ruture iarmer Published by the Future Farmers of America October-November, 1983
Inside this Issue: A Pasture Full of Profits Agriculture's Crystal Ball America grewup under a Stetson.
STETSON HAT COMPANY, INC., 450.0 STETSON TRAIL. ST. JOSEPH, 502 '(816^233-8031 THE OFFICIAL HAT OF MISS RODjSpWflERICA *3 1
TVHit; J .National T1 Mure hrmer October-November, 1983 Volume 32 Published by ihe Fulurc Farmers of .Vimrlra Number 1 ISSN 0027-9315
A Word With The Editor In This Issue The Basque Heritage A Wyoming sheep rancher hopes to continue a long and proud family tradition. 14 The "back to basics" movement in education sweeping the country has a lot of appeal in Make Room For The Lady _
academic circles. Typically it requires more Take notes, guys: she captured an award that, until now, had been "all male." 1 math and science for high school graduation Keeping Vo-Ag Out of "The Dusty Corner" and college entry. Who could be opposed to Good public relations can help secure your chapter's success and its existence. 2Aj that?
Sounds good until you examine what is A Tour For The Winners happening this year in some schools. In Winning a national FFA award has advantages; how does a tour of Europe sound'' LL order to take the newly-required academic A Pasture Full Of Profits courses, some students find they must take These FFA'ers get livestock skills from a unique "hands-on" experience. 36 fewer electives and cannot schedule voca- tional agriculture. One chapter even had to Texas Teamwork elect new officers because of the change. This father son duo redefines the word "energetic." 38 Those responsible for the educational Calving By Computer programs in our country should study care- Today, computers can give vo-ag students experience handling livestock. 40 fully the long-term consequence of placing less emphasis on vocational agriculture. No Careers in Agriculture: Veterinary Medicine other country in the world has an agricultural Find out about a prestigious but challenging career working with animals. 42 education program like ours —and no other A Week Of Opportunity country is as well fed with a surplus of A Presidential visit and a survey which explores attitudes of today's FFA members. 44 agricultural commodities to help feed the
rest of the world. After all, if vocational Agriculture's Crystal Ball _~ agriculture isn't "basic" to the needs of this It looks like Buck Rogers will replace Farmer Brown on tomorrow's farms. J\) country, what is? National Advisor Byron Rawls retired in August and returned to his native state of Alabama. (See page 28.) A number of achievements can be credited to Mr. Rawls during his term of office. Perhaps the greatest of these was his ability to pull together the various groups serving agricultural education into a working team for FFA. Mr. Rawls joins two other living persons who have served in FFA's highest position: Mr. H. N. Hunsicker, 1965-79 and Dr. A. W. In Every Issue Chapter Scoop 54 Tenney, 1961-65. Welcome to Thaine McCormick. who has \ews In Brief 8 New In Agriculture 56 assumed the duties of national advisor on an In Action acting basis until a replacement for Mr. .ooking Ahead 10 FFA 58
Rawls is named. Mr. McCormick is Chief, Vlailbag 1 L The Joke Page Program Services Branch of the U.S. De- 62 partment of Education. Cover: Cover Photo by Michael H'ilson
19-year-old George Etchemendy. from the Douglas. Wyoming, FFA Chapter, is WiliOM. GafmU. surrounded by friendly faces during feeding time at the FFA member's family-operated sheep ranch. George and his family hail from an old world "Basque" background, which is the subject of our cover story on page 14.
Magazine Staff National Officers National Staff Advertising Offices Editor-in-Chief, Wilson W. Carries National President, Janice Eberly, 1059 Ranger National Advisor, Chief Executive Officer, The National FUTURE FARMER Managing Editor, Michael Wilson Road. Fallbrook. CA 92028, National Secretary, (Acting) Thaine McCormick. Executive P.O. Box 15160 Alexandria. VA 22309 703-360-3600 Senior Editor, John M. Pitzer Marty Coates. Route 1. Box 204, Clarkton, NC Secretary. Coleman Harris; National Treasurer. Publishing Assistant, Jo Colley 28433; National Vice Presidents. Cara Doyle, David A. Miller; Administrative Director, Wilson Robert C Whaley Editorial Assistant. Joan of International Programs, 4605 Fulton, Suite No 4 Beach 703 South Quincy. Green Bay, Wl 54301 ; Bruce W Carnes, Manager Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 213-789-6681 Director of Advertising, Glenn D Kettler, 8550 State Route 274, Anna. OH 45302. Lennie Gamage. FFA Program Specialist Luedke Bryan Stamps. Route 1. Box 309, Edwards. MS {Awards), Robert Seefeldt; FFA Program Robert Flahive Company Advertising Assistant, Berryman (Contests). Ted Amick; Program 22 Battery Street Joyce 39066; Wendell Jeffreys, Route 1 , Bokchito. OK Specialist FFA San Francisco. 941 1 415-781-4583 Circulation Fulfillment Manager. 74726. Specialist (Leadership), Tony Hoyt, Director of CA DottieM Hinkle Information. Cameron Dubes; Audio-visual Midwestern States: Assistants. Board of Directors Specialist, William Stagg. Director of FFA Ag/Group 20, Inc. 400 N. Michigan Avenue Pat Glenn. Chairman, (Acting) Thaine McCormick; Supply Service. Harry J. Andrews. Assistant Chicago, IL 60611 3>2-644-5560 Dorothy Welzel, Members of the Board, Curtis Corbin, Jr.. Director. Paul Kidd; Executive Director FFA Sandy Hynson William Dannenhauer. Ralph Dreessen, Duane Alumni Association. Robert W Cox. Manager of Ohio. Pennsylvania. Delaware, New Jersey: Ag/Group 20. Inc Nielsen, William Schreck, Les Thompson. J.W Accounting. JoAnn Grimes. P O Box 251 Warren. Old Greenwich. CT 06870 203-637-4397
The National FUTURE FARMER (ISSN 0027-9315) is published bimonthly by the Future Farmers of America, 5632 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria. Virginia 22309. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the National FUTURE FARMER, P.O. Box 15160. Alexandria, Virginia 22309.
ADDRESS CHANGES: Send both old and new address to Circulation Department, The National FUTURE FARMER. P.O. Box 15160, Alexandria. Virginia 22309 CORRESPONDENCE: Address all correspondence to; The National FUTURE FARMER, P.O. Box 15160, Alexandria, Virginia 22309 Offices located at the National FFA Center, approximately eight miles south of Alexandria, Virginia. SUBSCRIPTION: $2 50 per year in U.S. and possessions (FFA members S1 25 paid with dues) Single copy 50C; five or more 35C each. Foreign subscriptions, $2 50 plus $2.00 extra for postage. Copyright 1983 by the Future Farmers of America . • ,-
Today the Services can help you so ou not only get better u really grow.
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A Looking for an opportunity to develop and grow as a person? You'll find it in the ArmyNavy, Air Force and Marines. And that's especially true if you're j
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The Armed Forces can bring out the best in you— Challenge, adventure actually help you grow better. For instance,there's even a pro- excitement too. gram in which the government A time to enjoy. contributes money toward a education. something new. college See Serving in the Armed Forces is an adventure and a challenge. There are new places to see.And new friends to make. Pay is higher than ever- more than $550 a month to start. And you earn 30 days of vacation each year. Plus, the Services take care of your food, uniforms, housing and
! medical needs. But above all, you'll gain ~> new confidence. Stand a little taller. Walk a little prouder. All j while serving your country. And that's one of the finest things a person can do. lb find out more, see your local Armed Forces recruiter or write Armed Forces Oppor- \ tunities, P.O. Box C 1776, Huntington Station, N.Y. 11746. ITS A GREAT PLACE TO START Pre-Convention Highlights . Let's Head For KC!
The stage is almost set, the spotlights tested, and the chairs are being placed KEEPING in neatly line for the anticipated arrival of 22,000 high-spirited, blue-jacketed FFA members, guests, celebrities and AMERICA friends in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 10-12, 1983. They're all arriving for one purpose: ON THE GROW to participate in the highlight of the FFA year, the 56th annual National FFA Convention, scheduled for KC's Municipal Auditorium. Willard Scott, well-known weather- man from NBC's "Today Show" will be a featured speaker at this year's con- vention. He also plans to do his weather forecast live from Kansas City on Friday morning of the convention. The convention will also feature speeches from Zig Ziglar and Robert Moawad, president and founder of United Learning Institute, Inc. Singer Charley Pride, scheduled to perform at the American Royal, will bring greetings to the FFA gathering. These celebrity appearances, though, are just the beginning. Starting with the American Royal parade on Saturday, November 5 at 8:30 a.m., FFA members and guests will participate in a week filled with excitement and entertainment. Under this year's new FFA theme "Keeping America On The Grow," FFA delegates will conduct business and make decisions affecting a fellow membership of nearly one-half million. FFA talent, band and chorus members will give performances throughout the conven- tion, beginning with Wednesday eve- ning's Vespers program, and the 1982- 83 National Officer team will officially open the convention on Thursday morning. Model 422 And the excitement won't be limited to Municipal Auditorium. At nearby H. Roe Bartle Hall, the National Agri- cultural Career Show will feature exhibits THE NEW BUCKLITE is unbelievable from breed associations, educational because it combines the rugged durability you demand institutions, state FFA exhibits and in a field knife with the light weight you've only major ag companies. The National FFA dreamed of till now. It combines a 3-inch blade of Alumni Association will again be con- Buck's high-carbon high-chrome steel with Buck's ducting leadership workshops for FFA positive lock-open action, yet weighs only 3Vt ounces, members beginning on Thursday. complete with nylon sheath. Handles are one-piece Nine national contests will test the Valox* an engineering- skills of top state-winning judging teams, quality thermoplastic. See and the celebrated "Stars Over America Pageant," is scheduled for Thursday the BuckLite now at your BUCK evening. A convention newspaper. The favorite dealer. FFA Times, will keep those in attendance ^^ latest up to date with the convention *Valox is a registered TM of General Electric Famous for holding an edge. news as it happens. All in all. the national convention is AMERICA'S FAVORITE KNIVES something vou won't want to miss. Let's ••• Free! "Knife Know-How" Dept. NF-1083. P.O. Box 1267, El Cajon, CA 92022 head for KC!
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right FLOPPY DISC DEPT: The National percent shortfall of qualified FFA Foundation recently announced individuals. a new recognition direction program called THE ROSE BOWL Parade and FFA "Computers In Agriculture," for vo-ag don't always have much in common, Jyadco students with skill and interest in FARM& RANCH but they will this year. Sunkist C*Ulo( Ho IM-IM4 microcomputing. This award, Growers, Inc., have decided to include sponsored as a special project by two FFA members to ride on the AgriData Resources, Inc., is company's 50-foot float at this year's established to "recognize outstanding parade. The float will represent nearly vo-ag students with agricultural $80,000 worth of construction and computer talents," says National fresh flowers, and will be viewed over Executive Secretary C. Coleman national television. Harris. The program provides a certificate to the top student in every NATIONAL FFA LEADERS from Next time you need hard-to-find farm FFA chapter who has shown the across the nation convened at the supplies, reach for Nasco's Farm and greatest progress in using a National FFA Center for their annual Ranch '84 Catalog. Includes Nasco's microcomputer in agriculture or July Board of Directors meeting to dairy and livestock equipment, sup- agribusiness. The purpose of the new discuss items of importance to FFA small plies for poultry, horses, sheep, award is to recognize outstanding members. Here are highlights of that animals hogs Plus hundreds of and student accomplishments in ag meeting: specialty items. Head for this compre- computing; to encourage vo-ag • Agricultural proficiency and hensive catalog to meet all your agri- teachers and students to use the American Farmer Degree application cultural needs. For your FREE copy, computer as a management tool in forms will be placed on floppy discs call or write Dept. AM-8310. agriculture; to recognize the for students to use with Free Phone Order Service 1-800-558-9595 importance of using computers as a microcomputers, and will be available In Wisconsin 1-800-242-9587 learning tool in the classroom; and to from Apple and Radio Shack through help identify vo-ag as rewarding and the National FFA Supply Service in Fort Atkinson, Wl 53538 challenging to potential vo-ag the fall of 1984. / / MocModesto, CA 95352 students. • The new National Forestry contest THE NATIONAL FFA Foundation was approved to be sponsored through >J\acU6CO has established the Byron Rawls the National FFA Foundation, Inc. Honors Fund as a tribute to the and will begin in 1985. recently-retired National FFA Advisor • The Board moved to eliminate the (see story this issue). The fund will National FFA Milk Quality and Dairy THE FINEST help support the Hall of Achievement Foods Judging Contest, and the at Mr. Rawls' request. To honor Mr. National FFA Poultry Judging PECANS! Rawls and secure your name in his Contest by 1985. personal Honors Record, send • For FUND RAISING contributions to the National FFA II FFA'S • For BUSINESS GIFTS PHASE OF BOAC Foundation, P.O. Box 51 17, Madison, (Building Our American • For PERSONAL USE Wisconsin 53705. Communities) program was recently HfW ^k*"-*"^W»"VwlP>.- initiated, providing incentives for A NEW SCHOLARSHIP Program individual awards to FFA members. for FFA members has been developed Up until this year, the BOAC program by the National FFA Foundation. had been limited to chapter the top chapter Touted as the "College and Voca- recognition only. Now, tional/Technical School Scholarship member and advisor from each state- winning chapter will participate Program, " FFA members who are BOAC all National Meafy, flavorful new crop pecans, high school seniors now or who are in an annual FFA picked with care from our Georgia Conference on Community groves, processed and shipped fresh out of school but plan to enroll in Development held in Washington, from our spotless plant. their first year of higher education each September. At press time ACE PECAN is your direct source for a are eligible. For complete details see D.C. complete variety of nutmeats — this year's winners had not been walnuts, pistachios, almonds, cashews, page 59 of this issue. announced, but the field had been brazils and mixed nuts. There is nothing in your local grocery store that com- narrowed to these ten states: Arizona, pares in size, quality and just-picked "HUMAN CAPITAL Shortages: A California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, freshness! Threat to American Agriculture," is a Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, WRITE FOR FREE INFORMATION! new brochure prepared by the Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Brochure, Wholesale Prices, "How To National Association of Sell" Brochure and Sample Oder Learn State how organizations profit with our fund- Universities and Land Grant Colleges, DOUG BUTLER, of Gilcrest, raising program! "to develop scientific, professional and Colorado, recently joined the National r managerial expertise for a strategic FFA Foundation Sponsoring 8 The Xational Fl Tl RE FA RMER WE BROUGHT ADVANCED ENGINEERING DOWN TO EARTH. Farming is a practical business. Big Red tote tools, parts and spares. is a practical farm machine. And it's why the Big Red you buy That's why it's packed with features this season will still be hauling and designed to benefit the working farmer. helping and hustling a good many Like the heavy-duty steel frame harvests from now that's built to take a Because Big Red is de- pounding. Or the sturdy signed to be up to farming. carrier racks that can And down to earth. Pushbutton electric starting Hydraulicfrontforks improve gets you goingfast. the tide over rough terrain. Maintenance-free solid state Tbrqueyfour-stroke engine CD ignition. andfive-speed dual-range gearbox give you the power to haul up to 700 lbs. Reverse gear allows you to back a load into a tight spot, Reusable two-stage air Co; back awayfrom one. cleaner with shielded intake. Tough high-flotation Rugged shaft drive is virtually tires give great traction, main tenancefree. even in the muddiest conditions. Fidly-sealed rear brake is A trailer hitch is standard virtually impenrixms to mud equipment, and grit. FOLLOW THE LEADER " '- «-*. *-i . .- EYE PROTECTION. Designed for ofl-.. r_. Specifications and availability subject to change without notice. ATC is a registered Honda trademark, --' limits. ^ 1983 American Honda Motor brochure, see your Honda dealer. Or write: American Honda, Dept. 6JM-NF4, Box 9000, Van Nuys, CA 91409. -»-Trendsi renas -m in Agriculture -m -m y frq m Looking Ahead FREE STAR WARS? Lasers on satellites implant, watch for these common won't replace the cow or plow, but mistakes: they could some day help farmers reap • Facilities inadequate to properly CATALOG! better harvests. According to USDA restrain animal. officials, a unique project is currently • Placing implant too far from the underway at the Department of base of the ear. Agriculture to use lasers We've got a catalog full of to "excite" • Crushing pellets from failing to special offers on Justin boots surface molecules of substances withdraw the needle slightly as the and belts, Panhandle Slim without destroying them. The pellets are deposited. western shirts, Wrangler jeans substances, in this case, are the leaves • Using dull or dirty needles. and more ... including buckles of corn and soybean plants —and the FARMERS ARE MORE satisfied and boot care products ... just purpose of exciting surface molecules with their jobs than you think, waiting for you! And we offer a is to detect nutrient-deficient crops. according to a joint study conducted huge selection at greater Researchers say plants suffering from by a leading agricultural public discounts than you will malnutrition have already been relations firm and Iowa State probably find anywhere else! successfully detected by a laser which University researchers. The survey Call ustollfree.orwriteforyour emitted a beam of ultraviolet light found that an overwhelming majority catalog today! from miles above the ground. of farmers —90 percent —said they JUSTIN DISCOUNT HANDICAPPED FARMERS will be were satisfied with farming as an interested in reading Breaking New occupation. But satisfaction does not BOOTS AND COWBOY Ground, a newsletter for farmers with necessarily indicate optimism: the OUTFITTERS physical disabilities published by the study also shows 50 percent of the Department of Agricultural farmers viewed the overall outlook for TEXAS: Engineering at Purdue University. The farming as only fair or "not good at 1-800-772-5933 newsletter features special events, all." Almost two-thirds saw it unlikely ELSEWHERE: special equipment, new programs and that they would increase their farming 1-800-433-5704 feature stories on handicapped operation over the next five years. farmers. For more information contact FARM IMPORTS ARE UP: The P.O. Box 67, Justin.Texas 76247 the department at Purdue University, United States is not only the world's West Lafayette, Indiana 47907. largest exporter of ag products — it also IMPLANTS AND FEED additives is one of the largest importers of such are standard management tools for products, say extension specialists at cattlemen, to Carolina State University. If you move, please let us know so you will receive according Doane's North your magazine without interruption. Send your new Agricultural Report. Among other During the first eight months of fiscal address and the address label from the last issue of reasons, they can boost animal 1983 imports of farm goods were your magazine to Circulation Department, Box performance and reduce the cost of valued at $1 1.1 billion, an increase of 8 15160, Alexandria, Virginia 22309. producing beef. Next time you percent over imports the previous year. MARKET HOG PRICES have dropped substantially since February and will probably go lower this fall, according to Iowa State University extension economists. Reasons for the price drop: a more rapid expansion in hog production than earlier reports indicated. The economists say poor hog prices could continue through the first half of 1 984, strengthening by OHIO July. 2.150.000 Leading Hog-Producing NORTH CAROUNA 2.460.000 States in Hogs Per Year 100°/o Cotton Twill Caps look like a tin of your favorite chew! FIVE STYLES AVAILABLE Copenhagen d Skoal Hawken D Kodiak Red Man ALL CAPS ARE ONE SIZE - FITS ALL. Send $5 95 each plus 75C postage & handling to TIN-TOPS-Dept. F10 P.O. Box 8558 Minneapolis, MN 55408 XMAS SPECIAL ANY 3 CAPS FOR ONLY S16 99 POSTPAID Illustration courtesy Mead Paper. Please allow 4-5 weeks for delivery 10 The National FUTURE FA RMER ,. Squeeze more profits out of these juicy fund raisers. Sunkist® citrus. The fund raiser that 1 can earn extra money for your organization. Sunkist Fund Raising Because with the name Sunkist, you won't Sunkist Growers, Inc. P.O. Box 7888, VanNuys, 91409 have to worry about creating a market. It's CA already out there. And since consumers are willing to pay more for the Sunkist name, you can charge more for Sunkist than any Name other citrus. Organization Your group can sell Sunkist navel oranges, valencias or tangy Sunkist Sunkist Address grapefruit. And make enough money to outfit a band, suit up a team, or support City your favorite project. All year 'round. To find out more, send for our free State Zip booklet. It'll tell you how to make sweet, NFF J juicy profits. You have our word on it.