California Ag Network

Tag: FFA

  • GROWMARK Expands Annual Essay Contest to All 50 States

    With the GROWMARK System’s geographic footprint growing rapidly over the last few years, the organization is excited to announce expanded eligibility for the 2022 GROWMARK FFA Essay Contest to the entire United States. Previously, it had been limited to FFA members in several Midwestern states.

    The theme for the 2022 GROWMARK Essay Contest is: “What, in your opinion, has changed for the better in the agricultural industry as a result of the pandemic?”

    This is the 29th 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 at www.bit.ly/GMKEssay2022. The deadline for all submissions is midnight Central time on October 29, 2021. 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. The contest is open to all high school FFA members across the country.

    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.

  • CSUF Ag communications Student Receives National Honor

    Fresno State senior Alexis Ford was named the 2018 Alpha Zeta McClure Outstanding Chronicler of the Year by the national agricultural honorary leadership student organization. An agricultural communications major from Pine Mountain, Ford is a member of the Alpha Zeta Cal Epsilon organization and coordinates all of the club’s public relations efforts.

    The award was based on her publicity efforts promoting the organization’s outreach to the community and to the agriculture industry via social media and blogs for the campus and national Alpha Zeta outlets.  “I hope that my work as chronicler helped the chapter and campus inspire a better understanding of how the agriculture industry and urbanized areas are inherently linked together, as they can both thrive and support each other,” Ford said.

    This past semester she promoted six community outreach events that included agriculture advocacy by Alpha Zeta members at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, the campus spring plant and vegetable sale, FFA events, Common Threads Luncheon and the Kids Day newspaper sale where the organization raised $550 for Valley Children’s Hospital.   Among her 33 blog posts, she profiled eight current or former members that included Monique Bienvenue, an Alpha Zeta national chancellor honoree of the year in 2013.

    A graduate of Frazier Mountain High School in 2014, Ford is a former FFA chapter secretary, Greenhand president and state FFA Award recipient. Her father, John Ford, first introduced her to agriculture through his passionate involvement in the horticulture and nursery industry, which he has worked in for over 40 years.  Ford works at Fresno State as a University Communications social media student assistant, and she aspires to work in a public relations career where she can advocate for agriculture on the national level.

    “I believe the future of agriculture not only rests upon our farmers, ranchers and teachers that are developing and sharing sciences and technologies, but with people like myself explaining agriculture’s importance to the wellbeing of every family, community and beyond,” Ford said. “It’s time for agriculture to repair broken connections, and be more genuine and accessible.”

  • Farm Bureau Awards FFA Jackets to Local Students

    Tulare, Calif., (January 4, 2018) – Tulare County Farm Bureau will give away 37 blue-corduroy FFA jackets to local students through the Blue Jacket Bonanza program. Blue Jacket Bonanza, launched in 2012, was developed to provide area students involved in FFA, who may not have the financial means, a chance to earn their own uniform jacket.

    To be granted a jacket the students completed an application process, participated in personal interviews with the Blue Jacket Bonanza selection committee and have completed set hours of community service.

    “These outstanding students have earned their very own FFA jacket to wear at the various FFA events and activities they plan to take part in during their high school career,” said TCFB President Roger Everett.

    Students will be recognized and awarded their jackets at a special awards night on Jan. 18, at the Tulare County Office of Education in Visalia.

    “This program provides a way for Farm Bureau to make an investment in young people who are motivated and excited to further their education in agriculture through the Future Farmers of America,” stated Everett.

    FFA helps the next generation rise up to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Its members explore their interests and develop their own unique skills and talents through FFA activities, career development events and competitions. By helping to prepare the leaders of tomorrow, Farm Bureau is guaranteeing a brighter future for all.

    The program is made possible through generous donors including: Bank of the Sierra, Dennis and Julie Cates, Pixley Lion’s Club, Porterville Breakfast Lion’s Club, Tulare County Cattlewomen, Tulare Kings CWA, White Gold Dairy and the Tulare County Farm Bureau’s Education and Scholarship Charitable Fund.

