Try a New Leadership Development Event!

Coming back to school after winter break is always difficult. Many high schools jump right back in at the end of the semester, making the weeks after break stressful and filled with getting caught up on work you swore you were going to do over break but didn’t and studying for looming final exams. 

During my time in high school, I also spent hours and hours in the weeks following winter break in the ag room, preparing for whichever Leadership Development Event (LDE) I was participating in that year. Whether it was reciting the creed over and over my freshman year to get my hand motions just right or researching hot topics in agriculture to prepare for extemporaneous speaking, I have some amazing memories of late nights and early mornings spent in my high school ag room preparing for contests.

Participating in LDEs was one of the most valuable, memorable and enjoyable parts of my FFA career. They made me more confident in my ability as a speaker and gave me experience sharing the story of agriculture. Sub-district contests are rapidly approaching for most of the chapters in the state, but it’s not too late to take advantage of some of the great opportunities these contests provide. In Iowa, there are nine LDEs that begin at the sub-district level for you to choose from. I have included descriptions of some of my favorites below.

Creed Speaking - “I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds…” This LDE is for members in seventh through ninth grade. Participants are judged on their ability to present all five paragraphs of the FFA Creed from memory and then answer three questions related to it. I participated in this LDE my freshman year of high school.

Extemporaneous Speaking - In this LDE, participants showcase their agricultural knowledge and ability to think on their feet by giving a speech and answering questions with limited prep time. To compete, members draw three agricultural topics and choose one to craft a speech on. They then have 30 minutes to prepare a four to six minute speech on the topic and are able to use 100 pages of resources. After their speech, participants answer five minutes worth of questions on the topic they just presented. I participated in this LDE my junior year of high school.

Prepared Public Speaking - Participants in this LDE write and deliver a six to eight-minute speech about a current agriculture-related topic. Members are allowed to choose and research their own topic and then put together a creative, informative speech. The speech is presented to a panel of judges, who score the student based on the speech’s content, composition and delivery. I participated in this LDE my senior year of high school.

Conduct of Meetings - The purpose of this LDE is to introduce members to parliamentary procedure as they learn how to conduct efficient meetings and build their communication skills. A team of seven students from one chapter demonstrate correct use of FFA opening and closing ceremonies. Members assume various officer duties (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, sentinel and advisor) during the presentation that is evaluated by a team of judges. They are also asked to answer related questions as a team.

These LDEs also start at the sub-district level and descriptions of them can be found at these two links: http://www.iowaffa.com/leadershipcdematerials.aspx and https://www.ffa.org/participate/cde-lde/. (LDE descriptions above were created with the help of these resources).

Job Interview
Parliamentary Procedure
Ag Broadcasting
Ag Sales
Program of Activities

Take a step outside your comfort zone this year and try a new LDE! No matter the outcome, you will make memories and learn skills that will help you grow inside and outside of the classroom.


In Blue and Gold,

2019-2020 State Reporter

Grace Long

Giving the creed at my chapter's banquet during my freshman year.

Four generations of creed speakers from the Ballard FFA Chapter.

The Best Time of The Year

We are closing in on the most wonderful time of the year. Yes I know Christmas has passed, I’m talking about calving season! Calving season is the most strenuous yet rewarding time of year for most cattle producers. Getting up at the crack of dawn everyday, going from feeding to driving through cows, and going home late at night can start to wear down on producers. But seeing the calves grow from birth to yearling to sale time is the most rewarding thing in my opinion. Watching my calves run around in the middle of March in the snow covered fields and seeing them transform in feeder cattle the next year and watching their growth makes me feel like I did something important. Reasons like that are why I want to stay on the farm and continue to raise cattle.


But there is the stress that comes with cattle. Everyone knows that no two years are the same. Going from the winter of 2008 to 2019 there has been every type of condition known to man. These types of conditions can wear people down. The amount of sleepless nights followed by large amounts of work during the day can make producers extremely worn down. If you have cattle try to have someone cover your chores every once in awhile and catch up on your sleep. I myself have and will continue to spend the winter with little sleep and can tell you firsthand how hard it is to do this everyday. Take time to rest. The work will always be there, but you might not.


