California Ag Network

Tag: FFA

  • Hanford High School’s Jason Ferreira Named California “Ag Educator of the Year”

    After recognizing six exceptional California teachers as finalists through the Golden Owl Award, the California FFA Foundation, in partnership with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau, selected Jason Ferreira, agricultural teacher at Hanford High School, as California’s 2022-2023 “Ag Educator of the Year.”

    Ferreira was formally recognized as the Golden Owl Award grand prize winner during the California FFA State Leadership Conference in Ontario on March 18. In addition to the title of California’s Ag Educator of the Year, Ferreira received the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and a $3,000 Nationwide-funded donation to further Hanford High School’s agricultural education efforts.

    Upon hearing of his win, Ferreira expressed his gratitude to students, colleagues, and community. “I’m grateful for everyone who has ever played a part in helping me serve my students, program, and community selflessly,” he said. “Receiving the Golden Owl Award reminds me of the powerful impact that FFA Advisors have on our community. I am humbled and proud to be a positive representative for California agricultural education and look forward to seeing the next generation of Golden Owls aspire to achieve success with their careers.”

    Each Golden Owl Award finalist was also presented with an individualized plaque in front of attendees at the California FFA State Leadership Conference and received a $500 donation to support future educational efforts. The finalists included:

    • Brian Kim – Sunny Hills High School
    • Emily Brown – Corning Union High School
    • Celeste Morino – Ripon High School
    • Beth Swehla – Anderson Valley High School
    • Lauren Peterson – King City High School 

    Ferreira’s passion for agriculture and his commitment to his students have made him an outstanding educator, and his recognition is well-deserved. Nominations described Ferreira as hardworking, dedicated, and inspiring. One student nomination read, “When I first met Mr. Ferreira I was not an active member and was only in FFA to get class credits, but in less than a few months Mr. Ferreira showed me the beauty of the FFA organization. He helped me work to become a sectional officer and helped me find my place in this organization. Sometimes I wonder how Mr. Ferreira is able to do all the remarkable things he does for this organization—it is a testimony to his love for and dedication to the FFA.”

    As the number one insurer of farms and ranches in the United States, Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to shed light on the contributions of California’s leading agricultural teachers and provide additional resources to support their programs.

    “As a company deeply rooted in agriculture, we are proud to collaborate with our state partners to recognize outstanding agriculture teachers, who are not only critical to the communities they serve, but also to the farming industry as a whole,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We are extremely grateful for the contributions and dedication of these selfless public servants.”

    In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is also donating $5,000 to the California FFA Foundation to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors alike.

    The Golden Owl Award is the result of partnerships between Nationwide, the California FFA Foundation, and the California Farm Bureau.

  • State FFA Leadership Conference Emphasis to Redefine

    Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and supporters from across the state of California “redefined their leadership” during the opening session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.

    The 2022-2023 State Officer team kicked off the conference with a video showcasing what “redefine” means to them. The team spoke about this year’s mission to redefine agriculture, agricultural education, and leadership. Following this, the team was introduced and conducted the traditional FFA opening ceremonies.

    Juan Bendaña, keynote speaker and leadership strategist, was one of the conference’s keynote speakers featured in this session. During his message, he urged FFA members to turn their self-doubt into self-confidence and take on a new challenge.

    “Perfection is the lowest standard you could ever have because it isn’t real. Do not strive for perfect; strive for better,” Bendaña said.

    The top 23 candidates up for selection for the 2023-2024 California FFA State Officer Team were introduced to the conference. Throughout the weekend, the candidates will take part in interviews before being selected for office during the final session on Sunday. View the 23 finalists here.

    Charles Parker, State FFA Advisor, gave remarks to the California members and educators on how to make the most out of their time at the conference.

    “Circle in on the dreams that you have. Share them with your friends, advisors, and the people who support you,” Parker said.

    He also encouraged members to interact with state officials, including State Superintendent of Public Schools, Tony Thurmond, and Mary Nicely, Chief Deputy Superintendent, who will be attending the conference this year.