    Donors this year also provided funds for a Fire Relief Fund, to help replace jackets in fire impacted areas. News of those awards will be made in a separate release.

    The following students are the Blue Jacket Bonanza recipients for this year:

    Jason Alcorn, Woodlake FFA
    Ene Armenta, Woodlake FFA
    Izaiah Benavides, Woodlake FFA
    Xavier Bocanegra, Woodlake FFA
    Max Brown, Tulare FFA
    Rolando Casas, El Diamante FFA
    Karla Castillo, El Diamante FFA
    Rylee Cooper, Exeter FFA
    Ashley Crabtree, Porterville FFA
    Parker Davis, Woodlake FFA
    Carla De La Mora, Tulare FFA
    Nadia DeDad, Tulare FFA
    Carrieann Earles, Tulare FFA
    Shantel Escobar, Tulare FFA
    Gabriela Gaytan-Llerenas, Tulare FFA
    David Gomez, VTEC FFA
    Ashlyn Gomez, Tulare FFA
    Isabel Guzman, Exeter FFA
    Kevin Hofstee, Tulare FFA
    Whitney Iskenderian, VTEC FFA
    Amelia Kline, Tulare FFA
    Kristen Ledesma, Woodlake FFA
    Andrew Leon, Woodlake FFA
    Brian Limon, Tulare FFA
    Beneda Loya, Woodlake FFA
    Hannah Mahony, Exeter FFA
    Emily Martinez, Woodlake FFA
    Alyssa Mendez, Woodlake FFA
    Jessica Millaris, Tulare FFA
    Alexis Morales, Woodlake FFA
    Clarissa Najera, Tulare FFA
    Dafne Pamplona-Quiroz, Dinuba FFA
    Emalee Pickens, VTEC FFA
    Nate Reeves, Woodlake FFA
    Alejandra Sandoval, Woodlake FFA
    Kailey Silva, Tulare FFA
    Samantha Traeger, VTEC FFA

    Tulare County is the leading dairy county in the nation and a top agricultural producer in California.  The Tulare County Farm Bureau represents more than 1,500 family farmers and is dedicated to promoting and enhancing the viability of Tulare County agriculture on behalf of its membership.

  • Fire Victim Relief: Help Raise Funds for FFA Jackets

    Tulare, Calif., (October 19, 2017) – Tulare County Farm Bureau is spearheading a campaign to replace FFA jackets for students impacted by Northern California fires. Our Blue Jacket Bonanza program this year will include a special fundraising effort to buy jackets for youth who lost theirs to these devastating fires. Please consider donating to this special relief effort. Donations can be sent to Tulare County Farm Bureau Education and Scholarship Fund at PO Box 748, Visalia, CA 93279. Cash or check. Or call us at 559-732-8301 to pay with credit card. Donations are tax deductible to the TCFB Education and Scholarship fund, a 501c3c charity. If you need an invoice just call us!

    #BlueJacketBonanza #SupportFFA #Farm Bureau

     

  • Joe Rochioli Honored for Outstanding Achievements in FFA and Agriculture

    Healdsburg, Calif., (August 14, 2017) – Joe Rochioli Jr. was honored for his outstanding Achievements in FFA and Agriculture by the Healdsburg High School FFA Ag Boosters Board on June 24, 2017 at their Shrimp Boil and Bluegrass fundraiser at Jackson Family Wine’s Richard’s Grove. More than 150 guests turned out for the 2nd annual event, including leaders from the business and agricultural sectors. Guests dined on Southern Shrimp and treats prepared by Ken Rochioli of KR Catering, raised funds through live and silent auctions, and danced to Rovetti and the Meatballs Band.

    Joe Rochioli Jr. was born in 1934 to Neoma and Joe Rochioli Sr. and grew up on Westside Road working on the family farm. When Joe was young, his dad was a top-quality hop grower, farming Fenton Acres, a 125 acre farm on what is now Westside Road. Joe’s Italian immigrant family worked very hard and aspired to own the land they farmed. Joe entered Healdsburg High School in 1949 and was one of the first students in the Healdsburg FFA Chapter in 1950. That year he showed 2 Veal Calves that were sold at auction to a local family and the Armor Star Meat Company. During high school, Joe showed many animals at the Healdsburg, Sonoma County, and Sonoma-Marin fairs.