To all cattle producers in Iowa and across the U.S. I wish you a safe and successful calving season, and let’s pray for no snow.

To the Cowboy In All Of Us,

Tyler Comes

2019-20 SW State Vice President

A Fresh Start to 2020!

As the final days of 2019 wrapped up I began to reflect on what a great year it has been. We celebrated another inspiring year of FFA events, presented Paul Hassmen with his FFA jacket (Click Here to read that story), and celebrated 50 years of women in FFA (Click Here for media surrounding that event). We have been blessed by many sponsors, alumni, and our advisors. I am very thankful for all who provide us the experience to write our own story in the blue jacket, however, this year is over and we have a new path to walk down.

As we step into the new year and decade we have the opportunity for a fresh start. The new year looks different for all of us, for some, it is New Year’s Resolutions, for others it is a new set of classes at school, and for others, it’s a chance to set goals for the new decade. As we make our way back to school these next few days what are we going to change? Without change, we won’t see any progress in our goals and ambitions. What will the new year look like for you? I challenge you to answer these following questions!

This year I will focus on…
This year I will serve others by...
This year I want to get better at…

As I take the time to answer these questions, I can’t help but get excited for the new year! We have so much time to make new friends, discover new places, and make a difference. For me, the new year is always a time to set goals and start working! This year I am excited to start a new set of classes at Iowa State University, travel to new FFA chapters, and meet more FFA members. These new experiences will shape the start of my new decade. As Jonathan Estrin once said, “The way we spend our time defines who we are.” We are given 365 days to make a difference in the world. What’s stopping you?

Aspire to Inspire,

Shelby Westhoff

Northeast State Vice President

Commit to the Climb

Pretty soon, everyone's New Year's Resolutions will be all over social media, maybe even yours. These resolutions can be anywhere from “I’m going to the gym twice a week, I’m saving money, I’m going to bed earlier this year” and many others. However, only about 25% of people actually stick to their New Year’s Resolutions after 30 days and only 8% accomplish their resolutions.

Now I have to admit, I am one of the 75% of people who never stuck to their New Year's Resolutions. Why? Well I suppose it’s because I was never committed enough to make myself drive the 10 minutes to the gym twice a week, to not buy that delicious looking slice of Casey’s pizza staring back at me, or to shut off my phone at a decent time at night. I always had the mindset of “I can do it tomorrow,” or “what’s another 30 minutes of Netflix going to hurt?” I could never hold myself accountable and do what I promised myself I would do.

I have become comfortable with being where I am. It’s where I feel safe, it has everything I need or want, and it’s where I'm comfortable with those around me.

I recently read something that really hit me hard. When climbers set out to climb the mountain, they can't wait to get started on their journey. Trekking up the slope to the top. About halfway up the mountain, there is a resort that has everything you could ever dream of. It’s warm and out of the freezing wind you’ve endured climbing up the first half of the mountain, it has hot coco, a fireplace, and much much more. Sometimes the climbers become comfortable at this resort and don’t finish what they started, climbing the mountain. They never get to the last half of their journey which is usually the hardest. There, you might struggle with high altitudes, falling ice, blizzards, and avalanches. The part of the reading that I found most interesting is that “no one has ever reached the top of the mountain on accident.”

What I am trying to say is, don’t get too comfortable with where you’re at. Keep climbing and reaching for the goals you’ve always wanted to achieve. I challenge all of you to be that 8% and accomplish your New Year’s Resolutions for 2020. Start the new decade the right way!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Commit to your Climb,

Lukas Bucknell

North Central State Vice President

Celebrating 50 years of Women in the FFA

Why do you think it is important for women to be in FFA/agriculture?

Shelby- The FFA is a home to many members from every walk of life. We each have a special part to play in this organization. Our involvement may happen on the stage, in the classroom, or on the farm but each person gains confidence and skills from their experience. This organization would not be where it is today without the unity of men and women in 1969. From that time on FFA has changed many members lives. Having the opportunity to travel across the state this year I have met many women impacted by the opportunities FFA presents. They all share that their inspiration in FFA starts with the feeling of a home and a sense of family. As the organization grows our hope is to always provide a place of growth for all that seek to engage.

