to offer.

The Career Show is held in the Indiana Convention Center and features over 300 agricultural businesses, schools and companies. FFA members can find out what career, company or college they might like to check out in the future.

The Army has one of the most interactive exhibits at the show. The booth features a physical fitness challenge section, a marksmen exhibit, the Army Nascar and Indy car, an Army Hummer and a full arena for Army working dog demonstrations. With this many options students are bound to find something of interest.

Sergeant Donte Jones runs one of the physical fitness challenge sections at the Army booth. According to Sergeant Jones, the physical fitness portion of the exhibit helps students build confidence—something that is very important for their success in life. The activities in the physical fitness challenge also help students build teamwork and cohesion—both skills they will use over and over. “We’re pushing young people to reach their full potential,” said Jones.

Carl North, an FFA member from North Carolina, participated in the challenge, “It was really fun and exciting!” said North. He completed five pull-ups and also noted that the Army booth was very hands-on and fun. “It gets you pumped!” said North.

Caitlyn Krueger, Amy Meyer and Michelle Meyer did about ten push-ups at the Army booth. All three Minnesota FFA members enjoyed the physical, active and interactive aspects of the Army booth. They also enjoyed the free t-shirts they got for their efforts.

Whether it is through education, personal development or solider training, according to Jones, everything the Army does is to help make students into better citizens. “The only thing limiting students is themselves.” said Jones.

Another point of interest at the army booth is their display featuring the special animal opportunities the Army offers. Helen Loar, is a veterinary technician in the army. Her main responsibilities include keeping all animal members of the army healthy—just as all human soldiers must be healthy. Army veterinarians keep track of records, and the health of the dogs in the army. They even deploy when the dogs are deployed. Loar said, “The dogs really become part of the family.” Dogs in the army help detach dangers and protect officers in the army. Christopher Adams, has been working with Staff Sergeant Mmattias, a six-year-old Duct Sheppard, for about three years. Adams is in charge of taking care of Mmattias, helping train him, accompanying him overseas, and doing stateside law enforcement for the secret service and on army bases.

Mmattias and other canine army members like him help discover caches and raids. They are also used to complete sweep searches before important people come into an area. Adams also noted that when dogs are seen searching an area, the probability of contraband continuing to be a problem in that area is greatly reduced. Overall, 99% of caches found overseas are discovered by dogs such as Mmattias. “The dog’s capabilities save lives every day,” said Adams. Nothing else has been found that is as efficient or thorough as dogs are, Adams continued. At noon the demonstration of a Mmattis’ skills can be seen at the Army booth.

From the Strength in Action zone FFA members can form a clear picture of all the opportunities that the Army has to offer. They can learn about veterinary opportunities in the army, about marksmanship, physical fitness, and musical options while seeing it all in a visual and relevant way. All these qualities shape up to make the Army Strength in Action Zone a stop worth making at the National FFA Agricultural Career Show.

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Invaluable partnerships honored AgFirst Farm Credit Bank receives recognition for contributions

INDIANAPOLIS – AgFirst Farm Credit Bank was honored today at the 82nd National FFA Convention for their contributions in advancing agricultural education. The National FFA Organization selected the company to be a recipient of the special Distinguished Service Citation. This award recognizes clubs, agencies and organizations that have greatly contributed to agricultural education and FFA programs. A representative from AgFirst Farm Credit Bank accepted the award during an onstage presentation at the national FFA convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Three Distinguished Service Citations were given this year. Awards such as the Distinguished Service Citation recognize that FFA makes a greater impact on students through the cooperation of the entire community. FFA and agricultural education programs have helped millions of students achieve extraordinary success for 82 years because of this remarkable dedication. AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and its 22 agricultural credit associations is a cooperative lender that provides credit and financially related services to 80,000 customers including farmers, ranchers, other agribusinesses and country homeowners. The bank and its associations support FFA at the local, state and national level, with a total annual contribution of $250,900. The professionals from the bank and credit associations also provide in-kind services by regularly serving on local agricultural education councils, addressing agricultural education classes and FFA meetings, and providing and staffing educational displays at state agricultural education and FFA conferences. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

National FFA Honors Farm Credit Services of Mid-America

INDIANAPOLIS – Farm Credit Services of Mid-America (FCS) was honored at the 82nd National FFA Convention today for their contributions in advancing agricultural education. The National FFA Organization selected the organization to be a recipient of the special Distinguished Service Citation. This award recognizes clubs, agencies and organizations that have greatly contributed to agricultural education and FFA programs. A representative from FCS accepted the award during an onstage presentation at the national national FFA convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis. Three Distinguished Service Citations were given this year. The Distinguished Service Citation recognizes those that help FFA make a greater impact on students through the cooperation of the entire community. FFA and agricultural education programs have helped millions of students achieve extraordinary success for 82 years because of the remarkable dedication of partners like Monsanto. For more than ten years, FCS has been a major supporter of the four state FFA associations for which they serve in their region: Tenn., Ky., Ohio and Ind. They have supported many programs, including state FFA degree awards, state officer teams, and regional award banquets. In 2008, they contributed more than $40,000 to the Kentucky FFA Association to help fund a computer lab at their FFA camp. FCS has made their human resources available on numerous occasions by serving on FFA Foundation Boards, assisting as judges in FFA award and CDE competitions and providing expertise in the field of agricultural business to help develop agricultural education curriculums. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

FFA honors Monsanto with a Distinguished Service Citation

INDIANAPOLIS – Monsanto was honored at the 82nd National FFA Convention today, for its work in advancing agricultural education. The National FFA Organization selected the company to be a recipient of the special Distinguished Service Citation. This award recognizes clubs, agencies and organizations that have greatly contributed to agricultural education and FFA programs. A representative from Monsanto accepted the award during an onstage presentation at the national FFA convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis. Three Distinguished Service Citations were given this year. The Distinguished Service Citation recognizes those that help FFA make a greater impact on students through the cooperation of the entire community. FFA and agricultural education programs have helped millions of students achieve extraordinary success for 82 years because of the remarkable dedication of partners like Monsanto. Monsanto has supported FFA for more than 50 years. In 2008 and 2009, the company became a platinum sponsor for the National FFA Foundation, supporting multiple programs that benefit students in the areas of premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Many of Monsanto’s employees also support FFA through individual giving. In addition to financial support, Monsanto enables and encourages its employees to become engaged and involved with FFA at the local, state and national levels. Monsanto regularly hosts students, teachers and agricultural education leaders at their headquarters in St. Louis. They are also involved in supporting FFA members at the Clyde C. Miller Career Academy and other local chapters. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50

A Long, Hard Fight: Women in the FFA

By Andrew Walker & Dustin Petty

If the 33 original members of the Future Farmers of America found themselves in Indianapolis this week, they would probably be surprised by what they saw.

FFA members…in skirts?

For the first four decades of its existence, FFA was strictly a boys club, hoping to develop the next generation of agriculturalists – male agriculturalists. But almost from the very beginning, there was a struggle to create opportunities for anyone who wished to join this premier leadership organization.

The first recorded fight for equality took place in the 1930s when Massachusetts law required all high school classes and clubs to offer equal membership to both genders. With this development some started pushing for women in the FFA. National delegates rejected this in 1933, telling Massachusetts they had three months to rid their ranks of female membership or face losing their charter.

A year later, delegates relented and instead of granting full and equal rights of membership, the national organization voted to allow states to include girls as members if they chose. Participation at the national level was still out-of-the-question.

When the Future Homemakers of America (FHA) formed in 1945, girls finally had a group of their own and there are countless stories within the vast archives of the FFA’s past that tell of partnerships between FHA and FFA chapters.

But “separate but equal” rarely worked and it was only a matter of time before women would get their blue corduroy.

In 1968, a proposal was again presented, saying loud and clear that women should be included in the ranks of the Future Farmers of America. When the motion was made to amend the constitution, a delegate used the parliamentary procedure technique of objecting to consideration of the question.

Delegates became confused, sustaining the objection, thus stopping the vote for equality.

Those determined to bring about equality weren’t going to allow a repeat in 1969.

Bob Craig, 1969-1970 Michigan FFA State President, was one of those individuals.

“There was no way that we were going to be tricked again,” Craig said. “If the proposal wasn’t adopted this time, state associations were talking about pulling out [of the National FFA]. Why should we be part of an organization that discriminated against women?”

There were still those who opposed the measure, worrying that females would cause a disruption within the organization.

“When our delegates went to the convention, I told them not to vote for the girls,” said Bob Stein, former advisor of the Standish-Sterling FFA Chapter in Michigan. “I felt that the girls had a strong home economics club (FHA) and we had ours. I was worried about chaperoning girls on trips and how their presence would disrupt the work of the chapter.”

As women were finally admitted in 1969 – with Bob Craig seconding the motion – the Future Farmers of America was now open to all American youth that hoped to take advantage of its promise of “better days through better ways.”

One of the first Future Farmers female leaders was Julie Smiley of the Mount Vernon FFA Chapter in Washington State.

“I didn’t think of myself as the first woman,” said Smiley. “I just wanted to be good at what I did and it was probably some of the most fun I ever had.”

Smiley doesn’t remember much animosity towards her but acknowledges that there were those that worried this wouldn’t work and something might go wrong. But that day never came.

Due to her groundbreaking tenure as a national officer, she was offered a scholarship to Texas A&M University.

Today, half of all leadership positions in FFA are held by women—the same women that comprise 41% of the organization.

“I think it would have been a challenge to have been one of the original girls in FFA,” said Adrienne Boyette, 2008-2009 Florida FFA Vice President. “But the struggle made us stronger and today, it’s great to see how accepted females are in the FFA.”

But what about those that originally opposed a feminine presence in the FFA?

“I can’t speak for everyone,” said Bob Stein, now enjoying retirement, “but I was dead wrong. Girls have been a wonderful addition to the organization and I’m proud of the way I adapted to them and they adapted to me. The FFA is stronger today because of the young women in our membership.”

Apparently, this idea is recognized by others, as well.

During the 82nd National FFA Convention on Thursday, October 22, the U.S. Senate adopted a resolution co-sponsored by Sen. Mike Johanns-R, celebrating the 40th anniversary of women’s admittance into the FFA and the contribution they’ve made to the organization.

No greater honor could be bestowed than the knowledge that the growth the National FFA has experienced over the four decades is because one day in 1969, our doors were opened to a brighter future and a grander legacy.

Fishing Exhibit Excites Members, Draws Interest from Advisors

By Geoffrey Miller

Heading out to a fishing hole during a school day is a sure way to earn an unexcused absence and a pretty good chance of trouble for FFA members.

If Mark Gintert of The Bass Federation (TBF) has his way, though, that might change soon.

Gintert, the national youth programs coordinator for TBF, is in Indianapolis for the 82nd National FFA Convention with an interactive traveling fishing exhibit for both FFA members and advisors – complete with a casting competition and an interactive Wii fishing game.

The TBF, Gintert says, is launching a new program called the Student Angler Federation for high school students and their schools. Why, then, does he have two sponsor-wrapped bass boats and an interactive exhibit set up in Lucas Oil Stadium at the national FFA convention?

“Agriculture students are the perfect fit for this program,” said Gintert.

But how does fishing mix with studying in the agriculture classroom?

“This is designed to get kids in school involved in fishing clubs,” said Gintert.

Through fishing clubs, students can study aquatic science, they can study the plant life in the water and they can study the habitat along the shoreline, said Gintert. Then they can apply what they have learned to their fishing. It’s perfect for students both in and out of the classroom, he said.

Gintert and the TBF have an ambitious goal for the student angler program. Within three years, they are aiming to have 100,000 members from across the United States.

Once a school expresses interest in the program, an instructional DVD and a copy of the fishing- based curriculum is provided to introduce the program to the students and teachers. Should a school decide to take on the nine-lesson program, opportunities will be made for students to earn scholarships and even fish competitively.

Bo Stallings, a junior from the Tishomingo FFA Chapter in Oklahoma, stood in line to compete in the casting challenge. He was clearly ready for his advisor to adopt a similar program in his classroom.

“I fish every weekend,” Stallings said. “I think having a program like this would be a great way to get more people involved in fishing and FFA.”

Stallings watched as members in blue jackets stood on top of a mock boat and tried using a fishing pole to flip a rubber lure toward small targets at varying distances in front of them. Each target had a point value, and a hit meant members could win fishing-related prizes.

Meanwhile, advisor Anne Etcher from the Suwannee Middle School FFA Chapter in Live Oak, Fla., surveyed the situation as one of her students stood on a stage flipping a Wii remote as part of an interactive bass fishing game being shown on a big screen on the side of a trailer. Etcher didn’t know much about the student angler program, but she was certainly interested in learning more.

“It’s right up [the students’] alley,” said Etcher. “Anything that will help them get motivated is worth trying.”

The exhibit travels to several of the biggest fishing tournaments across the nation, Gintert said. Judging by the reaction to the fishing competitions and the programs he wants to offer, TBF’s Gintert seems to be on the right track by setting up shop at the national FFA convention.

“Our intent is to get the kids excited about fishing and interest from the ag teachers,” said Gintert. “From what I’ve seen, that seems to be working pretty well.”

###

Harvey Alston Energizes FFA Crowd By Carla Saunders

“Ewww” is echoed over the Conseco Fieldhouse stadium Friday morning as a graphic description of a “nookie” that looks like a huge chunk of banana pudding and being chewed like bubble gum then swallowed is given from speaker, Harvey Alston, at the 82nd National FFA Convention’s fourth general session.

Alston delivered an energetic speech at full throttle early that morning, using lots of crowd participation humorous comments, and occasional barking throughout its entirety. “I understand that the students have been in sessions late at night and early in the morning. My goal was to have more interaction.”

It is not surprising that his goal was accomplished. Alston’s life as an educator, head football coach, father, and author has given him with the knowledge and experience needed to relate to youth.

Towards the beginning of the speech he had the audience fill in the blank for many well known sayings from parents. Such as “I’ve told you once, I’ve told you twice, I’ve told you a thousand times before” and “Everything I say, goes in one ear and out the other.” He also included a segment on overcoming obstacles in life by using well known examples of Olympic Gold Medalist, Wilma Rudolph, and Wendy’s Restaurant business owner, Dave Thomas.

Alston had many inspirational messages for FFA members to take along with them. His closing message included a crowd participation competition. Each section of the auditorium was given a word; right section- good, middle section-better, and left section- best. Alston instructed the right side to say their word first. Each time one section would say their word, the following group would be louder. His example was to not be mediocre in life. “Whatever job you have, make it a personal responsibility to always strive to do better and make your better into your best until you reach success.” .

Blue Jackets, Blue Collars: Mike Rowe Gives FFA Members the Dirt on Agriculture and Hard Work

By Kelliann Blazek

Every FFA member has a blue collar and so does Mike Rowe.

Rowe, the creator and host of Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs,” gave the keynote address at the opening session of the 82nd National FFA Convention. Rowe drew more than 35,000 FFA members, advisors, supporters and guests.

“Looking at all these jackets and all these different states on the back, it was like somebody took my resume, wrapped it around a stick of dynamite, lit the fuse and threw it in the air and blew it up,” Rowe said. “My career is now stuck on everybody’s back.”

Rowe has worked at more than 250 jobs and doesn’t spend too much time in one place, besides the skies, he said.

“My office is the United States of America."

Just give him some Bose headphones, DVDs and a Richard Russo book and a plane ride becomes the “last great place to catch up.”

Introducing himself as an apprentice, not an expert, Rowe said he is all too familiar with failure.

“People think that the opposite of success is failure and that’s not true,” he said. “The opposite of success, I think, is just a symptom of trying.”

Brady Duxbury, the 2009 South Dakota State FFA President, is an avid viewer of “Dirty Jobs."

“His show offers a very direct, transparent view of agriculture and what we do,” Duxbury said.

The connection between the public and producers is one that needs mending, Rowe said during his address. Rowe’s comments concerning that frayed relationship caused Duxbury to re-evaluate his perceptions of the relationship between the agricultural and non-agricultural world.

“It really inspired me to take a look at… agriculture as we know it and understand that there really isn’t that connection that should exist between our government and our local producers in agriculture,” Duxbury said.

Duxbury plans to dig more into these topics at mikeroweWORKS.com, a website Rowe launched last year. The website addresses the meaning of a good job and how to find one. One of the upcoming additions on the website will be a “Warehouse” link that will publicize products from businesses featured on “Dirty Jobs," a show that continues to develop in purpose.

“Most of the people who looked at ‘Dirty Jobs’ would look at it and go, ‘Man, better them than me.’” Rowe said. “In fact, now, that’s not how people respond to the show. People look at the show and go, “Huh, I wonder if I can do that?”

Les Swanson, a 60-year-old septic cleaner from Stoughton, Wis., was one of the first people Rowe shadowed during the first season of “Dirty Jobs.” Rowe said the 12 hours he worked with Swanson changed his life, for reasons other than the smell.

Swanson worked as a high school counselor before entering the waste management industry, a drastic career change that struck Rowe.

“The willingness to get dirty is at the heart of what we’re talking about. The country was built on a willingness to get dirty,” Rowe said.

Swanson’s own account of his “Dirty Jobs” debut revealed it was just another workday. Sure, they were “sweating buckets,” but Rowe was easy to get along, Swanson said.

“If it wasn’t a smile, it was a smirk,” Swanson said.

Swanson reunited with Rowe for an episode of “Larry King Live” in July 2007. The “Dirty Jobs” episode boosted Swanson’s business and garnered interest in area youth who watched the show, he said.

Rowe’s appeal doesn’t stop with the younger generation, though. Jessica Geisler described Rowe as a “speaker that kids could really relate to and advisors could enjoy.” Geisler is the Shenandoah FFA chapter advisor and teaches agricultural education in Shenandoah, Ind.

Rowe’s story about his experience castrating sheep by biting off their “business” was one Geisler won’t forget. The episode garnered attention when groups questioned the animal ethics of the castration method. Rowe talked to the Humane Society and PETA before filming the episode.

“I realized I tried to be smart. I had called the appropriate authorities but the information was wrong,” Rowe said. “A rancher showed me what was right.”

Geisler appreciated the honesty of the story and the lesson it provided students.

“It taught the kids that you can’t always believe what you hear from other people and you need to check your sources to do your research,” she said.

Geisler frequently incorporates episodes of “Dirty Jobs” in the classroom as a precursor to FFA field trips. Approximately 250 Shenandoah students see the shows, and between Geisler and her fellow agriculture teachers, they show half of a season of “Dirty Jobs” each year.

Rowe’s experiences on the farm also helped Michelle Knox, a senior from the East Central FFA in Texas. The inspiration for her FFA Agriscience Fair project arrived in the form of a "Dirty Jobs" episode that included video of Rowe spraying poultry feed with green dye. The show prompted Knox’s two-year study, which tracked the behavior of poultry when fed poultry feed that was dyed green.

“My viewpoint was if you can find a way to have them eat more in a faster period, then eventually you’ll make more money,” said Knox. “So I took what you [Rowe] were doing and figured it out and, sure enough, you could make some more money.”

Knox successfully competed at the state and national level with her project, receiving a gold rating at the 2008 National FFA Convention Agriscience Fair. Knox will graduate in May 2010 and earned three scholarships as a result of her research. That’s enough money to pay for her first year of college, she said.

“He may think it’s just a job, but somewhere down in the dirt he’s really helping kids,” said Knox.

FFA members trade official dress for gloves and tools: National FFA Days of Service provide hands-on learning

By Kelliann Blazek

FFA keynote speaker Mike Rowe isn’t the only one doing dirty jobs.

About 1,300 FFA members participated in the 2009 National FFA Days of Service at the 82nd National FFA Convention. FFA members shed their blue jackets to work at one of 10 service- learning sites around Indianapolis.

Michele Sullivan, team leader for grant management at the National FFA Organization, led organization efforts for the National FFA Days of Service.

“The National FFA Days of Service provide a visible example of the service that FFA members do every day,” Sullivan said. “The community has really embraced, noted and welcomed us. It’s a way for them to visually see the changes that our students make.”

The combined volunteer hours of participating FFA members resulted in $89,000 worth of savings for the organizations. This year, service sites included Agape Therapeutic Riding, Friends of Boone County Trails, Gleaners Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and multiple other locations.

FFA partnered with Indy Parks for the fourth year for one of the service projects. Ben Jackson, senior park planner for Indy Parks, organized the event for the first time this year and noted the ambition of participating FFA members.

“Actually, it’s a little hard to keep out in front of them. They just grab stuff and go,” Jackson said.

More than 250 FFA members worked at Indy Parks this year. The team of participants removed honeysuckle plants for the first half of their shift.

“It’s [the park] got a lot of invasive species, specifically honeysuckle,” Jackson said. “They’re [FFA members] cleaning up the stream bank and opening it up, trying to get it back to a more natural environment.”

The participants planted trees during the second half of their shift. Indy Parks now boasts 100 more trees thanks to FFA members.

This was familiar turf for Clay Hickey, 18, from the Conway FFA Chapter in Arkansas. Hickey owns Greenwood Lawn Care, a mowing and landscaping business that serves 15 clients. Completing most of the work by himself, Hickey’s total income last year was in the $6,000 to $7,000 range.

Hickey said the National FFA Days of Service are about more than just “hard work.”

“They teach people about helping the environment with the whole green movement,” Hickey said.

This year marked the first time Hickey volunteered during the National FFA Days of Service.

It was also the first time for Lance Brown, one of Hickey’s fellow Conway FFA Chapter members. Brown participated so he could meet and interact with people from different states.

“We do it to work together as a team and help out the community in that process,” Brown said.

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NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

National Agricultural Proficiency Winners Announced

INDIANAPOLIS – Winners in the National Agricultural Proficiency Awards Pageant were announced on Friday, Oct. 23, at the 82nd National FFA Convention. Awards were given in 47 categories.

2009 Agricultural Communications – Entrepreneurship/Placement Caroline Bremer – Illinois Caroline Bremer has always had a passion for agriculture. It is this passion that has fueled her desire to inform the public about the importance of agriculture and the National FFA Organization. During her freshman year, she joined the high school newspaper staff and wrote all the articles related to FFA. She later was elected chapter reporter and continued with her passion. As a reporter, she conducted interviews in radio and television, developed a newsletter and wrote news articles for the local paper. The Vienna FFA chapter member also interns at the Illinois state farm, as well as with the Illinois Farm Bureau and RFD Radio. Supported by her parents, Jeff and Lisa Bremer, along with her advisor Bill Fairless, this FFA member continues to work tirelessly to share agriculture information with the community.

2009 Agricultural Education – Entrepreneurship/Placement Audrey Davis -- Georgia When Audrey Davis of Bainbridge, Ga., became a chapter officer in 2005, the spark for her interest in agricultural education was lit. Soon, the Bainbridge FFA member was assisting in the agricultural education department by helping with membership rosters and career development events. Along with assisting at the school, she also worked at Flint Media, Inc., where she helped compile the Blue and Gold report, which kept the public up to date about FFA occurrences. Davis is supported by her parents, Alan and Lynn Davis, as well as her advisor, Hugh Lanier, as she continues to spread the agriculture message through agricultural education.

2009 Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Entrepreneurship/Placement Jonathon Cota – California A love for the agriculture construction industry was born in Jonathon Cota of California at a young age. The Los Banos FFA chapter member vividly remembers following his father around as he completed various construction jobs around the county. Today, Jonathon works at JC Dairy

construction, which designs and fabricates new dairy structures and renovates existing ones. Cota is supported by his parents, Jorge and Caroline Cota, as well as his FFA advisors Larry Borelli, Stuart McCullough, Sonia Falaschi, Abby Flaherty and Jason Bretz.

2009 Agricultural Mechanics Energy Systems – Entrepreneurship/Placement Blake Meneses – California Taking things a part and putting them back together has always fascinated Blake Meneses of California. Today that interest has allowed the Tulare FFA chapter member to have a successful position at Cabrera and Meneses Tractor Services. Here, he is able to perform general repairs such as welding repairs, general maintenance or even major engine overhauls. He also works on computer repairs, hydraulic repair and minor welding repairs. He credits his ag mechanics classes for much of his success. He is supported in his work by his parents, Robert and Orlanda Meneses, as well as his FFA advisors, Dave Caetano, Jennifer Sousa and Mike Mederos.

2009 Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship Zachary Samuel -- California Zachary Samuel of California is aware of how much wear and tear farm equipment bears and how often it is in need of repair. It was this need that led the Linden 46 FFA chapter member to pursue his business Zach Attack Services. Used to doing various jobs for his father on the farm, Zach noticed that other farmers in the community began to ask for his help. Having taken some ag mechanic classes through his agricultural education classes as well as having the time, Zach determined a maintenance business was the perfect answer. He is supported by his parents, James and Jaine Samuel, as well as his FFA advisors, Dean Archer, Heather Borgia and Michael Patterson.

2009 Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Placement Brian Haas – Illinois Brian Haas of Macoutah, Ill., has always been interested in mechanic work. In fact, the Mascoutah FFA chapter member began his mechanic work on his stock cars and tractors. He was then able to take that passion and begin working at Mascoutah Equipment, where he started with clean up work. He then progressed to working on combines and tractors in the ship. Today he is becoming more mechanically inclined with the equipment that he works with and sets up new equipments such as lawn mowers, tractors and tillage equipment. He is supported in his efforts by his parents, Christopher and Gina Haas, as well as his FFA advisor, Keith Eschmann.

2009 Agricultural Processing -- Entrepreneurship/Placement Brian Wayne Masters II – Oklahoma Brian Wayne Masters II, of Drummond, Okla., hopes to one day become a U.S. Department of Agriculture meat inspector. So when the Drummond FFA member was given the opportunity to work at Enid Packing Co. and Big Country Meat Market, he was ecstatic. Here was an opportunity for him to take the skills he used in his meat evaluation career development event on a daily basis. He continues to learn more about agricultural processing, and at Enid Pack, he is able to be involved in every facet of meat processing. His parents, Brian and Amber Masters, as well as his advisor, Keith Dillingham, are supportive of his endeavors.

2009 Agricultural Sales – Entrepreneurship Bradley Robert Weaver – Georgia The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Bradley Robert Weaver of Georgia. The Dawson County High School FFA member began his business growing pumpkins when he was 5 years old. He eventually turned part of the family’s 100-year-old barn into a gift ship. Then he began selling boiled peanuts, slushies, local honeys, jellies and jams. Today, he grows and sells more than 250 different registered varieties of day lilies. His entrepreneurial spirit is celebrated by his parents, Tony and Karen Weaver, as well as his FFA advisor Reggie Stowers.

2009 Agricultural Sales – Placement Bridget L. Baker – Kansas While preparing for the national floriculture career development event, Bridget L. Baker of Kansas began working at Owen’s Original Floral shop. The Washington County FFA chapter member then became more motivated to learn about the business and was soon assisting with all facets of the business by consulting and advising clients, quoting and determining prices, taking customer orders, creating and designing merchandise and more. She is supported in her endeavors by her parents, Philip and Jeanette Baker, as well as by her FFA advisor John Kern.

2009 Agricultural Services -- Entrepreneurship/Placement Rusty Kenner – Oklahoma Six years ago, Rusty Kenner of Oklahoma and his brother were deeded the farm from his grandpa and grandma. Now the Cheyenne FFA member is working to make sure his farm stays viable. He is doing this through custom swathing and baling as well as through the Kenner Water Well Drilling and Repair business. Through this experience, Kenner is able to learn about the soil and its different properties as well as more information about his water well business. He is supported by his parents, Lynn and Dixie Kenner, as well as his FFA advisor Nathan Torrance.

2009 Beef Production – Entrepreneurship Austin T. Perry – California As soon as he was old enough to hold a rope halter, Austin T. Perry of California remembers working with his family’s cattle. Currently the Clovis FFA member’s own herd consists of 38 registered purebred Angus and Charlois cows and heifers. He also raises show cattle and spring calving cows. Through the Angus and Charlois Junior Breed Associations, he has been able to make contacts, which have helped him in the marketing of his cattle. He is supported by his parents, Randy C. Perry and Susan Henderson-Perry, as well as his FFA advisors, Mrs. Henderson-Perry, Mr. Dias, Mr. Woodard, Mr. Actis, Ms. Jones and Mrs. Valdez.

2009 Beef Production – Placement Kassandra Pfeiffer – Oklahoma The beef cattle industry has been a driving force in Kassandra Pfeiffer’s life for as long as she can remember. The Mulhall-Orlando FFA member has grown up in a family that has operated a registered Angus cattle operation. She has always worked around cattle, which has allowed her to learn about the industry. As the industry continues to progress, the Oklahoma resident is able to

continue to expand her knowledge base. She is supported by her parents, Jerry and Aida Pfeiffer, as well as her FFA advisor, Allen Miller.

2009 Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship Jason Hartschuh -- Ohio Jason Hartschuh of Ohio is learning how to be a profitable dairy farmer as he works on his parents 160-cow dairy farm. The Wynford FFA member began his own dairy herd in 1999 and owns four cows and three heifers. Through artificial insemination, he continues to improve the herds type and production. He is supported by his parents, Allen and Dianne Hartschuh, as well as his FFA advisors, Mike Hoffman and Tom Daiber.

2009 Dairy Production – Placement Tanner Bradley – Wisconsin Tanner Bradley of Wisconsin is following in his father’s footsteps when it comes to dairy production. The Fort Atkinson FFA member began working at Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC during his eighth grade year. In 2007, he then began working at the Hoard’s dairyman farm to further his dairy management skills. He is responsible for milking 258 Guernseys in the new dounle-10 herringbone parlor. He continues to learn more and more about the dairy industry. He is supported in his efforts by his parents, Norm and Kay Bradley, as well as his FFA advisors Jeff Agnew, Steve Merkel and Shannon Farrell.

2009 Diversified Agricultural Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement Tom J. Eilertson – Minnesota Diversified agriculture has always been a part of Tom J. Eilertson’s life. The United South Central FFA member first introduction to diversification was when he was young and helping with simple pig chores. As he grew older, he had more responsibilities. When he turned 14, the family then turned to raising cattle. Today, the Minnesota resident runs his own operation and is able to run all the equipment needed to run his operation. He is supported in his efforts by his parents, John and Nancy Eilertson, as well as his FFA advisor, Dan M. Dylla.

2009 Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship Tyler S. Loschen – Illinois Tyler S. Loschen has always loved farming. In fact, the Illinois resident would look forward to each Christmas with anticipation as he knew he’d have new components for his toy farm set. Now, agriculture isn’t just a toy farm set for the Tri Point FFA member, it’s reality. His crop enterprise began his freshman year, with the renting of 20 acres, and then expanded when neighbors rented their 160 acres to him. He is constantly expanding his operation, and it currently involves alfalfa, soybeans and corn. He is supported by his parents, Gary and Diana Loschen, who also serves as his FFA advisor.

2009 Diversified Crop Production – Placement Matthew VanScoy – Ohio

Matthew VanScoy of Ohio is very interested in owning his own vegetable production. With this goal in mind, the Ridgemont FFA member began working at VanScoy’s farm. It was a perfect fit. One of his responsibilities was baling hay, and then on the greenhouse side, his responsibilities expanded. He’s responsible for clipping, suckering, learning and lowering tomatoes as well as testing water. His knowledge of the agriculture business continues to grow. He is supported by his parents, William and Sonja VanScoy, as well as his FFA advisor, Stephanie Jolliff.

2009 Diversified Horticulture – Entrepreneurship/Placement Andrew Thomas Collier – Tennessee Andrew Thomas Collier’s interest in nursery and landscaping plants first began when the Tennessee resident began helping someone with their annual plant sale. As the Wilson Central FFA member continued to help, he began to become familiar with planting, watering and the placement of mums. Along with that familiarity he also began helping to maintain the farm through mowing and landscaping. His interested then took a slight turn, when he began to work at the local golf course, where he began to managed the agricultural-based side of the business, managing the putting greens and making sure to maintain the grounds. He is supported in his endeavors by his parents, Jeff and Melodie Collier, as well as his FFA advisors, Benny McDonald and Pam Walker.

2009 Diversified Livestock Production – Entrepreneurship Rashele Blakley – Oklahoma Rashele Blakley of Oklahoma is a sixth-generation livestock and ag producer. The Oologah FFA member can’t remember a time when livestock production wasn’t part of her life. Today, she produces show calves and seedstock as well as packaged meat for her commercial meat market from her registered Shorthorn and Main Anjou herd. She also raises swine, sheep and goats. She is supported by her parents, Lyle and Rae Blakely, as well as her FFA advisor, Ron Harper.

2009 Diversified Livestock Production – Placement Elizabeth Kay Dahlke – Wisconsin Growing up on a family farm with a large two-acre pond has afforded many opportunities for Elizabeth Kay Dahlke of Wisconsin. The Montello FFA chapter member raises hybrid bluegills for marketing with her family. It’s not just fish for the Dahlke family. They also own a Hereford beef cattle operation, with approximately 100 beef and dairy steers along with a herd of 27 beef brood cows. As she works in both of these areas, she continues to gain knowledge about each industry. She is supported by her parents, Paul and Mary Dahlke, as well as her FFA advisor, Brian Hendrickson.

2009 Emerging Agricultural Technology – Entrepreneurship/Placement Courtney Curlin – Georgia Courtney Curlin of Georgia has always been interested in agriscience. It’s this interest that led the Lowndes High School FFA member to develop urea filter technology for tractor emissions. Using research, she was able to construct an experimental filter to filer tractor emissions. The experimental filter was successful, so she was able to construct and utilize an operational prototype. Her research and innovativeness is supported by her parents, Travis and Sharen Curlin, as well as her FFA advisors, James Corbett, Andy Harrison, Spence Taylor and Quinton Hadsock.

2009 Environmental Science and Natural Resources – Entrepreneurship/Placement Keith Allen Bollinger – Wisconsin Keith Allen Bollinger of Wisconsin has been able learn much about the natural resources management field thanks to his recent experiences with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. The Cochrane-Fountain City FFA member has worked on restoring bluff prairies and growing beetles to control purple loosestrife. He is supported by his parents, Allen and Dorothy Bollinger, as well as his FFA advisors, Ms. Jumbeck and Mr. Stoppelmoor.

2009 Equine Science – Entrepreneurship Brodie Poppino – Oklahoma Brodie Poppino of Oklahoma grew up watching his mom ride and train horses for other people. It was a talent that the Adair FFA member wanted to pursue as well. Today, he breaks and trains horses for the roping events of rodeo and horse shows. He trains horses for a certain period of time, depending on the owner’s needs. Learning how to run a business and be successful in this competitive field, Poppino plans to continue in the industry. He is supported by her parents, Marty and Tana Poppino, as well as her FFA advisors, Devin DeLozier and Josh Davis.

2009 Equine Science – Placement Josh Goff – Oklahoma Growing up in rural Oklahoma, Josh Goff has always loved livestock. Horses have specifically held a special place in the Woodward FFA member’s heart. In 2006, he was able to go to work for Cudd Quarter Horses LLC. It was here where he has been able to see what it takes to work and manage a successful horse ranch. He began with the simple lower tasks such as cleaning stalls and feeding horses. Today, he rides and trains horses, cares for sick or injured animals and assists with the annual breeding process. He is supported by his parents, Tim Goff and Shelly Johnson, as well as his FFA advisors, Dallas Krout and Galen McCune.

2009 Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement Jeremy J. Brabec – Nebraska Jeremy J. Brabec of Nebraska has always been involved in agriculture. The Schuyler FFA member manages his own crop, rotating between corn and soybeans. This has allowed him the opportunity to make his own decision and learn about crop production. He is supported by his parents, Mark and Sheila Brabec, as well as his FFA advisors, Tom Wheeldon and Ryan Schroeder.

2009 Floriculture – Entrepreneurship/Placement Emily Johnson – Kentucky Emily Johnson has loved horticulture since she was a little girl, helping to weed and water her family’s home garden. Taking agriculture classes and serving as chapter secretary for the Larue County FFA in Hodgenville, Ky., gave her the skills and know-how she needed to make her an extremely valuable employee at Lee’s Garden Center, a local nursery and landscape store. She is currently attending the University of Kentucky, studying to be an agriculture teacher. Her parents,

Sara Redmon and Jed Johnson, and her FFA advisors, Misty Bivens and Tim Quiggins, have helped her plant the seeds of success.

2009 Food Science and Technology– Entrepreneurship/Placement Naomi Harper – Illinois Chicago Ag Science FFA member Naomi Harper is not afraid of hard work. As a freshman she was accepted into the University of Illinois’ Research Apprentice Program, where she worked first-hand with seed company Pioneer, studying genetic engineering and Bt corn development. Through the program, she was fully immersed, every day, in learning scientific methods developing presentations based on her research and meeting numerous research deadlines set by the lead scientists. One day, she will use the research and goal-setting skills she has gained to earn a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. She has been supported in her endeavors by her parents, Albert and Janelle Harper, and by her FFA advisors, Lucille Shaw and Sheila Fowler.

2009 Forage Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement Andy Fuecht – Wisconsin Andy Fuecht started out small, helping his dad with small chores on the family’s dairy farm. Today, the Wisconsin FFA member has complete control over the forage operation on that same farm, where he works with his father and older brother. He takes care of all the tillage, planting and harvesting procedures for his alfalfa crop, and he closely monitors protein, moisture and more to ensure that his family’s dairy cows consume the highest quality hay. In addition to these responsibilities, Andy runs a custom baling service, which he offers to other producers in the area. Andy has been supported and encouraged by his parents, Norbert and Louise Fuecht, and his Mayville High School FFA Advisor, Cal Geiger.

2009 Forest Management and Products – Entrepreneurship/Placement Staten Levings – Georgia Staten Levings has been helping his father with the family forest products company since he was a little boy. When he joined Echols County FFA as a freshman, he learned that he could turn his involvement with the business into a learning and money-making opportunity. He secured a job at Levings Forest Products doing odd jobs. Soon, he had learned the skills needed to take on bigger responsibilities, such as operating and maintain machinery, securing loads, and marking trees for harvest. After high school, the Georgia FFA member hopes to receive a business degree from Valdosta State University and become partial owner of Levings Forest Products. His goals are supported by his parents, Al and Emily Levings, and by his FFA advisor, Shelby Corbett.

2009 Fruit Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement Brian Livesay – Oklahoma Brian Livesay knows that sometimes it takes a little trial and error to figure out what type of career you’re cut out for. When the Oklahoma FFA member was 13-years-old, he started working in the retail shed at Livesay Orchards. He very soon realized that he was not interested in pursuing a career in sales and set out to gain the skills he needed to work on the production side of the family-run operation. To date, he has learned to operate the farm’s equipment, gotten his private chemical applicator license and learned about irrigation techniques. Once he graduates from high school and

college, he hopes to become part owner of Livesay Orchards. His parents, Steve and Brenda Livesay, and his Porter FFA advisor, Brad Criner, have helped him along the way.

2009 Grain Production– Entrepreneurship Jared Yost – Oklahoma Jared Yost wants to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who both were known as top-quality producers in their rural Oklahoma community. He started by producing a small acreage of wheat for a 4-H wheat show. He soon realized that he had a real knack for farming by winning the State 4-H Wheat Competition. He then set his sights on winning FFA’s wheat competition, which would make him one of few, elite individuals to win that title from both organizations. Jared is currently attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University, majoring in business management. His ambitions are supported by his parents, Mike and Diane Yost, and by his Lomega FFA chapter advisor, Brandon Brown.

2009 Grain Production– Placement Dalton Brewer – Oklahoma Dalton Brewer began riding with his dad on the family farm’s tractor and combine when he was just a baby. Farming has been a family tradition for the Brewer’s since 1900, and it’s a tradition that the Okeene FFA member intends to continue. Currently, he helps his father and grandfather with work on their 600-acre wheat operation just southwest of Watonga, Oklahoma. Through his placement, he has learned to operate all major types of grain production equipment and how to scout for insects and disease and determine when chemical application is needed. In the future he hopes to become an agriculture teacher while continuing his family’s farming legacy. His dreams are supported by his parents, Kevin and Sharon Brewer, and by his FFA advisor, Clayton Fisher.

2009 Home and/or Community Development – Entrepreneurship/Placement Jennifer Cunningham – Texas Jennifer Cunningham of Wylie, Texas, was always on the lookout for an FFA chapter project that would benefit her entire community. As chapter president, she had led the Wylie High School FFA members through a canned food drive, Christmas caroling at the local nursing home and volunteering at special events. But she yearned to do something on a grander scale. So, she developed a feeder pig project, in which her FFA chapter took donated feeder hogs, processed them to slaughter weight, and then donated 100 percent of the meat to the local food bank. Last year, her chapter was able to donate 1,100 pounds of meat through the program. She receives support from her parents, Troy and Jayne Cunningham, and her FFA advisors, Amber Norris, Jess Wheeler and Kristi Thompson.

2009 Landscape Management– Entrepreneurship/Placement Matt Moen – South Dakota When Matt Moen was growing up, he was responsible for mowing his parents’ two-acre lawn and taking care of all the trees and shrubs. Even though it was hard work, the South Dakota FFA member loved being outdoors and was fascinated by the ways in which different plants grew and changed colors with the seasons. When he got to high school, he set out to work for his brother’s landscaping company, where he has since gained even more skills and knowledge in the area of landscaping and

horticulture. Matt receives encouragement and support from his parents, Mike and Machelle Moen, and his Harrisburg FFA Chapter advisor, Todd Marks.

2009 Nursery Operations – Entrepreneurship/Placement Melissa Maultsby – California Melissa Maultsby of California has always had an interest in landscaping, so it was no surprise when the Fallbrook FFA member began her nursery operations project. She focused on buying her own flats and transplanting them to help contribute to a larger variety of plants offered at the FFA Nursery Sales at her high school. She also continued to expand her nursery by propagating her plants by division, resulting in a total of more than 40 different varieties of plants. She is supported by her parents, James and Judy Maultsby, as well as her FFA advisors, Ms. Chapman, Mr. Duffin, Mr. Sehnert and Mr. Kreutz.

2009 Outdoor Recreation – Entrepreneurship/Placement Scott Hoiten – South Dakota Scott Hoiten has had a life-long passion for wildlife. When he was 12-years-old, he began working with his cousin and grandfather on their peasant farms in Spencer, S.D. As he got older, he became even more involved with all aspects of the farm, from raising and breeding the birds to guiding hunting trips on the farm. Scott would like to parlay his knowledge and experience into an agribusiness career. He hopes to take over the peasant farm when his grandfather retires. Scott receives support and guidance from his parents, Jim and Becky Hoiten, and his McCook Central FFA chapter advisor, Terry Rieckman.

2009 Poultry Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement Duane Unruh – Kansas For Duane Unruh, the motto, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door,” sums up this Peabody- Burns FFA chapter member’s drive to succeed. He began raising broilers in third grade for a 4-H project and, years later, is now the owner of Unruh Pasture Fresh Poultry, where he raises, butchers and markets Cornish cross broilers and produces eggs from Black Sexlink hens as his supervised agricultural experience program (SAE). His business also serves a niche market that welcomes fresh poultry without hormones or antibiotics and fresh eggs from hens kept on pasture. Duane is supported by his parents, Harlin and Doris Unruh, and his FFA advisors, Glenn Bechtel, Steve Thorburn and Sonya Roberts.

2009 Sheep Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement Jacci Erwin – Ohio Joining her family’s 20-year sheep operation has motivated North Union FFA member Jacci Erwin to play an influential role in the future of the sheep industry. Managing 54 head of Tunis ewes, Jacci successfully juggles her FFA activities while fulfilling her duties on her family’s Ohio farm. She recently exhibited eight head of her flock at the Ohio State Fair, National Show and the Indiana State Fair. She also marketed two of her ewes at the National Tunis Show and donated a ewe to help the Junior Tunis Association. She is supported by her parents, Dan and Cris Erwin, and her FFA advisors, Tom Jolliff and Nevin Smith.

Small Animal Production and Care – Entrepreneurship/Placement Mikka Harman – Oklahoma Raised on a cattle farm, Mikka Harman wanted to try something a little different for her SAE so she decided to raise and sell the popular, small-breed dog Shih Tzuhs. This Mulhall-Orlando FFA member started her enterprise with two registered females and a registered male and has currently bred and marketed 34 Shih Tzuh puppies in four different states. A resident of Oklahoma, she raises the puppies from birth and sells them between the ages of 7 and 10 weeks. To save on costs and eliminate trips to the vet, she learned some veterinary skills associated with raising puppies, such as deworming, dew claw removal and giving vaccinations. She is supported by her parents, Chris and Randus Harman, and her FFA advisor, Allen Miller.