™ Sunkist, (Sunkist, and You have our word on it' are trademarks of Sunkist Growers, Inc. ©1983. Mlilbag Plattenville, Louisiana State College, Pennsylvania September issue. Until now I was un- I am just writing this letter to com- I liked the article I read called "High decided on what to continue my school- pliment your magazine. Hopes" on page 26 of the August- ing as. I love to write and I served as our A couple of days before 1 received the September issue. It was about a girl chapter reporter this past year. Recently June-July issue of The National named Tammie McDaniel who is a big I serve as vice president and a senior at FUTURE FARMER I was seriously breeder in Quarter horses. I was inter- my high school. I wondered if there were thinking of quitting the FFA altogether. ested because Tammie works with and any way that you could send me more But reading your article "Beating the shows horses like I do. Being a horse information about ag journalism. Odds in Agribusiness" on page 18 breeder myself I have plans and set goals Donna Patterson somehow gave me a new hope to continue too. I think everyone should, but most We suggest you contact the Land Grant in the FFA and try my best to make it to of all you have to work hard to get University or other agricultural colleges the top. where you're going. Working, living on in your state for more information. Sandra Campo a farm, working with the horses and Some ag colleges do not have an ag Danvers, Massachusetts other livestock and FFA are helping me communications curriculum; you may I writing this letter in response to set my goals. am have to look out of state.— Ed. what I thought was an embarrassing Gib C. Corl St. Charles, moment in FFA history. I am talking Okeana, Ohio Minnesota I reading article in the about the picture and article that I am a vo-ag/ FFA student and I enjoyed your appeared in the June-July, 1983, issue receive the magazine. I had to write and June-July issue about the FFA's Star on page 40. The picture shows the inform you I have a complaint. In the Agribusinessmen. I am, however, very national president thanking and sup- articles about young people and their concerned about the image portrayed by porting the Coca-Cola Company. horses, you seem to only write about the one of the accompanying pictures on 18. Bill I thought the FFA's interests were ones who own many horses and who page Your photographer, Stagg, geared more towards agriculture and its have won the horse proficiency award. did an excellent job as far as quality of different fields, which includes the dairy What about the "little guy?" I own the pictures and composition. However, industry. The dairy industry is having a two Arabian horses of my own and I the picture in the upper right-hand little tough enough time now without the board my boyfriend's colt. I have a job corner shows very evidence of practices. FFA, an organization that is supposed so I can support my horses myself. I following approved safety to help agriculture grow, go and support train these horses myself, with a little Safety practice violations shown in a product that is hurting dairymen help from a good friend. My family only the picture are 1) welding goggles not across the country. being used, 2) no eye protection, 3) no How about asking the American Dairy protective clothing on arms, and 4) Association to sponsor a program for " Manyfarmers across the country pointing cutting flame towards the acetylene regulator. the FFA instead of Coca-Cola? Let's don't understand conservation show some support for the dairy industry People in agri-industry (many of and the people who work hard to produce practice, and the future farmers whom contribute to the FFA Founda- tion, etc.) are also concerned with the a nutritious product. If the young people need to understand this major in agriculture can't, then who will? apparent disregard for safety in both the part agriculture. all, Michael Richard of After some publications of the FFA and the pictures will accompanying some national proficiency The FFA's interests are geared more day we be the farmers of this award applications. toward agriculture and its different fields. nation..." As a suggestion, why not have a safety But that doesn't mean other large com- engineer or vo-ag teacher check over the panies can't support FFA. The National pictures before publication to see if the FFA Foundation, Inc. offers the oppor- owns three acres and we love these activities depicted conform to approved tunity to sponsor FFA programs to any horses more than anything. safety practices. This should create a and all companies. a result of Coca- As I the people congratulate young who better public image of what is being Cola's interest and support, FFA mem- won the awards, but I find it hard to taught and stressed in vo-ag programs. bers have a new 30-minute film which believe these people had to save every Gary Sands captures the excitement at the National penny they earned to buy their first In the photo, Elmer Zimmerman was FFA Convention. Companies in the horse or first saddle. preparing to use an acetylene torch for dairy industry were offered the same Carrie Scheidt cutting metal. He was not welding. His opportunity. — Ed. Kimball, Minnesota protective goggles were fastened around I would like to commend you and Peebles, Ohio his cap, ready to be lowered after he had your staff on the article "Reduced Tillage: 1 couldn't believe the August-Sep- adjusted the flame. The telephoto lens The Wave of the Future" (August- tember issue "Smart As A Fox" from used for the photo compacted the image; September, 1983, page 14). Dwain Adams of Middletown, Indiana. the flame was actually ten feet from the Many farmers across the country I hope he realizes that there are a lot of acetylene regulator. We try to depict don't understand conservation practices people including me that are very much realistic safety practies in photos when- and the future farmers need to under- against such cruelty. The fox is a beautiful ever possible in The NationalFUTURE stand this major part of agriculture. asset to our country and they deserve the FARMER. -Ed. After all, some day we will be the right to live. What kind of life is it for farmers of this nation and we'll need to them to live in a tiny cage waiting to be Send letters or notes (he sure it 's legible) killed and worn as a coat on someone's understand reduced tillage. with name, address and chapter to: Paul Osterherg shoulders? Someday a law will be passed MAILBAG. T/ie \'ational FUTURE to stop people who find pleasure in Westfield, Pennsylvania FA RMER. P.O. Box 15160. Alexandria. killing animals for unnecessary purposes. I was very pleased with the article "Ag VA 22309. All letters are subject to Julie Sullivan Journalism" on page 32 of the August- editing. 12 The \ational FUTURE FARMER W I N T E R x\- i "Before Iknewit, myriggot sideways on the ice and turned over, and this oneleppy calf who'dhad about enough oftruckin'tookoff. So there I was in myLevi's Jacket, wet snow freezin'myLevi'sJeans to sheet metal; but I figuredI was a darn sight warmer than that calf. To this day, I don't know where be thoughthe was goih because you'd have to be a featherhead-ora cowboy-to be outin weather like that" Weve Seen A Lot Of Seasons Since i850. Levi's QUALITY NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE The Basque Heritage This Wyoming sheep rancher hopes to follow in the proud family tradition of his ancestors. 441 FEEL P roud t° De one of the Basque, land to continue the tradition of raising sheep," says George Pierre Etchemendy, of Lost Springs, Wyoming. "There aren't too many of us left." Those simple words from 19-year-old George are the basis for one FFA member's pride in his family background. And it's also one reason why this American Farmer Degree candidate wants to continue operating his family's successful sheep ranch in the future. George's family hails from the Basque (pronounced "bask") country, a tiny region located in France and Spain. "My grandparents lived in the Pyrennes Mountains," he says. "Over there, the oldest child inherits the ranch or farm. But my grandfather was one of the youngest, so he and my grandmother came to America in the 1920's. They were looking for something better." George's grandparents settled in Colorado and started a sheep ranch. Twenty years later they bought a ranch in Wyoming, moving the sheep with them. George says, "Raising sheep was a natural for them, because that's what they did over there — raise sheep, milking them to make cheese ... It was just something they knew how to do." Today, the Etchemendy family con- tinues the sheep-raising tradition which began so many years ago. Six thousand acres of rangeland handles 1,200 head of Rambouillet-Columbia cross sheep, plus a 200-acre dryland farm which provides corn and hay to supplement rations during lambing season. George also owns cattle, some horses and broilers. He earned the western region diversified livestock proficiency award this year. George, from the Douglas. Wyoming, FFA Chapter, sees a double advantage to the Rambouillet-Columbia cross flock. "Black-faced sheep will usually Above, George loads shelled corn into a portable feeder attached to his pickup truck. (Continued on Page 24) The \ational Fl Tl RE FA RMER Reach new horizons. It's never easy. But reaching for new horizons is what aiming high H is all about. Because to reach for iBTsiroH- ' new horizons you must have the vision to see things not only as they are, but as they could be. You must have the dedication to give the best you have. And you must have the courage to accept new challenges. The history of the Air Force is a history of men and women reaching for new horizons, dedi- cating their vision and courage to make our nation great. You can join us in our quest for new horizons. Our pay and benefits are better than ever, with opportunities for growth and challenge. Aim High! Find out more. fcSee your Air Force recruiter today or call toll free 1-"800-423-USAF (in California 1-800-232-USAF). tter yet/maiiin the card. T7I A V A A great way of life. Make Roc By Michael Wilson Step aside, closet chauvinists. Have we got a treat for you. Her name is Angela Bos (formerly Angela Fulp), and she's the 1982 National FFA Dairy proficiency winner. She's the first female to capture the dairy award in FFA history —and she did it with the same kind of enthusiasm, dedication and dairy management skills former national winners have exhibited. Except this time, a young lady is up on stage accepting the award. You scoff. "How could a girl win..." you secretly say to yourself. If that's the case, it's time to wake up and smell the coffee. Girls in FFA —and girls in farming—have been making a positive impact on agriculture for quite some time now. And although she is a young lady — guys, listen up — she's also a "farm-tough" country girl who's been through plenty of 4 a.m. milking sessions. Twenty-year-old Angela, from Aurora, Missouri, knows more about managing a dairy herd than, well, a lot of people in agriculture today. It's been a challenging but satisfying road travelled since her first dairy cow in third grade, when her interest in the dairy began. "When I got into vo-ag I decided to increase my project," she says, "so I bought five more heifers and got involved in showing. Showing helps you grow better cattle, because it gives Photos By Author Above, calf-feeding time for Angela; right, a milking session begins in the dairy's walk-through parlor; center right, Angela eariags calves with assistance from her husband Albert Bos (left) and her father Gary Fulp; far right, running a test for mastitis. 18 The Motional FUTURE FARMER " — n For The Lady Through hard work and accurate record keeping, this young lady built a top-notch dairy herd and captured an award that, up until now, had been exclusively "all male." you incentive to raise the best calf records could benefit her herd. "The cows' udders. Corn silage and haylage possible." whole point of keeping records is useless are fed out of one oxygen-free and one She set two goals that Greenhand if they're not going to be accurate," she cement silo. "One thing an oxygen-free year: to serve as Aurora FFA's first girl says. "It's the only way you can see if silo does is provide haylage high in chapter president; and to someday earn you're making money or losing money." protein," says Angela. "We'll take sam- the national proficiency award in dairy Angela also gets management advice ples out of the silo and then adjust our production. through the DHIR (Dairy Herd Im- grain ration as to the amount of protein Angela picked up much of her dairy provement Registry), a monthly dairy the cows should get." When she's not knowledge on the family farm where she testing system. The Fulp/Bos herd is milking or feeding, Angela usually finds and her father milk 100 registered Brown signed up for DHIR, and each month all herself in the field raking hay or chopping Swiss and Holstein cows, run 150 cows are tested, butterfat samples are silage. replacement heifers and keep 15 bulls. taken, income over feed costs are cal- Growing up on the farm was a big Angela owns one-fourth of the herd. plus for Angela. "My dad's the type who The Fulps also farm 400 acres of changes with the times," she says. She owned and rented ground, most of it in worked on the home farm through her corn and alfalfa hay chopped and put in "The whole point of keeping high school's work placement program silos for the herd. records is useless if they're not half-days during her junior and senior Like most dairy farmers, Angela is year. But as Angela ruefully admits, no going to be accurate. It's the not afraid to get her hands dirty. But she special favors were allowed. "Just be- also knows the value of "working only way you can see if you're cause I was the boss's daughter didn't it make any difference," she laughs. smarter, not harder." She practices making money or losing "Dad through meticulous record keeping skills treated me just like a hired hand. If I she learned in vocational agriculture money. messed up he probably yelled at me classes. more than anyone else!" "When I first started out, my numbers Angela's father saw that his daughter weren't that big. But our advisor Mr. culated and production figures analyzed. had more than a passing interest in the (Jim) Golding (now retired) made sure It's just a sample of the management herd. When it came time for her to we kept all records down to the finest figures that are analyzed. "It's especially borrow money to expand, he readily detail," she recalls. "He would make me helpful with older cows, knowing which co-signed the loan. "He didn't have to keep individual records on each cow, ones to cull from the herd," adds Angela. do that," she reflects, "but he did. He how much grain they ate, production The farm is equipped with a parlor and mom helped me all they could." figures.... When it came time to close out barn and regular walk through set-up, Angela made an impact in vo-ag class the books everything had to be perfect." with a low-line pipeline that decreases during her first year, when she won Star Angela soon realized how accurate vacuum resulting in less irritation to Greenhand. "The guys put the girls down for being in FFA," she remembers. "I wanted to prove to them I was just as good as them." She remembers how she felt when she learned of her election as chapter president. "I had to gain the chapter's respect first, so I really got in there and worked." she recalls. "I guess I broke the ice for our chapter — they've elected a girl as chapter president three years in a row since then." For most, earning the national FFA dairy award would be the highlight of the year. But Angela had something else to be excited about this past year romance. She recently married Albert Bos, who, coincidentally, is also a vo-ag instructor, and is also, coincidentally, a dairy enthusiast. His family runs a herd of 80 Holsteins at nearby Billings, Missouri. Cheer up, fellows, there'll be others, and well there should be. The FFA can be proud of members like Angela Bos those who aren't afraid to set goals and make achievements in a field that used to be considered "all male." ••• 19 October-November, 1983 Keeping Vo-Ag Out of "The Like it or not, improving the image of your school's vo-ag department through public relations can increase support for your FFA chapter and insure your program's existence. Support for vocational agriculture is something FFA leaders say they just can't have enough of in these turbulent times for vocational education. Today, with funding cutbacks, tea- cher layoffs, department closings and stricter academic requirements, it seems like vocational education is getting pushed into a dusty corner. Stricter academic requirements, a result of the "back to basics" movement, mean increasing the number of years of basic academic courses (such as math and science) a student is required to complete for graduation. So students end up taking fewer elective classes, such as vocational agriculture. Changing priorities in state and federal funding programs have made teacher layoffs and program cutbacks a grim reality for some schools, even those in big production agriculture areas. Some FFA members are feeling the pinch already. One student had to drop FFA chapter had done a better job programs. vo-ag because he couldn't take it and generating support for their program. And the problems aren't limited to meet college-prep requirements also. One These challenges, however, are not Delaware. Many states considered vo- vo-ag instructor, whose contract was limited to changing academic require- ag and FFA strongholds are having reduced from 1 1 to 9 months, worries ments. Reorganization of funding for problems too. Early this year Illinois that his students' SOE programs will vocational education is forcing some was hit with large cutbacks in education suffer over the summer. school districts to cut back vocational funding. Many schools did not know Simply put, public relations is making sure the public knows the value, benefits and merits of—in this case —vocational agriculture. If the right people know about your program and its results you PSA Campaign a Firs can bet you'll get strong support. Such strong support was not evident in the case of Alexis I. du Pont High The 1984 FFA theme "Keeping Information and coordinator for the School in