True Blue Nebraska News Leadership. Tradition. True Blue
AUGUST 2016
An Update from Nebraska FFA There I was standing in the shop at Verdigre Public School, when I zipped up my blue corduroy jacket for the first time. It made me stand up a little straighter and hold my head a little higher, but I never truly understood how far it would take me. Today, I write this article as one of seven Nebraska FFA state officers, and I’m incredibly grateful for the first time I zipped up my jacket each time I zip up the Association jacket I wear this year. My teammates and I are in the midst of the journey of a lifetime - a year of astounding growth, and a year focused on serving others, strengthening agriculture, growing our communities, and much more. Growth and service require work, sacrifice, and time; they also yield pure joy! We began our year as state officers with a series of trainings that helped to grow us as individuals and as a team; our training also prepared us for the time we would spend with chapter officers at COLT conference. The state officer team was able to meet chapter officers from across the state while guiding students to an understanding of how to fulfill their roles as officers and how work with their team to plan chapter events for the year. Personally, my favorite part of COLT conference was meal time; I had the chance to not only fill my belly, but I had the chance to laugh, joke, and truly get to know members and their advisors. In June, we attended the National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO) with officers from states in the surrounding area. We made lifelong friendships with those at the conference, learned more about working as a team, and gained a
deeper understanding of how to write and facilitate workshops effectively. July brought us the opportunity to connect with students in different Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) at NPower conference hosted on East Campus at UNL. The state officer team enjoyed connecting with many members and also learning more about ourselves, the power of mentoring relationships, and the way all Career and Technical Education (CTE) students can collaborate for an impactful leadership experience. To start off August, we will meet with business and industry partners where we will connect with leaders in the agriculture industry. As a state officer team, we are all excited to attend school this fall at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Additionally, we look forward to connecting with more members during Engaging Districts for Growth and Excellence (EDGE) conferences, Leadership Skills Events (LSEs) and chapter events and visits. Supporters, on behalf of Nebraska FFA, thank you for your choice to believe in our organization - one that serves students by providing them with skills and experiences that will allow them serve the industry. Thank you for believing in and supporting FFA. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to zip up my blue corduroy jacket, and I look forward to being a part of the growth and building of FFA for the purpose of serving our students, our communities, and our industry - today and tomorrow. Sincerely, Kaitlyn Hanvey State President, Nebraska FFA Association
1
I Believe in the Future of Ag Campaign Kicks Off Next Month
Aurora Cooperative, BigIron Auctions, Central Valley Ag, Cooperative Producers, Inc, DEKALB/Asgrow and Verdesian commit $20,000 each to campaign September marks the official start of the seventh annual I Believe in the Future of Ag fundraising campaign. This campaign serves as an outlet for local FFA chapters to raise money for innovative projects in their classrooms, leadership programming, community service projects and field trips to advance agriculture education in their schools. This year, Aurora Cooperative, BigIron Auctions, Central Valley Ag, CPI, DEKALB/Asgrow and Verdesian committed $20,000 each to the campaign. Other sponsors, contributing $10,000 each, include: Bayer CropScience, CoBank, Country Partners Cooperative, CHS Foundation, GrainBridge, FMC, Farm Credit Services of America, Farmers Cooperative, First National Bank Omaha, Frontier Coop, Koch Fertilizer, Linsday Corporation, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Pinnacle Bank, Producers Livestock, Valley Irrigation and WinField Solutions. 100 percent of each local donation will be sent back to the designated chapter at the end of the campaign and the Nebraska FFA Foundation, along with its corporate partners, will provide extra incentives to participating FFA chapters. This year, $35,000 in matching funds will be distributed to participating chapters. “Agriculture is the lifeblood of this state with one in three jobs based in agriculture. We see this campaign as integral part of local FFA chapters and the future of agriculture by providing funds to develop a rich program of activities benefiting students, their local communities and their future,� says Stacey Agnew, Nebraska FFA Foundation Executive Director.
Bridgeport FFA members received recognition at State FFA Convention for raising the most money per FFA member in the 2015-16 campaign.
