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Agricultural Equipment Division 700 State Street Racine, Wl 53404 U.S.A. , The National MAGAZINE STAFF February-March, 1982 Editor, Wilson W. Carnes: Associate Editors, John Volume 30 Number 3 M. Pitzer, Michael Wilson; Field Editor, Gary Bye; Future Farmer Editorial Assistants, Jo Colley. Mildred Bryan; OMDcd aad PublUlird b. ibr Full ISSN 0027-9315 Advertising Manager, Glenn D. Luedke; Advertising Assistants, Erika Freeman, Joyce Allen; Circulation Fulfillment Manager, Adriana L. Stagg; Assistants, Pat Glenn. Dorothy Welzet. Sandy Hynson. NATIONAL OFFICERS National President, Scott Neasham, RR 2, Newton, A Word With The Editor Iowa 50208; National Secretary, John Pope, Route 2. Maiden. North Carolina 28650; National Vice cost of putting the magazine in your mailbox Presidents, Scott Watson, Route 1, Gallatin, Mis- The FFA was increased 100 souri 64640; Melanie Burgess, RR 2, Box 337. percent with this issue. And with the budget for publishing your magazine
Harrisonburg. Virginia 22801 ; Randy Hedge. Route already strained because of previous big increases in the cost of both postage 1. Grannis. Arkansas 71944; Jack Stewart. P.O. Box 327. Douglas. Wyoming 82633. and paper, as well as some other costs, your organization is hard pressed to find BOARD OF DIRECTORS the ways and means to pay the increased expense of publishing a magazine. Chairman, Byron F. Rawls; Members of the Board, In short, the big increase in postage cost came about when price increases John W. Bunten. Curtis Corbin. Jr.. Ralph Dreessen. scheduled through 1987 became effective immediately. The U.S. Postal Service Larry Nelson. Duane Nielsen. James A. Shaeffer. Les Thompson. J.W. Warren. took this action after Congress failed to appropriate money for the Postal NATIONAL STAFF Service as they had in the past. In fact. Congress ordered the Postal Service to National Advisor, Chief Executive Officer, Byron adjust preferred mail rates for not-for-profit organizations this year instead of Rawls; Executive Secretary, Coleman Harris; 1987. Similar increases will be reflected in certain types National Treasurer, J.M. Campbell; Administrative through other of mailing Director, Edward J. Hawkins; Manager of Inter- sent by your national FFA organization. Your Board of Directors and the national Programs, Lennie Gamage; FFA Program National FFA Officers will confront these issues when they meet the last week of Specialist (Awards), Robert Seefeldt; FFA Program Specialist (Contests), Ted Amick; FFA Program January and begin preUminary work on the 1982-83 budget. Specialisi (Leadership). Tony Hoyt: Director of Information. Cameron Dubes; Director of FFA Has your chapter ever been represented at the Washington Conference Supply Service, Harry J. Andrews; Manager. Com- puter Services, George Verzagt; Executive Director Program? If not, this may be the year to send one of your chapter officers. A FFA Alumni Association, Robert W. Cox. renewed emphasis is being placed on having as many chapters from as many ADVERTISING OFFICES states as possible represented. Since many conferences do fill up early, the The National FUTURE FARMER sooner you get your application in, the better. A special brochure describing the P.O. Box 15130 conferences will be mailed to your chapter in March. See FFA News Briefs, Alexandria. Virginia 22309 703-360-3600 page 6, for conference dates. Robert C. Whaley 4605 Fulton. Suite No. 4 Sherman Oaks. California 91423 213-872-0471 Thanks from FFA to Mr. John W. Bunten, a member of the FFA Board of Robert Flahive Company Directors, who retired on January 8 after nearly 40 years of service to vocational 22 Battery Street education. Mr. Bunten was also a program specialist for vocational education in San Francisco. California 94111 415-781-4583 the U.S. Department of Education. He first served on the FFA Board in 1 954-55 Midwestern states: Ag/Group 20. Inc. when he was state FFA advisor and state supervisor of vocational agriculture in 400 N. Michigan Avenue Nevada. He returned to the Board of Directors when he was employed by the Chicago. Illinois 60611 312-644-5560 Department of Education and was given responsibilities for agriculture. Our Ohio. Pennsylvania. Delaware. New Jersey: Ag/Group 20. Inc. best wishes go to Mr. and Mrs. Bunten as they move into retirement with plans P.O. Box 251 to go West at some future date. Old Greenwich. Connecticut 06870 203-637-4397 7(/diOH Sa^Had. TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS OR ORDER A SUBSCRIPTION Please use this form. In This Issue TO SUBSCRIBE: check the term below and
fill in your name and address. 42 Q 3 years $6.00 ATTACH CHECK Ladies at the White House 8 Your FFA Image AND MAIL TO: Orion Samuelson 14 Q 2 years $4.00 The National Future Farmer to Farmer 16 1 year $2.00 FUTURE FARMER In Every Issue 15130 Foreign subscriptions, P.O. Box Cornfield vs Concrete 18 add $2.00 a year extra Alexandria, 1981 FFA Highlights 22 Looking Ahead 4 for postage. Virginia 22309 Ag Outlook '82 24 News in Brief 6 Pilgrimage to Mount Vernon .26 Mailbag 8 Teaching Agriculture 28 Chapter Scoop 40 ATTACH LABEL HERE There'll Be Challenges 34 FFA in Action 44 for address Where the Buffalo Roam 38 Joke Page 48 change or D other inquiry. Our Cover
i- Alexandria. Virginia 22309. Offices located at the National FFA Center, approximately eight miles south of Alexandria. Virginia. to a z < SUBSCRIPTION: $2.00 per year in U.S. and possession (FFA members S1.00 paid with dues). Single copy 50C; live or more 35C each. Foreign subscriptions. $2.00 plus $2.00 extra for postage. Copyright 1982 by the Future Farmers of America. | MORE AND MORE FARMERS are NOW! Get in on the leasing their equipment instead of buying. According to a report in ^^ USDA's Agricultural Outlook, a survey PROFITS in/' of 131 leasing companies indicates that the value of their outstanding agricul- tural leases rose 141 percent between 1979 and 1980. Rising machinery prices, SMALL loan rates and income tax brackets for some farmers make leasing attractive. The Economic Recovery Tax Act of ENGINE 1981 grants advantages to corporations and banks that purchase rental TO COAST, U.S equipment, a situation fostering desir- «ouPOVin COAST FARMLAND values as of February of able leasing terms for farmers. Work part time, full time— 1981 averaged $796 per acre, slightly right at home- we help IF Administration over four times as much as the $196 per THE REAGAN you every step of the way. succeeds in decontrolling natural gas acre average in 1970, say agricultural a small engine pro, can cash in prices, the nation's farmers will face No doubt about it. ..as you extension specialists at North Carolina for qualified men in one of Americas on the huge demand production cost increases of $1.54 billion fastest growing industries. You'll be able to command top State University. The USDA says over in 1982 and $8.2 billion over the next hourly rates of from $10.00 to $15.00 per hour -and that's the past decade, nominal land values in lust for labor. A simple tune-up earns as much as $17.50 for three years, according to a study the United States have increased at an than an hours work, and parts, engines and accessories less released by the Citizen Labor Energy will add even more to the profits. average compound rate of 13.8 percent Coalition (CLEC). The study found that Plenty of business waiting for qualified men. per year. "Real" farmland value fertilizer, heating, electricity and irriga- 46,000,000 Small Engines Are in Use Today! (adjusted for inflation) increased during tion costs will all rise as a result of That's the official count from the Engine Service Assn., and this ten-year period at an average rate of one-million new engines are being built each month. With fully higher natural gas prices and that the about 5.2 percent per year. accredited Belsaw training, you can soon have the skill and results could be "serious erosion" in the knowledge to make top money servicing these engines. People nation's already declining farm income. will seek you out and pay you well to service their lawnmowers, ANOTHER EXPORT RECORD: U.S. tillers, edgers, power rakes, garden tractors, chain saws, mini- agricultural exports in fiscal 1981 totaled bikes, snowmobiles, generators, go-carts, paint sprayers, snow- NEARLY 88 PERCENT OF THE blowers... the list is almost endless. $43.8 billion, setting a record for the NATION'S FARMS and 67 percent of twelfth straight year, according to a farm and ranch land are operated by USDA official. Agricultural exports ran individuals or families, says a report by $26.7 billion higher than imports, also a the Commerce Department's Census record. The record $43.8 billion is due to Bureau, Ten percent of farms and about higher unit prices for U.S. products and 15 percent of the land are operated by adds up to an 8 percent increase from partnerships. Family or nonfamily the year-earlier record. The leading corporations operate 2.1 percent of dollar earner—feeds and grain —had farms and 1 1.7 percent of farm and sales of $21.7 billion, up 18 percent from ranch land. On the average, farms are 1980. 415 acres large. The number of small farms, those with 10 acres or less, have NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! FARMERS MAY BE ABLE TO increased by more than 20 percent since You don't need to be a born mechanic' or have any prior HARVEST ALFALFA in the rain experience. You can master this profitable trade right at home 1974. in your sparetime. Lessons are fully illustrated... so clear you within a few years, according to can't go wrong, and with our famous learn-by-doing' method engineers at the University of Wisconsin- A REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN you get practical hands-on' experience. We also show you spent a how to oet business, what to charge, where to get supplies Madison. They've more than SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION says the wholesale... all the inside tricks of the trade you need to decade refining an alfalfa-processing world is up to its eyelids in edible assure success right from the start. system which not only will help farmers vegetable oil, as a result of record Send for FREE Facts -Do it TODAY! beat the weather, but will also produce a production and crushing at the same NO Obligation— NO Salesman Calls! protein-rich concentrate suitable for time that demand has stabihzed or You risk nothing by accepting this offer lo see how livestock or humans. Development has result, the easily you can learn the skills you need to increase dechned. As a value of your income in a high-profit business of your own. gone far enough for equipment soybean oil as a percent of the total Just fill in and mail coupon below (or send postcard manufacturers to develop commercial farm price of one bushel of soybeans has with name and address) to receive full information models, possibly within five years. declined from over 50 percent in 1973 to by return mail. about 31 percent in 1980. RUSH COUPON TODAY FREE OUR BEST CUSTOMERS: Eleven BELSAW INSTITUTE B00K1£T! countries imported at least a billion U.S. SECRETARY OF AGRICUL- 5204 FIELD BUILDING dollars of U.S. farm output in 1980, TURE John Block has announced a KANSAS CITY, flllO 64111 compared with a mere ten years ago breakthrough in genetic engineering to when only Japan imported that much produce a vaccine against the virus foot- I BELSAW INSTITUTE AcciedilGd , 5204 FIELD BUILDING Member from the United States, says a report in and-mouth disease, one of the world's National Home 0i)\ KANSAS CITY, MO 64111 SluOy Council the World Development Letter. Japan most serious animal diseases. Block said I D YES, please send me the FREE booklet that'gives ! still leads the U.S. farm export market he believed the breakthrough was "the I full details about starting my own business in Small with over $6 billion worth. Other first production of a vaccine through Engine Repair. I understand there is No Obligation I and | members of the billion dollar club gene splicing against any disease in that No Salesman will call on me. , I include (in order of import value) animals or humans. Animal tests carried I NAME . I Netherlands, Mexico, China, Canada, out over an eight-week period show that ADDRESS_ West Germany, South Korea, Spain. the vaccine works." The research work Taiwan, Italy and the Soviet Union, at was done under a cooperative agreement I CITY $1 billion, although that figure has likely between the U.S. Department of I increased with the lifting of the partial Agriculture's Science and Education |STATL -ZIP. grain embargo this past year. Administration and Genetech, Inc. The Aalional FLTiRE FARMER Simple governor adjustment can save gas, boost tractor power. When ag engineers at a state university checked gasoline tractors at random, they found 4 out of 5 needed governor adjustment. In 32%, no-load speed was too high; in 62%, full-load speed was too low. Many needed new parts before they could be adjusted. But where adjustment was possible, it resulted in a 9.1% increase in horsepower with a 4.8% fuel saving. Not bad for a few minutes' worl< with a tach. li^iil Watch out for corrosion in underground fuel tanks. mM •'•.'-Tv'--.>- A big underground tanl< with a rust hole no larger than a pencil lead can waste up to 100 gallons of gasoline or diesel fuel in 24 hours. So it pays to catch leaks early. Keeping good records of the gallons of fuel you receive and the gallons you pump out of the tank will help you spot a leak. Keep an extra close watch on any tank that's been in service 15 to 20 years. Age, accumulated water or corrosive soil will eventually rust any steel tank. Now one oil can save fuel in both gasoline and diesel engines. Using the same oil in both gasoline and diesel equipment is mighty convenient. And Exxon's tough XD-3™ oil is a fuel- saver in both. Its fuel savings were first shown in heavy-duty diesel truck tests. Next, we pitted our 15W-40 XD-3 against a leading 15W-40 oil in 3 Ford pickups with 6-cylinder, 300-cu. in gasoline engines. The results showed XD-3 has an average 3.3% (±1%) mileage improve- ment advantage over the com- petitive crankcase oil. Call your Exxon Farm Distributor now for XD-3 oil, the 2-way fuel saver from nine European countries, having spent three or six months living and working on foreign farms and agri- businesses. Next, six FFA'ers returned from their six-month programs in Panama, part of the AID-Panama Hunt exchange. Meanwhile, seven WEA "around the world" participants began the journey from their European placements to new locations in with the Australia. In between they toured such places as Cairo, Athens, Singapore and, appropriately, spent Christmas in Israel. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR Applications are now being accepted for Old Timer. THE AMERICAN FARMER the June, 1982, Work Experience Abroad group. Deadline in the national DEGREE were changed by delegates at office is March 1, but applications must the recent National FFA Convention first be sent to your state office. held in November. The amendment changes the minimum amount an FFA EDWARD J. HAWKINS, FFA member must earn and have productive- Administrative Director, has announced ly invested from $1,000 to $5,000. Since plans to retire prior to March 1, 1982, the convention, the National FFA Board after 30 years of service to the FFA. As has been polled by phone and has Administrative Director, Mr. Hawkins agreed to continue the $1,000 require- was responsible for the overall adminis- ment for those candidates receiving the degree in 1982. JEFF RUDD AND TERESA TESNOHLIDEK have been chosen directors of the 1982 Washington Conference Program staff. Other staff members include Larry Stoller, Jeanette Jones, Susie Quay, Mark Lelle, Ken Maxwell, Lance Chancellor and former national officers David Pearce and Jeff Kirby. For more information on the Washington Conference Program watch for the brochure to be mailed to all The Wrangler \ chapters March 15, 1982. Dates for the makes o conference this year are June 7-11, 14- great traveling 18, 21-15, June 28-July 3, July 12-16, 19- companion, The Edward J. Hawkins 23, 26-30 and August 2-6. State high carbon Presidents' Conference is July 25-30. tration of the operations of the National Schrade + Steel® NEW NATIONAL OFFICERS FFA Center, he worked as a manager of blades are com- OFF the FFA Supply Service for 19 years AND RUNNING after completing their pletely rust resist- prior to his appointment as two-week orientation and training Adminis- ant. Expertly trative Director in 1971. conference at the National FFA Center. made with over Your national officer team sped off to 1 00 hand oper- Greenhand and sophomore Motivational THE 1982 SUPERVISED OCCUPA- ations. Also Leadership conferences before heading TIONAL Experience Workshop is available with out to different states for individual scheduled for July 25-30 at the Hyatt 3 blades. experience programs, working with radio Regency in Virginia and has been You're in and television publicity, chapter visits dubbed "potentially . . . one of the most good com- and high school assemblies. After a brief important national agricultural educa- pany with stop at the National FFA Center again tion meetings ever held" by National an Old for the January National Board of FFA Advisor Byron Rawls. Vocational Timer. Directors' meeting, the national officers agriculture leaders will discuss the future will head off to Japan and Korea for an of their Supervised Occupational international experience tour sponsored Experiences and be trained to conduct by Mitsui and Company, Inc. The rest workshops in states. The workshop dates of February and throughout the coincide with the FFA State Presidents' beginning of March will see them Conference and grand opening of the visiting sponsors in business and FFA National Hall of Achievement. industry. A NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM has THE REVOLVING DOOR OF THE been installed at the National FFA FFA'S International Department was Center, with an added bonus. The spinning at top speed in mid-December National Supply Service has added when six Panamanian students in the special numbers for you to call if you Write for your free Schrade Almanac to Sohrade AID-Panama project left for home after need to place an order or discuss an Cutlery Corp., Ellenville, N.Y. 12428-0590. spending eight months in Indiana and order (703-780-5600, -5601 or -5602). All Kentucky. At the same time 32 WEA other calls to the Center are still being (Work Experience Abroad) participants taken through our usual number 703- arrived at the National FFA Center 360-3600. The National Ft TIRE FARMER This symbol is wortli 25Moyourcliapter! During the arnation entire year @ ® of 1982. Car- nation Com- pany Milling Divi- sion will redeem each special Calf- Manna Quality Con- trol Circle, as shown to the left, for 25c. Just o cut the entire Carnation Manna« Calf-Manna 50 lbs. sym- -n t>ol from empty 50 lb. bags v50 lbs. of Calf-Manna, save at least 100 of them between yourself and other Chapter members, send them to the Carnation ad- dress t>elow. and we will send a check for at least $25.00 made payable to your Chapter for its Treasury. Save 200. receive a check for $50.00. And so on. Each special Circle is worth 25e. It's a program for your entire membership . . . and so Is Calf-Manna, the concentrated ration for all livestock. This Is Carnation's program to help support your organization. Please re- deem no less than 100 Circles at a time. We can only write checks for $25.00 or more. Be sure to include the exact name and address of your Chapter to which the check will be made payable. Our checks cannot be made payable to individual memt>ers. You may redeem the Cir- cles up to April 1. 