    Special guest Dale Brisby also joined the California FFA delegation for the second consecutive year. As a well-known YouTube and social media comedian and past Texas FFA State Officer, Brisby discussed the value of agricultural education in his own life and how it set him up for success.

    The second session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference will be held at the Toyota Arena tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m.

     

    About California FFA: The California Association, FFA is part of a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members in 8,995 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

  • Almond Board Announces 2023 Almond Leadership Class

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) is proud to announce the Almond Leadership Program class of 2023, a group of 18 exceptional professionals expected to help lead the industry into the future.

    This next generation of leaders was chosen from nearly 50 highly qualified applicants. They come from diverse backgrounds across the full range of the industry, and include growers and processors, sales and real estate representatives, consultants, pest control advisors and more.

    The Almond Leadership Program (ALP) began in 2009 and has graduated more than 200 industry members. Dozens now serve on ABC workgroups, committees and even the Board of Directors.

    “The industry is seeing the enormous benefits from more than a decade of the leadership program, and while we seem to say this every year, this 2023 class is simply outstanding,” said Rebecca Bailey, the ABC specialist who oversees ALP. “This program helps great people become great leaders. It’s clear that these talented, passionate people will continue to be great assets and advocates for our industry for years.”

    Members of this 14th class – while still working at their jobs – will be immersed in every aspect of the industry, including ABC activities in global marketing, production, nutrition research, food safety and more. They’ll sharpen their communication skills and build lasting relationships with industry leaders, ABC staff and each other.

    “I’m honored to be joining a group of industry leaders who will be taking both the almond industry and the agriculture community into the future,” said 2023 participant Diane Power, a sixth generation California farmer and sales associate in Modesto with Pearson Realty. “I look forward to all the experiences and opportunities we will have to learn about the almond industry, and to the many relationships we will form through this year.”

    Class members will be guided by volunteer mentors – many of them ALP graduates – who will help them develop the skills, knowledge and perspective to improve their industry and their communities.

    “We all play unique roles in the almond industry,” said 2023 class member Megan Chicoine, the general manager ofU.S. operational support for Manulife Investment Management in Redding. “As young emerging leaders, we have the ability to make significant impacts by actively participating in our industry.”

    The leadership program will also offer class members thorough looks at the impacts on the industry of social, economic and environmental issues and the regulatory climate. In addition, participants will take on a yearlong, self-directed project focused on improving the California almond industry. Some past projects have led to important breakthroughs for the industry.

    Leadership class members kicked off their training with a two-day orientation a week ago at the ABC offices in Modesto, which included one-on-one talks with their mentors.

    “The one thing everyone has in common is they love agriculture,” said mentor Chandler Wilson, a technical sales rep for NutriAg USA. “We all want to be better. The mentors believe in the program and many have been through it. We’re eager to give back to the industry and these new leaders. We’ll share our experiences in and out of ALP, and together, we’ll all learn and grow as individuals and professionals through the whole process.”

    Once again, class members will raise money for California FFA, pledging to raise more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students interested in pursuing agriculture in college. Through the years, ALP has raised more than $225,000 for FFA.

    The 2023 Almond Leadership class members are Alana Ambrosino, Ripon Manufacturing Company, Inc.; James Broaddus, BASF Agricultural Solutions; Destiny Camden, BeeHero Inc; Chris Chavez, ofi; Megan Chicoine, Manulife Investment Management; Lincoln Denlinger, Salida Ag; Lauren Dutra, Ceres Imaging; Brian Ganyo, Bayer Crop Science; Robert Gray, Burchell Nursery; Darryl Hadlich, WiseConn Engineering; Thomas Martin, TRÉCÉ Inc.; Erick Mendonca, Miller Chemical; Chris Miller, Blue Diamond Growers; Vance Millwee, Treehouse California Almonds, LLC; Mitchell Moreda, RPAC LLC; Diane Power, Pearson Realty; Matthew Reamer, South Valley Farms; and Tylor Wilbourn, BeeHero Inc. — By the Almond Board of California

  • GROWMARK Announces 2023 FFA Essay Contest

    The theme for the 2023 GROWMARK Essay Contest is: “How can ag cooperatives stay relevant to future generations?” The contest is open to all high school FFA members in the United States.