Specialty Animal Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement Christie Hobby – California Christie Hobby’s interest in agribusiness, as well as her commitment to her family’s 20-acre farm, has fueled her passion for the production and care of Boer goats. Her family owns Boers by Hobby, one of the top operations in her community and known for their champion Boers. This Hughson FFA member has gone from merely feeding the animals to being responsible for multiple areas of expertise and has become well-known for her quality showmanship in California. With Christie’s help, the ranch sells about 100 head of goat a year. Through the ranch’s mating system and embryo transfer, she has bred 15 champion wethers within the last four years. She is supported by her parents, Bill and Sue Hobby, and her FFA advisors, Kelly Larson and Mike Ellington.

Specialty Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement Matthew Steven Campbell – Oregon Oregon’s Willamette Valley is one of the largest grass seed producing areas in the world and Junction City FFA member Matthew Steven Campbell is right where he needs to be for his SAE in specialty crops production. He works for Kokkeler Farms, growing Annual Rye Grass, Perennial Rye Grass, Orchard Grass, Fescue Grass and Spring Green Clover. The by-products of grass seed is grass straw, perennial grass hay and rotational wheat crops. Through the years, he has become a valued employee at Kokkeler and has trained to run all the machines and equipment on the farm. From preparing soil for planting to customer service and training new employees, he has gained a better understanding of the cope and impact agriculture has on his community. He is supported by his parents, Mike and Judy Campbell, and his FFA advisor, Kathy Smith.

Swine Production – Entrepreneurship Kari Beth Langbein – Texas Comfort FFA member Kari Beth Langbein remembers summer vacations spent in her family’s farrowing barn in south-central Texas, helping out only as much as a five year old could. As she watched her older sisters have fun working with the family’s pigs, she decided to give it a try and now breeds swine, replacement gilts, show gilts and market swine for her SAE. She has produced several breed champions and continues to improve on her high conception rate and nutrition program. She is supported by her parents, Larry and Karen Langbein, and her FFA advisors, Perry White and Josh Limmer.

Swine Production – Placement Holly Baggett – Tennessee Lincoln County FFA member Holly Baggett has always been active on her family farm in Tennessee and she plans to keep it that way. Following in the footsteps of her father, she began showing market hogs when she was in third grade. Now she shows about 20 market hogs a year in various state shows as well as local fairs. As for her family’s third-generation hog operation, she helps out in every aspect of the business, from feeding and vaccinating to breeding and record-keeping. She is supported by her parents, Terry Baggett and Lisa Posey, and her FFA advisors, Jennifer Snoddy, Tim Bradford and Danice Shout.

Turf Grass Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement Tanner Strunz – Wisconsin In 2006, Brodhead FFA member Tanner Strunz combined two of his passions—his love of the outdoors and mowing lawns—to start his own business, Strunz Lawn Care. Currently he mows 14 lawns in the Brodhead, Wis., area, and, in the winter, removes snow from 13 driveways. He also offers tree removal services and has been awarded an exclusive contract to take care of the lawn at Brodhead Chevrolet. He is supported by his parents, Thomas Strunz and Jean Day, and his FFA advisor, Jillian Beaty.

Vegetable Production – Enterepreneurship/Placement Amber Allen – Oklahoma Amber Allen combined a love for plants and the need to make money into a multifaceted business and SAE planting a home garden. Planting, cultivating and harvesting locally raised, high-quality vegetables has been a family tradition for this Burlington FFA member all of her life and has helped her develop management and crop production skills such as proper soil preparation, adequate weed control and organic garden practices. In addition to growing and selling fresh vegetables for family and friends in Oklahoma, she also donates her surplus crop to the Burlington Schools Farm-To- School program. She is supported in her efforts by her parents, Dwaine and Julie Allen, and her FFA advisor, Travis Bradshaw.

Veterinary Medicine – Entrepreneurship/Placement Dana A. White – Missouri Ever since she assisted in a surgery that allowed her to feel the aorta of a four-month-old puppy, Hardin Central FFA member Dana A. White has known she would pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She began her pursuit in 2006, when she was hired at Renfro’s Veterinary Service in Missouri as a kennel attendant. Her inquisitive nature eventually garnered her exposure to other aspects of the practice, including a front row seat to a wide variety of surgeries ranging from c- sections, fracture repairs and exploratories. She was soon promoted to technician and ran lab work, assisted doctors regularly, filled prescriptions and performed the initial exams prior to the doctor’s exam. She has been accepted into the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Scholars Program and has been recently hired as a doctor’s assistant at one of the top veterinary clinics in the area. She is supported by her parents, Brad and Terri White, and her FFA advisor, Erica McBee.

Wildlife Production and Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement Jeri Sigle – Kansas Jeri Sigle, a member of the Council Grove FFA in Kansas, became interested in hunting and trapping when she was 5-years-old. That’s when she realized she absolutely loved being outdoors and protecting and managing the health of various wildlife. Following in the footsteps of her parents, who are avid wildlife trappers, she began her own trapping and fur harvesting enterprise in Morris County. Now she can construct her own trap, saving hundreds of dollars. Her trapping expeditions take place on 3,000 family- and neighbor-owned acres of grassland next to the Neosho River in the rolling Flinthills of Kansas. She is supported by her parents, Chris and Sharmon Sigle, and her FFA advisor, Brandon Barr.

Roses are Red, Jackets are Blue; We’re in the Parade, Bringing Ag to You

By Andrew Walker

January 1, 2010 will be the beginning of a new year, a new decade and a new opportunity for the National FFA Organization. As 40 million U.S. viewers tune in on their televisions to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California, they will witness the power of the blue and gold.

A press conference held Oct. 20, during the 82nd National FFA Convention detailed the partnership between FFA and Rural Free Delivery Television (RFD-TV) in creating a float for the parade. The float is called FFA Today on RFD-TV, fitting the theme “A Cut above the Rest.”

The float features three large statues of members working with science implements, blueprints and agricultural products. In addition to the FFA emblem, it will contain a number of symbols important to the organization, including the owl and plow. The far end of the float will feature a barn, skyscrapers and a satellite to incorporate the diversity shown throughout the whole organization.

In creating this parade showpiece, an excess of 550,000 carnations, 400,000 roses, 225,000 square feet of chicken wire, 500 gallons of glue and 300 tons of steel will used. In addition to all of these materials, agricultural products will be used to dress the float and promote the industry. Among the products used will be corn, wheat and soybeans.

Viewers will be able to witness the best and brightest of FFA during the parade, as it makes its way down Colorado Boulevard. All six of the 2010-2011 National FFA Officers, the four Stars over America winners and National FFA CEO and advisor Larry Case will be riding on the float. It will also be flanked by walking state representatives from all 50 US states, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

RFD-TV will do an hour-long feature before the parade on the building of the float, which will encompass the construction, application of flowers and adding the final touches. Following the special, they will air the entire parade. With the help of an additional camera located on the RFD-

TV float, viewers will be able to view what is happening with the national officers for brief periods of time.

It is the goal of RFD-TV to show the diversity and depth of the FFA in its current capacity. Not only will this float be one of the largest in the entire parade, measuring up at 30 feet tall, 18 feet wide and 75 feet long, but it will serve as a source of pride for all past and present FFA members and supporters.

Patrick Gottsch, founder and president of RFD-TV, shared his excitement for the project. “This is going to be a homerun,” he said. “The float will be a tremendous opportunity for all.”

On Oct. 22, RFD-TV and FFA held a meeting for all 52 state representatives, explaining the process that each will be going through as they attend the parade. A private tour of all the floats in the parade and a private reception will be highlights for these members before the day of the parade.

State President of the Nebraska FFA Association, Katie Frenzen, feels that the opportunity will be great in getting the word out to Americans on the mission of FFA.

“The best part of the float is that it will get the FFA message out to all people. They will see blue jackets,” she said. “RFD-TV is excellent about getting the message out there.”

RFD-TV wants the main focus of this float to portray FFA being an organization for new age agriculture. Not only is it a group for farmers, but for all agriculturalists and enthusiasts of leadership development.

Diego Zaragoza, President of the Puerto Rico Association, looks forward to the significance of what the float means for the National FFA and the members in Puerto Rico.

“Our members will be excited because someone from Puerto Rico is going to attend this event,” he said. “The FFA and RFD-TV are going to be a productive influence for the youth of the nation.”

With less than three months left, preparations are well under way for the big event. In the meantime, promotion is the main focus of RFD-TV.

FFA members across the country will continue to remain busy throughout the rest of the year preparing for the big event, but on New Year’s Day 2010, relax, gather with family and wake up and smell the roses with FFA and RFD-TV.

Customize Yourself: The National FFA Convention Shopping Mall Offers Lots of Options

By Dorothy Spencer

Where can you find FFA attire, cowboy boots, waxed roses, toy tractors and Indiana state memorabilia under one roof? Why only the National FFA Convention Shopping Mall of course. A sure favorite of all FFA members, the shopping mall brings together everyone thing that FFA members, advisors and visitors alike are looking for.

The convention mall is located in the Indiana Convention Center. Stores in the mall include Tractor Supply Company, Farm Boy, and the FFA Mega store. All convention attendees can find the mall directly behind the convention career fair.

One of the greatest things about the mall is the ability to literally find anything your size, shape, color and style. However, if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, there’s no reason to worry, you can still customize yourself.

Students at this year’s convention can find customized jewelry, belts, cowboy hats, in addition to the ever classic customized convention t-shirt and the FFA Jacket.

Jill Peek, a junior from North Carolina, ordered a customized silver necklace. “It’s more unique. Its just for you,” said Peek when asked why she preferred to order a customized necklace. Her fellow shopper and chapter member Hedi Roberts agreed saying, “No one ever has my name.” Both girls were among the many getting decked out with personalized jewelry.

Convention customization doesn’t stop with jewelry; in fact it is only beginning. The National FFA has set up a booth to allow students to have their FFA jackets customized on the spot. At this booth many chapter officers take off their jackets for about 15 minutes while their newest office is added underneath their name. Kodi Willis of Westby, Wisconsin came to the convention with the intention of getting his jacket customized. “I’m president now so I needed to get the vice-president stitching taken off and president added,” said Willis.

Around the corner from the jacket booth is the Convention T-shirt store. This store is a traditional favorite at convention and offers about 100 different screen printing on over 100 styles of shirts. Brittney Mormann and Amanda Isenberg of Eugene, Missouri were waiting to get their t-shirts and shorts printed. Mormann likes the customized shirts, “not everyone has that one,” she said. Isenberg agrees saying “They’re more unique.” Even though there is sure to be a line at the store, both girls agree that it is well worth the wait.

The last stop for those looking to customize can be found at the very front of the mall at the Cowpokes store. Here customized and perfectly sized hats, boots and belts can be found. Troy Risden sizes hats at Cowpokes using steam. With the purchase of a hat customers can get a free steam fit, and business for customized hats is good. “I’ve never seen this place this packed,” said Risden.

Overall the mall offers convention patrons a wide variety of merchandise, and a few great deals. The FFA Convention shopping mall truly has something for everyone.

Agriculture Educators Find Value in New Teachers’ World

By Geoffrey Miller

"Let me show you how we've changed," said Jim Hager.

Hager, with CEV Multimedia, then took Dale Sidle -- the Triway FFA chapter advisor from Wooster, Ohio -- to a computer to show him a few of the new classroom resource products offered by CEV.

Such a meeting was exactly the goal FFA organizers had when they developed the concept of Teachers’ World for the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind.

"This area gives teachers a chance to learn directly from the vendors," said Nina Crutchfield, a Local Program Success (LPS) specialist for National FFA Organization.

The LPS team is geared toward supporting staff in the agricultural education arena, she said.

"We wanted to get a little more teacher specific," said Crutchfield of the new Teachers’ World. "Also, we wanted to make sure our vendors were able to reach their targets with more of a one-on- one conversation with teachers."

Looking through Teachers’ World -- located in the Indiana Convention Center's main exhibit hall, inside the FFA Career Show -- seemed to show that focusing on teachers was working. A few blue jackets wandered through the area that was otherwise dominated by FFA advisors and agriculture education teachers.

Kara Poynter, the advisor and agriculture instructor from the Sycamore FFA chapter in Illinois, used the area to get some advice on landscape design software she already uses in the classroom.

"I just had a question about the proposal process in the program and was able to get help immediately," said Poynter ,while standing near the Drafix Software booth.

It wasn't her only stop in Teachers’ World, either.

"I've stopped in three other places and found each to be really good, really helpful," said Poynter.

Drafix was promoting its Pro Landscape application, though it certainly wasn’t alone in the teacher- oriented area. The National Association of Agriculture Educators was promoting its organization while other organizations including The Irrigation Association, Lab-Aids and The Bass Federation - - among others -- had a presence.

Colby Haggard, also with CEV Multimedia, said the turnout was better than anticipated.

"[Wednesday] was a little slow in here and we kind of expected that again today,” said Haggard. “But we got here at 8 o’clock this morning and have definitely been swamped at times. I’ve been really surprised.”

CEV Multimedia’s focus is agriculture science education – creating a perfect match with FFA advisors and educators. It markets lesson plans, activities and even instructional materials for FFA and 4-H contests.

Teachers’ World also has a set of classrooms for agriculture instructors that feature sessions on a broad range of topics sponsored by companies such as DuPont and Pfizer. A total of 14 different sessions were scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the convention.

Toby Keith Receives Warm Welcome, Courtesy of the Red, White – and Blue Jackets

By Andrew Walker

It is known to those who support the blue and gold that FFA members can grow up to be anything they want, whether it be a scientist, farmer or even President of the United States. Some members become American icons.

This is the case with Toby Keith.

A two-year member of the Moore FFA Chapter in Oklahoma, Keith returned to his roots Oct. 21, to entertain thousands of FFA members during the 82nd National FFA Convention.

The concert took place in Lucas Oil Stadium and drew approximately 25,000 FFA members and guests, making it the largest musical performance ever at a national FFA convention. For the screaming students and loyal fans in attendance, the concert was a high point of the hustle and bustle of convention.

The Eli Young Band helped pump up the crowd by performing a few songs including the hit, Always the Love Song. But it was after a short intermission that the crowd really got fired up as Keith took the stage. From songs off his new album, such as American Ride, to the most-played country song of the 1990s, Should’ve Been a Cowboy, Keith brought out a plethora of songs from his arsenal.

Looking back, Keith recognized his own involvement from past days in FFA.

“I’m an old Future Farmer of America,” he said. “My old ag teacher taught me to whittle and I still whittle today.”

The excitement that filled the stadium was evident by the roar of the crowd throughout the entire performance. Fans were happy to be kicking back with Keith alongside friends from their local chapters and fellow members from across the nation.

After attending the concert, Jessica Wilkinson of the Franklin County FFA chapter in Mississippi remarked about what she enjoyed most about the concert.

“I like listening to his [Keith’s] singing while having fun with our chapter,” said Wilkinson. This was the case for many members, advisors and other visitors as Keith was able to make Indy come alive. Ryan Haley of the Woodbury FFA chapter in Tennessee commented that he liked Keith because “he likes Ford trucks and plays a lot of songs for the troops.”

Keith does like Ford trucks. In fact, they were the sponsors of the concert. In addition to this concert, Ford has been a sponsor of the National FFA Organization for the past 61 years. The close partnership between Ford and FFA has played an important role in the development of FFA members and has provided opportunities well beyond this concert.

To end the show Keith played American Solider and Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue as a tribute to all of those serving in the armed forces and public servants here in the country. With fireworks, pyrotechnics and confetti, concert goers were left applauding and screaming at the top of their lungs as the concert came to a close.

With only chards of paper confetti and ticket stubs left on the floor of the empty stadium, members took with them great memories from another great national convention concert.

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

National FFA honors Tennessee Governor Gov. Bredesen will receive a special VIP citation

INDIANAPOLIS – The National FFA Organization has selected Gov. Phil Bredesen of Nashville, Tenn., to receive a special VIP Citation for making significant contributions to agricultural education. It is one of the most prestigious awards a person may receive for supporting FFA and its programs. The governor was honored during an onstage presentation at the 82nd National FFA Convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Governor Bredesen believes education is Tennessee’s number one fundamental priority. During his term of governor, he has appointed an education administration that valued career and technical education, especially agricultural education. During his first term, the administration approved approximately $300,000 for the improvements to the Tennessee FFA Association’s Camp Clements leadership camp. His belief in the importance of agricultural education has been evident through his inclusion of a $500,000 line item in his state budget for FFA during the past year. The VIP Citation recognizes the dedicated individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation. Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in their members, who in turn build strong families, communities and industries. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural

education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

National FFA Honors New York Resident Dr. William Camp will receive a special VIP Citation

INDIANAPOLIS – The National FFA Organization has selected Dr. William Camp of Ithaca, N.Y., to receive a special VIP Citation for making significant contributions to agricultural education. It is one of the most prestigious awards a person may receive for supporting FFA and its programs. Camp was honored during an onstage presentation at the 82nd National FFA Convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Camp, a professor of agricultural education at Cornell University, has received and managed more than $3.2 million in grants, written eight textbooks for high school agriculture classrooms and published more than 80 articles in regards to agricultural education. For 20 years, he was responsible for much of Virginia’s agricultural education teacher in-service program. In 2003, he left Virginia to assume responsibility for rebuilding Cornell’s teacher education program and for re-establishing the university as a leader in New York’s agricultural education community. Under his leadership, the Cornell agricultural teacher education program has been revived and is providing leadership for New York’s agricultural education teachers, for FFA and for agriculture in the classroom programs. The VIP Citation recognizes the dedicated individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation. Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in their members, who in turn build strong families, communities and industries. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education.

The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

National FFA Honors Florida Resident Patrick Cockrell to receive special VIP Citation

INDIANAPOLIS – The National FFA Organization has selected W. Patrick Cockrell of Archer, Fla., to receive a special VIP Citation for making significant contributions to agricultural education. It is one of the most prestigious awards a person may receive for supporting FFA and its programs. Cockrell was honored during an onstage presentation at the 82nd National FFA Convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Cockrell, executive assistant to the president of Florida Farm Bureau Federation, has been an advocate for agricultural education and FFA since he left the classroom and joined the staff of Florida Farm Bureau in 1975. Through the years, his many contributions include serving on the FFA Foundation board of directors, chairing the agricultural education state advisory committee and much more. He led the charge to pass legislation that made the agriculture program course the only career and technical education course in the state of Florida with academic credit. He continually monitors legislation and advocates on behalf of FFA. The VIP Citation recognizes the dedicated individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation. Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in their members, who in turn build strong families, communities and industries. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

National FFA honors Pennsylvania resident Bill Fleet to receive a special VIP citation

INDIANAPOLIS – The National FFA Organization has selected Bill Fleet of Lititz, Pa., to receive a special VIP Citation for making significant contributions to agricultural education. It is one of the most prestigious awards a person may receive for supporting FFA and its programs. Fleet was honored during an onstage presentation at the 82nd National FFA Convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Fleet served as the acting chief operating officer for the National FFA Organization from April until the beginning of October 2009. Fleet guided the organization while a search was underway for a full-time chief operating officer. During his tenure, Fleet worked with Dr. Case, the National FFA Board of Directors and the National FFA staff to address pressing challenges facing FFA on local, state and national levels. He made staff development a priority. Fleet retired in 2006 as vice president–North America sales for Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., Johnston, Iowa. At Pioneer, Fleet planned, organized and oversaw operating and capital budgets for nine sales markets for the North America sales organization. Fleet played a dual role leading the Pioneer North America seed sales organization and serving as director of sales and marketing effectiveness for the DuPont Agriculture and Nutrition Platform. Prior to joining Pioneer in 1982, Fleet taught agricultural education for four years at the high school level and served as both FFA advisor and advisor for adult farmers in the Dover Area School District, Dover, Pa. The VIP Citation recognizes the dedicated individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation. Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in their members, who in turn build strong families, communities and industries.

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

National FFA honors Indiana resident Robert Juncker will receive a special VIP Citation

INDIANAPOLIS – The National FFA Organization has selected Robert E. Juncker of Franklin, Ind. to receive a special VIP Citation for making significant contributions to agricultural education. It is one of the most prestigious awards a person may receive for supporting FFA and its programs. Juncker was honored during an onstage presentation at the 82nd National FFA Convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Juncker, a retired agricultural education specialist from the Indiana Department of Education, is well-known throughout the agricultural industry for his commitment to agricultural education. During his tenure, he trained over 125 state FFA officers, coordinated and executed leadership programs for thousands of students, trained several national FFA officers, and was instrumental in the development of the Indiana FFA leadership center. He was an active Indiana FFA Foundation board member, and was state advisor for Indiana Young Farmers and Indiana FFA. He assisted in creating a vision and strategic plan for agricultural education. The VIP Citation recognizes the dedicated individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation. Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in their members, who in turn build strong families, communities and industries. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

National FFA honors South Dakota resident Timothy Nichols to receive special VIP Citation

INDIANAPOLIS – The National FFA Organization has selected Timothy Nichols of Brookings, S.D., to receive a special VIP Citation for making significant contributions to agricultural education. It is one of the most prestigious awards a person may receive for supporting FFA and its programs. Nichols was honored during an onstage presentation at the 82nd National FFA Convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Nichols, Dean of the SDSU Honors College, has been a strong advocate for FFA for the past decade. He was the Career Development Event (CDE) chairman for the agricultural sales CDE for eight years. As the assistant director of academic programming for the college of Agriculture/Biology, he coordinated visits with College of Agricultural and Biological Sciences Ambassadors for state Ag-Ed/FFA programs. He has also worked a mentor to state FFA officers. The VIP Citation recognizes the dedicated individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation. Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in their members, who in turn build strong families, communities and industries. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st

Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

National FFA Honors Pennsylvania Resident Gerald Reichard will receive a special VIP Citation

INDIANAPOLIS – The National FFA Organization has selected Gerald W. Reichard of Waynesboro, Penn., to receive a special VIP Citation for making significant contributions to agricultural education. It is one of the most prestigious awards a person may receive for supporting FFA and its programs. Reichard was honored during an onstage presentation at the 82nd National FFA Convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Reichard has been involved with agricultural education for a long time. He has served as a agriculture teacher in Pennsylvania since 1959. In 1997, he began serving as executive secretary for the Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Education and in 2007, took his expertise to the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Education, where he is currently serving as the executive secretary. The VIP Citation recognizes the dedicated individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation. Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in their members, who in turn build strong families, communities and industries. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

National FFA to honor Minnesota resident Jerry Rose will receive a special VIP Citation

INDIANAPOLIS – The National FFA Organization has selected Jerry Rose of Wayzata, Minn., to receive a special VIP Citation for making significant contributions to agricultural education. It is one of the most prestigious awards a person may receive for supporting FFA and its programs. Rose was honored during an onstage presentation at the 82nd National FFA Convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Rose is the past National FFA Sponsors’ Board chairman. Under his leadership, the National FFA Foundation raised a record $14.1 million. A huge proponent for agricultural education and leadership development, Rose’s commitment to FFA goes far beyond providing funding resources. As corporate vice president of Cargill, he leads by example, encouraging Cargill employees around the country to get involved on a local level and to participate in training that the company offers during the national FFA convention each year. The VIP Citation recognizes the dedicated individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation. Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in their members, who in turn build strong families, communities and industries. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural

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National FFA honors Georgia resident John K. Wilkinson will receive a special VIP Citation

INDIANAPOLIS – The National FFA Organization has selected John K. Wilkinson of Toccoa, Georgia, to receive a special VIP Citation for making significant contributions to agricultural education. It is one of the most prestigious awards a person may receive for supporting FFA and its programs. Wilkinson was honored during an onstage presentation at the 82nd National FFA Convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Wilkinson has worked 32 years as an agricultural educator, Georgia FFA executive secretary and state agricultural education program manager. He has helped Georgia FFA become one of the most successful programs in the nation. In the last 23 years, he has trained over 200 state FFA officers and coached five students to national officer positions. Under his supervision, Georgia FFA membership has reached an all time high with more than 29,000 members in Georgia. The VIP Citation recognizes the dedicated individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation. Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in their members, who in turn build strong families, communities and industries. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st

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Oklahoma student named Star Farmer finalist Slade Don Nightengale receives top honor for his cattle operation

INDIANAPOLIS – Agriculture has been a way of life for as long as Slade Don Nightengale can remember. In fact, at the age of 8, Nightengale was an entrepreneur, beginning his own stocker cattle operation with the money he earned from driving a tractor. That entrepreneurial spirit has now earned him top honors. The National FFA Organization has named the Cordell, Okla. resident 2009 American Star Farmer, one of the organization’s highest honors. Each year at the national FFA convention, 16 national finalists vie for the organization’s top awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. These awards honor students who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through their supervised agricultural experience (SAE); demonstrated outstanding management skills; earned the American FFA Degree – the organization’s highest level of accomplishment; and met other agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements. Each finalist was interviewed by a panel of judges, who named the top candidate in each area. The winner was announced in an onstage convention ceremony and received a plaque and an award of $4,000. The runners’-up will also receive plaques and $2,000 each. When Nightengale first enrolled in agricultural education classes, he had an operation with 22 head of cattle-- an inventory that he knew he wanted to grow. He was able to secure funding and soon purchased 128 head of cattle. He then rented 160 acres of land from a local landowner, with 45 acres of cropland and 115 acres of native grass pasture. Utilizing some of his father’s equipment in exchange for labor, he was able to plant the cropland. Today, he has 450 acres of planted wheat, 478 head of cattle and a lease for 1,000 acres of grass.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I enrolled in agricultural education classes in 8th grade,” Nightengale said, “Completing five years of high school agricultural education, being involved in FFA and having a supervised agricultural experience program taught me many valuable lessons. Production agriculture requires record keeping, marketing and financial skills. My agricultural education classes and FFA have helped me develop these skills to prepare me for my career in production agriculture.” Nightengale, son of Kevin and Sherry Nightengale, is working toward a degree in business finance at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He is a member of the Cordell FFA chapter and his advisor is Brian Dowdle. The American FFA Degree recognition programs are co-sponsored by Case IH of Racine, Wis.; Farm Credit Systems of Washington, D.C.; Pioneer Hi-Bred of Des Moines, Iowa; and Syngenta of Greensboro, N.C., as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is anational youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Wisconsin student named Star in Agribusiness Benjamin Alsum receives top honors for his business acumen

INDIANAPOLIS – When you mention business to Benjamin R. Alsum of Randolph, Wis., be sure to be specific. This 21-year-old doesn’t have just one area of expertise, he has three—cattle- raising, customized baling and produce. It’s this entrepreneurial spirit that has Alsum vying for one of the National FFA Organization’s top awards. He has been named 2009 American Star in Agribusiness, one of the organization’s highest honors. Each year at the national FFA convention, 16 national finalists vie for the organization’s top awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. These awards honor students who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through their supervised agricultural experience (SAE); demonstrated outstanding management skills; earned the American FFA Degree – the organization’s highest level of accomplishment; and met other agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements. Each finalist was interviewed by a panel of judges, who named the top candidate in each area. The winner was announced in an onstage convention ceremony and received a plaque and an award of $4,000. The runners-up will also receive plaques and $2,000 each. Alsum’s experience with the produce business began when he was in middle school. His family sold sweet corn, vegetables, pumpkins and Indian corn at various stands across central and southeast Wisconsin. In 2005, Alsum purchased two percent of Alsum Sweet Corn. This endeavor was made possible through his expanding business, Ben’s Bovine Beauties. This business—venture, along with a customized baling business— began early in Alsum’s FFA career. They taught him the importance of enterprises and allowed him to increase his ownership of Alsum Sweet Corn to 25 percent. He hopes to grow it to 40 percent by the end of the year.

“Much of my success should go to FFA and the experiences I have gained from being an active member,” Alsum said. “Interacting with other FFA members and traveling to FFA events and activities have given me a diverse background in experiences, many of which relate to my SAE and its success.” Alsum is the son of Scott and Lona Alsum. He is a member of the Randolph Cambria- Friesland FFA and his advisor is Keith Gundlach. The American FFA Degree recognition programs are co-sponsored by Case IH of Racine, Wis.; Farm Credit Systems of Washington, D.C.; Pioneer Hi-Bred of Des Moines, Iowa; and Syngenta of Greensboro, N.C., as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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National Agricultural Proficiency Winners Announced

INDIANAPOLIS – Winners in the National Agricultural Proficiency Awards Pageant were announced on Friday, Oct. 23, at the 82nd National FFA Convention. Awards were given in 47 categories.

continue to expand her knowledge base. She is supported by her parents, Jerry and Aida Pfeiffer, as well as her FFA advisor, Allen Miller.

2009 Diversified Crop Production – Placement Matthew VanScoy – Ohio

Sara Redmon and Jed Johnson, and her FFA advisors, Misty Bivens and Tim Quiggins, have helped her plant the seeds of success.

college, he hopes to become part owner of Livesay Orchards. His parents, Steve and Brenda Livesay, and his Porter FFA advisor, Brad Criner, have helped him along the way.

horticulture. Matt receives encouragement and support from his parents, Mike and Machelle Moen, and his Harrisburg FFA Chapter advisor, Todd Marks.

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Illinois resident named National Agriscience Teacher of the Year

INDIANAPOLIS –With the numbers of students in her school district tied to production agriculture declining, agriculture teacher Mindy McDermott, of Waterloo, Ill., knew she had to do something to get her students’ attention. The answer was simple: incorporate more scientific content into the curriculum. Her creativity in making agriscience applicable to real-life situations has attracted more students to here agriculture classes and has been recognized with top honors from the National FFA Organization. McDermott was named Agriscience Teacher of the Year on Oct. 23 at the 82nd National FFA Convention during an onstage ceremony. The Agriscience Teacher of the Year award recognizes outstanding agriculture teachers who emphasize agricultural technology in their curriculum. Finalists have developed innovative programs in food, environmental, animal, plant, soil and mechanical/engineering sciences. The program is sponsored by PotashCorp as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. Students enrolled in McDermott’s courses at Waterloo High School learn about the process of scientific inquiry and then use the knowledge to help design laboratory procedures. Students learned about alternative forms of energy by building mini-wind turbines. They also have learned about genetically modified organisms and much more. “The snapshot of what a typical agriculture student look like has changed,” McDermott said. “This allows us to develop applied scientific skills as well as leadership skills through FFA activities.” The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present

###

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New Jersey teacher named National Agriscience Teacher of the Year Runner-up

INDIANAPOLIS – Nothing can be accomplished without science. These are words in which JoAnn Rachel Sopchak of Ocean City, N.J. strongly believes. It’s also something that she teaches to her students in her classes at Cape May County Technical School. Her ability to blend science into everyday curriculum is not only attracting her students’ attention, but also earning her top honors from the National FFA Organization. Sopchak was named Agriscience Teacher of the Year Runner-up on Oct. 23 at the 82nd National FFA Convention during an onstage ceremony. The Agriscience Teacher of the Year award recognizes outstanding agriculture teachers who emphasize agriscience technology in their curriculum. Finalists have developed innovative programs in food, environmental, animal, plant, soil and mechanical/engineering sciences. The program is sponsored by PotashCorp as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The agriscience program at Cape May County Technical High School focuses on the art and science of ornamental horticulture. Students are able to work in small groups or individually in the program’s three greenhouses, landscaped beds, two acres of turf grass, putting green and pond. The pond has a waterfall landscaped with native plants of the Jersey shore. Driven by community demand, the district then established a traditional agricultural education program at the high school. Sopchak has since developed a three- year Landscape/Golf Course Management program. “Students are better able to grasp the concepts since they can relate to the subject material and real-world examples,” Sopchak said. “The classroom demonstrations and small learning communities encourage student participation and achievement.” The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and

careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

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Colorado student earns top honors at National FFA Convention Kaitlyn Lingus named Agriscience student of the year

INDIANAPOLIS – Kaitlyn Lingus of Colorado received top honors at the 82nd National FFA Convention when she was named 2009 National FFA Organization Agriscience Student of the Year. She was recognized on stage at the national FFA convention on Friday, Oct., 23 and received $3,500. When she started her agriscience project the question she was asked most often was “Why would you want to kill all the pretty little flowers that grow along our highways?” Those “flowers” were actually Field Bindweed, and what people didn’t know was that it was a major threat to the environment. Field Bindweed is one of the most competitive weeds in the United States; it robs native plants of nutrients and moisture. Kaitlyn discovered a microscopic gall mite that preys on the Bindweed and destroys it without disturbing any of the other vegetation surrounding it. The results of Kaitlyn’s study appeared in several newspapers, and led to more people working to control the bindweed population. Kaitlyn is a member of the Branson FFA chapter. She is the daughter of Nick and Shari Lingus. Her FFA advisor is Ginger Doherty. The Agriscience Student Scholarship and Recognition Program is sponsored by Monsanto as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. Eligible FFA members are selected on the basis of research projects involving agriscience skills, using applications and new technologies in their high school agriculture classes. Students apply these lessons to their supervised agricultural experience (SAE). They are also evaluated on their academic achievement, as well as their involvement in school and community activities. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in

the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Texas student earns top honors at National FFA Convention Brook Nussle named Agriscience student runner-up

INDIANAPOLIS – Brook Nussle of Texas, received top honors at the 82nd National FFA Convention when she was named 2009 National FFA Organization Agriscience Student of the Year Runner-Up. She was recognized on stage at the national FFA convention on Friday, Oct. 23 and received a cash award of $1,500. For as long as she can remember, Nussle has loved working with animals, plants and dirt. Little did she know that these passions would turn into a love of science. In eighth grade, she made the tough decision to leave her friends behind and apply to the AgriScience Magnet Program at James Madison High School in Texas. The move has paid off. During her freshman year, she began her research project on urban island heating and discovered alternatives to reduce the radiant at James Madison by introducing new technologies for sidewalks and driveways at the school’s new agriculture complex. Nussle, a member of the James Madison chapter, is the daughter of Kelly Moore. Her FFA advisor is Joshua Anderson. The Agriscience Student Scholarship and Recognition Program is sponsored by Monsanto as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. Eligible FFA members are selected on the basis of research projects involving agriscience skills, using applications and new technologies in their high school agriculture classes. Students apply these lessons to their supervised agricultural experience (SAE). They are also evaluated on their academic achievement, as well as their involvement in school and community activities. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in

Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

2009 Agriscience Fair Winners Named

INDIANAPOLIS – The 2009 Agriscience Fair awards were presented onstage during the seventh general session at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The winners are listed below by event:

Biochemistry/Food Science/Microbiology • Division One: Erin Brasser, Iowa • Division Two: Jordan Boucicaut, New York • Division Three: Samantha Giffen, Shelly Grinshpun; New Jersey • Division Four: Ashleigh Willems, Grayson Ortega; Texas

Botany • Division One: Jayton Jones, Texas • Division Two: Sara Denitto, Montana • Division Three: Hannah Beeler, Arissa Chunn; California • Division Four: Jenny Rodriguez, Kenneth Callier; New York

Engineering • Division One: Alexis Clinebell, Illinois • Division Two: Charlton Cheng, Florida • Division Three: James Kaplan, Stephen Barcsansky; Massachusetts • Division Four: Justin Scheel, Derek Nelson; Wisconsin

Environmental Science • Division One: James Rose, Arkansas • Division Two: Timothy Hurd, Washington • Division Three: Aaron Zimmerman, Kyle Herman; Wisconsin • Division Four: Trevor Correia, Josh Barron; Georgia

--MORE--

Zoology Division One: Samantha Welu, Minnesota Division Two: Brittany King, Missouri Division Three: Katherine Rittenbach, Daria Lukasz; New Jersey Division Four: Ariana Piscitelli, Alaena Wilfong; Oregon

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Waldeck has success in her genes, earns high honors Central Hardin FFA member named national FFA agri-entrepreneur

INDIANAPOLIS – Ariel Waldeck, 18, of Cecilia, Ky., is one of 10 students from across the country who will receive a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 23. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start their own businesses. Waldeck has always wanted to follow in her grandfather’s farming footsteps so it wasn’t surprising when she decided to show Brown Swiss cattle, the gentle giants her grandfather always loved. “I chose Brown Swiss because that’s what my grandfather had,” Waldeck said. “He died when I was seven and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Showing goes hand in hand with genetics and embryo transfer. You want the best when you show so that’s how I got involved in embryo transfer.” After two years of showing and more losses than wins, she decided to take matters into her own hands and develop a better-quality Brown Swiss. Artificial insemination took her a step closer to the perfect show cow but the results still fell short so she started buying embryos. She flushed her own cattle and implanted the embryos and soon celebrated an excellent conception rate that hovered around 70 percent. With such success, word of mouth spread and Waldeck started All-American Genetics. Her company works with customers from all over the world to produce high-quality show animals. Just in the past year, she and her business partner have expanded the business to a new level by not only flushing other people’s cattle and implanting embryos but also raising the calves until they are 90 days old and can be returned to the owner. She also ships embryos from her own herd all over the world and sells cows and cattle. In addition, Waldeck offers classes for local farmers who are interested in starting embryo transfer on their own farms. Waldeck graduated in 2009 and is currently attending the University of Kentucky to pursue a double major in agricultural communications and integrated strategic communications. In high

school, she was involved with the Young Republicans and was a Farm Credit Ambassador. Her senior year, she was the yearbook photo editor and is an active member of Grace Heartland Church. She also participates in Etown Chrysalis. She is the daughter of Robbin and Margaret Waldeck. Her FFA advisors are Larry Hendrick, Lloyd Horne and Katy Doyle. USDA Rural Development sponsors the National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award Program as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, Inc. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Steinbrink turns cattle into cash, earns high honors Chatfield FFA member named national FFA agri-entrepreneur

INDIANAPOLIS – Tyler Steinbrink, 16, of Chatfield, Minn., is one of 10 students from across the country who will receive a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 23. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start their own businesses. Steinbrink was only 14 years old when he made one of the biggest decisions of his young life: to rent 140 acres of pasture from his parents and raise his own cattle for his supervised agricultural experience program. It wasn’t long before his business, Steinbrink Cattle Company, was born. Working from home is a win-win for Steinbrink. “I have the utmost flexibility to tend to the cattle. During the school year, when I’m pressed for time, I have the option to feed before school or wait until after school. In the summer, I can sometimes view the cattle from the house to know when they are nearby for easy head counting.” His family’s pasture is located in a soil-rich valley along the Root River and on the edge of the Southeast Minnesota-bluff lands, providing food, water and summer shade for his herd of 125 cattle. Along with other area cattlemen, his business provides fresh, locally grown and low cost beef to southeast Minnesota. By 2010, he plans to increase his inventory to 150 head of cattle and, by 2011, to improve his daily gain per calf ratio to nearly two pounds by researching and implementing better feed and pasture management. Being his own boss has provided Steinbrink with the flexibility he needs to participate in FFA as well as summer drum line, after-school meetings, sports and other activities. Steinbrink is a senior at Chatfield High School where he plays varsity golf. He is also talented percussionist who plays in his high school band, a community brass band and in a rock band that he co-founded in the eighth grade. Steinbrink is the son of Lynn and Kathy Steinbrink. His FFA advisor is

Stacy Fritz.

USDA Rural Development sponsors the National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award Program as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, Inc. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Schilling traps and earns high honors Mt. Vernon FFA member named national FFA agri-entrepreneur

INDIANAPOLIS – Kenny Schilling, 19, of Mt. Vernon, Ind., is one of 10 students from across the country who will receive a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 23. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start their own businesses. If you’re ever looking for Schilling, chances are you’ll find him outside doing what he loves most: trapping. Since he was 5-years-old, he’s been checking traplines with his father near their Southern Indiana home. “When I was younger, my dad would sell my furs,” he said. “When I got older, I said to myself, ‘Hey, I can do this on my own.’” The urge to start his own wildlife management business really hit home when he noticed an overabundance of predatory animals, some of which were destroying his neighbors’ crops and the area’s population of rabbits, quail and turkeys. To manage these species and balance the ecosystem, he started K&S Traplines. Even as he was getting his business off the ground, he knew it would be a success because he’s passionate about his work. “I’m going to do it even if I lose money,” he said. In addition to trapping, K&S Traplines provides quality furbearer pelts to its consumers. Schilling takes pride in how he processes his fur and displays it in the marketplace. He also takes on small animal damage control jobs during trapping season in order to remove nuisance furbearers from businesses and homes. His goal for 2010 is to get an Animal Damage Control permit so he can trap off season and expand his service. He will assess the positive impact on his community if he is not re-contacted by customers he previously did work for.Schilling graduated from high school in 2008 and currently attends Murray State University. He was the 2008-2009 Southern Region Vice President and he is also a member of an outdoor sports club. He is the son of Jerry and Beth Schilling. His FFA advisor

is David E. Reese.

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McGuire beautifies community, earns high honors Boonville FFA member named national FFA agri-entrepreneur

INDIANAPOLIS – Newt McGuire, 17 , of Boonville, Mo., is one of 10 students from across the country who will receive a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 23. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start their own businesses. It all began with a simple request of mowing the family lawn. That request led McGuire to begin contemplating a business move. Why not expand from one lawn to multiple lawns and make improvements to lawns and landscapes of multiple members of the community? He took his idea and began working to make it a reality. In 2008, McGuire began his marketing campaign, by asking neighbors and his parent’s coworkers if they needed their lawn mowed. Soon, he was able to grow the number of lawns that he was taking care of and Spectacular Lawn Service was created. Now along with residential lawns, he also has a commercial customer as well. He capitalized on his landscape knowledge from his experience with the local Master Gardener Program as well as skills he learned in FFA in regards to agriculture machine repair, maintenance and operation. Headquartered at McGuire Farms, McGuire has a location for repairs, mulch disposal as well as machine storage. Today, the business is focused on mowing, trimming/edging, tree and shrub pruning, weed control, leaf removal and mulch handling. For the upcoming 2009 winter season, Spectacular Lawn Service will begin offering snow removal services. Although McGuire will be graduating this spring, he plans to continue his lawn service and may possibly expand or relocate. McGuire is the son of Ted and Megan McGuire. His FFA advisors are Doug Henke and Deanna Thies.

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Kotar develops cutting-edge business, earns high honors Hysham FFA member named national FFA agri-entrepreneur

INDIANAPOLIS – Logan Kotar, 18, of Hysham, Mont., is one of 10 students from across the country who will receive a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 23. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start their own businesses. Growing up in a small town Montana, job opportunities are often limited for teenagers. That didn’t stop the entrepreneurial spirit of Kotar. He knew he wanted to do something that utilized his skills and could create a business. Soon, Logan’s Steelworks was created. Utilizing oxy-acetylene welding and plasma cutting skills he learned in his agricultural education classes, he realized he could make signs by tracing designs from a projector onto steel. He displayed his cuttings in various locations and was soon getting requests for custom made designs. Kotar was able to market his through word of mouth from customers in the community, and displaying work in the Rosebud Treasure Fair, where he was awarded Best of Show and each entry was granted a blue ribbon. With the ability to create his own work schedule and be his own boss, Logan’s Steelworks is a perfect fit for Kotar. Along with the flexibility, he enjoys the hands-on portion of his business versus a business that is more paper work oriented. “Originally it began as a sales and service project,” Kotar said, “However, about two years ago, when people liked my stuff and started buying it, I knew it was going to be successful.” Kotar, who graduated in May, credits FFA for getting him started in his career, one that he looks forward to doing for a lifetime, as he continues to expand his knowledge in design and welding. He is currently pursuing a degree at Sheridan College in Sheridan, Wyo., and plans to become a

certified welder and expand his business. Kotar is the son of Kenneth and JoAnna Kotar. His FFA advisor is JoAnna Kotar. USDA Rural Development sponsors the National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award Program as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, Inc. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Kelln connects with ag community, earns high honors Fairview FFA member named national FFA agri-entrepreneur

INDIANAPOLIS – Kela Kelln, 18, of Fairview, Okla., is one of 10 students from across the country who will receive a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 23. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start their own businesses. In 2005, when the show goat industry began to take off in Oklahoma, Kelln had an idea. Why not mimic the successful website oklahomashowpigs.com and start a website for show goats. Her ambitious goal paid off. With an initial investment of $2,000 and some help from her parents she purchased the website domain www.oklahomashowgoats.com as well as software. With the help of the owner of oklahomashowpigs.com she was able to build her website adding graphics and a new logo. She also added a message board feature. The message board allowed a forum for people to discuss topics in the goat industry. Kelln contacted local breeders and feeders to advertise on the website and linked from the oklahomashowpigs.com website. This allowed her to reach out to additional audiences and increase traffic to her website. The result has been successful. When she took over the website in 2006 she had more than 465,000 hits. In 2008, there were more than 1.2 million hits. She has held two online goat auctions and continues to make updates to the site, and this fall she plans to add a classified ads page allowing people to advertise equipment, services or goats. She plans to expand the online auctions as well. Kelln is a senior at Fairview High School. She has been an active member in the Fairview FFA chapter, participating in state champion career development events. She has been around agriculture and FFA her entire life, and has shown champion pigs, chickens and goats around the state. Kelln is the daughter of Chris and Tammy Kelln. Her FFA advisor is Mindi Clark.

