Adventure at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted

On a fair Saturday afternoon, I traveled up to Howard Lake and met up with Justin. After visiting shortly and saying "Hi" to Gracy, Justin's dog, we made the amazingly short trek to the high school. The school happens to be in the middle of a field and next to a stunning FFA crop plot. Mr. Weninger greeted us with a joke and a smile.

The Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Chapter Officer Team set up the event for the 8th grade students and asked us to co-present. To break the ice everyone took a random object from our "THE box" and attempted to relate it to themselves. The chapter officers also shared some more personal information including hobbies, CDE's, and SAE's. It was great to hear the diversity of the team and the experiences they had. We then shared some basic FFA information including opportunities in FFA, the structure, basic facts, and camps and conferences for all levels. We focused on the FFA brand for part of the presentation and played a short game. To get everyone thinking about brands we had a competition to write down as many brand slogans or catch phrases as possible. Once we were in the correct mindset, we honed in on what the FFA brand represents. The national FFA did a study and found the brand represents:


Hard work
Morality and Ethics
Trustworthy
Spirited and Enthusiastic

We as members of the FFA can be proud of this brand, but must also take responsibility to uphold the brand for future members.

After wrapping up our presentation, dinner was served by the officers. We had the chance to mingle and talk with perspective students and current members. After dinner and some stories from Winnie, we headed outdoors to play team building activities. Forming a circle we grasped a rope and leaned back supporting each other and showing that no matter what we do our actions affect others. Tug of war standing on raised blocks forces us to use strategy and think deeper about characteristics of good and bad teamwork. Lastly we played "Who's the Leader," which ended with us hopping around on one leg and rolling on the ground.


As a small token for coming Sarah Marketon gave everyone barnyard sillybands! While winding down and cleaning up we had FFA story time.



Thanks for inviting us, HLWW! It was a great day and we are excited to hear what you do this year!



Stationed by the Rising Sun shining through the Door,



Jason Troendle
Justin Crowley

83rd National FFA Convention- Infinite Potential!

The 83rd National FFA Convention took place October 20th-23rd in Indianapolis, IN. Over 54,000 blue jackets swarmed into the city, and participated in activities to grow and showcase our potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

To cover the convention in a short manner, I am going to do the top twenty items in ten numbers (Get it? 2010? :) ). Here we go! 10. -The new National FFA Organization membership numbers were announced: 523,309 members
-Finding out that there are 7,487 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands

9. -Seeing Easton Corbin open up for....
-Lady Antebellum, which was an awesome concert!

8. -Listening to many speakers, such as Josh Shipp, the opening session speaker. Oh, and a goat.
-Being entertained by Judson Laipply, who spoke and performed the "Evolution of Dance" live on stage!

7. -Walking down FFA Way- a street blocked off just for FFA members to walk down!
-Yelling "HEY!" whenever you pass other FFA members, then hearing it echo down the street

6. -Touring a huge career show and getting free stuff
-Shopping at the FFA Mall

5. -Cheering on Andrew Steiner as he belted out notes in tune in the National FFA Chorus
-Listening to Sabrina Kieser playing flute in the National FFA Band (she had a solo!)

4. -Building excellent leg muscles and blisters on our feet from walking everywhere
-Taking tours of agriculture businesses and tourist attractions

3. -Catching up with FFA friends from across the state
-Making new friends from across the nation

2. -Having many CDE teams, proficiency finalists, and agriscience fair participants compete and represent Minnesota
-Being excited to see National Chapter Award recipient chapters recognized on stage

1. -Loving every moment of being in Indianapolis with other FFA members
-FFA members were shown how they can reach THEIR Infinite Potential!

I hope each one of you had as much fun (or more) at National FFA Convention as I did! It was great to see many of you, and remember, reach for your Infinite Potential!

Stationed by the ear of corn,
Erin Daninger

SOPD - Farm Bureau

On September 24, we were fortunate enough to go to Minnesota Farm Bureau for a day of professional development. The six of us were joined by Raina Pederson, Hillary Kletscher, Olivia Kendall, and Sam Mellgren since they are serving as delegates for Minnesota FFA at the 83^rd National FFA Convention on October 18-23. The day was full of excitement including meeting the awesome people that work at Farm Bureau, hearing from a variety of commodity groups, and learning a great deal about Farm Bureau.