Delaware. I. Alexis du Pont is America on the Grow" is more than just project. Mr. Dubes stresses that, "recent a school suburban that caters to college another catchy FFA phrase. It's the developments in agriculture and voca- prep students; over of 76% the school's simple idea on which the FFA organ- tional education make it important for graduates go on to college. Vocational ization's first nationwide public relations the public to be aware of the value of is not highly education emphasized. campaign is based. vocational agriculture and FFA." The When graduation requirements were And increased support for vocational PSAs are only one-third of the total increased for math science courses and agriculture is what national FFA leaders campaign; The new FFA audio-visual elective options had to be reduced. are anticipating when the campaign gets theme show, sponsored by The Wrangler Vocational agriculture, the school's into full swing early next year. Brand, and FFA WEEK materials, smallest elective, was expensive to run. The campaign features public service sponsored by Estech, Inc., round out the Enrollment had slipped to 59 students. announcements (PSAs) which will ap- effort. It was no surprise, then, that the voca- pear on television, radio and in news- The PSAs are sponsored by the tional agriculture program was dropped. papers and magazines across the country National FFA Foundation's general Only three members of the school's to give the Future Farmers of America fund, feature Eddie Albert of "Green FFA chapter attended the Board of nationwide exposure. Acres" fame and members from Vir- Education's meeting to protest the PSAs are brief announcements con- ginia's Culpeper and California's Es- department's closing. "The program taining information of general interest condido FFA Chapters. Mr. Albert, lacked visibility in the community," says to the public. Media present the an- who usually commands over $25,000 school Principal Alfred DiEmedio, nouncements free of charge for non- per day for commercials, donated his honorary FFA state farmer. "So the profit organizations such as FFA. time to the FFA. chapter lacked community support to "We felt the need had never been "America is number one in agriculture keep the program on the curriculum." greater for a campaign of this nature," because of a simple idea: in the past we The situation at Alexis I. du Pont says Cameron Dubes, FFA Director of have invested in young people who are might have turned out differently if the 20 The Sational FUTURE FARMER " Dusty Corner" By John Dutcher just how much state funding they would each year by hosting alumni, Illinois Your chapter can also generate lose. As a result, "some schools did a FFA and parent/ member banquets. strength in numbers by exposing in- little panic pink-slipping (firing)," says Mr. Connor also effectively uses the coming freshmen and other potential Eldon E. Witt, Illinois FFA executive chapter's FFA advisory board. "If your members to the FFA and vo-ag. secretary. program is built for the community the Every chapter has special public rela- One such pink-slipping took place at support will be there, especially from tions needs. And no two FFA chapters Galesburg High School, where a one- alumni," Mr. Connor says. are alike. But in general, four groups teacher vo-ag program was eliminated. Media Exposure should be kept aware of your activities: Galesburg is just a few miles from One key element behind the Gales- • local media Secretary of Agriculture John R. Block's burg Chapter's success is media expo- • school adminstrators home town. But in this case, good public sure —making sure local newspapers, • alumni, parents and community relations paid off. magazines, radio and television stations groups John Connor, a 14-year vocational are aware of the chapter's activities. • incoming freshmen or other potential agriculture teacher at Galesburg, was Besides these efforts, many chapters FFA members one of 40 teachers in the school district invite local media to attend class field Your national FFA organization offers to lose jobs. Mr. Connor received his trips, community efforts and SOE visits. various tools for your use in public pink slip on a Friday; it was "standing "Vocational agriculture sells itself," relations activities, such as slide shows, room only" at the board of education comments one ag teacher. "All you have FFA WEEK promotion materials. The meeting on Monday. Members of the to do is make sure people see the results National FUTURE FA RMER magazine local FFA Alumni Club, community of the program. Bragging about your and the FFA calendar program. and business leaders filled the room to program and the FFA is essential if you Perhaps more importantly, members protest the loss of Mr. Connor's job and want the community to know what's should set a good personal example. the department's closing. going on in the classroom and the This includes wearing official FFA dress The program was re-opened three chapter." at appropriate FFA functions and weeks later. Generating support within your following the FFA code of ethics (in Support like this is no accident. The school through the school newspaper, your Official FFA Manual). One student Galesburg FFA Chapter uses its media announcements, activities or school puts it this way: "as FFA members, we contacts to promote both individual and improvement projects can be a big help— need to be constant examples to verify chapter activities. The chapter takes especially if the school administration the effectiveness of vocational agriculture time to thank individuals who help out isn't aware of these efforts. programs." ••• For FFA today leading the world in agriculture," says Mr. Albert in the PSAs which appear in 60-, 30-, 20-and 10-second lengths. ALBERT: "America is number one in agriculture because of a simple idea: in the past we have invested in young people who are today leading the world in Above, Eddie Albert "on location" with FFA members in Virginia. agriculture. The PSAs will be premiered at the vocational agriculture teachers appointed PSAs will also be sent to 8,000 National FFA Convention before an by each state's Executive Secretary. newspapers and 600 agricultural audience of 22,000 FFA members before Radio announcements will be sent to magazines across the country. they are shown nationwide in January. all National Association of Farm Broad- Mr. Dubes says he is counting on The television announcements were casters (NAFB) members and to the top FFA chapters to encourage their shot on location at rural areas in Virginia 100 radio markets in major metropolitan local media to "run" the announce- and California by United Way of areas. Chapters can purchase a PSA for ments. "We need strong local support America. The PSAs will be made avail- their local radio station from the National to make this campaign as big of a able to all state television stations through FFA Supply Service for $2.50. success as it can be," he says. ••• October-November, 1983 21 Becoming a national FFA winner has its advantages. How does a dream-come- true tour of European agri- culture grab you? Photos by Author For most people, an all-expenses-paid trip to Europe is a fantasy. But for 22 Future Farmers of America, Europe, with all its majesty and splendor, became a fantasy-come-true last May during an expense-paid 17-dayjourney through six European countries to study European agricultural practices. These were no ordinary FFA members, mind you. After endless hours of labor, record keeping and interviewing on the local, state and national level, these select few vo-ag students had earned national recognition as the top FFA member in their field, in areas ranging from horses to horticulture. The National FFA Foundation, Inc., in an effort to salute the FFA'ers excellence and dedication, pays for the entire trip. Counterclockwise from above: one of several highlights, FFA members saw the spectacular Eiffel Tower in Paris, France; the tour group gathers for a group shot beneath a Dutch windmill; new cattle feeding methods; plus some farm operations similar to their own; an English Young Farmer Advisor gives a farm tour; an FFA'er gets some friendly advice during a European "host" family stay; moments of silent reflection during visits to American war cemeteries. 22 The \ational FUTURE FARMER the tour itself is not And just for sight-seeing, says Bob with families in their homes. Meals, shopping, pitching in Seefeldt, program specialist for awards and tour leader. FFA with the chores were experiences which gave tour members members are given the opportunity to broaden their per- hands-on exposure to cultures of another land, allowing both spective and appreciation for world agriculture through real- student and host a chance to learn more about each other's life visits with European families and farmers. "The trip is an countries and establish life-long friendships. extension of the students' SOE program," says Mr. Seefeldt. From these overnight stays FFA members learned that, "First, students learn about agriculture in their own com- world-wide, most farmers and agribusinessmen faced common munity through SOE programs. We extend that experience challenges and reaped the same rewards from their work. In by giving them a chance to see what agriculture is like in the Holland, the group met with potato world community." farmers, who worried that high amounts of rainfall would delay planting. In The tour accomplished this goal by using the same Germany, young farmers grimly pointed out how several approach used in all vo-ag activities— through "hands-on" acres of pasture and hay were underwater due to flooding experience. along the Rhine and Mozel Rivers. This was the fifth year the National FFA Foundation has A bond of friendship, sparked by a common interest in sponsored such a tour. After gathering at the National FFA agriculture, seemed to grow between the Europeans and Center in Alexandria, Virginia for an orientation, this year's Americans, in spite of the short time for visits. Sometimes 22 award-winners traveled by bus to JFK International they had trouble communicating; but each FFA member Airport in New York. For the first of many times the tour soon learned that smiles and handshakes speak a universal group exchanged American dollars for foreign currency. language. After saying goodbye to American soil, a jumbo jet airliner 1 "What is Europe' It's a visit to Cheddar. England, where whisked them away to Paris, where a new world awaited. " cheddar cheese wasfirst made; driving on the other side ofthe What is Europe? It's the Eiffel Tower, a ride through the road; playing a game of 'skittles' with a friendly group of beautiful French countryside, an ornate medieval palace, the young farmers..." brilliant yellow color of a rape field in bloom..." In Holland, the tour was welcomed to the Aalsmeer United In Paris, FFA'ers gathered their luggage and presented Flower Auctions — the world's largest flower auction. Held passports to officials for the first of many times to come. The five days a week, the auction takes place in a huge complex tour, which took the group through France, England, covering an area larger than 50 football fields. About nine Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, was filled million flowers and 700,000 plants arrive daily, totalling 2.3 with both familiar and unfamiliar sights. The Eiffel Tower, billion cut flowers and 174 million plants sold each year. Notre Dame and the Palace of Versailles in France; and the The FFA'ers marvelled at the mighty land-engineering London Bridge, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle in feats of the Dutch people, which enable them to farm England, for example, were easily recognized. But a different "polders," land that has been reclaimed from the sea. In 1927 language in each country made communication difficult. half of Holland was covered by water; now, only 30 percent Reading a menu became a challenge—and an adventure, for of the country is under water. Although most of the windmills some. Fortunately, interpreters were hired to translate for the in Holland are no longer used, a few still FFA members. actively pump water. And some Dutch folks still wear wooden shoes! The group's first glance at European agriculture came " H hat is Europe? It 's green, rolling meadows; a lighthouse during a visit to a 425-acre wheat, sugar beet and vegetable off the North Sea coast; the farmer who patientlv explains farm outside of Paris. With help from the interpreter, the how he farms his land; the 600-year-old stone farmhouse FFA members managed to learn much about a typical where my host family lives..." French farming operation by asking questions of the patient Some farm visits enabled European hosts to show off the French farmer. The group was given a free hand to explore latest in agricultural technology. One FFA'er toured a his farm from top to bottom. It was the first of several such research farm during his host family visit. He saw an "farm adventures" throughout the tour. These on-farm visits experimental dairy operation where five herds with five included everything from dairy and swine to crops, cattle and different milking parlors were going through feeding trials. In cheese factories. They gave FFA members the best learning one barn all the cows wore neckbands which only allowed experiences, for it was here they were able to "see it for them to eat at certain stalls, operated by a computerized themselves." sensor. " What is Europe? It's windmills and wooden shoefactories; " H hat is Europe' It's realizing that even though we come a boat tour along the canals of Rotterdam; Dutch dairy from different countries and backgrounds, we may all hold farmers with warm smiles; discovering common beliefs some of the same beliefs..." between farmers worldwide..." In Germany, a Young Farmer Club treated the FFA group For most FFA members, the highlight of the tour came in to a reception and dance, complete with Bratwurst. This England and Holland, where each FFA member spent two provided a forum for exchanging ideas on agricultural days and two nights with a "host" family—actually living methods and world events. The Americans soon realized that the German farmers were just as curious about them as the Americans were about Europeans. The tour offered moments of reflection for FFA members during visits to American war cemeteries in Luxembourg and Omaha Beach, France, site of the World War II American landing. Rows and rows of white gravemarkers stirred feelings of patriotism, as the FFA members silently remem- bered Americans who fought for freedom in Europe so many years ago. After 1 7 days of travelling, visiting and learning it was time to head home. After their arrival in Washington. D.C., the FFA proficiency tour members held a congressional breakfast to relay some of what they had learned to their elected congressmen. Each FFA member carried back his or her own memories of the tour; but as a team, each realized it was an experience few would ever forget. Those long hours of record keeping really had paid off! ••• October-November, 1983 23 " back on sheep and to raise more cattle as he puts it, "If there's more than one Basque because of harsh winters and coyote kid in the family they can't expand attacks on the flock. Even so, he plans to enough to cover it." It's the same (Continuedfrom Page 14) return to the ranch once he's completed phenomena many farm families in a four-year degree in ag-business. "I just America face. gain faster and have more meat, but like being around animals," he says with Mr. Etchemendy says it's more diffi- with these big-boned white face, we also enthusiasm. "I get a feeling of self- cult today to find people rugged enough get the wool production," he says. George satisfaction." to raise sheep in wide open, rugged started with 20 ewes as a freshman in George Etchemendy, Sr., who speaks territory like Wyoming. "Nowadays, if high school, and currently runs 125 Basque fluently, also hopes his son will you have many sheep you have to hire head. The ewes are put with rams to continue the family tradition. He says people. But you can't find anybody that begin lambing in March, and lambs are the Basque people migrated here "be- will get out, stay out and herd sheep like marketed in October "or whenever the cause there were no jobs left over there." they used to. Everybody's done away market comes back up," he says. He's concerned that the Basque heritage with the herders. George says he's been forced to cut in America is slowly dwindling because, "It takes a tough individual," he says. "You've got to be dedicated." Fortunately for Mr. Etchemendy, his son is dedicated —and tough enough to handle the challenges that confront today's sheep rancher. What's more, George's pride in his unique family background make this a tradition he looks forward to upholding for many years to come. ••• TARHEEL PEANUTS Below, George sees to it that all ewes are fed a corn, hay and mineral supplement during lambing season. — ' ,-'-"-. -. INTRODUCES THE NEW WAY • d TO SELL OLD-FASHIONED m PEANUTS FOR PROFIT. "**tf|ffi Why go "nuts" searching for a good FUND RAISING idea? TARHEEL PEANUTS has just what you have been looking for. We have selected only the finest Eastern North Carolina peanuts for your group to sell on a consignment basis. With no money up front, and special sales incentives, our "nutty" idea will work for you! We will deliver right to your door, and will give full credit for any unopened, undamaged cases returned to us. Your customers may choose from a variety of items. All items will be well received, but the most popular are our assorted peanut selections. And, they are all priced so that your group's profits are more than just "peanuts". ^w "If they're going to pasteurize it, homogenize it. and vitaminize it, I say let THEM make it. The National FUTURE FARMER >*? LENDING STRENGTH TOAGRICULTURE. AND THE FUTURE FARMERS OFAMERICA. The Production Credit encouragement to all FFA an employee — helping to Associations and the Federal members who plan to pursue finance agriculture's increas- Land Bank Associations are a career in production ing need for credit. Either proud to sponsor one of FFA's agriculture or agribusiness. way, PCAs and Land Banks most important programs — Your role may be as one stand ready to assist you as recognition of the American of our borrowers when you we continue to meet agricul- Farmer degree recipients. become an agricultural pro- ture's challenges together. 