1983. They will appear only on 50 lb. bags of Calf-Manna. Send your Chapter's collected Circles to: Mr. Wayne MacMillan. Carnation Company. Milling Division, 5045 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90036 @nafioji / CstlfA Manna] tof ol temonfenoli arnation lomoan MILLING DIVISION OS Angeles, California 9003( FOR INFORMATION: CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-421-0462 California Residents call 1-800-252-8229 submitted the story to the Los Angeles Times, a .22 rifle. I've asked a couple of people about which is a very large newspaper in our area, and hunting rabbits with a .22 rifle. They say that received an enthusiastic response from a Times they hunt rabbits with a 4 1 shotgun because it is reporter. After many hours of interviewing and too hard to hit a rabbit when it is running with a many days of writing about the Future Farmers .22 rifle. You don't see too many rabbits sitting of America, our friendly reporter finally finished still that you will get a shot. the article and it was published on September A 410 shotgun shell is full of shot which 14, 1981. The article received such a great spreads out when you shoot. A .22 rifle is just a response from the public we felt The National little steel in a bullet that shoots straight out. FUTURE FARMER should know. Enclosed When using a .22 rifle, you have to be a good with this letter is a copy of the article and a copy shot. A .22 rifle is used for squirrels, because of the story we wrote. squirrels are usually sitting in trees not moving Nancy Hosteret around. Fullerton, California < Reporter, Sunny Hills FFA I don't mind your advice on rabbit hunting, During this summer we felt the Future Rick Ruiz but using a .22 rifle to hunt rabbits isn't right. Farmers of America in Orange County and Los President, Troy FFA Most people can't hit a rabbit with a .22 rifle Angeles County, California, needed to be when it's running. brought to many residents' attention. We Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin Wayne Schlimgen thought that if more people knew of all the good After reading your October-November, 1981, Thank you for pointing out to us what you feel things the Future Farmers of America is, the article on "Hunting the Cottontail Rabbit" by are mistakes in the article about hunting the organization in our area might become stronger. Samuel Skeen, I would agree with most of what cottontail rabbit. We, too, wondered about So, after all this thinking, we put our heads you printed about rabbit hunting. hunting them with a .22 rifle, but decided together and wrote a story about the FFA. We However, I disagree with hunting rabbits with perhaps the author knew his subject much better than we. Hunting is done a little differently in different parts of the country, but we agree it is difficult to find a rabbit sitting still and some people consider it unsportsmanlike to shoot them sitting.— Ed. Indianapolis, Indiana I would like to publically acknowledge the splendid public relations efforts of Bob Juncker and the Indiana FFA Officer team who annually see to it that I receive your excellent National FUTURE FARMER magazine mailed to my home, where I'm able to read it more completely and liesurely than I might otherwise. While having never been a Charlie Green- hand, I find many of the articles most interesting and informative. The only wayT can see for your magazine's improvement would be to write up some of the excellent things being done by the Indiana FFA organization. Nevertheless, Bob Juncker, and the state officer team and yourselves should all take a bow. Please keep up the good work. Dr. Michael S. Brici, Director presented Steuben crystal eagle to Mrs. Ronald Reagan a FFA member Division of Vocational Education Karen Coble of Vanzant, Missouri, September 1 0, 1 981 , in the White House First Ladies Garden. Karen was named one of the General Federation of Madison, Wisconsin the new Accelerated Women's Clubs Distinguished Teenage Volunteers. Looking on are Mrs. We have been studying Cost Recovery System (A.C.R.S.) in our Farm Elizabeth Dole, assistant to the President, and Mrs. Don Shide, at the and Industry Short Course class called Farm lecturn, international GFWC president. Records for Farm Managers. Your article on pages 37-38 of the December- January, 1981-82, issue of The National Ladies At The White House FUTURE FARMER carries an article about A.C.R.S. We find this in variance with the Farmer's Tax Guide—Publication #225 (Rev. VOLUNTEERISM has always been involved in other school leadership October, 1981). The specific area we find in error an American idea. And so the such as student council vice president is the part dealing with 10 year property. The somewhat General Federation of Women's Clubs and National Honor Society. She was discussion on investment tax credit is confusing. have honored leaders in the nation who cited as "girl of the month" by the Enclosed is a copy of IRS Publication #225. have made significant contributions in Mountain Grove Business and Profes- Please look at chapter 6, paying particular their communities. sional Women's Club. attention to the middle column on page 16, Two of the seven honorees were teen- Currently she is enrolled in agricul- chapter 6. agers. Karen Coble is an FFA member ture at the University of Missouri. Her Robert A. Lueing from Vanzant, Missouri. She was in- career goal is to be involved in agricul- Extension Farm Records, Specialist volved in the Mountain Grove Chapter tural public relations. Karen is the University of Wisconsin activities daughter of Mrs. which distinguished her as a Mr. and Herman Coninna, Michigan volunteer and a leader. Coble who operated a 1 ,000-acre dairy good I certainly enjoyed receiving my first copy of As the local chapter safety chairman, and beef cattle farm where Karen has The National FUTURE FARMER, December- Karen helped expand the new rural fire had plenty of work experience. Her January edition. Since I am a member of alumni department's membership and organ- brother, Keith, was a summer intern for and a former vocational agriculture teacher, I ized fire safety programs presented to the National FFA Alumni Association looked with great interest at the articles in Vol. schools and other groups. She also and the National Rural Caucus in 30, Number 2. Your article on "New Tax Laws Crucial To worked with promoting safety in the Washington. She was nominated by the Farmers" where you quote Thomas A. Bloch, community with radio and other media. local Mountain Grove Kappa Theta pages 37 and 38, has many mistakes and Karen has attended FFA leadership Club of the General Federation of conferences in Washington and was Women's Club. (Continued on Page 12) The National FUTURE FARMER There is only one kind of Marine...llO%. I It takes a special commitment to become a Marme. If you want to make it with us, you'vu to give it your all and then some. We'll show you that you've got more inside you than you ever f', thought you had. In short, we make it tougher so you'll be better. Fmd out. Mail the card or v > call toll-free, 800-423-2600. In California, 800-252-0241. : ;^ - •;: v^ - : / I l^efev.'T^^P^ Vl be one 01 iteybevo"*^ National Suffolk month. A new depreciation reporting form, Mailbag 4562, must be used (no longer on the back of Sheep form 1040F). Items that use 3 and 5 year ARCS (Continued from Page 8) Association/^! when sold lose 60 percent capital gain exclusion and all salvage or sale value is considered omissions. The new 3 is ARCS year program set ordinary income. up for only auto, trucks, breeding swine and Richard S. Austin breeding sheep used in the farm business. The Extension Agriculture Agent percentages are correct, but all of these types of items must use the same ARCS program. The 5 After receiving these two letters, we con- year program includes all farm machinery and tacted the source of the article and asked them special use farm buildings and all must be to please help us clarify this question. We combined into one entry, and here again, your received the following reply: Ten-year prop- percentages are correct. Your worst mistake is in erty category includes depreciable real property the 10 year property. Only house trailers set on with an Asset Depreciation Range midpoint life farm land applies, no other farm items. All of \lVi years or less; such as manufactured general purpose building real estate investment homes used to house farm employees. (Single Us« Official FFA Calendars In your public tile and etc. , must use the 1 5 year program. Each purpose livestock and horticultural structures relations program. Available from FFA, item is handled separately and entered on its are considered five-year property.) Fifteen-year P.O. Box 15160, Alexandria, VA 22309. own line, depreciation based on acquisition property includes all real property, such as farm buildings, and most land improvements other than any designated as 5-year or 10-year property.—Ed. Bismarck, North Dakota What a thrill is was to see the great story on the Herigstad bee operation in North Dakota. I couldn't be happier, and I know that the story should be an inspiration to young people who want to get into this fascinating business. Don Erickson State FFA Advisor Moravia, New York Thank you for allowing us to reprint the article "A Start Alone in Agribusiness." En- closed you will find several copies of the reprint for your files and the photos you sent for our use. Mrs. Linda K. Carr Chronicle Guidance Publications, Inc. Ag Day '82 Agriculture Day, a nationwide program of education and celebration to recognize Are you hunter, targeter or plinker? agriculture's contribution to American Federal has the right 22 for you. life, is scheduled this year for Thursday, March 18, 1982 under the theme "Agricul- ture: It's Your Heartbeat, America!" Whatever your sport—small velocity made specifically for The annual observance, begun in game hunting, varminting, target shooting where consis- 1973, is directed nationally by the Agriculture plinking or target shooting- tent accuracy is required. Day Foundation and administered by the Federal has 22 ammunition These cartridges are loaded Agriculture Council of America. Activities tailored to your needs. We with lubricated lead bullets. cover a broad range of projects and events offer three lines of 22 ammo: Lightning™ 22s in the new such as securing proclamations from gov- Hi-Power™22s with copper- blue box are the reliable, ernors and mayors; appearing on televi- plated bullets-regular or economical cartridges designed sion and radio talk shows; setting up hollow point-deliver that for the plinker and everyday exhibits at shopping centers; serving as extra-hard blow you want recreational shooter. hosts of farm, ranch and agribusiness when hunting small game Try a box or two of Federal tours; and speaking to school children. or pests. High 22s tailored for you. Ask Several FFA chapters have participated in velocity. for them by name. the celebration. Champion™ Hi-Power. Supporters are being urged to celebrate 22s. They're Champion. the observance with a week-long schedule standard Lightning. of activities that would begin on Agricul- ture Day (a Thursday) and conclude the following Wednesday. One highUght of the 1981 observance was the proclamation of Agriculture Day as an official national observance, by the President and U.S. Congress. A wide range of promotional materials FEDERAL are available to help people celebrate the observance. For more information on how FEDERAL CARTRIDGE Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 to obtain these materials, write: Agricul- ture Day Foundation, P.O. Box 23421, Washington, D.C. 20024. 12 The National FUTURE FARMER ^^ % J,J»» -^SsSr We befieve in ivorking "wifh our customers On-the-spot feed counseling helps Their reference manuals are They receive a new issue of our our customers get the best feeding filled with information on live- livestock paper. Feed Facts®, results and return on their invest- stock feeding, management, which they deliver to farmers, ment in MoorMan products. parasite control and equipment. ranchers and feeders. Our 2,000-plus local representa- Our representatives are kept Since our company's beginning, tives are backed by the experience posted on new developments in we've dealt direct and worked and know-how of our research educational meetings held every 4 closely with our customers. And scientists. weeks in their areas. we intend to continue. We also beHeve in honoring young people for i^ork ^irdl done FFA: Our financial contributions University c>f Mrkansas, Fayetteville Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge help honor outstanding members at Auburn University, Auburn, Ala. Michigan State Univ., East Lansing University of St. Paul the chapter, state, regional and Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. Minnesota, Colorado State University, Fort Collins Mississippi State University, Starkville national levels. University of Florida, Gainesville University of Missouri, Columbia 4-H: Our contributions help honor University of Georgia, Athens Montana State University, Bozeman University of Illinois, Urbana University of Nebraska, Lincoln outstanding members at all levels- Iowa State University, Ames New Mexico State Univ., Las Graces county, state and national. Kansas State University, Manhattan North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh Universities: We sponsor scholar- University of Kentucky, Lexington Ohio State University, Columbus Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater ships at agricultural colleges of Mo. Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. these 29 Land-Grant universities. At South Dakota State Univ., Brookings i M H M each, we contribute the same total. I Southern Illinois Univ, Carbondale university's scholarship The ag University of Tennessee, Knoxvilie committee determines the number, JfoorJfans Texas A&M University, College Station individual dollar amounts and recip- University of Wisconsin, Madison ients of MoorMan Scholarships. Ittoorman M ' .' i. ^ Orion Samuelson speaking to FFA members at this year's By Margie Pritzker National FFA Convention. WHO travels over 65,000 miles a year; was soon working as "a disk jockey, a news of people. I get a great deal of satisfaction rises for work at 3:45 a.m.; delivers person, a sales person and an engineer." In out of thinking that what I have done over 100 speeches annually, and appears 1956, he was hired by the farm department durmg the day has been helpful to people." weekly on over 90 stations in a nationally of a Green Bay, Wisconsin, station where In his speeches, he also stresses tolerance syndicated TV show, as well as daily on he stayed until going with WGN. of others and their ideas. "There are many two radio shows and a local television His "Morning Show" and "Noon Show" people I disagree with," he says, "but with show? on radio, plus his "Top o' the Morning" whom I am very close friends because of It's former FFA member Orion Samuel- daily TV show would be more than enough the tolerance I think I have developed for son, the big man with the powerful voice. to keep most people busy. His nationally different viewpoints and ideas." Probably the nation's most respected farm syndicated "U.S. Farm Report," however, Based on these philosophies. Samuel- broadcaster, Samuelson credits his success and his traveling, are other responsibilities. son's talent and hard work have brought to his early association with the Future Samuleson's travels take him around the him awards, honors and fascinating exper- Farmers. country to farm meetings and conventions, iences. In the mid-70's. he accompanied Raised on a 200-acre Wisconsin dairy on speaking appearances and to cover Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz on a farm, he had just graduated from a one- news stories. His talks encompass topics trade mission tour to Thailand, Japan and room country grade school when mis- such as world affairs, the economy, agri- other countries. In 1978, he was a member fortune struck: Samuelson developed a culture, communications and motivation. of an Illinois agricultural trade mission to bone disease which made him an invalid Speaking of motivation, what makes the People's Republic of China. for two years. Faced with long days of bed Orion Samuelson tick? What keeps him His honors include an "Oscar in Agricul- rest, he spent hours listening to the radio going at such an exciting pace? ture" for radio and another for television. and thinking. Knowing he couldn't be a The answers are several. For one thing, Named "National Farm Broadcaster of the farmer, he decided broadcasting was the says his Associate Producer/ Secretary Year" in 1 968, he has also been honored by field he would pursue. Lottie Kearns, he needs very little sleep. the national Future Farmers of America, His FFA advisor often traveled the five "Occasionally in the office, he'll say, 'I'm the FFA Alumni Association, the national miles from school to the farm, bringing really tired —don't think I'll make it 4-H Service Committee and others. school assignments and taking the com- through tonight's speech. Wake me in 15 Thoroughly enjoying his work. Samuel- pleted homework back to the teachers. minutes.' son says, "The nicest part is the people; 1 When Samuelson was able, at last, to "Then he sits down at his desk, puts his meet and work with some of the world's attend school, his advisor encouraged him head down, crosses his arms, and within 60 greatest." to pursue public speaking through FFA seconds, he's sound asleep! Snoring! It was his father, he says, "a shy and in high school forensics. The same "Also, he's terribly organized," she says. Norwegian dairy farmer who doesn't man approached the basketball coach to "He knows exactly where he's going and understand the big city." who provided the suggest that Samuelson announce the what he's doing. And he's always on best description of Samuelson's job. school games. This early speaking experi- schedule. Even his paper clips in the "Shortly after I came here." says Samuel- ence played a part in Samuelson's later drawer are organized!" son. "my father visited Chicago for the first selection as a state finalist in the Wisconsin Beyond these qualities, however, Sam- time and saw what I was doing. He sat in FFA public speaking contest. uelson bases his life on firmly held beliefs. the studio during the 'Noon Show.' I was Today the familiar sound of Samuel- "I'm very positive," he says. "I feel that trying to impress him with all the big words son's deep, rich voice and the crisply whoever said 'If you get a lemon, make and everything because you want your enunciated diction are his trademarks. lemonade,' had a philosophy worth going parents to think they turned out something Speaking not only to farmers, but for by." His illness as a teenager, he says, fairly good. farmers, he explains to the general public taught him never to judge a happening at "When we got done. I started putting the "why" of food costs and the "how the moment it occurs. things away, and he didn't sa\ anything. I come" of agricultural needs and concerns. "I don't get excited about things over finished and got up to lea\e, and he still Vice President and Agricultural Services which 1 have no control," he continues. "I hadn't said anything. We walked out into Director at WGN in Chicago, he has been have a strong faith because I think I get a the corridor and I said, 'Well, Dad. What with the station since 1960. when he was lot of help from upstairs. I think I get the do you think?' hired as Farm Service Director. After metabolism, the voice and everything else "He looked at me and said. 'Well, it must graduating from high school, he took a from there. be nice to be able to look at all that hard " broadcasting course in Minneapolis and "So basically I try to use it to benefit a lot work —and then just talk about it!' 14 The Salional FITLRE FARMER I *The Harvestore system helped our son decide to stay here on the farm. That's why." "That's why we're glad we decided to go with the Harvestore® system back in 1973. 