    As the top student in FFA Joe was awarded a jersey calf name Rotary-Ann by the Healdsburg Rotary club. Joe loved that calf and raising animals. At one time he had 10 Herford cows, one Herford bull, and 80 sheep. At Healdsburg high, Joe played four years of baseball & football and was student body vice-president. He also played professional baseball for the Prune Packers while he was a senior at Healdsburg. Joe graduated from high school in the summer of 1952 and went straight to Cal Poly.

    Joe left for San Luis Obispo with $350 in his pocket, two friends and his 1941 Chevy truck. Joe attended Cal Poly from 1952 to 1956 studying animal sciences and he took as many agricultural classes as he could.

    At Cal Poly, Joe did what all Mustangs do, he “learned by doing.”

    He worked very hard in and out of the classroom, holding many jobs including at the meat department, as the University fed all the students. He also worked at the “Flying A” fuel station and earned .85 cents an hour doing construction work on military housing trailers. Joe received his State Farmer Award during his first year of college.

    Joe played baseball for 4 years at Cal Poly and also later in the U.S. Army. After graduation, he returned to Healdsburg from Cal Poly to again help his dad on the family farm. He was soon married and had two small children, Tom and Becky who, along with their families, are with us this evening.

    Joe again left Healdsburg after being drafted into the United States Army where he was quickly promoted. He spent most of his time at the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC where he researched radiated food and vitamin deficiencies in K rations, what we today call MRE’s.

    Joe left the service and returned to Healdsburg in 1959 to again farm the land he loved. Not many young people stayed committed to Agriculture, but Joe did. After “hopps went to hell”, Joe’s family started farming beans and eventually in 1959, wine grapes. Joe had many ideas about what varietals of grapes would do well on the land and also be financially profitable.

    Like many multi-generational farming families, sometimes his dad agreed with him, and sometimes not.

    Joe was a passionate farmer and in the mid-1960s fought open price contracts; Joe was a Founder of the North Coast Grape Growers Association that through political lobbying, fought unfair pricing of grapes and paved the way for today’s standards of Wine Grape pricing contracts.

    Joe has received many awards including the Vocational arts trophy from Healdsburg high school on display here this evening. He’s also in the Healdsburg High School Sports Hall of Fame. Joe served on the Healdsburg Fair Board for over 25 years and was Parade Marshal in 1984. In 2003, Joe received the inaugural “Copia Award” as Wine Grower of the Year, a national recognition. In 2009, Joe and his wife Vivian received the Sonoma County Harvest Fair Lifetime Achievement Award.

    The name Rochioli is synonymous with premium wine grapes and wine. Joe’s understanding of soil types and terrain led him to planting one of the most famed vineyards in Sonoma County.

    Today, Joe oversees the farming of over 140 acres of premium wine grapes in the Russian River Valley. These grapes go into the bottles of many top quality producers and to the Estate wines so expertly crafted under the Rochioli and J. Rochioli labels.

    Courtesy of Sonoma County Farm Bureau

    By Diane Bucher

     

  • Plant Science Students Receive National Agronomy Awards

    Fresno, Calif., (August 8, 2017) – Fresno State senior Nancy Valdez and junior Georgina Reyes Solorio were honored as Greenfield Scholars by the American Society of Agronomy and the International Certified Crop Adviser program.

    The plant science students were among four selected nationally based on their grade point averages, experience and awards, career goals and educational and certification plans to become crop advisers or professional agronomists.

    Recipients will be honored at the associations’ annual conference Oct. 22 to 25 in Tampa, Florida, that will include 7,000 scientists, professionals, educators and students, and will be matched with Certified Crop Adviser mentors to develop leadership skills.

    Both students are founding members of the Fresno State soil judging team that advanced to the national competition the past two years.

