Minnesota Ag Connection - Outstanding Chapter Service Recognized at FFA Convention

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Outstanding Chapter Service Recognized at FFA Convention
Minnesota Ag Connection - 05/03/2016

Minnesota FFA chapters and individuals were recognized for their service to FFA, agricultural education and communities at the 87th Minnesota FFA Convention at the University of Minnesota -- Twin Cities.

FFA members, advisors, and guests were greeted by Dr. Brian Buhr, the Dean of Univeristy of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences-CFANS. Dr. Buhr spoke to attendees about food security and the concept of sustaining agriculture.

"The University of Minnesota has a new strategic plan called the grand challenges, one of those challenges is food security and how to feed the world within our growing population," said Buhr. "Together the 3,655 of you can sustain agriculture within the world, together we can solve this challenge."

FFA chapters were recognized for their contributions to True Friends-Camp Courage. The top contributing chapters for 2015-2016 were: Randolph FFA Chapter, Tracy Area FFA Chapter, Alden-Congden FFA Chapter, New Ulm FFA Chapter, Dawson Boyd FFA Chapter, GFW Pioneer Express FFA Chapter, Buffalo Lake Hector Stewart FFA Chapter, Fulda FFA Chapter, MACCRAY FFA Chapter, and New Richland Hartland Ellendale Geneva FFA Chapter. Two other chapters were then honored by receiving FFA All-Star Awards. Alden-Conger FFA Chapter was awarded the FFA Chapter with the largest dollar increase, while Foley FFA Chapter was awarded the chapter with the largest percentage increase.

FFA chapters have donated $5.5 million to Courage Center programs for the past 62 years. Chapters are encouraged to participate in a variety of events to raise funds for the organization. The Minnesota FFA Association is excited to continue such an outstanding partnership with True Friends.

Minnesota FFA then had the opportunity to hear from Sam Johnson, the State Sentinel, as he presented his retiring address, entitled "Enough." Johnson addressed the importance in truly believing in what you are capable of and believing in yourself.

"Be proud of who you are and where you come from... If you are like me and struggle with what others say to you, know that someone out there cares for you. You mean the world to someone. You mean the world to me. Know that you are you for a reason," said Johnson. "Minnesota FFA, no matter what anyone tell you, I want you to know one thing. I want you to know that YOU. ARE. ENOUGH!"

Every year, chapters are encouraged to maintain and increase their membership. Chapters were recognized for the percentage of students enrolled in agricultural education courses who are also involved in FFA.

FFA chapters recognized for obtaining 85% membership or higher were: Academy for Sciences and Agriculture FFA Chapter, Chatfield FFA Chapter, Dassel Cokato FFA Chapter, Fairmont FFA Chapter, Hills Beaver Creek FFA Chapter, Hutchinson FFA Chapter, Lanesboro FFA Chapter, Maple River FFA Chapter, Mountain Lake FFA Chapter, New Ulm FFA Chapter, Ogilvie FFA Chapter, Pipestone Area FFA Chapter, Randolph FFA Chapter, Redwood Valley FFA Chapter, and Upsala FFA Chapter.

The 2015-2016 Minnesota FFA State Officer team challenged chapters throughout the year to conduct service projects. Chapters were encouraged to log their hours and activities to participate in the competition against other chapters throughout the state. This year, Minnesota FFA members completed a total of 51,282 service hours. FFA chapters recognized for service were: Academy for Sciences and Agriculture FFA Chapter, Howard Lake Waverly Winsted FFA Chapter and Winona FFA Chapter.

Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom sponsored the Ag Literacy awards. This award is designed for chapters to make an impact on communities by beginning the conversation while sharing their stories. FFA members recognized for Ag Literacy were: Forest Lake FFA Chapter, Howard Lake Waverly Winsted FFA Chapter and Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter.

State Vice President, Morgan Krause presented her retiring address entitled "PS I Love Your Passion." Krause spoke about finding your passion and striving to live out that passion each day.

"I thought I was just doing something I love but in reality, the fire inside of me, was my way of living out my passion," said Krause. "Life is short. If there was ever a moment to live out your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now. Take chances and never hide what you love to do."

FFA Chapters were recognized for their ideas for student development, chapter development and community development in the Models of Innovation presentation. Chapters recognized for student development were Medford FFA Chapter, Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter, and Howard Lake Waverly Winsted FFA Chapter. Chapters recognized for Chapter Development were Rockford Middle FFA Chapter, Martin County West FFA Chapter, and Kerkhoven Murdock Sunburg FFA Chapter. Chapters recognized for Community Development were Sibley East FFA Chapter, Academy for Science and Agriculture FFA Chapter, and Glencoe Silver Lake FFA Chapter. Sibley East FFA Chapter was honored with the overall award.

Minnesota FFA then awarded the Triple Crown Award that recognizes chapters in good standing that have members developing their potential through leadership conferences and competitions and through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences. 127 Chapters were recognized for this honor.

The alumni presented three awards. The recipient of the Outstanding FFA Alumni Member was presented to Katherine Meredith of the Dassel Cokato FFA Alumni Chapter. The Outstanding Young FFA Alumni award was presented to Katie Pestorious of the Albert Lea FFA Alumni Chapter. The recipient of the Outstanding New Affiliate award is the Upsala FFA Alumni Chapter.

The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Minnesota students who have taken three or more classes in career and technical education, including agricultural education have a graduation rate of 98.7 percent. Visit www.mnffa.org for more information.

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