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Hanson rides to success, earns high honors Chatfield FFA member named national FFA agri-entrepreneur

INDIANAPOLIS – Jordan D. Hanson, 17, of Chatfield, Minn., is one of 10 students from across the country who will receive a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 23. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start their own businesses. From a very early age, Hanson attended the Waverly Midwest Horse Sale in Waverly, Iowa every spring and fall. He loved going. One year, he got to drive a team of his father’s horsed through the sale ring at the show, and fell in love with the idea of selling horses at that very moment. Shortly after that day, Hanson bought his first pony for $600 and sold it within a year for $1100. He called his new business the JH Horse Company and starting trading horses alongside his father. While he was still living at home, he was able to use his dad’s facilities and equipment to care for, transport and sell his horses. Once he began college in River Falls, Wis., he had to relocate his business. He rented a barn in River Falls where he kept numerous horses throughout the year. His unique business even gave him a leg up in the college town’s social circles—he quickly became known as the “guy in the horse business.” The new location also allowed him to expand his market. He met many new customers who would not have, had he not relocated the business. The JH Horse Company is still a growing business. Hanson travels to many horse sales in many states looking for good deals. He purchases as many horses as he can handle, and then puts extra training into them, to make them more valuable. Hanson’s goal is to have the top selling Quarter Horse at the Twin Cities Horse Sale. He believes that he is well on his way to become the type of trainer capable of reaching that goal.

Hanson is currently attending University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in Equine Science. He is a member of the UofW-River Falls Rodeo team and is also a member of the Wisconsin and Minnesota Horse Pulling Associations. Hanson is the son of William and Lisa Hanson. His FFA advisor is Stacy Fritz. USDA Rural Development sponsors the National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award Program as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, Inc. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Clark pampers pets, earns high honors Northridge FFA member named national FFA agri-entrepreneur

INDIANAPOLIS – Cathryn Clark, 16, of Johnstown, Ohio, is one of 10 students from across the country who will receive a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 23. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start their own businesses. Clark first recognized the need for pet-sitting service in her community, while she was volunteering at Shearer Pet Hospice in Columbus, Ohio. Pets that are in hospice care require 24-hour attendance, which can be difficult for an individual to take on by themselves. Many pet owners needed assistance with their pet’s around-the-clock care. The idea that a pet-sitting service could be a success was reinforced when her friends and neighbors, upon hearing about her work with the pet hospital, starting asking her to help them take care of their pets. She was getting offers to pet sit, or take the family dog for an extra walk. So, she started “Clark’s Ark Pet Sitting Service.” She cares for both large and small animals and either travels to the animal’s home to check in on them, or boards them in her own home over night. Many of her customers love the convenience of her service, and the idea of leaving their pets in a “home” atmosphere, as opposed to a hospital or kennel- type atmosphere. “I have always been involved with animals. My mom does search and rescue for animals and is a vet tech; I have worked with her since I was little. I wanted something that I could do anywhere.” Clark has learned to be organized and self-motivated through her business enterprise. She has also learned that with hard work and responsibility comes many rewards. Clark is a senior at Northridge high school where she a member of the student council and the National Honors Society. She is also involved with Teens Against Drugs and Serteens. Clark is the daughter of James and Cheryl Clark. Her FFA advisor is Ryan Rismiller.

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Carley finds sweet success, earns high honors Crescent-Iroquois FFA member named national FFA agri-entrepreneur

INDIANAPOLIS – Clayton N. Carley, 17, of Milford, Ill., is one of 10 students from across the country who will receive a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 23. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start their own businesses. Carley is a people person. Some of his favorite activities are community and school fundraisers, because they give him a chance to use his conversational skills to sell items and to raise money for worthy causes. Right before Carley’s freshman year of high school, he realized that he was going to need money for college, for a car, and for funding many of his other activities and endeavors. It wasn’t long before he had a plan. He sat down with his parents to discuss the idea of setting up his own vegetable stand. Carley’s family had always grown sweet corn at their home in Milford for personal use. Many times they would have an overabundance of corn, and would share it with their friends and neighbors. Many people would remark that the Carley’s sweet corn was the best they’d ever tasted. This gave the Carley the idea that he could gain a lot of a market share, thanks to his superior product. So, he found a prime location and set up “The Sweet Corn Shack.” Business the first year was a little shaky, but as word spread throughout the community about the quality of Carley’s product, and his excellent customer service skills, business began to boom. Carley says that he’s learned a lot from his business, like how to properly grow garden produce using integrated soil management practices, how to keep a budget, how to market a product, and how to provide top-notch customer service. His endeavor has not only has a positive impact on his life, but has also had a positive impact on the community.

“I will never forget when a customer came to me and said that he was very impressed with how I sold my corn and was nice to my customers and had a strong work ethic and determination,” Carley said. “He said that he had mostly lost hope in the future because of what he sees in teenagers these days, but because of what I have done in the FFA has restored his hope.” Carley will graduate from Crescent-Iroquois High School in 2010. In addition to his FFA activities, he plays soccer, is active in Awana, and teaches Sunday school at his church. Carley is the son of Kenton and Lisa Carley. His FFA advisor is Jeff Clifton. USDA Rural Development sponsors the National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award Program as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, Inc. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Arkfeld finds her niche, earns high honors Central Catholic FFA member named national FFA agri-entrepreneur

INDIANAPOLIS – Rachael Arkfeld, 17, of Nebraska City, Neb., is one of 10 students from across the country who will receive a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 23. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start their own businesses. Arkfeld figured out early on that if you want to run a successful business, you have to develop a product that stands out from all the others. She owns and operates Arbor Country Meats, a specialty sausage enterprise that produces and markets an apple-flavored bratwurst. Her idea for the product stemmed from an increasing demand in her community for specialty products that represent the city’s main claim to fame—apple orchards. “In the spring, the community has a celebration for Arbor Day, which brings about 8,000 people to town. In the fall the community celebrates the apple harvest with a celebration called Apple Jack which brings another 6,000 people to town,” Arkfeld said. “The visitors and the community itself have an appreciation for locally grown and produced products such as my apple bratwursts.” Arkfeld also markets her product to other FFA chapters, who purchase the bratwursts to sell at concession stands and fundraising events. The specialty sausages are now a signature menu item at several school and community events. Through her business endeavor, Arkfeld has already, at a very young age, mastered the advanced business principles of product and market development. She also credits her high school agriculture classes and FFA with some of her success: “Through the combination of my Agriculture classes and Entrepreneurship projects, I have had the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences, and to apply knowledge that I gained in the

classroom to the real world of marketing,” she said. “I am very appreciative that my school and my community have been so supportive and I hope to someday be able to help another, younger FFA member start his or her own business, too.” Arkfeld is currently a freshman at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeeville, Kansas where she is studying Agricultural Education. While attending Lourdes Central Catholic High School, she was actively involved in FFA, 4- H, Band, Color Guard, Big Brother/Big Sister, History and Science Fairs, Track and Student Council. She was also the National Honors Society chaplain and the captain of her speech team. Rachael is the daughter of Timothy and Luanne Arkfeld. Her FFA advisor is Timothy Arkfeld. USDA Rural Development sponsors the National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award Program as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, Inc. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

Alumni Raises Funds for FFA with Silent Auction

By Dustin Petty

Move over Wal-Mart.

If you felt the need to pick up some cheese during the 82nd National FFA Convention – or perhaps a tool box, some doggie treats or a set of tires for the truck – you didn’t need to head to the nearest mega mart, but instead have visited the National FFA Alumni Silent Auction at the Indianapolis Convention Center.

Starting Wednesday, 1,000 items were available for bidding. The items ranged from kitchen goods to automotive accessories and were donated to the auction by alumni members across the nation. Billed as “Mission: Possible!” money raised helps support FFA members attending the Washington Leadership Conference in addition to providing collegiate scholarships.

Amber Smyer, the National FFA Alumni Program Manager, said that the alumni had set a goal of raising $170,000 in proceeds from the convention auctions.

A live auction also took place on Friday afternoon. Items included a 46- inch steel crafted cross section of the eagle, a trip to Germany and a 2010 Ford F-150 SuperCrew XLT.

Alumni volunteers from across the United States were on hand to assist potential bidders. One such member, Mary Lou Ludner from Carthage, Mississippi, has been attending national FFA conventions since the 1980s and offering her help for almost as long.

“I just love the FFA,” said Ludner. “And I wouldn’t rather be any other place than right here. I greet people at the door and see alumni coming in are from all corners of the map. It’s like a family reunion to see all these people with the same goals of supporting our members.”

Gary Kendrick of Pell City, Alabama and president of that state’s alumni association, is one of those supporting FFA members.

“”The money raised here will go a long way to advancing the education of our members,” said Kendrick.

Alumni weren’t the only visitors and bidders at the auction. Jessica Dean of the Spotswood FFA Chapter in Virginia was one of many blue corduroy clad consumers.

“I was really excited to see all the John Deere stuff they had here,” said Dean. “And it’s all really cheap so even students can afford to bid.”

The silent auction, which ended at 2 p.m. on Friday, raked in $141,000.

“We are pleased with the results,” said Frank Saldana, National FFA Alumni Executive Secretary, “especially considering the state of the economy.”

FFA Collegiate Members Network for ‘Career Success’

By Kelliann Blazek

With complimentary string cheese samples in hand, Brian Gunnell stood outside the Collegiate Career Expo to entice hungry collegiate FFA members.

The 2009 National FFA Collegiate Career Expo took place on Oct. 24 and featured 34 companies and organizations, ready to provide collegiate FFA members with employment opportunities.

Gunnell is the Director of Leadership & Organizational Development at Schreiber Foods Inc., a $4 billion cheese and dairy manufacturing company based in Green Bay, Wis. The leadership and work ethic FFA members possess are qualities Gunnell looks for in potential employees.

“I’ve been to a lot of college career fairs across the country and the caliber of the folks we visited with here today would rival some of the best that we’ve seen at colleges,” Gunnell said.

Schreiber Foods wasn’t the only company using food as advertisement. The Kraft Foods booth boasted Nabisco snacks ranging from Oreo Sippers to Newton’s Fruit Crisps.

Representatives from Kraft Foods have attended the National FFA Convention for more than 60 years. The company hands out newer products for FFA members to try and critique.

“Rather than just being here to shake hands, we’re giving them something with Kraft on it,” Gleason said.

The man at the front of organization efforts of the expo was Marty Tatman, the National FFA Collegiate Program Education Specialist.

“This is the best way we can connect our college students with different companies and organizations that are looking for interns, employees, or just to network with college students,” Tatman.

Tatman said 107 FFA members pre-registered for the expo. Students are encouraged to bring resumes to present to potential employers. This year the expo moved to Lucas Oil Stadium in an effort to attract collegiate FFA members that attended the Saturday morning session.

Mike Rogalsky, the National FFA Collegiate Career Success Ambassador, travels the country to educate collegiate FFA members about networking and career advancement opportunities. Rogalsky is a junior at the University of Florida and served as a Florida FFA state officer in 2006.

“The ultimate goal is to get the students to have some one-on-one time with the folks that are actually going to be doing the hiring at these companies,” Rogalsky said.

And that’s just what Emily Ries, a senior at Michigan State University, was looking for. Ries is a past Michigan FFA state officer and attended the Collegiate Career Expo this year for the second time to search for a full-time job.

Ries said the expo is a unique opportunity for students to network with many companies that acknowledge and appreciate the reputation of FFA members.

“When these employers see the blue and gold jackets, they know it’s someone they can place their confidence in,” Ries said.

Convention-Goers Hear Great American Country at Career Show

By Andrew Walker

One of the biggest attractions at the national FFA convention each year is the National FFA Agricultural Career Show. Those traveling through the career show this year may have come into contact with the Great American Country booth, which offered a resting place from the bustling crowds at the Indiana Convention Center.

Great American Country (GAC) is a television station that brings country music and country music videos into homes all across the nation. According to the GAC website, the network is available in more than 46 million homes.

This being their first time at national convention, GAC brought a number of aspiring country singers to perform for students at the career show. Their booth, aptly dubbed the GAC Acoustic Green Room, featured a stage with yellow beanbag chairs surrounding it. Among those artists slated to perform were the Lonestarlets, Lane Turner, Katie Armiger, Mallary Hope and past Florida FFA member Easton Corbin.

Corbin is originally from Trenton, Fla., where he was introduced to country music as a child. Taking guitar lessons as a teen, he looked forward to the day when he could make it big. After finding contacts in Nashville, Corbin was able to start making his way in the industry. In August of 2009, he released A Little More Country Than That, which is working its way up the country charts.

A “meet and greet” was held with Corbin after his short performance, as was the case for all of the artists that performed. Members had the opportunity to meet with each artist and get a picture and autograph.

Katelyn Clawson, an FFA member from West Central FFA Chapter in Indiana, remarked on the comfort and congeniality of the GAC booth.

“It’s nice. It brings everyone together,” she said.

Great American Country feels that it is important to have a presence at the national FFA convention.

Carol Crawford, director of marketing for GAC, said, “Country is a part of who they [FFA members] are. They are such a great audience to connect with.”

The booth was a surefire way to gather students who wanted to hear a few country songs and relax for a few minutes before moving on. But some students did not just happen upon the booth, but intentionally came to hear certain artists.

Taylor Sneed and her cousin Drew Sneed both came to see Corbin perform.

“He shot a music video on my uncle’s farm,” Taylor said. “They called my uncle and asked if they could shoot the video on his farm. When they did shoot it they stayed all night long and I was able to watch.”

Although the artists at the booth were not able to stay for a long period of time, GAC passed out free music downloads from various Nashville artists for students to continue the fun at home.

Alumni Develop Partnership in Hunger Relief By Dustin Petty

The work of the National FFA Alumni has long been to support the members of the FFA – physically, emotionally and financially. But recently this work has grown to include Harvest for America (HFA), a nationwide food drive that will potentially alleviate the growing problem of hunger.

HFA was launched in September after Tractor Supply Company (TSC) approached the National FFA Alumni, requesting to partner in an effort to raise hunger awareness, according to Wesley Belcher, National FFA Alumni intern and assistant coordinator. Carhartt has also joined the partnership, offering financial support and prizes to chapter members that participate in the campaign.

“It’s really an easy process,” said Belcher. “If an FFA chapter is located within 60 miles of a TSC store, they can partner with that store to take part in our program. Right now, there are about 70 chapters in each of our five test states that are working with us.”

For six months, HFA is being tested in Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Based on participation numbers in this pilot program, the program may launch nationwide.

TSC provides any chapter wishing to participate with donation bins, as well as the opportunity to place bins in local stores. Donation bins are also placed in high schools, libraries, grocery stores and other community centers that receive heavy foot traffic.

FFA members are encouraged to be creative when collecting cans. Whether it is trick-or- treating for cans, charging admission in cans for sporting events or dances, or shoveling snow and raking leaves for a neighbor and accepting cans for payment, FFA can involve their communities in countless ways.

The local alumni affiliate fits in by helping the chapter develop relationships with potential partners within the community. Alumni can motivate member efforts through rewarding activities, awards for goals reached, and just simple praise.

“What’s nice,” said Belcher, “is that food will stay in the community it’s collected in. It can be given to local food pantries or chapters can work with churches in the area to distribute it.”

Bill Nachreiner, advisor of Norte Vista FFA Chapter in California and an agriscience teacher for nearly three decades, has taken part in many food drives that have benefited both chapter members and the community.

“The members can see the positive side of serving others and avoid the narcissism that can come at that age,” said Nachreiner. “What’s great is that we knew where the food was going to and could see the benefit in the community.”

This isn’t the first time that the National FFA Alumni has gotten into the game of collecting non-perishable food items for the less-fortunate. From 2007 to 2009, the organization partnered with Toyota to hold the Million Can Challenge. At 12 locations across the nation, Toyota dealerships and FFA alumni chapters partnered to nearly reach their stated goal, collecting 700,000 cans.

The pilot programs will come to an end on February 26, 2010, the final day of National FFA Week.

Attitude, Character, Vision—Andrew McCrea Helps FFA Members Find the Tools to Success

By Dorothy Spencer

“Better your best everyday and you will better the rest on a lot of days,” is the advice Andrew McCrea, a farmer-rancher, national radio broadcaster and motivational speaker, shared with FFA members during the closing session of the 2009 National FFA Convention.

McCrea, a Missouri native and former national FFA officer, has learned a lot of lessons over the years. Having a positive attitude that reflects positive inner character and applying that attitude to a vision is what McCrea urges FFA members to do. His message to FFA members is to first start with a positive attitude. “A good attitude doesn’t mean that we don’t deal with the difficult; it means we have an attitude that helps us overcome,” said McCrea.

Then, according to McCrea, FFA members need to apply that positive attitude to a vision. An example of vision McCrea gave during his speech was that of his sister, Jo McCrea. As a high school student, Jo worked hard to become an excellent basketball player—even though many believed she could never be the star of the team. Having met her goals on the high school basketball court, Jo then became a walk-on on a college team—even though many people laughed. Eventually, Jo followed her vision and went on to become an outstanding basketball coach and lead her team to a state championship. Sharing this story with FFA members, McCrea hopes to inspire them to follow their vision.

McCrea also encourages FFA members to keep the little things in mind. Whether it was interviewing World War II veterans, working on his family’s ranch, or speaking with a group of young adults, McCrea has learned that doing little things, even those that may seem insignificant, are what makes the difference. “Do little things every day. The things we think are insignificant make a difference in someone’s life,” said McCrea.

Giving his time to help youth see that there are people out there who have made tough or unpopular decisions yet everything still turned out okay is why McCrea continues to speak to groups such as the National FFA Organization. McCrea wants to share his experiences and let others know that someone else has been there too.

As a broadcaster McCrea is the host of the national radio show American Countryside. He has traveled all over the world in search of telling people’s stories. From the launch pad of Cape Canaveral to being body-slammed by professional wrestlers and talking to the rooster-crowing champion, McCrea has interviewed some pretty interesting people. “Don’t ever ask a professional wrestler if it is fake,” said McCrea.

Overall for McCrea, it is the interviews with the people who demonstrate a great attitude and strong vision that are the most meaningful. Those that serve others, truly see the needs of others and then fulfill them to make everyone’s lives better are truly those who are most inspirational. McCrea encourages everyone to ask themselves, “Am I truly seeing the needs of others? Am I helping others?”

As a freshmen member of FFA, McCrea never dreamed that he would learn the skills of public speaking, teamwork, and leadership that have served him his entire life. Today, he still enjoys serving the national FFA and helping out wherever needed. He wants FFA members to know that the organization can have the same impact on their lives that it has had on his own life. McCrea said, “My faith, my family and FFA have made the most profound difference in my life.”

‘We’re All Farmers’: Organic Agriculturalists Educate FFA Students at the 2009 National FFA Convention

By Kelliann Blazek

Old MacDonald had a farm… but was it organic?

Two young organic farmers representing Organic Valley presented a workshop entitled, “An Introduction to Organic Farming and Gardening,” at the 2009 National FFA Convention. About 300 FFA members and guests attended the first of two workshops presented by Organic Valley, a farmer-owned organic cooperative based in Wisconsin.

This marks the fourth year that Organic Valley representatives attended National FFA Convention and the second year Organic Valley has presented a workshop. Joe Pedretti, Organic Valley Farm Outreach Manager, said the relationship between National FFA and Organic Valley is an important one to garner interest in younger generations.

“One of the big misconceptions is that organic is trying to promote itself as better than other types of agriculture. But really what we want to show folks is that’s an alternative… it’s another option,” Pedretti said.

Preston Green and Sarah Holm, both college students in Wisconsin, presented the workshop, citing their farms as examples of organic success stories.

“I can honestly say if it weren’t for Organic Valley, my family wouldn’t be farming today,” Green said. “My dad can tell me honestly that he wants me to farm. He knows there’s a future in organic agriculture and he knows there’s a future in agriculture for me.”

Green is a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a former Wisconsin state FFA officer. Rebel Ridge Farm, his family’s farm, is a 300-head organic beef operation in southwestern Wis. Green’s family started the transition to organic agriculture in 1992, he said.

“We [organic farmers] don’t use anything synthetic. We work as close with nature as possible to produce the best food we can,” Green said.

But just because organic agriculture is different, doesn’t mean it’s not agriculture, Green said.

“I want to see the stereotype broken that organic is against conventional. We’re all farmers. We can all farm together,” Green said. “I hope that FFA members can see that agriculture is agriculture.”

Holm, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, echoed Green.

“It’s kind of like we’re taking the best of what our grandparents and great-grandparents had and then applying some modern technology to do a completely new thing, but it is based a lot on traditional farming,” Holm said.

Holm is one of seven children that work on her family’s 35-cow Jersey farm in Eau Claire, Wis. Her family moved to Wisconsin from California in 2001 and switched to an organic operation in 2005.

“I was a city girl before we moved to the farm. We had Olympic-sized swimming pools by our apartment,” Holm said. “But my dad was from Wisconsin, and he always dreamed of having a family business where the family could work together.”

Holm’s family found that business opportunity in dairy production. Holm Girls Farm is home to more than cows, though. Holm called the farm a “wildlife sanctuary” that encourages biodiversity.

“We enjoy knowing that pasturing [the cows] encourages wildlife,” Holm said.

Amanda Hannon, 16, from the Mason County FFA Chapter in West Virginia raises beef cattle and was skeptical of the practicality of organic agriculture in her operation.

“I think it’s feasible for larger scale farming… but with a small cow herd, I don’t think it would be doable for me to spend that much and wait three years,” Hannon said.

Fellow Mason County FFA Chapter member Wesley Davis, 15, also attended the workshop. Davis raises 170 hen layers and would like to expand his operation. A grant he received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service to develop a plan to compost poultry manure sparked his interest in organic agriculture.

“I think it’s great for niche marketing; it’s especially good for the farmers… to serve that market that people really want,” Davis said.

For Green, organic agriculture is a lifestyle choice that provided his family with the opportunity to continue farming.

"I'm a farmer through and through… that's my blood type. That's what I'm going to do when I grow up. I can feel it.”

Rodeo Announcer is Walking Proof of FFA Success

By Geoffrey Miller

Nearly 300 times a year, former FFA member Roger Mooney is a comedian, cheerleader, play-by- play man, preacher and just about whatever else his job demands him to be.

Mooney, the 1983-84 Georgia FFA Association Vice President, incorporated all of those roles into crowd-pleasing entertainment as the announcer for the three Bulls and Broncs rodeos Thursday and Friday at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind.

“FFA gave me everything I needed,” Mooney told the crowd with a slight southern drawl during Friday’s matinee performance, just prior to the final round of the bull, saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding at the Indiana State Fairgrounds’ Pepsi Coliseum.

Naturally, the nod to the folks in the blue jackets garnished a hearty cheer from the afternoon crowd, but Mooney wasn’t simply pandering to his audience. He’s a product of what FFA can offer students in agricultural education.

“In the eighth grade, giving book reports made me sick,” Mooney said, detailing what his confidence was like before FFA.

Then, Mooney said after the performance, he started to get involved with and excelled at the public speaking and extemporaneous speaking contests as a member of the Gilmer County FFA Chapter in Georgia. He then progressed through the officer ranks of his chapter by holding the positions of reporter, vice president and chapter president.

His path into a career as a rodeo announcer, though, didn’t have a logical procession.

“I was on a rodeo team in college,” said Mooney. “One weekend, the announcer that was scheduled to be there had a heart attack and the guy running it came behind the chutes looking for someone to do it.”

Mooney was known to be the “biggest ham” on his rodeo team, he said, and there was no question that he was the best man for the job at the moment. Next thing he knew he was calling the event.

“That same day, a guy from a rodeo in Alabama came up and said he needed an announcer for a rodeo the next weekend and I took it,” said Mooney. “By the end of my first year, I had done 45 rodeos.”

Now Mooney – once the eighth grader afraid to stand in front of a class to give a book report – is averaging a yearly run of 45 cities and 300 performances a year. It’s a grinding schedule that is evident in his hoarse voice off microphone, but when he’s handling the pre-performance invocation, calling ride scores or serving as the butt of a joke for the rodeo clown – Mooney sends his share of jokes right back – you’d never know it.

“Without FFA, I don’t know what I’d be doing,” said Mooney minutes after finishing the afternoon performance and already preparing for the final evening go-round. “This kind of started as a fluke but all of the stars lined up and here I am.

“I remember hearing a motto for the FFA at one point that talked about preparing for success, and I’d say that’s how it worked out for me.”

Souping Up America: One Barn at a Time By Dustin Petty

With Campbell Soup Company and the National FFA Alumni, you can help paint an old barn red again.

And no, you don’t have to use tomato soup.

In September 2008, these partners kicked off the “Help Grow Your Soup” campaign. The campaign aims to promote agriculture and FFA throughout the nation by helping to restore barns that could potentially be revitalized and given a second life. Tyler Tenbarge, then the National FFA Eastern Region Vice President, helped kick-off the program by appearing with New York FFA members on the Martha Stewart Show.

The process is an easy one. Ten barns have been nominated to be restored and of those, five will be chosen. Those wishing to vote for a specific barn can visit HelpGrowYourSoup.com and cast their ballot once-a-day for the barn they wish to be renovated. Campbell will donate $1 for every vote cast, with up to $250,000 being donated to the restoration projects. As an incentive, those who vote can sign up to receive a free packet of Campbell’s tomato seeds.

Voting began on Oct. 1 and will run through Jan. 5, 2010. As of press time, just over $100,000 had been earned by voters.

On the website, each barn has their own story, usually told by the local agriscience instructor and FFA advisor. Amy Kidd of the Providence Grove High School FFA Chapter in Climax, N.C., is the teller of one such story.

“Our students need a facility in which they can learn the hands-on skills taught in the animal science classes,” said Kidd. “By providing a renovated barn, we will continue to provide to the area third graders and hold workshops to the area farms on animal, goat, and crop care and maintenance."

Providence is currently tied for first place among the votes cast.

Much of the actual restoration of the barns is done by FFA members and alumni in the area.

Five barns in Illinois, Kansas, Tennessee, Oregon and New York have already been renovated through the partnership between Campbell Soup and the FFA alumni. In each case, stakeholders came together to work under one umbrella: community.

“Our big push as an association is the community involvement,” said Frank Saldana, National FFA Alumni Executive Secretary in a 2008 interview. “To bring the past FFA alumni, the students and teachers together to perform a community service – the restoration of the barns, which is major.”

FFA’s Shooting Stars By: Andrew Walker

Each year four individuals are named as the top students in the National FFA Organization. These individuals are the Stars Over America.

The prestigious star award is the outcome of years of hard work. Only an FFA member who has shown the utmost dedication in furthering his or her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) would be eligible to apply for the award. Each candidate must have earned the American FFA Degree and be nominated by his or her state association. The national finalists are interviewed by a panel of judges to determine a winner.

The Stars over America were announced at the 82nd National FFA Convention, in Indianapolis, on Saturday, Oct. 24. The winners were featured with a brief video about themselves.

An Oklahoma student has been named the American Star Farmer for 2009. Slade Don Nightengale was honored with the award for work with his cattle operation. As a business entrepreneur, he began his own stocker cattle operation with money he earned from tractor driving.

“I borrowed more money and had help from my dad to buy more land for my operation,” said Nightengale.

Starting with a small operation, he was able to grow and expand this in order to make it into a thriving project. Nightengale hopes to continue to grow this venture and plans to continue farming. Farming to agribusiness, FFA shines bright from coast to coast.

Benjamin Alsum garnered the Star in Agribusiness Saturday. A native of Randolph, Wisconsin, he began a project of raising and selling produce at local roadside stands in middle school. Currently he owns 25 percent of the Alsum Sweet Corn business. He hopes to soon own 40 percent. Because of his continued hard work and experience he has been able to be produce a variety of produce and crops. His plans for the future are to continue expanding business opportunities.

“Hopefully I can get bigger, expanding the sweet corn portion and picking up more hay clients. I want to continue this job forever.”

Some members find working in the agricultural industry very rewarding, rather than directly being a business person.

Wisconsin native, Tony Crescio was named Star in Agricultural Placement. His position at Jack’s Pride farms, Inc. has helped propel him into his field of experience. As a 21 year old, he has gained an extreme amount of knowledge on all types of crops, including peppermint, onion, carrots and many more.

Crescio recognizes the help that his parents and friends have given him.

“I can’t say enough about my parents, they’ve been huge in my success,” he said. Science is an important part of the organization and represented by numerous members. Star in Agriscience was presented to Minnesota FFA member Amy Lynn Robak. Among her passions are conservation and agronomy. While working at Benton County Soil and Water Conservation Office, she worked with farmers about environmental and natural resources issues. Currently at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, she is majoring in agronomy and conservation.

Robak recognized the importance of her research and what impact it can have on people. “My research needs to have good credibility. If I do this I gain relationships with farmers that I work with and they trust me,” she said.

Although only four of the over 500,000 members can be recognized as stars in the organization, all members can looks to these individuals as examples to aspire to.

Josh Sundquist Inspires Members to Face Their Bull

By Kelsey Ross

Cow tipping, the HOT chick in math class, and swinging Coca-Cola classic….Wow! Josh Sundquist sure can tell some stories!

The truth is, however, that he can do so much more than that. For someone whose life has seemed to have lots of bulls in the way, as he might say it, you would never guess with his upbeat attitude and enthusiasm for life.

Josh Sundquist has not had an easy life, but his way of presenting his stories and encouraging students to overcome adversity in their own lives is truly moving.

Josh doesn’t present things in a conventional manner. He said to the FFA members, “Life is tough…We all have that thing in our lives; we all have that ‘limp,’ if you will, but we can take that limp and turn it into a pimp walk.” Something Josh learned to do while wearing his prosthetic leg which he said automatically gave him a limp.

Josh’s doesn’t limit his storytelling to the stage. He also writes books. At the age of 24, he has already co-authored the book Forty Voices: Stories of Hope from Our Generation. His memoir, Just Don’t Fall will be coming out in January and his work has also been published in The Washington Post, Daily Guideposts, and Current, Newsweek’s college magazine. When asked how his writing career began, Josh says it was as early as age six or seven when he would write and publish his very own newspaper called The Kids’s Newspaper. “My parents were my main subscribers,” Josh said with a laugh.

Josh learned more in his childhood than most of us probably. His story is sad, yet inspiring, and he shares it so well. While speaking to FFA members he told of a bright green soccer uniform with “The Heat” across the front that he decided he wanted to wear someday. Fate had different plans however and due to a bout with cancer he never got to wear that uniform. Instead, several years later, he wore something with much more meaningful at the 2006 Paralympics. His uniform read “USA” across the front.

“Isn’t it interesting how sometimes the uniform we get isn’t the one we thought we wanted?” Josh asked his audience. “The most beautiful walk of my life happened because of the toughest walk of my life.” He said of walking out to compete in the Paralympic ski race in Turino, Italy.

That “toughest walk” he was referring to was the one he made in his sock feet down the cold hospital hallway on both of his legs for the last time at the age of only nine. Although he was offered a wheelchair he told the nurse, “I think I am going to walk.” It was at this point Josh knew he wanted to live his life to the fullest.

And he has done just that. Josh Sundquist writes books, speaks to all kinds of groups, works with charities such as the Children’s Miracle Network, and still finds time to go cow tipping on the weekends.

Something Josh doesn’t tell in his speeches is a story of how he has affected the lives of others. Josh motivates people every single day, but he has been inspired by students as well. When asked what had been the most moving experience for him in his career he told a story of when he was just starting out. At this point Josh was speaking to mostly middle schools, usually for free, and said he was a “miserable” speaker. The fact that he viewed himself as a poor speaker at the time didn’t matter to a 13 year old girl who approached Josh after he had spoken. According to Josh she said, “Hey, thanks to you and your speech I don’t need this anymore,” as she handed him a card. “She walks away and I look down at it and it was a suicide prevention card…That was pretty cool.” Josh said of the experience.

Pretty cool, indeed.

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Chase Rose Named 2009-2010 National FFA Central Region Vice President

INDIANAPOLIS – Some of Chase Rose’s fondest memories involve blue jackets – even when he was too young to wear one. The son of an agricultural education teacher, Rose happily tagged along with his father and the “big kids” to their FFA and livestock events. He knew, from an early age, that agriculture was going to play a huge role in his life. And on this day, at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., he has achieved the ultimate: For the next year, the Shields Valley High School FFA Chapter member from Clyde Park, Mont., will motivate and inspire more than 500,000 fellow FFA members as the 2009-2010 National FFA Central Region Vice President. He was among six individuals selected from a field of 39 to hold a national office. He is the son of James and Catherine, and his FFA advisor is his father. Fulfilling his position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states; and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. His responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy. The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit a thorough application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay explaining their desire to be elected to national office. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises.

A panel of nine state FFA officers comprises the nominating committee that proposes the slate of six officers for approval by the convention delegates. Rose attends Montana State University in Bozeman, with a double major in agriculture business and commercial aviation. While in high school, he was a member of the basketball and track teams, student council, served as his FFA chapter’s president and was president of his 4-H chapter. In 2008 he was elected president of the Montana FFA Association. As a member of FFA, Rose stays active, participating in three supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs. He has raised market hogs, worked in pest control at an exclusive guest ranch, and designed a website and started an Internet sales division for Way Out West, a feed and Western wear store. Rose also has many FFA awards under his belt, including being named Montana’s Star in Agricultural Placement, first place in the state agricultural sales career development event (CDE), second place in the state extemporaneous speaking CDE, and a host of others throughout his FFA career. “I believe that I can have a significant impact as a national officer to continue to expand FFA on the national level and increase opportunities for each and every FFA member,” said Rose. “It is my goal that the more than 500,000 FFA members will be able to be proud of who they are when they graduate high school.” The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Alexandria Henry Named 2009-2010 National FFA Eastern Region Vice President

INDIANAPOLIS – Alex Henry is no stranger to hard work. In addition to being a college student with a 3.9 GPA, she also participates in FFA activities, is a member of several extracurricular activities and has an after-school job that keeps her busy. This expert multi-tasker can add one more role to her impressive list: National FFA Eastern Region Vice President. She was elected to that office today at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. This Alma High School FFA Chapter member from Elwell, Mich., was among six individuals selected from a field of 39 to hold a national office. She is the daughter of Burton and Cheryl, and her FFA advisor is her father. Fulfilling her position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states; and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. Her responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy. The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit a thorough application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay explaining their desire to be elected to national office. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises.

A panel of nine state FFA officers comprises the nominating committee that proposes the slate of six officers for approval by the convention delegates. Henry attends Michigan State University in East Lansing, with a double major in agriculture communications and agriculture education. While at school, she is a member of Leaders in Environmental and Agricultural Fields (LEAF), serves as the Vice President of External Relations on the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Student Senate and participates in her campus’ Relay For Life event. In 2007 she served as president of the Michigan FFA Association. As a member of FFA, Henry has had a variety of supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs. She raised chickens, lambs and goats; worked in her school’s greenhouse; and had internships at The Dow Chemical Company and Michigan Farm Bureau. She also has an extensive list of awards and honors, including being named a state winner and national semi-finalist in the prepared public speaking and extemporaneous speaking career development events (CDE), a state winner in the agricultural communications CDE and being named a National FFA Risk Management Essay Contest winner. “Being a national officer isn’t about me. It’s about the students who wear the blue and gold jackets,” said Henry. “My vision is to serve FFA members by helping them discover the courage and confidence to pursue dreams beyond their boundaries.” The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Levy Randolph Named 2009-2010 National FFA President

INDIANAPOLIS – When Levy Randolph moved to California after being stationed with his family in Japan for 10 years, he had never heard of FFA or agricultural education. But once he discovered the agriculture department at his high school and all of the opportunities it provided, he enthusiastically dove in and hasn’t looked back. For the next year, the Hemet High School FFA Chapter member from Hemet, Calif., will motivate and inspire more than 500,000 fellow FFA members as the 2009-2010 National FFA President. He was elected to that office today at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. He was among six individuals selected from a field of 39 to hold a national office. He is the son of Levy and Judy, and his FFA advisor is Jody Baker. Fulfilling his position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states; and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. His responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy. The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit a thorough application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay explaining their desire to be elected to national office. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises.

A panel of nine state FFA officers comprises the nominating committee that proposes the slate of six officers for approval by the convention delegates. Randolph attends Fresno State University in Fresno, Calif., with a major in agriculture business. While in high school, he was a member of the basketball and football teams, the school’s dance team, United Cultures Club, Multi-Cultural College Graduates Club and Associated Student Body. In 2008, just after graduation, Randolph was elected the California FFA Association’s state sentinel. As a member of FFA, Randolph has had a variety of supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs. He has raised swine, poultry and beef, and he also managed his school’s garden and worked at the San Diego County Agri-Fair building. This diversity in his projects taught him the basics of hard work, responsibility and the value of the industry of agriculture. Randolph has also won many public speaking contests at the chapter, state and regional levels. “FFA gives you more than an education,” said Randolph. “It gives you the tools you need to succeed in life, including confidence, communication, ethics and hands-on learning experience that is second to none.” The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Bethany Bohnenblust Named 2009-2010 National FFA Secretary

INDIANAPOLIS – Bethany Bohnenblust believes that every FFA member has a story to tell about their experiences in FFA. She knows that investing time in another person’s story can be the encouragement that person needs to write his or her FFA legacy. She is going to have the opportunity to hear many member stories in the coming year when she serves as the 2009-2010 National FFA Secretary. She was elected to that office today at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. This Labette County High School FFA Chapter member from Altamont, Kan., was among six individuals selected from a field of 39 to hold a national office. She is the daughter of Jeff and Dee, and her FFA advisors are Jeff Falkerstien, Dustin Wiley and Kyle Zwahlen. Fulfilling her position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states; and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. Her responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy. The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit a thorough application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay explaining their desire to be elected to national office. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises.

A panel of nine state FFA officers comprises the nominating committee that proposes the slate of six officers for approval by the convention delegates. Bohnenblust attends Kansas State University in Manhattan, with a double major in agriculture communications and agriculture economics. While at school, she serves as an ag ambassador, is a member of the student alumni board, leads a Bible study group and is a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2007 she served as president of the Kansas FFA Association. As a member of FFA, Bohnenblust has had several supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs. She has created a wildlife habitat on her family farm; raised sheep, rabbits, chickens and goats; and worked as a laborer and rental property co-manager for Bohnenblust Farms. She has also won many awards in her FFA career, including public speaking, agricultural sales and agronomy career development events – all of which she donated to a local children’s organization. “I truly have a passion to serve others and to see them succeed, especially in the blue jacket,” said Bohnenblust. “Serving as a national officer, I have the opportunity to not only hear other people’s stories and how they are adding to FFA, but I can help them discover the purpose that only they can accomplish.” The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Chelsea Doss Named 2009-2010 National FFA Southern Region Vice President

INDIANAPOLIS – Chelsea Doss isn’t a quitter. When she ran for national office in 2008 and came up empty-handed, she could have easily thrown in the towel and given up on her dream. But she didn’t. She held her head high, determined to work even harder to achieve this goal in 2009. Her perseverance paid off as she was named the 2009-2010 National FFA Southern Region Vice President today at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. This Eagleville High School FFA Chapter member from Christiana, Tenn., was among six individuals selected from a field of 39 to hold a national office. She is the daughter of Jeff and Beth, and her FFA advisors are Bruce Haley and Brian Lewis. Fulfilling her position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states; and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. Her responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy. The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit a thorough application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay explaining their desire to be elected to national office. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises.

A panel of nine state FFA officers comprises the nominating committee that proposes the slate of six officers for approval by the convention delegates. Doss is an agriculture business major at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville. While at school, she has served as a student government supreme court justice and senator, treasurer for the Collegiate Women’s Agricultural Service Club, an Agribusiness Economics Club Council representative, and a Tennessee Tech University Agricultural Ambassador. In 2007 she was named president of the Tennessee FFA Association. As a member of FFA, Doss has grown a successful business as her supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. She runs Doss Irish Setters, where she breeds, cares for and markets champion Irish Setters. She also has received many awards and honors while in FFA, including placing second in the National Job Interview Career Development Event (CDE), receiving her American FFA Degree, and serving as a National FFA Delegate Committee Vice Chair. “The real success we achieve while wearing the blue jacket is the impact we make,” said Doss. “We impact our schools, our community and our country. We don’t always win; but we always learn. The lessons we learn vary, but we are bound together by a common thread—passion for agriculture and FFA.” The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Randa Braune Named 2009-2010 National FFA Western Region Vice President

INDIANAPOLIS – Through her experiences in FFA, Randa Braune has learned what it means to be a servant leader. She knows the importance of being there for her fellow members—whether it’s a question about a livestock project or offering a sympathetic ear. She’ll have the opportunity to showcase this leadership during her term as the 2009-2010 National FFA Western Region Vice President. She was elected to that office today at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. This Bellville High School FFA Chapter member from Industry, Texas, was among six individuals selected from a field of 39 to hold a national office. She is the daughter of Glen Braune and DeAndra Brandt, and her FFA advisor is Rod Vincent. Fulfilling her position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states; and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. Her responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy. The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit a thorough application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay explaining their desire to be elected to national office. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises.

A panel of nine state FFA officers comprises the nominating committee that proposes the slate of six officers for approval by the convention delegates. Braune is an agriculture education major at Texas A & M University in College Station. While at school, she is a member of the Freshman Leadership Experience, she serves as the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council Vice President of Programs, and she is an Aggie Rep for the Department of Agriculture Leadership, Education and Communication. In 2007 she served as vice president of the Texas FFA Association. As a member of FFA, Braune is dedicated to her supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. She started out raising market lambs and used the proceeds from the sale of the lambs to fund her breeding heifer SAE. She continues to build her operation each year by raising and selling the heifers. She also has received many awards and honors, including placing third in the state parliamentary procedure career development event (CDE), earning an Outstanding Leadership award from her chapter, and being awarded a Richard Wallwrath Educational Foundation Scholarship. “Being able to help FFA reach its highest potential is one of the greatest opportunities I could ever receive,” said Braune. “The ability to mix changing lives with opportunity, service and education sets a concrete foundation for an organization that I love having the privilege to be a part of.” The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225

Minnesota student named Star in Agriscience Amy Lynn Robak receives top honor for her conservation efforts

INDIANAPOLIS – Conservation and agronomy have always been important to Amy Lynn Robak. Her efforts to help farmers make economical and environmentally friendly decisions in the areas of crop nutrients are winning the 21-year-old top honors. The National FFA Organization has named the Oak Park, Minn. resident 2009 American Star in Agriscience, one of the organization’s highest honors. Each year at the national FFA convention, 16 national finalists vie for the organization’s top awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. These awards honor students who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE); demonstrated outstanding management skills; earned the American FFA Degree – the organization’s highest level of accomplishment; and met other agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements. Each finalist was interviewed by a panel of judges, who named the top candidate in each area. The winner was announced in an onstage convention ceremony and received a plaque and an award of $4,000. The runners’-up will also receive plaques and $2,000 each. Robak has always had an interest in natural resources and conservation. When she expressed these interests to her FFA advisor, Alan Stemper, he helped her set goals that would dovetail with her interests and help her continue to learn more about these areas. She began work at the Benton County Soil and Water Conservation Office, and was able to work with farmers who were concerned with environmental and natural resource issues on their land. “I simply wanted to learn new technologies in the field of agronomy such as crop nutrient tools,” Robak said. She was able to learn about soil conservation practices and how nutrient

management can benefit local farmers. Robak credits her father, Richard Robak, for getting her interested in conservation methods, such as crop rotations and manure applications. Robak is currently attending University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring in conservation/agronomy. “My nutrient management research project influences me enough to pursue a minor in Land Use Planning focusing on agriculture preservation,” Robak said. “I plan to pursue graduate school at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to obtain my degree in soil fertility. I want to help farmers develop economically sound farming practices with my future career.” Robak is the daughter of Richard and Linda Robak. Her FFA advisor is Alan Stemper. The American FFA Degree recognition programs are co-sponsored by Case IH of Racine, Wis.; Farm Credit Systems of Washington, D.C.; Pioneer Hi-Bred of Des Moines, Iowa; and Syngenta of Greensboro, N.C., as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is national youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. ###

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Media Contact: Julie Adams 317-802-4225 Wisconsin student named Star in Agricultural Placement Tony J. Crescio receives top honors for his agricultural enterprise

INDIANAPOLIS – So what do peppermint, onions and carrots all have in common? These crops have helped Tony J. Crescio become more familiar with his family’s agriculture background. The 21-year-old has been farming with his family for as long as he can remember, and that experience may now earn him top honors. The National FFA Organization has named the Randolph, Wis., resident 2009 American Star in Agricultural Placement, one of the organization’s highest honors. Each year at the national FFA convention, 16 national finalists vie for the organization’s top awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. These awards honor students who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through their supervised agricultural experience (SAE); demonstrated outstanding management skills; earned the American FFA Degree – the organization’s highest level of accomplishment; and met other agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements. Each finalist was interviewed by a panel of judges, who named the top candidate in each area. The winner was announced in an onstage convention ceremony and received a plaque and an award of $4,000. The runners-up will also receive plaques and $2,000 each. Crescio works with muck soil at Jack’s Pride Farms, Inc. He began when he was in middle school, and the more he worked with his family, the more he became fascinated with the crops and the equipment that was needed to help with a successful harvest. Crescio wanted to be able to help with all areas of the farm and develop a solid based onion, carrot and mint oil production business. Over the years, he’s been able to learn all aspects of the farm He has even received recognition as a national agri-entrepreneurship national winner for starting a small business creating air fresheners and soaps with the mint oil.