1 don't mind admit- ting now that it was a hard decision, but I know it was the right one. I consider the labor savings a tremen- dous asset — it's one reason why our son has decided to stay here on the farm with us." Improved eHiclency The Harvestore system has helped Bob and Mary Koontz improve pro- ductivity so much that in the For the future the farm will support Koontz family, the their son's family, too. "We one best time was back in '73. For you, the time to have become more effi- buy cient with these acres," says — or lease — your Harvestore system is right Bob, "and I consider that almost the same as buying now. Call your dealer, or another farm." send for your free booklet by filling out and mailing Moie from every acre this coupon today. NAME. As costs keep climbing, Only A.O. Smith Harvestore® gives ADDRESS you a total system... practical live- farmers today are forced to TOWN -COUNTY stock management help ... find new and better ways to one- source, factory-backed service ... STATE -ZIP squeeze the most out of experience trom more than 76,000 every acre. One of the most Harvestore and Slurrystore* sys- PHONE ( ) . tems in use . . . and backing ot a (Area Code) efficient ways is the (Number^ company known lor quality since Harvestore system — espe- 1874. DAIRY -BEEF. HOGS . (Number) cially in combination with Nf F282SA the Slurrystore® system: "It's a more progressive way to farm," says Bob. Ask any Harvestore system farmer, and he'll agree. imith Your form belongs in your family HARUESTORE By cutting feed costs, and improving productivity and PRODUCTS, INC. 550 labor efficiency, the W Algonquin Road Arlington Harvestore system can help Heights, 111. 60005 keep your farm in the fam- ily, where it belongs. *1981, A.O. Smith Harvestore* Products Inc. There's one best time. Now Getting started— HHH9^^^^^Hi^Hiic^^^'«s^ ^'O^HH From Future wKB^^m^^^ ^H |H ^^H ^^^^^i^vgJ^^H B KK^HBjBJs^1 l^^^^ '-^^§^^1 H '' ' ^^^^^^^^^^^R^^H^^f^ ' ^ " ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^1 M I^HHtaMssiJ^Hi (ill star Farmer of America Chuck Berry, of Elma, Washington. Photos by Bill Stagg Star Farmer from the Southern Region George {McDonald, of Carthage, Tennessee. Eastern Hegion Star Farmer Tony Mitchell, of Elkin, North Carolina. Star Farmer from the Central Region Doug Schwartz, of Washington, Kansas. — Farmer to Farmer GETTING started in farming. being independent while I'm young, at- in the same old rut," the Star Farmer It can be the most challenging and tempting to purchase the dependable, asserts. "Be able to listen to other people's difficult undertaking of a young person's modern machinery where needed, and ideas and then plan your own." life. But it can yield the most rewarding, trying to stay unmarried (financially) to a "I'm never completely satisfied with fruitful and memorable experiences of a dealer," he says with a laugh. what I have achieved," he says as a final lifetime as well. We thought it might be note. "I'm always reaching for higher interesting to hear from our four 1981 goals, larger yields, better production and Regional Star Farmers—FFA's cream of more net income whether it be in my the crop —and report on their trials and George McDonald farming operation or in my life." tribulations in making the jump from This year's Star Farmer from the Sou- "Future Farmer to Farmer." Some give thern Region is George McDonald, from advice, some inspiration; and some merely Carthage, Tennessee. As a Greenhand, a personal sketch of the steps which helped George raised 59 beef cattle, 2'/2 acres of Tony Mitchell guide and launch their careers in produc- hurley tobacco and a few truck crops. He Our Eastern Region Star Farmer, Tony tion agriculture. In any case, we hope you expanded his enterprises throughout high Mitchell of Elkin, North Carohna, is find the following profiles helpful to your school and today he's currently involved in involved in a dairy herd consisting of 1 10 own FFA experience and career in agri- a 50/50 partnership with his father on the Holstein cows, 34 bred heifers, 36 calves culture. family's beef, dairy and crop operation, as and 5 bulls. Tony began helping his father well as maintaining a seed dealership. and older brothers with the milking chores Although it was several years ago, George as a youngster. As a Greenhand, he raised heifers, Chuch Berry, Star Farmer of America says he still remembers his first exposure to two two brood sows and four acres The 1981 National FFA Convention FFA's Star Farmer. of corn. By the time he graduated from saw Chuck Berry, of Elma, Washington, "It was my first National FFA Conven- high school in 1978, he had formed a named Star Farmer of America. Chuck, tion," he recalls. "I was amazed at the four partnership with his brother and rented the representing the Western Region, is a 21- regional Star Farmers when comparing family dairy from his parents, Jacob and year-old dairy farmer who now owns a 95- their farming programs to my own. Before Alice Mitchell. I joined as a Greenhand I cow herd and 144 acres of land. the convention I had set some goals, but "When FFA involved in the livestock, dairy "At the age of seven I started helping on after being inspired by their programs I become and the farm, mostly feeding the calves and returned home and set new goals for land-judging teams," recalls Tony. "Later, helping my father haul manure," Chuck myself; one of these goals was to become these helped me in selecting better cows says. "By then, he was beginning to set up Star Farmer of America. and working with land for best results from plans for me to have a partnership with "I had a long way to go back in 1974, but crops." Tony's older brother Roy was named him if I was still interested by age 18." I had to start somewhere," George reflects. Eastern Region Star Farmer in 1975. "This Chuck started his own dairy project with "Sure I was let down the night Star Farmer gave me my goal to go on and become Star two Holstein heifers as a Greenhand in was announced and I wasn't selected. But it Farmer," says. "I a 1975. Two years later he decided to make a made me more determined and ambitious Tony was sophomore in high school at the time and wanted to get career out of the dairy, so in 1978, on his than ever. Because I had strived for Star more involved in the dairy in order to go on 18th birthday. Chuck took over part of the Farmer of America, I had reached goals of America." management duties. By 1979, Chuck had along the way that made my effort very to compete for Star Farmer purchased the farm with financial help much worthwhile." He bought his first piece of land as a from his father. He took complete respons- George believes the farmer of the 21st junior, after securing a loan through a local ibility for the dairy upon his father's death century will need to possess more leader- bank. in 1980. ship ability than ever before. "We are Tony advises other FFA members to listen to their chapter advisors and parents. "In the spring of 1980 I got financial aid approaching the era of 'work smarter, not to build a new double-six herringbone harder,' " he says. "Don't get me wrong "Mom and Dad were a big help in guiding me to make decisions," he says. milking parlor plus a manure tank," Chuck there will still be plenty of hard work. But says. His own labor plus a hired hand to be successful we will have to spend more After high school graduation, Tony and provided the work for the expansion, and time in making management decisions. his brother built their herd number up from 80 cows to the current 1 10 cows. by February of 1981, the new parlor was This is where leadership provided by the Through tight management practices complete. FFA will become more vital than ever in and close analysis of records, they've "I financed nearly $30,000 out of my managing, negotiating, and bargaining." DHIA managed to bring the herd average up to own pocket, but when I build again I will George says young farmers should ad- 13,000 pounds per year over the last three finance everything through FmHA (Farm- here to a "nothing is impossible" attitude in years. ers Home Administration)," says Chuck. order to stand firm in establishing them- Chuck's advice for farming hopefuls? selves. "People have told me that certain "Be ready for hard work; don't be afraid to things are impossible, but if you have the go in debt; and don't be afraid to purchase determination, dedication, hard work and new machinery. When I first took over, I belief that nothing will stop you from Doug Schwartz spent late nights repairing machinery, reaching a goal, then nothing is imposs- Doug Schwartz, from Washington, helping cows have calves and changing ible," he says. Kansas, is the 1981 Central Region Star pipe myself because I couldn't afford any He advises young farmers to be willing Farmer. Doug bought his first sow at age help," he says. "My top priorities remain: to accept change. "I try never to get stuck (Continued on Page 32) February-March, 1982 1 17 vs Concrete: the Concern Over Farmland Conversion By Michael Wilson T^HE year: sometime in the distant over an area the size of Indiana. I don't a national nonprofit membership organi- future. The place: somewhere in what know where it is going to stop, but it must." zation founded to preserve American used to be called "the cornbelt" of the Former Secretary of Interior Cecil D. farmland. United States, the midwest, the bread- Andrus has long been an advocate of land- National Concern basket. You see what seems to be a huge use planning and environmental protec- Reactions to the NALS findings have city, teeming and vibrating with concrete tion. "The 30 million acres we've lost over been voiced nationwide. A national policy and steel, a massive throbbing beehive of the last decade amounts to an area the size calling for the protection of U.S. agricul- metropolitan sprawl. Looking closer, you of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachu- tural lands against excessive urban de- begin to notice this is not merely a city. No, setts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New velopment was among the features of the it is the city—there is nothing else. No Jersey and Delaware combined," he says. 1981 Farm Bill signed into law by border where buildings stop and country "The question is whether we will act while President Reagan on December 22, 1981. starts; no highway roads that change to our depletion of agricultural land can still Congress declared in the Farm Bill that the rustic rural settings . . . and numbed, you be halted, or whether we will wait until a "continued decrease in the nation's farm- ask yourself: "Where is the farmland?" set of troublesome tendencies becomes a land base may threaten the abUity of the Indeed, where is it? full-blown emergency." United States to produce food and fiber in This hypothetical nightmare may sound Mr. Andrus currently acts as spokes- sufficient quantities to meet domestic impossible. Admittedly, the United States person for the American Farmland Trust, needs and the demands of our export is far from such a fiasco, with markets." its bountiful grain harvests Throughout its 18-month and seemingly endless miles of investigation, the NALS dis- flat fertile fields that hum each covered that 90 federal gov- year with vibrant productiv- ernment programs promote ity. But a 1981 study of farmland urbanization. The farmland conversion to urban new legislation is intended to use shows even the land has its minimize the extent to which limits; land which once pro- federal programs contribute duced soybeans and wheat to the unnecessary conversion now produces parking lots of farmland to non-agricul- and runways. tural uses. Under the law, According to the National federal agencies must evaluate Agricultural Lands Study their program and consider (NALS), three million acres alternative development sche- of farmland each year are mes to reduce the impact on converted and developed for farmland. urban uses such as shopping The bill also requires feder- centers, reservoirs, housing, al agencies to conduct their industrial sites and airports. programs compatibly with the The study was released in approximately 300 state and January of 1981 by the U.S. local farmland protection pro- Department of Agriculture grams and private efforts to and the President's Council save farmland. "The new pol- on Environmental Quality. It icy legislation," says Robert states that, of the three mil- Gray, who headed the NALS, hon, one million acres are "says to Washington that it "prime" land —land best suit- should work with, instead of ed for farming. That adds up against, state and local efforts to about four square miles of to keep prime farmland in prime land lost each day. In agriculture." more colorful terms, it repre- For the most part, state and sents an annual prime farm- local programs have been land loss equalling a one-half- successful. Prior to his arrival mile strip of land stretching in Washington, D.C., as Sec- from the state of California to retary of Agriculture, John New York. Block's concern for farmland Agricultural leaders, react- preservation prompted Illi- ing to the study, have voiced nois Governor James Thomp- concern. "In my lifetime we've son to sign the country's first paved over the equivalent of State Executive Order in all the cropland in Ohio," says 1980, making preservation of former Secretary of Agricul- farmland one of the state's top ture Bob Bergland. "Before this century is out we will pave (Continued on Page 21) 18 The National FVTVRE FARMER STANDARD OF THE WEST SINCE 1879 l^ii mm ilding For A Better Tomorrow Bobby Peterson is a member of the Miami Trace FFA Chapter, led by advisors Frank Breedlove and William Diley. Bobby Peterson, Washington Court House, Ohio 1 98 1 National Home and Farmstead Improvement Winner Bobby Peterson has and built a new metal The Upjohn Company is foresight. And he's using it garage. To add the final enthusiastic about being part to build for tomorrow right touches to the new look of the of this team as sponsor of the now, through activities in the family farm, Bobby FFA Home and Farmstead FFA Home and Farmstead landscaped the yard. Improvement Program. Improvement Program. That's what FFA is all The people at Upjohn think For the past four years, about: Planning toward a it's important to work Bobby has worked to improve better tomorrow and working together with concerned the family farm so it is more as a team member. individuals like Bobby attractive and and his fellow energy efficient. FFA'ers, to make He remodeled his the American family's home, farm a better building a new place on which to bathroom, bed- EEl3gSt,© live. room, family J Together, we room and kitchen. can work toward Upjohn, TUCO, Asgrow, and Cobb Organizations He also renovated this common Agricultural Division of The Upjohn Company the two-car garage goal. Kalamazoo, Michigan — Farmland could be used for crop production." (Continued from Page 18) According to 1977 Soil Conservation Accessories] Service statistics, out of 1 .3 billion acres of nonfederal agricultural land, the U.S. had for 413 million of "current" cropland, plus 127 priorities. The Wisconsin Farmland Pres- million acres of other land with "high" or every ervation Program reports as of last August "medium" potential for conversion to 3. 1 million acres under protection through cropland, Mr. Brewer reports. Between outfit. preservation agreements or local exclusive 1967 and 1975 —the time frame used by the agricultural zoning ordinances, and 14,700 NALS—the amount of this type of land individual famrs are covered. In Connecti- converted to "urban, built-up, transporta- cut, the General Assembly has passed tion and water uses" was 875,000 acres per legislation changing their farmland preser- year. Even if this conversion rate contin- No matter what kind of vation program from a pilot activity to a ues, the U.S. cropland base in the year 2000 project you work on, permanent program. And several other would still add up to some 520 million Nasco's free Farm and states have set up farmland preservation acres, Mr. Brewer points out—an ample Ranch catalog can help. programs as well. margin over 484 million acres, the highest Includes everything you Private groups, such as the American of current projections of the acreage need for showing and Farmland Trust mentioned earlier, are needed to meet domestic and international grooming, record keeping, seeing results from efforts. "We offer demands on American croplands at the soil testing, horticulture, farmers an option to selling their land out end of the century. shop and animal health of agriculture," says AFT President Doug- Mr. Brewer also notes several factors care. Plus, livestock las P. Wheeler. "We fmance the purchase which are likely to slow the rate at which equipment of all kinds. of development rights and accept dona- farmland is being converted, such as For your free copy, call tions of conservation easements, so that reduced needs for housing, the virtual or write Dept. AM-822. agricuhure can continue and the land- completion of our interstate highway Free Phone Order Service owner recovers part or all of his equity. If system (which consumes 41 acres of land 1-800-558-9595 such easements are conveyed according to per mile of road), and a slowdown in In Wisconsin 1-800-242-9587 a farmland protection policy, the land- reservoir construction due to the likeli- owner can qualify for substantial tax hood that most of the better sites for water benefits. Thus, the new national policy development are now being utilized. should give a boost to the private attempts Current record-high interest rates could yi^OdCO of farmers and groups like AFT to protect dampen non-farmers' eagerness to share in Fort Atkinson, Wl 53538 Modesto. CA 95352 this finite resource." the bounty of soaring farmland values Guarded Optimism another source of recent pressure on farmland, Mr. Brewer observes. The loss of farmland has left the impres- As much sold in for sion to many that, as a result, the price of as a third of farmland 1979, food will inevitably skyrocket and that example, probably went to non-farmers. U.S. agricultural exports will have to be Farmland speculators often arrange to sharply curtailed in the coming decades. have their property farmed temporarily but are unlikely to invest in conservation But at least one expert says there is room for guarded optimism. According to measures to maintain the land's quality, Agricultural Economist Michael Brewer, Mr. Brewer says. former research director for the NALS, the No one can say for sure how the conver- to urban will affect United States "is in no danger of running sion of farmland use In out of food because of disappearing the future of agriculture or food supplies. YOUR farmland." But it is true that the U.S. agricultural land In a new study of The Changing U.S. scene is changing dramatically. What's OWN Farmland Scene, Mr. Brewer points out more, it's a safe bet FFA members every- SPARE that the NALS 3-minion-acre annual loss where will be affected. The need to become TIME or involved will fall squarely on the shoulders FULLTIME figure is misleading, because the amount IT "includes land that never was and never of all future generations of agriculturists. SHARPENING BUSINESS! 