    This is the 30th year for the program, sponsored by the GROWMARK System and FS member cooperatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders, to help young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues affecting agriculture, and understand the unique role of cooperatives.

    Essays should be submitted online HERE.

    The deadline for all submissions is midnight Central time on October 28, 2022. Additional program details have been sent to agriculture teachers and are online at www.growmark.com.

    One national winner will receive a $1000 award, and their FFA chapter will receive $750. Four national runners-up will each receive $500, and their chapters will receive $300. States with at least 25 essays submitted will also have a state winner selected. Each school may submit one essay.

    About GROWMARK:

    GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

  • Central Valley Ag Students Recognized for Research, Industry & Community Involvement

    Four Fresno State students in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology were recognized May 5 with area ag scholar awards by 23rd District Assemblyman Jim Patterson at a ceremony at the Vincent E. Petrucci Viticulture Building.

    Plant science senior Omar Albughanam (of Clovis), agricultural business senior Riley Barney (Chowchilla), agricultural education senior Jocelyne Juarez (Wasco) and plant science junior Aalexis Woolf (Bakersfield) were selected for the awards based on their passion, growth and innovation related to their academic success, research and service to industry and the community.

    Each student also received a $500 scholarship from My Job Depends on Ag, a national grassroots organization that started in Fresno and shares personal perspectives on how agriculture impacts all lives.

    Albughanam placed fourth in the national speech contest this past fall at the Students for Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Science Conference, and also competed in related soil judging and quiz bowl team events. He has worked with students, faculty, industry and community members as the Irrigation Club president and as a Plant Science Club member. He also studies topics related to gas, moisture and nitrate topics as a USDA technical research intern.

    Barney has worked with students, faculty and staff as Agricultural Business Club president and Jordan College Student Leadership Council member. She has worked on a legislative bill that impacts the labeling and usage of California olive oil as a California Apple Commission intern.  She has studied the potential impacts of genetically modified walnuts and domestic and international market response as a member of the Jordan College Honors Research Cohort. She will start a master’s degree in international affairs this fall at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M.

    Juarez has been committed to Central Valley agricultural education and outreach as part of the state FFA Field Day planning committee and multicultural ambassadors campus program. She has dedicated her honors research to studying learning activities that develop soft skills that are tied to the Ag Career Readiness Certificate Pathway project. She has served as a co-coordinator for the state agricultural ambassador conference and hosted campus visits and farm tours for Central Valley schools.

    Woolf has served as president and former secretary of the FFA Field Day committee, which welcomes 3,000 students, advisers and volunteers to campus each year. She has served as a campus agricultural ambassador and judged various speaking competitions for local high school students. She spent this past summer interning with Syngenta Crop Protection and created presentations to educate future customers.

    More information on the awards is available from Alisha Gallon, district director for the Office of Assemblyman Jim Patterson, at Alisha.Gallon@asm.ca.gov or 559.446.2029.

  • Regen Ag 101’s’ Virtual Learning Course Now Free to FFA Advisors, Vo-Ag Instructors

    Vocational agriculture instructors and FFA advisors for grades 7-12 will be provided free access to the regenerative agriculture online course, Regen Ag 101, the non-profit Soil Health Academy (SHA).

    Thanks to a grant from global food company General Mills, SHA is providing the course on a first-come, first-serve basis.

    “Most of SHA’s educational efforts in the past have been focused on helping farmers transition from conventional to soil health-improving regenerative practices,” SHA President Dawn Breitkreutz said. “By providing vo-ag instructors and FFA advisors with Regen Ag 101’s soil health educational resources, we hope to have an early and positive regenerative influence on the next generation of farmers.”

    An online, self-paced, interactive media experience, Regen Ag 101 contains video lectures, case studies and supporting research gleaned from the best of Soil Health Academy live workshops across the U.S.