As he continues to gain experience, Crescio’s responsibilities on the farm continue to grow. From tilling to planting and harvesting, he also helps with weed control for the plants. He also runs the still to distill peppermint oil. His overall career goal is to farm with his father, uncle and grandmother as a partner in the corporate farm. “With my goal to become a partner in our farm corporation, I have farmed 40 acres of my own peppermint for the last four years,” Crescio said. “The money from this has helped me pay for school, as well as assisted me in saving money to buy into the corporation.” Crescio, the son of John and Irma Crescio, majored in mechanical drawing at Madison Area Technical College. He is a member of the Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA chapter where Keith Gundlach is his advisor. The American FFA Degree recognition programs are co-sponsored by Case IH of Racine, Wis.; Farm Credit Systems Foundation of Washington, D.C.; Pioneer Hi-Bred of Des Moines, Iowa; and Syngenta of Greensboro, N.C., as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

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Not to be released before 2:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Agricultural Communications 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Agricultural Communications Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. Cindy Akers of Texas served as superintendent of the event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the agricultural communications event are sponsored by DTN/The Progressive Farmer of Minneapolis, Minnesota as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The team from Girard HS FFA in Girard, Kansas placed first in the National FFA Agricultural Communications Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Tyler Egbert, Brock Burnick, Austin Price, Christina Biancarelli and Nolan O'Toole and were coached by Alan Boultinghouse. The Kansas team placed first in competition against 30 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Kansas Tyler Egbert, Brock Burnick, Austin Price, Christina Biancarelli, and Nolan O'Toole, all of Girard HS FFA 2nd Place--Washington Connor Mickelson, Kellyn Walker, Renee Valle, Sarah Josten, and Tim Hurd, all of Sumner FFA 3rd Place--Iowa Courtney Latcham, Shannon Sutfin, Katurah McKee, Alexa Wheaton, and Alex Peck, all of Montezuma Community HS

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FFA 4th Place--Texas Heston Heller, Logan Leschper, Austin Baccus, Ellen Dickerson, and Haleigh Gonzales, all of Anson FFA 5th Place--Oklahoma Meagan Rhodes, Paige Van Meter, Madison McGolden, Cody Slater, and Ashlyn Spradlin, all of Fairview HS-FFA 6th Place--Illinois Amelia Martens, Sara Clifton, Craig Shehorn, Alyssa Zwicker, and Christian Schroeder, all of Orion HS-FFA 7th Place--Minnesota Olivia Kendall, Erin Morrison, Darrin Wolters, Sam Mellgren, and Adam Ludvik, all of Belle Plaine HS FFA 8th Place--Ohio Hannah Chenetski, Kelsie Sharp, Sarah Vannoy, Emily Cordle, and Andrea Hollett, all of Amanda-Clearcreek HS-FFA 9th Place--North Dakota Maria Hager, Joy Jacobson, Hope Johnson, Meghan Essler, and Alexandra Grosser, all of Kenmare HS FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Adam Ludvik of Belle Plaine HS FFA, MN 2nd Place-- Austin Price of Girard HS FFA, KS 3rd Place-- Renee Valle of Sumner FFA, WA 4th Place-- Sierra Henry of Springville HS FFA, UT 5th Place-- Storm Dorrough of Bloomer HS FFA, WI 6th Place-- Christina Biancarelli of Girard HS FFA, KS 7th Place-- Ellen Dickerson of Anson FFA, TX 8th Place-- Christian Schroeder of Orion HS-FFA, IL 9th Place-- Amelia Martens of Orion HS-FFA, IL 10th Place-- Brock Burnick of Girard HS FFA, KS

Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Orion HS-FFA, IL Amanda-Clearcreek HS-FFA, OH

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Montezuma Community HS FFA, IA Fairview HS-FFA, OK Girard HS FFA, KS Anson FFA, TX Belle Plaine HS FFA, MN Sumner FFA, WA Kenmare HS FFA, ND

Silver Emblem Teams Prairie Grove HS FFA, AR Conestoga HS FFA, NE Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury FFA, CT Gray`s Creek FFA, NC Sneads HS FFA, FL North Clackamas FFA, OR Marsing HS FFA, ID Springville HS FFA, UT Central Hardin HS FFA, KY Pulaski Co HS-FFA, VA Laker HS FFA, MI Bloomer HS FFA, WI

Bronze Emblem Teams Amphitheater HS FFA, AZ Silver Sage FFA, NV Douglas Co Sr HS-FFA, CO Pinkerton Academy Clicking Cla, NH Temple FFA, GA Tri Valley Central HS FFA, NY Walkersville HS FFA, MD West Central HS FFA, SD Cascade HS FFA, MT Beech HS FFA, TN

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Britton McClelland of Prairie Grove HS FFA, Jared Dow of Gray`s Creek FFA, NC AR Skyler Teekel of Prairie Grove HS FFA, AR Maria Hager of Kenmare HS FFA, ND Kira Bartolotta of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Joy Jacobson of Kenmare HS FFA, ND FFA, CT Allison McDaniel of Sneads HS FFA, FL Hope Johnson of Kenmare HS FFA, ND Haley Richardson of Temple FFA, GA Sarah Vannoy of Amanda-Clearcreek HS- FFA, OH Sara Clifton of Orion HS-FFA, IL Madison McGolden of Fairview HS-FFA, OK

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Amelia Martens of Orion HS-FFA, IL Meagan Rhodes of Fairview HS-FFA, OK Christian Schroeder of Orion HS-FFA, IL Ashlyn Spradlin of Fairview HS-FFA, OK Courtney Latcham of Montezuma Community Paige Van Meter of Fairview HS-FFA, OK HS FFA, IA Katurah McKee of Montezuma Community Joe Schartz of West Central HS FFA, SD HS FFA, IA Alex Peck of Montezuma Community HS Ellen Dickerson of Anson FFA, TX FFA, IA Alexa Wheaton of Montezuma Community HS Haleigh Gonzales of Anson FFA, TX FFA, IA Christina Biancarelli of Girard HS FFA, KS Logan Leschper of Anson FFA, TX Brock Burnick of Girard HS FFA, KS Sierra Henry of Springville HS FFA, UT Tyler Egbert of Girard HS FFA, KS Grace Sanders of Pulaski Co HS-FFA, VA Nolan O'Toole of Girard HS FFA, KS Tim Hurd of Sumner FFA, WA Austin Price of Girard HS FFA, KS Sarah Josten of Sumner FFA, WA Stephanie Jackson of Central Hardin HS FFA, Connor Mickelson of Sumner FFA, WA KY Kelsi Ryan of Central Hardin HS FFA, KY Renee Valle of Sumner FFA, WA Adam Ludvik of Belle Plaine HS FFA, MN Kellyn Walker of Sumner FFA, WA Kirsten Clawson of Conestoga HS FFA, NE Abigail Bruxvoort of Bloomer HS FFA, WI Shelby Downs of Silver Sage FFA, NV Storm Dorrough of Bloomer HS FFA, WI Ariana Kaminski of Tri Valley Central HS Sasha Zwiefelhofer of Bloomer HS FFA, WI FFA, NY

Silver Emblem Individuals Hannah Coffey of Prairie Grove HS FFA, AR Chessa Ludvigson of Cascade HS FFA, MT Catelyn Perry of Prairie Grove HS FFA, AR Molly McGonigal of Cascade HS FFA, MT Webb Pierson of Prairie Grove HS FFA, AR Rikki Murrill of Cascade HS FFA, MT Naomi Candelaria of Douglas Co Sr HS-FFA, Lindsey Drake of Conestoga HS FFA, NE CO Alley Fanning of Douglas Co Sr HS-FFA, CO Samantha Drake of Conestoga HS FFA, NE Teah Welch of Douglas Co Sr HS-FFA, CO Cory Schlichtemeier of Conestoga HS FFA, NE Jennifer Dressel of Nonnewaug HS- Shannon Atkin of Silver Sage FFA, NV Woodbury FFA, CT

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Sarah Liska of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Mackenzie Campbell of Silver Sage FFA, NV FFA, CT Felice Martin of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Jenna Jacobs of Silver Sage FFA, NV FFA, CT Asleigh Lollie of Sneads HS FFA, FL Hope Costa of Tri Valley Central HS FFA, NY Caitlin McCaffery of Sneads HS FFA, FL Brendan Sanok of Tri Valley Central HS FFA, NY Linda Nguyen of Temple FFA, GA Morgan Barbour of Gray`s Creek FFA, NC Deidrie Briggs of Marsing HS FFA, ID Meghan Essler of Kenmare HS FFA, ND Becky Carter of Marsing HS FFA, ID Hannah Chenetski of Amanda-Clearcreek HS- FFA, OH Shelbi Ferdinand of Marsing HS FFA, ID Emily Cordle of Amanda-Clearcreek HS-FFA, OH Hilary Williams of Marsing HS FFA, ID Andrea Hollett of Amanda-Clearcreek HS- FFA, OH Craig Shehorn of Orion HS-FFA, IL Kelsie Sharp of Amanda-Clearcreek HS-FFA, OH Alyssa Zwicker of Orion HS-FFA, IL Ally Brown of North Clackamas FFA, OR Shannon Sutfin of Montezuma Community HS Avery Farley of North Clackamas FFA, OR FFA, IA Jasmine Jones of Central Hardin HS FFA, KY Natalie Halladay of North Clackamas FFA, OR Katelyn Beachy of Walkersville HS FFA, MD Cassidy McCartney of North Clackamas FFA, OR Kelsey Fogle of Walkersville HS FFA, MD Shannon Miller of West Central HS FFA, SD Laura Shelton of Walkersville HS FFA, MD Rebecca Fechino of Beech HS FFA, TN Stephanie Gilbert of Laker HS FFA, MI Rachel Swift of Beech HS FFA, TN Karlee Herzog of Laker HS FFA, MI Austin Baccus of Anson FFA, TX Andrea Schuette of Laker HS FFA, MI Heston Heller of Anson FFA, TX Nick Verhaar of Laker HS FFA, MI Carleigh Ballard of Springville HS FFA, UT Taryn Wessels of Laker HS FFA, MI Brittany Bradford of Springville HS FFA, UT Olivia Kendall of Belle Plaine HS FFA, MN Christopher Cook of Springville HS FFA, UT Sam Mellgren of Belle Plaine HS FFA, MN Dakota Monroe of Pulaski Co HS-FFA, VA Erin Morrison of Belle Plaine HS FFA, MN Clint Berge of Bloomer HS FFA, WI Sarah Burk of Cascade HS FFA, MT

Bronze Emblem Individuals Edgar Burgos of Amphitheater HS FFA, AZ Rachel Freerickson of Pinkerton Academy Clicking Cla, NH

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Desiree Cortez of Amphitheater HS FFA, AZ Arielle Lessard of Pinkerton Academy Clicking Cla, NH Shondra Johnson of Amphitheater HS FFA, Adam McFarland of Pinkerton Academy AZ Clicking Cla, NH Alicia Osuna of Amphitheater HS FFA, AZ Jeremiah Treanor of Pinkerton Academy Clicking Cla, NH Jordan Sisler of Amphitheater HS FFA, AZ Aurora Boyes of Tri Valley Central HS FFA, NY Madaline Mills of Douglas Co Sr HS-FFA, Emily Devore of Tri Valley Central HS FFA, CO NY Kirsten Staples of Douglas Co Sr HS-FFA, CO Murry Chapman of Gray`s Creek FFA, NC

Rachel Hunter of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Josh Lamb of Gray`s Creek FFA, NC FFA, CT Christen Howell of Sneads HS FFA, FL Jami Miller of Gray`s Creek FFA, NC Sydney Stone of Sneads HS FFA, FL Alexandra Grosser of Kenmare HS FFA, ND Katie Andrews of Temple FFA, GA Cody Slater of Fairview HS-FFA, OK Nicole Cheek of Temple FFA, GA Chelsea Hanno of North Clackamas FFA, OR Maria Lairsey of Temple FFA, GA Stacia Knuth of West Central HS FFA, SD Dafni Claussen of Marsing HS FFA, ID Spencer Kurtz of West Central HS FFA, SD Tara Straight of Central Hardin HS FFA, KY Riley Olson of West Central HS FFA, SD Celia Thomas of Central Hardin HS FFA, KY Melia Harris of Beech HS FFA, TN Mandi Ramsburg of Walkersville HS FFA, Carla Hayes of Beech HS FFA, TN MD Jodi Shelton of Walkersville HS FFA, MD Lara McNeill of Beech HS FFA, TN Darrin Wolters of Belle Plaine HS FFA, MN Kelsey Frampton of Springville HS FFA, UT Charlene Blair of Cascade HS FFA, MT Kylene Bowman of Pulaski Co HS-FFA, VA Will Salisbury of Conestoga HS FFA, NE Sara Holston of Pulaski Co HS-FFA, VA Konnor Basso of Silver Sage FFA, NV Ashlyn Nunley of Pulaski Co HS-FFA, VA Courtney Cox of Pinkerton Academy Clicking Samantha Goettl of Bloomer HS FFA, WI Cla, NH

The National FFA Agricultural Communications CDE is a competitive activity that

-- MORE -- Page 7 tests students' skills in all areas of the agricultural communications field and evaluates how well they can apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Participants attend a simulated news conference and use the information gathered to complete individual practicums in news story writing, press release writing, radio broadcasting, web design, and graphic design. Prior to the event, students compile communication project proposals related to innovative agricultural practices, management techniques and marketing tools. Each team then creates a 15-minute presentation based on their proposal. Members also compete in an editing exercise and a general communications quiz. The event, held at the University Place Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 2:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Agronomy 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Agronomy Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Harold Brown of Ohio served as superintendent of the event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the agronomy event are sponsored by Bayer CropScience of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The team from Washington County HS FFA in Washington, Kansas placed first in the National FFA Agronomy Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Jacob Miller, Trevor Baker, Ryan Fiser and Chelsea Wilkens and were coached by John Kern. The Kansas team placed first in competition against 33 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Kansas Jacob Miller, Trevor Baker, Ryan Fiser, and Chelsea Wilkens, all of Washington County HS FFA 2nd Place--Missouri Kylen Byrd, Tyler Linneman, Lydia Manson, and Megan Schupback, all of Keytesville FFA 3rd Place--Ohio Robert Bevis, Michelle Shepherd, Matt Ross, and Isaac Oman, all of North Union HS FFA

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4th Place--Washington Brandon Knodel, Grady Gfeller, Ivy Shipley, and Bryson Oneill, all of Lind HS FFA 5th Place--Kentucky Amanda Martin, Tevin Shouse, Joseph Snider, and Holly Ware, all of Spencer Co HS FFA 6th Place--Illinois Timothy Hartman, Naomi Knapp, Katie Schaffer, and Abram Zehr, all of Prairie Central HS-FFA 7th Place--Nebraska Paige Vyhlidal, Derek Aden, Blake Gengenbach, and Devin Koch, all of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA 8th Place--Iowa Kyle Dop, Kevin Wiggins, Colton Keuning, and Mason Lewis, all of Diamond Trail FFA 9th Place--Indiana Laura Philpott, Andrew Poynter, Aaron King, and Matthew Armbruster, all of Southmont FFA 10th Place--Wyoming Trinity Holland, Kaydee Good, Garrett Traylor, and Jami Baker, all of Moorcroft HS Whitcomb FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Trevor Baker of Washington County HS FFA, KS 2nd Place-- Jacob Miller of Washington County HS FFA, KS 3rd Place-- Ryan Fiser of Washington County HS FFA, KS 4th Place-- Chelsea Wilkens of Washington County HS FFA, KS 5th Place-- Michelle Shepherd of North Union HS FFA, OH 6th Place-- Brandon Knodel of Lind HS FFA, WA 7th Place-- Robert Bevis of North Union HS FFA, OH 8th Place-- Lydia Manson of Keytesville FFA, MO 9th Place-- Bryson Oneill of Lind HS FFA, WA 10th Place-- Kylen Byrd of Keytesville FFA, MO

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Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams

Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Keytesville FFA, MO Southmont FFA, IN Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE Diamond Trail FFA, IA North Union HS FFA, OH Washington County HS FFA, KS Lind HS FFA, WA Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Moorcroft HS Whitcomb FFA, WY

Silver Emblem Teams Safford HS FFA, AZ Miles City FFA, MT Shirley HS FFA, AR Minot HS FFA, ND Grace Davis HS FFA, CA Silverton HS FFA, OR Wiggins HS FFA, CO Burleson HS FFA, TX Kuna FFA, ID Roane Co FFA, WV Lakeview HS FFA, LA Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI Dawson HS FFA, MN

Bronze Emblem Teams Christiana HS FFA, DE Abbeville HS FFA, SC Southern Garrett Co HS Oakland, MD Hitchcock-Tulare HS FFA, SD Lenawee Vo Tech Center Pm FFA, MI Wilson Central HS- FFA, TN Belleville Henderson Ctl HS FFA, NY Weber HS FFA, UT Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Randolph Henry HS FFA, VA Mifflinburg Area HS FFA, PA

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Sam Emmert of Kuna FFA, ID Brent Larson of Dawson HS FFA, MN

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Marcy Winger of Kuna FFA, ID Kylen Byrd of Keytesville FFA, MO Timothy Hartman of Prairie Central HS-FFA, Tyler Linneman of Keytesville FFA, MO IL Naomi Knapp of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Lydia Manson of Keytesville FFA, MO Katie Schaffer of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Megan Schupback of Keytesville FFA, MO Abram Zehr of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Derek Aden of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE Aaron King of Southmont FFA, IN Blake Gengenbach of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE Laura Philpott of Southmont FFA, IN Devin Koch of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE Andrew Poynter of Southmont FFA, IN Robert Bevis of North Union HS FFA, OH Kyle Dop of Diamond Trail FFA, IA Isaac Oman of North Union HS FFA, OH Colton Keuning of Diamond Trail FFA, IA Matt Ross of North Union HS FFA, OH Trevor Baker of Washington County HS FFA, Michelle Shepherd of North Union HS FFA, KS OH Ryan Fiser of Washington County HS FFA, KS Jessica Crecelius of Burleson HS FFA, TX

Jacob Miller of Washington County HS FFA, Grady Gfeller of Lind HS FFA, WA KS Chelsea Wilkens of Washington County HS Brandon Knodel of Lind HS FFA, WA FFA, KS Tevin Shouse of Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Bryson Oneill of Lind HS FFA, WA Joseph Snider of Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Ivy Shipley of Lind HS FFA, WA Holly Ware of Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Peter Chou of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI Wayland Morgan of Lakeview HS FFA, LA Trinity Holland of Moorcroft HS Whitcomb FFA, WY Dustin Johnson of Dawson HS FFA, MN Garrett Traylor of Moorcroft HS Whitcomb FFA, WY

Silver Emblem Individuals Claudia Castro of Safford HS FFA, AZ Jonathon Pearson of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Kolt McKinney of Safford HS FFA, AZ Andrew Steffan of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Kayla Pearce of Safford HS FFA, AZ Brita Martin of Minot HS FFA, ND Danielle Berry of Shirley HS FFA, AR Abigail Shaw of Minot HS FFA, ND

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Gwen Bradley of Shirley HS FFA, AR Kelsey Shaw of Minot HS FFA, ND Taylor Burgess of Shirley HS FFA, AR Leah VanTilborg of Minot HS FFA, ND Cory Ward of Shirley HS FFA, AR Kelsey Potter of Silverton HS FFA, OR Arturo Barajas of Grace Davis HS FFA, CA Colby Qualey of Silverton HS FFA, OR Chris Beach of Grace Davis HS FFA, CA Megan Schmaltz of Silverton HS FFA, OR Diana Camarena of Grace Davis HS FFA, CA Riane Towery of Silverton HS FFA, OR Nicole Hyatt of Grace Davis HS FFA, CA Chelynn Bingaman of Mifflinburg Area HS FFA, PA Losha Frihauf of Wiggins HS FFA, CO Dennis Boop Jr. of Mifflinburg Area HS FFA, PA Shelly Riblett of Wiggins HS FFA, CO Kara Brock of Hitchcock-Tulare HS FFA, SD Nichelle Williams of Wiggins HS FFA, CO Garrett Masat of Hitchcock-Tulare HS FFA, SD Brandi Hukill of Kuna FFA, ID Erika Roeber of Hitchcock-Tulare HS FFA, SD Summer Lowe of Kuna FFA, ID Jacob Everett of Wilson Central HS- FFA, TN Matthew Armbruster of Southmont FFA, IN James Bobo of Burleson HS FFA, TX Mason Lewis of Diamond Trail FFA, IA Katie Burchfield of Burleson HS FFA, TX Kevin Wiggins of Diamond Trail FFA, IA Graham Pugh of Randolph Henry HS FFA, VA

Amanda Martin of Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Briana Marks of Roane Co FFA, WV Robert Mathews of Lakeview HS FFA, LA Jessica Rucker of Roane Co FFA, WV Evan Warren of Lakeview HS FFA, LA Calvin Saunders of Roane Co FFA, WV Rebecca Winegardner of Southern Garrett Co Colter Taylor of Roane Co FFA, WV HS Oakland, MD Katie Partridge of Lenawee Vo Tech Center Lisa Chou of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI Pm FFA, MI Cole Robertson of Dawson HS FFA, MN Brittany Iverson of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI Joel Pratt of Miles City FFA, MT Bryce Iverson of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI Shawna Pratt of Miles City FFA, MT Jami Baker of Moorcroft HS Whitcomb FFA, WY Paige Vyhlidal of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE Kaydee Good of Moorcroft HS Whitcomb FFA, WY

Bronze Emblem Individuals Luke Menges of Safford HS FFA, AZ Andrew Sterling Carter of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC

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Nathan Frihauf of Wiggins HS FFA, CO Jessye Crews of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Kaitlyn Ennis of Christiana HS FFA, DE Scott Benfer of Mifflinburg Area HS FFA, PA Peter Groft of Christiana HS FFA, DE James Mapes of Mifflinburg Area HS FFA, PA

Tyler Keen of Christiana HS FFA, DE Jennifer Haynie of Abbeville HS FFA, SC Caleb Lathem of Christiana HS FFA, DE Casey Powell of Abbeville HS FFA, SC Pamala Blake of Lakeview HS FFA, LA Brittany Sumner of Abbeville HS FFA, SC Mollie O'Brien of Southern Garrett Co HS Shawn Doren of Hitchcock-Tulare HS FFA, Oakland, MD SD Jeremy Tichinel of Southern Garrett Co HS Zachary Gray of Wilson Central HS- FFA, TN Oakland, MD Rachel Winegardner of Southern Garrett Co Kaitlyn Hargrove of Wilson Central HS- FFA, HS Oakland, MD TN Shannon Brown of Lenawee Vo Tech Center Jacob Hooper of Wilson Central HS- FFA, TN Pm FFA, MI Amy Welke of Lenawee Vo Tech Center Pm Katelyn Garcia of Burleson HS FFA, TX FFA, MI John Wielfaert of Lenawee Vo Tech Center Pm Taylor Boehme of Weber HS FFA, UT FFA, MI Tim Dessonville of Dawson HS FFA, MN Krishnah Day of Weber HS FFA, UT Jordan Larson of Miles City FFA, MT Brent Hales of Weber HS FFA, UT Electra Rickett of Miles City FFA, MT Dakota Pray of Weber HS FFA, UT Paul Bond of Belleville Henderson Ctl HS Luke Balmer of Randolph Henry HS FFA, VA FFA, NY Spencer Patterson of Belleville Henderson Ctl Jim Carlton of Randolph Henry HS FFA, VA HS FFA, NY Joe Thomas of Belleville Henderson Ctl HS Reed Duffer of Randolph Henry HS FFA, VA FFA, NY Staci Walts of Belleville Henderson Ctl HS FFA, NY

The National FFA Agronomy CDE is a competitive activity that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Participants' knowledge of agronomic sciences was tested through several levels of competition including developing solutions for

-- MORE -- Page 7 problematic scenarios; identification of seeds, insects, soil and crops; and other management practices. The event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons taught in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 2:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Agricultural Issues Forum 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Agricultural Issues Forum Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. Jerry Peters of Indiana served as superintendent of the event. The members of the top team in the nation received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the agricultural issues forum event are sponsored by Elanco Animal Health, a Division of Eli Lilly & Company of Greenfield, Indiana as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The team from Madisonville HS FFA in Madisonville, Texas placed first in the National FFA Agricultural Issues Forum Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Reed Singletary, Meagan Ghormley, Charli Andrews, Sabrina Ozio, Ashley Downard and Shelby Sheppard and were coached by Lynita Foster. The Texas team placed first in competition against 34 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Texas Reed Singletary, Meagan Ghormley, Charli Andrews, Sabrina Ozio, Ashley Downard, and Shelby Sheppard, all of Madisonville HS FFA 2nd Place--Indiana Austin Boyd, Ellen Thalls, Kate Hillman, Andrea McConnaughey, Karlee Hensley, and Katlynn Chambless, all of Shenandoah HS FFA 3rd Place--Montana Laura Frazee, Quinn Bassett, Tyler

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Pendergast, Brooke Stordahl, and Emily Dicken, all of Stevensville HS FFA 4th Place--Wyoming Tess Clemetson, Colton Gonka, Justin Linn, Megan Linn, Ryan Huxtable, Jessica Pingetzer, and Danielle Wintermote, all of Shoshoni HS FFA

Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Shenandoah HS FFA, IN Madisonville HS FFA, TX Stevensville HS FFA, MT Shoshoni HS FFA, WY

Silver Emblem Teams Nelson County High School- FFA, KY Crater HS FFA, OR Clear Spring HS FFA, MD Little Dutchmen FFA, PA Cassopolis Ross Beatty HS FFA, MI Newell HS FFA, SD Hutchinson HS FFA, MN Wilson Central HS- FFA, TN Seacoast Sch Of Technology FFA, NH Walla Walla HS FFA, WA Las Vegas FFA, NM Colby HS FFA, WI

Bronze Emblem Teams KODIAK FFA, AK Byhalia HS-FFA, MS Basha High School-FFA, AZ Superior HS FFA, NE Ozark HS FFA, AR Newton HS FFA, NJ Tulare HS FFA, CA Pioneer HS FFA, NY Weld Central HS-FFA, CO Madison County HS FFA, NC Middletown High School-Matta Beset FFA, Depew HS FFA, OK CT Blountstown HS FFA, FL Manning HS FFA, SC Orion HS-FFA, IL Riverton HS FFA, UT

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Eddyville-Blakesburg HS, IA Randolph Henry HS FFA, VA Atchison Co HS FFA, KS

The National FFA Agricultural Issues Forum CDE is a competitive activity that tests students' knowledge of agricultural issues and evaluates how well they can apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. To qualify for the National Agricultural Issues Forum CDE, teams must design a presentation that addresses multiple viewpoints of a contemporary agricultural issue and present it to a number of audiences in their community. For the national event, they present a portfolio based on their local audiences' feedback and deliver their presentation to a panel of judges. This event, held at the Westin Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 10:30 a.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Agricultural Mechanics 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Von Peavy of Georgia served as superintendent of the event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the agricultural mechanics event are sponsored by the Bridgestone Americas Tire Operation Agricultural Tire Division of Des Moines, Iowa as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The team from Hilmar HS FFA in Hilmar, California placed first in the National FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were James Piersma, Rhett Mota, Michael Pimentel and Devin Baptista and were coached by Dick Piersma. The California team placed first in competition against 44 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--California James Piersma, Rhett Mota, Michael Pimentel, and Devin Baptista, all of Hilmar HS FFA 2nd Place--Kansas William Poland, Logan Stanton, Justin Henrickson, and Monte Honas, all of Ellis HS-FFA 3rd Place--Washington Scott Weisse, Brandon Nickels, Pender Rink, and Kaity Hampton, all of Stanwood HS FFA

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4th Place--North Carolina Adam Haigler, John Groves, Eric Efird, and Tyler Maske, all of Piedmont HS FFA 5th Place--Iowa Blake Bayliss, Kyle Huber, Travis Greiner, and Bryce Sieren, all of Keota HS FFA 6th Place--North Dakota Nick Sundahl, Chase Holsten, Derek Aho, and Parker Gates, all of Mohall HS FFA 7th Place--Montana Mathias Fochs, Jared Franck, Trevor Sunvison, and Sam DesChene, all of Park FFA 8th Place--Minnesota Sam Koch, Matthew Dahl, and Tayler Swanson, all of St James HS FFA 9th Place--Missouri Colton Lee, Matthew Copeland, and Alex LaFave, all of East Buchanan FFA 10th Place--Pennsylvania Casey Kelly, Josiah Rohrer, Bryan Miller, and Kyle Leaman, all of Hans Herr FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Devin Baptista of Hilmar HS FFA, CA 2nd Place-- James Piersma of Hilmar HS FFA, CA 3rd Place-- Logan Stanton of Ellis HS-FFA, KS 4th Place-- Nick Sundahl of Mohall HS FFA, ND 5th Place-- Michael Pimentel of Hilmar HS FFA, CA 6th Place-- Josiah Rohrer of Hans Herr FFA, PA 7th Place-- Jordan Riley of Heritage JR/Sr HS FFA, IN 8th Place-- Bryan Miller of Hans Herr FFA, PA 9th Place-- Rhett Mota of Hilmar HS FFA, CA 10th Place-- William Poland of Ellis HS-FFA, KS

Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Hilmar HS FFA, CA Piedmont HS FFA, NC Paxton-Buckley-loda HS FFA, IL Mohall HS FFA, ND

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Keota HS FFA, IA Saint Henry HS FFA, OH Ellis HS-FFA, KS Hans Herr FFA, PA St James HS FFA, MN Stanwood HS FFA, WA East Buchanan FFA, MO Hillsboro HS FFA, WI Park FFA, MT

Silver Emblem Teams Douglas HS FFA, AL Allentown HS FFA, NJ Chandler HS FFA, AZ Las Cruces HS-FFA, NM Haxtun HS-FFA, CO Lowville Academy Ctrl Sch FFA, NY Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury FFA, CT Crater HS FFA, OR Kathleen HS Sr FFA, FL Freeman HS FFA, SD Middleton HS-FFA, ID Dyersburg FFA, TN Heritage JR/Sr HS FFA, IN Saltillo HS FFA, TX Walkersville HS FFA, MD Fremont HS FFA, UT West Holt HS FFA, NE Burns FFA, WY

Bronze Emblem Teams Gurdon HS FFA, AR Oxford Lafayette Co HS FFA, MS Woodbridge HS FFA, DE Silver Sage FFA, NV Treutlen HS FFA, GA Elgin FFA, OK Calloway Co HS-FFA, KY Wagener Salley HS FFA, SC Caribou Technology Center-Caribou FFA, ME Vergennes Union HS-FFA, VT

Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, MA Franklin Co HS FFA, VA Durand HS FFA, MI Mineral County FFA, WV

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Devin Baptista of Hilmar HS FFA, CA Trevor Sunvison of Park FFA, MT

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Rhett Mota of Hilmar HS FFA, CA Alden Brown of Allentown HS FFA, NJ James Piersma of Hilmar HS FFA, CA Chris Corazzini of Las Cruces HS-FFA, NM Michael Pimentel of Hilmar HS FFA, CA Eric Efird of Piedmont HS FFA, NC Tyler Simmons of Middleton HS-FFA, ID John Groves of Piedmont HS FFA, NC Chris Woodland of Middleton HS-FFA, ID Adam Haigler of Piedmont HS FFA, NC Darren Jarboe of Paxton-Buckley-loda HS Derek Aho of Mohall HS FFA, ND FFA, IL Brandon Magers of Paxton-Buckley-loda HS Parker Gates of Mohall HS FFA, ND FFA, IL Jordan Riley of Heritage JR/Sr HS FFA, IN Nick Sundahl of Mohall HS FFA, ND Richard Taylor of Heritage JR/Sr HS FFA, IN Derek Goettemoeller of Saint Henry HS FFA, OH Blake Bayliss of Keota HS FFA, IA Craig Lefeld of Saint Henry HS FFA, OH Travis Greiner of Keota HS FFA, IA Jake Marchal of Saint Henry HS FFA, OH Kyle Huber of Keota HS FFA, IA Jacob Rindler of Saint Henry HS FFA, OH Bryce Sieren of Keota HS FFA, IA Bryan Miller of Hans Herr FFA, PA Justin Henrickson of Ellis HS-FFA, KS Josiah Rohrer of Hans Herr FFA, PA William Poland of Ellis HS-FFA, KS Daniel Gering of Freeman HS FFA, SD Logan Stanton of Ellis HS-FFA, KS Patrick Hofer of Freeman HS FFA, SD Brandon Buffington of Walkersville HS FFA, Todd Baker of Dyersburg FFA, TN MD Nick Cutshall of Walkersville HS FFA, MD Colton Smith of Saltillo HS FFA, TX Justin Pavao of Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, MA Matthew Endicott of Fremont HS FFA, UT Matthew Dahl of St James HS FFA, MN Kaity Hampton of Stanwood HS FFA, WA Sam Koch of St James HS FFA, MN Brandon Nickels of Stanwood HS FFA, WA Tayler Swanson of St James HS FFA, MN Pender Rink of Stanwood HS FFA, WA Matthew Copeland of East Buchanan FFA, Scott Weisse of Stanwood HS FFA, WA MO Alex LaFave of East Buchanan FFA, MO Duane Baldwin of Hillsboro HS FFA, WI Mathias Fochs of Park FFA, MT Aaron Hammer of Hillsboro HS FFA, WI Jared Franck of Park FFA, MT

Silver Emblem Individuals Jacob Brannon of Douglas HS FFA, AL Sam DesChene of Park FFA, MT Justen Brothers of Douglas HS FFA, AL Kent Frickel of West Holt HS FFA, NE

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Adam Hill of Douglas HS FFA, AL Kent Olson of West Holt HS FFA, NE Kyle Eagar of Chandler HS FFA, AZ Jessie Poessnecker of West Holt HS FFA, NE Nathan Lewis of Chandler HS FFA, AZ Travis Pruitt of Silver Sage FFA, NV Nick Lewis of Chandler HS FFA, AZ Zachary Moran of Allentown HS FFA, NJ Brock Neathery of Gurdon HS FFA, AR Chris Tyminski of Allentown HS FFA, NJ Gade Groshans of Haxtun HS-FFA, CO Gabriel Gonzales of Las Cruces HS-FFA, NM Jeff Hawthorne of Haxtun HS-FFA, CO Jonathan Koenig of Las Cruces HS-FFA, NM Brandt Northrup of Haxtun HS-FFA, CO Norbert Valdivia of Las Cruces HS-FFA, NM Corey Blick of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Lyle Bonomo of Lowville Academy Ctrl Sch FFA, CT FFA, NY Seth Mantz of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Adam Nikitich of Lowville Academy Ctrl Sch FFA, CT FFA, NY Charles Parmelee of Nonnewaug HS- Ethan Schwarting of Lowville Academy Ctrl Woodbury FFA, CT Sch FFA, NY Michael Schrock of Woodbridge HS FFA, DE Caleb Thompson of Lowville Academy Ctrl Sch FFA, NY Joshua Willing of Woodbridge HS FFA, DE Tyler Maske of Piedmont HS FFA, NC Clayton Kiddey of Kathleen HS Sr FFA, FL Chase Holsten of Mohall HS FFA, ND Jacob Lee of Kathleen HS Sr FFA, FL Brock Finley of Elgin FFA, OK Zachary Lee of Kathleen HS Sr FFA, FL Tyler Hacker of Elgin FFA, OK Sarah McCain of Kathleen HS Sr FFA, FL Shane Neighbors of Elgin FFA, OK Brian Clements of Treutlen HS FFA, GA Dillon Baker of Crater HS FFA, OR Ethan Edge of Treutlen HS FFA, GA Kyle Gebhard of Crater HS FFA, OR Shane Scott of Treutlen HS FFA, GA Charise McFarland of Crater HS FFA, OR Matt Douthit of Middleton HS-FFA, ID Kara Vezzani of Crater HS FFA, OR Monica Jarboe of Paxton-Buckley-loda HS Casey Kelly of Hans Herr FFA, PA FFA, IL Michael Shively of Paxton-Buckley-loda HS Lawson Graber of Freeman HS FFA, SD FFA, IL David Berning of Heritage JR/Sr HS FFA, IN Daniel Stern of Freeman HS FFA, SD Elizabeth Rohlf of Heritage JR/Sr HS FFA, IN Brandtly Mealer of Dyersburg FFA, TN

Monte Honas of Ellis HS-FFA, KS Kyle Rogers of Dyersburg FFA, TN Travis Lamb of Calloway Co HS-FFA, KY Nolan Garmon of Saltillo HS FFA, TX Denham Rogers of Calloway Co HS-FFA, KY Bobby Goldsmith of Saltillo HS FFA, TX

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Alex Moitozo of Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, MA Brett Smith of Saltillo HS FFA, TX

Ryan Stas of Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, MA Charles Creager of Fremont HS FFA, UT Christopher Blair of Durand HS FFA, MI Derek Jackson of Fremont HS FFA, UT Caleb Burger of Durand HS FFA, MI Peter McDurfee of Vergennes Union HS-FFA, VT Tyler Jenkins of Durand HS FFA, MI Zackary Cummings of Mineral County FFA, WV Garrett Kett of Durand HS FFA, MI Rocky Keister of Mineral County FFA, WV Michael Aven of Oxford Lafayette Co HS Nick Manke of Hillsboro HS FFA, WI FFA, MS Bram Billingsley of Oxford Lafayette Co HS Jeremy Stanek of Hillsboro HS FFA, WI FFA, MS Michael Smith of Oxford Lafayette Co HS Tim Peters of Burns FFA, WY FFA, MS Colton Lee of East Buchanan FFA, MO Lee Peterson of Burns FFA, WY

Bronze Emblem Individuals Dustin Rice of Douglas HS FFA, AL Taylor Spinuzzi of Silver Sage FFA, NV Jerrod Corbit of Gurdon HS FFA, AR Kyle Enis of Elgin FFA, OK Kaitlyn Dickerson of Gurdon HS FFA, AR Kyle Leaman of Hans Herr FFA, PA Samantha Phillips of Nonnewaug HS- Ethan Busbee of Wagener Salley HS FFA, SC Woodbury FFA, CT Casey Rifenburg of Woodbridge HS FFA, DE Corey Clayton of Wagener Salley HS FFA, SC

Clark Thomas of Woodbridge HS FFA, DE Brandon Medlin of Wagener Salley HS FFA, SC Caleb Garner of Treutlen HS FFA, GA Josh Yon of Wagener Salley HS FFA, SC Derek Woodworth of Middleton HS-FFA, ID Nick Fancher of Dyersburg FFA, TN Andrew Coles of Calloway Co HS-FFA, KY Brady Oborn of Fremont HS FFA, UT Jordan Roach of Calloway Co HS-FFA, KY Nathan Fleming of Vergennes Union HS-FFA, VT Colby Conroy of Caribou Technology Center- Jason Vorsteveld of Vergennes Union HS- Caribou FFA, ME FFA, VT Colby Johnson of Caribou Technology Center- Nic Fleming of Franklin Co HS FFA, VA Caribou FFA, ME

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Gary Putnam of Caribou Technology Center- Taylor Neal of Franklin Co HS FFA, VA Caribou FFA, ME Daniel Torres of Walkersville HS FFA, MD Alex Stickley of Franklin Co HS FFA, VA Brett Charbonneau of Bristol Co Agri HS Megan Jones of Mineral County FFA, WV FFA, MA Justin Bonds of Oxford Lafayette Co HS FFA, Stephan White of Mineral County FFA, WV MS Jamie Peterson of West Holt HS FFA, NE Shay Lemaster of Burns FFA, WY Madison Hughes of Silver Sage FFA, NV Shelby Page of Burns FFA, WY

The National FFA Agricultural Mechanics CDE is a competitive activity that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Activities included in the event are a written exam, a team activity, demonstration of problem-solving skills, and hands-on performance activities. Areas of emphasis include environmental and natural resource systems; machinery and equipment systems; structural and energy systems; and industry and marketing systems. Each team in the event has competed with other chapters in their state for the privilege of participating in the national event. The event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons taught in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 10:30 a.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Agricultural Sales 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Agricultural Sales Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Troy Selman of Texas served as superintendent of the event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the agricultural sales event are sponsored by Monsanto of St. Louis, Missouri as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The team from Bear River HS FFA in Grass Valley, California placed first in the National FFA Agricultural Sales Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Erika Avera, Alyssa Colin, Erika Carley and Brandon Renwick and were coached by Steve Paasch. The California team placed first in competition against 38 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--California Erika Avera, Alyssa Colin, Erika Carley, and Brandon Renwick, all of Bear River HS FFA 2nd Place--Georgia Heather Pope, Abby Bowden, Benjamin Woodard, and Audra Howard, all of West Laurens HS FFA 3rd Place--Florida Kelsey Tobin, Taylor Higdon, Andrea Stone, and Megan Shutts, all of East Ridge HS FFA

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4th Place--Oregon Emily Cook, Gerald Hosler, Anna Straub, and Alannah Castro, all of North Clackamas FFA 5th Place--Kentucky Mariah Rowland, Claire Crocker, Kendra Kelley, and Kali Duncan, all of Franklin Simpson HS FFA 6th Place--Connecticut Kamilla Dynia, Cecilia Lavigne, Staci Canny, and Marissa Maturo, all of Lyman Hall FFA 7th Place--Ohio Jerrin Hill, Alison McGinnis, Kelsey Bowers, and Zach Hottel, all of Northwestern HS-FFA 8th Place--Kansas Chris Bussen, Blaine Lotz, Micayla Scott, and Amanda Sorrell, all of Labette Co HS FFA 9th Place--Pennsylvania Braton Moore, Joshua Funk, Heather Hartman, and Casi Foster, all of Chambersburg Area HS FFA 10th Place--Missouri Katti Carroll, Trevor Collins, Amelia Goers, and Elizabeth Russell, all of South Shelby FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Emily Cook of North Clackamas FFA, OR 2nd Place-- Hesston Krause of Smithson Valley FFA, TX 3rd Place-- Tylor Hanzlik of Cheyenne East HS Frontier FFA, WY 4th Place-- Benjamin Woodard of West Laurens HS FFA, GA 5th Place-- Erika Avera of Bear River HS FFA, CA 6th Place-- Mariah Rowland of Franklin Simpson HS FFA, KY 7th Place-- Erika Carley of Bear River HS FFA, CA 8th Place-- Trevor Collins of South Shelby FFA, MO 9th Place-- Ian Carlson of Garretson HS FFA, SD 10th Place-- Andrea Stone of East Ridge HS FFA, FL

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Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams

Bear River HS FFA, CA South Shelby FFA, MO Lyman Hall FFA, CT Park City HS FFA, MT East Ridge HS FFA, FL Northwestern HS-FFA, OH West Laurens HS FFA, GA North Clackamas FFA, OR Labette Co HS FFA, KS Chambersburg Area HS FFA, PA Franklin Simpson HS FFA, KY Smithson Valley FFA, TX

Silver Emblem Teams Windsor FFA, CO John Bowne HS FFA, NY Indian River HS FFA, DE Gray`s Creek FFA, NC Payette HS-FFA, ID Medina HS FFA, ND Pontiac HS, IL Amber Pocasset HS-FFA, OK Easton HS FFA, MD Garretson HS FFA, SD Ravenna HS FFA, MI Central HS FFA, VA Lac Qui Parle Valley HS FFA, MN Yelm HS FFA, WA Waverly High School - FFA, NE Cheyenne East HS Frontier FFA, WY Carson Valley FFA, NV