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I please send me the fR£i BOOK that gives full details. • City-Slate 2ip_ February-March, 1982 21 FFA Highlights 1981 The editors of The National Future Farmer have selected these events as highlights of the FFA year PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN THE NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION A FESTIVE RIBBON-CUTTING surprised everyone by making a witnessed delegates voting to change ceremony at the dedication of the surprise appearance at the White House minumum requirements for the American National FFA Center's new lobby took Rose Garden moments after Vice Farmer degree, a first in FFA history. An place during the 1981 State Presidents' President George Bush and Secretary of FFA member must earn or have produc- Conference. Hall of Achievement work Education Terrel Bell had spoken to state tively invested $5,000 instead of the orig- continued on at the center and by year's FFA officers during the annual State inal $1,000 minimum in order to receive end the unprecedented exhibit was com- Presidents' Conference. "Just looking at the degree. The National FFA Board of pleted. The Hall of Achievement dedica- you makes the job a little easier," he said. Directors decide in January when the tion will take place during the 1982 State "You're going to have greater decision is to go into effect. Another first Presidents' Conference. Meanwhile, the opportunities; you're going to see more, was the distribution of a convention FFA Center continues its internal face-lift; you're going to know more, you're going to newspaper, the FFA Times given to all a new computer programming operation is be able to live longer and be healthier. convention attendees and mailed to all due to go "on-line" soon; a new employee There isn't anything we can't do if we set FFA chapters. Speakers like Dr. Norman lounge /kitchen area was completed; a our minds to it." Vincent Peale, Eddie Albert and farm library/ archives area has been added; and broadcaster Orion Samuelson provided a new telephone system has been hooked plenty of inspiration and excitement. up while constant renovation takes place on virtually all floors. of the building. MEMBERSHIP IN THE FFA ALUMNI reached an all-time high of 22,567 members, easily surpassing the 21,000- POSITIVE INPUT AND EFFECTIVE member goal established at the beginning presentations by teachers, teacher- FFA MEMBERSHIP INCREASED after three years of downward of the year. "We had been growing about educators and state supervisors were just a trend. The official 1980-81 membership 10 percent every year, but we've had few of the highUghts of the UPDATE stood at 482,611, an increase of 935 almost a 20 percent jump this year," meeting held in conjunction with the State members from a year earlier. Through the reported Woody Cox, executive director Presidents' Conference. State advisors, vo- 10-PLUS program, 1,573 chapters gained of the National FFA Alumni Association. ag leaders and state executive secretaries at least 10 members more than they had It was a fitting highlight for the organiza- representing 41 states met with national last year. Nationwide 2,590 chapters' mem- tion which celebrated its tenth anniversary FFA staff and others in Washington, D.C., bership equalled or was greater than the this past year. to discuss several different aspects and number of vo-ag students at the school programs of the Future Farmers of and America organization and vocational hence earned 100 percent distinction. THE UNITED STATES DEPART- education. It was the first time such a meeting had taken place at the National MENT of Education made known its FFA center. support for the FFA and other vocational FFA'S BUILDING OUR AMERICAN student organizations in a policy statement communities (BOAC) program cele- issued in September. The statement says in brated its tenth anniversary with a new part: "The United States Department of BOAC film entitled "Hometown America." Education recognizes the concept of total JOHN R. BLOCK, ONE-TIME The film was premiered at a banquet student development as being necessary Illinois Director of Agriculture and a attended by several representatives of farm for all vocational education students..." former state FFA officer, was appointed to organizations, trade and commodity and "... approves of Federal and State serve as Secretary of Agriculture on groups. Keynote speaker was Secretary of grant funds for vocational education to be President Ronald Reagan's Cabinet. Mr. Agriculture John Block and Senator Jesse used by the states to give leadership and Block, 45, is an owner/ operator of a Helms, chairman of the Senate Agriculture support to these vocational student or- farrow-to-finish hog farm near Galesburg, Committee, Representative Ed Jones, ganizations and activities..." The state- Illinois. The new secretary holds the FFA's House Agriculture Committee member, ment is signed by Secretary of Education State Farmer degree and attained the and Edward Horrigan, chairman and chief T.H. Bell and Assistant Secretary for office of section FFA president during his executive officer of the R.J. Reynolds Vocational and Adult Education Robert years as a member of the Future Farmers Tobacco Company, also spoke at the M. Worthington. of America. luncheon. 22 The National FVTURE FARMER r Making The Most Of laiiillf Is What The NavyAdventure#iil^oiit. ^%«^ L Vi'^ **^ € ,,*.**• # « ;^ speciaHst in the field you choose. Accept the challenge and you'll never be the sa%e. become a you practice and develop your skills on In the Navy you will become an experienced Then become a top-notch professional and professional with a job skill you can build a career the jokiYou Achieve a level of skill second to none. on. And you'll possess the pride, maturity and self- best. You'll :• the pride of being the confidence only the Navy Adventure can give you. s You'll feel who you arc and how much you can do. The Navy has over 60 career areas to choose know exactly in making the most '^i^':\ The Navy is an adventure from — electronics, computers, aviation mechanics part of it. The Navy skills. '(jf youfe?(?lf. And good pay is — any one of today's in-demand technical ,? oyer $550 a month to start, on top of most of Once you've chosen a field. Navy training ; ,*pays ^ypur expenses, extensive benefits and special pay helps you master the job. You work with today's for sea duty. That's good starting pay anywhere, most modern equipment and methods. ; ., gives you professional training and Through classroom and practical experience,, and a job that else. to 'experience you can't get anywhere you learn everything you need to know ;|'v ; Navy. It's NotJust A Job, It's An Adventure. ecasimq Future: Ag Outlook '82 We ae standug on the threshold of a new and exciting era in American agriculture, the work that we do will be spotlighted as we meet the challenges that await each of us in the future."— John Block, Secretary of Agriculture at Outlook '82 Conference THEY gathered together from virtually Analysts say these high yields will all corners of the nation, maps and probably force feed grain prices down in charts in hand, heavily armed with statis- the coming year. Look for corn tics and trends, facts and figures—and all prices at the farm to average were there for one reason alone: to predict between $2.60 and $2.90 the future of U.S. agriculture. per bushel for the 1981- Most would agree it's no easy task. But 82 crop year, down from top-notch ag economists and analysts the record $3.10 in 1980- assembled at the USDA's 58th annual -81. Expect sorghum to Agricultural Outlook Conference in average in the $2.40 to Washington, D.C., in November accepted $2.60 per bushel range the challenge with gusto. "Outlook '82" and barley to go well be- provided the forum for a select group of low the $2.91 per bushel farm economy experts to discuss the average of the year before, pos- question lingering foremost on the collec- sibly in the $2.35-52.50 range. In general, tive minds of the country's agriculturists: grain prices should gain strength later in "how will the farmer fare in 1982?" Mak- the marketing year as numbers of cattle on ing accurate predictions for 1982 becomes feed and broiler production should be up even more challenging in light of a new from a year earlier. farm bill and the sweeping changes made Beef within the administration. But from new Slow economic growth and restricted pinpointing future trends via use of statis- consumer budgets are expected to hold tics and advanced data-gathering systems down beef price gains through at least mid- allow these experts to develop solid, 1982. Beef production has risen 2 to 3 reliable forecasts. percent in 1981 and a further increase of 3 What's ahead for U.S. Agriculture? No to 4 percent is expected in 1982. Fed cattle one knows for sure, but you can bet these prices will show only modest improvement folks have the inside track. Here are their over the 1981 average and feeder cattle predictions for most of the major com- prices may show slightly more improve- modities farmed members. by FFA ment as production costs decline. Reduced Feed grains fed cattle marketings and a leveUng off of Although early predictions for the 1981 nonfed slaughter should allow for modest U.S. crop ran well below the 1979 record increases in fed cattle prices through the harvest, timely rainfall and above-normal first half of 1982. temperatures had economists predicting Choice steer prices at Omaha may 245 million tons as of last October. average $66 to $70 in the first half of 1982, That figure is 24 percent higher than last but will be offset by larger fed cattle year. Fart of the reason is the 1981 corn supplies and large supplies of competing crop, which looks to finish at a record 8.08 meats in the second half. Watch for choice billion bushels— 22 percent higher than a steer prices next summer to possibly » year earlier. (Coniinued on Page 32) 1. 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Call 7 Days Til Midnight Telephone ( ) Have Credit Card Ready All prices net KOB LA or prepaid on $1000 order or more. ' L'; «==*•??-'m^M,^^^^^^ V-C^-i' ~-;-AS; The Pilgrimage to Mount By Harriet Verzagt FIRST Farmer of America—that's the city of Charlottesville would host a barbe- state association designated one membe way the nearly half-miUion members cue picnic. Each member was advised to as official representative and he was of the Future Farmers of America think of bring $2.50 for the round-trip bus fare instructed to bring along some high- George Washington. from Washington to Charlottesville (about quality agricultural product from his state The Future Farmers of America is a 250 miles round-trip) in the buses char- such as a small carton of seed potatoes, ear national student organization, chartered tered for that purpose. Hotel rooms with of com, honey, sheaf of wheat, or other by Congress as an integral part of instruc- from two to six boys in a room cost 75 items. The South Sun Room was set aside tion in vocational agriculture. Founded in cents to $1 each. Students who wanted to as the FFA room and during the flag 1928, this organization was invited to take camp out were offered tourist camp ac- ceremony on the west porch, the agri- part in the Bicentennial celebration of the commodations in cabins, rooms and tents cultural products were placed on the steps. birth of George Washington in 1932. And at 50 cents each plus 20 cents for pillows The group toured Monticello, placed a take part they did! Chapters all over the and blankets if they didn't bring their own. wreath on Thomas Jefferson's grave and country took an active role in the celebra- The charge to pitch a 12-foot by 12-foot visited nearby Ash Lawn, home of Presi- tion within their chapters, schools and tent was 50 cents a day. The charge for a dent James Monroe. There was a national communities. The national FFA organiza- tent that held more than four people was radio broadcast by the FFA on the NBC tion had a monthly program on the NBC S 1 . Space for a pup tent was 1 cents a day. network that day as well. radio network's "Farm and Home Hour" The students were told to set aside $5 to One vocational agriculture instructor in and devoted several segments to skits and cover cost of meals for the three days and Wisconsin decided to come on the pilgrim- speeches about Washington's role as "First 25 cents for a movie at the Fox Theater. age and bring along his wife and three Farmer." Registration started on Monday morn- chapter members. He had a new V8 Ford At their national convention in 1932, the ing, June 1 2, and was followed by a visit to coupe. He and his wife shared the front members voted unanimously to hold a the White House. President Roosevelt seat with one member and the other two pilgrimage to visit the homes of their two came out on a balcony and addressed the boys sat in the rumble seat. They pulled a patron saints—George Washington and group—his largest audience since his in- luggage trailer—with two wooden wheels- Thomas Jefferson. The trip was planned auguration. The trip on sightseeing buses and once on the way had to park the trailer for June, 1933. They came from through- to Arlington Cemetery for a wreath-laying in a pond overnight so the wheels would out the United States and the Territory of ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown swell and fit tight again so they could Hawaii—over 2,000 boys (girls were not Soldier (there was only one of them then), continue on the trip. Mount Vernon invited to join the organization until 1969) and to Alexandria and One of the highlights of their trip was the i this and their teachers. cost the students 75 cents each—and visit to the White House. They were \ Much preparation was required for this included admission to Mount Vernon. initially very disappointed because they Depression-era trip. Information was sent That evening there was a trip to Glen Echo were late and had to stand at the rear of the to every chapter including the advice that Amusement Park via trollies. The next day crowd. Imagine their excitement when, at each student should bring $15 to cover his the FFA members visited Congress and the end of President Roosevelt's remarks, a expenses for the three days in the Washing- then took a bus tour of Washington. photographer standing on the top of his ton-Mount Vernon-Charlottesville area. It Wednesday, July 14— Flag Day—was set truck in back of the crowd called out for was felt that not enough cars would be aside for the trip to Charlottesville. The the boys to turn around to have the group available in Charlottesville to transport the FFA had been invited by the Thomas picture made. Our friends from Wisconsin students from the train depot to Monti- Jefferson Memorial Foundation to dedi- are forever caught in that old photograph, cello and then to the University of Virginia cate a room in Monticello "to the ideals of right in the front center! campus where the Virginia FFA and the the Future Farmers of America." Each A few years after the pilgrimage, the 26 The National FUTURE FARMER FFA members from practically all corners of the nation gathered together at George Washington's home in Mount Vernon, Virginia, in 1933 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birthday of FFA's Patron Vernon his Saint. This year we celebrate 250th anniversary. leaders of FFA were searching for prop- of Congress on Washington's 200th birth- tions home to Mount Vernon. Washington erty for a national camp. They selected a day, quoted a 1785 visitor to Mount Vernon had subdivided his 8,000 acres into five site on what had been Washington's Dogue as saying that "Washington's greatest pride adjacent farms and put a manager in Run Farm, between Woodlawn mansion was to be thought the first farmer in charge of each farm. The managers were and Washington's reconstructed Grist America." He was perhaps the first farmer- required to give written reports each Mill. Barracks for a national camp were agribusinessman in America to use truly Saturday, and Washington transferred the built in 1940 but the camp was not used scientific experimental methods. information into his ledgers. He kept during the period of World War II. In the As a young man Washington took over detailed records of his crop rotations and late 1940s it was decided that the camp control of Mount Vernon and did as his experiments, his crop harvests, the number should be closed but the new National neighbors did —planted tobacco. But after of slaves and servants living on the farms, FFA Supply Service should be housed realizing that tobacco depleted the soil, he and similar information. When he was temporarily in the barracks. Later the began to experiment with other crops and away, the practice of weekly reports official magazine, The National FUTURE other ways of farming. The soil of Mount continued. For this reason, we have many FARMER, joined the Supply Service at Vernon was a problem, consisting of a detailed records of Washington's manage- the Dogue Run Farm site. In 1956, ground thin, weak layer of top soil over a thick ment of Mount Vernon. was broken for a large brick headquarters layer of heavy clay. Washington never He designed a 16-sided or round bam to building which also houses the program overcame the problem of the clay. His be built on the Dogue Run Farm, con- division, administrative offices and alumni. Mount Vernon farms were not very profit- structed of bricks made on the site. The Each May for two days the front lawn of able despite all of his efforts to improve foundation of this barn has been found in the National FFA Center becomes the site them. He had no patience with people who recent years through a survey made by of the Farm-on-the-Lawn program where were content to use the old ways inherited three old maps—two by Washington and area children come to pet farm animals, see from their fathers and always sought the one by a Mr. Gillingham, one of the farm equipment, visit with FFA chapter newer, better methods. He was willing and Quakers who bought Woodlawn Planta- members, learn how food is grown, see anxious to use his resources, his time and tion (formerly Dogue Run Farm) from sheep sheared and have a happy romp energies, for progress. George Washington's great nephew in the through the haystack. This July the FFA Washington experimented with several mid-nineteenth century. Both the grist mill National Hall of Achievement will be open designs for plows and designed a seed drill and the 16-sided barn disappeared in the to the public showing displays about which automatically planted seeds in the last half of the nineteenth century. The mill agriculture and the FFA. furrows. He counted the number of seeds has been rebuilt and is open to the public. required to plant an area and gave that The barn has not been rebuilt. exact amount to his overseers. He had the It is very evident from references spread seed mixed with dry soil to facilitate throughout Washington's writings that he planting and to prevent theft of the seeds. received great joy in farming and would He experimented with many different have been content to have spent his Ufe at Washington The Farmer crops and by 1766 no longer grew tobacco. Mount Vernon in that occupation which Washington was away from Mount was always his favorite. It is fortunate for FIRST in war, first in peace, and first in Vernon for six years during the American our nation that he did not, but we must not the hearts of his countrymen, was Revolution. During his two terms as forget that it was his first love and that he Light-Horse Harry Lee's description of President of the United States, he kept in believed America would become an agri- George Washington. But President Calvin constant touch with his managers and cultural nation. Washington really was the Coolidge, in his address to the joint session overseers and sent long letters of instruc- First Farmer of America. February-March, I9S2 27 Careers Vo-Ag/FFA Leads to Teaching Career By Kelly J. Boldan DURING the early 1960's a young man's "I was just awed by the events at the start planning for college. I had to take a disappointments and dislike for convention and the hotels and freeways. It full-credit load to complete all the college school had brought him to the brink of was hard to comprehend all of it and it prep courses, which didn't leave me much quitting. But, with encouragement from a opened a whole new horizon in my life," time," he says. friend and inspiration from the FFA and Funk says. That year he was on the farm manage- vocational agriculture, Charles I. Funk has During the trip back to Minnesota, ment team, which again qualified for state. become an outstanding vo-ag instructor Funk began talking with his advisor, But something more important happened and FFA advisor, with a career highlighted Orville Thomas, and discovered that many that spring: Funk received his State by his being named Minnesota's 1979 FFA members in Kansas City were there Farmer degree. Teacher of the Year. because of help and assistance from their "It was one of the biggest thrills of my Raised on a farm near Nimrod, 160 advisors. "Before I returned home, I had life when I received my State Farmer miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Funk made a commitment to become a voca- degree," Funk says. Later in the month, he generally missed an average of 35 school tional-agriculture teacher and FFA ad- graduated from Sebeka High School and days a year due to farm work, trapping and visor," Funk says. "At the time, I did not enrolled at the University of Minnesota at\ harvesting of wild rice. realize the requirements of becoming a vo- Morris. I Funk started his education in a rural ag teacher, but I learned." The following year, he transferred to the | school and later attended high school in Later that year. Funk was a member of University of Minnesota at St. Paul, the Sebeka about 15 miles away. the farm management team, which won a only college with an agriculture education As a 1962 high school freshman. Funk trip to the state contest. He also served as a major in Minnesota. In the fall