    Reyes Solorio (of Livingston) finished second in the regional soil judging competition in February and led the six-member Fresno State team. The former plant science club president also serves as a vice president for the California Women for Agriculture area chapter, agricultural ambassador for the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and as a FFA field day and state conference committee member. She has worked for SynTech Research and assists with agricultural research and product development, field trials, crop and soil sampling and crop and pest evaluation.

    Valdez (of Wasco) has gained practical experience through internships with Wonderful Citrus and Grapery Inc. She also assists in campus research on oomycete water molds found in irrigation water that have damaging effects on pistachio seedlings. She has helped organize student career fairs and dinners, assisted with the state FFA field day judging competition and worked with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 4-H, FFA and plant science club community education programs.

    Plant science senior Vivian Maier (of Belmont) was one of 22 ASA Golden Scholar honorees chosen nationally based on her contributions to agronomy through education, service and research. She will also attend the ASA national conference in October.

    In February she was one of 28 college students selected to attend the USDA Outlook Forum in Arlington, Virginia, as part of its student diversity program and met with federal and state, agency and industry leaders. She serves as legislative director of the California Women for Agriculture area chapter and president of the campus plant science club. This summer she is conducting research on hydroponics and will make a research presentation at the University of Jonestown in Guyana.

    Fresno State students have previously received four Greenfield Scholar honors: Sarah Parry in 2015 and Aldo Garcia, Yie Wu and May Nhia Yang in 2016 plus two Golden Opportunity Scholar awards in 2015 (Sarah Parry and Julie Pedraza).

    For more information on the American Science of Agronomy and its college student awards, visit www.agronomy.org/awards/view.

     

  • FFA Corner: Riverdale FFA

    Riverdale, Calif., (July 31, 2017) – The Riverdale High School FFA Chapter was chartered in 1930 and currently has 191 members with two advisors. The chapter’s goal is to provide intra-curricular opportunities for all students that want to participate and encourage a future in agriculture.

    During the summer, the officers planned the “Program of Activities” for the year.  In August, the Riverdale Chapter Officers attended the San Joaquin Regional Boot Camp in San Luis Obispo and grew together as a team. In September, the freshmen experienced the Greenhand Leadership Conference and got “fired up”!   Then it is was fair season with 48 students exhibiting their livestock at the Caruthers and Fresno fairs. The FFA Pumpkin Patch for primary students with pumpkins grown on the school farm was enjoyed by all at the end of October.  Public speaking contests rounded out the fall as well as chapter, sectional and regional FFA activities.

    The winter began with the Advanced Leadership Academy as well as the annual Chapter Fund-Raising Dinner that helps finance chapter activities along with game concessions. The World Ag Expo trip, PLANT Foundation Event, FFA Week Activities and Career Development Event practices also kept students busy. Throughout the year, students have also been attending the Farms Leadership Academy, which provided an insight into the various career fields available in agriculture.

    Career Development Events including Dairy Cattle Evaluation, Farm Power and Machinery, and Welding were attended in the spring. Participating at the Fresno County Farm Bureau’s Farm and Nutrition Day by assisting with the milking demonstrations is an experience the members always look forward to.  Agriculture Adventure Day is a huge event the Riverdale chapter has held annually in April for over 30 years. Ten educational stations are run by chapter members and over 600 primary students attended. Several students received their State FFA Degree at the Sectional awards ceremony with one student awarded sectional goat proficiency as well as being named the Sectional Star Farmer for the West Fresno/Madera section. Fourteen members attended the State FFA Leadership Conference and took away many ideas to incorporate in the local chapter.

    The year ended with students already entering livestock for the next Fresno Fair and the annual FFA Banquet.

    By Prestin Rollin, Riverdale FFA Reporter

     

  • FFA and CTE Budget Funding in California in Jeopardy

    Galt, Calif., (May 18, 2017) – California Agricultural Teachers’ Association Comments on Governor Brown’s Budget Proposal Eliminating Future Farmers of America and other CTE Funding.

    In his 2017-18 State Budget released earlier in the year, Governor Brown proposed the complete elimination of funding for the Future Farmers of America program and other programs in Career Technical Education serving students throughout California. Also included in these cuts were the elimination of Partnership Academy Programs, the University of California Curriculum Institute for recognizing CTE courses for admission purposes, and Professional Development Activities for CTE instructors.