Bronze Emblem Teams Highland HS FFA, AZ Allentown HS FFA, NJ Dekalb HS FFA, IN Las Vegas FFA, NM Muscatine HS FFA, IA Page High FFA, TN Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA Sky View HS FFA, UT Seacoast Sch Of Technology FFA, NH Watertown HS FFA, WI

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Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals

Jace Miller of Highland HS FFA, AZ Lindsey Fox of Park City HS FFA, MT Erika Avera of Bear River HS FFA, CA Sarah Snow of Park City HS FFA, MT Erika Carley of Bear River HS FFA, CA Amanda Beeson of Waverly High School - FFA, NE Alyssa Colin of Bear River HS FFA, CA Katie Zabel of Waverly High School - FFA, NE Brandon Renwick of Bear River HS FFA, CA Michelle Gibbons of Carson Valley FFA, NV Andrew Beers of Windsor FFA, CO Kate Schnoor of Carson Valley FFA, NV Shelby Cochran of Windsor FFA, CO Paige Kennedy of Gray`s Creek FFA, NC Staci Canny of Lyman Hall FFA, CT Dacotah Dockter of Medina HS FFA, ND Marissa Maturo of Lyman Hall FFA, CT Kelsey Bowers of Northwestern HS-FFA, OH Andrea Stone of East Ridge HS FFA, FL Jerrin Hill of Northwestern HS-FFA, OH Kelsey Tobin of East Ridge HS FFA, FL Cory Clemons of Amber Pocasset HS-FFA, OK Abby Bowden of West Laurens HS FFA, GA Emily Cook of North Clackamas FFA, OR Benjamin Woodard of West Laurens HS FFA, Casi Foster of Chambersburg Area HS FFA, GA PA Cody Leach of Pontiac HS, IL Joshua Funk of Chambersburg Area HS FFA, PA Chris Bussen of Labette Co HS FFA, KS Braton Moore of Chambersburg Area HS FFA, PA Amanda Sorrell of Labette Co HS FFA, KS Ian Carlson of Garretson HS FFA, SD Claire Crocker of Franklin Simpson HS FFA, Zeke Hollaren of Garretson HS FFA, SD KY Mariah Rowland of Franklin Simpson HS FFA, Hesston Krause of Smithson Valley FFA, TX KY Shannon Nikki Swann of Easton HS FFA, MD Cody Ross of Central HS FFA, VA Katie Wheatley of Easton HS FFA, MD Austin Baker of Yelm HS FFA, WA Nathan Fragodt of Lac Qui Parle Valley HS Donald Wilcox of Yelm HS FFA, WA FFA, MN Katti Carroll of South Shelby FFA, MO Tylor Hanzlik of Cheyenne East HS Frontier FFA, WY

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Trevor Collins of South Shelby FFA, MO

Silver Emblem Individuals Kimberly Gonzales of Highland HS FFA, AZ Tyler Smith of Seacoast Sch Of Technology FFA, NH Kamilla Dynia of Lyman Hall FFA, CT Jessica Stygles of Seacoast Sch Of Technology FFA, NH Cecilia Lavigne of Lyman Hall FFA, CT Matt Carney of Allentown HS FFA, NJ Chantal Haas of Indian River HS FFA, DE Edward Struk of Allentown HS FFA, NJ Amber Richards of Indian River HS FFA, DE Celina Ortega of Las Vegas FFA, NM Alexandra West of Indian River HS FFA, DE Michelle Eichele of John Bowne HS FFA, NY Taylor Higdon of East Ridge HS FFA, FL Victor Perez of John Bowne HS FFA, NY Megan Shutts of East Ridge HS FFA, FL Brianna Huskey of Gray`s Creek FFA, NC Audra Howard of West Laurens HS FFA, GA Cortney Locklear of Gray`s Creek FFA, NC Heather Pope of West Laurens HS FFA, GA Reva Orr of Gray`s Creek FFA, NC Kendra Knighten of Payette HS-FFA, ID Brock Knodel of Medina HS FFA, ND T. Alex Yokom of Payette HS-FFA, ID Kent Slaughter of Medina HS FFA, ND Evan Rich of Pontiac HS, IL Zach Hottel of Northwestern HS-FFA, OH Joris Van Roessel of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Alison McGinnis of Northwestern HS-FFA, OH Dawn Eichelberger of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Torrie Abramo of Amber Pocasset HS-FFA, OK Blaine Lotz of Labette Co HS FFA, KS Dakota Miller of Amber Pocasset HS-FFA, OK Micayla Scott of Labette Co HS FFA, KS Alannah Castro of North Clackamas FFA, OR Kali Duncan of Franklin Simpson HS FFA, KY Gerald Hosler of North Clackamas FFA, OR

Kendra Kelley of Franklin Simpson HS FFA, Heather Hartman of Chambersburg Area HS KY FFA, PA Laura DiPasquale of Easton HS FFA, MD Emilie Gehrke of Garretson HS FFA, SD Katherine Finn of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, Sarah Norman of Page High FFA, TN MA Hannah Kramer of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, James Applewhite of Smithson Valley FFA, MA TX Nicole Arends of Ravenna HS FFA, MI Skye Broyles of Smithson Valley FFA, TX

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Chelsey Bonthuis of Ravenna HS FFA, MI Kaitlyn Craft of Smithson Valley FFA, TX Naomi Spoelman of Ravenna HS FFA, MI BreeAnn Erickson of Sky View HS FFA, UT Nichole Anderson of Lac Qui Parle Valley HS Chelsea Rigby of Sky View HS FFA, UT FFA, MN Amelia Goers of South Shelby FFA, MO Aaron Heishman of Central HS FFA, VA Elizabeth Russell of South Shelby FFA, MO Brian Walsh of Central HS FFA, VA Hollie Deis of Park City HS FFA, MT Hayllie Reed-Smith of Yelm HS FFA, WA Cody Donaugh of Park City HS FFA, MT Paula Rector of Cheyenne East HS Frontier FFA, WY Andrew Filipi of Waverly High School - FFA, Kathleen Ridge of Cheyenne East HS Frontier NE FFA, WY Kelsey Conklin of Carson Valley FFA, NV Emily Voigt of Cheyenne East HS Frontier FFA, WY Josh Gruver of Carson Valley FFA, NV

Bronze Emblem Individuals Jeffrey Rojo of Highland HS FFA, AZ Patrick Kirby of Seacoast Sch Of Technology FFA, NH Janie Pancost of Windsor FFA, CO Timothy Miller of Seacoast Sch Of Technology FFA, NH Amanda Sipola of Windsor FFA, CO Richard Potts of Allentown HS FFA, NJ Teri Scorziello of Indian River HS FFA, DE Greg Tegano of Allentown HS FFA, NJ Paige Gabiola of Payette HS-FFA, ID Patrick Goetsch of Las Vegas FFA, NM Andrew Winsor of Payette HS-FFA, ID Jerry Gonzales of Las Vegas FFA, NM Kaity Carroll of Pontiac HS, IL Ramon Martinez of Las Vegas FFA, NM Amy Follmer of Pontiac HS, IL Anil Chandrakumar of John Bowne HS FFA, NY Scott Foster of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Nikki Reiff of John Bowne HS FFA, NY Derek Furrow of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Ashlee Moser of Medina HS FFA, ND Tyler Haynes of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Clarissa Fulton of Amber Pocasset HS-FFA, OK Zach Canarr of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Anna Straub of North Clackamas FFA, OR Zach Caslavka of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Nick Mueller of Garretson HS FFA, SD Michael Haller of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Grant Cochran of Page High FFA, TN Courtney Willoughby of Easton HS FFA, MD Chelsey Ravsten of Sky View HS FFA, UT

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Courtney Billings of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, Corey Warren of Sky View HS FFA, UT MA Shantel Smith of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA Hannah Schechtel of Central HS FFA, VA

Elizabeth Moore of Ravenna HS FFA, MI Sara Edmunson of Yelm HS FFA, WA Nathan Anderson of Lac Qui Parle Valley HS Dalton Kelman of Watertown HS FFA, WI FFA, MN April Schmiesing of Lac Qui Parle Valley HS Christine McFarland of Watertown HS FFA, FFA, MN WI Jessica Smith of Waverly High School - FFA, McKenna Meyer of Watertown HS FFA, WI NE

The National FFA Agricultural Sales CDE is a competitive activity that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The event includes actual sales presentations, a written exam, a team sales situation, an individual practical situation focusing on customer relations, customer service, or prospecting for customers. Each team competed at local and state levels for the privilege of representing their state at the national FFA convention. The event, held at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons taught in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 9:30 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Creed Speaking 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National Creed Speaking Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday during the seventh session of the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. Kimberly Bellah of Texas served as superintendent of the event. The top four individuals received stipends to attend the Washington Leadership Conference held annually in our nation's capital. The stipends and the Creed speaking event is sponsored by CHS Foundation of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota and the National FFA Foundation. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Newt Gilman of East Jackson High FFA, GA 2nd Place-- Nate Compton of Bellville HS FFA, TX 3rd Place-- Brianda Louro of Tulare HS FFA, CA 4th Place-- Spencer Struck of Kingfisher HS FFA, OK

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Brianda Louro of Tulare HS FFA, CA Spencer Struck of Kingfisher HS FFA, OK Newt Gilman of East Jackson High FFA, GA Nate Compton of Bellville HS FFA, TX

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Silver Emblem Individuals Megan Skiles of San Simon HS FFA, AZ Shannon Maxwell of Holton HS FFA, KS Amanda Bacon of Har-Ber FFA, AR Abbyjo Imberg of Dassel Cokato HS FFA, MN Megan Stillwell of Meridian HS-FFA, ID Amy Hager of Shields Valley HS FFA, MT Eric Kubacki of Minooka HS-FFA, IL Kristina Mathis of Conrad Weiser HS FFA, PA Tana Simmons of Tipton HS FFA, IN Katherine Pieper of Payson HS FFA, UT Shelby Cornelius of Decorah HS FFA, IA Bethany Dado of Amery HS FFA, WI

Bronze Emblem Individuals Danielle Cassady of East Limestone HS FFA, Katie Hillman of Goddard HS-FFA, NM AL Alexandrea Grover of McClave HS FFA, CO Christina Kackos of Tri Valley Central HS FFA, NY Emily Von Edwins of Lyman Memorial HS Lauren Evoy of Mountain Heritage HS FFA, Lebanon Reg, CT NC Kacie Schmeck of Appoquinimink, DE Trisha Sem of Divide Co HS FFA, ND Cecelia Koon of Lafayette Sr. HS - FFA, FL Devon Alexander of Anna HS FFA, OH Amelia Samuel of Gallatin Co HS-FFA, KY Rebecca Armstrong of Bonanza HS FFA, OR Caitlin James of Calvin HS FFA, LA Darira Cabrera of S U Epifanio Estrada FFA, PR Desiree Lavallee of Caribou Technology Lauren Breene of Exeter West Greenwich HS Center-Caribou FFA, ME FFA, RI Katelynn Perzynski of Harford Tech FFA, MD Clay Garrison of Woodmont HS FFA, SC

Aila Murphy of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA Andy Rausch of Hoven HS FFA, SD Stacy Bangert of Homer FFA, MI Kaley Lee of Franklin Co HS FFA, TN Matthew Tucker of Carthage HS FFA, MS Garth Buck of Vergennes Union HS-FFA, VT Samantha Mankey of Lake Career And Whitney Bowman of North Fork Middle Technical Center, MO School FFA, VA Trent Ronhovde of Waverly High School - Maja Olson of Pullman HS FFA, WA FFA, NE

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Cory Shrecengost of Silver Sage FFA, NV Allie Cole of Roane Co FFA, WV Clayton Grandstaff of Pinkerton Academy Bryce McKenzie of Buffalo HS FFA, WY Clicking Cla, NH Sarah McCaffrey of South Hunterdon Middle FFA, NJ

The National FFA Creed Speaking CDE is designed to recognize outstanding FFA members for their ability to present the National FFA Creed in a competitive setting. Members deliver the Creed from memory and respond to three questions. The event gives FFA members the opportunity to develop their ability to communicate in a powerful, organized and professional manner. The event, held at the Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons taught in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 2:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Dairy Cattle Evaluation 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards luncheon. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. James Ertl of Minnesota served as superintendent of the event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the dairy cattle evaluation event are sponsored by the National FFA Foundation. The team from Prairie Central HS-FFA in Fairbury, Illinois placed first in the National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Trent Kilgus, Samantha Ropp, Lyle Schaffer and Micah Zehr and were coached by Darren Ropp. The Illinois team placed first in competition against 42 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Illinois Trent Kilgus, Samantha Ropp, Lyle Schaffer, and Micah Zehr, all of Prairie Central HS-FFA 2nd Place--California Sam Cheda, Mandy Brazil, Kelli Carstensen, and Ralph Cunningham, all of Petaluma HS FFA 3rd Place--Minnesota Angela Sellner, Laura Rosenhammer, Christopher Seifert, and Shawn Suess, all of Sleepy Eye HS-FFA 4th Place--Pennsylvania Jennifer Aument, Carolyn Lawrence,

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Matthew Aument, and Brad Gerhart, all of Solanco HS FFA 5th Place--Maryland Carissa Doody, Cathleen Doody, Hannah Hood, and Morgan Meisenheimer, all of Linganore HS 6th Place--New Mexico Fallon Scanlan, Erin Scanlan, Garrett Foote, and Morgan Pinnell, all of Texico HS-FFA 7th Place--Wisconsin Jacob Agnew, Tanner Bradley, Seth Elsner, and Nolan Wilharm, all of Fort Atkinson HS FFA 8th Place--North Dakota Kenny Bahm, Michael Bahm, Brandi Boehm, and Jake Keller, all of Mandan High School - FFA 9th Place--Iowa Patricia Melcher, Amanda Meder, Morgan Miller, and Lars Sivesind, all of Waukon HS 10th Place--Nebraska Cory Peters, Devin Heusinkvelt, Ian Schuster, and Grant Schrick, all of Norris

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Trent Kilgus of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL 2nd Place-- Samantha Ropp of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL 3rd Place-- Laura Rosenhammer of Sleepy Eye HS-FFA, MN 4th Place-- Carissa Doody of Linganore HS, MD 5th Place-- Mandy Brazil of Petaluma HS FFA, CA 6th Place-- Jennifer Aument of Solanco HS FFA, PA 7th Place-- Angela Sellner of Sleepy Eye HS-FFA, MN 8th Place-- Sam Cheda of Petaluma HS FFA, CA 9th Place-- Kelli Carstensen of Petaluma HS FFA, CA 10th Place-- April Moon of Lyman Memorial HS Lebanon Reg, CT

Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Petaluma HS FFA, CA Norris, NE

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Lyman Memorial HS Lebanon Reg, CT Texico HS-FFA, NM Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Mandan High School - FFA, ND Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Tillamook HS FFA, OR Waukon HS, IA Solanco HS FFA, PA Linganore HS, MD Jefferson HS FFA, WV Sleepy Eye HS-FFA, MN Fort Atkinson HS FFA, WI

Silver Emblem Teams Buckeye Union HS FFA, AZ Norwayne HS FFA, OH Trenton Sr FFA, FL Oklahoma Union FFA, OK Meridian HS-FFA, ID Exeter West Greenwich HS FFA, RI Rushville HS FFA, IN Deubrook HS FFA, SD Hillsboro HS-FFA, KS Mart HS FFA, TX Cumberland Co HS-FFA, KY Wayne HS FFA, UT Buffalo HS-FFA, MO Spotswood Sr HS FFA, VA Alvirne HS FFA, NH Elma HS FFA, WA Argyle Central HS-FFA, NY

Bronze Emblem Teams Arab HS FFA, AL Fremont HS FFA, MI Gurdon HS FFA, AR Newton Co Vo Tech Center FFA, MS Wiggins HS FFA, CO Warren Hills Reg, HS- FFA, NJ Caesar Rodney HS FFA, DE Wake Forest-Rolesville, NC Springfield HS FFA, LA Abbeville HS FFA, SC Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA Jefferson Co HS FFA, TN

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Mandy Brazil of Petaluma HS FFA, CA William Maske of Newton Co Vo Tech Center FFA, MS

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Kelli Carstensen of Petaluma HS FFA, CA Cory Peters of Norris, NE Sam Cheda of Petaluma HS FFA, CA Grant Schrick of Norris, NE Ralph Cunningham of Petaluma HS FFA, CA Ian Schuster of Norris, NE Alex Steinbach of Wiggins HS FFA, CO Garrett Foote of Texico HS-FFA, NM April Moon of Lyman Memorial HS Lebanon Morgan Pinnell of Texico HS-FFA, NM Reg, CT Matthew Langford of Trenton Sr FFA, FL Fallon Scanlan of Texico HS-FFA, NM Taylor Langford of Trenton Sr FFA, FL Ronald Springer of Argyle Central HS-FFA, NY LeAnna Bond of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Kenny Bahm of Mandan High School - FFA, ND Justin Cochran of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Michael Bahm of Mandan High School - FFA, ND Jason Neal of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Brandi Boehm of Mandan High School - FFA, ND Shawn Gayner of Meridian HS-FFA, ID Ryan Billman of Norwayne HS FFA, OH Trent Kilgus of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Mariah Fjarlie of Tillamook HS FFA, OR Samantha Ropp of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Kristen Kaste of Tillamook HS FFA, OR

Lyle Schaffer of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Jennifer Aument of Solanco HS FFA, PA Micah Zehr of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Matthew Aument of Solanco HS FFA, PA Eric Wagner of Rushville HS FFA, IN Carolyn Lawrence of Solanco HS FFA, PA Doug Wicker of Rushville HS FFA, IN Jessica Hoppe of Exeter West Greenwich HS FFA, RI Amanda Meder of Waukon HS, IA Shelby Lunden of Deubrook HS FFA, SD Patricia Melcher of Waukon HS, IA Jason Larsen of Wayne HS FFA, UT Morgan Miller of Waukon HS, IA Megan Berry of Spotswood Sr HS FFA, VA Darren Mueller of Hillsboro HS-FFA, KS Esther Smith of Spotswood Sr HS FFA, VA Keaton Williams of Cumberland Co HS-FFA, Mackenzie Cox of Elma HS FFA, WA KY Carissa Doody of Linganore HS, MD Preston Berkeley of Jefferson HS FFA, WV Cathleen Doody of Linganore HS, MD Morgan Henderson of Jefferson HS FFA, WV Morgan Meisenheimer of Linganore HS, MD Tanner Bradley of Fort Atkinson HS FFA, WI Laura Rosenhammer of Sleepy Eye HS-FFA, Seth Elsner of Fort Atkinson HS FFA, WI MN Christopher Seifert of Sleepy Eye HS-FFA, Nolan Wilharm of Fort Atkinson HS FFA, WI MN

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Angela Sellner of Sleepy Eye HS-FFA, MN

Silver Emblem Individuals Tim Hendrix of Arab HS FFA, AL Anthony Liddle of Argyle Central HS-FFA, NY Seth de la Pena of Buckeye Union HS FFA, Brock Liddle of Argyle Central HS-FFA, NY AZ Sarah Edwards of Buckeye Union HS FFA, Brandon Trinkle of Argyle Central HS-FFA, AZ NY Wolfgang Langendorf of Buckeye Union HS Mollie Daniel of Wake Forest-Rolesville, NC FFA, AZ Haley Harris of Gurdon HS FFA, AR Kevin Oliver of Wake Forest-Rolesville, NC Chance Robinson of Wiggins HS FFA, CO Jake Keller of Mandan High School - FFA, ND Brett Caisse of Lyman Memorial HS Lebanon Lydia Hartzler of Norwayne HS FFA, OH Reg, CT Kelly Pestey of Lyman Memorial HS Lebanon Nicole Steiner of Norwayne HS FFA, OH Reg, CT Max Wolf of Lyman Memorial HS Lebanon Julia Zollinger of Norwayne HS FFA, OH Reg, CT Cailynn Fedorkowicz of Caesar Rodney HS Rebecca Gagan of Oklahoma Union FFA, OK FFA, DE Julie Harrison of Trenton Sr FFA, FL Dylan Hammons of Oklahoma Union FFA, OK Sara Duncan of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Rumor Weil of Oklahoma Union FFA, OK Jacob Jackson of Meridian HS-FFA, ID Kendra Downing of Tillamook HS FFA, OR Emily Johnson of Meridian HS-FFA, ID Ashlynn Leuthold of Tillamook HS FFA, OR Justin Ruhl of Meridian HS-FFA, ID Brad Gerhart of Solanco HS FFA, PA Laura Hoeing of Rushville HS FFA, IN Alex LaPrise of Exeter West Greenwich HS FFA, RI Kaylee Marlatt of Rushville HS FFA, IN Bethany Wright of Exeter West Greenwich HS FFA, RI Aaron Klassen of Hillsboro HS-FFA, KS Kristy Durham of Abbeville HS FFA, SC Andy Klassen of Hillsboro HS-FFA, KS Jacob Englin of Deubrook HS FFA, SD Emily Glidewell of Cumberland Co HS-FFA, Brandon Johnson of Deubrook HS FFA, SD KY

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Aaron Graves of Cumberland Co HS-FFA, KY E.G. Manley of Jefferson Co HS FFA, TN

Luke King of Cumberland Co HS-FFA, KY Kaitlyn Maples of Jefferson Co HS FFA, TN Eleanor Kamrath of Springfield HS FFA, LA Jacque Vaughn of Jefferson Co HS FFA, TN Whitney Paille of Springfield HS FFA, LA Preston Baize of Mart HS FFA, TX Virginia Stevenson of Springfield HS FFA, Sarah Curry of Mart HS FFA, TX LA Hannah Hood of Linganore HS, MD Derrick Dieterich of Mart HS FFA, TX Catherine Robinson of Norfolk Co Ag Sch Brady Kaufmann of Mart HS FFA, TX FFA, MA Caitlin Pell of Fremont HS FFA, MI Nelson Cook of Wayne HS FFA, UT Shawn Suess of Sleepy Eye HS-FFA, MN Kamrynn Stringham of Wayne HS FFA, UT Brandi Palmer of Newton Co Vo Tech Center Zack Taylor of Wayne HS FFA, UT FFA, MS Nathan Brown of Buffalo HS-FFA, MO Samantha Campbell of Spotswood Sr HS FFA, VA Katie Gronniger of Buffalo HS-FFA, MO Phillip Wood of Spotswood Sr HS FFA, VA Brandon Jackson of Buffalo HS-FFA, MO Kristin Daniels of Elma HS FFA, WA Devin Heusinkvelt of Norris, NE Vanessa Rutherford of Elma HS FFA, WA Kate Ciarletta of Alvirne HS FFA, NH Johanna Swalander of Elma HS FFA, WA Diane Wells of Alvirne HS FFA, NH Kelsey Fry of Jefferson HS FFA, WV Molly Wilson of Alvirne HS FFA, NH Katharine Wolf of Jefferson HS FFA, WV Jenny Allen of Warren Hills Reg, HS- FFA, Jacob Agnew of Fort Atkinson HS FFA, WI NJ Stephanie Tarlowe of Warren Hills Reg, HS- FFA, NJ

Bronze Emblem Individuals Blake Helton of Arab HS FFA, AL Lauren Rizzitano of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA Colton Helton of Arab HS FFA, AL Calvin Crowley of Fremont HS FFA, MI Jacob Rodenberry of Arab HS FFA, AL Joe Kotecki of Fremont HS FFA, MI Kori King of Buckeye Union HS FFA, AZ Ryan Silvernail of Fremont HS FFA, MI Wes Boulden of Gurdon HS FFA, AR Colby Little of Newton Co Vo Tech Center FFA, MS

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Kayla Sanford of Gurdon HS FFA, AR William Spencer of Newton Co Vo Tech Center FFA, MS Cody Robinson of Wiggins HS FFA, CO Kathleen Clancy of Alvirne HS FFA, NH Brianna Fedorkowicz of Caesar Rodney HS Lindsey Nordstrom of Warren Hills Reg, HS- FFA, DE FFA, NJ Megan McCarthy of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, Erin Scanlan of Texico HS-FFA, NM DE Caitlin Prince of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, DE Tyler Hill of Wake Forest-Rolesville, NC Casey Jury of Trenton Sr FFA, FL Helen Gagan of Oklahoma Union FFA, OK Lars Sivesind of Waukon HS, IA Ronnie Cann of Abbeville HS FFA, SC John Hein of Hillsboro HS-FFA, KS Devan Herron of Abbeville HS FFA, SC Jennifer Sanchez of Springfield HS FFA, LA Kaitlin Smith of Abbeville HS FFA, SC Kaitlyn Benjamin of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, Joshua Lunden of Deubrook HS FFA, SD MA Tanya Poulos of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA Andrew Barding of Jefferson Co HS FFA, TN

The National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE is a competitive activity that tests the student's ability to select and manage quality dairy cattle. Event components include six classes of dairy cattle, linear classification of five Holstein cows, a sire selection and dairy management exercise and placing of four dairy animal pedigrees. Each team competed at local and state levels to earn the privilege of representing their home state at the national FFA convention. The event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members demonstrate their ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career

-- MORE -- Page 8 success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 10:30 a.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 24, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Dairy Foods 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Dairy Foods Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Saturday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. Freddie Scott of Arkansas served as superintendent of this year's event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institute of their choice. The scholarhips and the dairy foods event are sponsored by Schreiber Foods of Green Bay, Wisconsin and the National FFA Foundation. The milk and cheese products used for the event were provided by Fair Oaks Farms of Fair Oaks, Ind. The team from Fair Play FFA in Fair Play, Missouri placed first in the National FFA Dairy Foods Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Mason Gjerde, Cody Rash, Jacob Wallen and Caleb Whaley and were coached by Randy Lightfoot. The Missouri team placed first in competition against 34 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Missouri Mason Gjerde, Cody Rash, Jacob Wallen, and Caleb Whaley, all of Fair Play FFA 2nd Place--Washington Alexis Brendible, Kevin Warren, Tristan Hanon, and Annie Elias, all of Sumner FFA 3rd Place--Arkansas Amber House, Kayla Copeland, Jessica Nichols, and Stephanie McElroy, all of Greenbrier HS FFA 4th Place--California Mirna Alcala, Lacey Landeros, Michelle Moules, and Jessica Jordan, all of Hilmar HS FFA

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5th Place--North Carolina Terri Lane Frazier, Adam Frazier, Jessica Davis, and Dylan Henley, all of Randleman HS 6th Place--Kansas Sennett Hermreck, Brandon Wiederholt, Jesica Steele, and Kevin Yoder, all of Anderson County HS FFA 7th Place--Oregon AshlyAnn Lemhouse, Kaitlyn Allen, and Sheri Bash, all of Junction City HS FFA 8th Place--Ohio Toby Culler, Morgan Kanzig, Mikayla Marett, and Makenzie Sauder, all of Lucas HS FFA 9th Place--Illinois Jessica Keys, Brooke Smith, Lauren Schabacker, and Riley Hintzsche, all of Rochelle HS FFA 10th Place--Idaho Katelyn Clifton, Amanda Wensveen, Cade Nelsen, and Shelby Allen, all of Jerome HS-FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Jacob Wallen of Fair Play FFA, MO 2nd Place-- Caleb Whaley of Fair Play FFA, MO 3rd Place-- Mason Gjerde of Fair Play FFA, MO 4th Place-- Kayla Copeland of Greenbrier HS FFA, AR 5th Place-- Tristan Hanon of Sumner FFA, WA 6th Place-- Toby Culler of Lucas HS FFA, OH 7th Place-- Alexis Brendible of Sumner FFA, WA 8th Place-- Stephanie McElroy of Greenbrier HS FFA, AR 9th Place-- AshlyAnn Lemhouse of Junction City HS FFA, OR 10th Place-- Jessica Davis of Randleman HS, NC

Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Greenbrier HS FFA, AR Fair Play FFA, MO

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Hilmar HS FFA, CA Randleman HS, NC Jerome HS-FFA, ID Lucas HS FFA, OH Rochelle HS FFA, IL Junction City HS FFA, OR Anderson County HS FFA, KS Sumner FFA, WA

Silver Emblem Teams Lyman Memorial HS Lebanon Reg, CT Carthage HS FFA, MS Caesar Rodney HS FFA, DE Leeds HS FFA, ND Warsaw HS FFA, IN Garden Spot HS FFA, PA Tri Star FFA, IA Milbank FFA, SD Walkersville HS FFA, MD Cross Plains FFA, TX Perry HS FFA, MI Clay Co HS FFA, WV New London-Spicer HS FFA, MN Hillsboro FFA, WI

Bronze Emblem Teams Yuma HS FFA, AZ Abbeville HS FFA, SC White River, NV Mount Juliet FFA, TN Seacoast Sch Of Technology FFA, NH Hurricane HS FFA, UT Newton HS FFA, NJ Vergennes Union HS-FFA, VT Copenhagen, NY Sherando HS FFA, VA Ripley HS FFA, OK

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Kayla Copeland of Greenbrier HS FFA, AR Jacob Wallen of Fair Play FFA, MO Stephanie McElroy of Greenbrier HS FFA, Caleb Whaley of Fair Play FFA, MO AR Jessica Nichols of Greenbrier HS FFA, AR Jessica Davis of Randleman HS, NC Mirna Alcala of Hilmar HS FFA, CA Adam Frazier of Randleman HS, NC Jessica Jordan of Hilmar HS FFA, CA Terri Lane Frazier of Randleman HS, NC

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Michelle Moules of Hilmar HS FFA, CA Dylan Henley of Randleman HS, NC Sarah Duchesne of Lyman Memorial HS Elliott Gunderson of Leeds HS FFA, ND Lebanon Reg, CT Taylor Harrington of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, Logan Gunderson of Leeds HS FFA, ND DE Katelyn Clifton of Jerome HS-FFA, ID Toby Culler of Lucas HS FFA, OH Cade Nelsen of Jerome HS-FFA, ID Mikayla Marett of Lucas HS FFA, OH Amanda Wensveen of Jerome HS-FFA, ID Makenzie Sauder of Lucas HS FFA, OH Riley Hintzsche of Rochelle HS FFA, IL Kaitlyn Allen of Junction City HS FFA, OR Jessica Keys of Rochelle HS FFA, IL Sheri Bash of Junction City HS FFA, OR Lauren Schabacker of Rochelle HS FFA, IL AshlyAnn Lemhouse of Junction City HS FFA, OR Alison Turley of Warsaw HS FFA, IN Nicole Buchele of Milbank FFA, SD Jesica Steele of Anderson County HS FFA, KS Adam Cloos of Milbank FFA, SD

Brandon Wiederholt of Anderson County HS Tiffany Holland of Cross Plains FFA, TX FFA, KS Kevin Yoder of Anderson County HS FFA, Alexis Brendible of Sumner FFA, WA KS Kristen Warner of Walkersville HS FFA, MD Annie Elias of Sumner FFA, WA Dan Vogt of New London-Spicer HS FFA, Tristan Hanon of Sumner FFA, WA MN Mason Gjerde of Fair Play FFA, MO Kevin Warren of Sumner FFA, WA Cody Rash of Fair Play FFA, MO

Silver Emblem Individuals Amber House of Greenbrier HS FFA, AR Derek Nicol of Copenhagen, NY Lacey Landeros of Hilmar HS FFA, CA Zach Nicol of Copenhagen, NY Normandy Avery of Lyman Memorial HS Blake Darling of Leeds HS FFA, ND Lebanon Reg, CT Alyssa Clements of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, Michael Urness of Leeds HS FFA, ND DE Kaitlin Mitchell of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, Morgan Kanzig of Lucas HS FFA, OH DE Shelby Allen of Jerome HS-FFA, ID Shelbi Cundiff of Ripley HS FFA, OK

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Brooke Smith of Rochelle HS FFA, IL Sarah Mattheyer of Ripley HS FFA, OK Gianna Hartman of Warsaw HS FFA, IN Erin Tilley of Ripley HS FFA, OK Brooklynne Slabaugh of Warsaw HS FFA, IN Olivia Moyer of Garden Spot HS FFA, PA Matt Althoff of Tri Star FFA, IA Dana Newswanger of Garden Spot HS FFA, PA Jill Hefel of Tri Star FFA, IA Katherine Lawrence of Abbeville HS FFA, SC

Tony Hoefer of Tri Star FFA, IA Chandler Saylors of Abbeville HS FFA, SC Kellie Walters of Tri Star FFA, IA Megan Johnson of Milbank FFA, SD Sennett Hermreck of Anderson County HS Brandi Niedert of Milbank FFA, SD FFA, KS Kaitlyn Fuss of Walkersville HS FFA, MD Curtis Hickman of Mount Juliet FFA, TN Maegan Olson of Walkersville HS FFA, MD Jessica Knox of Mount Juliet FFA, TN Clay Zimmerman of Walkersville HS FFA, Terrah Augustine of Cross Plains FFA, TX MD Katie Bowers of Perry HS FFA, MI Emma Bennett of Cross Plains FFA, TX Lindsay Canfield of Perry HS FFA, MI Zach Snell of Cross Plains FFA, TX Eric Hendzel of Perry HS FFA, MI McCarty Amy of Hurricane HS FFA, UT Tom Duscher of New London-Spicer HS FFA, Kody Davis of Hurricane HS FFA, UT MN Jon Haverly of New London-Spicer HS FFA, Samantha Marszalkowski of Vergennes Union MN HS-FFA, VT Hayden Tanner of New London-Spicer HS Alyson Howard of Sherando HS FFA, VA FFA, MN Landon Adams of Carthage HS FFA, MS Chris Perry of Sherando HS FFA, VA Corey Bell of Carthage HS FFA, MS Jennifer Cummings of Clay Co HS FFA, WV John Gross of Carthage HS FFA, MS Sierra Rogers of Clay Co HS FFA, WV Sarah Walstad of Seacoast Sch Of Technology India Ross of Clay Co HS FFA, WV FFA, NH Sam Casquiera of Newton HS FFA, NJ Joshua Dank of Hillsboro FFA, WI Eric Nelson of Newton HS FFA, NJ Brittany Dziki of Hillsboro FFA, WI Eric Nunn of Newton HS FFA, NJ Vaughan Harris of Hillsboro FFA, WI Wendy Colton of Copenhagen, NY Brienne Shaker of Hillsboro FFA, WI

Bronze Emblem Individuals Alexandria Eatherly of Yuma HS FFA, AZ Ryan Willits of Copenhagen, NY

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Sarah Land of Yuma HS FFA, AZ Kelly Gray of Ripley HS FFA, OK William Schultz of Yuma HS FFA, AZ Katelyn Trimble of Garden Spot HS FFA, PA Sara Vining of Yuma HS FFA, AZ Chesnee Gray of Abbeville HS FFA, SC Ian Beck of Lyman Memorial HS Lebanon Megan Sumner of Abbeville HS FFA, SC Reg, CT Heidi Rechlin of Lyman Memorial HS Kirstin Crockett of Mount Juliet FFA, TN Lebanon Reg, CT Beau Bennett of White River, NV Logan Harmon of Mount Juliet FFA, TN JayDee Carter of White River, NV Kitre Anderson of Hurricane HS FFA, UT Jack Gibson of White River, NV Lisa Medina of Hurricane HS FFA, UT Luke Hair of White River, NV Gary Grant of Vergennes Union HS-FFA, VT Jessica Bick of Seacoast Sch Of Technology Cody Hawkins of Vergennes Union HS-FFA, FFA, NH VT Margaret Daley- Dolloff of Seacoast Sch Of Savannah Dillender of Sherando HS FFA, VA Technology FFA, NH Lillian Hufmann of Seacoast Sch Of Anthony Masiello of Sherando HS FFA, VA Technology FFA, NH Brett Olsen of Newton HS FFA, NJ

The National Dairy Foods CDE is a competitive activity that allows students to prove their knowledge about the recognition, selection and management necessary for quality dairy foods. Participants must complete a written exam on milk production and marketing, evaluate milk samples for flavor and quality, identify cheeses, evaluate milk sediment pads and milker parts for defects and distinguish dairy and non-dairy products. Each team competed at local and state levels to earn the privilege to represent their state at the national FFA convention. This event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization

-- MORE -- Page 7 changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 2:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Dairy Cattle Handlers Activity 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Recognition of the National FFA Dairy Cattle Handlers Activity participants was given Friday at the annual awards banquet. The Dairy Cattle Handlers Activity was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Ron Tilford of Ohio served as associate superintendent of the activity. The dairy cattle handlers activity is sponsored by National FFA Foundation. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Matthew Stanton of North Bedford HS FFA, PA 2nd Place-- Cassie Wymer of Brodhead HS FFA, WI 3rd Place-- Kraig Smith of Cl Payne FFA, VA

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Maggie Brown of Cumberland Co HS-FFA, Matthew Stanton of North Bedford HS FFA, KY PA Laura Krhovsky of Corunna HS FFA, MI Caroline Conley of Daniel Boone HS FFA, TN

Morgan Melander of Marshfield HS FFA, MO Johathon Mason of Enosburg HS FFA, VT

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Earl Brady of Paradice FFA, NH Kraig Smith of Cl Payne FFA, VA Hayden Bush of Tillamook HS FFA, OR Cassie Wymer of Brodhead HS FFA, WI

Silver Emblem Individuals Jane Baker of Middletown High School-Matta Paige McMahon of Cumberland Regional, NJ Beset FFA, CT Ben Somers of Middletown HS FFA, DE Jessica Currie of Tully Central School FFA, NY Mike Stelljes of Fruitland HS-FFA, ID Mandy Lutz of F T Foard HS FFA, NC Alex Jackson of Clinton Prairie HS FFA, IN Danielle Taylor of Mandan High School - FFA, ND Jessica Hammerand of WEST DUBUQUE Kara Jordan of Ohio Agriscience Academy FFA, IA FFA, OH Kelli Thomas of Middletown HS FFA, MD Taylor German of Cushing HS FFA, OK Elise McAllister of Smith Agricultural HS Deana VanKooten of Sioux Valley HS FFA, FFA, MA SD Kyle Olsen of Churchill Co FFA, NV Emily Kershaw of Elma HS FFA, WA

The National FFA Dairy Cattle Handlers Activity recognizes the contributions of handlers in presenting each animal to its best advantage for the dairy cattle participants in the evaluation of dairy cows and heifers during the National Dairy Cattle Evaluation Career Development Event. Participants are scored on their appearance, their control of the animal, and their poise and confidence. They must also demonstrate competence in setting up and maintaining the assigned animal in its most advantageous pose, effectively restraining and avoiding exciting the animal and moving the animal as requested by the ringmaster. This event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons taught in agricultural classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA

-- MORE -- Page 3 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 10:30 a.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 24, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Environmental/Natural Resources 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Environmental and Natural Resources Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Saturday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Billy Sumrall of Mississippi served as the superintendent of the event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the environmental and natural resources event are sponsored by Smithfield Foods of Smithfield, Virginia and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service of Washington, D.C. as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The team from Oley Valley HS FFA in Oley, Pennsylvania placed first in the National FFA Environmental/Natural Resources Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Taylor Helbig, Amelia Howe, Kellsey Turner and Damian Oswald and were coached by James Howe. The Pennsylvania team placed first in competition against 36 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Pennsylvania Taylor Helbig, Amelia Howe, Kellsey Turner, and Damian Oswald, all of Oley Valley HS FFA 2nd Place--Washington Thor Pearson, Jack Medlicott, Andrew Salmon, and Alexa Flem, all of Stanwood HS FFA 3rd Place--South Dakota Scott Athey, Patrick Bray, Megan Ludwig, and Kylie Poel, all of Milbank FFA

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4th Place--Wyoming Tanner Thomas, Kris Ward, Blaise Allen, and Rachel Ward, all of Meeteetse FFA 5th Place--Iowa Eric Locker, Kevin Mishler, Spencer Tapper, and Jake Stall, all of North Polk JR/SR HS FFA 6th Place--Minnesota Jason Troendle, Dylan Barth, Brandi Malchow, and Theresa LaValla, all of St. Charles HS FFA 7th Place--Virginia Blake Rogers, Wes Kline, Kelsey Logan, and Christy Craun, all of Turner Ashby HS-FFA 8th Place--Ohio Joshua Menter, Colton Plumb, Kathryn Finger, and Jacob Pirolli, all of Oregon Clay HS FFA 9th Place--Idaho Matt Allison, Kristina Anderson, Tobby White, and Kelsey Cruickshank, all of Payette HS-FFA 10th Place--California Meyer Jay, Catherine Chase, Alison Shimer, and Rose Housler, all of Mariposa County HS FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Eric Miller of Lyons-Decatur NE FFA, NE 2nd Place-- Taylor Helbig of Oley Valley HS FFA, PA 3rd Place-- Amelia Howe of Oley Valley HS FFA, PA 4th Place-- Andrea Sweeney of Putnam Co HS FFA, GA 5th Place-- Jason Troendle of St. Charles HS FFA, MN 6th Place-- Thor Pearson of Stanwood HS FFA, WA 7th Place-- Patrick Bray of Milbank FFA, SD 8th Place-- Andrew Salmon of Stanwood HS FFA, WA 9th Place-- Megan Ludwig of Milbank FFA, SD 10th Place-- Rachel King of Putnam Co HS FFA, GA

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Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Elfrida HS FFA, AZ Oley Valley HS FFA, PA Mariposa County HS FFA, CA Milbank FFA, SD Payette HS-FFA, ID Turner Ashby HS-FFA, VA North Polk JR/SR HS FFA, IA Stanwood HS FFA, WA St. Charles HS FFA, MN Meeteetse FFA, WY Oregon Clay HS FFA, OH

Silver Emblem Teams Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury FFA, CT Fillmore Ctrl Sch-FFA, NY Putnam Co HS FFA, GA Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Sweetwater High School-FFA, TN White River Valley HS FFA, IN Ingram-Tom Moore HS-FFA, TX Oldham Co HS FFA, KY Hurricane HS FFA, UT Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, MA Ravenswood HS FFA, WV Lyons-Decatur NE FFA, NE Mount Horeb HS FFA, WI Cape May Tech FFA, NJ

Bronze Emblem Teams De Land Sr FFA, FL Big Sky High Sch Missoula FFA, MT Beau Chene HS FFA, LA Paradice FFA, NH Ashland Comm HS-FFA, ME Watts HS FFA, OK Fort Hill High School, MD Newberg HS FFA, OR Centreville HS FFA, MI Loris HS FFA, SC Purvis HS FFA, MS

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Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Paul Brya of Elfrida HS FFA, AZ Tyffanie Berdine of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Brandon Latimer of Elfrida HS FFA, AZ Kathryn Finger of Oregon Clay HS FFA, OH Catherine Chase of Mariposa County HS FFA, Colton Plumb of Oregon Clay HS FFA, OH CA Erin Gribben of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Taylor Helbig of Oley Valley HS FFA, PA FFA, CT Rachel King of Putnam Co HS FFA, GA Amelia Howe of Oley Valley HS FFA, PA Andrea Sweeney of Putnam Co HS FFA, GA Damian Oswald of Oley Valley HS FFA, PA Matt Allison of Payette HS-FFA, ID Kellsey Turner of Oley Valley HS FFA, PA Jacob Huber of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Scott Athey of Milbank FFA, SD Riley Parmenter of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Patrick Bray of Milbank FFA, SD

Matthew Crowe of White River Valley HS Megan Ludwig of Milbank FFA, SD FFA, IN Eric Locker of North Polk JR/SR HS FFA, IA Kylie Poel of Milbank FFA, SD Jake Stall of North Polk JR/SR HS FFA, IA Daniel Haverlah of Ingram-Tom Moore HS- FFA, TX Brandon Pearson of Oldham Co HS FFA, KY Wes Kline of Turner Ashby HS-FFA, VA Zack Snider of Fort Hill High School, MD Kelsey Logan of Turner Ashby HS-FFA, VA Ben Desmond of Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, Blake Rogers of Turner Ashby HS-FFA, VA MA Michael Brueck of Centreville HS FFA, MI Alexa Flem of Stanwood HS FFA, WA Dylan Barth of St. Charles HS FFA, MN Jack Medlicott of Stanwood HS FFA, WA Theresa LaValla of St. Charles HS FFA, MN Thor Pearson of Stanwood HS FFA, WA Jason Troendle of St. Charles HS FFA, MN Andrew Salmon of Stanwood HS FFA, WA Eric Miller of Lyons-Decatur NE FFA, NE Joe Klopotic of Mount Horeb HS FFA, WI Nick Lanza of Cape May Tech FFA, NJ Blaise Allen of Meeteetse FFA, WY Amanda Rathbun of Fillmore Ctrl Sch-FFA, Kris Ward of Meeteetse FFA, WY NY