of 1970, joined the FFA. "It was the only extra- chapter delegate at the state FFA con- Funk began teaching vocational agri- curricular activity I could be in," he says, vention. culture in Motley, Minnesota and com- because he was the only boy among seven That spring. Funk finally became a pleted his final course in 1971 for his children and had many chores. chapter officer. He was elected vice presi- graduation from the University of Min- Funk's first project was a dairy heifer dent and served with Schulz, who was nesota. calf which he purchased with money saved elected president. As a senior, Funk joined "When I started teaching, the only from trapping earnings. As a Greenhand, the Future Teachers of America and reason was FFA. It is the best tool a vo-ag Funk was a member of the chapter's soil, became serious about his education. teacher has. I sincerely believe the best general livestock and dairy judging teams. "As a senior, I had to make changes and (Continued on Page 31) He ran for chapter office that first year, but lost. Later, he hoped to be named star Chapter Greenhand. "I thought I had the Greenhand award cinched," Funk recalls. "The guy that beat me was Tom Schulz, a friend of mine, who later served as a state FFA president of the Minnesota Associ- ation. I would always be finishing second to him." During his sophomore year, Funk was a member of the dairy judging and soil judging teams and once more ran for chapter office. Again, he was beaten by Schulz. In the fall of 1964, Funk was to be a junior but had no intention of returning to school. He was going to be 16 on Above left, Charles Funk as FFA member, and right, as vo-ag instructor; Below, September 9, old enough to quit school Mr. Funk teaches skills utilizing the motto "Learning by Doing." under Minnesota law. But Funk did return to school in September at the urging of his friend and competitor, Schulz. "Tom talked me into going back because he believed I had a chance to be a chapter representative at the National FFA Convention in Kansas City," Funk remembers. In October, he was selected to attend the national convention. Until this trip, Funk had not even been to Minneapolis-St. Paul. "The biggest thing I remember was seeing the National FFA President, Nels Ackerson. I was overwhelmed that another FFA member with that blue jacket could handle himself so well in front of such a large audience," Funk says. 28 The \ational FITLRE FARMER ' « -,;^- VIlNs IB MINI 01 Plinking at one of the Good ' Boys UaNGF=HFL.El 3TAI\IDARO favorite spots along the Grande Ronde River. I v/el-^^aes Rh velocityVELOCITY I ^Jl^.ij^l Jill cAHTRioaes ^^ ANY KID CM LEARN TD SHOOTARIFLE. PJNG rr LIKE AMAN IS THE REAL LESSON. Jim Campbell taught his son about shooting, the Hie way his dad taught him. And we think it's a pon worth repeating. The way he tells it, the most important thing in B»7 - "sa^f^^^dte learning to shoot is learning how to handle responsi- bility That includes a respect for game laws, a respect for property a respect for safety and a proper respect for nature. For his age, John is a fine shot. Which in this case says as much about his dad's careful teaching as it does about the care we take in making our 22 ammo. OMARK INDUSTRIES Q GET THE WHOLE SHOCTIN'm The Good Ol' Boys make a variety of 22 ammo FROM THE GOOD OL' BOYS, Including the Stinger, Mini Mag. Maxi Mag and Shot Shell. CCI. Speer, RGBS & Outers Learning From An Expert Russ Brannen travels the midwest, teaching students what it takes to make a good show steer. Cattle showing expert Russ Brannen gives tips to FFA members and other participants throughout the midwest. PUT together 1 5 head of show cattle, a group of FFA members and their par- ents, and an ex-sash-and-door maker turned fitting and grooming expert and you end up with a cattle grooming school last year," he says. "We've been in nine "Usually we try to have participants that's as fun as it is informative. The man states, so we travel the Midwest pretty bring two calves each," Brannen says. behind this traveling school is Russ well." "We'll work showmanship with one and Brannen, a retired consultant for Kent Brannen covers everything in his schools trimming with another. In grooming we Feeds' Junior Feeder Department and a from the time a calf is purchased until the might pick out a calf that they'll say the famous figure around fairs and cattle time it is sold. Participants, often from hair isn't long enough to groom. So we shows all over the Midwest. FFA chapters/ vo-ag programs or 4-H groom that calfjust to show them it can be Brannen knows what it takes to make a groups, are given practical advice and tips done." good show steer. He proved that by taking that will help them turn out better show With that many cattle, Brannen says, a home 37 trophies for champions and cattle. session can get pretty time consuming. "At "20 reserve champions in the 1 1 years he "We show them showmanship, groom- one show a couple years ago," he says, showed cattle. He is also an experienced ing and little training—just about give to 25 head of cattle showed up. Everybody cattle judge and still judges a few shows a them the works," Brannen says. Brannen's brought their own blocking chutes and we year. schools are designed to provide as much set them up in a big building. We clipped A native of Kansas, Brannen moved to practical, hands-on experience as they can. and groomed one calf and then let the Iowa by way of South Dakota in the '30s "We usually hold them on fairgrounds," students go to work on their own." and has been there ever since. He now lives Brannen says, "and we'll do several on Brannen is a firm believer in parents just outside of Muscatine, Iowa, with his farms. A group will gather at one farm and helping out with students' show cattle. "I wife Dorothy on a spread he calls "Eight they'll have the equipment there. We take like to have the parents come along," he Ball Acres." everything we need except a blocking says, "because they'll come up to me After doing "a little bit of everything," chute. If they want some feet trimmed afterwards and say, 'Well, y'know, it's been which he says includes laboring in a sash they'll have to have a table and stock but 15 years since I showed calves and I don't and door company, working for the Iowa that's about all they need." know what I'm supposed to do anymore." Poultry Producer's Association, and own- Brannen employs the help of a student, Brannen Hkes to have parents at the ing his own feed company, Brannen went often from a local FFA chapter, when he schools for another reason, too. "After the to work for Kent Feeds in 1947, In 1950, he puts on his schools. The usual procedure is students come to the schools, they go home convinced that company to start a Junior for Brannen to explain a grooming and say, 'Well, that ain't what Russ told Feeder Department and to let him conduct technique or to give pointers on showman- us.' But if parents are there they can a few fitting and grooming schools for the ship while the helper demonstrates. understand why you suggest they do it this young cattle producers who came to him Brannen's son was the first one to work way." with questions. Brannen initially expected with him. After that the schools just kept Many parents have trouble preparing demand for the schools to be low and the growing, Brannen says. "Since I started show cattle today, Brannen says, since interest in them to drop off quickly. I've had 36 different students over the years cattle have changed drastically in the last "We started with the idea we'd only be who have worked with me. Usually they ten or 15 years. Sometimes the parents doing it for three years," Brannen says, have their driver's license and they're just don't realize just how large those changes "but we turned down ten schools for every about to graduate from high school or have been. But some things haven't one we held that first year." This year, 32 they're freshmen in college. I try to get changed, however. Brannen says a good years after the program was initiated, the them so they can help me for three or four showman 20 years ago would still be a demand is still strong. years." The help his assistants give him is good showman today, as long as he, she "We put on close to 40 schools between vital because of the large scale of some of the first of June and the nineteenth of July his schools. (Continued on Page 41) 30 S/NE/MW The National FUTURE FARMER Teaching Over (Continued from Page 28) ^8,000 in prizes friend a teacher has is FFA because it gives Awarded Monthly the kids a chance to learn by doing," Funk says. "When that member who has had little success in anything else in school, aca- demically or as an athlete, can find success in FFA, that is most important," he says. Funk believes that no matter what an individual's resources are, FFA has some- thing to offer anyone because there are so many opportunities for success. "Anyone can succeed in the FFA organization if they remember two things: first, never be a quitter and second, always set and strive for goals," Funk says. Working with members is the high point of Funk's FFA involvement. He says it is his educational and personal philosophy to go to the home to see the member and get to know the student as an individual. "I believe that one day on a home visit will accomplish more than two years of contact with a student in the classroom," Funk says. The first thing Funk did at Motley was purchase a Polaroid camera to provide pubUcity for chapter members. "Just a little publicity can turn a student on more than anything else," Funk says. Funk has been turning students on to FFA for over a decade now. The Motley chapter has grown from 30 to nearly 100, even as enrollment declines in the school district. The Motley FFA Chapter has con- tinually had State Farmer degree recip- ients each year in the past decade and four have received the American Farmer degree, never before achieved by a Motley FFA member before Funk's arrival. Two Motley FFA members have been elected Draw Lincoln state FFA officers and other have served as district and regional officers. "It is the FFA motto of "Learning by You may win one of five $1,495.00 drawings can be returned. Our stu- that is important because this is Doing" Art Scholarships or any one of dents and professional artists not Where the final product all comes together, fifty $10.00 cash prizes. eligible. Contest winners will be when the student starts putting the know- Make your drawing any size notified. Send your entry today. ledge to work. And it still works for me except lil cash award for the best drawing Number "Go steady? Fd love to! Telephone from entrants age 12 and 13. No © 1982 Art Instruction Schools Who is this?" February-March, 19S2 31 , may approach the lower $4.48 reserve average in the $5.50-$7.00 per bushel jQ Outlook trigger price during the latter part of the range, down from the 1980-81 average of 1981-82 marketing year. Wheat prices for (Continued from Page 24) $7.61. the season are expected to range from Poultry $3.80 to $3.95, slightly less than the 1980 average slightly higher than the first half of look average of $3.96 per bushel. Poultry and egg producers can the year, before declining again to to $66 forward to lower feed costs in 1982, with $70. poultry and egg prices averaging above Hogs Dairy 1981 levels. However, prices are expected Through the first nine months of 1981 Total milk production in 1982 may be to be weak in the first half of 1982 as pork output was down 5 percent from a about the same as 198rs record produc- consumer budgets tighten and other high year earlier. For the entire 1981 year, tion, with gains in the first half of the year protein food supplies remain large. If production will be almost 15.5 bilUon possibly offset somewhat by lower produc- producers reduce output in the first half of pounds, 6 percent less than in 1980, but still tion later in the year. The oversupply has 1982, egg prices may average 73 to 75 cents the second-largest output on record. been reflected in the price received by per dozen, up from the 70 cents in 1981. The high level of pork production over farmers. In September of 1 98 1 , the all-milk Egg prices in the second half of 1982 are the past three years has caused depressed price was $13.70 per 100 pounds, up less expected to average 76 to 78 cents per hog prices. But recent cutbacks in produc- than 4 percent from a year earlier, com- dozen as the economy improves and tion have helped strengthen prices and pared with 8 to 10 percent gains in the first demand increases for high protein foods. cutbacks are predicted to continue into quarter of 1981. Broiler prices in 1982 are expected to 1982. First quarter 1982 hog slaughter is For all of 1982, farm milk prices may strengthen slightly from 1981 levels. Prices expected to be down 7 to 9 percent from only increase by 1 to 2 percent from 1981. for young turkey hens may average 53 to 57 the year-earlier level and the decrease is First-half prices will be about the same as a cents during the first half of 1982, down expected to go 4 to 6 percent lower in the year earher as excess supphes persist. If from 62 cents in 1981. Turkey production second quarter of 1982 compared to April- production adjustments occur during the is expected to be down in the first half of June, 1981, levels. Even with these cut- second half and the general economy 1982 and as the economy picks up, turkey backs, however, supply will continue to improves, prices will likely move above the prices may average 67 to 71 cents per hold relatively large, causing hog prices in early- 1982 levels. pound by the second half of the year. 1982 to average between $46 and $48 per Cotton Wheat cwt. for barrows and gilts —up only $4 to With production likely to rise by 4.4 The 1981 U.S. wheat crop was a record $6 from the January-June, 1981, average. Continued lower production in the second million bales but total use up by only 1.4 2.75 billion bushels, up 1 6 percent from the million, stocks as of August of 1982 are year before. This huge crop can be attrib- half of 1982 may cause supply to lighten, expected to increase sharply to 5 million uted to a 10 percent increase in planted causing prices to average around $50 per bales, compared to 2.7 miUion bales last acreage, a nearly 14 percent increase in cwt. August. Farmers could end up planting harvested acreage and a near record yield between 13.2 and 14.2 million acres this of 34.1 bushels per acre, about 1 bushel Soybeans spring and based on current prices, plant- higher than in 1980. Based on conditions in October of 1 98 1 ings in the upper half are more Ukely. Prospects for a slight reduction in world U.S. soybean production looks to finish up Analysts say the primary factor in deter- production outside of the U.S. coupled at 2.1 biUion bushels, 18 percent above mining next year's seasonal supply/ de- with increased world trade suggests a 1980. At 66.9 million acres, harvested mand conditions and thus prices, will be dramatic 1981-82 expansion in U.S. ex- acreage in 1981 is one million below 1980, weather, specifically amount of rainfall ports. With more than adequate supplies but predicted yields of 31.5 bushels per and heat. to meet the burgeoning demand, overseas acre are 19 percent higher. With beginning shipments of U.S. wheat are projected to stocks of 320 million bushels, soybean Farm Economy be a record 1.9 billion bushels. Domestic supplies for 1981-82 are placed at 2.43 In general, U.S. farmers face lean eco- use of wheat is expected to be at record billion bushels, 13 percent above 1980-81, nomic prospects through 1982 due to levels this year. And, although wheat and only slightly lower than record sup- bumper crops and a continued sluggish prices declined 6 percent from June- plies of 1979-80. As a result of this season's U.S. and world economy. Some improve- September in 1981 due to the huge harvest increase in supply and declining oil and ment is likely during the second half of and other factors, farm prices are expected meal prices, soybean prices are predicted next year, but the overall farm income to advance to above the $4.00 mark and to fall sharply. Farm prices are expected to outlook isn't very promising. Star Farmers vided the operating loans. in mind—first, you must think in your (Continued from Page 17) "It seems like I'm buried up to my neck mind that you can achieve your goals; in loans," Doug says somewhat ruefully. second, believe in them; and third, make "It's quite an adjustment, borrowing over sure they are conceivable and reahstic." seven and gradually expanded his swine $300,000 ... but you have to start "I had smaller goals at first, like winning program throughout his growing years. somewhere." Star Greenhand," he says. "My father was This enabled him to get the capital needed Doug says prospective farmers need to the first Star Farmer of Kansas, and it was for machinery purchases when he started rely on someone such as parents, relatives always my goal to try to surpass my farming. He currently rents cropland and or friends for equity if they expect to make father's achievements. So eventually, it has interest in the family's diversified crop a successful start in farming. "Without became my goal to become Star State and livestock operation, but his main having assets or equity, there's no way Farmer and then Star Farmer of Amer- financial burden now is the 367-acre farm you'd be able to get the trust or faith from ica." he purchased eight months after he gradu- your loan organizations in the commun- Don't be discouraged by debt, Doug ated from high school. ity," he stresses. "Community relations are says, because it's almost impossible to start "I went to several different loan agen- an important part and the FFA plays a big farming without a debt load. "The best cies," he says. "The Federal Land Bank part in that." thing is to be optimistic about it," he says. and FmHA provided my real estate loans, Doug's advice for Star Farmer hopefuls: "If you're young and going to be a hard and the FmHA and my local bank pro- "Set your goals early, and keep three things worker, you're going to make it." 32 The Sadonal FLTURE FARMER WHAT GUARANTEES WOULD IT TAKE? We can't guarantee it'll be easy. But, if you read on, you'll see that today's Army can guarantee you quite a lot. SKILL TRAINING: Make the most of your qualifications; get the training that suits you best guaranteed in writing. TRAVEL: Europe can be guaranteed. Or, if you prefer, a place closer to home. (Rarely can we guarantee both a skill and a place, usually just one or the other.) TWO YEARS: Enlist for certain skills and you can be back home in just two years. Guaranteed. EDUCATION BENEFITS: Participate in our college financial assistance program and the Army can guarantee you the chance to accumulate up to $20,100 for college after three years. BONUSES: Between $ 1500 and $5000. Enlist for four years and pass your training in one of 58 Army skills, and your bonus check is guaranteed. NO HURRY: Guaranteed. You can join now and take up to 12 months to report for duty. In fact, that's the best way to get the most guarantees. If you still need more, call 800-421-4422. In California, call 800-252-0011. Alaska and Hawaii, 800-423-2244. Better yet, talk to your Army Recruiter. KECRUITING STATION^ OPEN •l»0«MAT1ON ON THAIMNO AND CAREfJlS IN HEOtlLAK ARMV AKMY MSCRVtS VHVV NArtONAlGUAUD WALK—ON—IN? — tihf^iltfjUi'A'^', 'There'll Always Be Challenges" He started farming independently at age 17; now, Bryan Sommer uses his willing-to-learn attitude to move ever-forward in his new career. By Michael Wilson MOST young farmers will tell you that launching a career in production agriculture is no easy task these days. And making that move without a father's farming experience and guidance can be downright dangerous. But Bryan Sommer, 1981 national Crop Proficiency winner, is one Future Farmer who defied the odds and when the opportunity to farm came along, he just couldn't resist. "I've never wanted to do anything else," says the sandy-haired FFA'er from Fair- fax, Minnesota. "Farming's what I Uke to (Continued on Page 36) Photos by Author A watchful eye is all-important in the business of farming: Here Bryan checks the soybean crop for moisture just prior to harvest. Below, Bryan and Advisor Blair Anderson discuss the hog operation. Above, Bryan loads com into wagon prior to a feed-grinding session. The Salional FVTVRE FARMER - . Sunkist-a fresh way to raise money. Fresh Sunkist® fruit is one fund-raiser that's natural. And wholesome. And Sunkist Fund-Raising; Sunkist Growers, Inc. delicious. Which makes it sell even better Box 7888; Van Nuys, 91409 than hotcakes. RO. CA Sunkist is also the big name in citrus. Example: 78% of orange buyers say they Name prefer Sunkist to any other kind. Which makes it even more of a best-seller. Organization. And now Sunkist offers your organi- zation a complete new fund-raising Phone No. package. One that can easily add up to juicy profits for your group. Address Mail this coupon now for our new brochure: "Sunkist— The Sweet Seller." City -State. Zip. And plunge into sweet and juicy profits. J You have our word on it.