To start off the day, Kevin Paap, President of Minnesota Farm Bureau, gave us an introduction to Farm Bureau. They have been in existence for over 90 years and they have over 30,000 members in the state. Their mission is to be an advocate for agriculture driven by the beliefs and policies of their members. Next on the agenda was the Public Policy Director, Chris Radatz who spoke on local and state issues. He told us how they develop their policies based off the members and a voting process. Staci Martin, Public Policy Associate Director, gave us an update on national issues and her role in the organization. She assists the Public Policy Director in the direction and coordination of the public policy programs on national and state legislative and regulatory issues, working specifically on national issues. She talked about current issues including the possible changing of the estate tax and the implications it may have on inheriting or purchasing a farm.

Two hot topics in agriculture currently and will continue to be in the future are animal care and water quality. Jeremy Geske and Warren Formo spoke on their importance, what we should know, and what we can do as agriculturists. We now have a better understanding of what Farm Bureau does on a policy and regulation scale. Kristen Harner shared with us the function of the foundation and her responsibilities of the job in public relations. She invited the officer to Farm Bureaus Annual Meeting on November 18th-20th and of our role at the conference. Another great organization, similar to the FFA in promoting agriculture and farmers is Young Farmers and Ranchers through Farm Bureau. Bob Shepard, Chief Administrator, challenged us on our view of what a lobbyist does and dispelled some of the common misconceptions. All lobbyists have is there word so they must be straight forward and upfront in order to be effective. Kevin Paap lastly gave us a great set of resources in some "reminder" sheets for details for everyone to keep in mind to be professional, polite and respectful.

During lunch we had the chance to sit with some Ag Communicators from agriculture businesses and industries. Amanda Nolz, editor of BEEF Magazine, presented to the group in the morning before we sat down and had a round table discussion. The discussion was about our new initiative, the Agriculture Literacy Challenge, which will be rolling out on November 1st. Each group gave ideas and input on how they might be of assistance to our program. It is amazing to see the network and willingness we have to assist each other in the agriculture community.

To finish the day the state officers, delegates, and state staff discussed the National issues that will be coming up at this years national convention. We have 8 delegates with Sam and Oliva filling in for Erin and Maddie when they are competing in CDEs. After talking and bouncing thoughts off each other we have a better grasp on the issues and what would be in the best interest of Minnesota. We are pumped for National Convention and thankful for Farm Bureau's support of FFA and the agriculture lifestyle.

Stationed by the Rising Sun coming through the Open Door,

Jason Troendle and Justin Crowley

Calling all FFA Members in Regions VII and VIII! - 2010 Educational Tours

MADDIE AND FRIENDS.

WOW! What a jammed pack week! To kick it off, Maria Wingert and I visted Lyle, LeRoy-Ostrander, and Southland. These chapters were excited for us to come and curious as to who was walking through their halls. Lyle has a membership of seven people, but they do an outstanding amount of community service that makes my jaw drop! Maria and I were able to visit with the LeRoy-Ostrander Chapter Officer Team and discuss different ways to promote membership especially within their eleventh grade class. Southland students were full of energy and willing to do ANYTHING! They mastered the minefield game in record times!

Day two, Katie McNab and I ventured toward Glenville-Emmons where they made an amazing breakfast for us! We were able to speak to two different classes and see their officer team. Next we made our way to Albert Lea and spent some time there. This school was full of energy and had so many unique things about it...I don't even know where to begin! Katie and I visited with the Meats Team, went to lunch with a chapter officer, and spoke with three classes. These students were so willing to participate and mastered the minefield as a team. Katie and I were exhausted after departing for home, but we could not have asked for a better way to wrap up our day!

To finish off Fall Leadership Visit week, Katie and I visited Blue Earth bright and early. We immediately got to see a large percentage of their members and discuss the importance of service and play the "clothespin" game to compliment our points. After visiting Blue Earth, Katie, Mr. Larsen and I made our way to Madelia. Here we had a short period of time, but we were able to talk with these members about discovering their SAEs. I would not be surprised to have some winning applications from this school or a couple state degree recipients! To finish off the day Katie and I visited Truman. Truman is an up and coming chapter with loads of potential. The students were so willing to work together as a team and accomplish all the challenges we threw at them.
Overall, Region 7 and 8 is a glowing area of FFA chapters. I cannot wait to see you all again at State Convention or SOONER! :-)

JUSTIN AND COMRADES.

On Monday I presented with Mr. Kevin Welter. We visited three schools: Caledonia, Spring Grove, and Mabel Canton. Most of the day consisted of speaking to younger members about opportunities within FFA. It was enjoyable to speak with Mr. Ertl, our Executive Secretary for MN FFA, between visits while he chauffeured us around for the day. We had a gathering in Spring Valley that night for students and adults. I had fun getting to know some of the Spring Valley Chapter Officers and spending time with some of the Region VIII Officers.

