The start of something new!

Hey, hey Minnesota FFA!

Who had a blast at State Convention!?

Get excited to meet the 

2011-2012 State Officer Team...

President: Hillary Kletscher, Wabasso - Vice-President: Andrew Miron, Forest Lake

Secretary: Katie McNab, Waseca - Treasurer: Tyler Warren, Litchfield

Reporter: Chelsea Vilchis, Hutchinson - Sentinel: Dustin Smith, Staples-Motley

Check back in soon for NEW BLOGS from the team!

WHY?

Any of you who have ever babysat a toddler know this question well: why?

"It's time to go to bed." "Why?"
"You can't have that." "Why?"
"Share your toys, please." "Why?"

An answer such as "I said so" or "Because" never seems to cut it, either. Toddlers really want to know- why?

As we all become busy with FFA, whether it is a chapter banquet, studying for contests, or preparing for state convention, we will need to answer that one question. WHY? Why are we doing what we're doing? That reason why isn't one I can provide for anyone besides me though. It is a completely personal answer to "why." What is your reasoning?

I do know one reason for "why." It goes along with this... You have to want it.

FFA members join FFA because they want it. As the 82nd Minnesota FFA State Convention draws closer, we will once again receive the question "why?" from teachers, our peers, and even ourselves. Why do you want to compete in a state contest? Why will you proudly wear the blue jacket? Why am I missing two days of school anyways? WHY?

The reasoning is up to you. You have to want it.

“When your desires are strong enough, you will appear to possess superhuman powers to achieve” -Napoleon Hill

As final practices are being held, white shirts are being pressed, and finishing touches are being put on projects, consider this: If you want it bad enough, you will appear to possess superhuman powers to achieve. No matter what it may be, if you put your mind to it and want it, you can achieve it.

WHY? You have to want it.


Stationed by the ear of corn,
Erin

Spring Cleaning!

"caCA caCA....tweet tweet!" O happy day!

When I went to class today, the sun was shining bright and it felt pleasently warm on my face. :) I just can't seem to get rid of my smile! The snow is melting and I can see grass again! After a extensive, arctic, depressing, and sunless winter, I readily welcome the sounds of birds. Many households clean their houses from top to bottom during spring. They take spring cleaning time very seriously. Even I was motivated by the sights, sounds, and smells of spring today. I threw open my dorm window, and put some serious elbow grease into cleaning out my desk and underneath my bed. Now, if only my roommate would do the same! :) Just kidding, her side of the room is always ten times better than mine.

But, after all of my back breaking laborous cleaning, I sat down and thought about spring. It's a time of the year of new life. Buds are forming on trees, baby animals are being born. It's more of a beginning to the year than the month of January. So, I'm making some resolutions. And I encourage you to do the same. I mean, State Convention is so close I can almost touch it, so why not make a resolution to study REAL hard for your competition this next month. Or, maybe there was something that you really wanted to try this school year but never got around too. Make it a goal, a SMART goal, to try that activity next year.

Whatever it may be, let your bud of a goal blossom into a beautiful flower! :)
yes maybe that last comment was a little too cute, but I was proud of my creativity!

Enjoy the weather!!
Stationed by the flag,
Kirsten Pagel

it's SPAM-tastic!

QUICK!

What's the FIRST THING that comes to your mind
when you see a can of THIS? *****************************************

Up until yesterday, my first thought would have been:
"What IS that?"
Thanks to the awesome folks at Hormel Foods,
I have a better grasp on how SPAM and other Hormel products are
making the company a leader in their industry,
staying true to their values,
and breaking "the monotony".

Our team had the awesome opportunity to tour both the Hormel Plant and the Research and Development Facilities this Friday. "Originate, don't imitate" is the key concept that has helped Hormel Foods be a leader in their industry since 1891. From grocery store products to the food service industry, Hormel has found ways to keep themselves viable in the market for many years!

When George A. Hormel started his business over 100 years ago, he had no intention of doing things the way they had ever been done before. Staying true to his values, Hormel began building the business into exactly what he wanted it to be - a company that processed only the best pork in the industry. Today, Hormel Foods sticks to that same tradition. Along with their high standard for quality, Hormel has become well-known for their huge philanthropic efforts. From sponsoring student organizations, such as the FFA, to sending SPAM to Japan to aid in their relief efforts, this company has made themselves known for their generous giving!

Now, back to my previous question.
When you think "SPAM", what do you think of?

Do you think of breaking the monotony?