™ Sunkist, @nkist,and You have our word on it" are tradennarks of Sunkist Growers, Inc. ©1981. " farming on his own. At the time, Bryan's "My grandpa had a big cement pit silo Challenges father was starting his own lumber com- and it didn't cost us much to put a roof on pany and made it clear it would be Bryan it," he explains. "We can get quite a few (Continued from Page 34) alone who would operate and finance the hogs in there, and it works pretty good." farming venture. The swine operation keeps Bryan busy do and along with that comes respons- After much thought, Bryan decided to maintaining 45 sows in the farrow-to- ibihty." In Bryan's case, however, it's an grab the opportunity. He rented the land finish system. In addition, he's rented more understatement. The 20-year-old FFA from his grandmother and started farming acreage and currently farms 300 acres of member has been farming on his own since his junior year in high school. cropland. hisjunioryearin high school. He rented his "Before, I just came out here and did the Bryan's concern for soil conservation led grandmother's 180-acre farm, took out a work," Bryan shares, "but now I have to to improved tillage practices on the farm as loan, and with determination plus a solid make all my own decisions. I found if I well. background invocational agriculture in- wanted to farm, 1 had to do it all on my "I go out and chisel bean ground, which struction began his farming career. own." leaves stubble on the top, and really cuts His father? "He's all for it," Bryan says. He quickly went to work modernizing down on wind erosion," he stresses. "I also But Mr. Sommer works in the construc- the farm and apphed for an FmHA loan to try to go over a field just once — it takes less tion business, so the FFA member had to fuel as well as cuts down on erosion." establish himself without the "luxury" of Bryan is fast becoming an expert at his growing up on a farm. business. His skills at marketing, cropping "I'm farming on my own," Bryan ob- and record keeping have become greater as serves in a matter-of-fact tone, "most he gains more experience at his new everyone else my age is in partnership with BRYAN: "Every time some- profession. But the accomplishments their father." Fairfax ag instructor and haven't come overnight. He says grain thing happens it's a learning Bryan's FFA Advisor Richard Beltz puts it marketing, for example, was his biggest in a more direct light. "Bryan's had more experience. challenge. responsibility than most high school kids "I got together some literature on the his age. He's had the determination and subject and talked to three different ele- put forth the hard work to make a vator managers, a banker and my advisor," successful farming operation." he says. "I couldn't see how things like the Growing up in the rich cropland area of dollar overseas or high interest rates af- southeastern Minnesota afforded Bryan buy a new tractor. "I went to see the loan fected the markets. But now, I think I his first taste of farming as a youngster on people a number of times," Bryan says. know about that." his grandfather's spread. Ferserverance, coupled with help from Indeed he does —through shrewd con- "When he first let me drive a tractor I Fairfax Chapter Advisors Beltz and Blair tracting and hedging of his crop, Bryan has was so small I didn't even know how to Anderson and a sparkling set of records managed to lock in higher-than-market stop the thing," Bryan recalls, laughing. "I helped Bryan's loan come through with prices per bushel. This past fall saw Bryan's didn't really take farming all that seri- room to spare. bountiful crops yield 150 bushel-per-acre ously— I just had fun at it." Bryan's Supervised Occupational Ex- corn and 50 bushel-per-acre soybeans. He He took to the farm like a duck on water perience Program started out as soybeans says over half of the crop is stored for sale and consequently his grandfather handed and wheat in partnership with his grand- next summer, "when prices look better." over more and more responsibility as father. But when he started farming full "I try to watch the markets in advance Bryan grew older. When grandfather time, he used the project to launch his and contract most of my crops," says the passed away Bryan's sophomore year, the cropping program. Later, corn was added Minnesota farmer, adding, "the summer Fairfax FFA member faced a tough de- as a result of the new hog facility Bryan months' prices are supposed to be the cision: whether or not to try his luck came up with in 1980. highest, so I try to watch and contract for the fall and next spring because that's when most of my expenses occur. "I just can't afford bad prices 'cause they Supplied with a zesty thirst for knowledge, Bryan keeps a close tab on both can . really hurt you when you're just records and resources. starting out," he says grimly. Looking ahead, Bryan says his first priority is to continue getting established in his career. That means constantly striving to gain more knowledge. "Every time something happens, it's a learning experience," he says. Mr. Beltz agrees, adding, "Bryan's invested a lot of time in learning how to do several of these things and he's one of the few people his age who have had 100 percent managerial control." When asked what he hoped the future would bring, Bryan's answer rings forth with urgency, "lower interest rates and higher markets!" Then, after a smile and a pause, his mood changes to reflective. "There'll always be challenges," he says thoughtfully. "It's like my dad says, 'You don't have to worry, you're young yet, you can start over again.' I suppose that, in a way, relieves a little pressure. But 1 don't want to blow it the first time around —and 1 don't think I'm going to." 36 The National FUTURE FARMER ''Maybe someday I'll plant Pioneer, brand hybrids. MyDaddoes7 Dad has a lot of advice about how to raise a good com crop. And he's taught you how to select hybrids by using a scale and moisture tester to accurately measure their performance. Now it's getting closer to the time when you'll be on your own. His advice will help, but you'll use your own ingenuity and knowledge of farming. You'll experi- ment, and probably learn most things the way he did — by experience. What's right for you and your Dad may differ. But chances are, you'll use the same seed com. Experience will teach you that the best hybrids you can plant come in a Pioneer bag. Dad can't tell you exactly how to plan around unpredictable and untimely seasons. You'll have to leam that yoiu-self. Then you'll know he was right planting Pioneer. And with a lit- tle luck, a few years of experience and a lot of Pioneer® brand seed com, you'll do just fine. PIONEER BRAND -SEED CORN The Limitation of Warranty and remedy appearing on the label is part of the terms of sale. Pioneer Is a brand name; numbers identify varieties. '^Registered trademark of Pioneer Hl-Bred International, Inc., Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.A. — I tsR^m- vi_ %pm. gi#t tt Above, Lura and her father, Jerry, survey a herd of buffalo; at right: Taking care of the horses—a favorite pastime. Where the Buffalo Roam This South Dakota FFA member lives and works on the world's largest privately-owned buffalo ranch. LURA Houck's silky-blond hair shim- figure and golden hair, but don't let that mers against the bright South Dakota fool you. When she isn't busy with school sun as she busily sets about finishing and her duties as FFA chapter secretary, chores on her family's sprawling ranch Lura can be found hard at work on the But why buffalo? According to Mr. near Pierre, South Dakota. The 18-yearold ranch, involved in practically all aspects of Houck and Lura, buffalo hold several FFA member has just one more item on managing this unusual herd. advantages over a beef cattle operation. her agenda before her day is through Of course, one needs to have energy just "Buffalo can survive the winter better feeding the orphan calf. With bottle in to survive out here. Standing Butte Ranch than cattle," says Lura. "Cattle drift with hand, she heads for the corral where the operates on a seemingly endless 55,000 the wind in a blizzard, where buffalo walk hungry critter bawls with anticipation of acres of rolling hills and rangeland, against the wind. They don't let themselves another hot meal. stretching far into the infinite horizon. get blown into snowbanks or fences in a Looking closer, though, you'll find the Deer and antelope actually play here, and blizzard," she explains. cute little "critter" is no typical calf—it's a the rugged panorama seems to jump Also, buffalo can push through snow to buffalo calf, just one of several hundred straight out from a cowboy or western forage, she continues, "whereas cattle buffalo here at "Standing Butte Ranch," novel. have to be fed during the winter." home of the world's largest privatelyowned The ranch was purchased 23 years ago "They take care of themselves," agrees buffalo herd. by the family corporation known to all as Mr. Houck. "We cut our labor force way Lura (pronounced "Lar'-a"), is a part of "Triple U Incorporated." The family down from when we had beef cattle." a family corporation that operates this started with cattle and a few buffalo, but Lura, who seems to know more about 2,500-head conglomerate, located in the Mr. Houck, Lura's father, says the more buffalo than any encyclopedia, adds more heart of South Dakota's cattle country. they saw of the buffalo, the better family evidence to the testimony. "Buffalo are She obviously doesn't look much like an members liked them and soon the ranch able to calve by themselves because they're ordinary "ranchhand," with her petite turned primarily to buffalo production. (Continued on Page 41) 38 The National FVTURE FARMER (The Amerieau Quarter Horse is pleased to announce its continued support of the Future Farmers of America HORSE PROFICIEri^Cr PROGRAM FFA is designed to prepare young people for careers in the agriculture industry and AQHA's support is indica- tive of our belief in the development of such leadership skills and abilities. AQHA is equally pleased to also sup- port FFA's aim to develop character, useful citizenship and foster patri- otism. Horse judging teams, plan to parti- cipate in the judging contest, Friday, August 6 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The con- test will be held in conjunction with the American Junior Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show and welcomes 4-H, AJQHA and FFA judging teams. Vtoii Hotse AQHA is eager to assist all FFA members with their horse projects. For free informative brochures on selecting and purchasing horses, plus free use of instructional films, con- tact: The American Quarter Horse Association Department FFA Amarillo, Texas 79168 (806) 376-4811 V^s — Vwnipson, lA, remodeled a building into As a community service project, Hatch, Iowa FFA Chapters have been providing a teen center and named it "The Den." NM, FFA raked leaves for free in yards of grandstand ushers for 32 consecutive years at N-N-N senior citizens. state fair. This year 56 chapters helped. Clarinda, lA, had a yield guessing contest N-N-N N-N-N for their test plot. All officers of Payette, ID, are involved in Dave Wilson took fourth place in a district N-N-N fall sports Pat, \Iike, Keith, Gavin and crops judging contest representing Herniis- Sorghum was harvested from Fairfield, Eddy in football and Cathy in volleyball. ton, OR, Chapter. He judged alfalfa hay, lA, Chapter test plot and a jar of processed N-N-N apples, potatoes, wheat and identified weeds. sorghum will be given to each member. Shelby, MT, put on a "gong show" with N-N-N N-N-N acts from members at the slave sale. Rhode Island FFA Chapter at tVest Bay Advisor Rhimer and 13 members of Col- N-N-N Vocational Technical School built a 86-foot ton, CA, Chapter hiked 50 miles to a beach Departing student teachers at Wauseon, long foot bridge in a woodland area owned by area for a recreational event. OH, were given new FFA lab coats from the the Audubon Society. N-N-N chapter to take to their first assignment. Four delegates from Mayer, AZ, to nation- N-N-N al convention traveled by train. Jonesville, MI, raised money to buy new N-N-N welders for the shop by setting up a food Of the 213 FFA members in Strasburg, stand at a local auction. VA, 62 are brothers or brother-sister combi- N-N-N nations. Increased response from readers seems to N-N-N have come from our offer of $5 for each joke When kindergarten students visited Arnii- used on the magazine "Joke Page." jo. CA, ag department to see and pet farm N-N-N animals, they were given packets of six Every year Fayetteville, AR, has a holiday silhouettes of various farm animals to serve party for hearing impaired children. as an activity learning source after the visit. N-N-N The county sheriff spoke at Stonewall Jackson, VA, FFA meeting about how to Wauseon, OH, put on a parHamentary protect their farm property from theft. procedure demonstration for all student N-N-N organization leaders in their school. After the About 600 were served at annual Wirt demonstration, the officers broke up into County, WV, FFA-FHA beef barbeque. separate offices and discussed specific jobs. N-N-N N-N-N Members of Housatonic Valley. CT. A horticulture project for members in Chapter formed a veal-calf co-op. Sold District 214 FFA in IL, is to raise enough shares to members on a three-calf project. poinsettias so every member gets to take N-N-N home one plant for his family. At annual degree night, Martinsville, IN, N-N-N Big annua! event of South Side FFA, AR, gave every Greenhand an FFA ID sign for More chapters should share news of their is an August meeting to bring everyone back their home. Plus a new FFA T-shirt for new good chapter activity items. Although many together. According to the report we re- Chapter Farmer degree holders. reporters send us news, it is often the same ceived, President Steve Tapley presided over N-N-N thing everybody else is doing. There is surely the meeting and "closed it with watermelons Heber Springs, AR, is building park one original idea being used in your chapter. for refreshments." benches to give to a senior citizens' home in Share it in "Scoop." N-N-N the spring. N-N-N Scribner, NE, FFA held a garage sale in the N-N-N Many Greenhand initiations and Chapter vo-ag shop to raise money for a new building During their county fair Ephrata, WA, Farmer degree ceremonies have been re- at the state leadership development center. members set up a mechanical bull for all the ported. Selah, WA, has a potluck supper, N-N-N people who thought riding this kind of raises Chapter Farmer, has a district officer state officers Herniiston, Two visited OR, machine would be easy. They made $600 and to speak. Lamar, CO, served a chili supper Chapter speaking at the regular monthly had lots of fun doing it. for a similar program. Wallowa, OR, holds meeting and executive committee. One topic N-N-N the session in the shop with parents on hand was student projects. to hear about FFA budget, curriculum, com- N-N-N mittees and planned activities, according to McKean, DE, sends their chapter news- Duane Olson. Greenhands at Staunton, VA, letter to the national magazine staff. wore bib overalls, straw hats, two different N-N-N shoes and the usual hants. Instead of waiting for someone to build "green" Black River, OH, had an initiation week in October new pens for the county fair, Ubly, MI, decided to do the building themselves. with Greenhands wearing green shirts on Monday, a dress and barn shoes Enough wood was donated to the chapter to on Tuesday, informal build 30 pens for members' exhibits. events like egg toss or penny races N-N-N on Wednesday, farm-chore clothes on Thurs- Ten members of Evergreen, OH, FFA Three members of Turner Ashby, VA, day. Formal ceremony was held at the end of attended the National High-Powered Rifle Chapter placed first in the dairy bowl contest the week. Jeff Duncan describes the Paris, School at Camp Perry, an Army installation at their state fair. TX, Greenhand initiation as a stew supper for in Ohio. The members and their advisor were N-N-N members and their parents. Southeast, OH, coached by Army personnel on how to Cuba, IL, Chapter sold butterfly pork Greenhands (with the traditional "green" handle and fire an M-16 riHe. At the end chops and cider in their food stand during painted hands) also carried buckets around students competed on a firing range. Spoon River Scenic Drive weekends in to provide trash pick-up service for their N-N-N October. Ideal weather brought thousands school. Mexia. TX, has an annual parent- Farmers in the area around Peoria, AZ, to see the areas made famous in Spoon River member night with hand painting cere- helped the FFA raise their cotton crop. Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters. monies, then refreshments. 