After spending the night at Katie Winslow's wonderful household, we departed early for Day 2. Three more chapters were lined up on Tuesday for Katie and I: Stewartville, Grand Meadow, and Hayfield. We started off the day by talking to administration and the Chapter Officer Team of Stewartville (cool people!). At the final two schools, we presented to 7th and 8th graders, which was a ton of fun!

I spent that night at Katie McNab's after having delicious pizza at Heather Franke's house. Ms. McNab and I started Wednesday off at Maple River with a couple presentations and a ton of activities. Then at NRHEG High School, we had a discussion with the Chapter Officers (more cool people!) before having some fun with a few 7th and 8th graders. We finished the day at Alden-Conger with most of the FFA chapter. After a good nap at the McNab's and supper, thanks to Katie's parents, I headed to Olivia Kendall's for the night.

On the last day of chapter visits we visited Nicollet and New Ulm. At Nicollet, we met with administration and had an awesome tour of the school after working with the Mr. Stone's Freshman class. In New Ulm, the eighth grade class was awesome! That night was capped off with festivities put on by Region VII Officers at South Central College with teachers, students, and parents in attendance.

JASON AND AMIGOS.

Monday morning, I met up with Shawna Conrad and we headed west to Pine Island. We had the chance to present to two classes about different opportunities in FFA and what our organization stands for. I also had a chance to discuss some of the National Delegate issues with theIR advisor, Ms. Burce. After grabbing lunch at Subway, Zumbrota Mazzepa was next on our list. We were greeted by familiar faces who attended different camps and conferences and talked about higher level activities members should try to be involved in. The final visit for the day was at Kenyon Wanamingo - a chapter that was very flexible when it came to fitting us into their schedule! We drove back to Plainview in the evening for an FFA Powwow at PEM High School with advisors, members, family, and friends. We focused on the "FFA Brand" and also played some awesome games! It was enjoyable to get to know the Plainview FFA Officers and others who were present.

On Tuesday, I met up with Jared Luhman and we visited Randolph, Cannon Falls, and Farmington. It was an eye opener at Randolph to sit down and talk with the members about all their chapter does. At Cannon Falls, we had the chance to visit with the Officer Team over lunch. At Farmington, we presented to two classes and built a "circle of trust". As the day drew to a close, I moved west into Region VII.

Wednesday, I met up with Peter Hansen. In Waseca, we were bombarded by super heroes, as it was dress-up-days for Homecoming Week. The support Waseca FFA receives from the community is amazing! Julie Tesch took us out for lunch and then we toured the University of MN Research Facility in Waseca before heading to W-E-M. This group of members and officers impressed us by, first, being in official dress and, second, their ambition to start new activities. We wish all the chapters luck in their pursuits this year. That finished up my chapter visits for the week as I had to head back to college. The topper to the week was traveling back down to Mankato for a community wide FFA presentation with the State and Region FFA Officers. What a week!

ERIN AND ROCKSTARS.

Monday morning started off with a brand new experience, as Region VIII Assistant Officer Heather Franke and I went on a field trip to a meat processing facility with the Kasson-Mantorville large animal science class. I definitely had a full learning experience, as we ate meat pizza immediately following! We had a great discussion about the cool experiences K-M members were having. We moved on to Triton in the afternoon, where we had to opportunity to play some games with 7th and 8th graders. We also talked about what they could do in FFA and why it is important to them. The night ended in Chatfield, meeting with community members and FFA members to talk about agriculture literacy.

Region VII brought many great memories (including many homecoming dress-up days), starting in Medford on Tuesday with Region VII President, Kelsey Mussman. After talking to a Foods Class, we had fun with about 45 students from 7th-12th grade. The Owatonna Officer Team in the middle of the day made both of us laugh. A casual visit with Blooming Prairie members had a relaxed ending to the day.

Wednesday started out in full swing with Region VII Parliamentarian, Sam Mellgren. Watertown-Mayer in the morning had some familiar faces from camps. Chaska/Waconia was second, and very unique, as members travel to the Chaska Co-op for class. We ended in Norwood Young America, where we had some great conversations.

Thursday brought Region VII Sentinel Peter Hansen to Belle Plaine, where we visited with the Officer Team and presented to an energetic 9th grade class and a small engines class. Following that, we ventured to Sibley East. We ate with the Officer Team and learned about their school garden which ties into the Farm To School program. They hope to expand to 5-6 acres next year. The very last visit of the week was with the GFW Pioneer Express Officer Team. Plaques from successful corn drives lined their wall as they prepare for another year.

Thank you to every Region Officer, advisor and chapter we visited with! I truly enjoyed every moment spent on visits, and look forward to more!