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It was in Andalusia, the U.S. Office of Education in Wash- IVlNational Advisor was when I Alabama, where Mr. Rawls became a ington, D.C. It was the same year he was able to motivate young people to Pleasant Home FFA Chapter member became FFA's sixth National Advisor reach beyond what they thought was until his graduation in 1942. He earned (only the second advisor who has been their potential. My centerpiece has always Bachelor of Science and Master of an FFA member himself.) been to challenge young people to achieve Science Degrees in Agricultural Educa- As National Advisor Mr. Rawls also beyond what they think is their poten- tion at Auburn University. served as Chairman of the Board of al." His professional career began, appro- Directors for FFA and President of the Those are the words of Byron Rawls, priately, as a teacher of vocational agri- FFA Foundation Board of Trustees. the man who has held FFA's highest culture. Mr. Rawls says his days as a Did he ever think one day he'd become office for the past four years as National student influenced his decision to teach. National Advisor? "I guess I never FFA Advisor. Mr. Rawls retired this "As a Greenhand, few things meant dreamed I would be, but my goal has past August, ending a career which took more to me than vo-ag class," he recalls. always been to go as far as I could," he him to the top of the FFA organiza- "My vo-ag teacher meant more to me reflects. "I was proud when I got the tion —a position which only five other than anybody else." chance to serve. I can think of no other men have held in FFA's 55-year history. Mr. Rawls taught vo-ag for ten years career that has paralleled the one which "I hope people will remember me as before moving to the state level where he I have had working for the young people being able to identify with young people," served as Alabama's Executive Secretary. of America through FFA. he says, reflecting on a career rich in He also served as Curriculum Specialist "I hope that through carrying out my service to vocational agriculture. "When in Agricultural Education for two years. duties and responsibilities as National I meet a student who's confused about Beginning in 1966 Mr. Rawls spent Advisor I've been able to add some the future, I've always hoped I could over 12 years at the Regional office of stability to the organization," he con- help him to set his sights on something the U.S. Office of Education in Kansas tinues. "My activities have been based that will keep him moving, growing and City, Missouri. During that time he also on nothing but unadulterated pride in accomplishing." served as a member of the National the organization and the work of the Mr. Rawls became National Advisor FFA Board of Directors and Board of organizaton. I'm proud of the personal after first serving vo-ag and FFA for Trustees. relationships I've developed with the many years at the local, state and national In 1979, Mr. Rawls became Program entire FFA community, from the cor- levels. He was born in Florida and Specialist in Agricultural Education in porate presidents to the engraver in the Below, Mr. Rawls speaks the advisor's part during opening ceremonies at last year's supply service." national FFA convention. Mr. Rawls holds high hopes for the future of the FFA, in spite of uncertainty in education and agricultural fields today. "I really believe that the atmosphere and attitude is much better now for FFA than it has been in my memory." he says. "I'm encouraged by it. Leaders are recognizing the value of FFA, and I hope that it will continue to be a leader among vocational education student organizations, paving the way, setting the pace. They look to FFA for leader- ship." Mr. Rawls now lives in his home town of Andalusia, Alabama, where he hopes to remain active on the state level working in the FFA and vocational agriculture field. ••• 28 The \alional Fl TIRE FA R,\fER 3months agohe wasjusta face in the crowd. Now you can see his confidence | in them pride, confidence and and determination in his face. • j \'>'| respect for themselves and , — They were developed through i i| others. If you're tired of being a tough Marine Corps training. It's face in the crowd... SI where we start. We take young , Maybeyou can be one ofus^i ^ men, good men, and make them 1 TheFew. better in 11 weeks. Our DIs work The Proud, i with them, lead them and instill TheMarines.:, For most FFA members, reaching the ultimate goal —the coveted American Farmer Degree, for example—isn't easy. The Envelope, Please But for a very select few there's an even higher goal, one that's achieved by Each year FFA honors two American Farmers as Star Farmer and Star only two American Farmers every year: Agribusinessman of America. As a special preview, we'd like to introduce the title of Star Farmer and Star Agri- businessman of America. this year's candidates. The following eight FFA members, selected from nearly 750 American Farmer Degree recipients this year, have James is a partner in the 600-acre president of the Georgia FFA Associa- demonstrated themselves to have the family farm. He gets some ideas from tion, and plans to own and operate his best agricultural production, business foreign students who live and work on own farm someday in the future. and leadership skills of all. The following the family farm through the FFA's Clint Albin, of brief profiles will give you an idea of WEA (Work Experience Abroad) in- Bush, Louisiana, their SOE programs, farm and agri- bound program. He is currently studying m has been named business operations. dairy science at Ohio State University. Southern Region Robert Chitwood, T.J. Martin, of L MB I Star Agribusiness- 21, of Sulphur, Lamar, Nebraska, man. Clint, who Oklahoma, has has been named operates "Albin's been named Wes- Central Region Greenhouse and tern Region Star Star Farmer. Plants," has also earned national profi- Farmer. Bob has Twenty-one-year- ciency awards in both Nursery Opera- faced —and over- old T.J. began his tions and Floriculture. come — unusual SOE program with Clint, 21, entered in partnership with challenges on his way toward the recent 52 feeder steers. The next year he began his parents nine years ago, agreeing to FFA achievement. Bob was midway to raise his own feed after purchasing supply labor and management in return through his SOE program in vocational 320 acres of land. In just five years he for financial backing. Although the agriculture when his family was faced expanded his herd to 324 head and nursery began as a hobby of 25 plants in with either moving or getting out of the leased a neighbor's feedlot to expand his the family's backyard, it has sinced dairy business. His family's 1,000-acre feedlot operation. evolved into a profitable commercial farm had just been condemned by the Protecting soil from wind and water business, consisting of two 40-foot by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the erosion, and cattle and crops from pests 125-foot greenhouses producing over construction of a lake. is a major concern of the Imperial FFA 20,000 baskets of plants per year. It was no easy task relocating five member. He plants cover crops to protect Clint uses his FFA public speaking families, all the dairy equipment and 500 sandy soil from wind, and sprays pest abilities by giving demonstrations on head of Holstein cattle. Bob and his breeding grounds such as ditches, fence fern production and "landscaping for family settled on a 1,120-acre farm near rows near fields and the feedlot. energy conservation" to civic groups Sulphur, building a new California-style T.J. has served as chapter vice pre- and nurserymen associations throughout dairy barn and other structures on the sident and sentinel. He has earned central the state. He currently attends Louisiana site. The new operation exemplifies high region proficiency awards in both beef State University and plans to eventually technology in agriculture, utilizing a and crops production, and was named operate a school of horticulture and computer system which records indivi- Nebraska Star Farmer in 1980. "Every own his own production nursery. dual milk production, heat, breeding plan with goal Tab has includes a to go Jeff Heidrick of and calving dates; a lock-up stanchion it," says David Hanna, T.J.'s former Danville, Illinois, system which makes breeding less dif- FFA advisor. has successfully ficult; and reclaiming wastes with a Charles Hillsman, combined his ex- solids separator. of Watkinsville, periences as a feed James Tugend, of Georgia, repre- sales representative Jeromesville, sents the Southern and custom fanner Ohio, has been Region as Star to be named Star named Eastern Farmer. Charles, Agribusinessman of the Central Region. Region Star Farm- 21, developed an The 21 -year-old FFA'er from the er, but it won't be interest in full-time Bismarck-Henning Chapter began his the first time James livestock production when he entered SOE program with five sows and a small has been on stage vo-ag under the supervision of his in- crop operation. Throughout his vo-ag at the National FFA Convention. The structor and FFA Advisor Kenneth experience, Jeff devoted his efforts to 21-year-old FFA'er from the Hillsdale Bridges. "It was evident that he set as his work on the home farm, working his Chapter has also been a member of the goal the undertaking of every opportu- own swine operation and eventually National FFA Chorus and the winner of nity available to him through his SOE starting his own custom farming service the National Dairy Proficiency award. program and the Future Farmers of through custom baling. He purchased a James began his SOE program by America," says Mr. Bridges. Charles hay baler his junior year. He was named purchasing ten cows and eight heifers to began his SOE (Supervised Occupational Star Farmer of Illinois in 1980. add to the family dairy operation. Since Experience) program with beef cattle, Disease problems forced Jeff to con- then James has increased his share of the and has expanded by purchasing 178 sider an alternative to the swine oper- family herd to 28 cows and 19 heifers, acres of land and 67,500 broilers to go ation, and he pursued a position as sales and has purchased more land in part- along with his 52 head of cattle. representative for Moorman Manufac- nership with his sister, a former FFA Throughout high school Charles held turing Company. He led the company's member. Through SOE, James says he local chapter offices and participated on state sales organization in dollar gain his learned the importance of keeping good judging teams. He showed livestock and first year. Jeff plans to continue his records and how those records can aid helped to charter his local FFA Alumni career as feed salesman and custom him in making management decisions. Chapter. He is a former state vice- operator. (Continued on Page 49) 12 The Sational FUTURE FARMER YOU DON'T HATE TOPUNCHCOWS FOR A LIVING TO APPRECIATE BOOT. AWELL &MADE If you want to learn about We're tougher on our what to look for in a well ^boots than you'll ever be. made pair of boots, you can Before we let you set foot ask a man who wears the: into our boots we test and for a living. Or, you can retest every one. Tests so read about it right here grueling that we've been Wolverine tough known to completely tear outside. Wfa. pair apart A great boot should not jwfijust to make only look good, and W^kure they were made feel good, but most of, "right in the all, last a good long time. first place. We make ours that way starting with the finest, full grained cowhide we can find. Oil-tanned to res: Boots everything from live water to acid. up to their 1 Next, we use name. genuine Welt We've Construction to been making our boots Pure comfort inside. stitch, not glue, like that for more than 75 For a good feeling fit, the soles to the years. And in that time we've we've added soft, leather uppers. earned a reputation for lined shafts, and something And, making some of the tough- else a lot of other boot- est, best-looking, most Cutaway View We re~ makers don't add. A deep mforce the inside with a comfortable boots in the full-cushioned insole, heel leather kicker that extends world. That's a reputation to toe, to give your feet all up the back of the boot, we intend to keep. And, the comfort they need and a steel "cowboy" we just won't to make it put our shank for solid support. through name We build confidence the day. from the gound up. on anything Our soles are made from less. long wearing, high quality, neoprene rubber. It's oil resistant and slip resistant to let you walk into any situation knowing your boots won't let you down. WOLVERINE M>tS& ©1982 Wolverine Woild Wide. Inc., Rocklord. MI 49351 mB®5?thoes JH ^K e oniy n i v wn five forward speeds, reverse gear and front suspe Quadrunner 125. The A TV that started the four-wheel revolution, and the first ATVof its kind -. an easy-to-use reverse Just when the makers of those out with the tug of a lever. "other" all-terrain vehicles And because the power of the torquey engineers devised the thought they had the three- 125cc four-stroke engine is channeled fun-to-ride Quadrunner 50. It's literally wheel concept down pat Suzuki did through a five forward speed transmis- a knee-high replica of the bigger Suzuki them one better... with the revolutionary sion with Power Low gear and an Quadrunners, built expressly for young Quadrunner 125. automatic clutch, there are few places beginning riders, with a stable, four- With its sure-footed four-wheel a Quadrunner fears to tread. footed stance that makes it child's design, the Quadrunner 125 To make the Quad- play to learn on (as does the no-shift has the kind of stability other runner 125 even better one-speed transmission and automatic ATVs can only admire. for off-road duty, the '84 clutch). Which means it has comes with a number of For first-time riders, there's a unique the edge on them important improvements: engine cut-off switch connected to a no matter where it Like a larger fuel tank long, leash-like tether, so mom or dad goes...over rocks, - with a reserve position can keep junior in tow. And like the with the Quadrunner ,85 s SnOW, Sand, hlllS independent front suspension on the petcock. A two- other Suzuki Quadrunners, there's sim- system, you stay in complete control, and hollOWS. c stage choke for easy ply nothing else like it on the face of ' A i . .. no matter how rough* the terrain. And when it operation in extreme the Earth. comes to traversing ridges and ruts, climates. And a fully enclosed rear So, while some companies are still no three-wheeler can touch it brake with a cast-aluminum drum. All busily trying to come up with their Not only is the Quadrunner 125 the in the interest of making it better at first four-wheeler, Suzuki's already first AW of its kind with the stability of going anywhere, any way, any time. done it three times in a row. Which four corded floatation tires, it's also Then, Suzuki's four-wheel theory proves our point nicely: To create a the first with an easy-to-use reverse evolved even further. The same engi- revolution is one thing. But to do it gear. So no matter what neers that built the Quadrunner 125 three times over is a Sensation. you may get yourself began working on a completely new The Sensation of Suzuki. into, you can back kind of Quadrunner. The result of their labors? The Quad- runner 185. A four- wheel ATV that started by doing everything our 125 does (including going backwards), then adding a few twists of its own. With nearly 200 cubic centimeters ofstump- pulling four-stroke torque. Impressive top end power. And a double A-frame front suspension system that not only works wonders for off-road comfort SUZUKI and handling, but greatly enhances the machine's overall cornering capabilities. So, in addition to 7 giving you exceptional power, imj the Quadrunner 185 has the kind Quadrunner 125 is available now. of sure-footed stability that results Quadrunner 50 and 185 available a Sensation of total control. beginning mid-October 1983. I I [ IrKT H I KT' III of Suzuki. . A Pasture Full of Profits Members of the Ravenna FFA chapter earn human profits—skills and experience—which will help secure solid backgrounds for future livestock careers. ;-* 'i 4 "SSS r*A*I -.**• • .•"-».- - .. -V :l4i%& w# •1 ^ rx.e^ ***%< TVi. :"?',w- jSSi*5% ,^;5§ '$& **^»5^i ^••^'.N-X SI. **•> 0J '=« ^3% fc(f - , * 3^g : i V"i>T JMk{ / Above, members of the Ravenna, Nebraska FFA Chapter hold a mock judging contest as Advisor Kent I ^ Zeller offers tips. Right, the chapter analyzes data from the pasture program on the school's microcomputer. i IIIIIIIH 36 —a often does one find a vo-ag How pasture. It also provides vet work to program that provides a community those who are inexperienced," echoes service, gives students livestock man- UNICK: "Sometimes, even for Mr. Zeller. Ravenna has their own FFA agement experience in a real-life lab- those of us who work on the registered brand which goes on all oratory, teaches microcomputer livestock animals in the program. The advisor farm, dad does the work and analysis skills and makes a thousand says as far as he knows, it's the only bucks for the FFA chapter to boot? you don't get a chance to see registered FFA brand like it. The answer: rarely. At the beginning of each season how it's done." But such is the case at the Ravenna, sponsors receive a contract and beginning Nebraska, vo-ag department, where the statistics on the calves. "We have a goal is to provide vo-ag students with pasture May 1 and come out in early written agreement with each sponsor," "human profits" of skills and experiences. October." says Mr. Zeller. "That way we can get And it all begins in a nearby pasture. The chapter's clientele ranges from students accustomed to writing down Advisor Kent Zeller and his band of FFA members to local townspeople agreements, provisions and what is 50-plus FFA members annually conduct who simply want to support the program. expected in terms of a contract." the FFA Chapter's "Pasture Manage- "First preference is FFA members," says Throughout the year FFA members ment" program. Fueled by school ad- Mr. Zeller. "Next, anybody (such as keep detailed statistics on each animal, ministration and community support, relatives) who has an animal they'd like such as weight estimates, costs and this unique learning set-up benefits all to have on the program. And third health information. Several more "learn- who are involved. preference is business people. Several ing by doing" activities will also happen: With such a success rate, naturally businesses will go in on a group effort, vaccinating, implanting, estimating almost everyone is involved, from the where the chapter buys a group of calves weights and using the steers for mock greenest Greenhand up to the local and the group 'sponsors' them." judging contests. The local veterinarian banking officials. Is the program popular? "We have gives demonstrations and provides med- "It's hands-on experience for the people on a waiting list," says Mr. icine at cost. students," says Advisor Zeller, citing the Zeller. "It's not that they need to have a When the calves are marketed price most important benefit of all. calf on the pasture, but they want to be per hundredweight, average daily gain The Ravenna Chapter began leasing in on the program." and final weight is tabulated and sent to a 120-acre pasture from the local school Anyone with a calf on the program is each sponsor. Mr. Zeller, promoting an district seven years ago. At the time the charged the same 10-cent per pound "open gate" policy, says "anyone can go land came complete with broken-down rental fee, regardless of profit or loss at up there and check their calves. We fence lines, huge clumps of thistles, a the end of the year. If an individual or welcome their suggestions." bad case of overgrazing and a hazardous group wants to sponsor calves, the Sponsors and contributors in the junk yard smack in the middle of it all. chapter will go to the local sale barn to community do check on their calves, but The school asked the chapter to pay its purchase, provide trucking to the pasture, not because they doubt the vo-ag stu- lease by cleaning the pasture up and and market them at the end of the year dents' livestock abilities. "It gets a little providing all necessary maintenance. at the best price available. competitive among sponsors," says the Although initial projects —a new fence, Costs to the chapter include branding, instructor. "We have guys with Sim- cleaning out the junk pile— have since implant and medicine costs, transpor- mentals, Holsteins, Angus, Longhorns, been taken care of, the members still tation, minerals, feed and pasture main- Shorthorns, Charolais —we've had every- provide on-going solutions to weed, tenance (spraying and fencing materials). thing in there. Those guys want to know thistle, grass and any other problems But the key benefit is the experience. how their steer does and if it made that come up. The chapter built a corral "A lot of people have never worked money or not." facility that's used in the program. calves before, so they gain a lot," says This fall the Ravenna Chapter is In return, the chapter rents pasture Dirk Unick, last year's chapter president. stepping into the computer age with space to individuals to keep steers on. "Sometimes, even for those of us who their learning by doing program. Three The charge is 1 cents a pound. "We can work on the farm, dad does the work FFA members, after taking a computer put out 13,750 pounds of beef at the and you don't get a chance to see how it's programing course, created a program beginning of the year on the grass," says done." that allows the pasture project to be filed Advisor Zeller. "Usually that averages "The students do all the hands-on and tabulated electronically on the out to about 26 animals. They'll go on work of getting the cattle ready to go on school's microcomputer. "Before that we figured it all out by hand calculating everything in the classroom," says Dirk. "Then we'd give the data sheet to the sponsors so they could see what we are doing." The chapter