40 The \ational FUTURE FARMER — into leather for furniture coverings, boots, "I've been riding them since I was two years Buffalo gloves, rugs and a host of other products. old." Lura's family living room is comfortably Looking toward the future, Lura's plans (Continued from Page 38) decorated with buffalo leather chairs, rugs revolve around living on a ranch, but with and sofas, a true-to-life testimony of the one exception to her current arrangement: a wild animal by nature," she says. "With ranch's livelihood. A mounted buffalo she's engaged to a cattle rancher. But even cattle you have to calve your first-year head hangs on the wall as well. though her home will no longer be "where heifers out." Oh, yes, there's one more item. A good the buffalo roam," she'll still be living the "The bulls don't have as much trouble buffalo skull —just the bone, mind you life she loves — ranching. Francis Murphy, with feed-related problems, compared to will go for between $25 and $50, says Lura. her FFA advisor from the Pierre-Oahe cattle, and buffalo seem to get along better "A lot of people just want them to hang on Chapter, probably says it best when de- on less grass," observes Mr. Houck, then their fence, mostly for decoration," she scribing the sprightly, hard-working adding, "I think they're probably com- says. FFA'er. "When a job needs to be done, parable to cattle in feed grain efficiency." Lura's busy days also include taking care Lura does it," he says, then adds, "you've The ranch produces about 900 head of the ranch's stock of horses. Although got the 'do-ers' and the 'non-doers' in any annually, but the number varies with the they can't be used for buffalo roundup, department and the 'do-ers' carry the load season, says Mr. Houck. Although many horses are still mandatory for a ranch this and get the job done. Lura's one of the 'do- " of the management practices on this ranch size. "I've grown up on horses," she says. ers.' are similar to that of a cattle ranch, there are some obvious differences. "Buffalo don't respect horses and they can outrun and outmaneuver them," says Lura, "so we use pickup trucks for round- Cattle Showing up." Once the animals are brought into the corrals, workers must be careful to stay (Continued from Page 30) clear of the mammoth-like beasts. "When they get into confinement, they get scared and want out," Lura says emphatically. One quickly begins to understand the remembers who is on display at the cattle reason for the huge railroad-tie fences on show. the ranch's stockyard gates. still have "We "The steer is supposed to be on display," some bulls who want to jump those Brannen says. "A good showman isn't fences," she adds, grinning. noticed. But the poor showman—we call it Perhaps one of the most unique aspects over-showing— is the one that's out there of Standing Butte Ranch is the "in-house" showing off with fancy clothes or a slaughtering plant. it, As Lura explains the ridiculous outfit just to attract attention. Clipping and grooming: two of the livestock are butchered right the ranch. on He's always backing his animal out in front most important aspects in preparing After the animals are shot and brought of the judge and won't stay in Une where he cattle for show. into the slaughterhouse, the carcasses are belongs. raised and skinned while the hide goes into "The guy that you hardly notice is the "hide house" to be salted. After the usually the one who's presenting his animal breastbone is split and offal (the entrails of the best and ends up placing the highest, Grooining: The use of a blower is very a butchered animal) removed, the entire too. Of course, a good showman will study good for cleaning out dust and dirt but carcass is split in half. The halves are then his animal, know its weak and strong does not take the place of a brush for washed, hung on a rail, weighed and placed points and try to get the judge to notice the conditioning the hair and the hide. in a cooler, ready to be shipped and strong ones and forget the weak ones." Most of today's showmen prefer the coat marketed. Grooming techniques have changed to have a natural look. Training the hair to But exactly how well do buffalo pro- over the years, too. "I don't know if it's for stand up will probably require the use of a ducts sell? the better or worse, though," Brannen liner or curry comb to start the hair "There's a growing market for buffalo says. "They turn out to be more work all standing up and out. This may take many meat," says Mr. Houck, and Lura agrees, the time." days of hard work and patience. The calf adding: "The meat goes out on semi-loads Many of the clipping and grooming should be wet, using either plain water or a in quarters and both special cuts as well as pointers Brannen includes in his schools weak milk dip solution. quarters are air-freighted all over the are contained in a pamphlet he put The hair should then be lined or marked nation." together some years ago and has been and brushed up until dry. After the hair Meat is not the only marketable item updating periodically. He gives one to each starts to stay up you should be able to gleaned from buffalo. The salted hides are student at his schools but he says interested brush and comb the hair up without a sent out to tanneries where they are turned people can also get one from a Kent Feeds curry comb. This will provide a more dealer, too. natural look without the liner marks Included in the pamphlet is advice on showing. clipping, grooming, finishing and other Brannen starts setting up his schools facets of raising successful show cattle. around the first of March and he fills up his Here are some examples of advice in the time on a first come, first served, basis. pamphlet: Brannen says it's fairly easy to get on his Clipping: The calves make a better schedule if you Hve in the Midwest and appearance if their heads are clipped in anyone can receive his informational front of a line running from the jaw line to pamphlet by writing him. A group wanting directly back of the ear. Do not chp hair a fitting and grooming school can call their from the ears. area Kent dealer, contact Kent's Junior The tail should be chpped from the twist Feeder Department, Kent Feeds, Inc., to the tail head which should be gradually 1600 Oregon Street, Muscatine, lA 52761, tapered off so it appears to blend nicely or write directly to Russ Brannen, Route "It's called Biological Control. . . Ipick 'em off and stomp on 'em. with the rump. #3, Muscatine, lA 52761. February-March, I9S2 S/NE/MW 41 Pardon Me, Your FFA Image Is Showing available. Committee members need to formulate just how to accomplish their part of the banquet and begin working. The role of the advisor during the planning of the banquet is much the same Here are some guidelines to help make as the role of the director of a play. The this year's chapter banquet a big success. advisor should give advice when needed and assist the committees in thinking of each and every detail. The advisor should not be the "leading actor" in the banquet. By Richard L Crawford The banquet belongs to the members and the members are the ones who should plan and execute the banquet. After all responsibilities have been dele- gated and all details planned, the next step MOST FFA chapters have a banquet Joe Greenhand isn't quite ready to have a is to practice. As in a broadway play, the or other type of recognition program speaking part at the banquet, but he just secret to a smooth-running banquet is each year. This can be the highUght of the might be the perfect person to head up the practice. Everything from giving the wel- FFA year or it can be a disaster. The decorations committee. Each member of come to closing the banquet must be chapter banquet is often the picture win- the chapter will get excited about the rehearsed several times. The impressive- dow of the FFA, where the public gets a banquet when he or she has a specific ness of the banquet is usually directly good look at what the FFA is doing. In responsibility. proportional to the amount of practice. many chapters this may be the only time The banquet, to be most effective, must When speaking parts and the logistics of when a large number of people from the be well planned. A detailed timetable the banquet have been well rehearsed, community have a chance to see the FFA should be constructed well in advance members can be confident they know what in action. What the public sees through this (three months or more) of the banquet. they are doing and the advisor can relax window forms the impression which it has The timetable should outline precisely and enjoy the banquet. of the FFA. It is vital that what the public when the various activities involved in Whenever official ceremonies are to be sees is what we really want them to see. planning the banquet should be com- used, they should be memorized. The Good banquets are no accident. They pleted. Once the timetable is completed, honorary degree ceremony, installation of must be well planned if they are to be high each person should try to meet or beat the officers ceremony and opening and closing quality. One of the first questions FFA deadline for their part. ceremony are most often used at the members must answer in planning their Committees to plan the various parts of banquet. Each officer should learn his or banquet is "What are we trying to accom- the banquet can be assigned in several her part and practice it as many times as plish with our banquet?" There are prob- different ways. Some chapters choose to needed to present it impressively. ably four main objectives of any chapter appoint new committees just for planning No banquet is complete until the ban- banquet: the banquet. Other chapters assign the quet committee chairmen, officers and 1) to recognize the contributions and duties of planning the banquet to the advisor sit down and evaluate what achievements of chapter members during standing committees. The method of se- happened at the banquet. This evaluation the past year; lecting committees is not important. What should take place the day after the ban- 2) to allow every student to become is important is that all parts of planning the quet, while the ideas about the affair are involved in the learning process which banquet be covered by someone. still fresh. The result of this evaluation accompanies planning and conducting a The following is a suggested list of should be a permanent file, including banquet; committee areas of responsibility which written reports and suggestions from each 3) to recognize the contributions of are needed to effectively plan a banquet: of the banquet committee chairmen along parents and other members of the com- with overall comments about the banquet. 1) Menu and Food munity for their support of the chapter; This file should be kept so that next year's 2) Cooking and Serving and planning committees won't make the same 3) Program 4) to be one of the central activities in mistakes as this year's. 4) Invitations and Guests the chapter's public relations program. good banquet helps to create a good Publicity A are 5) There many other goals and objec- window for the public to view the FFA. It 6) Decorations tives a local chapter might have and which also provides a great experience for all the 7) Welcoming certainly should be added to the above list. members of the chapter. 8) Awards The point is that there needs to be genuine Physical Arrangements objectives for holding a banquet other 9) than Richard L. Crawford is vo-ag instructor ai West Union 10) Entertainment simply because "we always had one in the High School in WesI Union. Ohio. He graduated in 1 Clean-up past." These goals and objectives should be 1) 1971 from U'est Union High where he.<:erved as chapter president for two years. He served as Ohio Southwest formulated among the members and ad- A chapter does not necessarily need to Sectional Hce President for one year and received the visors of the chapter. have 11 different banquet committees, but .American Farmer degree. He graduated from Ohio The banquet can be one of the best all these areas should be covered by the Stale University with a coinhined BS-MS degree in developed a opportunities to get all of the members of planning committees. .Agricultural Education in 1975. He module entitled "How to Plan and Conduct an the chapter involved. Every member Committees need to begin their work Effective FF.4 Banquet." and also authored the should have a responsibility in planning early. A good place to start is with the booklet "Effective Banquets." available through the and/or conducting the banquet. Maybe report from last year's banquet if one is Ohio Curriculum Materials Service. 42 The Sational FVTVRE FARMER ^c44/t SPufifi4^ Sfe^i/mce^ SPfie^iA^/./ Were you left out? We still have a few souveniers of the National FFA Convention on hand. Orders will be accepted until our present supplies are exhausted! Order today! f ^*l^^ SPL-81-LUCITE PAPERWIEGHT CAP-81-CAP $12.00 EA. $4.00 EA. C-300-T-SHIRT SIZES: 2/4 CHILDSTHRU XL ADULT (LIST SIZE ON ORDER) $4.50 EA. CX>LOR PHOTOS: *- STATE DELEGATION PHOTOS - AERIAL PHOTO-DOWNTOWN K.C. - CONVENTION SESSION (Auditorium) 8x10-$3.75ea. 11 x 14 $6.25 ea. * (SPECIFY STATE DESIRED) "FFA TIMES" CONVENTION NEWSPAPER] COMPLETE SET - 4 PAPERS SOS-81 -SUSPENDERS 1-10 sets $1.50 per set 0CT-81-TR0PHY BLUE W/GOLD FFA 11-25 $1.25 $4.00 EA. GOLD W/BLUE FFA 26-50 $1.00 ENGRAVED- (SPECIFY COLOR DESIRED) (NAME 51 or more $0.75 { ADD$1.50 EA.) $9.00 PR. Ship to:_ Address:. City:. State. Zip- Mail this order with ITEM QTY SIZE COLOR ARTICLE EACH TOTAL Full payment to: IMATIONAL FFA SUPPLY SERVICE P.O. BOX 15159 ALEXANDRIA, VA 22309 Be sure to include all information listed on this coupon. Include your proper state tax and Total HANDLING CHARGES handling charges. State Tax $15.00 or less ADD $1.50 per order 15.01 to 50.00 $1.75 ^ .,. 50.01 to $100.00 $2.00 ^^"^'"''' 100.01 to 200.00 $3.25 Total Enclosed over $200.00 $3.75 IN ACTION PARLIAMENTARILY PROPER gardens, bonsai plants, Christmas plants, plants, holiday green ar- The fourth annual invitational parlia- hanging basket rangements as in centerpieces, wreathes mentary law contest for state association arrangements. those winners was hosted by Carthage, Missouri, and dry flower For persons that wanted a special arrange- FFA in November, 1981, and proved to be corsage, terrarium or dry arrange- extremely successful. ment, ment, a custom gift could be made to The state winning teams involved this Cleveringa) year were: Ravenwood, West Virginia; custom order. (Scott Bloom Carroll, Carroll, Ohio; Altus, Okla- homa; West Lyon, Inwood, Iowa; Plant GOING TO SEE AN SOE City, Florida; Marana, Arizona; Mariner, The Elgin, Ohio, freshman and sopho- Everett, Washington; Chnton Central, more vocational agriculture students Michigantown, Indiana; Lakeland, Deep- visited various members' supervised occu- water, Missouri; Leakesville, Mississippi; pational experience programs. Supervised Henry, Paris, Tennessee; Arkansas City, occupational programs in agriculture are Kansas; and Waverly, Nebraska. an important part of vocational agricul- Participants stayed in the homes of the ture and each student is required to have an Carthage FFA members in order to in- organized experience program in order to Writing a computer program is a long crease FFA awareness among states and apply what is learned in the classroom. job for members, left to rigfit, IMickey chapters. Programs were visited to see a swine Slieets, Doug Hergatt, Dave Wickham. Tuesday, November 10, was reserved operation, chinchillas and home improve- primarily for acquainting participants with ment, work experience program on a TERMINAL TRAINING rules, judges and hosts. A banquet, spon- poultry farm, a horse project, a sheep was held for The use of computers is now widespread sored by MFA Incorporated, setup, a farm shop and a goat enterprise. In in agriculture and the Big Walnut FFA in all participants, advisors, judges and spon- the afternoon the group toured former Sunbury, Ohio, has been teaching its sors at 7:00 p.m. Contest demonstrations member Keith Williams' dairy farm where members a basic knowledge of them. began at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Novem- Bret Snyder has his work experience Students have been programming the ber 1 1 . The demonstrations were similar to program. Texas Instruments TI-59 calculators to run a chapter meeting and the strictest parlia- The purpose of the tour was to give these various agricultural problems. These prob- mentary law was observed. Demonstra- younger members ideas for a work experi- lems range from crop yield checks to tions lasted up to ten minutes and teams ence program of their own. (Dale Murphy) efficiency of farm business. The programs, were judged on their abihty to use parlia- approximately 350 steps each, were keyed mentary procedure. Contestants were also SALES RECORD BROKEN in by the students from a program hbrary. given a written examination. AGAIN Other members have been involved with Serving as judges were: Jerry Crown- An extraordinary feeUng of anticipation the TRS-80 personal computer. A pro- over, presently an instructor of agriculture filled the air as the Alex, Oklahoma, gram, adaptable to most computers, was education at Southwest Missouri State community gathered for the sixth year to written and done by the students with the University; Dr. Blannie Bowen, assistant support the local Future Farmers of cooperation of the Ohio State University's professor, agriculture and extension, Miss- America Chapter at their annual slave sale Agricultural Education Department. The issippi State University; Mr. John Elliott, and chili supper. The question: Would last program consists of a computerized listing vocational agriculture, Ozark, Missouri; year's record sale price be broken? of the members' records and helps to and Mr. Earnst Muncrief, retired voca- A delicious meal donated by Tony's ehminate errors in accounting. (Beth Mur- tional agriculture instructor, Marlow, Food Market of Alex was prepared and phy, Reporter) Oklahoma. served by the FFA mothers to 350. The 1981 contest winner was Mariner The center of attention then turned to fUlembers Marcia Ficlitelman and High School of Everett, Washington. the "beauty" contest staged by the Green- Debbie Wolfel are cfiecking for errors Second place gold was Plant City, Florida, hands as their initiation into the FFA. in a program on the TI-59 calculator. and third place gold was Waverly, Ne- But the highlight of the evening was the braska. sale of the 39 FFA members and Advisor Tom Strickland as slaves. PLANTS PRODUCE "GREEN The slaves brought an average of $378 STUFF" for a total of $14,400 to top last year's The Zillah, Washington, FFA annual record sale of $10,000. The highest bidder plant sale is held just before Christmas of the evening was Mr. and Mrs. Cecil who each year. This year, students from the bought the chapter president for $2,000. basic and advanced ornamental horticul- The Alex community is small, but has ture class offered living gifts for sale to supported the FFA generously. loved ones. The sale took place December In appreciation for his services at all of 14 and 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the the previous slave sales, chapter hats and high school agriculture building and green- T-shirts were presented to auctioneer house. Some of the sale items for friends Larry Howard and his family. (Missy and relatives included terrariums, dish Thurston, Reporter) The National FLTVRE FARMER ! NEW! The Young |liS Cattleman ^^.^?«- For the begin- ner or experienced ^ showman. Tips on selecting, Westminster FFA, Westminster care, feeding, grooming and METRO FFA CHAPTERS PUT showing productive and efficient ON A SHOW to practice, the 1 5-shell competition began. Charolais and Charolais-cross FFA members from six Denver, Colo- Five members at a time took turns shoot- steers and heifers. Write for your rado, metro chapters participated in the ing and rotated positions every three shots. FREE copy today 1981 Home and Garden Show held at When the smoke finally cleared at the AMERICAN-INTERNATIONAL Currigan Hall. FFA members were re- end of the contest, freshman Kent Miller CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION sponsible for designing their own gardens, claimed first prize, hitting ten clay pigeons. 1610 Old Spanish Trail — Houston, TX 77054 building special effects materials and con- Juniors Tim Short and Gary Waidelich hit 713/797-9211 structing their displays. Chapters partici- nine each and placed second and third respectively, after a shoot-off. Luckily for pating were Aurora, Career Enrichment 10 YEAR Park, Arapahoe County, Larimer County, the FFA members, Advisor Ralph SchroU, GUARANTEE St. Vrain Valley and Warren Center. who hit 1 1 clay pigeons, shot only for fun. Featured in the gardens were beds of (Tim Short, Reporter) $295 perennials and annuals, deciduous trees, shrubs and evergreens. Some gardens OPPORTUNITY BOND featured decking of flagstone or redwood. A new vo-ag expansion program for you the quality of CUSTOM made models selling up to Others had pools, fountains, dry stream Lebanon Regional FFA in Connecticut S25! Hand polished imported surgical steel blade has SAFETY LOCK to beds and one garden featured an indoor was approved by a special town meeting prevent accidental closing Eiipen: wood handle SOLID BRASS boUters plantscape. held on October 1, 1981. Fifteen Alumni and hner IF BROKEN IN 10 YEARS WE WILL REPLACE AT NO Color was achieved in the gardens by the members attended and helped push this CHARGE! Use 30 days, money back \\ not pleased. Add 75( use of redwood, native dogwoods, aspen, program through. The voters approved a postage & handling but order any 3 knives & we ship free. sumac and many annuals and perennials $200,000 bond issue which is the last leg in ORDER TODAY Midwest / Knife Co., Dept Z-9036 meeting the final requirement for the including daffodils, tulips, coleus, dusty yu43 S. Western Ave . Chicago, 111 60620 miller and marigolds. planned new facility. MaW orders only. The Governor's Award went to the Careful planning and many long hours Career Enrichment Park of Westminster. were put in by Alumni members on the They were awarded first place for a building committee. These included Chair- Planer Molder Saw stunning redwood deck with pool and the man James Helena, William Morehouse, use of dogwoods, dark mulch, junipers and Katy Kasek, Mark Tollman and Norman moss rock. Aurora took a close second Skaats. 