Grace - As I have traveled around the state so far during my year of service, I have encountered a great deal of female students who are deeply invested and involved in our organization. It has been inspiring to see and hear about all the ways that they have contributed to their communities and chapters. They have a unique perspective that has moved our organization forward in tremendous ways since they were given full official membership 50 years ago in 1969. From serving as chapter officers to starting projects in their schools and serving their communities, our organization would not be the same today without these key contributions of female FFA members. The acceptance of female members made our organization stronger as students are now able to collaborate and invest in the future of agriculture no matter their gender or background.

Mickayla- I believe that it is important for women to be involved in agriculture and FFA because they offer a new perspective. A perspective in which no one else can truly portray. One that shows the deepest and purest compassion for an industry and livelihood that knows no inequality. Women have been changing the way we view agriculture and leadership within agriculture ever since they were allowed into FFA. Back in 1928, FFA was founded to promote the next generation of farmers, which at the time, was composed mostly of men. As the years went on, FFA began to change. In 1969, it opened its doors to women to match the equal opportunities that agriculture presented to both men and women. Ever since then women have been leaving their mark within the blue jacket. Showing that no matter who you are, where you live, or what gender you are, you can have an impact not only in the FFA organization, but in the agriculture industry as a whole. Today, women hold the majority of leadership positions within the FFA organization and have the opportunity to share their unique perspective with everyone around them. As more women continue to get involved in FFA, I believe that more of us will realize the significance of equal opportunities and the value of a women perspective in different industries.

Natalie- Agriculture is an industry that I never saw myself being a part of. This semester, I began studying to become an agricultural education teacher. I cannot believe the impact the industry has had on my life. Agriculture is so important to the survival of our world. I believe that it’s important for women to be involved in agriculture for the same reasons I believe men should be involved. Sustaining our population isn’t just a male or female issue. It’s a human issue. We’ve all heard the statistics. By 2050, our world will have a record number of people to feed and clothe. It’s our job as agriculturists to make it happen. We have to join together not just as men and women, but as people. If we work together and share the knowledge that we all have we will have a better chance of sustaining such a large population. It’s important for people of all backgrounds to be part of the industry, so that we can all make a difference by sharing our unique experiences.

Hope- In just 50 years, representation of women in FFA has grown dramatically. Today nearly half of all FFA members are female, and on top of that, just over 50% of leadership positions in FFA are held by women. Of course this is an amazing feat, but it would not have been possible without the unity of both men and women. This anniversary celebrates much more than women in agriculture overcoming a barrier. This also celebrates the unity that was created in 1969. This unity is what accomplished this milestone. This unity is what helps us to accomplish even more. Agriculture is the foundation of civilization. Without agriculture there is no food, no homes, no life. Just as any good agriculturalist would point out, the world population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050. That is 2 billion more mouths to feed in a short 21 years. Now this may seem like a daunting task, but it is one that can be achieved by the unity of both men and women in agriculture. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter your gender, race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or any other factor. We are all fighting the same fight, and united as one, we can win.

In Blue and Gold,

The 2019-2020 Female State Officers

Living in the Moment

When I was a kid, I loved baseball, in fact, I still do. Anything everything that involved the sport of baseball, I was all ears. When I brought home the sign-up sheet to play T-Ball after school one day, I didn’t leave my mom alone until she finally, filled it out. As I watched her sign the line to allow me to play baseball, I shouted in excitement and got all sorts of obnoxious. I finally got to play baseball.

Fast forward to the night of the first practice, I was more than eager to start. I hopped out of the car and took off running to meet my friends on the ball diamond for some fun. We practiced the basics, fielding a ground ball, hitting off the tee, and actually running the bases correctly. Now if you haven’t ever seen a T-Ball practice, it’s the farthest thing from exciting and is one of the most brain-melting experiences. Every once in a while one of the kids actually did what they were supposed to do, and it was the most exciting thing all night. Those of you who have attended a T-Ball practice, know the pain. Now everything I just said, I realized when I was five years old. I thought T-Ball practice was THE MOST BORING thing in the world. I often found myself kicking and playing in the dirt, chasing butterflies, or picking a dandelion or two. I also spent a lot of time being a space cadet and paying attention to everything BUT practice.

