It’s Halloween time! In America, that usually consists of dressing up for trick-or-treating, classroom parties, and fall break for youngsters and teens!  At the Jay County FFA Chapter, it means something much different! Every year, they hold their Greenhand Initiation and Induction Ceremony around the time of Halloween! Along with this, they also have a pumpkin carving contest, which gets pretty competitive! Though I was not there last year, I was told that a member brought a motorized knife to carve his pumpkin – he was clearly in it to win it! 

Luckily I, along with Megan Klotz, Kelly Blackburn, and our new Program Specialist, Ms. Lindsey Calhoun were able to attend and join in on the celebration this year with Jay County FFA!   During the pumpkin carving contest,  we got to hang out and carve pumpkins with members as well as be the judges at the end! The creativity the members exhibited in carving their pumpkins was phenomenal! The first place pumpkin had the face of a pig with “FFA” coming out of its mouth! Another had a pirate symbol on the front with the word “ARRRRGRICULTURE” on the back! Combining my inexperience with carving pumpkins and my lack of creativity and imagination, mine simply had “FFA” on it! Ha! It was so cool to have fun while carving pumpkins and be able to share the positive message we are consistently striving to share…agriculture!

Along with enjoying fellowship with members, we also were given the opportunity to tour the Jay County Agricultural Department!  WOW! What a facility! With three agricultural education teachers, three classrooms, a computer lab, two shop areas, an animal and aquatic center, and an SAE study room, it is evident that they are supported and they are investing that support in the future of their students!  While we are hearing everyday that agricultural education and FFA is in danger due to budget cuts and lack of support, it is extremely encouraging to see programs like Jay County’s that are growing and prospering despite hard times!

It was once again a blessing to visit the Jay County FFA Chapter and just hang out with the advisors and members, which is definitely my favorite part of being an Indiana FFA State Officer! The enthusiasm and excitement for FFA that their Chapter Officers and younger members possessed was yet another reminder of how purely blessed I am to be in the position I am this year and why I thank God every day!

I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Halloween! I advise you to take the opportunity to share with a child how a pumpkin grows or what their candy or costume is made from! Share and spread the message of agriculture – whether it be with a trick or a treat!

From FFA: Following the Future of Agriculture

The 83rd National FFA Convention is officially underway in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana!  Over 50,000 proud FFA members in their blue jackets have taken over the city as they embark upon the many opportunities that the National FFA Convention has to offer them this year.  Life-long memories are being made and amazing experiences are being had by everyone attending the convention whether it's visiting the career show, attending each of the sessions run by this year's National FFA officers, competing in one of the many National FFA Career Development Events, congregating with other FFA members from all across America, or seeking out other opportunities that the greatest National Convention of any youth organization in America has to offer.  This year at the National Convention, FFA members are learning new ways to discover and unleash their "Infinite Potential."  My State Officer team and I have had the honor in participating in each of these endeavors as well as representing the great State of Indiana as Indiana's National Delegates.  Come check out the breath-taking "Infinite Potential" that is swarming downtown Indianapolis!

From FFA: Following the Future of Agriculture

Welcome to FFA: Following the Future of Agriculture! We are so excited you have taken the time to join us to learn how the agricultural industry makes an impact in YOUR life.

The youth of our agricultural industry is lead by many individuals, however we are lucky that seven of them, our Indiana FFA State Officers, are joining us on the website to share some of their experiences and hopes for agriculture. 

Morgan Dawson, is currently serving as the 2010-2011 Indiana FFA State President!  Hailing from the Scottsburg FFA Chapter in Scottsburg, Indiana, she is proud to be a southern gal, representing the beautiful southern Indiana land!  

Megan Klotz, your Indiana FFA Secretary is devoted to carrying out the Indiana FFA mission statement: to promote premier leadership, personal growth and career success during her year of service to the FFA and the agricultural industry.

Morgan Gadd, your Indiana FFA Northern Region Vice President, is a proud member of the Hamilton Southeastern FFA Chapter. With the support of her parents Sharek and Ra Gadd, she looks forward to connecting young agriculturists with their interests and opportunities.

Nellie Bell, your Indiana FFA Southern Region Vice President, who proudly hails from the Hagerstown FFA Chapter looks forward to helping the FFA members serve by offering their best talents and skills.

Janna Oxford, from Cloverdale, is currently serving as the Indiana FFA State Treasurer. She is very excited to be serving the more than 9,400 Indiana FFA members this year!

Kelly Blackburn, from the Prairie Heights FFA Chapter, is serving as the Indiana FFA State Reporter. She is ready to share her passion and love for Agriculture and the FFA to everyone she meets!

Micah Matlock, son of Marty and Robin Matlock, is a proud graduate of the Knightstown FFA. He is eager to help members of the Indiana FFA reach their Infinite Potential.

From FFA: Following the Future of Agriculture