has utilized the pasture program to run production tests since its first year. "We've researched, for ex- ample, which size steer gains better— 400-pounder or a 600-pounder," says Mr. Zeller. "We go through and try to evaluate which groups do better and why. I think students can use this info later in their own farming programs." And that's just what these experiences The Ravenna Chapter also earned first gained at the school's pasture manage- place in the Nebraska BOAC program ment program are intended to do this year. Among several community provide students with a background for activities, the chapter organized Arbor the future. In the case of Ravenna FFA, Day tree plantings, left, and above, put the skills and experiences are human up name plaques at a retired citizens' profits that will pay dividends for a long home. time to come. ••• 37 Texas Teamwork This hard-drivin' father/son team have found that "team effort" and enthusiasm for vo-ag can really pay off. As everyone knows, teaching vo-ag is Life can get pretty busy for vo-ag do more activities —on the farm, in the a full-time profession. With students students too, with all the FFA activities showring or in the classroom —between to visit, judging teams to coach and to keep up with. them than a chapterful of ag teachers FFA meetings to attend, life can be But Wylie Taliaferro of Scurry, Texas, and FFA members put together. These pretty busy for an ag teacher. and his 16-year-old son Chris manage to two redefine the word "energetic." The National FUTURE FA RMER Mr. Taliaferro teaches vo-ag at care of the place when I'm gone, feeding, "Our reputation is going to be built on Scurry-Rosser High School in Texas, watering, grinding feed. And when I'm Chris and Sheri's showing record," he where FFA'er Chris is a student. But it's gone, I never worry about anything. In says. "That's where we've gotten most of only the beginning of a long list of fact, the only trouble I ever had with him our response." The family shows cattle activities taken on by these two. When was making him wait to join FFA at ten shows per year. Mr. Taliaferro or Chris is not in the before he could get one of those blue Chris serves as a director for the classroom, or on a judging trip, or jackets." Santa Gertrudis Youth Association, an visiting vo-ag students, you're sure to With Chris, taking care of the livestock off-shoot of SGBI (Santa Gertrudis find either one or both of them at the is a natural. He, like the rest of the Breeders International). He hopes to be Taliaferro's "Double T" home ranch, family (younger sister Sheri and Mom an auctioneer someday. "One of my tending to the family's 350-head Santa Loretta) is an avid showman, and spends friends is an auctioneer. We went to one Gertrudis herd. many hours grooming and training show of his sales and I just picked it up from Or custom plowing and planting crops, steers. him," he says. But in the meantime, he's all 5,000 acres worth (last year's custom having too good a time with the cattle, fieldwork average, says Mr. Taliaferro). FFA and managing the ranch respon- Or showing cattle at a show somewhere. sibilities when needed. "The only trouble I ever had Or baling hay (most recent estimate: When Mr. Taliaferro is called away, 15,000 round bales and 40,000 square with him was making him wait it's often to transport students to an bales per year.) Whew! activity. The 18-year-veteran ag teacher to join FFA before he could get Of course, the family hires labor to believes "education is more than just help manage the ranch. Even with hired one of those blue jackets." going to class. It's learning a little bit hands though, there's still more than more about life." With that in mind, the enough work to keep up with. instructor tries to take as many students These two have found a secret to The Taliaferros put their show steers as possible to exhibits, seminars or maintaining such a schedule: a deep- on a ground oats and corn, hay and conventions around the state without rooted dedication and enthusiasm to supplement ration. They also provide eating into class time. Fortunately the FFA, which serves as the primary source pasture for the herd. vo-ag program is supported by a school of energy for both teacher and student, Mr. Taliaferro became interested in administration which believes the same both father and son. Chris takes his Santa Gertrudis cattle when he attended philosophy. A fellow ag teacher, David father's lead, demonstrating as much college several years ago. He bought a Riggs (a former Scurry-Rosser FFA enthusiasm for vo-ag and FFA as his bull and planned to crossbreed with the member) plays a key role in this balancing dad has for teaching it. When Mr. family's Hereford cow herd. "When I act. Taliaferro is gone for one reason or first brought him in, daddy didn't want "Teaching is a job, but it's also my another—and plenty of reasons can that bull on the pasture," laughs Mr. hobby and my pastime," says Mr. come up with such a schedule —Chris Taliaferro, "until he saw the cross-bred Taliaferro. "I don't go hunting or fishing. handles all the responsibilities at home, calves. They turned out pretty good. We My time's usually spent running to a providing yet another clue behind the both liked what we saw." livestock show or taking a student to twosome: teamwork. Today, the family keeps 200 head of pick up a calf. I love it." "Both of us know what has to be registered Santa Gertrudis and 150 That attitude —shared by both father done," says Mr. Taliaferro. "Chris takes commercial head. The Taliaferro's suc- and son — is perhaps the most telling of cessful showing reputation has resulted all "secrets" behind the duo's success. in invitations to several distinguished Whether it's in the classroom, in the Left, Chris takes care of feeding the herd Santa Gertrudis sales. Mr. Taliaferro showring or at home, each routine task of Santa Gertrudis cattle when his dad is sold one cow for $24,000 and a bull for is yet another reminder of a shared away. Above, Wylie, left, and Chris. $8,000 at last year's Western Heritage common belief in FFA, vo-ag, respon- "When I'm gone I never worry about Sale, the premiere show for Santa sibility —and team effort. It's a lesson we anything," says Wylie. Gertrudis breeders. all could learn from. ••• October-November. 1983 39 Calving By Computer It looks like computers, along with everything else they can do, may also be able to offer a time capsule of valuable experience— a boon to those aspiring cattle breeders too young to have accumulated much of the magic ingredient for themselves. By Sally Duncan Ask any successful farmer what the The "cattle breeders" maintain their value, are largely inherited. most valuable tool for success has herd at 50 females by culling poor "If a cattle producer systematically been and he or she will probably answer, producing cows and replacing them measures the differences, records the "experience." with the best of the heifers. One to five of measurements and uses the records for That's all very well if you have several the bulls produced within the herd are selection, he or she will be able to years of it behind you. But for high used as sires. improve the herd and breed genetically," school students seeking a career in agri- The goal is to increase yearling weight. he explains. culture, long years of experience can't The printout summary of information Trina, who is majoring in agriculture just be conjured up. provided by the computer includes 205- at Linn Benton Community College in One solution to this problem for day weaning weight, feedlot average Albany, Oregon, believes the short course future cattle breeders has been developed daily gain for 160 days and yearling is more than just a game. She feels by Dean Frischknecht, Oregon State weight at 365 days. A new calf crop is computerization is the future direction University Extension Animal Science available for scrutiny about every two or of agriculture. "Although not many Specialist. He's found a way to cram ten three weeks; participants have several farmers are using computers yet because years of breeding experience into less days to study the eligible breeders before of the high initial cost," she says, "the than three months. before making selections and matings increased efficiency of their herd im- It's called the Computer Cow Game. for the next crop and returning their provement program will eventually make Frischknecht conducts the cattle data to the computer for processing. computer use a good economic invest- breeding short course by correspondence, Trina Nunez, FFA member from ment." hoping to help both present and future Eagle Point High School in southern Trina is not far off. Today, each of the cattle producers understand beef cattle Oregon, was on the winning high school major breed associations, along with improvement through breeding and team for 1982. Performance Registry International, record keeping programs. The game is "I certainly learned a lot about how to already offer to cattle producers a central open to individual participants, and to upgrade cows and bulls," she says, "even data processing service which computer- high school and college teams. though it was frustrating not being able izes their records and rates sires and The computer produces five genera- to see the animals we were dealing with." dams within each herd according to the tions of simulated cattle in less than Trina says the team would often take calves produced. It looks like computers, else they can do, three months. About 1 00 herds of simu- an hour of class to discuss heritability, along with everything lated cattle are distributed to participants, breeding values and other genetic terms may just be able to offer a time capsule with three to five completely different before making management decisions of valuable experience —a boon to those herds of 50 cows and 5 bulls going to from the computer printout. aspiring cattle breeders too young to each school. Instructors assign several Mr. Frischknecht feels the differences have accumulated much of the magic ••• students to each cow herd. among beef cattle, in terms of economic ingredient for themselves. 40 The National FUTURE FA RMER • ,~ AVIONIC MECHAN if youid like to lea 3ai•jararaSnUterlcs from the grg lie a "35 Kilo." That- 'aad tor a soldier rel ing Ithem, we have over 300 -*• T k"i SHI IB HUSH i'A j^m that best suits your tale Kit iot35 TrT LYOU CAN •itary Police " — Careers in "There's a lot of hard work and late hours many routine tasks that differedfrom the glamorous picture many have of Agriculture the profession. Veterinary Medicine By Shirley Jones To be a vet, I used to think, you just Other opportunities for someone with due to a large supply of eager vet had to have a shiny truck with lots of a vet med degree include researchers in students willing to put time and energy medicine compartments and a really laboratory animal medicine, supervision into achieving "A" rankings in the lab sturdy washing machine to take care of of federal meat inspection and in the and classroom. The competition can be all those coveralls. As it turns out, the pharmaceutical and feed industries. fierce. truck and coveralls may be important, Although it's a competitive field, Dr. Leo's experience at Colorado State but they take a back seat to the real Niemeyer says, "I believe there will University reflects a fairly common seven requirements of practicing veterinary always be a need for good people." or eight years to obtain an undergraduate medicine. What makes a good vet? Leo degree in pre-veterinary courses (with a Vet Med is the science of diagnosing Anderson, a former national FFA officer heavy emphasis on mathematics, biology and treating diseases of animals says Dr. and veterinarian in Mitchell, Nebraska, and chemistry) and his Doctor of Kenneth Niemeyer of the University of says a good vet has people skills. By Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine. that, Leo says, "I mean the ability to talk Having been awarded the degree, vets "It's a complex area to talk about with clients, to be able to really converse." must be licensed by the state in which because there are so many different Somewhat hampered by the silence of they wish to practice. ways a degree can be used," he says. his "patients," Mr. Anderson says com- But don't be disillusioned. Acceptance However, the career field can generally passion and perception is the key. Dr. into a veterinary program is not easy. To be broken into two areas: large animal Niemeyer agrees: "Will Rogers once begin with, only 27 colleges of veterinary practice and small animal practice. said, 'Animals can't tell you where they medicine exist in the United States. An Private practice on large animals hurt, you just have to know.'" application and interviews are required means working with cattle, horses, swine, The veterinary business takes hard in many schools, with heavy emphasis sheep and other agricultural animals. "A work. Where Leo practices, cattle pro- placed on academic performance (grades) vet plays a crucial role here because so duction is prominent. Much of his and personal characteristics such as much of the practice is preventative "emergency work" takes place during motivation, background, communica- medicine —testing, vaccinating," says Dr. calving season. "If one works with small tion ability and extracurricular activities. Niemeyer. Small animal practice is animals and didn't maintain an emer- Leo credits the FFA for the skills that growing rapidly, he says, "because of gency service, they might be able to keep helped him through the process. emphasis on using pets as companion eight-to-five hours," he says. "FFA helped me in filling out appli- animals for older people and for handi- cations," he says. The chance to be in Competition Fierce capped persons. While economics plays front of people in FFA was helpful as an important role in large animal prac- Important to any prospective vet are well, he says, referring to the vet school tice, meaning business is brisk when the educational requirements —some say entrance interview. "One interviewer livestock prices are high, small animals the most challenging, difficult-to-achieve asked me to tell him about myself and he tend to be "members of the family," and of any career field in agriculture. Aca- kept quiet for a half-hour," he says. "It are taken care of no matter what. demic requirements are high, partially was a tough situation. FFA helped." 42 The Salional FUTURE FARMER After all, how many semi-automatic won't rust no matter what? Or a conven- Marlin 22's at your favorite sporting 22's let you squeeze off 18 Long Rifle ient bolt hold-open device for added goods department or gun shop. Or for cartridges faster than the Marlin safety and ease of cleaning. a copy of our free 1983 Marlin catalog, Model 60? And how many have a tough-as-nails write Marlin Firearmsrirearms Co.k_o. , 100iuu Kennats.enna How many come with a 22" Micro- Mar Shield 8 finish. Or a receiver that's Drive, North Groove s barrel tor flawless accuracy? grooved for tip-off scope mounting? Haven, CT Marlin m a brass inner magazine that Or tube See the Model 60 and all the other 06473. A mertca 's La rgesf R iflema ker If Leo has one regret it is that he did with a vet prevents a student from now who are wrestling with pigs and not work for a veterinarian before he forming false perceptions." cows out on farms," says Tim Donovan started school. "I feel like I didn't have a The make-up of vet classes has gra- of the American Veterinary Medical realistic picture of being a vet," he says. dually changed over the past 20 years to Association. "A survey of first-year vet "There's a lot of hard work and late include almost half women. Dr. Niemeyer students in 1982-83 shows 50.3 percent hours —many routine tasks that differed says that after World War II, most vets were male and 49.7 percent female." from the glamorous picture many have were male because of the need for large Salaries for veterinarians are among of the profession." animal handling. With the restraining the highest in agriculture, commanding Working with a practicing vet is drugs available today, vets do not have an average $34,561 for vets not in especially important, says Dr. Niemeyer, to be as strong physically, which has private practice to an average $37,030 if a student does not have a farm opened the door to females. for those in private practice. However, a background. "Coming from a farm is "While lots of women go into small typical beginning salary is much lower, not essential," he says, "but working animal practice, there are women right as in any career. ••• Animal Technology Careers Offer Alternative to Vet School If working with animals has always equipment for surgery and in general, the American Veterinary Medical Asso- appealed to you, but a full-fledged degree can do anything that does not involve ciation by sending a self-addressed, program in veterinary medicine does diagnosis, prescription, surgery or any stamped business-size envelope to not, there's a relatively new career field act forbidden by the state in which the AVM A, 930 North Meacham, Schaum- that may. It's called "Animal Tech- technician is employed. burg, Illinois 60 1 96. Also available is the nology," and it's a practical alternative The field opened up, says Tim 22-page booklet "Today's Veterinarian" for many people. Donovan, because "there was a need for and the brochure "Your Career in Animal Animal Technologists go to school qualified personnel who could under- Technology." ••• for two years and assist veterinarians in stand animals and science" well enough a variety of ways. In a large animal to assist vets. Shirley Jones is aformer FFA Slate Officer, WCP practice, they communicate with animal Fifty-seven schools in the United counselor and National FFA information intern. dress collect States offer accredited in owners, wounds, specimens programs She currently works as Director of Communica- and perform some routine laboratory Animal Technology. To find out their tions for Agri Business Associates in Indianapolis, procedures. They prepare patients and locations, you can request a listing from Indiana. October-November, 1983 43 Above, a White House visit with President Reagan was the highlight of an action-packed week for state FFA leaders and the six national officers (pictured with Mr. Reagan) during the 1983 State Presidents' Conference in Washington, D.C. in July. A Week Of Opportunity "The Future Farmers of America does more than give a good start to some fine young people. By cultivating leadership skills and patriotism, it ensures the strength and vitality of our country." — President Ronald Reagan Not everyone is fortunate enough to agricultural productivity rising more than good times that lie ahead." have an audience with the President four times faster than industrial pro- The meeting brought together officers of the United States. ductivity per hour worked," he said. from all 50 states and Puerto Rico to But by White House standards, state "Agricultural productivity has permitted motivate, inform and update state leaders FFA officers meeting in Washington, us to develop human values and to put on current national FFA programs, D.C. this summer were more than im- those values into practice. Our abun- activities and agricultural issues which portant enough to merit a Rose Garden dance is a product of the hard work of affect the entire FFA membership. reception with complimentary iced tea, our farmers, the skill and technological Several workshops, round-table discus- no less and a meeting with President know-how that we put into agriculture sions and "rap sessions" with national Reagan. and, most important, the freedom which FFA leaders were held specifically for Over 200 state and national FFA we're so proud of here in America." these purposes. officers and adult supervisors were on .The President continued, "I know At The National FFA Center, the hand at the White House, which was that the Future Farmers of America is group was given a premiere showing of one of several highlights of a week of doing its part to build character and to the new FFA audio-visual theme show, opportunity for state FFA leaders at the keep our country in the forefront of the "Keeping America On The Grow" and a I6th annual State