Silver Emblem Individuals Hope Redhawk of Elfrida HS FFA, AZ Kelly Richardson of Big Sky High Sch Missoula FFA, MT

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Travis Watkins of Elfrida HS FFA, AZ Vanessa Vetick of Lyons-Decatur NE FFA, NE Rose Housler of Mariposa County HS FFA, Tanner Nibley of Paradice FFA, NH CA Meyer Jay of Mariposa County HS FFA, CA Ami Adams of Cape May Tech FFA, NJ Alison Shimer of Mariposa County HS FFA, Lauren Rodia of Cape May Tech FFA, NJ CA David Bradt of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Noah McNeill of Fillmore Ctrl Sch-FFA, NY FFA, CT Andrew Hambidge of Nonnewaug HS- Cooper Mehlenbacher of Fillmore Ctrl Sch- Woodbury FFA, CT FFA, NY James Reilly of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Cody Foster of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC FFA, CT Cheyenne Davis of De Land Sr FFA, FL Jeb Haley of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Sarah McDaniel of De Land Sr FFA, FL Joshua Kirby of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Matthew Reid of Putnam Co HS FFA, GA Joshua Menter of Oregon Clay HS FFA, OH Kristina Anderson of Payette HS-FFA, ID Jacob Pirolli of Oregon Clay HS FFA, OH Kelsey Cruickshank of Payette HS-FFA, ID Travis Wilfong of Newberg HS FFA, OR Tobby White of Payette HS-FFA, ID Wlliam Hardee of Loris HS FFA, SC Adam Roberts of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Ross Houston of Sweetwater High School- FFA, TN Will Travis of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Jonathan Summit of Sweetwater High School- FFA, TN JP Anthony of White River Valley HS FFA, Caleb Young of Sweetwater High School- IN FFA, TN Cade Herndon of White River Valley HS FFA, Nathan Bird of Ingram-Tom Moore HS-FFA, IN TX L.D. Sparks of White River Valley HS FFA, Justin Gonzales of Ingram-Tom Moore HS- IN FFA, TX Kevin Mishler of North Polk JR/SR HS FFA, Sarah McClung of Ingram-Tom Moore HS- IA FFA, TX Spencer Tapper of North Polk JR/SR HS FFA, Drew Mills of Hurricane HS FFA, UT IA Brock Billingsley of Oldham Co HS FFA, KY Jacob Stout of Hurricane HS FFA, UT Matt Fairfield of Oldham Co HS FFA, KY Christy Craun of Turner Ashby HS-FFA, VA Nick Fleitz of Oldham Co HS FFA, KY Kelsey Flinn of Ravenswood HS FFA, WV Chelsea Brotemarkle of Fort Hill High School, Jonathan Rhodes of Ravenswood HS FFA, MD WV

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Katie Kok of Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, MA Makala Settlage of Ravenswood HS FFA, WV

Chelsie LaFountain of Bristol Co Agri HS Kate Zander of Mount Horeb HS FFA, WI FFA, MA Zach Miller of Centreville HS FFA, MI Tanner Thomas of Meeteetse FFA, WY Brandi Malchow of St. Charles HS FFA, MN Rachel Ward of Meeteetse FFA, WY Jarred Atkins of Purvis HS FFA, MS

Bronze Emblem Individuals Cristina Goodfellow of De Land Sr FFA, FL Steven Bissonnette of Paradice FFA, NH Amber Wren of De Land Sr FFA, FL Tyler Nason of Paradice FFA, NH Thomas Stone of Putnam Co HS FFA, GA Trevor Wood of Paradice FFA, NH Andre Babineaux of Beau Chene HS FFA, LA Seth Kelly of Cape May Tech FFA, NJ Mark Olivier of Beau Chene HS FFA, LA Clarence Labelle of Fillmore Ctrl Sch-FFA, NY Quinton Stanford of Beau Chene HS FFA, LA Josh Adams of Watts HS FFA, OK Jordan Beaulier of Ashland Comm HS-FFA, Jeanette Berry of Watts HS FFA, OK ME Dylan Cyr Cormier of Ashland Comm HS- Chris Chandler of Watts HS FFA, OK FFA, ME Royce MacDonald of Ashland Comm HS- Levi Mitchell of Watts HS FFA, OK FFA, ME Amos Ward of Ashland Comm HS-FFA, ME Chelsea Carlile of Newberg HS FFA, OR Rebecca Stonestreet of Fort Hill High School, Andrew Corum of Newberg HS FFA, OR MD Connor Worden of Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, Brittnie Gartner of Newberg HS FFA, OR MA Jasmine Buelna of Centreville HS FFA, MI Gordon Best of Loris HS FFA, SC Alex Milliman of Centreville HS FFA, MI Marcel Rossignol of Loris HS FFA, SC Pace Cooper of Purvis HS FFA, MS Anson Todd of Loris HS FFA, SC Cole Hession of Purvis HS FFA, MS Jamie Branham of Sweetwater High School- FFA, TN Brian Mitchell of Purvis HS FFA, MS Brooke Gubler of Hurricane HS FFA, UT Kayla Cheff of Big Sky High Sch Missoula Kourtnie Tisdale of Hurricane HS FFA, UT FFA, MT

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Sloan Fogerty of Big Sky High Sch Missoula Logan Hughes of Ravenswood HS FFA, WV FFA, MT Hannah Wight of Big Sky High Sch Missoula Garrison Bollig of Mount Horeb HS FFA, WI FFA, MT Eric Anderson of Lyons-Decatur NE FFA, NE Phil Sutter of Mount Horeb HS FFA, WI Emily Ueding of Lyons-Decatur NE FFA, NE

The National FFA Environmental and Natural Resources CDE is a competitive activity that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. This event focuses on testing students' problem solving and decision making skills in environmental and natural resources. These areas concentrate on soil profiles, water and air quality, waste management, environmental analysis, and use of global positioning units. Each team competed at local and state levels for the privilege of representing their home state at the national FFA convention. The event, held at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 9:30 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Extemporaneous Public Speaking 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday during the seventh session of the national FFA convention. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Dennis Wallace of Washington served as the superintendent of this year's national event. The top four individuals received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the extemporaneous public speaking event are sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation of Washington, D.C. as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Carson States of Silverton HS FFA, OR 2nd Place-- Elizabeth Trammell of Randolph-Henry High School FFA, VA 3rd Place-- Sarah Saulsbury of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY 4th Place-- Eric Kamler of Geneva-Fillmore Central FFA, NE

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Eric Kamler of Geneva-Fillmore Central FFA, Elizabeth Trammell of Randolph-Henry High NE School FFA, VA

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Carson States of Silverton HS FFA, OR Sarah Saulsbury of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY

Silver Emblem Individuals Mikaela Serafin of Tulare HS FFA, CA Danielle Sanok of Tri Valley Central HS FFA, NY Emily Brown of Union County HS Lake Alannah Abrams of Liberty Benton HS FFA, Butler Sr, FL OH Amanda Wilder of Meridian HS-FFA, ID Marty Jones of Owasso FFA, OK Michael Mardesen of Griswold HS FFA, IA Molly Walmer of E Lebanon Co HS FFA, PA Kelli Fulkerson of Branch Area Careers Center Syrena Flowers of Liberty Tech Magnet HS FFA, MI FFA, TN Shannon Watson of Clinton AVTS FFA, MO Cody Howard of Yelm HS FFA, WA

Bronze Emblem Individuals James William Haynes of Tallassee HS FFA, Marjorie Schleper of Upsala HS FFA, MN AL Lynsey Davis of Queen Creek HS FFA, AZ Brandon Cutrer of Puckett High FFA, MS Katie McGehee of Ozark HS FFA, AR Jasper Fitzgerald of Red Lodge HS FFA, MT Jayce Tappy of Prairie Jr Sr HS-FFA, CO Derek Boucher of Winnisquam Reg HS FFA, NH Heather Dahlin of Trumbull Regional, CT Morgan Taylor of Phillipsburg HS FFA, NJ Shaun Palmer of Cape Henlopen HS FFA, DE Joel Ferguson of Carrizozo FFA, NM Cody Ashcroft of Bleckley Co HS FFA, GA Zach McNamara of Crest HS FFA, NC Paige Prehoda of Heyworth FFA, IL Jandi Schmitz of Harvey HS FFA, ND Jennifer Amstutz of Adams Central HS FFA, Stephanie Johnson of Hanna Westside - IN Anderson FFA, SC Garrett Lister of Marysville HS FFA, KS Casey Janisch of Clark HS FFA, SD Sarah Flatt of Russell Co HS-FFA, KY Scott Landers of Chisum HS FFA, TX Cody Quebedeaux of Thibodaux HS FFA, LA LaChelle Lewis of South Summit HS FFA, UT

Brandi Rossignol of Caribou Technology Tara Barber of Middlebury Union HS FFA, Center-Caribou FFA, ME VT Caitlin Slife of Frederick HS FFA, MD Eleanor Porter of Roane Co FFA, WV

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Stephanie Hobbs of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, Lauren Stemper of Random Lake HS FFA, WI MA

The National FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE is designed to recognize outstanding FFA members for their ability to prepare and present a factual speech on a specific agricultural issue in a well thought out and logical manner. Members select one topic from a choice of categories, have thirty minutes to prepare a four to six minute speech, and respond to five minutes of questions following delivery. This event, held at the Westin Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 8:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Forestry 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Forestry Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Marion Fletcher of Arkansas served as superintendent of this year's event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the forestry event are sponsored by Husqvarna of Charlotte, North Carolina and National FFA Foundation. The team from Blountstown HS FFA in Blountstown, Florida placed first in the National FFA Forestry Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Daniel Leonard, David Leonard, Stewart Herndon and Laura Stoltzfus and were coached by Ron Mears. The Florida team placed first in competition against 39 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Florida Daniel Leonard, David Leonard, Stewart Herndon, and Laura Stoltzfus, all of Blountstown HS FFA 2nd Place--Missouri Kody Henneke, Andrew Pestle, Josh Remus, and Matt Terry, all of Columbia FFA 3rd Place--Alabama Christopher Wilhite, Ashley Holmes, Jordan Saint, and Justin Jacobs, all of Falkville HS FFA 4th Place--Arkansas Bradley Hankins, Michael Hoskins, Santos

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Martinez, and T.J. Sullivan, all of Hermitage HS FFA 5th Place--Ohio Bobby Riddle, Michael Clark, Nathan Tway, and Brett Gray, all of Southeastern Ross HS Hf 6th Place--Washington Booker Schmidt, Matthew Cronk, Kurtis Zender, and Joe Scarpete, all of Mount Baker HS FFA 7th Place--Georgia Jamey Davis, Justin McCorvey, Zeb Lloyd, and Austin Thrift, all of Ware Co HS FFA 8th Place--New Hampshire Kelly Starkweather, Josh Rivard, Briana Sheptor, and Raymond DeSilva, all of Paradice FFA 9th Place--West Virginia Kelly Flesher, George Hilvers, Casey Miner, and Zack Minger, all of Tyler Co Consolidated HS-Tyler 10th Place--Idaho Megan Parry, McCenzy Farnes, Joseph Hale, and Sawyer Fonnesbeck, all of Rigby HS-FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Andrew Pestle of Columbia FFA, MO 2nd Place-- Daniel Leonard of Blountstown HS FFA, FL 3rd Place-- Christopher Wilhite of Falkville HS FFA, AL 4th Place-- Stewart Herndon of Blountstown HS FFA, FL 5th Place-- David Leonard of Blountstown HS FFA, FL 6th Place-- Booker Schmidt of Mount Baker HS FFA, WA 7th Place-- Ashley Holmes of Falkville HS FFA, AL 8th Place-- Nathan Tway of Southeastern Ross HS Hf, OH 9th Place-- T.J. Sullivan of Hermitage HS FFA, AR 10th Place-- Matt Terry of Columbia FFA, MO

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Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Falkville HS FFA, AL Paradice FFA, NH Hermitage HS FFA, AR South Johnston HS FFA, NC Blountstown HS FFA, FL Southeastern Ross HS Hf, OH Ware Co HS FFA, GA Wellsboro HS-Grand Canyon FFA, PA Rigby HS-FFA, ID Mount Baker HS FFA, WA Columbia FFA, MO Tyler Co Consolidated HS-Tyler, WV

Silver Emblem Teams Housatonic Vly Reg HS FFA, CT Grand Rapids HS FFA, MN Christiana HS FFA, DE Puckett High FFA, MS East Richland HS-Olney FFA, IL Flathead HS FFA, MT Calvin HS FFA, LA Elkton HS FFA, OR Oxford Hills Tech School FFA, ME Cumberland Gap HS FFA, TN Clear Spring HS FFA, MD Central Heights FFA, TX Pathfinder Reg VOC Tech FFA, MA Essex Technical Center FFA, VT Chesaning Union HS FFA, MI Carroll Co HS FFA, VA

Bronze Emblem Teams Ft Thomas HS FFA, AZ Norris, NE Eureka HS FFA, CA Newton HS FFA, NJ Woodlan FFA, IN Sch Chem Tioga Con 4a FFA, NY Bellevue HS FFA, IA Gilbert HS FFA, SC Linn HS FFA, KS Lehi HS FFA, UT Metcalfe Co HS-FFA, KY Cornell HS FFA, WI

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Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Ashley Holmes of Falkville HS FFA, AL Ethan Karppinen of Grand Rapids HS FFA, MN Justin Jacobs of Falkville HS FFA, AL Andrew Pestle of Columbia FFA, MO Christopher Wilhite of Falkville HS FFA, AL Josh Remus of Columbia FFA, MO Chad Kelliher of Ft Thomas HS FFA, AZ Matt Terry of Columbia FFA, MO Bradley Hankins of Hermitage HS FFA, AR Raymond DeSilva of Paradice FFA, NH Michael Hoskins of Hermitage HS FFA, AR Josh Rivard of Paradice FFA, NH Santos Martinez of Hermitage HS FFA, AR Briana Sheptor of Paradice FFA, NH T.J. Sullivan of Hermitage HS FFA, AR Kelly Starkweather of Paradice FFA, NH Will Russ of Housatonic Vly Reg HS FFA, CT Michael Clark of Southeastern Ross HS Hf, OH Jon Walley of Housatonic Vly Reg HS FFA, Bobby Riddle of Southeastern Ross HS Hf, CT OH Stewart Herndon of Blountstown HS FFA, FL Nathan Tway of Southeastern Ross HS Hf, OH

Daniel Leonard of Blountstown HS FFA, FL Cody Owlett of Wellsboro HS-Grand Canyon FFA, PA David Leonard of Blountstown HS FFA, FL Taylor Sticklin of Wellsboro HS-Grand Canyon FFA, PA Laura Stoltzfus of Blountstown HS FFA, FL Jarrod Dotson of Cumberland Gap HS FFA, TN Jamey Davis of Ware Co HS FFA, GA Zach Todd of Central Heights FFA, TX Zeb Lloyd of Ware Co HS FFA, GA Tyler Walton of Essex Technical Center FFA, VT Justin McCorvey of Ware Co HS FFA, GA Eddie Hickerson of Carroll Co HS FFA, VA Austin Thrift of Ware Co HS FFA, GA Matthew Cronk of Mount Baker HS FFA, WA

Sawyer Fonnesbeck of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Joe Scarpete of Mount Baker HS FFA, WA Joseph Hale of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Booker Schmidt of Mount Baker HS FFA, WA Megan Parry of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Kurtis Zender of Mount Baker HS FFA, WA Logan Adams of Calvin HS FFA, LA George Hilvers of Tyler Co Consolidated HS- Tyler, WV

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Zachary Martin of Oxford Hills Tech School Casey Miner of Tyler Co Consolidated HS- FFA, ME Tyler, WV Robert Hockenbury of Clear Spring HS FFA, MD

Silver Emblem Individuals Jordan Saint of Falkville HS FFA, AL Jonathan Bailey of Puckett High FFA, MS Shay Sanders of Ft Thomas HS FFA, AZ Heath Overby of Puckett High FFA, MS Tim Fuller of Housatonic Vly Reg HS FFA, Kody Henneke of Columbia FFA, MO CT Sasha Canady of Christiana HS FFA, DE Sean Bohannan of Flathead HS FFA, MT Kyle Layton of Christiana HS FFA, DE Kevin Jepsen of Flathead HS FFA, MT Ben Robinson of Christiana HS FFA, DE Tyler Long of Flathead HS FFA, MT Justin Winnington of Christiana HS FFA, DE Miranda Nunn of Newton HS FFA, NJ McCenzy Farnes of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Tyler Adams of South Johnston HS FFA, NC Nick Boehl of East Richland HS-Olney FFA, Brandon Parker of South Johnston HS FFA, IL NC Simon Burgener of East Richland HS-Olney Johnathan Parker of South Johnston HS FFA, FFA, IL NC Eric Ochs of East Richland HS-Olney FFA, IL Jamie Thompson of South Johnston HS FFA, NC Ryan Ochs of East Richland HS-Olney FFA, Brett Gray of Southeastern Ross HS Hf, OH IL Matthew Kurtz of Woodlan FFA, IN Josie Baker of Elkton HS FFA, OR Ryan Wells of Woodlan FFA, IN Mitchell Bowen of Elkton HS FFA, OR Kaitlin Kilburg of Bellevue HS FFA, IA Elizabeth Dunas of Elkton HS FFA, OR Jake Sieverding of Bellevue HS FFA, IA Joanna Evoniuk of Elkton HS FFA, OR Bryce Joonas of Linn HS FFA, KS Talia Sepiol of Wellsboro HS-Grand Canyon FFA, PA Katilyn Harper of Metcalfe Co HS-FFA, KY Nathan Harmon of Gilbert HS FFA, SC Levi Hill of Oxford Hills Tech School FFA, Robert Fortner of Cumberland Gap HS FFA, ME TN Ryan Lebroke of Oxford Hills Tech School Caleb Partin of Cumberland Gap HS FFA, TN FFA, ME Quinn Hoover of Clear Spring HS FFA, MD Zach Foster of Central Heights FFA, TX

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Kaitlyn Holmes of Pathfinder Reg VOC Tech Michael King of Central Heights FFA, TX FFA, MA Chris Nau of Pathfinder Reg VOC Tech FFA, Shannon Todd of Central Heights FFA, TX MA Jessie Prucnal of Pathfinder Reg VOC Tech Dalton Beck of Lehi HS FFA, UT FFA, MA Luke Dankert of Chesaning Union HS FFA, Jordan Goetz of Essex Technical Center FFA, MI VT Cody Ferry of Chesaning Union HS FFA, MI Jake Daugherty of Carroll Co HS FFA, VA Ryan Bowers of Grand Rapids HS FFA, MN Kristopher Horton of Carroll Co HS FFA, VA Lauren Yell of Grand Rapids HS FFA, MN Kelly Flesher of Tyler Co Consolidated HS- Tyler, WV Gil Allen of Puckett High FFA, MS

Bronze Emblem Individuals Samantha Cheney of Ft Thomas HS FFA, AZ Brandon Baxa of Norris, NE Stephanie Bonomini of Eureka HS FFA, CA Blake Preston of Norris, NE Sara Hylton of Eureka HS FFA, CA Jake Robertson of Norris, NE Desirae Keyes of Eureka HS FFA, CA Sarah Wieskamp of Norris, NE Josh Allyn of Housatonic Vly Reg HS FFA, Amanda Kirchoff of Newton HS FFA, NJ CT Brandon Hathaway of Woodlan FFA, IN Ashley Lemoncelli of Newton HS FFA, NJ Ethan Yerks of Woodlan FFA, IN Christina Straway of Newton HS FFA, NJ Faith Till of Bellevue HS FFA, IA Edward Hanson of Sch Chem Tioga Con 4a FFA, NY Josh Gruoner of Linn HS FFA, KS Joshua Payne of Sch Chem Tioga Con 4a FFA, NY Jake Ohlde of Linn HS FFA, KS Allen Reeser of Sch Chem Tioga Con 4a FFA, NY Jared Roetter of Linn HS FFA, KS Loren Van Amburg of Sch Chem Tioga Con 4a FFA, NY Dustin Clemmons of Metcalfe Co HS-FFA, Magness Greenthaler of Gilbert HS FFA, SC KY Mikael Holcomb of Metcalfe Co HS-FFA, KY Henry Hutto of Gilbert HS FFA, SC

Logan Matney of Metcalfe Co HS-FFA, KY Jonathan Starnes of Gilbert HS FFA, SC

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Alan Reed Carson of Calvin HS FFA, LA Vincent Hopper of Cumberland Gap HS FFA, TN Ethan Carson of Calvin HS FFA, LA Bret Broadhead of Lehi HS FFA, UT Nate Hill of Oxford Hills Tech School FFA, Colton Mercer of Lehi HS FFA, UT ME Brian Bussard of Clear Spring HS FFA, MD Rhett Peterson of Lehi HS FFA, UT Robert Stine of Clear Spring HS FFA, MD Jonathan Alexander of Essex Technical Center FFA, VT Hayley Morin of Pathfinder Reg VOC Tech Katie Boyles of Carroll Co HS FFA, VA FFA, MA Jackie Albosta of Chesaning Union HS FFA, Zack Minger of Tyler Co Consolidated HS- MI Tyler, WV Jacob Oesterricher of Chesaning Union HS Andrew Baldeshwiler of Cornell HS FFA, WI FFA, MI Jessica Haig of Grand Rapids HS FFA, MN Eric Gunderlach of Cornell HS FFA, WI Kyler Woll of Flathead HS FFA, MT Lee Swanson of Cornell HS FFA, WI

The National FFA Forestry CDE is a competitive activity that tests students' skills and knowledge in the area of forest management. Event components include a general forest knowledge exam, tree and equipment identification, tree/forest disorders identification, a chainsaw practicum, forestry issues interview, and a team activity. Each team competed at local and state levels for the privilege of representing their state at the national FFA convention. This event, held at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career

-- MORE -- Page 8 success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 2:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Farm Business Management 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Farm Business Management Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. James Casey of Louisiana served as superintendent of this year's event. The top three individuals and the national winning team received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The coaches of the top two teams were named Farm Business Fellows. The scholarships and the farm business management event are sponsored by John Deere of Moline, Illinois as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The team from Blountstown HS FFA in Blountstown, Florida placed first in the National FFA Farm Business Management Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Ashley Adams, Jessica Collier, Karis Smith and Caitlyn Stewart and were coached by Ron Mears. The Florida team placed first in competition against 41 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams

1st Place--Florida Ashley Adams, Jessica Collier, Karis Smith, and Caitlyn Stewart, all of Blountstown HS FFA 2nd Place--Washington Rick Heerspink, Trent VanDyken, Chad VanDyken, and Kelby Stadt, all of Lynden Christian HS FFA 3rd Place--Iowa Victor Bushong, Emily Cashman, Brett Cranston, and Alex Bryan, all of Montezuma Community HS FFA

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4th Place--North Carolina Whitney Byrd, Elizabeth Eastep, Taylor Thornton, and Ridge Walker, all of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA 5th Place--Missouri Austin Carroll, Ashley Kamler, Kody Raines, and Michael Schieffer, all of Troy FFA 6th Place--Virginia Rebecca Carter, Jonathan Britts, David McCann, and Sergio Sanchez, all of Nelson Co HS-FFA 7th Place--Ohio Ana Robinson, Chris Osborne, Glenn Janos, and Mark Hesford, all of Talawanda HS-FFA 8th Place--Idaho Ashlyn Skogsberg, Michelle Ball, Katelyn Szatkowski, and Shad Mills, all of Kuna FFA 9th Place--Texas Brent Berryhill, Nathan Palmer, Ethan Boyd, and Cole Sims, all of Lorena HS-FFA 10th Place--Minnesota Greg Tusa, Ike Pohlman, and Tyler Zebedee, all of Jackson HS FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- David McCann of Nelson Co HS-FFA, VA 2nd Place-- Victor Bushong of Montezuma Community HS FFA, IA 3rd Place-- Caitlyn Stewart of Blountstown HS FFA, FL 4th Place-- Austin Carroll of Troy FFA, MO 5th Place-- Ashley Adams of Blountstown HS FFA, FL 6th Place-- Mark Hesford of Talawanda HS-FFA, OH 7th Place-- Taylor Thornton of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC 8th Place-- Rick Heerspink of Lynden Christian HS FFA, WA 9th Place-- Emily Cashman of Montezuma Community HS FFA, IA 10th Place-- Cody Bodfield of Norris, NE

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Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams

Blountstown HS FFA, FL Big Sky High Sch Missoula FFA, MT Kuna FFA, ID Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Montezuma Community HS FFA, IA Talawanda HS-FFA, OH Paola HS-FFA, KS Lorena HS-FFA, TX Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Nelson Co HS-FFA, VA Jackson HS FFA, MN Lynden Christian HS FFA, WA Troy FFA, MO

Silver Emblem Teams Lincoln HS FFA, AR Wells FFA, NV Arickaree HS-FFA, CO Dexter HS - FFA, NM Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury FFA, CT Napoleon HS FFA, ND Ola High School FFA, GA Edmond FFA, OK Princeville HS-FFA, IL Manheim FFA, PA Western Boone FFA, IN Willow Lake HS FFA, SD Clear Spring HS FFA, MD Wirt County FFA, WV Corunna HS FFA, MI Reedsville HS FFA, WI Norris, NE Laramie HS-Snowy Range FFA, WY

Bronze Emblem Teams Chandler HS FFA, AZ Newberg HS FFA, OR Springfield HS FFA, LA Aynor HS FFA, SC Caribou Technology Center-Caribou FFA, ME McNairy Central FFA, TN Sumrall HS FFA, MS Morgan HS FFA, UT Newton HS FFA, NJ Vergennes Union HS-FFA, VT Medina Central Sch FFA, NY

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Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals

Ashley Adams of Blountstown HS FFA, FL Kody Raines of Troy FFA, MO Jessica Collier of Blountstown HS FFA, FL Michael Schieffer of Troy FFA, MO Caitlyn Stewart of Blountstown HS FFA, FL Richard Farrar of Big Sky High Sch Missoula FFA, MT Michelle Ball of Kuna FFA, ID Logan Standley of Big Sky High Sch Missoula FFA, MT Shad Mills of Kuna FFA, ID Cody Bodfield of Norris, NE Ashlyn Skogsberg of Kuna FFA, ID Whitney Byrd of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Katelyn Szatkowski of Kuna FFA, ID Elizabeth Eastep of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Cody Schaefer of Princeville HS-FFA, IL Taylor Thornton of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Jody Garst of Western Boone FFA, IN Ridge Walker of Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC Alex Bryan of Montezuma Community HS Brooks Becker of Napoleon HS FFA, ND FFA, IA Victor Bushong of Montezuma Community HS Mark Hesford of Talawanda HS-FFA, OH FFA, IA Emily Cashman of Montezuma Community HS Glenn Janos of Talawanda HS-FFA, OH FFA, IA Brett Cranston of Montezuma Community HS Eric Kreiser of Manheim FFA, PA FFA, IA Maria Crosson of Paola HS-FFA, KS Megan Nelson of Willow Lake HS FFA, SD Nathan Laudan of Paola HS-FFA, KS Brent Berryhill of Lorena HS-FFA, TX Johanna Ryckert of Paola HS-FFA, KS Nathan Palmer of Lorena HS-FFA, TX William Holmes of Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Jonathan Britts of Nelson Co HS-FFA, VA Alison McGaughey of Spencer Co HS FFA, Rebecca Carter of Nelson Co HS-FFA, VA KY Gabriel Stodghill of Spencer Co HS FFA, KY David McCann of Nelson Co HS-FFA, VA Lakyn Sanders of Clear Spring HS FFA, MD Rick Heerspink of Lynden Christian HS FFA, WA Ike Pohlman of Jackson HS FFA, MN Kelby Stadt of Lynden Christian HS FFA, WA Greg Tusa of Jackson HS FFA, MN Chad VanDyken of Lynden Christian HS FFA, WA

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Austin Carroll of Troy FFA, MO Trent VanDyken of Lynden Christian HS FFA, WA Ashley Kamler of Troy FFA, MO

Silver Emblem Individuals Dhruv Patel of Chandler HS FFA, AZ Kristi Benedict of Dexter HS - FFA, NM Jonathan Snell of Chandler HS FFA, AZ Wade Kloppenburg of Dexter HS - FFA, NM Mike Norton of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Kelly Fisher of Medina Central Sch FFA, NY Chris Reeves of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Bailey Hartway of Medina Central Sch FFA, NY Zach Turner of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Brian Wetherbee of Medina Central Sch FFA, NY Angelica Mendoza of Arickaree HS-FFA, CO Cole Laber of Napoleon HS FFA, ND Molly Wagner of Arickaree HS-FFA, CO Logan Wald of Napoleon HS FFA, ND Max Alexander of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Chris Osborne of Talawanda HS-FFA, OH FFA, CT Danielle Culik of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Ana Robinson of Talawanda HS-FFA, OH FFA, CT Courtney Scola of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Tabitha Fleming of Edmond FFA, OK FFA, CT Jacqueline Thomas of Nonnewaug HS- Brendan Robinson of Edmond FFA, OK Woodbury FFA, CT Karis Smith of Blountstown HS FFA, FL Nathan Tompkins of Edmond FFA, OK Matthew Earnest of Ola High School FFA, GA Melissa Millhollin of Newberg HS FFA, OR

James Hale of Ola High School FFA, GA Stephen Geib of Manheim FFA, PA Jason Mullins of Ola High School FFA, GA Jeremy Haldeman of Manheim FFA, PA Jacob Dye of Princeville HS-FFA, IL Jennifer Knock of Willow Lake HS FFA, SD Drew Martin of Princeville HS-FFA, IL Ashley Tonak of Willow Lake HS FFA, SD Laura Beth Padgett of Western Boone FFA, IN Karissa Warkenthien of Willow Lake HS FFA, SD John Scott of Western Boone FFA, IN Ethan Boyd of Lorena HS-FFA, TX Thomas Serafin of Paola HS-FFA, KS Cole Sims of Lorena HS-FFA, TX Hannah Clayton of Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Niccole Haslam of Morgan HS FFA, UT Cody Scott of Springfield HS FFA, LA AnnaJo Smith of Vergennes Union HS-FFA, VT

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Joe J.D. Repp of Clear Spring HS FFA, MD Sergio Sanchez of Nelson Co HS-FFA, VA Caelah Doerr of Corunna HS FFA, MI Kelly Baldrige of Wirt County FFA, WV Kylie Taphouse of Corunna HS FFA, MI Brooke Bumgarner of Wirt County FFA, WV Emily Tomasek of Corunna HS FFA, MI Brianna Skye Hess of Wirt County FFA, WV Tyler Zebedee of Jackson HS FFA, MN Tonya Hopkins of Wirt County FFA, WV Lisa Henderson of Big Sky High Sch Missoula Eileen Collins of Reedsville HS FFA, WI FFA, MT Emily Muir of Big Sky High Sch Missoula Jordan Haelfrisch of Reedsville HS FFA, WI FFA, MT Amanda Docter of Norris, NE Mike Kocourek of Reedsville HS FFA, WI Will Keech of Norris, NE Logan Davis of Laramie HS-Snowy Range FFA, WY Seth Garrett of Wells FFA, NV Landon Hoffer of Laramie HS-Snowy Range FFA, WY Ivan Kelley of Wells FFA, NV Ben Yelton of Laramie HS-Snowy Range FFA, WY Landon Rose of Wells FFA, NV

Bronze Emblem Individuals Charlene Andazola of Chandler HS FFA, AZ Katy Hagelstein of Dexter HS - FFA, NM Candice Robinson of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Megan Prescott of Dexter HS - FFA, NM Marissa Amos of Arickaree HS-FFA, CO Shirley Armer of Medina Central Sch FFA, NY

Ivy Jones of Arickaree HS-FFA, CO Nick Grill of Newberg HS FFA, OR Elene Gogichaishvili of Ola High School FFA, Thomas Lattig of Newberg HS FFA, OR GA Calvin Grimes of Western Boone FFA, IN Megan Gingrich of Manheim FFA, PA Daniel Laurent of Springfield HS FFA, LA Josh Dennis of Aynor HS FFA, SC Ranger Wall of Springfield HS FFA, LA Cameron Flowers of Aynor HS FFA, SC Rob Winn of Springfield HS FFA, LA Danielle McCrackin of Aynor HS FFA, SC Molli Cullins of Caribou Technology Center- Haley Sargent of Aynor HS FFA, SC Caribou FFA, ME Elliott Reid of Clear Spring HS FFA, MD Drew Hearnsberger of McNairy Central FFA, TN Taylor Janicek of Corunna HS FFA, MI Kelsey Jernigan of McNairy Central FFA, TN

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Laken Bagget of Sumrall HS FFA, MS Clinton Murby of McNairy Central FFA, TN Krystal Broom of Sumrall HS FFA, MS Raymond Murby of McNairy Central FFA, TN Malorie Malone of Sumrall HS FFA, MS Ethan Porter of Morgan HS FFA, UT Gretchen Kroese of Norris, NE Kaeleen Rich of Morgan HS FFA, UT Margaret Castle of Newton HS FFA, NJ Alexis Sommers of Morgan HS FFA, UT Danielle Francisco of Newton HS FFA, NJ Geoffrey Grant of Vergennes Union HS-FFA, VT Tessa Masi of Newton HS FFA, NJ Daniel Hawkins of Vergennes Union HS-FFA, VT Harlene McMahon of Newton HS FFA, NJ Arie Smits of Vergennes Union HS-FFA, VT

The National FFA Farm Business Management CDE is designed to test the ability of students to apply economic principles and concepts in analyzing farm and ranch business management decisions. Participants respond to questions concerning economic principles in farm business management as well as a problem-solving analysis section. Each team in the event has competed with other chapters in their state for the privilege of participating in the national event. The event, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 8:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Floriculture 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Floriculture Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The National FFA Floriculture CDE was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. David Kercheval of Texas served as superintendent of this year's event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the floriculture event are sponsored by Ball Horticultural Company of West Chicago, Illinois and the National FFA Foundation. Merchants in the Indiana area also donated and loaned plant materials used for the event. The team from Marshfield HS FFA in Marshfield, Missouri placed first in the National FFA Floriculture Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Janessa Jones, Kelsey Kleeman, Blair Wilkerson and Kaci Wingo and were coached by Kyle Whittaker. The Missouri team placed first in competition against 45 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Missouri Janessa Jones, Kelsey Kleeman, Blair Wilkerson, and Kaci Wingo, all of Marshfield HS FFA 2nd Place--Georgia Ally Eavenson, Ansley Akin, Kaylee South, and Kaitlyn Grizzle, all of Franklin Co HS FFA 3rd Place--Idaho Adam Roberts, Melissa Lowham, Mason Sideroff, and Haylee Wininger, all of

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Fruitland HS-FFA 4th Place--Virginia Elizabeth Wilson, Alysha Lawless, Allison Byrd, and Lauren Nance, all of Magna Vista HS-FFA 5th Place--Kansas Kevin Morgan, Ali McKiearnan, Carolyn Harris, and Rachel Rusk, all of Louisburg HS-FFA 6th Place--Oklahoma Megan Morris, Christa Todd, Merissa Goodman, and Mandi Todd, all of Cushing HS FFA 7th Place--Minnesota Kortney Baumann, Alyssa Olson, Megan Thurk, and Lindsey Thurk, all of Southwest Star Concept FFA 8th Place--North Carolina David Sublett, Alexis Owens, Cody Nicks, and Cole Fuller, all of Southern Alamance HS FFA 9th Place--Delaware Kelsey Hollister, Amber Kelley, Monica Kokoszka, and Amanda Nicholas, all of Caesar Rodney HS FFA 10th Place--Connecticut Rebecca DiFabbio, Ryan Daddio, Ashley Machnicz, and Justine Leeper, all of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Hannah Howard of Muscatine HS FFA, IA 2nd Place-- Kelsey Kleeman of Marshfield HS FFA, MO 3rd Place-- Ally Eavenson of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA 4th Place-- Christie Berthiaume of Tuscarora HS FFA, MD 5th Place-- Megan Morris of Cushing HS FFA, OK 6th Place-- Allison Byrd of Magna Vista HS-FFA, VA 7th Place-- Rachel Rusk of Louisburg HS-FFA, KS 8th Place-- Lesley Burton of Wilson Central HS- FFA, TN 9th Place-- Chelsea Smith of Enterprise HS FFA, AL 10th Place-- Cole Fuller of Southern Alamance HS FFA, NC

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Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury FFA, CT Southwest Star Concept FFA, MN Caesar Rodney HS FFA, DE Marshfield HS FFA, MO Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Southern Alamance HS FFA, NC Fruitland HS-FFA, ID Cushing HS FFA, OK Louisburg HS-FFA, KS Magna Vista HS-FFA, VA Oldham Co HS FFA, KY

Silver Emblem Teams Enterprise HS FFA, AL Carson Valley FFA, NV Red Mountain HS FFA, AZ Alvirne HS FFA, NH Vilonia HS FFA, AR Phillipsburg HS FFA, NJ Caruthers Uhs FFA, CA Tucumcari HS-FFA, NM East Ridge HS FFA, FL Dallas HS FFA, OR Paxton-Buckley-loda HS FFA, IL Garden Spot HS FFA, PA Heritage JR/Sr HS FFA, IN Philip HS Haakon Sch Dist FFA, SD Muscatine HS FFA, IA Wilson Central HS- FFA, TN Tuscarora HS FFA, MD East Central FFA, TX Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, MA Walla Walla HS FFA, WA Lapeer Co Vtc Am FFA, MI

Bronze Emblem Teams Meeker HS-FFA, CO Toledo Ag Ed Ctr-FFA, OH Caribou Technology Center-Caribou FFA, ME Narragansett HS-FFA, RI

Houston VOC CTR FFA, MS Lexington App Tech CTR FFA, SC Flathead HS FFA, MT Syracuse, UT Mccook HS FFA, NE Ritchie Co HS-FFA, WV

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Worcester FFA, NY Green Bay East HS FFA, WI Mohall HS FFA, ND

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Chelsea Smith of Enterprise HS FFA, AL Janessa Jones of Marshfield HS FFA, MO Stephanie Huerta of Caruthers Uhs FFA, CA Kelsey Kleeman of Marshfield HS FFA, MO Justine Leeper of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Blair Wilkerson of Marshfield HS FFA, MO FFA, CT Ashley Machnicz of Nonnewaug HS- Kaci Wingo of Marshfield HS FFA, MO Woodbury FFA, CT Kelsey Hollister of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, Chandra Matheson of Carson Valley FFA, NV DE Monica Kokoszka of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, Courtney Wilcox of Alvirne HS FFA, NH DE Melissa Shutts of East Ridge HS FFA, FL Amanda Renkel of Phillipsburg HS FFA, NJ Ansley Akin of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Cole Fuller of Southern Alamance HS FFA, NC Ally Eavenson of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Cody Nicks of Southern Alamance HS FFA, NC Kaylee South of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA David Sublett of Southern Alamance HS FFA, NC Melissa Lowham of Fruitland HS-FFA, ID Marisa Asheim of Mohall HS FFA, ND Adam Roberts of Fruitland HS-FFA, ID Jeffrey Czech of Toledo Ag Ed Ctr-FFA, OH Mason Sideroff of Fruitland HS-FFA, ID Merissa Goodman of Cushing HS FFA, OK Haylee Wininger of Fruitland HS-FFA, ID Megan Morris of Cushing HS FFA, OK Audra Franz of Heritage JR/Sr HS FFA, IN Mandi Todd of Cushing HS FFA, OK Laurynn Thieme of Heritage JR/Sr HS FFA, Eric Noll of Dallas HS FFA, OR IN Hannah Howard of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Adrianne Huber of Garden Spot HS FFA, PA Ali McKiearnan of Louisburg HS-FFA, KS Grace Schnabel of Philip HS Haakon Sch Dist FFA, SD Rachel Rusk of Louisburg HS-FFA, KS Lesley Burton of Wilson Central HS- FFA, TN

Corey Hatfield of Oldham Co HS FFA, KY Allison Byrd of Magna Vista HS-FFA, VA

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Christie Berthiaume of Tuscarora HS FFA, Alysha Lawless of Magna Vista HS-FFA, VA MD Amanda Garman of Lapeer Co Vtc Am FFA, Lauren Nance of Magna Vista HS-FFA, VA MI Crystal Laakso of Lapeer Co Vtc Am FFA, MI Sarah Fuller of Walla Walla HS FFA, WA

Alyssa Olson of Southwest Star Concept FFA, Elise Pettyjohn of Walla Walla HS FFA, WA MN Lindsey Thurk of Southwest Star Concept FFA, MN

Silver Emblem Individuals Jade Lolley of Enterprise HS FFA, AL Kortney Baumann of Southwest Star Concept FFA, MN Diane Poklinkowski of Enterprise HS FFA, Megan Thurk of Southwest Star Concept FFA, AL MN Kelsey Clark of Red Mountain HS FFA, AZ Brianna Carney of Carson Valley FFA, NV Ashley Meyer of Red Mountain HS FFA, AZ Melanie Morris of Alvirne HS FFA, NH Aneasa Forsberg of Vilonia HS FFA, AR Francis Soto of Phillipsburg HS FFA, NJ Will Fritts of Vilonia HS FFA, AR Julia Tintle of Phillipsburg HS FFA, NJ Kayla Elder of Caruthers Uhs FFA, CA Amber Zimmer of Phillipsburg HS FFA, NJ Marie Gonzales of Caruthers Uhs FFA, CA Taylor Atwood of Tucumcari HS-FFA, NM Jenifer Bain of Meeker HS-FFA, CO Kirsten Dunlap of Tucumcari HS-FFA, NM Ryan Daddio of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Kennetha Perkins of Tucumcari HS-FFA, NM FFA, CT Rebecca DiFabbio of Nonnewaug HS- Elizabeth Owen of Worcester FFA, NY Woodbury FFA, CT Amber Kelley of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, DE Alexis Owens of Southern Alamance HS FFA, NC Amanda Nicholas of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, Angela Avery of Toledo Ag Ed Ctr-FFA, OH DE Kayla Duckworth of East Ridge HS FFA, FL Christa Todd of Cushing HS FFA, OK Savannah Olson of East Ridge HS FFA, FL Shelbie Meann McGuire of Dallas HS FFA, OR Nicole Shutts of East Ridge HS FFA, FL Shurisa Weber of Dallas HS FFA, OR Kaitlyn Grizzle of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Emily Cramer of Garden Spot HS FFA, PA

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Kirsten Blackford of Paxton-Buckley-loda HS Ashley Haller of Garden Spot HS FFA, PA FFA, IL Mershon Caissie of Paxton-Buckley-loda HS Katrina Kulp of Garden Spot HS FFA, PA FFA, IL Kasey Sanders of Paxton-Buckley-loda HS Julia Vincelette of Narragansett HS-FFA, RI FFA, IL Kari Hammond of Heritage JR/Sr HS FFA, IN Andi Massinello of Lexington App Tech CTR FFA, SC Lane Mathis of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Morgan Frein of Philip HS Haakon Sch Dist FFA, SD Chance Millett of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Loni Nelson of Philip HS Haakon Sch Dist FFA, SD Carolyn Harris of Louisburg HS-FFA, KS Alison Cragwall of Wilson Central HS- FFA, TN Kevin Morgan of Louisburg HS-FFA, KS Shawna Finn of Wilson Central HS- FFA, TN Jessica Caswell of Oldham Co HS FFA, KY Shelby Finn of Wilson Central HS- FFA, TN Daniel Dunaway of Oldham Co HS FFA, KY Courtney Hamer of East Central FFA, TX Heidi Gorbandt of Oldham Co HS FFA, KY Heather Kosub of East Central FFA, TX Melanie Dice of Tuscarora HS FFA, MD Shelbie Thames of East Central FFA, TX Kathryn Meehan of Tuscarora HS FFA, MD Kelley Walls of East Central FFA, TX Jaimie Capalbo of Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, Elizabeth Wilson of Magna Vista HS-FFA, MA VA Megan Comeau of Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, Desiree Helm of Walla Walla HS FFA, WA MA Bethanie Costa of Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, Melanie Haddox of Ritchie Co HS-FFA, WV MA Krista Gracia of Bristol Co Agri HS FFA, MA Collin Hinton of Ritchie Co HS-FFA, WV Paige Jefferson of Lapeer Co Vtc Am FFA, MI Olivia Williams of Green Bay East HS FFA, WI Samantha Thompson of Lapeer Co Vtc Am FFA, MI