LIZ AND PARTNERS-IN-CRIME.

Madame Awesome, Lauren Servick, and I began my adventures in the beautifully mountainous stretch of land known as Region VIII in the king of the hill, Winona! After making some sweet human tables with chapter leaders, we had a delicious lunch with the Chapter Officer Team (including the famous BLOEDOW'S DONUTS). We hopped in the van with Mr. Larsen and flew over to Plainview-Elgin-Millville to spend some quality time with their ROCKSTAR 8th grade FFA members; these new friends totally schooled me in FFA Trivia! I was privileged enough to spend the evening at PEM, as well, playing a little dodgeball and spending time with the majority of their chapter. After snagging some Dairy Queen with Jared Luhman, Mike Bedtke, Maria Wingert, Shawna Conrad, and Jason, I headed over to Chatfield to crash for the night.

On my second day of gallavanting through Region VIII, I was lucky enough to be accompanied by the one...the only...Jared Hanson! We had the outstanding opportunity to talk about FFA opportunities with members from the Goodhue and Lake City FFA Chapters that morning. After a scenic drive through Red Wing, we arrived at the high school around 1:30pm to hang out with an Animal Science Class and their Chapter Officer Team. This chapter does WAY too many cool things. A few examples? Jello Kickball, Aquaculture, Novice Parli Pro.

I journeyed to my homeland, Region VI, on Wednesday to spend some time with our newest Greenhands. What an eventful day full of laughs, catching up with old friends, and learning more about leadership!

Thursday was a day of adventures for Miss Ashley Enter and myself. We traveled with Mr. Ertl through Region VII, visiting LeCenter and Montgomery Lonsdale. Both chapters are strong parts of their community's histories and are continuing on with their own legacys - which I am SURE we will all hear about in the near future! The evening was spent in Mankato with the Region VII Officer Team and numerous community supporters. The Team did a great job and really represented our organization well.

If I could sum this week up in one word it would be this: LEGIT.
FFA members in Regions VII and VIII are building leaders, communities, and the agricultural industry in the Southeastern corner of Minnesota and for that I couldn't be more grateful. A big thank you to all who hosted the State Officers during our visits - we truly enjoyed our time with you!

CF Industries Visit

The Minnesota FFA State Officer Team traveled to Rosemount on October 1st to visit CF Industries. Upon arriving we were greeted by Mr. Scott Dohmen manager of Pine Bend Warehouse and Mr. Joel Loberg a supervisor at the facility. Introductions were shared as well as a light breakfast followed by a video on the history of the business. CF Industries is a global leader in fertilizer manufacturing and distribution. The business was formed in 1946 as a fertilizer brokerage operation by a group of cooperatives. In 2005 the company transitioned and established CF Industries Holding, Inc. as a public company. Recently in 2010 CF Industries acquired Terra Industries Inc. and is now the premier nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer manufacturer in North America. Mr. Dohmen and Mr. Loberg informed us that safety is the number one priority of the facility and briefed us on the safety procedures of the plant before we set out to check out their operation.

We fist ascended up into the screening mill. CF Industries takes great pride in ensuring a quality product. All their fertilizer is screened and hammered to break up any clumps so farmers do not have to worry about clogged machinery. The three main products that the flow through the Pine Bend plant is Urea, Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), and Diammonium Phosphate (DAP). The product is received from barge and train and is then redistributed.

We had the opportunity to head down to the dock and see the equipment used to unload all the barges. At the current time Jacob was performing weekly maintenance on one of the large cranes. The officers had the chance to hop up in the cab of the operating crane and to better understand how it runs. Receiving and distributing fertilizer on rail cars means the company owns a few train engines. The officers had an opportunity to drive the engine as long as we blew the horn before moving. Mr. Ertl gave it a try behind the controls and was by far the best driver!

One of the most amazing things that about our visit was the efficiency of the operation. The scale of CF Industries operation is astounding with up to nearly 400 semi trucks coming a day as well as barge and rail. Even with this size the grounds and buildings are extremely clean. You cannot find spilt fertilizer anywhere on the ground. All the equipment is clean and properly stored. Besides this the employees are required to go through a program in which they learn all the operations of the businesses so they can fill any role if needed. The company is also a great steward of the environment with zero tolerance of spills and participating in river clean ups. The information provided by both Mr. Dohmen and Mr. Loberg help us to better understand and represent the agriculture industry. We would like to thank CF Industries for inviting us to there business and sharing the day with us.

The MN State Officers standing on a pile of urea in one of the numerous storage buildings.

Respectfully submitted by the Rising Son,

Jason Troendle