Presidents' Conference, production of food and fiber. I'd like to preview of the first-ever Public Service sponsored by General Motors Corpora- congratulate you for FFA's theme this Announcements supporting vocational tion. year, which I understand is 'Keeping agriculture, featuring actor Eddie Albert In his speech. President Reagan im- America on the Grow.' I know things (see page 20 this issue). pressed FFA members with his know- have been rough and still are for many The state leaders also took time to fill ledge of agriculture. "This generation of farmers. But I hope when you go back to out a survey on agricultural attitudes American farmers has astounded the your homes, you will tell your families and other opinions sponsored bv The world with its productivity. Farm output and your friends . . . that American National FUTURE FA RMER fnaga- since 1 950 has jumped 89 percent, with farmers are not going to be left out of the (Continued on Page 46) 44 The Sational Fl T( RE FARMER THE ADVANTAGES OF GETTING THE SHAFT. Shaft drive. brake. An enclosed, fade-resistant rear disc Smooth, reliable, maintenance-free. brake. An extra-long, extra-comfortable It's standard equipment on our new seat.Water-proof electronic ignition.Wide- Yamaha three-wheeler, the Yamahauler. profile tires for improved handling and And it gives you all the advantages of greater stability. And front and rear utility a three-wheeler without a lot of the disad- racks with a rear trailer hitch. vantages of chain driven models. Not to mention a full 90-day warranty Chain lube for one. Master-links for that covers both parts and labor. another. And of course, a whole box full of All standard. chain adjusting tools. Three items that should In other words, the Yimahauler gives take you all of about three seconds to learn you everything you YAMA ||A to live without deserve. Includ- _mVX5525S*» But while shaft drive is definitely the ing the shaft. TRI'MOTOS most innovative feature of this new Tri-Moto, 90-day warranty. Warranty terms are limited. See your Yamaha dealerfor complete details. it's definitely not the only feature of this new Tri-Moto. TheYamahaul- er offers a 200cc, four-stroke single with a gear driven balancer and all the mid-range power and stump- pulling low-end torque needed for a utility three-wheeler. What's more, there's an electric starter instead of a rope. An easy-shifting five speed trans- mission. Telescopic front forks that offer 100mm of front wheel travel. A front drum . given a better appreciation for their vital to the success of any other belief, Opportunity country. we are committed to being the best we (Continued from Page 44) A congressional luncheon attended can be. We know it is our responsibility by U.S. Senate and House leaders fea- as Future Farmers of America to be that zine. Some results of that survey are tured keynote speeches from Rep. Wes unshadowed light for our own lives, our included with this story. Watkins, of Oklahoma, a former state industry and our country." But the officers took time to cultivate FFA officer, and National FFA Officer Earlier in the week the group was a strong sense of patriotism and citizen- Bryan Stamps. Bryan noted that the addressed by Secretary of Agriculture ship during their stay in the nation's success of individuals who have taken John Block at USDA, who held an FFA capital. Through visits to Mount Vernon, part in vocational agriculture can be "press conference" in an attempt to George Washington's home, Arlington attributed to three concepts: vocational answer key questions on agricultural National Cemetery, well-known national education, a belief in American agri- problems and policy from state leaders. monuments and visits with congressmen culture, and responsibility. He also Mr. Block is also a former FFA state on Capitol Hill, FFA members were added, "Most importantly because it is officer from Illinois. ••• State Leaders Answer Opinion Poll The following are highlight results from an opinion poll given to state FFA officers during the 1983 State Presidents' Conference held in Washington, D.C. this summer. How would you rank the following topics in importance to What is the greatest problem facing this nation today? FFA members today? (The following had multiple responses:) TOPICS RANK Economic conditions 10 Unemployment 7 Threat Farm management 1 of war 6 Ag careers 2. Apathy, lack of interest 6 Farmland preservation 3. Inflation 5 Farm public image 4. Low morality 5 Government programs/ PIK 5. Recession 3 World trade/exports 6. Downfall of education 3 Ag research 7. Lack of patriotism 3 Farm organizations 8. Lack of faith in leaders 2 Soil/ water conservation 9. What is the greatest problem facing the world today? (The following had multiple responses:) What do you see as the most important trends in agri- Lack of peace 16 culture/agribusiness throughout the next 25 years? Hunger 10 Computer/ management tools 1 Communism 4 New technology 2. Lack of communication 3 Money management 3. Nuclear arms race 3 Futures markets 4. Poor distribution of food 3 Diversify/ intensify farms & ranches 5. Economy 3 Marketing 6. Lack of cooperation 2 Soil/ water conservation 7. Over-population 2 Government programs 8. List three individuals admire most in this country. Higher/ lower ag exports 9. you Farm organizations 10. (The following had multiple responses:) Labor management 11. Ronald Reagan 31 Reduced tillage 12. John Block 14 Animal welfare 13. Norman Vincent Peale 12 10 Others mentioned: politics, farm finance, land management Parents Jimmy Carter 5 Rank the toughest problems facing farmers and agribusi- Jan Eberly 4 nessmen today: Father 4 Mother 4 Pressure to develop farmland for housing 1. Zig Ziglar 3 Low commodity prices 2. John F. Kennedy 2 Interest rates 3. Henry Kissinger 2 High cost to produce 4. Tip O'Neil 2 Lack of business skills 5. Vo-ag instructor 2 Lack of modern marketing skills 6. Richard Nixon 2 Political intervention (i.e. embargoes) 7. Financial mismanagement 8. What kind of music do you listen to? Anti-farm 9. attitude of urban community Rock-n-roll 37% Inadequate soil/ water conservation 10. Country rock 27% Excessive government regulations 11. Country western 21% Inadequate yields 12. Classical 5% Export raw goods, not finished goods 13. Jazz 4% Environmental 14. opposition Bluegrass 3% Others mentioned: difficulty in starting farming, failure of Folk 2% large farms to cooperate, inability to meet loan payments Gospel 1% 46 The National FUTURE FA RMER Strong tractors from a strong company the tractor specialist J I Case A TcntiGco Company ' . Agricultural Equipment Division 700 State Street Racine. Wl 53404 U.S.A. We believe in recognizing jobs well done Ourcompany appreciates individual 29 Land-Grant universities and con- Kansas State University, Manhattan initiative and effort. tribute the same total at each. University of Kentucky, Lexington Within MoorMan's. we do our The university's ag scholarship Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO best to recognize and honor our committee determines the number, Louisiana State Univ.. Baton Rouge Michigan State Univ., East Lansing people for jobs well done. individual dollar amounts and recip- University of Minnesota, St. Paul We also try to encourage young ients of MoorMan Scholarships. Mississippi State University, Starkville people interested in agriculture by University of Missouri, Columbia of Fayetteville in three University Arkansas, helping honor them ways: Montana State University, Bozeman Auburn University, Auburn, Al_ University of Nebraska, Lincoln FFA: Our financial contributions Clemson University, Clemson, SC New Mexico State Univ., Las Cruces Colorado State University, Fort Collins help honor outstanding members North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh University of Florida, Gainesville at the chapter, state, regional and Ohio State University, Columbus University of Georgia, Athens national levels. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater University of Illinois. Urbana Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN Iowa State University, Ames 4-H: Our contributions help honor South Dakota State Univ., Brookings outstanding members at county, Southern Illinois Univ., Carbondale state and national levels. University of Tennessee, Knoxville IUI1I Texas A&M University, College Station Universities: We sponsor scholar- University of Wisconsin, Madison ships at agricultural colleges of JfoorJfans University of Wyoming. Laramie Moorman Mfg. Co.. Qulncy. Illinois 1 ^M^^ Management and New Stars NOW! Get in on the PROFITS in M fci initiative have helped SMALL ENGINE REPAIR ^L (Continued from Page 32) W^ ^«8 . R. Lyndon Taylor of Thomas, Work part lime, lull time — V^jpW j right at home — we help **> I Oklahoma, to be- you every step ol the way. | Following in the come Western Re- No doubt about it . as a small engine-«8 h~ I pro, you can cash in on the huge de- gion Star family tradition, Agn_ mand tot qualified men in one of j^^wm \ Glenn Wenger, of businessman. America's fastest growing industries. You'll be able to command top hourly rates" Twenty-one-year-old his Myerstown, Penn- Lyndon began of from $10 00 to $15 00 per hour — and sylvania, has been SOE program as a harvest laborer in that's just for labor Plenty of business wailing for qualified men. selected Eastern "Taylor Harvesting," a family-operated 65,000,000 Small Engines Are In Use Today I harvesting business. official Star Agri- custom Today, That's the count from the Engine Service , Region Assn . and businessman. Lyndon helps manage the company, has one-million new engines are being built each month. With Foley-Belsaw training, you can soon have the skill and Glenn's two older brothers have also bought into the business and has become knowledge to make top money servicing these engines. captured the regional star title. a working partner with his older brother Glenn, 20, started his SOE program and father. Lyndon makes decisions with the family-owned "Wenger' s Farm primarily as field boss for the harvesting Machinery, Inc." in his pre-teen years by business, and has implemented a daily attending farm sales every weekend with preventive maintenance program to keep his father and older brothers. He soon all Taylor equipment in condition. gained experience in appraising and Another family business, "Taylor Agri purchasing farm equipment. Service," involves building, designing As a member of Eastern Lebanon and selling custom machinery, and Professional Tools and Equipment PLUS 4 hp Engine .... •II YOURS TO KEEP All al No Ejlta Cost. County FFA Chapter, Glenn's involve- Lyndon helps design and build equip- NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY1 You don't need ment in the family business grew. He ment when needed. The business supplies to be a born mechanic' or have any prior experience Lessons are fully illustrated so clear you currently serves as vice-president of the parts, sells equipment and assists cus- can t go wrong, and with our famous 'learn-by-doing' method family machinery company; vice-presi- tomers with custom welding and repair you get practical hands-on'-experience rToley^lirwliBTiTulT'losTs'r-'iBlirBitlg " dent of J.K.. and B., a real-estate cor- work. In addition to both services, Kansas City. Mo. 641 1 poration, and president of Wenger Lyndon and his brother operate their ^ VES please Sena me the FREE booklet mat gives lull de- tails asOul stalling my own business in Small Engine Repair I understand there is No Ooligalion and inal No Salesma Farms, an operation utilizing 300 acres own feed business, trucking and growing call on me cattle sale. of farmland, a 70-cow dairy herd and 60 feed for NAME replacement heifers. Lyndon, a lifetime member of the Glenn has also served as a state officer FFA Alumni Association, currently in the Pennsylvania FFA Association, attends Oklahoma State University and currently serves as president of the where he is majoring in agricultural [_STATE_ Pennsylvania FFA Alumni. education. ••• What's Orange And Pink And Turns Green When You Sell It? .•- ~ - -j > The Tropicana Premium Pick™ Fund Raiser! We want to tell you how easy it is to turn delicious, nutritious Florida citrus into a profitable fund raiser for your organization. Here's why Tropicana Premium Pick™ citrus is so easy to sell: Troeicana • Everyone loves fresh fruit. And, as the largest buyer of !>*-'> Florida oranges and grapefruit, Tropicana offers only the pick of the crop. • Every Premium Pick™ carton contains coupons worth $5.00 off on a variety of Tropicana products. Only Tropicana can offer your buyer increased savings while increasing your profits. Those are just two of the reasons why the Tropicana Premium Pick™ fund raiser will work for you. Call or write today for free information on your complete fund raising package. Tropicana Products, Inc., P.O. Box 338, Bradenton, FL 33506 (Please type or print) Contact's Name Organization Phone ( ) _Home(_ Address City . State. Zip_ Toll Free 1-800-237-9611 FF 1-800-282-2217 (in Florida) " The space age has truly arrived at America's farms. And it's not just the space age, either. Don't forget the computer age, the genetic age and a host of other scientific whirlygizzmos that seem to defy logic. Those who whine that "there's nothing left to invent" haven't heard about the square tomatoes, the computer that grades carcasses, the "compu-robots," or the satellite up above the earth that is, right now, quietly skimming its laser light over a cornfield to detect potential nutrient deficiencies in the plants. (For more on the laser, see page 10 of this issue.) Granted, this is heady stuff. And what is so incredible about some of this technology is that it's happening today. That's good news for future farmers, because these new technologies represent the latest step in a constantly moving wheel of advancements in U.S. agri- culture, advancements which inevitably will make farming more profitable, more efficient and, possibly, more fun. The Almighty Computer The microcomputer can be found at the center of most 'futuristic" farm tech- nology. For example, electronic identi- fication for cattle is now on the market. A tiny computer chip, no more than a sixth of an inch long and about the diameter of a pencil lead, is implanted in the animal's muscle. A "transponder" interprets a radio signal from the chip electronically, and a data processing system automatically records, processes, stores or retrieves the transmitted in- formation. Instantly. Say goodbye to the branding iron. But identification is just one benefit to a new electronic-computer system now Agriculture's Cry marketed by the DeLaval Agricultural Division of Alfa Laval, Inc. According Strap on your space helmets, future farmers; it looks like Buck to Carl Gerhardt, vice president and Rogers is replacing Farmer Brown in tomorrow's agriculture. general manager, the company markets automated dairy management systems; the goal is to create a system which "essentially works entirely through a computer," says Mr. Gerhardt. So far the company has marketed a monitor carcasses; what the camera sees water needs are satisfied. system which utilizes a transponder is then analyzed by a computer that But computers may see their most strapped around a cow's neck that is converts the image to numerical numbers dramatic use in electronic marketing activated when the animal puts her head for fat, lean and marbled portions of through a feed manger. A computer, beef. So far, the technique has been receiving a signal from an antenna, is estimated to be 93.5 percent accurate. programmed to feed the cow according Irrigation systems will soon see vast DELANO: "Computer robots to a pre-set ration. improvements by using computers to will do much of our present This year the company is introducing maximize water usage, while requiring farmwork. Memory units will a system which actually records the less hand labor. One computer-controlled cow's milk production while the cow is lateral-move experimental system is allow farm machinery to "learn" being milked. The information is fed being used today that is equipped with jobs from human operators and into a computer which, in turn, feeds the lasers to keep it perfectly aligned as it later, unattended, to cow according to her milk production moves. Its computer program includes when that day. soil and weather information that takes perform as directed without And then there's the computer and into account solar radiation, air tem- human guidance. videocamera operation that someday perature and humidity, wind speeds, soil soon will be grading meat carcasses. moisture and evaporation and plant This technique, now being perfected by transpiration. As soil and water sensors USDA scientists and engineers at Kansas indicate the need for water, the computer and mailing, says Warren Clark, mar- State University, uses a TV camera to turns the system on until the crop's keting products manager of AgriData 50 The National FUTURE FARMER farm machinery to "learn" jobs from Self-sufficient livestock farms is human operators and later, when un- another area which fascinates research- attended, to perform as directed without ers. Scientists at Cornell University, for human guidance." Other experts predict example, have constructed a large-scale computer controlled tractors, machinery methane production system on a New that diagnoses its own mechanical pro- York dairy farm. The methane digester blems and total environment controlled is nearly as large as a tennis court, farming by the year 2000. measuring 72 feet long, 2 1 feet wide and No-till farming, which ten years ago 8 feet deep. It's designed to process the was still a novelty, is now touted as the tons of animal wastes from as many as wave of the future. An era of "plowless 240 full grown cows each day, and will farming" will be in full swing on virtually yield enough energy to run a generator all U.S. cropland in 17 years, says around the clock — resulting in more USDA research scientists. electrical power than the farm could At one time, proper farm machinery possibly use. for reduced tillage seemed to be holding One innovative professor has taken back the new methods. Now, large and this self-sufficient plan a step further. incredibly efficient tractors are being Dr. Lowell Wilson, animal science pro- marketed specifically for use with no-till fessor at Penn State University, drew up planters and tillage equipment. 