What is monotony? According to Mr. Webster...
mo-not-o-ny [muh-not-n-ee]: wearisome uniformity or lack of variety.

In other words?
MONOTONOUS = old-school. the same old, same old. BORING.

How is SPAM breaking the monotony of the every day meal?
Easy.
SPAM is that flash of color in your "blah" eggs.
It's the spice in your mac and cheese.
SPAM is making ordinary extraordinary.

Here's another question...

QUICK!

What's the FIRST THING that comes to your mind
when you see THIS?

Up until my freshman year, my first thought would have been:
"What IS that?"
Thanks to two great high school Ag teachers,
a handful of wonderful mentors,
and nearly 9000 Minnesota FFA members,
I have a better grasp on how
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Every day FFA members across the state are doing great things for our chapters, our communities, and the random people we meet walking down the street. We are making a difference in the lives of so many - simply because we know what that Blue Jacket stands for to us: being ourselves, doing something great, breaking the monotony.

So friends, I have one final question.











How are YOU "breaking the monotony"?










43 days until State FFA Convention 2011.
GET EXCITED!

Stationed by the plow,
LIZ

Spring Brings...

Spring brings nice weather, melting snow, and rising water. Soon the brown will be replaced by a lush green that welcomes back grill outs, fishing and lake excursions, and good old backyard sports.

Spring brings memories and feelings. I can remember when I was five years old and we had a field of wildflower out back that we loved to play in. Early on in the year, I would look out the window and ask my mom, “When are the flowers coming?” My mom always told me to be patient. Over the next few weeks, the rains washed away the last bits of mud and new shoots began to grow. Finally, after days of waiting, watching and wondering the first flowers popped up. I zipped up my little blue sweatshirt, stepped into my rain boots, and ran around the house to the field. I tromped through the field like I owned the place and was joined by a little yellow and black friend.


Spring brings bees. My little flying friend wanted to enjoy the flowers too. As I waved my little hands at him he decided to return a gift with his rear end on my left hand. Tears in my eyes, I ran back to the house and sobbing told my mom all about it. While I sat icing my hand, she explained that the bee drinks some sugar from the flower and the flower needs the bees too. After much encouragement from my mom, I cautiously returned to the field and ducked at a few flies remembering my hand. I picked some flowers, mainly the little purple violets. Clutching them in my little hand I proudly gave them to my mom who put them on our dinner table. She was very happy for my little gift and of course smothered me in a kiss which I immediately wiped off.

Looking back, there are a couple of ideas from my spring experience relevant today. I had to wait patiently for the final product of wildflowers. Many times we have to put in a lot of time, work and patience to get a final product. This should not discourage us as what we invest the most in often is the most worthwhile and valuable. I willing gave of my flowers away and we need to have the same feeling when we are giving of our time and talents. When we give flowers we are not expecting anything in return except to brighten someone’s day. When we give of ourselves, let’s have the same attitude of not expecting it to be replicated. Lastly, and the most painful lesson for a five year old is that we have to share. Sharing and giving enjoyment for others grows the joy in life.

Spring brings reminders of how we can grow, share and give!

Stationed by the Rising Sun,

Jason Troendle

we want YOU ... for State Band and Chorus!

GOT TALENT?
*******************************************************

Do you have younger siblings?

Have you ever attended one of their music class concerts?

I can remember one particular time I went to a 3rd Grade music class concert.; not because the singing was good enough to for an Opera House and not because the percussion section was loud enough to rival a rock band. No, I remember this particular concert because of one kid standing in the front row.

He was short, probably wouldn’t even come up to my shoulder, and had that hair that just screams, “I was not about to let my mom come near me with a COMB!” Regardless of how he looked, though, this young man caught my attention because of the smile on his face. The minute his teacher started plunking away the first notes of a song, he grinned from ear-to-ear, ready to sing. His voice carried over the other 50 kids standing with him on stage and that smile never left his face!

I always enjoy watching the Band and Chorus at State FFA Convention perform.

Why? Sure, the music is good, but even more than that I love to see the passion on each member’s face as they tell us a story with each note. Like being at a 3rd Grade music class concert, my eye is drawn to those who absolutely love to perform. While watching the State Band and Chorus, my eyes bounce from person to person as they sing or play. Members of the Band and Chorus allow the rest of us less-musically-inclined members to enjoy State Convention even more!

Share your talents with the Minnesota FFA Association at State Convention, May 1-3, 2011!

Click HERE to find the application.