Sponsored by:
Bayer CropScience CoBank Country Partners Cooperative CHS Foundation GrainBridge FMC Farm Credit Services of America Farmers Cooperative
First National Bank Frontier Coop Koch Fertilizer Lindsay Corporation Nebraska Farm Bureau Pinnacle Bank Producers Livestock Valley Irrigation WinField Solutions
Learn more about the I Believe in the Future of Ag campaign at www.neffafoundation.org or by contacting your local FFA chapter.
Save the Date September 1 Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. Donation Deadline September 1 I Believe in the Future of Ag Program Kicks Off September 18, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Vintage True Blue | George Spencer Tasting Room, Gibbon, NE
2
September 14, 11:00 a.m. Nebraska FFA Foundation Auction | Husker Harvest Days, Grand Island, NE September 25, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Vintage True Blue | Slattery Vintage Estates, Nehawka, NE April 4-7, 2017 89th Nebraska FFA State Convention | Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE
You’re Invited:
Gather, Taste and Support Nebraska FFA Join us for Vintage True Blue, a wine tasting event supporting the Nebraska FFA Foundation. Events will be held at George Spencer Tasting Room near Gibbon and Slattery Vintage Estates near Nehawka. Attendees will pay an admission fee of $35 per person up until August 31 and $40 after August 31. They’ll receive a souvenir tasting glass, ten tastings and hors d’eouvres. There will also be a retail opportunity for you to purchase your favorite bottles of wines from participating Nebraska wineries. Open the bottle at the event to enjoy the wine with fellow FFA supporters. All proceeds from the event go to the Nebraska FFA Foundation to build capacity at the state and local levels.
Vintage True Blue September 18, 2:00-5:00 George Spencer Tasting Room, Gibbon, NE
To order your tickets and learn more, go to www.neffafoundation.org/vintagetrueblue.
September 25, 2:00-5:00 Slattery Vintage Estates, Nehwaka, NE
Donor Spotlight: Karna
and Dwight Dam
Karna Dam’s passion and support for FFA extends far beyond making a simple donation. It’s deeper. Possibly even genetic. “It just gets in your blood - it’s something that’s just always there,” Dam said about her family’s involvement in FFA for three generations. She was a member of the Blair FFA chapter, while husband Dwight was a Logan View FFA member. Both had parents in FFA chapters from Blair and Hooper and their two sons were very active in FFA. One even served as a state officer. With a well-established foundation, Karna also had an FFA instructor who inspired her deeply. “I had an FFA advisor who absolutely cared wholeheartedly about what we were passionate about and helped foster that,” she recalled. “I had the opportunity to be in the national FFA chorus for three years. What an amazing experience.” Karna’s FFA experiences and family history have led her to continue being involved in FFA for 30 years. She’s volunteered as a judge, registered students at convention and has even stepped a couple times as interim advisor for the Blair FFA Chapter.
The Dam family poses for a photo following Dylan’s retiring address as a state officer in 2014. Pictured, left to right, are Derek and his fiance Whitney Ebke, Dylan, Karna and Dwight.
She’s made support of FFA a constant part of her life, and looks forward to each convention as much as she did when she was a member. “I have friends I made 35 years ago in FFA that I see once a year at the convention. I love that I still get to see them. We make it an annual thing,” she said.
3
Annual Tire Auction to Include John Deere Gator, Harley Davidson Motorcycle and Online Streaming Event scheduled for September 14th at Husker Harvest Days Titan Tire Corporation, a subsidiary of Titan International, Inc., will be hosting a tire auction for Nebraska FFA at Husker Harvest Days on Wednesday, September 14, 2016. In its fourth year, the 2016 auction will also include a 2005 Harley Davidson Road King Classic motorcycle and John Deere Gator. “We take great pride in supporting the FFA and helping to benefit the next generation of growers,” says Scott Sloan, agricultural product manager at Titan International. “FFA is a great leadership program for students looking to continue in agriculture and ag business fields. If you spend any time with these kids, you can see that the future is bright for agriculture, and Titan is glad to help them along the way.” To participate in this year’s auction: • Sign in at the FFA registration desk for a bid number to participate in the auction in person. Can’t make it to the sale? The auction will be
This John Deere Gator XUV825i Utility Vehicle will be auctioned off at the annual auction held at Husker Harvest Days.