24-row a futuristic plan to produce meat in the grain planters and special plows guided year 2020. He describes a five-story beef by lasers, similar to laser leveling opera- production complex that would operate tions are also in existence today. (Continued on next page) domed moon colonies which will make Out-Of-This-World use of soil-free hydroponic farming methods. These lunar farms would be Farming located in pressurized greenhouses. Liquid nutrients and the bright sunlight of the moon's two-week-long days would bring rich and rapidly grown crops. Similar farms might be expected on Mars, where self-sufficiency will be vital, considering the months-long passage time between the planets. Protective By Mark Rowh domes should also be the rule in the rarified Martian atmosphere, although Picture it. An eager farmer stoops to some hardy crops may be cultivated in inspect a row of soybeans, and ex- the open. Rather than hydroponics, the hales a sharp breath of satisfaction. Martian soil should prove a sufficient tal Ball Soon it will be time for harvest. Straight- growing medium with the help of water ening up, he rubs his back and gazes and powerful fertilizers. skyward, a ritual shared by farmers over Other space farms might be located in By Michael Wilson the centuries. This sky, however, looks sprawling man-made satellites, where vastly different. Thousands of unwinking an Earth-like environment would dupli- stars fill the black expanse, their beauty cate huge growing areas. Another inter- outstripped only by the bright blue esting possibility is the use of hollow sphere hanging in their midst like a asteroids, where warm temperatures and precious gem: planet Earth. constant artificial lighting would be Resources, Inc. AgriData operates a Science fiction? Perhaps. But a century maintained. national computer network for farmers from now scenes like this are expected to Favorite crops, along with soybeans, called "AgriStar," offering farmers in- be part of everyday existence. By then might include high-protein grains such stant information on markets, weather scientists feel men will have gained a as wheat and rice, along with numerous and other items. "What if you were able firm foothold in space. Orbiting space vegetables. And given expected advances to call up your microcomputer from stations, lunar cities and perhaps even in genetic engineering, entirely new crops your tractor cab?" asks Mr. Clark. colonies on Mars or the moons of designed to thrive in extra-terrestrial "Someday, it may be possible for FFA Jupiter will have become reality. Thou- environments will be likely. members to take notes in the classroom sands of people will be living in these While their surroundings may be on their own personal computer, and space habitats, and they will have to be unlike those of previous generations, after class stick it in a briefcase. It all fed. With Earth a distant oasis, extra- space farmers in these future colonies sounds ten years off, but some of it is terrestrial farms will be a necessary part will be much like those of today. On happening now." of each space station. And it's a good bet their shoulders will rest the same awe- Ag mechanics may also be in for some that future farmers of today —or perhaps some responsibility which today's farmers fantastic changes over the next few your sons and daughters —will help face: the well-being and survival of the years. Robert Delano, president of the operate those space farms. populations they serve. The role these American Farm Bureau Federation, says, The idea of space farming has fas- space farmers of the future play will be "It is reasonable to assume that to- cinated futuristic thinkers for years. an integral part of one of mankind's morrow, 'compu-bots' —computer ro- Over 30 years ago noted writer Arthur greatest dreams —expansion to other bots — will do much of our present C. Clarke predicted development of worlds. ••• farmwork. Memory units will allow October-November, 1983 51 Ball for the cattle fed above, which reduces waste and other forms of municipal Crystal the amount of feed needed by approx- garbage is combined with animal waste (Continued from Page 51) imately 35 percent, plus reducing waste to create methane gas in the unit's disposal problems. "anerobic digester-Methane Generator," The second floor is the finishing unit. which provides all the heat needed for Cattle are brought here weighing 1,100 processing foods, light and other power. something like this: pounds and fed to an average slaughter- Excess energy produced by the methane The fifth floor is responsible for main- weight of 1,600-1,800 pounds by 12 is used by these nearby housing de- taining 25 highly-selected, "cloned" cows months. Most cattle in this unit, which velopments. and six bulls, offering nine different will have an annual capacity of 15,000 It all sounds too far out and futuristic genetic combinations of offspring head, are full brothers. Sexing of semen to be true. But for some advancements, through artificial insemination and has been so successful and accurate that the future is now. Down on the farm. embryo transfer methods. Semen and there are essentially no females produced, Buck Rogers is here to stay. ••• embryos from this special herd are not except those from elite lines needed for only used within the complex but also maintenance in the highly-productive marketed through frozen, fertilized seed herd. None of the cattle are cas- embryos and nonfertilized embryos. The trated. herd produces 40 "superovulated," fer- The first floor is the slaughtering and tilized eggs, each 21 days from each of processing unit, where animals are the 25 cows. This results in 17,000 injected with a natural enzyme mixture, fertilized eggs, two of which are placed which acts as a tenderizing process, just in each recipient commercial female prior to slaughter. Then the carcasses (fourth floor.) Success rate for the receive electrical stimulation and are transplant process will be, he predicts, then frozen conventionally, irradiated 95 percent. (by radiation) or freeze-dried. "These The fourth floor is the cow, calf unit, methods may be so advanced that meat where most of the commercial cows are sold this way will taste even better than kept, each receiving two fertilized male fresh meat does today," says Dr. Wilson. embryos. All waste water from the unit is The third floor is called the "growing sprayed directly onto nearby highly unit." Cattle on this floor put on about productive fields and into a special 400 pounds before transfer to the second hydroponic unit, where essentially all floor. All animal wastes from this floor nutrients are recycled through plants. are processed through a chemical-heat Since the beef unit is located near ' You been sterilizer and used as a part of the ration highly-populated urban centers, human eating crabgrass?" REIMCO Pregnancy & Backfat Testers RENCO _ PREG-TONE* fl US. PAT 4112927 40 Make More Profits! « All Instruments are • Accuracy proven • Portable and *&#* battery operated, (rechargeable Nicad batteries). $?&> Lightweight, all-metal construction for durability and A ease of cleaning • Backed by 2-year warranty. RENCO PREG-ALERT* US PAT 4112927 RENCO PREG-TONE RENCO PREG-ALERT 100% accuracy at 30 days, 99% ac- 1 00% accuracy at 30 days in swine, curacy at 25 days with swine. Tests as early as 35 days in cattle and can sheep at 30 days. Shown by a study test sheep and horses. Also done at the University of Gottingen measures backfat and loin thickness. 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For more information, contact: Director of Admissions Department A A fundamental Christian, liberal arts university offering more BOB JONES than 60 undergraduate majors in the fields of religion (including "I missionary aviation), education, fine arts, arts and science (including nursing, premed, preengineering, and prelaw), and University ssk business, as well as nearly 40 graduate programs in religion, education, and fine arts. Also 8 majors leading to associate GREENVILLE. SOUTH CAROLINA 29614 degrees, as well as programs leading to one-year or two-year TELEPHONE (803) 242-5100 certificates, in business and trades, and 4 majors leading to associate degrees in Christian service. Instruction in music, ADMISSIONS TOLL FREE 1-800-845-5003 speech, and art without additional cost. Grades K-12 in connection. Stands without apology for the "old-time religion" and the absolute authority of the Bible. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — j~*-m News, .Notes,. iNoies, ^y anoand Nonsense »from Everywhere CliaptirSeoop by Jack Pitzer A popular new idea for the Big The chapter banquet of Goddard Coronado FFA of El Paso, TX, Timber, MT, Chapter was an old- FFA in Roswell, NM, was taped by organized a successful blood drive and fashioned hoedown. Musicians from the KBIM television and presented on the collected a commendable 133 pints for area strummed and sang while paying morning farm and ranch show. the local community. customers danced. N-N-N N-N-N N-N-N When the county cattlemen's asso- Perryville, MO, Chapter catches As part of their handouts at the ciation held their steer feeding contest, chickens for local poultryman who county fair exhibit, the Middlesex the Akron, CO, FFA made 56 plaques annually raises and sells 90,000 started County, NJ, Chapter will pass out FFA consisting of a picture of the steer pullets. The chapter earns $2,500 for balloons. (You can buy them from the enclosed in a horseshoe frame for pre- their work. Supply Service.) sentation to each buyer. N-N-N N-N-N N-N-N The horticulture classes at Oshkosh Advisor McBride and Reporter Jodi West, WI, planted and sold 60,000 Jones spoke to the local Rotary about bedding plants this spring. The green- the FFA Creed, motto and emblem and house is empty now and is being prepared represented the St. Marys, OH, Chapter. for planting poinsettias. N-N-N N-N-N The senior ag trip for members of In the first FFA Alumni vs. active Wallowa, OR, took them into Canada FFA members Softball game, the Fair- during their six-day trip. They observed view, MT, Chapter came out on the different aspects of agriculture. Columbus Grove, OH, tops off their losing end and had to pay for the N-N-N banquet by giving away a lot of door refreshments. The main course at the Pierre-Oahe, prizes donated by local merchants like N-N-N SD, Chapter banquet was roast buffalo hats, popcorn popper, belt buckles, grain Didn't get much response about from the 50,000-acre Houck Buffalo thermometer, hog feeder, gift certificate chapter test plots since last issue. Know Ranch nearby. The buffalo tasted very and a couple of shockers. that lack of moisture was a problem. good and much like beef according to N-N-N De Witt Central, I A, sprayed their beans Advisor Murphy. Dottie Gordon and Loretta Young, with Basogran and Fusilade in June and N-N-N members of the Marysville, OH, got were well satisfied with the weed kill. their picture in the local newspaper with N-N-N the chapter's newly purchased computer Members of the Lowell, MI, Chapter for use in the ag department. look forward to the annual inner-tubing N-N-N trip on a nearby creek during the summer. For the fifth year in a row, the N-N-N Manheim, PA, Chapter Softball team Menu for the Deary, ID, parent- won the Lancaster County Softball member banquet was pancakes, eggs tournament. and sausage. N-N-N N-N-N Columbus, TX, FFA teamed with the In Selah, WA, they call their parent- FH A and washed cars on two Saturdays During National Wildlife Week, the member night a dessert. They do all the to raise $375 for the local hospital's new county game protectors spent a day with usual things like demonstrate "parly cardiac monitoring equipment. Evergreen, OH, FFA members talking pro" or give public speaking talks, award N-N-N proficiency awards install officers. about saving animals and resources. and Then the Kimball, MN, Chapter is N-N-N N-N-N 0- planning a hog roast with the FHA. The Christmas gifts from the Bellevue, N-N-N OH, FFA to the faculty promoted agricul- Agenda*items for the Waterford, OH, ture as well as expressed appreciation. officers meeting were the past and future They gave key chains in the shape of tractor pull, fairground cleanup with a pigs —made from wood, painted and swimming party to follow, the national even with a curly tail. convention and a freshman party. N-N-N N-N-N Morgan County, KY, members were Eagle-eye Neal Schatz of the Falls interviewed on a local TV station about City, NE, Chapter sent a clipping from their countywide lamb project and Heifer Guess you should expect their news the Omaha World Herald showing a Project.J item to be all about snow and cold. N-N-N headline "FFA Proposal Would Require LeSueur, MN, had candidates for snow Grant Beadles is the new reporter for Flame-Blocking Material in Jets." Al- week king and queen. Plus had members the Thomas, OK, FFA. though it happens a lot in newspapers ride in the sleigh days parade. It gets N-N-N the confusion of FAA and FFA—this cold in MN. In Assumption, LA, the FFA spon- may be the first time for it to be turned N-N-N sored a tournament wth baseball, basket- around. When Southeast Consolidated FFA ball, tennis and volleyball. N-N-N in Stella, NE, baled the bromegrass hay N-N-N Keep your chapter's name in the on their school's property, it was not Theme of the Central Linn, OR, float news. Send in a short item about the only a good money maker, it was a great in the July 4th parade was "Learning nifty new ideas being used by officers or chance to get together with chapter to..." and they displayed trophies and leaders in your chapter to involve friends over the summer months. banners won by the chapter. members and get things done. The National FUTURE FARMER •^»*^ ; "%" %! y iipp Every day as a Navy special- skills. Then, practical hands- them can be yours. ist you encounter new on experience helps you master Along with a high-tech challenges, new tests of your the job you chose. career comes the highest rapidly growing technical skills. In the Navy you can Navy pay ever. Starting pay And you're ready. choose the technical career you is over $550 a month plus Because the Navy Adventure want to learn. Pick from housing, food, medical and begins with first-class train- today's hottest technologies: dental care, special pay for ing. Training that's tough, micro-electronics, state-of- sea duty, and 30 days' vacation demanding, and extensive. the-art computers, advanced earned each year. Navy classroom training that communications, nuclear Find out more about the prepares you to meet the new power, and more. There are new challenges and new rewards challenges that are part of over 60 career areas, 7 5, 000 you get in today's Navy. Call today's important technical technical jobs a year. One of 800-327-NAVY, toll-free, today. Navy. It's NotJust AJob, It's An Adventure. HAMPSHIRES... Start your proiect with the ^v breed that has a bright future. Write tor information. Jim Cretcher, Secretary New in Agriculture The American Hampshire Sheep Assn. P.O. Box 345-F. Ashland. MO 65010 (314) 657-9012 Right, the first automatically-retracting Big Jim Halters , eartag applicator is now available from Curs Halter Breaking Allflex Tag Company. The applicator Vl Time In Halt Results Guaranteed [I locks the tag on with pop-rivet action, 4 sizes ad|ust to any animal re- Chrome Ploted and the same action automatically ^ | For information write: _ tracts the pin. J BIC JIM HALTER CO. Rt. 3 Box 3138, Boerne, TX 78006 National Suffolk PAST*ST.4RT Sheep NURSEH1 ^v»IE^«B-M£PC^'0 , Association^ i % DORSET SHEEP p "the mother breed" Out of Season Breeding Above, this new nursery waterer-medi- Good Mothers—Good Milkers cator from Osborne Industries, Inc. lets Outstanding Carcass Quality you medicate individual nursery pens For more information & breeders list contact: with accurate dosages and minimal Continental Dorset Club, P.O. Box 506, Hudson, Iowa 50643 waste. 'Potted 'i¥enefrncU...Ott *7 • Nation's largest junior heifer show • State preview shows • "Computerized" cattle breeding • Field days • Leadership opportunities Above, a new 800- watt, ultra-quiet Power- For more information about the Breed on the Move, visit a mate electric portable generator is now local Polled Hereford breeder, or write: available from Ag-Tronic, Inc., featuring Polled Herefords a low noise spark arrest muffler which The Bull Power Breed results in smooth, reliable power without the noise normally associated with por- ArmTicBn Polled Hereford Association 47IHI E 63rd St table generators. Kansas City, Mo. 64130 The National FUTURE FARMER FFA GIFTS I FOR CHRISTMAS t (It's not too early to begin your list) YOUR FFA SUPPLY SERVICE SUGGESTS YOU OBTAIN 'ft I YOUR GIFTS EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. & OXFORD JACKET This jacket is oxford nylon kasha lined and is not a "run of the SPECIAL mill" warm-up jacket. Constructed of 200 denier nylon which Block of 4 FFA mint stamps issued in is superior in appearance and longer wear. With stretch nylon 1953 commemorating the 25th anniver- cuffs, knit waistband and knit standup collar. Has setin sleeves; # sary of our organization. Beautifully easy in, easy out slash pockets with snap fastener front. matted and framed in anodized alumi- Item WB-4 Oxford Jacket $24.50 num including glass. Truly a collectors The above jacket is available in the following sizes: item everyone should have. Must be SM (36-38) MED (40-42) LGE (44-46) XL (48-50) XXL (52-54) seen to be appreciated! Two sizes: 5 x (add $2.00) 7 and 8 x 10. Limited availability. Item FF5 5x7 Stamp Set . .$16.00 Item FF8 8x10 Stamp Set . . 22.00 (Sorry, stamps not available separately) These and many other appropriate gift items are illus- trated in our cur- rent 1983-84 catalog which your Advisor should have. Send full payment with you order to: PEN AND PENCIL SET (by Bradley) Beautiful silver and gold "Silver NATIONAL FFA Sorcery" set in 18th Century "Old SUPPLY SERVICE Sheffield Plate" finish. This set P.O. Box 15160 can be engraved with the recipi- Alexandria. VA ent's name on each piece. Em- 22309 FLEECE LINED blem on clip. Felt gift box included. COAT Item 706 Be sure to include RANCH Pen/Pencil Set .$21.00 per set your handling Modern tan suede look outer shell, shearling Engraving (name charges and state lining and trim. Western yoke, large patch only— on both) 1.50 per set tax if applicable. pockets and leather look buttons. FFA patch left chest. Completely washable. Shipped direct from our supplier. AND REMEMBER: You may deduct 2% if you send full Available in SM (34-36) MED (38-40) payment with your order! (42-44) LG XL (46-48) ADVISORS PLEASE NOTE! Let us know if you have not Item RC Ranch Coat $38.50 each received your copy of our 1983-84 catalog. uM> "What can a FFAiirMtion > computer do for farm?" my Candy for the Stars Sheep from Nebraska, Illinois, The Elmwood, Illinois, FFA Chapter Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma and COMPUTERS ran a concession stand selling popcorn Missouri started arriving at the Carl and candy at Adventure Under the Junction school Thursday and Friday. IN FARMING Stars, a benefit for cystic fibrosis. Hampshire, Suffolk and Dorset sheep The big benefit was a country western Selection and Use were put into pens that were built by the concert held at Exposition Gardens in FFA students under two large tents. Peoria, Illinois. During the day there Advertisements in national sheep Find out, in the first guide ever to show was a flea market and theatrical show. magazines and about 1,000 sale notices the specific farming problems a compu- Later in the evening, the concert was were sent in January which started the ter can help you solve... fill you in on held. There were some top country ball rolling for the annual sale. hardware and software suitable for your names and a few local bands. The One of the Carl Junction FFA purposes ... and help you pinpoint concert featured Atlanta, Lane Brody, which equipment could pay for itself in advisors, John Dillard, explained that your particular operation. Assumes no the McBarker Boys and Tom Thesh. All students get involved at the very previous knowledge of computers and of these people donated their time, so all beginning until clean-up and realize explains all terminology in plain lan- the money we made was given only to how much work it takes putting a sale guage. 246 pages. the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. together. . Our chapter helped set up tables, The top selling ewe was owned by m See it FREE for 15 days! chairs and the stage. put a Mail coupon to: We even few Norman Pensoneau of Bellville, Illinois, McGraw-Hill Book Company of our members in the dunk tank. The selling l~M and brought $ 1 ,300. The top ram RO. Box 400. Hightstown, NJ 08520 concert was a good time for all of our brought $750 and was also owned by Please send me COMPUTERS IN FARMING bv Steven S. Sonka( 0-07-059653-0) to examine free for 15 days At the members and we also raised money for a Pensoneau. The chapter receives 10 end of that time. I will pay $19 95 plus local tax. postage, good cause. (Mike Gorham, Reporter) and handling, or return the book postpaid with no percent of the sale plus $10-a-head entry further obligation whatsoever fee. Other top sellers were the champion Counting Sheep Suffolk ram, $450; champion Suffolk One of the largest consignment sheep ewe, $750; and champion Dorset ewe, Address shows and sales in the county was $325. Cily Slate Zip organized and operated by the Carl The Carl Junction FFA Alumni also Make checks payable to McGraw-Hill Book Company. involved with the sale helping Order subject to acceptance by McGraw-Hill. Local sales Junction, Missouri, FFA Chapter, May became by tax must be included. McGraw-Hill does not ship to PO. 5-6. Total sales were $27,888. out with various jobs, such as mountains boxes. 