    “The online course provides a comprehensive look at how regenerative agricultural principles and practices affect ecosystem function, the nutrient density of food and other wide-ranging benefits,” said Shane New, a managing partner with the Soil Health Academy’s education partner Understanding Ag, LLC. New is also a co-creator of the Regen Ag 101 course.

    “As a former FFA member, I appreciate the role FFA advisors and vo-ag instructors play in establishing an educational foundation for our future farmers,” New said. “This grant provides a tremendous opportunity for these middle school and high school ag educators to gain deeper insights into soil health-focused regenerative principles and practices.”

    In addition, General Mills is providing scholarship funding for middle and high school ag educators to attend, tuition free, one of SHA’s three-day, on-farm schools in 2022—also offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

    “The Soil Health Academy and Understanding Ag remain key partners in our efforts to educate and support farmers as they adopt regenerative agricultural principles,” said Mary Jane Melendez, chief sustainability and global impact officer, General Mills. “In addition to our ongoing, on-farm regenerative ag work with the Soil Health Academy and Understanding Ag, these education grants represent an opportunity to inform and inspire ag educators and students about the hope in healthy soil—and to establish an educational foundation to grow the next generation of successful regenerative farmers and ranchers.”

    Ag educators and advisors interested in registering for the free on-line course or in attending a three-day SHA school tuition free, can visit SoilHealthAcademy.org.

  • Two Student Ambassadors To Share California Dairy Messages With International Audience

    Lauren Dutra of Hanford and Siena Rollin of Riverdale have been selected to represent the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) in Mexico during the 2022 CMAB International Internship Program.

    The interns, selected from students coming from a California dairy background enrolled in agriculture-related programs at colleges and universities, were chosen based on academic achievement, their connection to the California dairy industry and a willingness to travel abroad and learn more about international dairy sales and marketing. The goal of the International Internship Program is to provide young agriculture and dairy college students an opportunity to learn about dairy foods and marketing in the international marketplace, with a focus on developing leaders who will serve on dairy industry boards, work in dairy foods processing, or in sales or marketing.

    Over the six week period, the interns will spend time with in-country CMAB marketing organization, Imalinx, to gain a better understanding of these markets, consumer buying habits, and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry. “California currently accounts for around 33 percent of all U.S. dairy exports so international trade is essential for our continued growth. Over the last decade, the CMAB has worked closely with partners in Mexico to develop markets for California dairy products. This program is focused on providing insight into international dairy marketing for future leaders,” said Glenn Millar, Director of International Business Development for the CMAB.

    Dutra, 21, of Hanford, is currently working towards her B.S. in Dairy Science from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, where she serves as a representative of the Dairy Club, as well as a Committee Member of the Cal Poly Western Bonanza Management Team.

    Dutra was also an active member of 4-H and FFA, and showed dairy cattle in both organizations. She served as District 7 Dairy Princess from 2019 to 2020. Upon completion of the internship program, she will continue to advocate for the dairy industry, and hopes to incorporate this passion into a career.

    Rollin, 20, of Riverdale, is currently working towards her B.S. in Agricultural Communications at Texas Tech University, where she founded and organizes the Dairy Club. She is a member of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow group at Texas Tech, where she also served as an Intern for the Spring 2021 Dairy Challenge. Rollin showed dairy cattle in both 4-H and FFA, and was an active member in both organizations. She earned a spot on the State winning 4-H Dairy Judging Team, which allowed her to compete nationally at the World Dairy Expo. She also served as District 8 Dairy Princess from 2019 to 2020. Upon completion of the internship program, Rollin hopes to advocate and help create policy on behalf of American farmers as Secretary of Agriculture.

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagramand Pinterest.

  • Support Ag Nonprofits on Giving Tuesday

    While Thanksgiving is wrapped up and holiday deals may have come to an end, the season of giving has just started! If you haven’t heard yet, tomorrow, November 30, is Giving Tuesday.

    Wondering what Giving Tuesday is? Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity; an opportunity to come together with nonprofits who make a difference – especially in the agriculture industry. This #GivingTuesday, look around at the organizations in your community and see how your efforts can help further and strengthen agriculture in California.