There was one occasion at practice, where I was off in my own little world doing my own thing. It was my turn for one of the drills and I wasn’t paying attention. My couch shouted “Nole! Your turn!” and hit the ball in my direction. Don’t worry, it didn’t hit me, but it did fly right over my head. After finally realizing the ball was behind me, I took off and fielded the ball to throw it back. Of course, the throw was right on the right on the money, I mean come on, I’ve always had a cannon of an arm.

In that moment, I didn’t realize the magnitude of what that experience meant. You see, we get so caught up with whatever is going on in our lives and miss some of the biggest things that are right in front of us. I’m at a point in my life where I just finished my first semester of college, I’m in the thick of state office, and I’m 2 hours and 45 minutes from home. I’ve been so caught up in what I have going on, I fail to take time for the little things that I have the blessing to be able to do. Going home now means a little bit more than it had before. Spending time with friends and family are opportunities that come few and far in between. I will be the first to admit, that I don’t make the most of the time I spend with the ones close to me because, but I now realize that those chances won’t come as easily as they do now in the future.

Life doesn’t last forever. As dark as that sounds, it’s the truth. If we live blinded by worrying about what we’re going to do tomorrow or focusing our time on affecting the future, you’ll miss out on the biggest moments of your life. Live life in the present, the future isn’t going anywhere. There are so many important things that are going on in our lives that we just let go right over our heads, just like that fly ball. If we don’t take time to cherish the moments we have now, life is going to pass us right by. So sit and take time to remember the little things that happen and stop letting them continually be overshadowed by the big picture.

Those of you that are reading this, take time to cherish the moment, quit letting those little things pass you by, and start living in the moment.

Keep Your Stick on the Ice,

Nole Bochmann

2019-2020 Northwest State Vice President

Give It Your Best

Give it your best. I’m sure that at some point in our lives, we’ve all heard this phrase. We’ve been told to do our best in school, in sports, and in everything we do. Yet, sometimes our best just doesn’t feel good enough.

I had just spent the past three days studying for my Economics test. I had written down all the notes from class twice. The practice problems were carefully copied and solved in my notebook. Every spare second I had was devoted to studying the topics I knew would be on the test. When the day came to take the exam I felt more ready than I ever had before.

I sat down to take the test, and I was pretty confident in myself. I flew the questions faster than I ever had before. I triple checked my answers before I finally submitted it. I was ready to get the results and see the best score I had gotten all semester. When I got my grade back though, I was shocked. A 53%. How was that possible?

I texted my mom right away. She knew I had been studying relentlessly. She responded with the phrase we all know too well. You did your best. I was frustrated. Yes, I had done my best, but it wasn’t enough.

I have spent my whole life trying to give everything my best. When that doesn’t feel like enough, I just push harder. I have always given the things I’m passionate about 110%. But, this year I realized something. I am exhausted. Never accepting my best has worn me out.

Sometimes we may feel like others expect more of us. We find ourselves worrying that we are letting them down. No matter how much we try, we can’t reach their expectations. Even when we’re giving it our all, we still may feel like we aren’t satisfying those around us. I know I’ve felt like that before. At the end of the day though, it doesn’t matter.


We have to know what our best is. I know that I gave that Economics test by best shot. I may not have gotten the grade I wanted, but I did my best. We may feel like we aren’t reaching the expectations of those around us, but they don’t always know the battles we’re facing in our personal lives. Life can make it hard for us to keep pushing, and to keep going above and beyond. But, as long as we are giving it our best we are doing ourselves justice. It doesn’t matter what other people ask of you and what they expect out of you as long as you give it an honest try. Give it your best, and I promise you it will be enough.

Run With Your Challenges,

Natalie Jefson

State Secretary