Event and tires sponsored by:
Gator sponsored by:
4
streamed live on bigiron.com. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted. • Starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14, participants can place bids on a selection of Titan and Goodyear Farm tires, as well as a John Deere Gator and Harley Davidson motorcycle. The highest bids win and all proceeds support Nebraska FFA members. • The list of tires that will be auctioned off is on page 5, details on the John Deere Gator and Harley Davidson are below and on the comprehensive auction flyer, which can be downloaded at neffafoundation.org. Questions? Contact Sarah Mullen, Nebraska FFA Foundation Program Manager at 402-472-5224 or sarah@neffafoundation.org.
This 2005 Harley Davidson Road King Classic with just over 8,000 miles and its trailer will be auctioned at this year’s auction.
Auction services donated by:
Nebraska FFA Foundation Announces Milstead Leadership Development Endowment The Nebraska FFA Foundation is pleased to announce it has received $40,000 to establish the Milstead Leadership Development Endowment. The endowment will fund new FFA chapter development, local Supervised Agricultural Experiences either in the entrepreneurship or schoolbased enterprises, agriculture teacher professional development in power, structure and technical systems, agriculture teacher recruitment, as well as retention or awards and recognition related to power, structure and technical system pathways or in agricultural entrepreneurship. Perry Case, an owner of Plains Equipment Group says, “The leadership and character that has been demonstrated by Jim Milstead through his career with John Deere Company and its dealerships, as well as his involvement on the Board of Directors for Plains Equipment aligns perfectly with the development of agricultural youth through FFA in Nebraska! What better way to honor Jim than to carry on his legacy by developing future ag leaders through FFA!” “Right now, there is a great need in our teachers having the skills necessary to teach the power, structure and technical systems pathway courses like welding and small engines. We also see the need for more skilled workers in this area, so this endowment will give Ag Ed programs the tools they need to
The Milstead Leadership Development Endowment is established in honor of Jim Milstead, pictured above with his motorcycle.
make a great long term impact for the future of that segment of the industry specifically,” says Stacey Agnew, Nebraska FFA Foundation Executive Director. In addition to a cash donation, the Case Family Foundation has donated Mr. Milstead’s 2005 Harley Davidson Road King Classic motorcycle and special trailer, which will be auctioned at Husker Harvest Days on September 14. All proceeds will be added to the Milstead Leadership Development Endowment.
Nebraska FFA Foundation Auction Tire List September 14 - 11:00 am Titan/Goodyear Farm Tires and Graham Tire Exhibits at Husker Harvest Days Lot 628 on Sixth Street Type Tire Size
Qty
List Price
ATV ATV ATV I-1 I-1 I-1 I-1 F-2M F-2M SS SS SS
2 2 2 4 4 4 4 2 2 4 4 4
$181.42 $195.62 $170.82 $211.16 $350.58 $223.31 $382.29 $344.36 $455.64 $406.73 $334.93 $595.44
AT 25x10-12 3* AT25X10-12 6 AT25X8-12 6 9.5L-15SL 8 1000-15SL 8 11L-15SL 8 12.5L-15SL 12 1000-16SL/8 11.00-16SL/8 10-16.5/8 10-16.5/8 12-16.5/10
Type Tire Size SS SS R-1 R-1 R-1 R-1 R-1 R-1 R-1 R- R-1 R-1W
12-16.5/10 14-17.5/14 12.4-38/6 13.6-38/6 15.5-38/8 18.4-34/8 18.4-38/8 30.5L-32/12 480/80R38-149A8 480/80R42 - 151A8 480/80R46 - 158A8 520/85R42 - 157A8
Qty 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 4 4 4
List Price $400.04 $959.92 $1,057.98 $1,068.78 $1,100.20 $1,366.91 $1,422.49 $4,227.44 $2,093.71 $2,656.04 $3,236.16 $3,789.21
5
Sponsor Recognition The Nebraska FFA Foundation would like to thank corporate sponsors who have partnered to support the mission of the Nebraska FFA Foundation. The companies listed below have partnered with Nebraska FFA and the Nebraska FFA Foundation by donating at least $5,000. Thank you for your continued support to programs that develop the agriculture youth of Nebraska.