03-K404-A495-3 Official FFA Calendars For You Or The Chapter Here's your chance to order Official FFA rooms, vo-ag shop, bank lobbies, library; Calendars for yourself, your family and Wallet style for everyone's wallet or purse, your friends. Get some of each style to go in with thank you notes at Christmas use and give away—Home and Office or bithday, or handouts at the fair; style for kitchens, workbenches, vo-ag Appointment style for personal use in notebooks, milk parlor, machine shed, notebooks, teacher desks. These FFA This Home & Office Style Cover Scene is sewing room, office planner; Desk style Calendars are illustrated with vo-ag/FFA also the main illustration on Poster and for the banker, all the teachers, doctor, scenes. The printed message is Members Desk Style Calendars. The Wall Style veterinarian, county offices; Poster style Grow for America's Future. Order as which has space for a chapter's own for feed stores, machinery dealers, class- many as you or your chapter can use. picture and space for up to 1 2 advertisers is also available. If you want information about the Wall Style, check the box on Please send the following: Please send the calendars I checked. I understand the at left. they have a general Imprint message about FFA coupon HOME & OFFICE 90C @ on them, not our name. DESK @ 90C SPECIAL PUBLIC Name POSTER @ $1.20 RELATIONS PACKAGE WALLET @ 1 5« Chapter FOR CHAPTER Set ol All Four Styles @ $2.50 Chapters should get in an order (or Calendars to Special Public Relations Address distribute in the community, too At the bank, fire station, post office, county courthouse, elevator, veterinarian^ Package $75.00 @ office, school library, or principal's office. Encourage City and State Zip your chapter to order these calendars with the general Appointment $2.50 @ FFA and vo-ag message TOTAL ENCLOSED Clip and mail this Coupon to: 50 Home & Office Style 25 Desk Style (Shipping is and Postage included in Price) 15 Poster Style 25 Wallet Style (Va. orders add 4% state tax) Official FFA Calendar Department 1 Appointment Style The National FUTURE FARMER Regular Please send me ordering details about the new 5 WALL STYLE calendar so we can have our own P.O. Box 15160 value All for $75.00 chapter picture on '84 FFA calendars. Alexandria, 22309 VA To order, just check coupon at left. 58 The National FVTVRE FA RMER 1 FREE of bookwork, a concession stand in Maryland. The team which is coached BOOKLETS which many things including lamb by T. L. Cornett, won the contest in burgers were sold, setting up livestock 1981. on purchasing and caring for tents and loading sheep after the sale West Grant FFA Chapter from The your horses are available. In ad- was over. (Continued on Page 60) dition, you'll receive a confor- The sale gives good experience to mation chart, and information vocational agriculture students in almost FACTS FOR ACTION on the free use of instructional every area of livestock production from films covering conformation and raising to showing to marketing and all FFA Announces A New performance the steps involved in putting together a National College and events. show and sale. (LeAnn Brown. Reporter) CONTACT: Vocational/Technical American Quarter Horse This Is For the Birds School Scholarship Association Dept. FFA In early March, the Willard, Ohio, Program Amarillo, Texas 79168 White Chapter selected Rock-Cornish For the first time in its history the (806) 376-4811 cross chicks and started feeding them. national FFA organization will offer The chicks were fed a starter feed and educational scholarships to its mem- later switched to a commercial broiler bers for their use in college or vo- NEXT ISSUE ration at three weeks of age. cational/technical schools. Applicants Your next issue will have all the The next step in the production cycle will be FFA members in their senior latest news and results of national was to take the live mature birds at year of high school or out-of-school contests and the national officer about eight weeks of age and prepare members preparing to enroll in their election from the 56th National them for the consumer. Many thanks go first year of higher education. to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Funk of Willard The scholarships are for one year Convention. Watch for it. for demonstrating the butchering process. only and not renewable. Recipients Each FFA member was to butcher at will be selected by the scholarship least one bird, but some "chickened" committee from applications sub- NEW! out. mitted which include a statement by The final stage and the most tasteful the local advisor. The committee will part was taking the frozen birds, thawing also make selections based on the The Young them, halving them, barbecuing them requirements stipulated by the various Cattleman \-,; , -^ and serving them to the members, parents sponsors of the scholarships. All of and friends of the FFA. (David Feather- the scholarships are given through 9 ^ ingill. Reporter) the National FFA Foundation by For the begin- ' •-..,. various firms, companies or organ- ner or experienced Ride 'em Tractor izations, and each of the scholarships showman. Tips on selecting, The Utica, Ohio, FFA held a tractor has detailed eligiblity requirements. care, feeding, grooming and rodeo for the members of the chapter. One application form will be used for showing productive and efficient Each contestant had to hitch an imple- all scholarships. Charolais and Charolais-cross ment to the tractor and drive through a If you are interested in either of the steers and heifers. Write for your course which consisted of backing the following five scholarships offered FREE copy today! tractor and implement and maneuvering this first year, have your advisor AMERICAN-INTERNATIONAL them through a pattern of stakes. Then, request an application form from the CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION the implement was unhitched from the Scholarship Committee, National P.O. Box 20247—Kansas City, Mo. 64195 tractor by the operator. This course was FFA Center, Box 1 5 1 60, Alexandria, 816/891-6432 timed. Virginia 22309. The forms are due Rob Overly had a time of two minutes back January 1, 1984. A Great Gift Idea! and 30 seconds. This was the best time in For 1984: Harold Davis Memorial 1984 DRAFT the chapter and so Rob will represent Scholarship for $500 sponsored by HORSE CALENDAR Utica in the tractor rodeo at the Hartford A. O. Smith Harvestore Products, Fair. (Laura Rauch) Inc. for an FFA member with a Cow Contest Champs strong livestock background in swine, beef, dairy or any combination. Other total of 1 ,643 FFA chapters entered A details and specific requirements by the 1 983 Hoard's Dairyman Judging Cow the students are included with the contest. FFA entries were received from application instructions. And also 50 states. for 1984, four Esmark, Inc. Foun- First place and $100 went to Boons- dation/Swift & Company scholar- boro, Maryland. The chapter advisor is ships available to Illinois members Mrs. Terrie Shank, received who an planning pursue four-year college to 1984 wall calendar with 14 beautiful honorable mention in the vo-ag instruc- A degrees with a in area of major any FULL COLOR photos. Each month's pic- tor division of the contest. The high agriculture. ture is a new scene of Draft Horses at school won the FFA division in 1979 Advisors of interested students must work and play. What a great gift! Only and 1978 and received honorable men- request the scholarship instruction $5.50 each, postage included. Satisfac- tions in 1982 and 1981. sheet and application form at the tion guaranteed. Second place and $75 went to Queen above address. Anne's County FFA in Centreville, MISCHKA FARM P.O. Box 382 C Beloit. Wl 5351 October-November, 1983 59 TRI-L FFAinTtetion^ Ohio State University sponsored by the makes American Institute of Cooperation. (Pick up ACTIOS from Page 59) SHOP KITS Their visit to the Marysville area visits for included several to area farms VO-AG STUDENTS. Patch Grove, Wisconsin, placed third including the homes of Marysville FFA and received $50 for the second year in a members Pat and Kelly Thornton, Jeff is advisor. Look for us at booth #115 at the row. Dennis Mulrooney the Rea, Kurt Guenther and Dottie Gordon. Kansas City career show in November Fourth place and $25 went to Delavan Tours of the O. M. Scott Seed plant and or contact: Darien High School in Delavan, Wis- the H onda plants were arranged through TRI-L MANUFACTURING INC. consin. The chapter received an honor- Mr. Odell Miller, Ohio State faculty and R.R. #2. Box 57 Ozark, Mo. 65721 able mention in 1981 and placed second former Marysville vo-ag instructor. 417-485-6820 in 1975. Glen Holman, advisor, was an While here, the visitors also enjoyed a honorable mention in the vo-ag instruc- picnic at Scotts Park and lunch at the If you move, please let us know so you will receive tor division of this year's contest. American Legion Hall. Their local visit your magazine without interruption. Send your new The judging contest is sponsored each was hosted by the Marysville FFA and address and the address label from the last issue of your magazine to Circulation Department, Box year by Hoard's Dairyman, a national Alumni chapters. 15160, Alexandria, Virginia 22309. dairy farm magazine published in Fort The visitors found the several inter- Atkinson. Wisconsin. The 53rd annual esting differences between farming as it's contest attracted 111,005 contestants done in central Ohio and the agricultural GENUINE Ffff v*>N"< from all 50 states and 34 foreign practices of their home states. COWBELLS ^'°c ANY COLOR ANY LOGO ANY NAME countries. Farms here seemed tiny to them, For F.F.A., 4-H, Little League, Fund The contest involves judging pictures particularly to those from Montana Businesses, Schools. Raising. of four cows from each of the five dairy who are used to farms that average 4" Tall 3" Wide 2" Deep breeds. A different breed is featured on 10,000 acres. The diversity of crops MODE CORP. is II 043 Horry H.nes Blvd., Dollos, TX 75229 the cover of five consecutive issues of the grown here also different. We're used $30.00 doz. 214/351-5895 magazine. Nationally known dairy cattle to seeing beef cattle and alfalfa every judges make the official placings and the place, said one. (Dottie Gordon, LEARN TO FLY RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES contestants are graded accordingly. Reporter) Fun, Challenging. Educational! What Did They See Here From One Lisbon to Another Money saving bookie! tells besl way to get started in tnis enciting nobby Farms here are smaller. The weather It seemed so impossible and far away SEND S2 00 TO is stickier. The crops grown are more from our small community in northern ST. CROIX OF PARK FALLS. LTD P 0. BOX 279L-PARK FALLS.WI 54552 varied. New York to travel 700 miles to Lisbon. Those were a few of the firsthand Ohio. 10 YEAR impressions of a number of young The FFA in Lisbon, New York, GUARANTEE farmers and FFA members from Oregon, decided to visit the FFA in Lisbon, Montana and Idaho who recently visited Ohio, located about 30 miles south of $195 several agricultural establishments in Youngstown in Columbiana County. It the Marysville, Ohio, area. was chosen because of its fine agriculture all purpose knives for the visitors in to is outdoorsman Offer; The were central Ohio history and because Lisbon. Ohio, our you the quality of attend a seminar on cooperatives at the namesake. felt a very special bond of CUSTOM made models selling up to We S25 ? Hand polished imported surgical steel blade has. SAFETY LOCK to prevent accidental closing Expensive Rose wood handle SOLID BRASS bolsters and Itner IF BROKEN IN | Afler cosily treatment tailed. Ihis skin disease was believed incurable At this point, HAPPY JACK MANGE MEDICINE was used with dramatic success Also. HAPPY JACK TRIVERMICIDE recognized sale and eHeclive by US BVM againsl hook, round and tapeworms in dogs and cats At (arm. leed and diun stores To request tree calalog. write Happy lag inc Dept \K Snow Hill WC ffiflj hO The \ alional Fl Tl RE FA RMER . friendship because of this even though like we were leaving old friends that we FREE I^Z^l we had never met. wanted to spend much more time with. of planning, getting The next day, the final stop was made It took months FACT KIT r approval from everyone from the board at Niagara Falls. After the trip, we of education to the students in our realized some of the benefits of the FFA chapter. We received excited yet appre- and strongly suggest that your chapter Call hensive go-aheads from everyone in- try a trip, even if it's overnight with a 1(800)845-3000 volved. The seven students to go were chapter from your neighboring town. chosen by points gained by participating (Frederick Ahrens, Advisor) (Utah residents call 1 (800) 662-8666) in chapter activities. We will rush you your FREE Fact Kit that After the students were chosen, there It's Not a Hat Catalog tells how you can make $12.00 to $18.00 an hour! were thousands of things to do. Earn $12.00 to $18.00 an hour in your own Foley welcomed our first stop at Fre- We Full-Service Saw and Tool Sharpening Business. donia Seed Company located in Fre- The FREE Fact Kit explains how you can be your donia, New York, where we toured their own boss; work full time or part time at home. Do operation. We were intrigued by their work you enjoy and not have to worry about layoffs and strikes. And it's a CASH business where 9CV operation. They produce so much seed of every dollar is CASH profit. and most of the work is still done by And there's plenty of business where you live hand. sharpening all types of saws, garden and shop tools We barely had time to stretch our legs for home, farm and industry. Age is no barrier and no experience is necessary. when we were heading down Interstate But you've got to get the FACTS before you get Park in Ohio for the 90 to Geneva State started. So call NOW or if you prefer, mail the first night of camping. We pitched our coupon below. tents and ate supper and went to Lake FREE around for the school lobby. l Members of both Lisbon FFAs Calif residents add 6 /2 9r sales lax TOTAL camped out on a small pond and spent • Challenge the Alumni on the (CUSTOM SIZES AVAIL.) Name the night swimming, singing, performing volleyball court. • Address skits and even snipe hunting. The bonds Be sure your chapter says thank of friendship began to grow ever stronger. you to your speech coach. Phone # • Invite the county agent to the Send check, money order or charge As we began to say our farewells, we Card # realized just how strong our relationship chapter banquet. Exp. Dale _Am X . _M/C_ • Teach someone to weld. All orders shipped UPS freight colled You may return was between two FFA chapters that your tarp within 10 days for a refund less freight and handling were together for a short 24 hours. It felt ntt October-November, 19S3 61 " " " " JoKePa&e The year was 1995, and at last a cure A little boy was visiting a farm for the In the town of Tridainia, three little for the common cold had been dis- first time. He was taken out to see the Trids were walking down the street covered. After years of research, scientists lambs and finally, he built up enough when they saw the Rabbi. Now the had learned that chewing tea leaves courage to pat one. He was delighted. Rabbi hasn't seen daylight for five years, " would bring an immediate end to the Why, they make them out ofblankets!" so the three little Trids walked up to him dreaded cold symptoms. Unfortunately, he cried. and started talking to him. The four of people found tea leaves to be especially Herbert Grimm them walked and walked and they just unpleasant to taste, and it was only after Barnetts Creek, Kentucky happened to jaywalk. Well, to jaywalk health workers talked long and hard Uncle Marvin always had bad luck. in Tridainia is a death sentence. that the population could be persuaded They all had to go before the judge. Once he found a magic lamp, rubbed it, to try the new remedy. One such group and a genie appeared and bestowed on The judge told them that they had a of effective persuaders was located in Uncle Marvin the Midas touch. And for choice between getting kicked or stoned Nome, Alaska, and a hot line set death. first Trid chose to be was up the rest of his life, everything he touched to The there for people to phone in for coun- turned into a muffler. kicked to death. So, the townspeople seling. To advertise this unique program, Cindy Horn gathered and kicked him to death. The full page ads were taken out with the Rienzi, Mississippi second and third Trid chose to go the headline: "Eat Tea? Phone Nome!" same way. The judge then asked the Nicki Quellette "Bill has a serious affliction, " said the Rabbi and the Rabbi said, "Til take Visalia, California eye doctor. "Everything he looks at he kicks, too." The judge replied, "-Silly sees double. Rabbi, kicks are for Trids." "Poor fellow, "said the doctor's neigh- Byronna Sharp bor. "I suppose he found it hard to get a Liberty Center, Ohio job. the sorceress "Not at all," replied the doctor. "The Q: Why was angry at the gas company snapped him up and now sorcerer? he's reading meters." A: Because he made a hexist remark! Lisa Wills Brian Snyder Perryville, Missouri Jewett, Ohio Q: Why do you have to wholesale a If you froze and cloned basketball cow with no tail? star Abdul-Jabbar, you'd get an iced A: Because you cannot retail them. Kareem clone. Kirby Brown Jennifer Jefferson Brookhaven, Mississippi Roseburg, Oregon Charlie, the Greenhand "The only thing 1 said to him was, you don't have to fill out any forms!" The story is told of a young Czech- oslovakian, a Russian officer, a little old lady, and an attractive young woman riding on a train. Shortly after the train entered a dark tunnel, the passengers heard a kiss, then a loud slap. The young girl thought: "Isn't that odd? The Russian tried to kiss the old lady and not me?" The old lady thought: "That is a good girl with fine morals. The Russian officer thought: "That Czech is a smart fellow; he steals a kiss and I get slapped. The Czech thought: "Perfect. I kiss the hack of my hand, clout a Russian officer, and get away with it." David Hockenberry Troutman, North Carolina Frank: "Elmer, alcohol killed a brother of mine." Elmer: "// did?" Frank: " Yep, he was run over by a heer truck. !" John Williams "Charlie's trying to kick the videogame habit . . . Randlett, Oklahoma The National FUTURE FARMER » ill pas KMfar each joke selectedfor publication on this pare Jokes must he addressed to the Sanonal FUTURE FARMER, P O. Box I51MI. Alexandria. \ A 22)09 In cast- of duplication, payment will be lor the first one ecetved Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned 62 The \ational Fl Tl RE FARMER // S > -: World famous all-leather handcrafted boots & leather accessories Made in the U.S.A. /^jiW' I Styles shown, left to right: Stock No. 7447, chili cow boots; #67411, chili cow tapered belt, ^JJ^^^^J #29532 & # M7090H, natural boa belt and buckle; and Stock No. 8114, natural boa boots Tony Lama Co., Inc. • 1137 Tony Lama St. • El Paso, Texas 79915 What a difference a family can make Fifty years ago, when rural areas were hard Today the problems of farmers are different pressed for petroleum products, Farmland from the ones that faced your parents and Industries and its family of Double Circle grandparents. But one thing hasn't changed: cooperatives was organized for the purpose of It's still a family business, a way of life as bringing petroleum products to the farm. Their much as it is a way of earning a living. And success is a matter of record. Double Circle Co-op's role, in maintaining that Just after World War II, farm productivity way of life, is more important than ever. was increased dramatically through the explosive growth in the use of commercial Now it's your turn fertilizer. A fertilizer shortage threatened, and As you begin to take over the reins, again Farmland and its family of Double Circle remember that no one, in this world, can go it cooperatives took the lead. They built fertilizer alone. You'll need all the help plants and developed a distribution system you can get, and the best without equal. source of help is your Over the years, your Double Circle Double Circle Co-op Co-op has continued to meet the needs family. of its patrons by entering such diverse fields as ag chemicals, meat processing, insurance, grain COOP marketing, computer services, feed and many others. It was all done Standing together. cooperatively, as a family, to provide Standing strong. farmer and rancher members with ample, quality supplies and services. To improve their economic condition. Farmland Industries, Inc.