Bronze Emblem Individuals Kendra Grissett of Enterprise HS FFA, AL Rachel Ewing of Alvirne HS FFA, NH Holly Bennett of Red Mountain HS FFA, AZ Megan Thompson of Tucumcari HS-FFA, NM

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Laura Frear of Red Mountain HS FFA, AZ Samantha Branigan of Worcester FFA, NY Tia Ameen of Vilonia HS FFA, AR Ashley Hogan of Worcester FFA, NY Heather Hall of Vilonia HS FFA, AR Natasha Nirschl of Worcester FFA, NY Harandip Sahota of Caruthers Uhs FFA, CA Kalinda Aho of Mohall HS FFA, ND Caleb Dodds of Meeker HS-FFA, CO Dalton Hanson of Mohall HS FFA, ND Morgan Neilson of Meeker HS-FFA, CO Jason Holsten of Mohall HS FFA, ND Krystal Otwell of Meeker HS-FFA, CO Tamnika Newsome of Toledo Ag Ed Ctr-FFA, OH Jonathan Hustedt of Paxton-Buckley-loda HS Danielle Taylor of Toledo Ag Ed Ctr-FFA, FFA, IL OH Cody Bermes of Heritage JR/Sr HS FFA, IN Austin Champ of Dallas HS FFA, OR Jeff Paetz of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Deanna Casey of Narragansett HS-FFA, RI Caitlin Good of Caribou Technology Center- Thomas Fitzpatrick of Narragansett HS-FFA, Caribou FFA, ME RI Cynthia Wilcox of Caribou Technology Madeline Tarasevich of Narragansett HS-FFA, Center-Caribou FFA, ME RI Ashley Artutis of Tuscarora HS FFA, MD Casey Blanton of Lexington App Tech CTR FFA, SC Gayla Bevels of Houston VOC CTR FFA, MS Jacob Brown of Lexington App Tech CTR FFA, SC Haley Bevels of Houston VOC CTR FFA, MS Christopher Hiatt of Lexington App Tech CTR FFA, SC Katie McCormick of Houston VOC CTR FFA, Michelle Van Tassel of Philip HS Haakon Sch MS Dist FFA, SD Christian Rodriguez of Houston VOC CTR Garrett Billings of Syracuse, UT FFA, MS Christine Hansen of Flathead HS FFA, MT Shaun Stokes of Syracuse, UT Shelby McGrady of Flathead HS FFA, MT Dylan Swallow of Syracuse, UT Allison Dupler of Mccook HS FFA, NE Brianne Javaux of Walla Walla HS FFA, WA Katelyn Fritsche of Mccook HS FFA, NE Tiffany Haugh of Ritchie Co HS-FFA, WV Kayla Messinger of Mccook HS FFA, NE Lindsey Satterfield of Ritchie Co HS-FFA, WV Laura Joncas of Carson Valley FFA, NV Maggie Hanson of Green Bay East HS FFA, WI Carson McFadden of Carson Valley FFA, NV Ann Marie Prue of Green Bay East HS FFA, WI Amanda Brown of Alvirne HS FFA, NH Melissa Resch of Green Bay East HS FFA, WI

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In the National FFA Floriculture CDE, FFA members test their knowledge and skills in the production and retailing of flowers, plants and foliage. Participants must complete a general knowledge exam on the floriculture industry, identify plant materials, and demonstrate problem solving and decision-making skills, employment and customer service skills, technical floral skills and the ability to work as a team. Teams competed at the local and state levels to earn the privilege of representing their home state at the national FFA convention. This event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members apply the knowledge gained in the classroom for real-life situations. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 10:30 a.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 24, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Food Science and Technology 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Food Science and Technology Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Saturday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. Lori Moore of Texas served as superintendent of this year's event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the food science and technology event are sponsored by Kraft Foods Inc. of Illinois as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The team from Florence FFA in Florence, Texas placed first in the National FFA Food Science and Technology Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Kristi Branton, Madison Stacy, David Holland and Lexi Farrar and were coached by Melissa Loerwald. The Texas team placed first in competition against 26 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Texas Kristi Branton, Madison Stacy, David Holland, and Lexi Farrar, all of Florence FFA 2nd Place--Washington Amanda Lee, Natasha Moffitt, Carly Lange, and Chase Barrus, all of Sumner FFA 3rd Place--Arkansas Randi Jo Reed, Reilly Thurow, Jessica Johnson, and Danuel Smith, all of Lincoln HS FFA 4th Place--Minnesota Ashley Hansen, Nicolette Johnson, Kayla

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Erickson, and Krysta Nelson, all of Forest Lake HS FFA 5th Place--Nebraska Waylan Bellamy, Joleen Rupe, Britt Edson, and Anson Hueftle, all of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA 6th Place--South Dakota Brent Seehafer, Brenna Rausch, Emma Christensen, and Kjersten Ydstie, all of Milbank FFA 7th Place--Indiana Kathryn Conrad, Kayleigh Warner, Cody Schuman, and Tracey Clifford, all of Dekalb HS FFA 8th Place--Kentucky Julia Johnson, Craig Dunn, Justin Carter, and Lannah Wheeler, all of LaRue Co HS-FFA 9th Place--Pennsylvania Megan Eshbach, Erin Gramling, Marissa Aulenbach, and Allison Miller, all of Conrad Weiser HS FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Nicolette Johnson of Forest Lake HS FFA, MN 2nd Place-- Joleen Rupe of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE 3rd Place-- Caia McCurdy of Meridian HS-FFA, ID 4th Place-- Natasha Moffitt of Sumner FFA, WA 5th Place-- Brent Seehafer of Milbank FFA, SD 6th Place-- Cassie Whiteneck of Fairview HS-FFA, OK 7th Place-- Lexi Farrar of Florence FFA, TX 8th Place-- Christie Hammons of Meridian HS-FFA, ID 9th Place-- Carly Lange of Sumner FFA, WA 10th Place-- Emma Christensen of Milbank FFA, SD

Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Lincoln HS FFA, AR Conrad Weiser HS FFA, PA

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Dekalb HS FFA, IN Milbank FFA, SD LaRue Co HS-FFA, KY Florence FFA, TX Forest Lake HS FFA, MN Sumner FFA, WA Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE

Silver Emblem Teams Gila Ridge HS FFA, AZ Oakes/Sargent Central FFA, ND Louisburg HS-FFA, KS Talawanda HS-FFA, OH Frederick HS FFA, MD Fairview HS-FFA, OK Pinkerton Academy Clicking Cla, NH Molalla HS FFA, OR Argyle Central HS-FFA, NY Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI South Rowan HS FFA, NC

Bronze Emblem Teams Ray FFA, CT Wapello HS- FFA, IA Avon Park HS FFA, FL Pleasant Grove HS FFA, UT Meridian HS-FFA, ID Fort Defiance HS FFA, VA Seymour HS-FFA Payson, IL

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Jessica Johnson of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Emily Ptacek of Oakes/Sargent Central FFA, ND Randi Jo Reed of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Melanie Richardson of Talawanda HS-FFA, OH Danuel Smith of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Dalton Pannell of Fairview HS-FFA, OK Christie Hammons of Meridian HS-FFA, ID Cassie Whiteneck of Fairview HS-FFA, OK Caia McCurdy of Meridian HS-FFA, ID Jeff Beyer of Molalla HS FFA, OR Ashley Porter of Seymour HS-FFA Payson, IL Megan Eshbach of Conrad Weiser HS FFA, PA David Embers of Louisburg HS-FFA, KS Erin Gramling of Conrad Weiser HS FFA, PA

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Justin Carter of LaRue Co HS-FFA, KY Emma Christensen of Milbank FFA, SD Julia Johnson of LaRue Co HS-FFA, KY Brent Seehafer of Milbank FFA, SD Sophia Sincevich of Frederick HS FFA, MD Kristi Branton of Florence FFA, TX Ashley Hansen of Forest Lake HS FFA, MN Lexi Farrar of Florence FFA, TX Nicolette Johnson of Forest Lake HS FFA, David Holland of Florence FFA, TX MN Waylan Bellamy of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, Shaylyn Skinner of Pleasant Grove HS FFA, NE UT Joleen Rupe of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE Carly Lange of Sumner FFA, WA Devan Chirgwin of Pinkerton Academy Natasha Moffitt of Sumner FFA, WA Clicking Cla, NH Samantha Morgans of Argyle Central HS- Tylynn Ludwig of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI FFA, NY Jessica Hilton of South Rowan HS FFA, NC

Silver Emblem Individuals Katherine Bierhaalder of Gila Ridge HS FFA, Britt Edson of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE AZ Samantha Fry of Gila Ridge HS FFA, AZ Anson Hueftle of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE Stephanie Gregston of Gila Ridge HS FFA, Alexis Pereira of Pinkerton Academy Clicking AZ Cla, NH Kimberly Merrill of Gila Ridge HS FFA, AZ Erin Ellithorpe of Argyle Central HS-FFA, NY Reilly Thurow of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Misty Meyer of Argyle Central HS-FFA, NY Tyler Jacobs of Ray FFA, CT Lauren Weaver of Argyle Central HS-FFA, NY Alex Lemire of Ray FFA, CT Dana Morrison of South Rowan HS FFA, NC Eddie Vidou of Ray FFA, CT Lindsey Forward of Oakes/Sargent Central FFA, ND Charlie Brown of Avon Park HS FFA, FL Cody Forrest of Talawanda HS-FFA, OH Christine Howard of Meridian HS-FFA, ID Tyler Forrest of Talawanda HS-FFA, OH Tracey Clifford of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Allegra Ubbes of Talawanda HS-FFA, OH Cody Schuman of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Tara Burchfield of Fairview HS-FFA, OK Kayleigh Warner of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Josh Blake of Molalla HS FFA, OR Molly Willson of Wapello HS- FFA, IA Marissa Aulenbach of Conrad Weiser HS FFA, PA

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Kurtis Morgan of Louisburg HS-FFA, KS Allison Miller of Conrad Weiser HS FFA, PA Jake Wittry of Louisburg HS-FFA, KS Kjersten Ydstie of Milbank FFA, SD Craig Dunn of LaRue Co HS-FFA, KY Madison Stacy of Florence FFA, TX Lannah Wheeler of LaRue Co HS-FFA, KY Marshall Slaven of Fort Defiance HS FFA, VA Jeaneva Gagne of Frederick HS FFA, MD Chase Barrus of Sumner FFA, WA Sherry Keilen of Frederick HS FFA, MD Amanda Lee of Sumner FFA, WA Corey Mullen of Frederick HS FFA, MD Isabel Cupino of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI Kayla Erickson of Forest Lake HS FFA, MN Kim Tappa of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI Krysta Nelson of Forest Lake HS FFA, MN

Bronze Emblem Individuals Dream Shrader of Ray FFA, CT Meghan Powers of South Rowan HS FFA, NC

Kadie Dick of Avon Park HS FFA, FL C.T. Welch of South Rowan HS FFA, NC Calago Hipps of Avon Park HS FFA, FL Trista Johnson of Oakes/Sargent Central FFA, ND Ariel Starling of Avon Park HS FFA, FL Jenna Vculek of Oakes/Sargent Central FFA, ND Jenny Carlton of Meridian HS-FFA, ID Deavon Wedel of Fairview HS-FFA, OK Jamie Phillips of Seymour HS-FFA Payson, IL Kaden Adams of Molalla HS FFA, OR

Sara Pryor of Seymour HS-FFA Payson, IL Jake Hoffman of Molalla HS FFA, OR Hila Tieman of Seymour HS-FFA Payson, IL Brenna Rausch of Milbank FFA, SD Kathryn Conrad of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Matt Brocious of Pleasant Grove HS FFA, UT Allie Hagberg of Wapello HS- FFA, IA Josh Kresser of Pleasant Grove HS FFA, UT Josh Lanz of Wapello HS- FFA, IA Tayler Welch of Pleasant Grove HS FFA, UT Brooke Odle of Wapello HS- FFA, IA Shannon Garber of Fort Defiance HS FFA, VA Daniel O'Connell of Louisburg HS-FFA, KS Kayla Reed of Fort Defiance HS FFA, VA Samantha Cox of Pinkerton Academy Clicking Madison Slaven of Fort Defiance HS FFA, VA Cla, NH Shayna Purdy of Pinkerton Academy Clicking Chelsey Tingley of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI Cla, NH

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The National FFA Food Science and Technology CDE is designed to test a student's basic knowledge of food science as well as the student's ability to apply this knowledge to practical situations. Each team participates in a timed team product development project, and each individual participates in practicums involving food sensory evaluation and food safety and sanitation as well as a written exam. This event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 10:30 a.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Horse Evaluation 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Horse Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Ms. Shannon Cunningham of Oklahoma served as superintendent of the national event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the event are sponsored by Dodge Trucks of Auburn Hills, Michigan; Kent Feeds, Inc. of Muscatine, Iowa, Tractor Supply Company of Brentwood, Tennessee and Wahl Clipper Corporation of Sterling, Illinois as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The team from Locust Grove HS FFA in Locust Grove, Oklahoma placed first in the National FFA Horse Evaluation Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Robbie Williams, Bayley Bedford and Chance Cunningham and were coached by Joe Cunningham. The Oklahoma team placed first in competition against 44 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Oklahoma Robbie Williams, Bayley Bedford, and Chance Cunningham, all of Locust Grove HS FFA 2nd Place--California Austin Perry, Alexis Greene, Shaley Hunter, and Kailey Barlow, all of Clovis East. HS FFA 3rd Place--Wyoming Brittany Clemetson, Sarah Frisbee, Keylee Sayler, and Zoey Taucher, all of Natrona

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Co HS Casper FFA 4th Place--Kansas Jessica Grinstead, Zach Langford, and Melissa Albert, all of Buhler HS FFA 5th Place--Oregon Ashley Anderson, Holly Schriever, Eryn Vest, and Samantha Callahan, all of Molalla HS FFA 6th Place--Illinois Lauren Wells, Nicole Hart, Jessica Andre, and Kenny Winebaugh, all of Herscher HS FFA 7th Place--Tennessee Emily Kopko, Bobby Richards, Gina Locke, and Sydney Polk, all of Page High FFA 8th Place--Ohio Arielle Bergman, Chelsey Keiser, Kelsey Gavit, and Amy Frantz, all of Versailles HS-FFA 9th Place--Colorado Amber Franklin, Bailey Folker, Hannah Lage, and Elizabeth Zadel, all of Roosevelt HS FFA 10th Place--Idaho Kayla Johnson, Jud Elkington, Melissa Cook, and Marsha Drake, all of Rigby HS-FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Alexis Greene of Clovis East. HS FFA, CA 2nd Place-- Bayley Bedford of Locust Grove HS FFA, OK 3rd Place-- Robbie Williams of Locust Grove HS FFA, OK 4th Place-- Keylee Sayler of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY 5th Place-- Holly Schriever of Molalla HS FFA, OR 6th Place-- Chelsey Keiser of Versailles HS-FFA, OH 7th Place-- Jessica Grinstead of Buhler HS FFA, KS 8th Place-- Chris Mackey of Madison County HS FFA, NC 9th Place-- Brittany Clemetson of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY 10th Place-- Melissa Albert of Buhler HS FFA, KS

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Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams

Rogers HS FFA, AR Versailles HS-FFA, OH Clovis East. HS FFA, CA Locust Grove HS FFA, OK Roosevelt HS FFA, CO Molalla HS FFA, OR Rigby HS-FFA, ID Page High FFA, TN Herscher HS FFA, IL Buffalo Gap HS - FFA, VA Muscatine HS FFA, IA Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY Buhler HS FFA, KS

Silver Emblem Teams Az Agribus & Eqn CTR FFA, AZ Carson Valley FFA, NV Joe E. Newsom High School-FFA, FL N Burlington Co Regional HS FFA, NJ White Co HS FFA, GA Clayton HS-FFA, NM Dekalb HS FFA, IN Letchworth Ctrl Sch FFA, NY Union Co HS FFA, KY Madison County HS FFA, NC Ponchatoula HS FFA, LA Carrington HS FFA, ND Essex Agricultural & Tech School - FFA, MA Wolsey-Wessington FFA, SD Rolla Avts FFA, MO Decatur HS FFA, TX Flathead HS FFA, MT Medical Lake HS-FFA, WA Laurel Concord High School - FFA, NE Winneconne HS FFA, WI

Bronze Emblem Teams Southside HS FFA, AL Clarkdale, MS Housatonic Vly Reg HS FFA, CT Pinkerton Academy Clicking Cla, NH Smyrna HS FFA, DE Elizabethtown HS FFA, PA Middletown HS FFA, MD Laurens School Dist 55 HS FFA, SC Ovid Elsie HS FFA, MI Spanish Fork HS FFA, UT Grand Rapids HS FFA, MN Ripley HS FFA, WV

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Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals

Alanna Grossman of Az Agribus & Eqn CTR Kalee McRae of Flathead HS FFA, MT FFA, AZ Natalie Ozment of Az Agribus & Eqn CTR Thomas Spain of N Burlington Co Regional FFA, AZ HS FFA, NJ Jacqueline Bowen of Rogers HS FFA, AR Cabrielle Allaire of Clayton HS-FFA, NM Shelby Hampton of Rogers HS FFA, AR Stephanie Reeves of Clayton HS-FFA, NM Kailey Barlow of Clovis East. HS FFA, CA Lauralea Glaser of Letchworth Ctrl Sch FFA, NY Alexis Greene of Clovis East. HS FFA, CA Chris Mackey of Madison County HS FFA, NC Shaley Hunter of Clovis East. HS FFA, CA Kelsey Gavit of Versailles HS-FFA, OH Bailey Folker of Roosevelt HS FFA, CO Chelsey Keiser of Versailles HS-FFA, OH Amber Franklin of Roosevelt HS FFA, CO Bayley Bedford of Locust Grove HS FFA, OK Elizabeth Zadel of Roosevelt HS FFA, CO Chance Cunningham of Locust Grove HS FFA, OK Abigail Gerena of Joe E. Newsom High Robbie Williams of Locust Grove HS FFA, OK School-FFA, FL Amelia Amy Lawhorn of Joe E. Newsom High Holly Schriever of Molalla HS FFA, OR School-FFA, FL Kay Parker of White Co HS FFA, GA Eryn Vest of Molalla HS FFA, OR Melissa Cook of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Padyn Scheer of Wolsey-Wessington FFA, SD Kayla Johnson of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Emily Kopko of Page High FFA, TN Jessica Andre of Herscher HS FFA, IL Gina Locke of Page High FFA, TN Nicole Hart of Herscher HS FFA, IL Bobby Richards of Page High FFA, TN Lauren Wells of Herscher HS FFA, IL Jordan Johnson of Decatur HS FFA, TX Brooke Fruits of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Tyler Lisby of Decatur HS FFA, TX Ashley Tomlin of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Ashlea Bowers of Buffalo Gap HS - FFA, VA Melissa Albert of Buhler HS FFA, KS Melissa Davick of Buffalo Gap HS - FFA, VA Jessica Grinstead of Buhler HS FFA, KS Gretchen Thompson of Buffalo Gap HS - FFA, VA Zach Langford of Buhler HS FFA, KS Brett Moriarty of Medical Lake HS-FFA, WA

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Caitlin Lambert of Ponchatoula HS FFA, LA Brittany Clemetson of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY Sarah Torres of Ponchatoula HS FFA, LA Keylee Sayler of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY

Silver Emblem Individuals

Sara Aungst of Az Agribus & Eqn CTR FFA, Katie Gubbels of Laurel Concord High School AZ - FFA, NE Savannah Grise of Az Agribus & Eqn CTR Lacee Shupe of Carson Valley FFA, NV FFA, AZ Morgan Bowen of Rogers HS FFA, AR Brianna Smith of Carson Valley FFA, NV Austin Perry of Clovis East. HS FFA, CA Danielle Taylor of Pinkerton Academy Clicking Cla, NH Hannah Lage of Roosevelt HS FFA, CO Gillian Armstrong of N Burlington Co Regional HS FFA, NJ Alixandra Borgert of Housatonic Vly Reg HS Matthew Bassett of N Burlington Co Regional FFA, CT HS FFA, NJ Jordan Iovino of Housatonic Vly Reg HS FFA, Gianna Grupp of N Burlington Co Regional CT HS FFA, NJ Amber Caldwell of Smyrna HS FFA, DE Bethany Riley of Clayton HS-FFA, NM Amber McClelland of Joe E. Newsom High Hannah Walker of Clayton HS-FFA, NM School-FFA, FL Erica Hare of White Co HS FFA, GA Caitlin Seymour of Letchworth Ctrl Sch FFA, NY Jud Elkington of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Jennifer Hensley of Madison County HS FFA, NC Lauren Rowe of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Erin Mattson of Carrington HS FFA, ND Keeley Carlson of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Abigail Polries of Carrington HS FFA, ND Anne Dahms of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Anna Richter of Carrington HS FFA, ND Margaret LoBianco of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Arielle Bergman of Versailles HS-FFA, OH Whitney Carr of Union Co HS FFA, KY Amy Frantz of Versailles HS-FFA, OH Maggie Downen of Union Co HS FFA, KY Ashley Anderson of Molalla HS FFA, OR Claire Hardesty of Union Co HS FFA, KY Samantha Callahan of Molalla HS FFA, OR Nicole Frazer of Ponchatoula HS FFA, LA Tiffany Crowder of Laurens School Dist 55 HS FFA, SC Ashley Blorstad of Middletown HS FFA, MD Leah Cypher of Wolsey-Wessington FFA, SD

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Konnar Miller of Middletown HS FFA, MD Sydney Polk of Page High FFA, TN Melissa Bowers of Essex Agricultural & Tech Shelby Argo of Decatur HS FFA, TX School - FFA, MA Samantha Gertz of Essex Agricultural & Tech Jordan Lane of Decatur HS FFA, TX School - FFA, MA Michele Millard of Essex Agricultural & Tech Garrick Liddiard of Spanish Fork HS FFA, UT School - FFA, MA Molly Budge of Ovid Elsie HS FFA, MI Jailee Pace of Spanish Fork HS FFA, UT Katie Maynard of Ovid Elsie HS FFA, MI Holly Shelton of Buffalo Gap HS - FFA, VA Allan Hafeman of Grand Rapids HS FFA, MN Ashley Holznagel of Medical Lake HS-FFA, WA Stephanie Lidholm of Grand Rapids HS FFA, Kayleen Oliver of Medical Lake HS-FFA, WA MN Emily Rasmussen of Grand Rapids HS FFA, Samantha Williams of Medical Lake HS-FFA, MN WA Meagan Lee of Clarkdale, MS Justin Birthisel of Ripley HS FFA, WV Brittany Dodd of Rolla Avts FFA, MO Samantha Carney of Ripley HS FFA, WV Rachael Lowe of Rolla Avts FFA, MO Josh LaMarche of Winneconne HS FFA, WI Amanda Smith of Rolla Avts FFA, MO Ally McDonald of Winneconne HS FFA, WI Trista Wise of Flathead HS FFA, MT Sarah Frisbee of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY Alison Davey of Laurel Concord High School - Zoey Taucher of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, FFA, NE WY Emily Gubbels of Laurel Concord High School - FFA, NE

Bronze Emblem Individuals

JD Boatwright of Southside HS FFA, AL Julia Morrow of Flathead HS FFA, MT Logan Pentecost of Southside HS FFA, AL Kelsey Ovik of Flathead HS FFA, MT Savannaha Peterson of Southside HS FFA, AL Diana Cordano of Carson Valley FFA, NV Ariel Rollins of Southside HS FFA, AL Jessica Nalder of Carson Valley FFA, NV Janae Wilson of Rogers HS FFA, AR Rachel Goulding of Pinkerton Academy Clicking Cla, NH Shelby Roger of Housatonic Vly Reg HS FFA, Ashley Lamontagne of Pinkerton Academy CT Clicking Cla, NH Elizabeth Saccardi of Housatonic Vly Reg HS Taylor Robison of Pinkerton Academy Clicking FFA, CT Cla, NH

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Jen Hurlock of Smyrna HS FFA, DE Bethany Glaser of Letchworth Ctrl Sch FFA, NY Casse Rhodes of Smyrna HS FFA, DE Dean Fox of Madison County HS FFA, NC Logan Renew of Joe E. Newsom High School- Ben Rice of Madison County HS FFA, NC FFA, FL Taylor Burrell of White Co HS FFA, GA Brent Schimelfenig of Carrington HS FFA, ND

Marsha Drake of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Allison Diamond of Elizabethtown HS FFA, PA Kenny Winebaugh of Herscher HS FFA, IL Kristin Hamer of Elizabethtown HS FFA, PA Amanda Landers of Dekalb HS FFA, IN James Noel of Elizabethtown HS FFA, PA Amber Snyder of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Amy Stoddard of Elizabethtown HS FFA, PA Callie Ratley of Union Co HS FFA, KY Melvin McClellion of Laurens School Dist 55 HS FFA, SC Kenzi Brigham of Middletown HS FFA, MD Alison Stokes of Laurens School Dist 55 HS FFA, SC Elaine Lowman of Middletown HS FFA, MD Bo Mutchelknaus of Wolsey-Wessington FFA, SD Jessica Segal of Essex Agricultural & Tech Mariah Waters of Wolsey-Wessington FFA, School - FFA, MA SD Natalie Hofferbert of Ovid Elsie HS FFA, MI Tyrel Prior of Spanish Fork HS FFA, UT April Sutliff of Ovid Elsie HS FFA, MI Jessica Swenson of Spanish Fork HS FFA, UT Abby Rukavina of Grand Rapids HS FFA, MN Mollie Villers of Ripley HS FFA, WV Justin Hyde of Clarkdale, MS Peggy Winter of Ripley HS FFA, WV Collin Kent of Clarkdale, MS Christian Krueger of Winneconne HS FFA, WI

Ashley LaKatos of Clarkdale, MS Sumer Opinker of Winneconne HS FFA, WI Abbie Turner of Rolla Avts FFA, MO

The top ten individuals in Halter Placing were: Chelsey Keiser Keylee Sayler Padyn Scheer

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Ashley Blorstad Bobby Richards Kelsey Gavit Gretchen Thompson Amber Caldwell Tiffany Crowder Matthew Bassett

The top ten individuals in Performance Placing were: Eryn Vest Elizabeth Zadel Emily Kopko Natalie Ozment Jordan Johnson Anna Richter Abigail Polries Brittany Dodd Caitlin Seymour Alexis Greene

The top ten individuals in presenting Oral Reasons were: Alexis Greene Robbie Williams Chris Mackey Bayley Bedford Keylee Sayler Jessica Grinstead Lauren Wells Holly Schriever Austin Perry Brittany Clemetson

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The National FFA Horse Evaluation CDE is a competitive activity that tests the student's ability to select and evaluate horses. Event components include eight selection classes that consisted of four halter classes and four performance classes. Students also give four sets of oral reasons with two sets coming from each evaluation class. Each team competed at local and state levels for the privilege of representing their state at the national FFA convention. The event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 10:30 a.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Job Interview 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Job Interview Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Ms. Linda Story of Kentucky served as superintendent of the national event. The top four individuals will receive scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the job interview event are sponsored by the National FFA Foundation. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Chacey Schoeppel of Fairview HS-FFA, OK 2nd Place-- Drew Nash of White House Heritage FFA, TN 3rd Place-- Heather Harder of Colfax HS FFA, WA 4th Place-- Abby Settje of Wilmot HS FFA, SD 5th Place-- Holly Ward of Seminole Co FFA, GA 6th Place-- Maddie Dunlap of Maxwell HS FFA, CA 7th Place-- Benjamin Zelle of Waverly-Shell Rock HS FFA, IA 8th Place-- Rachel Kenley of Palmer HS FFA, AK

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Rachel Kenley of Palmer HS FFA, AK Chacey Schoeppel of Fairview HS-FFA, OK

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Maddie Dunlap of Maxwell HS FFA, CA Abby Settje of Wilmot HS FFA, SD Holly Ward of Seminole Co FFA, GA Drew Nash of White House Heritage FFA, TN

Benjamin Zelle of Waverly-Shell Rock HS Heather Harder of Colfax HS FFA, WA FFA, IA

Silver Emblem Individuals Kalea Taylor of Highland HS FFA, AZ Kristen Goralczyk of Shepherd HS FFA, MT Bailey McHenry of Karval HS FFA, CO Meradith Ganow of Norris, NE Michele Goodfellow of De Land Sr FFA, FL Leevon Lacy of Woodstown HS FFA, NJ Hannah Pieper of Dakota Comm HS-FFA, IL Bryan Curtis of T-S-t New Visions, NY Amanda Downey of Boonville High School Christine Taylor of Lakeview Sr. HS FFA, OR FFA, IN Kaden Roush of Smith Center HS FFA, KS Lauren Woloohojian of Exeter West Greenwich HS FFA, RI Alexandra Kalwa of Harford Tech FFA, MD Shelby Thomas of Gilmer HS FFA, TX Edwin Santana of Essex Agricultural & Tech Mckena Woolstenhulme of South Summit HS School - FFA, MA FFA, UT Tera Koebel of River Valley Sch FFA, MI Mynika Martin of Jefferson HS FFA, WV Rachel Frank of Spring Valley-Wykoff FFA, Lauren Holterman of Watertown HS FFA, WI MN

Bronze Emblem Individuals Mike Schneider of Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury Kayla Smith of Weddington High School FFA, FFA, CT NC Patricia Dombrowki of Kent Polytech HS Courtney Bischof of Lisbon HS FFA, ND FFA, DE Julie Obermeyer of Emmett HS-FFA, ID Dominique Randall of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- Philadelphi, PA Ashley Fritsch of Scott Co HS FFA, KY Kyle Hodges of Clover HS FFA, SC Robert Aycock of Clarkdale, MS Addie Guthrie of Strasburg HS FFA, VA Aly Reynolds of Wells FFA, NV

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The job interview CDE is a competitive activity that tests student's ability to perform effectively throughout the entire job application process. The participants prepare a resume, cover letter and complete a written application. They also participate in phone, one-on-one and panel job interviews as part of the competition. The event, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 10:30 a.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Livestock Evaluation 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) were announced on Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Van Smith of Alabama served as superintendent of the event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institute of their choice. The scholarships and the livestock evaluation event are sponsored by Bayer Animal Health of Kansas, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica of Missouri, Merial of Georgia and the National FFA Foundation. The team from Prairie Grove HS FFA in Prairie Grove, Arkansas placed first in the National FFA Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Nikolas Birchfield, John Coffey, Cheyenne Moyer and Kallie Sullivan and were coached by David Hays. The Arkansas team placed first in competition against 42 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Arkansas Nikolas Birchfield, John Coffey, Cheyenne Moyer, and Kallie Sullivan, all of Prairie Grove HS FFA 2nd Place--Missouri Brianne Abramovitz, Zac Kerley, Cooper Martin, and Andrew Perry, all of Columbia FFA 3rd Place--Illinois Michael Probst, Adam Helregel, James Lidy, and Jordan Rauch, all of Newton HS-FFA

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4th Place--Indiana Logan Rinehold, Amber Shipe, Lauren Koeppe, and Seth Myers, all of Dekalb HS FFA 5th Place--Georgia Kalie Hall, Katie Brown, Ethan Phillips, and Brandon Porter, all of Franklin Co HS FFA 6th Place--California Skyler Robertson, Kiefer Scroggins, Jeremy Clay, and Kenneth Block, all of Atascadero HS FFA 7th Place--Texas Kaleigh Anderson, Keaton Dodd, Quaid Haack, and Claire Klepac, all of Blanco HS FFA 8th Place--Kansas Reed Gleason, Alexandrea Miller, and Koltan Schaaf, all of Uniontown HS FFA 9th Place--Arizona Matt Herrington, Jennifer Sherlock, Kelli Porter, and Rulon Ward, all of Safford HS FFA 10th Place--Wyoming Katie Ochsner, B.W. Ochsner, Lacy Rowen, and Evan Rader, all of Torrington HS FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Kalie Hall of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA 2nd Place-- Andrew Perry of Columbia FFA, MO 3rd Place-- John Coffey of Prairie Grove HS FFA, AR 4th Place-- Kaleigh Anderson of Blanco HS FFA, TX 5th Place-- Kenneth Block of Atascadero HS FFA, CA 6th Place-- Cheyenne Moyer of Prairie Grove HS FFA, AR 7th Place-- Jordan Rauch of Newton HS-FFA, IL 8th Place-- Logan Goggin of Boyle Co HS - FFA, KY 9th Place-- Logan Rinehold of Dekalb HS FFA, IN 10th Place-- Willie Weis of St. Ansgar FFA Chapter, IA

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Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Safford HS FFA, AZ Boyle Co HS - FFA, KY Prairie Grove HS FFA, AR Columbia FFA, MO Atascadero HS FFA, CA Silver City HS-FFA, NM Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Otsego HS FFA, OH Newton HS-FFA, IL Blanco HS FFA, TX Dekalb HS FFA, IN Torrington HS FFA, WY Uniontown HS FFA, KS

Silver Emblem Teams Hi Plains HS FFA, CO Bandys HS FFA, NC Southington HS FFA, CT Berthold HS FFA, ND De Land Sr FFA, FL E L Reno HS FFA, OK Kuna FFA, ID Mitchell HS FFA, SD St. Ansgar FFA Chapter, IA Manila HS FFA, UT Elton HS FFA, LA Buffalo Gap HS - FFA, VA Branch Area Careers Center FFA, MI Sumner FFA, WA Russell Tyler Ruthton HS FFA, MN Greenbrier East HS FFA, WV Blair HS- FFA, NE

Bronze Emblem Teams Douglas HS FFA, AL Cumberland Regional, NJ Caesar Rodney HS FFA, DE Stissing Mt Jr Sr HS, NY Linganore HS, MD W B Saul HS Ag Sci-Philadelphi, PA Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA Clover HS FFA, SC Northeast Jones HS FFA, MS Daniel Boone HS FFA, TN Choteau HS FFA, MT Iowa Grant HS FFA, WI Pahranagat Vly HS FFA, NV

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Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Matt Herrington of Safford HS FFA, AZ Koltan Schaaf of Uniontown HS FFA, KS Jennifer Sherlock of Safford HS FFA, AZ Logan Goggin of Boyle Co HS - FFA, KY Rulon Ward of Safford HS FFA, AZ Colby Myers of Boyle Co HS - FFA, KY Nikolas Birchfield of Prairie Grove HS FFA, Jacob Sloan of Branch Area Careers Center AR FFA, MI John Coffey of Prairie Grove HS FFA, AR Brianne Abramovitz of Columbia FFA, MO Cheyenne Moyer of Prairie Grove HS FFA, Cooper Martin of Columbia FFA, MO AR Kallie Sullivan of Prairie Grove HS FFA, AR Andrew Perry of Columbia FFA, MO Kenneth Block of Atascadero HS FFA, CA Kane Warren of Blair HS- FFA, NE Jeremy Clay of Atascadero HS FFA, CA Ryan McCauley of Silver City HS-FFA, NM Kiefer Scroggins of Atascadero HS FFA, CA StarrAnn Moore of Silver City HS-FFA, NM Jordan Richburg of De Land Sr FFA, FL Julia Elmore of Bandys HS FFA, NC Morgan Russ of De Land Sr FFA, FL Laura Elmore of Bandys HS FFA, NC Katie Brown of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Wyatt Hansen of Berthold HS FFA, ND Kalie Hall of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Emily Limes of Otsego HS FFA, OH Ethan Phillips of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Jamie Limes of Otsego HS FFA, OH Brandon Porter of Franklin Co HS FFA, GA Kacey Podolak of Otsego HS FFA, OH Adam Helregel of Newton HS-FFA, IL Caroline Weihl of Otsego HS FFA, OH James Lidy of Newton HS-FFA, IL Brock Herren of E L Reno HS FFA, OK Jordan Rauch of Newton HS-FFA, IL Brianna Robinson of E L Reno HS FFA, OK Lauren Koeppe of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Kaleigh Anderson of Blanco HS FFA, TX Seth Myers of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Keaton Dodd of Blanco HS FFA, TX Logan Rinehold of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Quaid Haack of Blanco HS FFA, TX Amber Shipe of Dekalb HS FFA, IN Laura Kate Reeves of Buffalo Gap HS - FFA, VA Nicole Johnson of St. Ansgar FFA Chapter, IA Eric Larson of Sumner FFA, WA

Willie Weis of St. Ansgar FFA Chapter, IA Zach Bartenslager of Greenbrier East HS FFA, WV Reed Gleason of Uniontown HS FFA, KS B.W. Ochsner of Torrington HS FFA, WY

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Alexandrea Miller of Uniontown HS FFA, KS Katie Ochsner of Torrington HS FFA, WY

Silver Emblem Individuals Mitchell Morgan of Douglas HS FFA, AL Bonnie McCauley of Silver City HS-FFA, NM

Josh Williams of Douglas HS FFA, AL Justin Monzingo of Silver City HS-FFA, NM Kelli Porter of Safford HS FFA, AZ Clayton Stephens of Stissing Mt Jr Sr HS, NY Skyler Robertson of Atascadero HS FFA, CA Heath Brittain of Bandys HS FFA, NC Geoffrey Mills of Hi Plains HS FFA, CO Mason Lautenschlager of Berthold HS FFA, ND Brooke Foti of Southington HS FFA, CT Payton Lautenschlager of Berthold HS FFA, ND Joanna Rodgers-Liston of Southington HS Jordan Jensen of E L Reno HS FFA, OK FFA, CT Marybeth Hutchins of Caesar Rodney HS Collin Listen of E L Reno HS FFA, OK FFA, DE Samantha Piper of De Land Sr FFA, FL Darryl Blakey of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- Philadelphi, PA Donald Smith of De Land Sr FFA, FL Melisa Smith of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- Philadelphi, PA Bryce Hill of Kuna FFA, ID Megan Geidel of Mitchell HS FFA, SD Erick McKague of Kuna FFA, ID Weston Geppert of Mitchell HS FFA, SD Maggie Reynolds of Kuna FFA, ID Kelsey Repenning of Mitchell HS FFA, SD Michael Probst of Newton HS-FFA, IL Claire Klepac of Blanco HS FFA, TX Jessica Johnson of Boyle Co HS - FFA, KY Justin Olsen of Manila HS FFA, UT Beckham Sharpe of Boyle Co HS - FFA, KY Chantz Potter of Manila HS FFA, UT Trent Bruchhaus of Elton HS FFA, LA Jared Reed of Manila HS FFA, UT Joel Byrne of Elton HS FFA, LA Cheyenne Cline of Buffalo Gap HS - FFA, VA

Taryn McSpadden of Elton HS FFA, LA Brian Cromer of Buffalo Gap HS - FFA, VA Logan Bracy of Branch Area Careers Center Hannah Sayre of Buffalo Gap HS - FFA, VA FFA, MI Tyler Ferrier of Branch Area Careers Center Caitlin Quesenberry of Sumner FFA, WA FFA, MI Bethany Schreur of Branch Area Careers Christian Reinke of Sumner FFA, WA Center FFA, MI

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Alex Bakker of Russell Tyler Ruthton HS Ethan Brooks of Greenbrier East HS FFA, WV FFA, MN Travis Vos of Russell Tyler Ruthton HS FFA, Kodie Brooks of Greenbrier East HS FFA, MN WV Garret Weber of Russell Tyler Ruthton HS Taylor Fritsch of Iowa Grant HS FFA, WI FFA, MN Zac Kerley of Columbia FFA, MO Haley Zimmerman of Iowa Grant HS FFA, WI

Karli Clark of Choteau HS FFA, MT Evan Rader of Torrington HS FFA, WY Morgan Kobs of Blair HS- FFA, NE Lacy Rowen of Torrington HS FFA, WY

Bronze Emblem Individuals Matt Anderson of Douglas HS FFA, AL Garrett Neiburg of Blair HS- FFA, NE Caleb Weeks of Douglas HS FFA, AL John Joe Harris of Pahranagat Vly HS FFA, NV Bryant Benson of Hi Plains HS FFA, CO Clayton Higbee of Pahranagat Vly HS FFA, NV Aaron Cole of Hi Plains HS FFA, CO Tyler Higbee of Pahranagat Vly HS FFA, NV Shelby McCracken of Hi Plains HS FFA, CO Catelyn Sanders of Pahranagat Vly HS FFA, NV elizabeth Roberts of Southington HS FFA, CT Mat Manetas of Cumberland Regional, NJ Alexandra Roy of Southington HS FFA, CT Jimmy Nardelli of Cumberland Regional, NJ Taylor Green of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, DE Brandon VanPelt of Cumberland Regional, NJ

Kayla Kemp of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, DE Brittany Weir of Cumberland Regional, NJ Annie Smith of Kuna FFA, ID Megan Fimbel of Stissing Mt Jr Sr HS, NY Brittany Barker of St. Ansgar FFA Chapter, IA Jessica Richard of Stissing Mt Jr Sr HS, NY

Hailey Meitner of St. Ansgar FFA Chapter, IA Colleen Smith of Stissing Mt Jr Sr HS, NY

Hobie Landry of Elton HS FFA, LA Hannah Parker of Bandys HS FFA, NC Joshua Doody of Linganore HS, MD Ian Hall of Berthold HS FFA, ND Dalton Mackenzie of Linganore HS, MD Dwayne Bailey of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- Philadelphi, PA Beth Reed of Linganore HS, MD Amanda Forstater of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- Philadelphi, PA

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Matthew Ripley of Linganore HS, MD Jennifer Haas of Clover HS FFA, SC Amber Gatchell of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, Lauren McGill of Clover HS FFA, SC MA Sarah Geromini of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, Leslie McGill of Clover HS FFA, SC MA Amy Randall of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA Chris Bowman of Daniel Boone HS FFA, TN

Patrick Simmons of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, Erin Brinkley of Daniel Boone HS FFA, TN MA Chris Fehrman of Russell Tyler Ruthton HS David Bruce Doan of Daniel Boone HS FFA, FFA, MN TN William Allbrook of Northeast Jones HS FFA, Kalen Lewis of Daniel Boone HS FFA, TN MS Samantha Strickland of Northeast Jones HS Wyatt Potter of Manila HS FFA, UT FFA, MS Thomas Wagnon of Northeast Jones HS FFA, Jordan Swarthout of Sumner FFA, WA MS Shelby Walters of Northeast Jones HS FFA, Reese Tuckwiller of Greenbrier East HS FFA, MS WV Carlene Hanson of Choteau HS FFA, MT Joshua Hess of Iowa Grant HS FFA, WI Shawmarie Hanson of Choteau HS FFA, MT Sarah Mueller of Iowa Grant HS FFA, WI Trevor Hilger of Blair HS- FFA, NE

The National FFA Livestock CDE is a competitive activity that tests the student's ability to select and evaluate livestock. Event components include seven evaluation classes of beef, sheep and swine; oral placement reasons on four classes; a written exam on livestock production; and quality grading of slaughter cattle. A team event, based on production performance records, demonstrates the team's breeding livestock selection ability. Each team in the event competed at local and state levels for the privilege of representing their state at the national FFA convention. This event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.