    Consider partnering with California Farmland Trust, California Rangeland Trust, California Association, FFA, California Foundation for Ag in the Classroom, or your local food bank, just to name a few. These nonprofits are dependent on supporters like you to help fund their special work – be it farmland and rangeland protection, youth agricultural education, or supplying your family and friends with nutritious and wholesome food.

    Become an ally and rally together to build and sustain California’s robust agriculture community and economy. Your donation is used where it counts most, in making a difference in the agriculture industry. Learn more about these organizations’ missions using the links below:

    California Farmland Trust; cafarmtrust.org

    California Rangeland Trust; rangelandtrust.org/

    California Association, FFA; calaged.org/

    California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom; learnaboutag.org/

    Find your local food bank; feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

  • Accelerating a Generation Syngenta Ag Scholarship Now Open for Applications

    Students studying agriculture have a chance to win a $2,500 scholarship and a donation to the charity of their choice through the 2022 Accelerating a Generation Syngenta Scholarship Program.

    Through the scholarship program, which is run by the National FFA organization (FFA), Syngenta will give a total of six scholarships to college students from across the country who are pursuing an education in agricultural or farm studies. The objective of the scholarships is to help advance those winners’ knowledge of the industry.

    “Making sure students feel supported is the first and most important step in ensuring a strong future in our agricultural community, and this program does just that,” says Linda Arnold Whaley, head of marketing communications for Syngenta Seeds. “Our scholarship is the perfect tool for empowering students.”

    The application period runs until Jan. 11, 2022. Applicants must be U.S. residents and those in higher-education institutes must be enrolled as of fall 2021 in an accredited agriculture program at a land-grant university. FFA membership is not required.

    Along with the scholarship money, each winner designates an agriculture-related non-profit organization to receive a $500 donation from Syngenta.

    “Every year we are honored to receive applications from some of the best and brightest students across the country, and I anticipate this year will be the same,” says Syngenta marketing communications lead Pam Caraway.

    To apply for the scholarship, visit https://www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/. For information on official rules and application guidelines, visit www.Syngenta-US.com/Scholarships. For more information about Syngenta, visit www.Syngenta-US.com. Join the conversation online ― connect with us at www.Syngenta-US.com/Social.


    About Syngenta

    Syngenta Crop Protection and Syngenta Seeds are part of Syngenta Group, one of the world’s leading agriculture companies. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality and safety of agriculture with world class science and innovative crop solutions. Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources.

    The content of this release is for information purposes only. This release is not, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell or issue or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or other property interests.

    To learn more, visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Syngenta, www.twitter.com/SyngentaUS and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/syngenta

  • CA Farmland Trust Welcomes Trustee Council Member Reagan Denny, and Extern Chase Steele

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is pleased to welcome Reagan Denny and Chase Steele to our organization. Denny will serve as the California Association, FFA representative on CFT’s Trustee Council, while Steele joins the staff under a law school externship.

    Originally from Sutter County, Denny was elected as the California FFA State Sentinel in May. During her year of service, Denny and her team will be educated in various areas of the agriculture industry and will share this knowledge with 95,000 California Association, FFA youth members.

    Charlotte Mitchell, executive director at California Farmland Trust shared that as CFT focuses on building its’ relationship with younger generations, Denny’s perspective will be insightful to help strengthen and advocate the importance of protecting our working lands to this younger demographic.

    “I could not be more thankful to be involved with CFT,” Denny said. “Their focus on education, advocacy, and helping farmers protect the best farmland in the world is truly inspiring.”

    Steele, a Galt native and third-year student at McGeorge School of Law, will work closely with CFT’s legal team and executive management on farmland protection issues and conservation projects.

    “We are looking forward to having Chase’s expertise in the area of law, and his assistance in complex legal assignments will be especially helpful as we work through matters relating to the protection of farmland throughout the state,” Mitchell said.

    Steele’s externship plans to continue through May, while Denny’s role on the Trustee Council will conclude once she retires as a state FFA officer.

    The California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 17,261 acres of farmland on 79 farms. To learn more visit us: www.cafarmtrust.org.