3 '"iiiSw^ / place award. (Laurie Mlak, Westminster The new structure, which will be out for FFA Reporter) bid soon, has a windowless brick north The team members who worked on the wall partially covered with an earthen Westminster display were (bacl( row bank to conserve energy. The 24-foot by 48-foot greenhouse is all carbonate glaze from left to right) Mitch Nearing, Bruce Smith, Jon Ziegler, Dave Weigand, Joe with a south side slope to catch the of sun. The greenhouse Schlaepfer (front row from left) (Merlin maximum amount will be completely funded by a $200,000 Domben, Bernard Keete, Laurie l\1lal( and Arnold Chavez. grant from the State Bureau of Vocational Agriculture's Division of Vocational and Adult Education. The facility will be able to accommodate about 30 more students than the 86 Now you can use this ONE power-feed shop to turn currently enrolled. (John Cecchini) rough lumber into moldings, trim, flooring, furniture —ALL popular patterns. RIP-PLANE-MOLD . . . sepa- rately or all at once with a single motor. Low Cost for only down. . tool ENTERTAINMENT TRACTORS . . You can own this power ?50 Since 1972, the Saint Vrain Valley, 30:Day FREE Inaj! ExdrGTAcrs Colorado, Chapter has held a tractor pull NO OBLIGATION-NO SAU5MAN WILL CALL for the people with "tractor-fever" to RUSH COUPON BELSAW POWER TOOLS CO. attend. TODAY!'^^^^ Kansas City, Mo. 64111 The first tractor pull was held at a local sugar beet dump in Longmont. This was a &Z^, BELSAW POWER TOOLS big challenge for the FFA members and 4^—^ ^,/ 9465 Field BIdg.. Kansas City, Mo. 64111 helped more of the members become VCC Please send me complete facts about '-'I I active. Therefore, FFA held another the ' ^^ PLANER -MOLDER -SAW and details about 30-day trial offer. next year at their local fairgrounds. RIGHT ON TARGET Today, the tractor pull is an annual Name Ohio, members had activity for both the local The Archbold, FFA farmers and Address_ a "blast" at their annual trapshoot contest FFA'ers. They have improved it by moving City held recently at the Fulton County Sports- the activity to a new fairground in Boulder man's Club. After everyone had a chance (Continued on Page 46) State February-March, 1982 45 .. FACTS FOR ACTION MAKE MONEY STOP A THIEF WITH YOUR OWN CRAWLER rrfli^ In the "good old days" a farmer M M MM ACTION could go away for a day and be confi- CATALOG of Magnatrac 1000 Crawler Pick up ACTIONfrom Page 45) Tractor Kit construction & money dent that his unlocked bams and tool making uses '1.00 shed would not be disturbed. Theft in BOOKLET of tips & procedures for using small crawlerequipment,..'3.50 County and building a scales there for the rural areas was practically unheard of. MOVIE of Magnatrac 1000 in weigh-in of the tractors. Not so today, however. Tools and ^,0 action (8mm color). .-^9. 50 It is run by the FFA'ers and friends of equipment valued at hundreds and PLANS for fabricating Tractor yourself.. .^7. 00 this FFA chapter. Tractors are now pulled even thousands of dollars in tool sheds (Money refundable on any purchase) in the areas of hot rods, mini-hot rods, and other farm buildings are tempting garden tractors and farm tractors. STRUCK KIT targets for thieves. ^' Dept. FF22 The most obvious security measure, fCedarburg, Wise. 53012 LEARNING BY BUILDING of course, is a good padlock and hasp. Master Lock Company recommends a The Fairview, Ohio, is in the The London Montessori Centre- FFA pin tumbler lock, distinguished by its process of building a storage Montessorl Teachers Diploma courses. barn, 24-foot key, which is flat and smooth on one Advanced level modern courses Nursery Primary and by 32-foot, on the school grounds. The edge with irregular serrations along the in child education and development. Study by corres- building cost is estimated at $3,000 with pondence any time or full or part time at our London other edge. It is sturdier and more centre. Proven effective system vKith International FFA donating $1,000 plus all the labor. resistant to prying than other pad- recognition. Students in over 40 countries. The athletic department and the school locks. The London Montessori Centre also. IFF] PO Box 9 board each donated $1,000 For added security, you should look England jVJalborough. Wiltshire. The building will be used for storing for the words "hardened" or "case school equipment, sports equipment, and hard" stamped on the curved shackle. many things from the vocational agri- This means the shackle has been ^SWITCHBLADE PEN! culture shop which had previously been treated to give it an extra-hard outer PUSH BUTTON ^.<_,,:--5^^^ left in the way or outside. (Tom Poulson, layer to resist cutting or sawing, while Reporter) the tough inner core remains malle- able (not brittle) so it will resist break- TOURS TO THE ing if hammered on by would-be IT'S OPEN. MARKETPLACE thieves. NEWI Amazing pen looks like a switchblade knlfel Push button in The hasp on the door must be as handle and out SNAPS a quality ball point pen locked In place, The Fredericktown, Ohio, junior ready lo use Release lock and pen folds into authentic black FFA strong as the lock itself. Even the finest stiletto handle All metal Handy pocket size. Refills & service and senior classes recently traveled to available USE 30 DAYS. MONEY REFUNDED IF NOT PLEASED lock affords Uttle protection if burglars Only 90< - $1.98 -f postage & handling. Send total $2.88 BONUS Chicago for a marketing trip. Students 2 pen/knives lor S4.98 poilpald. ORDER TODAY! Grandpa's find it hung from an undersized or Shop, Dept. p.9336 9043 S. Western Ave., Chicago, III. 60620. participating were Scott Armstrong, Rich- Our 45th year Mail orders only unhardened hasp that they can cut with ard Baxter, Brad Cunningham, Todd STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, ease. MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION Hazen, Phil Spearman, Stan Stauffer, A case hardened, weather resistant (Required by 39 U.S.C 3685) George Thiel, Jim Colopy, Chris Daniels, hasp with concealed screws and a 1. Title of publication: The National FUTURE FARMER Rick Fry, Missy Earnest, Jeff Gaddis, Kim 2. Dale of filing; October 13. 1981, pinless hinge will make it more difficult 3. Frequency of issue: Bimonthly. Levering, Hathaway, Rob Johnson, Ken for a thief to break in. When mounting 3A. No, of issues published annually: 6. Mark Overhoh and Tom Tenney. Parents 3B. Annual subscription price: $2.00; FFA members $1.00 the hasp make certain it is screwed into paid with dues. going were Paul Fry, Mr. and Mrs. Tom solid wood at least as deep as the screws 4. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: Tenny, Mr. and Mrs. Rick Armstrong and long, or in the case of doors, 5630 Ml. Vernon Highway. Alexandria, Virginia 22309, are metal 6 Full names and complete mailing address of publisher, Alan Earnest along with Advisor Dan bolted securely. editor and managing Farmers of editor: Publisher. Future Humphrey. For extra convenience, "hasplocks" America, 5630 Mt. Vernon Highway, Alexandria, Virginia class left early Saturday morning 22309; Editor. Wilson W. Carnes. 5630 Mt. Vernon Highway, The are available. Here, the lock and hasp Alexandria, Virginia 22309; Managing Editor: none, and arrived in Chicago about 3:00 that are one—permanently joined so the 7. Owner; Future Farmers of America (a nonprofit organiza- afternoon and toured Field's Museum of tion), National FFA Center, 5630 Mt. Vernon Highway, padlock cannot be misplaced while the Alexandria. Virginia Shedd's Aquarium. 22309. National History and hasp is swinging free. These are easy to 8. None. In the evening the class ate 312 steaks at install available in most hardware 9. The purpose, function and nonprofit status of this and organization and the exempt status for Federal Income tax McCormick Place (fortunately the FFA stores. purposes has not changed during the preceding 12 months. paid for this) and then went to the theater 10. Extent and nature of circulation: (also for FFA). Average No. Single paid by Copies Each Issue Sunday morning the class visited the Issue During Nearest To Sidewalk Markets of Maxwell Street. It Preceding 12 mo. Filing Date Total number copies was an experience that none of us will ever 501,531 pnnted 516,244 forget. After Maxwell Street, the group Paid circulation 1. Sales through dealers went to Moody Memorial Church, which and carriers, street seats 4,000 people. vendors and counter sales None None Monday morning we went to Chicago's 2. Mail subscriptions . . . 497,177 512,331 Mercantile Exchange. Mr. Humphrey, Total Paid Circulation . . 497,177 512.331 Stan Stauffer Free distribution by mail, Mrs. and Mrs. Tenney and carrier or other means. were able to go on the floor of exchange. Samples, complimentary Later that morning we went to Chicago's and other free copies . . . 1.636 1,592 Total distribution 498.813 Board of Trade. At the exchange, Mr. 513,923 A good hasp and padlock will keep Copies not distributed. Humphrey, Ken Levering and Tom Ten- 1. Office use, left over, tool sheds or other doors secure. ney went on the bidding floor. That unaccounted, spoiled Hasp and padlock should be case after printing 2.718 2.321 afternoon the class was the guest of Tex 2, Return from hardened to resist saws and bolt Levering, a commodities broker for Staley. news agents Nnne None cutters. The hasp's screws should G. Total 501.531 516.244 Mr. Levering talked of marketing strategy 1 certify that the statements made by me above are correct and be concealed and hinge should be and what his company does. (Stan Stauf- complete. of the pinless variety. WILSON W, CARNES. Editor fer, Reporter) 46 The National FITLRE FARMER Precooked foods such as cakes, pies, (brought from home) breads and cookies Ta'n SAWMILL and fruits will aid in meal planning. .' BEAT Inflation and HIGH Lumberyard Pricei! ~ No to 4) Don't overplan the time schedule ^ need atop your important pro/ecti. i^^Take this portable mill right lo the trees-turn out smooth, because sports and classes will be hard to ylnie lumljer every lime -no experience reedeO Saw youi keep within a time Hmit. / own logs or lumber lor others and make excelleni spare- , lime income-no crew needed Use any power-lraclor PTO, dtesel, eleclric Time payments may tie arranged. 5) Take a lot of pictures and tape [ I tor FREE, deliili-rruil coupon below or poilcard TOOAV various activities. slide show at the ^ A *orid famoui Stnri I92H ' So Obligation and No Salesman WiJI Call. chapter meeting will inform members what BELSAW MACHINERY Co, 3494 FlBJd BIdg.. Kansas City, Mo. MUl/s^fO you have learned. 6) End the weekend on a happy note. Activities such as awards, devotions and tried their "hand" in Each contestant general discussions help bring the weekend the mill(ing contest. all together. THE ENTERTAINMENT 7) Send thank-you notes to those people HAMPSHIRES... who contributed to the weekend, especially Start your project with the Horticulture officers of Helen, New sent food. ^1 breed that has o bright future. mothers who Mexico, Chapter came up with a unique Write for information. 8) Don't let the enthusiasm from the for the November Jim Cretcher, Secretary entertainment program weekend die during the rest of the year. The American chapter meeting. The idea called for a Hampshire Sheep Assn. is an excellent chance to get all the This P.O. Box 345-F, Ashland, MO 65010 (314) 657-9012 each class (freshman, sopho- member of officers working together as a team. more, junior and senior) to compete in chapter who is interested in more Any TRY A DYNAMIC DORSET milking a goat. contact Robert information may Mr. You will be glad you did! Everyone enjoyed the competition Sutphin, James Wood High School, Route Go with the breed that is going places—The breed which was won by Jason Carrao for getting with built in characteristics that no other breed has 5, Box 700, Winchester, VA 22601. (Kim unless by scientific means. SHEEPMEN the milk in ten seconds. The goat was are getting most Lineberry, Reporter) wise to the ability of the DORSET Write brought in by Tinka Courtney. for more information and breeders list CONTINENTAL DORSET CLUB, P.O. Boi 577, This kind of entertainment gimmick is Hudson, Iowa 50E43. • used to encourage members to attend FFA LIVE IN HERDSMEN The Skiatook, Oklahoma, Chapter, as meetings and it works well. Big Jim Halters The meeting also included awarding of an annual project, takes care of the Cufs Halter Breaking Children's during the Tulsa I Chapter Farmer degrees to 45 members, Barnyard Time In Half a plus a report of the national convention by State Fair for six days and nights. Results Guoranleed | 4 sizes ad|ust to any animal Robert Chavez, chapter president. Members alternate days and nights and . k,^ Chrome Ploted _ | Lisa Hendrick, chapter sweetheart, take care of the animals on exhibit. They 9 Fc infofmahon write . '^ BIG J IM HALTER CO. I are to feed, water, exercise and clean each served the traditional Thanksgiving pump- Rt. 3, Box 3138, Boerne, TX 78006 kin pie for refreshment. (John Storey, animal's pen twice a day and be on hand to the animals and answer Reporter) show any ques- TAKE A GIANT STEP FORWARD tions fairgoers might have concerning the TO A HORSE CAREER DO IT YOURSELF TRAINING animals and their care. Mereditti Manor Sctiool The James Wood FFA Chapter of Win- The members sleep in the back of the of Horsemanstiip chester, Virginia, held a chapter leadership barn at night, with their advisors Mike Call Toll Free wHl 1-800-624-1929 camp for their officer team at The Summit, Earp and Larry Meeks as chaperones. MEREDITH MAr«OR a closed residential area. Fifteen people (Jackie Jones, Reporter) careers in hofsemanship attended the weekend affair which took Route No. 1 Waverly W.va. 26184 Telephone 304-679-3128 several weeks of planning. The purpose of LINES i BANTAMS the camp was to develop and encourage ACTION »» BABY DUCKS, GEESE, TURKEYS, CHICKS, fellowship and respect among the fellow • Learn to spell congratulations. Beautiful Varieties officers and advisors to begin the year with • Color Easter eggs this year. and Fun to a well organized chapter. • Put a hanging basket of red petunias Raise Each of the six officers and their in the tree branch outside grandma's Heart of Missouri Hatcheries assistants had to prepare a one-hour class bedroom window. Box 954A, Columbia, MO 65205 on a subject of their choice and present it to • Say "Hi" and introduce yourself to the rest of the group. The officers taught someone you don't know at church. classes on parhamentary procedure, public • Record your thoughts each day in the If you move, please let us know so you will receive your magazine without interruption. Send your new speaking, public relations, FFA history margin of the front page of the news- address and the address label from the last issue and the duties of an FFA officer. Each paper. Save 'em. of your magazine to Circulation Department, group also chose a meal which would be • Recommend cheese and crackers be Box 15130, Alexandria, Virginia 22309. easy to prepare with very little cost. After added to the list of concession stand the meal, the two officers would be items. Benefits vs. Risks responsible for cleaning up. • Give out 3x5 cards to make notes on ARE PESTICIDES The group also had volleyball, football, during meetings. boating, fishing and board games available • You be the lawn care service (free) for REALLY NECESSARY? for recreation. the advisor. -By Keith C. Barrons, Ph.D. The weekend ended with awards being • Put National FUTURE FARMER A new bool< about botfi sides of Pesticide Controversies. An excellent source bool< presented to the officers and advisors for magazines in the barbershop. for Vo-Ag, 4-H and Extension Worl 1) Plan ahead for food, housing and • Make extra money by seUing fire- ENVIRONMENTAL BALANCE extra activities. wood you cut. P.O. BOX 7732 2) Limit distractions such as TV, • Bring all your little brother's elec- LOUISVILLE, KY 40207 phones and homework. tronic games to the party. TEL. (502)896-8731 3) Keep meals simple but plentiful. February-March, 1982 47 " " " I The mythical country of Boruvia has a law The Smiths invited the boss over for One day a frog walked into a bank to get a requiring all babies to be named within an supper. After he arrived he asked their young loan. He walked up to the teller, who was hour after birth. One day a woman was son what was for supper. The boy replied named Ms. Patricia Wack, and said, "Could rushed to the hospital where she delivered "Buzzard. I heard my mommy tell my daddy have a loan?" Ms. Wack replied, "Yes, you twins. At the same time, her husband was we might as well have that old buzzard for may have a loan, but what do you have for rushed to the hospital unconscious with a supper tonight as any other night. collateral?" head injury received on the job. When the Rodney Shanks "I brought my collateral, " the frog said as man came to, he was informed that his wife Sebree, Kentucky he handed Ms. Wack a brown paper bag. She delivered girl hours had a boy and a two There was this king of an island and he was opened it but couldn't figure out what it was. before, his brother had them. and named very proud of his throne. And one day the "Til be right back, " she said. She took the bag no, not brother," the "Oh, my groaned war broke out, so he took his throne and put to the manager. "Sir, what is this little tiny man. "He's such a practicaljoker. What did plastic dog?" she snid, "there's a out there it in the attic of his grass hut. When he walked frog he name them?" who wants a loan and he says this is his " back down it fell through and killed him. named the girl Denise. "He Moral: People who live in grass huts collateral. "Oh, I like that," said the man, obviously shouldn't store thrones. The manager looked in the bag and replied, relieved. "What did he the boy?" name Billy Chasteen "It's a knick-knack, Patty Wack, give thefrog "Denephew." Eustace, Texas a loan." Mark Grove David Tammen There were two guys named Pete and Paul. Forest Lake, Minnesota Danforth, Illinois They loved baseball. Also they were real good Christians. One day they were wondering if Once there was a pohceman who had not there was baseball in heaven. So to settle the given anyone a ticket all day. So he saw a car question, they decided if one of them should and decided he would follow it for ten miles. die he would come back and tell the other But the driver never did make a mistake. So one. A year later, Paul died. A couple of days the policeman pulled the driver over, "Sir, later Paul came back to Pete. Pete asked, Tve just got to tell you how well you drive." " Well, is there baseball in heaven?" The man replied, "Well, you've got to Paul said, "Yes, and you're pitching on watch how you drive when your license is Saturday." expired. Luke Tentoni Ronda Porter Caledonia, Mississippi Longbranch, Texas Charlie, the Greenhand " " Worst case of erosion I've ever seen. A man ran up to the ticket window just as the commuuer train pulled out. "That's my train," he panted to the clerk, "If f run, can /catch it?" "Mister," said the clerk, "if you run, you can heat it..'" Gene Wade Big Stone Cap, Virginia Have you heard a good joke lately? The Joke Page is the place to share it. Let fellow Future Farmers have a laugh on you. Beginning with this issue, we pay $5.00 for each joke which we select to use on The Joke Page. Send them in letters, on postcards, on the back of permission slips, or written on a sales slip. It's no longer mandatory to use only a postcard. Whatever way you send them, be sure the editors can read them, especially your name and address. And be sure they're funny. 'Too effective, they scare the plants, tool' The National H IV RK lARMLK n'Ht pay S5M Jot each joke selected /or publication on litis page. Jokes must be addressed to The National FLTLRE F.ARMER. t^lbt). 22.i09. P.O. Box .-Mexandria, \ A In case of duplication, payment will be for the first one received. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned. 48 The National FUTURE FARMER HANDCRAFTED QUALITY. More than a slogan... a family tradition. "Everyone at Tony Lama strives to make a product that will live up to the reputation established by our father, Tony Lama, St.. over 70 years ago. Family involvement in designing and producing America's most popular boots is one reason the Tony Lama Company has held its position as the leader in the field. The Tony Lama mine stands for quality and style . . .and we mean to keep it that way." We Add Style To Any Lifestyle Jkhta TONY LAMA COMPANY, INC. • 1 137 TONY LAMA ST. • EL PASO, TEXAS 79915 m^ \ LOUIS R. LAMA N ^^«K*«* \ SSS^^SSSISSiM HiewchI^ best-sdiing 22 aubdoado: ftcoulds^fiH' alotiiKHie. 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