Applications for State Band and Chorus

are due March 15.

Spread the Love

Before you start reading, press this link to play music for thought for this blog!


Valentine's Day
It kind of has that mushy gushy sound to it, right?
***********
Yeah, that's what I thought.

Whether you're into Valentine's Day or not, it has one real meaning: love. I'm not thinking about the couple type of love, and definitely not the type of love in "Anchorman"- 'I love... lamp?'

No, what I'm talking about is a different love. It means being kind and truthful to all those around you. Being that person that, even when you disagree, doesn't criticize or condemn. Providing a smile to everyone. Being honest, but holding back negativity.

Now I will be the first to admit that I don't always do this. But I've been working on it. Instead of saying something hurtful, even if I'm kidding, I take a moment to think. LOVE. Spread the love to everyone.

When you greet someone, give them a compliment. Spread the love. As you walk, smile at those people that you go by. Spread the love. We can change the world by spreading the love.

If we loved everyone around us, by being kind and truthful, we could change the world. Imagine a world where you got a compliment and smile no matter where you were, what mood you were in, or what was going on that day. You would feel loved, right?

We can do that! All of us can manage to be kind and truthful, and work towards loving everyone around us. What a world of love! We can spread the love everyday.

Even when Valentine's Day is done, that doesn't mean that the love should stop. Love continuously, and we will change the world, one smile at a time.

Forget that mushy gushy stuff; we are going to spread the love and change the world!

Stationed by the ear of corn,
Erin

P.S. For one more song of inspiration, click here

MAIL CALL!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I really like getting mail
"the old fashioned way."
You know, via the United States Postal Service.

********************************

When I was little, I would run into the Post Office with my dad, just hoping that there would be something in Box 330 with MY name on it. Highlights magazines came once a month, but my favorite time of the year was when my grandparents traveled to Arizona and would send me postcards from the road.

Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, all the way to Mesa...I knew their route by heart! Pictures of cornfields, Dorothy and Toto, snow covered mountains, and cacti covered our fridge. I loved the feeling that I was on vacation right along with them, even though I was at home enjoying the cold, Minnesota winter.

Here at college, when the sign on the front desk of Bailey Hall reads, "The Mail is Here!" I race to my mailbox and peer inside. I anxiously await the arrival of my copy of the Martin County Star, a church newsletter, or the occasional note from my mom.

But the best days are the ones when letters from Myrna show up in Box 105! Myrna, a lady about my grandma's age who attends my church back home, was my FAVORITE lunch lady in elementary school. The day she retired, I wrote her an impassioned letter, telling her the food at MCW would never taste good without her cooking it. I was one angry 2nd Grader! She wrote me a letter right back, explaining that she was sorry she had stopped working at school but that she needed more time at home with her family. She kept sending me letters, too. They'd show up when I got my picture in the paper for playing a solo in the 5th Grade band concert, when I made the 7th Grade Straight A Honor Roll, and when I was elected Chapter FFA President.

I figured the letters would stop once I got to college, but they didn't. The letters got newsier -- telling me about all the happenings in Trimont and with Myrna. She always ends her letters with, "Well, that's enough boring stories from a 70-something."

I tell you what, friends, I never get bored reading stories written by someone who took the time to think of me.

You like getting mail?
Send some of your own.
Become pen-pals with someone you met at WLC or SLCCL.
Write your Grandma just to say "Howdy!"
It feels just as good to stick a letter in the mailbox as it does to take one out.

Stationed by the plow,
LIZ

Giving: An inconvenience?!

Listen to this catchy tune while you read my blog (click on the blue words!).

I had just finished a long day, one could say I was on the "struggle bus." I had been frustrated by homework, by friends, and all I wanted to do was give up. I did not want to give up any more of my time for homework, for FFA, for my fraternity, or for that matter any other project I had going on. All I wanted to do was relax, maybe watch a movie or just hang out with some friends. I wanted to do what was convenient for me.

This is a type of situation I am sure all of us have encountered at least once before. Recently, I have become frustrated with so many problems and stressed about getting everything done, that I have forgot about giving of myself. I had lost track of those simple principles we learn as we are growing up- to think of others before yourself, to not take anything for granted, to be patient, etc.

Convenience has become such an emphasis in our lives, from ipads to fast food restaurants. We tend to have less patience and do what is suitable for our lifestyle. That night I was so frustrated, I couldn't sleep, my mind was buzzing with thoughts! What was so bad that day that I am this upset? Why am I being so selfish? How can I fix this?