Premier Sponsors
University of Nebraska–Lincoln, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication
6-Star Sponsors
5-Star Sponsors
MEMBER FDIC
FVC
Frenchman Valley Coop fvcoop.com
Your Premier Service Provider
4-Star Sponsors
6
National Association of Agricultural Educators Syngenta AGP Ag Spray Equipment BASF The Chemical Company Crop Production Services Dultmeier Sales
Green Plains Inc. Heartland Ag Heartland Tank, LLC Helena Chemical Co. John Deere Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau Mosaic Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation
Nebraska Corn Nebraska Ethanol Board Reinke Manufacturing Company, Inc Sargent Irrigation Simplot First National Bank Union Bank & Trust Company US Army ROTC
Give a Student the Gift of Blue Corduroy FFA Jacket Fund Deadline is September 1
When many people think of their experience in FFA, the blue corduroy jacket is often the first thing that comes to mind, so why not give that honor to a current FFA member? The Nebraska FFA Foundation celebrates FFA jackets with the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program each August. Your $80 donation to this fund provides an FFA jacket and tie or scarf to one deserving FFA member. Members must fill out an application, including a statement from their advisor, to be considered for a jacket. They are selected by a committee of supporters, Nebraska FFA Foundation Board members and other friends of the FFA. Last year, over 600 students applied for an FFA jacket and only 315 jackets were awarded. The number of jackets given out is directly related to generous donations. The Nebraska FFA Foundation is only able to give out as many jackets as our donors support.
Donate online now and don’t miss the September 1 deadline. Go to neffafoundation.org and click “Donate.”
It’s Easy to Find a Reason to Contribute! If you believe in FFA, it’s easy to find a reason to contribute to Nebraska FFA. There are many ways to support the Nebraska FFA Foundation including: General Fund You can provide support for the Foundation’s year-round efforts to support agricultural education, sustain relationships with current supporters and broaden our base of support among individuals and organizations.
is a convenient way to ensure the Nebraska FFA Foundation is able to meet the needs of FFA members for years to come. Supporters who want to make an impact with a planned gift will be recognized as members of the Blue & Gold Society. To ensure your gift will go to the Nebraska FFA Foundation, please speak to your attorney or financial planner and use the formal name, Nebraska FFA Foundation, in all documents.
Planned Giving (Blue & Gold Society) Your support can have a long-term impact on Nebraska FFA members through a planned gift. A bequest
For more information on giving to the Nebraska FFA Foundation, contact Stacey Agnew at 402-472-5846 or stacey@neffafoundation.org.
Get Connected to the Nebraska FFA Foundation! facebook.com/neffafoundation
neffafoundation.wordpress.com
twitter.com/neffafoundation
neffafoundation.org information@neffafoundation.org
2016 – 2017
Board of Directors Lance Atwater Farmer Shane Belohrad Gallagher Grace/Meyer Insurance Vernon Benes Beck Ag Tim Boender Winfield Solutions Kim Fehringer USDA Craig Frederick Seward Public School Represents the Nebraska Agricultural Educators Association Jill Goedeken Represents the Nebraska FFA Alumni Association Kyla Habrock, Secretary Nebraska Pork Producers Association Craig Head, Vice President Nebraska Farm Bureau Blake Johnson, Treasurer Bunker Hill Farms Christin Kamm Nebraska Department of Agriculture Kent Kirchhoff Plains Equipment Group Matt Kreifels Nebraska Department of Education & University of Nebraska–Lincoln Represents the Nebraska FFA Association Jack Nemec Retired Jeff Rudolph Hi-Gain Feedlot Justin Troudt Landmark Implement Tom Volk, President DEKALB & Asgrow Anita Wollenburg Nebraska FFA Association Represents the Nebraska FFA Association Stacey Agnew, Executive Director Nebraska FFA Foundation Ex-officio Sarah Mullen, Program Manager Nebraska FFA Foundation Ex-officio
7
PO Box 94942 Lincoln, NE 68509-4942 neffafoundation.org
In This Issue
3
You’re invited: Gather, Taste and Support Nebraska FFA
4
Annual Tire Auction to Include Gator and Motorcycle
7
Give a Student the Gift of Blue Corduroy