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The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 8:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Marketing Plan 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Marketing Plan Career Development Event (CDE) were announced on Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Ms. Gail Kiley Sanders of Vermont served as superintendent of this year's event. Members of the national winning team received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institute of their choice. The scholarships and the marketing plan event are sponsored by DeBruce Grain of Kansas City, Missouri and the National FFA Foundation. The team from Philip HS Haakon Sch Dist FFA in Philip, South Dakota placed first in the National FFA Marketing Plan Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Mick Trask, Caleb Clemets and Carissa Doolittle and were coached by Douglas Hauk. The South Dakota team placed first in competition against 29 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--South Dakota Mick Trask, Caleb Clemets, and Carissa Doolittle, all of Philip HS Haakon Sch Dist FFA 2nd Place--California Wesley Kraintz, Raven Castro, and Justin Rominger, all of Winters HS FFA 3rd Place--Kentucky Brooke Spalding, Kayla Spalding, and Sammy Humes, all of Nelson County High School- FFA 4th Place--New Mexico Edwin Goetsch, Cady Mathews, and Mabelle Roybal, all of Las Vegas FFA

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Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Winters HS FFA, CA Las Vegas FFA, NM Nelson County High School- FFA, KY Philip HS Haakon Sch Dist FFA, SD

Silver Emblem Teams Lyman Memorial HS Lebanon Reg, CT West Rowan HS FFA, NC Marsing HS FFA, ID Kingfisher HS FFA, OK Taylorville HS FFA, IL Molalla HS FFA, OR Springport HS FFA, MI Brighton FFA, TN Alliance HS FFA, NE Florence FFA, TX Silver Sage FFA, NV Lynden HS FFA, WA

Bronze Emblem Teams Basha High School-FFA, AZ Hinds Community College Raymond FFA, MS Prairie Jr Sr HS-FFA, CO Red Lodge HS FFA, MT Temple FFA, GA Pioneer HS FFA, NY Woodlan FFA, IN Vocacional Ramon Avila, PR Clear Spring HS FFA, MD Fort Defiance HS FFA, VA Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA Brillion HS FFA, WI Worthington HS-FFA, MN Worland HS Chief Washakie FFA, WY

The National FFA Marketing Plan CDE helps students practice and sharpen skills in marketing through the development and presentation of a marketing plan. The plan may focus on the introduction of a new agricultural product, supply or service or on improving

-- MORE -- Page 3 marketing of an existing product, supply, or service. Each team competed against teams in their state for the privilege of participating in the national event. The event, held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons taught in agriculture classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 8:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Meats Evaluation And Technology 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Meats Evaluation and Technology Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. Randy Harp of Texas served as superintendent of this year's event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education in a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the event are sponsored by Cargill Meat Solutions of Kansas; Hormel Foods Corporation of Minnesota; Kraft Foods -Oscar Mayer of Wisconsin and Tyson Foods, Inc. of Arkansas as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The team from Sumner FFA in Sumner, Washington placed first in the National FFA Meats Evaluation And Technology Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Kassandra Ognoskie, Katey Scholz, Lindsey Montgomery and Erin Frazier and were coached by Rusty Finch. The Washington team placed first in competition against 38 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Washington Kassandra Ognoskie, Katey Scholz, Lindsey Montgomery, and Erin Frazier, all of Sumner FFA 2nd Place--Minnesota Bailey Wolters, Kayla Quincey, Samantha Berg, and Heather Evans, all of Pipestone Area HS FFA 3rd Place--Idaho Jessica Reynolds, Rachael Ashley, Hannah Christensen, and Joshua Winger, all of Kuna FFA

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4th Place--Texas Andrea Nordman, Lauren Turner, Weston Burson, and Katie Morton, all of Florence FFA 5th Place--California Nicholas Badasci, Lee Wisecarver, Tyler Beck, and Brandon Lee, all of Hanford HS FFA 6th Place--Nebraska Miranda Schurr, Jaimee Easterday, Ashley Pleschourt, and Bryant Keller, all of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA 7th Place--Illinois Melvin Knapp, Ashton Lanz, Rollin Wenger, and Thane Zehr, all of Prairie Central HS-FFA 8th Place--Indiana Luke Williams, Elizabeth Schenck, and Tyler Reems, all of Owen Valley FFA 9th Place--Kansas Brandon Teeters, Mark Walls, and Garrett Stevenson, all of Paola HS-FFA 10th Place--Oklahoma Carla Ott, Carmen Ott, Maggie Johnson, and Stacey Parsons, all of Oklahoma Union FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Lindsey Montgomery of Sumner FFA, WA 2nd Place-- Kassandra Ognoskie of Sumner FFA, WA 3rd Place-- Rachael Ashley of Kuna FFA, ID 4th Place-- Kayla Quincey of Pipestone Area HS FFA, MN 5th Place-- Lauren Turner of Florence FFA, TX 6th Place-- Jessica Reynolds of Kuna FFA, ID 7th Place-- Nicholas Badasci of Hanford HS FFA, CA 8th Place-- Katie Morton of Florence FFA, TX 9th Place-- Samantha Berg of Pipestone Area HS FFA, MN 10th Place-- Erin Frazier of Sumner FFA, WA

Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Hanford HS FFA, CA Pipestone Area HS FFA, MN

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Douglas Co Sr HS-FFA, CO Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE Kuna FFA, ID Rugby HS FFA, ND Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Oklahoma Union FFA, OK Owen Valley FFA, IN Florence FFA, TX Paola HS-FFA, KS Sumner FFA, WA

Silver Emblem Teams Har-Ber FFA, AR Pioneer Career & Tech CTR FFA, OH Williston Sr HS FFA, FL Hermiston HS FFA, OR Coffee HS FFA, GA Kimball FFA, SD Muscatine HS FFA, IA North Summit HS FFA, UT Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Fort Defiance HS FFA, VA Thibodaux HS FFA, LA Dodgeland HS FFA, WI Miller HS FFA, MO High Plains FFA, WY Carrizozo FFA, NM

Bronze Emblem Teams Gilbert HS FFA, AZ Flathead HS FFA, MT Killingly HS FFA, CT Pioneer HS FFA, NY Sussex Central HS FFA, DE North Lenoir HS FFA, NC Northern Garrett Co HS FFA, MD W B Saul HS Ag Sci-Philadelphi, PA Sanilac Career Center FFA, MI Cumberland Gap HS FFA, TN Florence HS-FFA, MS Clay Co HS FFA, WV

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Dillon Garr of Har-Ber FFA, AR Bryant Keller of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE Nicholas Badasci of Hanford HS FFA, CA Miranda Schurr of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE Tyler Beck of Hanford HS FFA, CA Kylie Gaines of Carrizozo FFA, NM

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Brandon Lee of Hanford HS FFA, CA Preston McGath of Rugby HS FFA, ND Lee Wisecarver of Hanford HS FFA, CA Carla Ott of Oklahoma Union FFA, OK Danielle Ufer of Douglas Co Sr HS-FFA, CO Carmen Ott of Oklahoma Union FFA, OK Ryan Feagle of Williston Sr HS FFA, FL Jessica Hancock of Hermiston HS FFA, OR Rachael Ashley of Kuna FFA, ID Taylor Geppert of Kimball FFA, SD Jessica Reynolds of Kuna FFA, ID Weston Burson of Florence FFA, TX Joshua Winger of Kuna FFA, ID Katie Morton of Florence FFA, TX Melvin Knapp of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Andrea Nordman of Florence FFA, TX Ashton Lanz of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Lauren Turner of Florence FFA, TX Thane Zehr of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Wade Donaldson of North Summit HS FFA, UT Tyler Reems of Owen Valley FFA, IN Shyanne Ovard of North Summit HS FFA, UT

Kathryn Temple of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Bly Patterson of Fort Defiance HS FFA, VA Garrett Stevenson of Paola HS-FFA, KS Erin Frazier of Sumner FFA, WA Brandon Teeters of Paola HS-FFA, KS Lindsey Montgomery of Sumner FFA, WA Samantha Berg of Pipestone Area HS FFA, Kassandra Ognoskie of Sumner FFA, WA MN Heather Evans of Pipestone Area HS FFA, Katey Scholz of Sumner FFA, WA MN Kayla Quincey of Pipestone Area HS FFA, Kelly Vierck of Dodgeland HS FFA, WI MN Bailey Wolters of Pipestone Area HS FFA, Grant Pulse of High Plains FFA, WY MN Jaimee Easterday of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE

Silver Emblem Individuals Kevin Whitehurst of Gilbert HS FFA, AZ Patty Hughes of Flathead HS FFA, MT Justin Bacon of Har-Ber FFA, AR Justin Wang of Flathead HS FFA, MT Jaret Smith of Har-Ber FFA, AR Ashley Pleschourt of Eustis-Farnam HS FFA, NE Jake Hutton of Douglas Co Sr HS-FFA, CO Ryan Guevara of Carrizozo FFA, NM Logan Lenz of Douglas Co Sr HS-FFA, CO Tessa Hendricks of Carrizozo FFA, NM Natalie Roberts of Douglas Co Sr HS-FFA, Jeff Meier of North Lenoir HS FFA, NC CO

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Pete Dola of Williston Sr HS FFA, FL Michael Ostrem of Rugby HS FFA, ND Zach Estevez of Williston Sr HS FFA, FL Monica Pritchett of Rugby HS FFA, ND Spencer Highsmith of Coffee HS FFA, GA Josh Stutrud of Rugby HS FFA, ND Mitchell McIver of Coffee HS FFA, GA Ben Rossman of Pioneer Career & Tech CTR FFA, OH Hannah Christensen of Kuna FFA, ID Maggie Johnson of Oklahoma Union FFA, OK

Rollin Wenger of Prairie Central HS-FFA, IL Stacey Parsons of Oklahoma Union FFA, OK Elizabeth Schenck of Owen Valley FFA, IN Breanna Barton of Hermiston HS FFA, OR Luke Williams of Owen Valley FFA, IN Samantha Jo Sammye Davis of Hermiston HS FFA, OR Jessica Reiners of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Cleora Stollar of Hermiston HS FFA, OR Derek Zapata of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Shelby Kroupa of Kimball FFA, SD Mark Walls of Paola HS-FFA, KS Westlee Walker of Cumberland Gap HS FFA, TN Stetson Baird of Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Chase Rees of North Summit HS FFA, UT James Jeffiers of Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Morgan Slaven of Fort Defiance HS FFA, VA Jacob Walker of Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Logan Turner of Fort Defiance HS FFA, VA Chase Granier of Thibodaux HS FFA, LA Felicia Chapman of Clay Co HS FFA, WV Josh McCarthy of Thibodaux HS FFA, LA Alexus Butler of Dodgeland HS FFA, WI Samantha Courtney of Sanilac Career Center Lisa Grulke of Dodgeland HS FFA, WI FFA, MI Melanie Atwell of Miller HS FFA, MO Christopher Vierck of Dodgeland HS FFA, WI

Katie Colley of Miller HS FFA, MO Chance Bauman of High Plains FFA, WY Nathaniel Johnson of Miller HS FFA, MO Tate Bauman of High Plains FFA, WY Shelby Smith of Miller HS FFA, MO Jace Beard of High Plains FFA, WY

Bronze Emblem Individuals Kaile Brodersen of Gilbert HS FFA, AZ Ethan May of Florence HS-FFA, MS Jaime Buchholz of Gilbert HS FFA, AZ Dalton White of Florence HS-FFA, MS Najae Hewitt of Gilbert HS FFA, AZ Jayme Robins of Flathead HS FFA, MT Sean Hill of Har-Ber FFA, AR Stacy Barrow of Pioneer HS FFA, NY Karolyn Card of Killingly HS FFA, CT Ashley Boldt of Pioneer HS FFA, NY Amanda DeTorio of Killingly HS FFA, CT Caleb Jones of Pioneer HS FFA, NY

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Melanie Exley of Killingly HS FFA, CT Courtney Very of Pioneer HS FFA, NY Rebecca Larose of Killingly HS FFA, CT Brittany Barrow of North Lenoir HS FFA, NC Maryann Arterbridge of Sussex Central HS Donald McAteer of North Lenoir HS FFA, NC FFA, DE Rebecca Moore of Sussex Central HS FFA, Ashley Turner of North Lenoir HS FFA, NC DE Mary Zehner of Sussex Central HS FFA, DE Brandon Coll of Pioneer Career & Tech CTR FFA, OH Sarah Zehner of Sussex Central HS FFA, DE Doug Cramer of Pioneer Career & Tech CTR FFA, OH Amanda Gilliard of Coffee HS FFA, GA Ashley Scully of Pioneer Career & Tech CTR FFA, OH Jordana McClendon of Coffee HS FFA, GA Roy Bowser of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- Philadelphi, PA Stacee Jones of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Imani Brown of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- Philadelphi, PA Danielle Montgomery of Spencer Co HS FFA, Rachel Concilio of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- KY Philadelphi, PA Brandi Folse of Thibodaux HS FFA, LA Charles Plitt of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- Philadelphi, PA Paige Quebedeaux of Thibodaux HS FFA, LA Ann Kroupa of Kimball FFA, SD Jarred Dennis of Northern Garrett Co HS FFA, Toby Lutter of Kimball FFA, SD MD Toby Grove of Northern Garrett Co HS FFA, Ember Sutton of Cumberland Gap HS FFA, MD TN Ashley Rodeheaver of Northern Garrett Co HS Courtney Walker of Cumberland Gap HS FFA, MD FFA, TN Cindy Smearman of Northern Garrett Co HS Kashlie Roath of North Summit HS FFA, UT FFA, MD Anna Escobedo of Sanilac Career Center FFA, Emily Tutwiler of Fort Defiance HS FFA, VA MI Travis Noble of Sanilac Career Center FFA, Glenn Boatwright of Clay Co HS FFA, WV MI Katherine Soflin of Sanilac Career Center Leighann Gray of Clay Co HS FFA, WV FFA, MI Zac King of Florence HS-FFA, MS Rebecca Rogers of Clay Co HS FFA, WV

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The National FFA Meats Technology and Evaluation CDE is a competitive activity that tests students' skills and competencies in evaluating and identifying meat carcasses and products. Event components include a general knowledge exam; beef carcass evaluation; identification of wholesale and retail cuts of beef, lamb, and pork; quality and yield grading of beef carcasses; a team meat merchandising activity; and solving of a meat formulation problem. Each team has competed on the local and state levels to earn the privilege of representing their state at the national FFA convention. This event, held at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, Ill., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 2:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Nursery and Landscape 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Nursery and Landscape Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. Alan McDaniel of Virginia served as superintendent of this year's event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the event are sponsored by Arysta LifeScience North America of Cary, North Carolina; Kubota Tractor Corporation of Torrance, California and STIHL Inc. of Virginia Beach, Virginia as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. Merchants in the Indianapolis, Ind. area also donated and loaned plant materials for the CDE. The team from Washington County HS FFA in Washington, Kansas placed first in the National FFA Nursery and Landscape Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Jesse Huber, Michael Welch, Brooke Stamm and Bonnie Bailey and were coached by John Kern. The Kansas team placed first in competition against 40 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Kansas Jesse Huber, Michael Welch, Brooke Stamm, and Bonnie Bailey, all of Washington County HS FFA 2nd Place--Georgia Thomas Burnham, Spencer Freeman, Morgan Strickland, and Nick Wood, all of Perry HS FFA 3rd Place--Florida Kole Peterson, Ashley Leonard, Ryan Capps, and Lucas Worley, all of Lennard

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FFA 4th Place--Minnesota Justin Simpson, Doreen Lorentz, Jacob Demarais, and Jackson Houston, all of Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted HS FFA 5th Place--Iowa Kinsey Edmonds, Mitchell Longtin, Brenden McCleary, and Andrea Chatfield, all of Muscatine HS FFA 6th Place--Missouri Katlyn Britt-Rankin, Will Garrett, Brady Chasteen, and Russ Chambers, all of Columbia FFA 7th Place--Delaware Ashley Brizendine, Eric Reid, Heather Lefner, and Lindsey Scott, all of Kent Polytech HS FFA 8th Place--Ohio Justin Martin, Ashley Lewis, Casey Fuleky, and Andi Miteen, all of Sylvania Southview HS FFA 9th Place--Idaho Joslyn Waters, Traci Lundquist, Cherokee Carrillo, and Michelle Mortimer, all of Rigby HS-FFA 10th Place--North Carolina Josh Martin, Ricki Miles, Lonnie Nicholson, and Matt Dale, all of Southern Alamance HS FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Jesse Huber of Washington County HS FFA, KS 2nd Place-- Michael Welch of Washington County HS FFA, KS 3rd Place-- Lucas Worley of Lennard FFA, FL 4th Place-- Justin Simpson of Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted HS FFA, MN 5th Place-- Kinsey Edmonds of Muscatine HS FFA, IA 6th Place-- Nick Wood of Perry HS FFA, GA 7th Place-- Thomas Burnham of Perry HS FFA, GA 8th Place-- Spencer Freeman of Perry HS FFA, GA 9th Place-- Mitchell Longtin of Muscatine HS FFA, IA 10th Place-- Bonnie Bailey of Washington County HS FFA, KS

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Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Greenbrier HS FFA, AR Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted HS FFA, MN Kent Polytech HS FFA, DE Columbia FFA, MO Lennard FFA, FL Southern Alamance HS FFA, NC Perry HS FFA, GA Sylvania Southview HS FFA, OH Rigby HS-FFA, ID Mcminnville HS FFA, OR Muscatine HS FFA, IA Sedro Woolley HS FFA, WA Washington County HS FFA, KS

Silver Emblem Teams Atwater HS FFA, CA Cape May Tech FFA, NJ Glenbrook South HS FFA, IL Towner HS Schultz FFA, ND Woodlan FFA, IN Cushing HS FFA, OK Rockcastle County HS - FFA, KY Gallatin HS FFA, TN Cecil Co School Of Tech FFA, MD Crowley FFA, TX Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA Marion HS-Hort FFA, VA Lenawee Vo Tech Center Pm FFA, MI Hampshire Co. FFA, WV Franklin FFA, NE Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI Churchill Co FFA, NV

Bronze Emblem Teams Red Mountain HS FFA, AZ W B Saul HS Ag Sci-Philadelphi, PA Housatonic Vly Reg HS FFA, CT Lexington App Tech CTR FFA, SC Calvin HS FFA, LA Mitchell HS FFA, SD Millsaps Vo Tech Sch FFA, MS Weber HS FFA, UT Mesa Vista HS-FFA, NM Middlebury Union HS FFA, VT Warwick Vly Central HS FFA, NY

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Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Jarrett Alexander of Greenbrier HS FFA, AR Jacob Demarais of Howard Lake-Waverly- Winsted HS FFA, MN Joseph Black of Greenbrier HS FFA, AR Jackson Houston of Howard Lake-Waverly- Winsted HS FFA, MN Ashley Brizendine of Kent Polytech HS FFA, Doreen Lorentz of Howard Lake-Waverly- DE Winsted HS FFA, MN Heather Lefner of Kent Polytech HS FFA, DE Justin Simpson of Howard Lake-Waverly- Winsted HS FFA, MN Eric Reid of Kent Polytech HS FFA, DE Katlyn Britt-Rankin of Columbia FFA, MO Ryan Capps of Lennard FFA, FL Russ Chambers of Columbia FFA, MO Ashley Leonard of Lennard FFA, FL Brady Chasteen of Columbia FFA, MO Kole Peterson of Lennard FFA, FL Will Garrett of Columbia FFA, MO Lucas Worley of Lennard FFA, FL Ricki Miles of Southern Alamance HS FFA, NC Thomas Burnham of Perry HS FFA, GA Lonnie Nicholson of Southern Alamance HS FFA, NC Spencer Freeman of Perry HS FFA, GA Brandon Fenner of Towner HS Schultz FFA, ND Morgan Strickland of Perry HS FFA, GA Cameron McBeth of Towner HS Schultz FFA, ND Nick Wood of Perry HS FFA, GA Casey Fuleky of Sylvania Southview HS FFA, OH Cherokee Carrillo of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Ashley Lewis of Sylvania Southview HS FFA, OH Traci Lundquist of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Justin Martin of Sylvania Southview HS FFA, OH Joslyn Waters of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Kyla Patty of Mcminnville HS FFA, OR Kinsey Edmonds of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Philip Pursel of Mcminnville HS FFA, OR Mitchell Longtin of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Brianna Grigsby of Crowley FFA, TX Brenden McCleary of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Christopher Gore of Marion HS-Hort FFA, VA Bonnie Bailey of Washington County HS Jessica Deboer of Sedro Woolley HS FFA, FFA, KS WA

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Jesse Huber of Washington County HS FFA, Anna Martin of Sedro Woolley HS FFA, WA KS Brooke Stamm of Washington County HS Kaitlyn Borisch of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI FFA, KS Michael Welch of Washington County HS Ryan Spaude of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI FFA, KS Matthew Hoadley of Lenawee Vo Tech Center Pm FFA, MI

Silver Emblem Individuals Sarai Bartolotta of Greenbrier HS FFA, AR Christina Fagundes of Churchill Co FFA, NV Ashley Lewis of Greenbrier HS FFA, AR Jessica Fagundes of Churchill Co FFA, NV Terilyn Bettencourt of Atwater HS FFA, CA Jimmie Ferguson of Cape May Tech FFA, NJ Stefani Dias of Atwater HS FFA, CA Katie Mumford of Cape May Tech FFA, NJ Christina Willman of Atwater HS FFA, CA Mariah Galvez of Mesa Vista HS-FFA, NM Ryan Long of Housatonic Vly Reg HS FFA, Kenneth Sandoval of Mesa Vista HS-FFA, CT NM Lindsey Scott of Kent Polytech HS FFA, DE Matt Dale of Southern Alamance HS FFA, NC

Michelle Mortimer of Rigby HS-FFA, ID Josh Martin of Southern Alamance HS FFA, NC Jake Bell of Glenbrook South HS FFA, IL Brady Prellwitz of Towner HS Schultz FFA, ND Marina Botnari of Glenbrook South HS FFA, Andi Miteen of Sylvania Southview HS FFA, IL OH Monica Gunther of Glenbrook South HS FFA, Ashleigh Pittser of Cushing HS FFA, OK IL Ka Ram Kim of Glenbrook South HS FFA, IL Ashlea Smith of Cushing HS FFA, OK Celeste Grubaugh of Woodlan FFA, IN Robbie Smith of Cushing HS FFA, OK Emily Gruber of Woodlan FFA, IN Jacquelyn Unger of Mcminnville HS FFA, OR

Erin Gruber of Woodlan FFA, IN Jasmine Gibson of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- Philadelphi, PA Andrea Chatfield of Muscatine HS FFA, IA Tyreek Harris of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- Philadelphi, PA Steven Brown of Rockcastle County HS - Tyrell Smith of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- FFA, KY Philadelphi, PA

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Dustin Reynolds of Rockcastle County HS - Amanda Kyzer of Lexington App Tech CTR FFA, KY FFA, SC Amanda Swinney of Rockcastle County HS - Tim Roark of Lexington App Tech CTR FFA, FFA, KY SC Steven Mason of Cecil Co School Of Tech Collin Gronseth of Mitchell HS FFA, SD FFA, MD Maberon Meadows of Cecil Co School Of Garrett Weidner of Gallatin HS FFA, TN Tech FFA, MD Sarah Racine of Cecil Co School Of Tech Rachel Younkin of Gallatin HS FFA, TN FFA, MD Dylan Tomblin of Cecil Co School Of Tech Kaci Geiken of Crowley FFA, TX FFA, MD Jonas Amaral of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA Shelby Hayes of Crowley FFA, TX

Ethan Dangelo of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, Drew Hill of Weber HS FFA, UT MA Nicole Forsyth of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, Zach Sullivan of Middlebury Union HS FFA, MA VT Tedd Bergeron of Lenawee Vo Tech Center Ethan Harris of Marion HS-Hort FFA, VA Pm FFA, MI Joshua Thomas of Lenawee Vo Tech Center Jon Wymer of Marion HS-Hort FFA, VA Pm FFA, MI Daniel Hill of Franklin FFA, NE Stacey Lindsay of Sedro Woolley HS FFA, WA Jessica Loeffelholz of Franklin FFA, NE Audreanna Haines of Hampshire Co. FFA, WV Kate Schluntz of Franklin FFA, NE Brooke Morris of Hampshire Co. FFA, WV Adam Vetter of Franklin FFA, NE Helen Riley of Hampshire Co. FFA, WV

Bronze Emblem Individuals Jesus Lopez of Red Mountain HS FFA, AZ Michelle Giani of Warwick Vly Central HS FFA, NY Victoria Payne of Red Mountain HS FFA, AZ Peter Pascoe of Warwick Vly Central HS FFA, NY Julio Rivera of Red Mountain HS FFA, AZ Maggie Smith of Warwick Vly Central HS FFA, NY Brandon Walker of Red Mountain HS FFA, Kevin Vollmer of Towner HS Schultz FFA, AZ ND

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Lilliana Reyes of Atwater HS FFA, CA Heather Pearce of Cushing HS FFA, OK Cooper Brown of Housatonic Vly Reg HS Ricky Madison of W B Saul HS Ag Sci- FFA, CT Philadelphi, PA Julia Patterson of Housatonic Vly Reg HS Blaine Clarkson of Lexington App Tech CTR FFA, CT FFA, SC Rachael Purdy of Housatonic Vly Reg HS Dillin Price of Lexington App Tech CTR FFA, FFA, CT SC Bridgett Friend of Woodlan FFA, IN Cole Johnson of Mitchell HS FFA, SD Tiffany Burke of Calvin HS FFA, LA Courtney Nolz of Mitchell HS FFA, SD Drew Howell of Calvin HS FFA, LA Tasha Paulson of Mitchell HS FFA, SD Alexis Sampey of Calvin HS FFA, LA Racheal Gregory of Gallatin HS FFA, TN Patrick Curran of Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, Seth Tennant of Gallatin HS FFA, TN MA Tyler Sieler of Lenawee Vo Tech Center Pm Suzanna Salas of Crowley FFA, TX FFA, MI Betty Janay Bardwell of Millsaps Vo Tech Sch Carlie Huenke of Weber HS FFA, UT FFA, MS Kimberly Boyd of Millsaps Vo Tech Sch FFA, Alea Johnson of Weber HS FFA, UT MS Justin McClain of Millsaps Vo Tech Sch FFA, Shelby Miller of Weber HS FFA, UT MS Dalvin Robertson of Millsaps Vo Tech Sch Steven Patterson of Middlebury Union HS FFA, MS FFA, VT Jacklyn Burchard of Churchill Co FFA, NV Holly Attaway of Hampshire Co. FFA, WV Carly Hilton of Cape May Tech FFA, NJ Deanna Cahoon-Draus of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI Kristen Archuleta of Mesa Vista HS-FFA, NM Kayla Steffel of Oconto Falls HS FFA, WI

Katie Brosnan of Warwick Vly Central HS FFA, NY

The National FFA Nursery and Landscape CDE is a competitive activity in which FFA members test their knowledge and skills in nursery practices and landscaping. Contestants must complete a general knowledge exam testing horticultural principles

-- MORE -- Page 8 including plant anatomy, production, marketing, turf, landscape design and maintenance. Each participant must also complete practicums involving a landscape drawing, landscape estimating, plant propagation or potting, identification of plants, disorders and equipment. Each team competed on local and state levels to earn the privilege of representing their state at the national FFA convention. This event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 8:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Poultry Evaluation 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) were announced on Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. Jason Emmert of Illinois served as superintendent of this year's event. The top three individuals and the national winning team members received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the poultry evaluation event are sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc. of Springdale, Arkansas; the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association of Tucker, Georgia and the National FFA Foundation. The team from Bret Harte HS FFA in Altaville, California placed first in the National FFA Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Clay Kruse, Amie French, Trevor Airola and Breanna Roque and were coached by Roy Beck. The California team placed first in competition against 37 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--California Clay Kruse, Amie French, Trevor Airola, and Breanna Roque, all of Bret Harte HS FFA 2nd Place--Texas Kelsey Doege, Jake Pieniazek, Kyle Thomas, and Chase Vasbinder, all of East Central FFA 3rd Place--Arkansas Ryan Napier, Cassy Ramsey, Ellie Morales, and Amanda Cox, all of Lincoln HS FFA

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4th Place--Missouri Matt Jeffers, Sarah Ray, Heidi Davis, and Nathan Mooneyham, all of Paris FFA 5th Place--Wyoming Kaitlynn Glover, Asher Markworth, Danielle Mason, and Kaycee Vollmar, all of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA 6th Place--New Mexico Shay Anderson, Kayley Pelfrey, Rustin Harris, and Mitchell Harrison, all of Texico HS-FFA 7th Place--Kansas Megan Boone, Tyler Tesar, and Eric Noel, all of Prairie View HS-FFA 8th Place--Ohio Mariah Gibbons, Michelle Funk, Michael Schuck, and Tecca Zimmerman, all of Hillsdale HS FFA 9th Place--North Carolina Brandy Cleveland, Angela Harvell, Samantha Talley, and Kayla Cascio, all of West Stanly HS FFA 10th Place--Indiana Jessica Piotter, Dara Nash, Ethan Manning, and Spencer Murphy, all of North Miami HS-FFA

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- Cassy Ramsey of Lincoln HS FFA, AR 2nd Place-- Amanda Cox of Lincoln HS FFA, AR 3rd Place-- Jake Pieniazek of East Central FFA, TX 4th Place-- Heidi Davis of Paris FFA, MO 5th Place-- Breanna Roque of Bret Harte HS FFA, CA 6th Place-- Clay Kruse of Bret Harte HS FFA, CA 7th Place-- Spencer Murphy of North Miami HS-FFA, IN 8th Place-- Kyle Thomas of East Central FFA, TX 9th Place-- Ryan Napier of Lincoln HS FFA, AR 10th Place-- Kelsey Doege of East Central FFA, TX

Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Lincoln HS FFA, AR Paris FFA, MO

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Bret Harte HS FFA, CA Texico HS-FFA, NM Banks Co HS FFA, GA West Stanly HS FFA, NC North Miami HS-FFA, IN Hillsdale HS FFA, OH Prairie View HS-FFA, KS East Central FFA, TX Medford HS FFA, MN Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY

Silver Emblem Teams Killingly HS FFA, CT North Clackamas FFA, OR Baker Co Sr FFA, FL Garden Spot HS FFA, PA Shelbyville HS-FFA, IL Wasatch HS FFA, UT Edmonson Co HS-FFA, KY Floyd Co HS FFA, VA Linganore HS, MD Elma HS FFA, WA Laker HS FFA, MI Cameron FFA, WV Carthage HS FFA, MS Oconomowoc HS FFA, WI Watts HS FFA, OK

Bronze Emblem Teams Arab HS FFA, AL Wells FFA, NV Duncan HS FFA, AZ Allentown HS FFA, NJ Christiana HS FFA, DE Schoharie Central HS FFA, NY South O'Brien HS FFA, IA Gilbert HS FFA, SC Springfield HS FFA, LA Ben W Hooper VOC Sch Cocke Co, TN Verdigre HS FFA, NE

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Amanda Cox of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Shay Anderson of Texico HS-FFA, NM Ellie Morales of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Rustin Harris of Texico HS-FFA, NM Ryan Napier of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Mitchell Harrison of Texico HS-FFA, NM Cassy Ramsey of Lincoln HS FFA, AR Kayley Pelfrey of Texico HS-FFA, NM

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Trevor Airola of Bret Harte HS FFA, CA Brandy Cleveland of West Stanly HS FFA, NC Amie French of Bret Harte HS FFA, CA Samantha Talley of West Stanly HS FFA, NC Clay Kruse of Bret Harte HS FFA, CA Michelle Funk of Hillsdale HS FFA, OH Breanna Roque of Bret Harte HS FFA, CA Mariah Gibbons of Hillsdale HS FFA, OH Matthew Cantrell of Baker Co Sr FFA, FL Michael Schuck of Hillsdale HS FFA, OH Caitlin Brown of Banks Co HS FFA, GA Tecca Zimmerman of Hillsdale HS FFA, OH Koltan Pendley of Banks Co HS FFA, GA Lance Stanislaus of Watts HS FFA, OK Gus Fandrich of Shelbyville HS-FFA, IL Charlie Himes of Garden Spot HS FFA, PA Ethan Manning of North Miami HS-FFA, IN Kelsey Doege of East Central FFA, TX Spencer Murphy of North Miami HS-FFA, IN Jake Pieniazek of East Central FFA, TX Megan Boone of Prairie View HS-FFA, KS Kyle Thomas of East Central FFA, TX Eric Noel of Prairie View HS-FFA, KS Chase Vasbinder of East Central FFA, TX Zach Keller of Medford HS FFA, MN Matthew Cox of Floyd Co HS FFA, VA Heidi Davis of Paris FFA, MO Paul Blake of Cameron FFA, WV Matt Jeffers of Paris FFA, MO Asher Markworth of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY Nathan Mooneyham of Paris FFA, MO Danielle Mason of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY Sarah Ray of Paris FFA, MO Kaycee Vollmar of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY

Silver Emblem Individuals Brad Stone of Arab HS FFA, AL Andrew Tucker of Carthage HS FFA, MS Steven Bigelow of Duncan HS FFA, AZ Emma Ballard of Wells FFA, NV Chantelle Lalumiere of Killingly HS FFA, CT Morgan Lubbe of Allentown HS FFA, NJ Michelle Wood of Killingly HS FFA, CT Kayla Cascio of West Stanly HS FFA, NC Elizabeth Gross of Christiana HS FFA, DE Angela Harvell of West Stanly HS FFA, NC Chelsea Crews of Baker Co Sr FFA, FL Lacie Davis of Watts HS FFA, OK Austin Gibson of Baker Co Sr FFA, FL Leslie Davis of Watts HS FFA, OK Timmy Gibson of Baker Co Sr FFA, FL Kaytlyn Hammons of Watts HS FFA, OK Daniel Anderson of Banks Co HS FFA, GA Jake Huckins of North Clackamas FFA, OR Jessica Black of Shelbyville HS-FFA, IL Hannah Schnackenberg of North Clackamas FFA, OR Mandy Stirrett of Shelbyville HS-FFA, IL Cortney Martin of Garden Spot HS FFA, PA

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Jessica Piotter of North Miami HS-FFA, IN Jonathan Martin of Garden Spot HS FFA, PA Tyler Tesar of Prairie View HS-FFA, KS Janelle Weaver of Garden Spot HS FFA, PA Paul Cooke of Edmonson Co HS-FFA, KY Joseph Crim of Gilbert HS FFA, SC Lydia Renfro of Edmonson Co HS-FFA, KY Reta Miller of Gilbert HS FFA, SC Zachary Vincent of Edmonson Co HS-FFA, Jessica Mullins of Ben W Hooper VOC Sch KY Cocke Co, TN Hillary Clark of Springfield HS FFA, LA Chris Hortin of Wasatch HS FFA, UT Krystal German of Linganore HS, MD Audrey Raby of Wasatch HS FFA, UT Travis Moxley of Linganore HS, MD Kendra Lester of Floyd Co HS FFA, VA Jonathan Stevens of Linganore HS, MD Reynaldo Ayala of Elma HS FFA, WA Samantha Engelhardt of Laker HS FFA, MI Matt Hinderlie of Elma HS FFA, WA Bret Foltz of Laker HS FFA, MI Ella Pittsley of Elma HS FFA, WA Barbara Leipprandt of Laker HS FFA, MI Logan Zepp of Elma HS FFA, WA Carmen Zwemmer of Laker HS FFA, MI Aaron Allman of Cameron FFA, WV Brad Keller of Medford HS FFA, MN Amanda Schwartz of Oconomowoc HS FFA, WI Lauren Larson of Medford HS FFA, MN Becky Sielaff of Oconomowoc HS FFA, WI Justin Blair of Carthage HS FFA, MS Kaitlynn Glover of Natrona Co HS Casper FFA, WY Alisha Jones of Carthage HS FFA, MS

Bronze Emblem Individuals Megan Boyles of Arab HS FFA, AL Shane Hines of Verdigre HS FFA, NE Hannah Alex Chappel of Arab HS FFA, AL Blaine Stoural of Verdigre HS FFA, NE Jordan Creel of Arab HS FFA, AL Rowdy Hutchison of Wells FFA, NV David Colgan of Duncan HS FFA, AZ Melora Weeks of Wells FFA, NV Shelby Kennedy of Duncan HS FFA, AZ Nichole Ondy of Allentown HS FFA, NJ Sarah Bodo of Killingly HS FFA, CT Luke Vrabel of Allentown HS FFA, NJ Katherine Hermonot of Killingly HS FFA, CT Dan Wolek of Allentown HS FFA, NJ Toni Kress of Christiana HS FFA, DE Charly Bender of Schoharie Central HS FFA, NY Gage Taylor-McDowell of Christiana HS Damian Loucks of Schoharie Central HS FFA, FFA, DE NY Brittany Wilson of Banks Co HS FFA, GA Garrett Marbot of Schoharie Central HS FFA, NY

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Kaylee Agney of Shelbyville HS-FFA, IL Cora Woods of Schoharie Central HS FFA, NY Dara Nash of North Miami HS-FFA, IN Alicia Matton of North Clackamas FFA, OR Craig DeBoer of South O'Brien HS FFA, IA Katherine Miersma of North Clackamas FFA, OR Colton Ebel of South O'Brien HS FFA, IA Jesse Blount of Gilbert HS FFA, SC Michael Hofmeyer of South O'Brien HS FFA, Austin Drafts of Gilbert HS FFA, SC IA Emily Vincent of Edmonson Co HS-FFA, KY Courtney Presnell of Ben W Hooper VOC Sch Cocke Co, TN Summer Barnum of Springfield HS FFA, LA Stephanie Spurgeon of Ben W Hooper VOC Sch Cocke Co, TN Elizabeth O'Neal of Springfield HS FFA, LA Sammie Carlson of Wasatch HS FFA, UT Daniel Sykes of Springfield HS FFA, LA Ryan Park of Wasatch HS FFA, UT Jennifer Buckley of Linganore HS, MD Travis Nester of Floyd Co HS FFA, VA Katie Larson of Medford HS FFA, MN Ashley Cain of Cameron FFA, WV Mattie Brooks of Carthage HS FFA, MS Brittany Turklay of Cameron FFA, WV Angela Boggs of Verdigre HS FFA, NE Carly Siewert of Oconomowoc HS FFA, WI Vincent Filip of Verdigre HS FFA, NE Brooke Williams of Oconomowoc HS FFA, WI

The National Poultry Evaluation CDE is a competitive activity that tests the participant's ability to select top quality poultry and poultry products needed for successful production and marketing. Event participants must complete a written exam on poultry management, evaluate classes of live birds for eggs and meat production, evaluate quality of eggs, and evaluate and identify parts and products. Each team competed at local and state levels for the privilege of representing their state at the national FFA convention. This event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA

-- MORE -- Page 7 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 8:00 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Parliamentary Procedure 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Parliamentary Procedure Career Development Event (CDE) were announced on Friday at the annual awards banquet. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. James Connors of Idaho served as superintendent of this year's event. The members of the national winning team each received a scholarship to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the parliamentary procedure event are sponsored by The Mosaic Company of Plymouth, Minnesota. The team from Sullivan HS-FFA in Sullivan, Illinois placed first in the National FFA Parliamentary Procedure Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Dalton Shasteen, Ashley Sinkler, Mark McKown, Katy Hogan, Jared Ferguson and Cheyenne Phelps and were coached by Donald Lockwood. The Illinois team placed first in competition against 42 other teams. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Teams 1st Place--Illinois Dalton Shasteen, Ashley Sinkler, Mark McKown, Katy Hogan, Jared Ferguson, and Cheyenne Phelps, all of Sullivan HS-FFA 2nd Place--Wyoming Micah Christensen, Kayla Foster, Brayden Connour, Sarah Mock, Shelby Kindsvater, and Ben Berry, all of Cheyenne East HS Frontier FFA 3rd Place--Idaho Shalee Killpack, Susan Schram, Paxti Larrocea-Phillips, Lauren Clark, James

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Nasados, and Erin Curry, all of Meridian HS-FFA 4th Place--Florida Victoria Sandlin, Ashton Bloom, Lott Bullock, Tyler Brooks, Kendra Claude, and Arielle Claude, all of Williston Sr HS FFA

Team Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Teams Basha High School-FFA, AZ Carlsbad HS-FFA, NM Bear River HS FFA, CA Harrisburg HS FFA, SD Nonnewaug HS- Woodbury FFA, CT Munford FFA, TN Williston Sr HS FFA, FL Prosser HS FFA, WA Meridian HS-FFA, ID Taylor Co Tech Center FFA, WV Sullivan HS-FFA, IL Cheyenne East HS Frontier FFA, WY

Silver Emblem Teams Geraldine HS FFA, AL Silver Sage FFA, NV Greenbrier HS FFA, AR Napoleon HS FFA, ND Platte Valley HS FFA, CO Hillsdale HS FFA, OH Murray Co HS FFA, GA S U Antonia Serrano Gonzalez F, PR Wapsie Valley Jr/Sr HS FFA, IA Sd O`connor FFA, TX Holton HS FFA, KS Payson HS FFA, UT Spencer Co HS FFA, KY Blacksburg HS FFA, VA Troy FFA, MO Amery HS FFA, WI Shields Valley HS FFA, MT

Bronze Emblem Teams Sussex Central HS FFA, DE Franklin FFA, NE North Miami HS-FFA, IN Tri Valley Central HS FFA, NY Choudrant HS FFA, LA Bartlett Yancey HS FFA, NC

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Urbana HS FFA, MD Burlington HS-FFA, OK Norfolk Co Ag Sch FFA, MA North Clackamas FFA, OR Standish Sterling Central HS F, MI Cedar Crest HS FFA, PA Forest Lake HS FFA, MN Manning HS FFA, SC

The National FFA Parliamentary Procedure CDE tests students' ability to effectively communicate ideas during a meeting. Components included a general knowledge exam of parliamentary law, a ten-minute demonstration of parliamentary procedure, oral questions, and written minutes of the demonstration. Each team competed against chapters from across the nation. The event, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons taught in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Not to be released before 9:30 p.m. Contact: Julie Adams October 23, 2009 (317) 802-4225

The National FFA Organization National Event Winners-- Prepared Public Speaking 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana-- Winners of the National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Friday at the seventh session of the national FFA convention. The event was held in conjunction with the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Dustin DeVries of Texas served as superintendent of this year's event. The top four individuals received scholarships to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice. The scholarships and the prepared public speaking event are sponsored by Monsanto of St. Louis, Missouri as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. This year's participants were:

Top Placing Individuals 1st Place-- McKenzie Walta of Kingfisher HS FFA, OK 2nd Place-- Caitlyn Prichard of Chipley HS FFA, FL 3rd Place-- Alyssa Ramsey of Madison County HS FFA, NC 4th Place-- Darcy Messerly of Enterprise HS FFA, UT

Individual Emblems Listed

Gold Emblem Individuals Caitlyn Prichard of Chipley HS FFA, FL McKenzie Walta of Kingfisher HS FFA, OK Alyssa Ramsey of Madison County HS FFA, Darcy Messerly of Enterprise HS FFA, UT NC

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Silver Emblem Individuals Elizabeth Wilson of Jacksonville HS FFA, AL Rebecca Hall of Western Brown HS FFA, OH Malorie Bankhead of Livermore HS FFA, CA Jessica Budge of Sherwood HS FFA, OR Caitlin Walton of Caesar Rodney HS FFA, DE Marissa Stewart of Lamesa HS FFA, TX

Travis Chase of New Plymouth Jr/Sr HS-FFA, Alix Drown of James Wood HS FFA, VA ID Shane Bell of Albert Lowry HS - Winnemucca Olivia Yates of Pullman HS FFA, WA FFA, NV Leah Hasler of Moriarty HS-FFA, NM Katrina Adkins of Clay Co HS FFA, WV

Bronze Emblem Individuals Lydia Shumaker of Palmer HS FFA, AK Kathleen Miron of Forest Lake HS FFA, MN Melissa Smith of Chino Valley HS FFA, AZ Jennifer Mohon of Simpson County Vo Tech FFA, MS Mollie Dykes of Lake Hamilton HS FFA, AR Emily Whitmarsh of Miller HS FFA, MO Lauren Mertens of Prairie Jr Sr HS-FFA, CO Ryder Simeniuk of Opheim HS FFA, MT Bianca DeLuca of Lyman Hall FFA, CT Debra Wray of Ord HS FFA, NE Patrick Savelle of Oconee Co HS FFA, GA Devon Farr of Coe Brown Academy Much To Do, NH Josh Troester of Eldorado HS-FFA, IL Ashley Frazell of Newton HS FFA, NJ Rachel Floreman of Mc Cutcheon FFA, IN Lauren Osborn of Letchworth Ctrl Sch FFA, NY Jamie Leisitkow of Wapsie Valley Jr/Sr HS Jessie Topp of Carrington HS FFA, ND FFA, IA Kaylee Koch of Coffeyville HS Sek Vo Tech, Alexandria Spease of Greenwood HS FFA, PA KS Will Blackford of Calloway Co HS-FFA, KY Nicolle Corchado of DR Maria Cadilla De Martinez, PR Victoria Arnold of Pleasant Hill HS FFA, LA Laura Anderson of Rd Anderson Applied Tech Cent, SC Brianna Gorence of Caribou Technology Kiley Kaufman of De Smet HS FFA, SD Center-Caribou FFA, ME

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Scarlett Fost of Northern Garrett Co HS FFA, McKenzie Curlin of Munford FFA, TN MD Stephanie Muise of Essex Agricultural & Tech Anna Peissig of Colby HS FFA, WI School - FFA, MA Tiffany Rogers of Cassopolis Ross Beatty HS Samantha Heitsch of Cheyenne East HS FFA, MI Frontier FFA, WY

The prepared public speaking CDE is designed to recognize outstanding FFA members for their ability to prepare and present a factual speech on a specific agricultural issue in a well thought out and logical manner in a competitive setting. Members prepare and deliver a six-to eight-minute speech from memory and respond to five minutes of questions. The event is just one way FFA members can develop their ability to communicate in a powerful, organized and professional manner. The event, held at the Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national FFA convention in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U. S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.