I realized that it may not be the EASIEST or MOST convenient thing, but I needed to GIVE more of myself. Even if I did not feel like I had anything left to give, even though I had piles of homework and many projects to complete, even if it meant sacrificing my precious time, I have to take time to help others, to finish an important project, to do well in school....
...to fulfill my potential to make this world a better place, I have to GIVE of myself.

How do each and of everyone of us stop from falling into the convenience of selfishness?
What are you going to do today to GIVE of yourself?
Will you make the CHOICE to give even when it isn't the most convenient option?


Stationed by the door,
Justin Crowley

What's up Argentina? - ILSSO 2011

¡HOLA AMIGOS!

Where were 4 of the 6 State Officers for two weeks?

ARGENTINA.
****************************************
Here are the TOP 10 EXPERIENCES of ILSSO 2011!

1. "Beef" it's what's for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner. We ate a TON of steak. FYI, people in Argentina know how cook steak deliciously.




2. "¿Dondé está el baño?" One of the coolest parts of this trip was learning (or using some lost and forgotten) Spanish!


3. 70 student leaders traveling together = EPIC. 18 of them were even from our NLCSO group - Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa were all represented! Also traveling from Minnesota were Derek Mulhern, Kirby Schmidt, and Leah Addington.


4. Modern farming practices are SUPER similar to those we use here in the US. Alejandro, a farmer we had the chance to meet, owns 3 combines and uses them in his family's operation of over 20,000 acres of land. He even custom farms for some of his neighbors with these New Hollands!



5. Bunge, an amazing sponsor of ILSSO, let us tour their Terminal 6 facility. This soybean crushing plant has the capacity to process 20,000 metric tons each day. Another way to put this in perspective is that the average farmer waits in line to dump their truckload for 6-12 hours!


6. A trip to the United States Embassy in Argentina gave us the opportunity to meet with 2 young Argentine leaders who are very interested in the future of agriculture in their country. They have started their own youth agricultural organization, with hopes to grow in the near future.

7. "¿Cuanto cuesta?" After brushing up on the language, some of us used our mad skillz to purchase some sweet souvenirs - Justin even had to purchase a white shirt to wear with his OD (since he forgot his at home...)!


8. Tango dancing is native to Argentina! We had the chance to watch an amazing Tango show in the city of Buenos Aires.





9. Gauchos, Argentine cowboys, lived on the land and herded cattle as a way of life. Modern gauchos are still a presence in the country, but now play a more active role in livestock markets.





10. IGUAZU FALLS NATIONAL PARK. Home to the largest set of waterfalls in the world, this part of our trip was absolutely stellar. We even had the chance to take a boat ride under the falls - better than ANY theme park ride that you could imagine!




The National FFA Organization gives students like us the chance to explore the world through trips such as the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers. Make sure you check out www.ffa.org/global to see what opportunities are available to you to move beyond the borders!

¡Adios, amigos!
Erin
Jason
Justin
LIZ

Viva Argentina!

HOLA

COMO ESTAS?

MUY BIEN, A DONDE ESTA?

ESTOY EN ARGENTINA PARA ILSSO 2011!

************************

Well, after a full day of training, Erin and I have a pretty solid grasp on this phrase. "Hello, how are you? Very good, where are you? I am in Argentina for ILSSO 2011!" We're both very excited to be taking part in this trip along with teammates Jason and Justin, as well as past State Presidents Kirby Schmidt and Derek Mulhern. This is just one of many opportunities that FFA offers to travel abroad for personal growth experiences.

And from what we have heard, this is DEFINITELY going to be an experience!

We'll spend 9 packed days traveling the country of Argentina! From Buenos Aires to Rosaria to Puerto Iguazo, we'll see agriculture from a totally new perspective. As we are not sure if we will have internet access from all of our hotels to access our own blog, we wanted to share with you a link to the blog that the National FFA Organization will be hosting for ILSSO 2011.

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT WE ARE UP TO EACH DAY!

http://www.nationalffa.blogspot.com

If not, keep checking back on this blog and we'll hopefully get the chance to post something during the next few days.

Hopefully you'll be able to have your own INTERNATIONAL experience. Check out the National FFA Website to find out about more cool opportunities, such as ILSSO, that you could take part in someday.

Enjoy the Minnesota weather for us! :)

Hasta luego! (Until later!)

Stationed by the Plow and the Ear of Corn,

LIZ and ERIN