    These programs have been funded by $15 million in CTE Pathway monies that were provided to the California Department of Education for supporting statewide Career Technical Education activities and programs.  The Governor’s proposal for this year would eliminate this source of funds, directly them instead to the Community College Chancellor’s Office to supplement other workforce development funds already in existence.

    “We are extremely disappointed that Governor Brown has proposed eliminating Career Technical Student Organizations like the Future Farmers of America and other CTE funding in California” said Jim Aschwanden, Executive Director of the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association.  “The loss of these components of Career Technical Education will have a devastating effect on programs and teachers statewide.  CTE programs remain vitally important to the economic well-being of our state, and this proposal eliminates highly effective programs that have proven their worth over time.  We think this is a terrible mistake.”

    The California Agricultural Teachers’ Association is a professional education association, representing over 850 instructors in Agricultural Education at the Middle School through University levels in California, with headquarters located in Galt, California.

    California Agricultural Teachers’ Association

    CONTACT: Jim Aschwanden, P.O. Box 186, Galt, CA  95632 –  209-744-1605

     

  • Farm Bureau Awards FFA Jackets to Local Students

    Tulare, Calif., (January 27, 2017) – Tulare County Farm Bureau will award the signature blue corduroy FFA jacket to local students through the Blue Jacket Bonanza program. Launched in 2012, Blue Jacket Bonanza was developed to provide area students involved in FFA, who may not have the financial means, a chance to earn their own uniform jacket.

    To be granted a jacket the students completed an application process, participated in personal interviews with the Blue Jacket Bonanza selection committee and have completed set hours of community service.

    “These outstanding students have earned their very own FFA jacket to wear at the various FFA events and activities they plan to take part in during their high school career,” said TCFB President Roger Everett.

    Students will be recognized and awarded their jackets at a special awards night on January 26, at the Tulare County Office of Education in Visalia.

    “This program provides a way for Farm Bureau to make an investment in young people who are motivated and excited to further their education in agriculture thru the Future Farmers of America,” stated Everett.

    FFA helps the next generation rise up to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Its members explore their interests and develop their own unique skills and talents through FFA activities, career development events and competitions. By helping to prepare the leaders of tomorrow, Farm Bureau is guaranteeing a brighter future for all.

    The program is made possible through generous donors including: Dennis and Julie Cates, Kiwanis Club of Woodlake, McKellar Farms, Nielsen and Associates Insurance Services, Porterville Breakfast Lions Club, Rotary Club of Visalia, Tulare County Cattlewomen, Tulare County Dairy Women, Tulare Noon Kiwanis, Tulare-Kings CWA and the Tulare County Farm Bureau’s Education and Scholarship Charitable Fund.

    The following students are the Blue Jacket Bonanza recipients for this year:

    Ana Andrade, Monache FFA

    Dalton Baird, Mt. Whitney FFA

    Mia Bates, El Diamante FFA

    Shazaim Beig, El Diamante FFA

    Gianna Benedetti, Tulare FFA

    Sheccid Campos, Tulare FFA

    Jacob Canaday, Mt. Whitney FFA

    William Garrison, Exeter FFA

    Marisol Gonzalez, Monache FFA

    Ethan Haley, VTEC FFA

    Breana Hernandez, Mt. Whitney FFA

    McKenzee Huff, Mt. Whitney FFA

    Matthew Jauregui, Exeter FFA

    Cody Johnston, Mt. Whitney FFA

    Esai Lucatero, Woodlake FFA

    Makinze Machado, Tulare FFA

    David Magana, Orosi FFA

    Ryan Majarian, Mt. Whitney FFA

    Hayley Mull, Woodlake FFA

    Bethanie Negrete, Mt. Whitney FFA

    Gerardo Palafox Jr, Woodlake FFA

    Skylar Rodriguez, Woodlake FFA

    Miguel Rodriguez, Woodlake FFA

    Jose Sanchez, Orosi FFA

    Jessica Standlee, VTEC FFA

    Serica Torres, Tulare FFA