Growth

“Don’t go through life, grow through life.” - Eric Butterworth

I want you to think for a second, about a tree. In the beginning, a seed first pushes through the soil and out pops a small sprout. No one knows where this sprouting will go next, but we have hopes that it will grow into the tallest tree possible. As the sprout grows into a sapling, it will spread its branches out into different directions, and eventually grow into a tree. This tree has hundreds of branches, but only one branch stretches above the rest.

Why is this important? People are a lot like trees. You see from the moment we are born, people have hopes for us, they want us to grow into a doctor or lawyer or to follow the family business. They have one start to finish a plan for the way your life should play out. Good grades in school, college, internships, jobs, getting married, having kids of your own… But if we all follow this set plan, then our branches would never divide. We would grow straight upward from start to finish with no exploration of who we are. Our tree of life would end up looking like a telephone pole.

In life, we must take in every opportunity we can. Sure, sometimes those branches of life will end shortly, but we have to take that risk if we ever want to reach our full potential. How will you know if you were destined to become a world-renowned speaker if you never step up to the microphone? Who knows if your ideas are great if they never get voiced? How do you know if you were meant to be a redwood if you tie off your roots like a bonsai?

Take every opportunity you have in life, because you never know when those moments will define you, and you never know when those moments could be your last. This is a message that hits me close to home. A little over a year ago, a shining young student from my school passed away far before his time was up… He was headed into his senior year, one of the most memorable years in our lives and he would never get to experience it. Without going too much into detail, our community was shaken beyond repair, this death struck all of us… For this student continued to bring people together, even after death.

In the end, you never know where your story is headed, and you never know when your time is up, so make the most of the opportunities you are given before you look back and realized you missed your chance. For our tree of life, we can stretch our branches as far as we can and reach extraordinary heights, but our roots will always stay in the same spot. Take value in the people around you and spend time with the people you care about because once they are gone you will wish you could.

Grow Everyday,

Cole Rieman

Northwest State Vice-President

What is your favorite skills CDE?

Chandler Jahner-
Soils Judging has always held a special place in my heart. For one, it opened my eyes to more areas of agriculture. Growing up on a livestock operation, I had no clue as to what it took to be successful with row crops. Why it's my favorite is because, at my home chapter, the soils judging team was the team that was always the closest. They were the ones who hung out outside of school, spent extra time practicing and developing a way to play off of each other's strengths. When I had a chance to be a part of that club, I was amazed to see how close a group of people could get over a contest. Whether it was not washing a pair of lucky jeans, staying up late the night before the contest or hanging out at someone's grandmas to go over materials I loved every second. To this day, when I talk agriculture with people I reference what I learned in those Southern Iowa soil pits.

Cole Reiman-
Being a student that has never participated in a skills CDE, this year is my first year seeing the process and let me tell you - These members work HARD. Never before have I seen so many members dedicated to doing what they love and mastering their craft. The town I grew up in is named “Ayrshire” like the dairy cow, coincidentally, this last week I had the privilege of helping out with the dairy CDEs. Now, going into this contest I didn’t know what to expect. I kind of just thought it was just going to be a bunch of kids who love milk, I guess. After I got about halfway through the day, I saw the tests that they have to take and boy let me tell you what. If these students want to succeed, it isn’t just a walk in and go type of thing. Just from looking at a couple sheets of paper, I could tell just how hard skills CDE students have to work to do well. I was thoroughly impressed with the work that these students did and can’t wait to see where their passions take them. While all skills CDEs impress me, I think I have to stick with my roots and say that Dairy has to be my favorite.

Laken Mullinix-
After having the opportunity to be around a lot of CDE’s this summer, I have come to the conclusion that the Floriculture contest is my favorite. I loved being able to see the beautiful product of the member’s hard work, and it amazes me that people my age and younger can create flower arrangements so beautiful they look professionally made. It was also fun to see how a lot of teams dressed up, it was another way they showed their dedication to their contest because they were dressing the part. Before presenting awards, I went around and looked at a few of the corsages and I could see the pride on the member’s faces as they showed off their hard work and I loved seeing this with members of all CDE’s!

CD Brinegar-
My favorite skills CDE is Agriculture Mechanics and Technology in June, it consists of different mechanics and technology that is helpful to use around the farm, ranch or in many ag jobs. It consists of welding, woodworking, electrical wiring, along with a test and small engines area. This contest is always a fun one for a couple reasons, one you can be good at or learn about many areas within the mechanics and technology field and show off many skills at once. Or if you're like me a and not really good in all of the areas but maybe one you can really show off your skills and talents on that one area. This contest is at Iowa State University on the 450 farm a live working farm and is all around just a great experience to compete and learn a lot.

Lexi Berte-
Out of all the skills, CDE’s that FFA members across Iowa compete in, I would have to say Livestock judging is my favorite. As a member, I competed in different livestock judging events throughout the year. I always loved getting to improve my skills after each contest and discuss the reasons my team and I had for placing classes the way we did. Many members spend a great deal of time on this CDE and let me tell ya oral reasons are not the easiest. Or at least they weren’t for me! Something I also really enjoy about this contest is that members do not have to have a livestock background to be successful. Even though many of them do, it is still possible to learn the correct way to judge livestock. Iowa FFA members continue to surprise me with their hard work and dedication to the many skills CDE’s our state has to offer!

Jake Hlas-
Skilled CDE’s were always one of my favorite aspects during my high school career! From practices after school to early morning van rides to contests, I enjoyed every moment of these events. My personal favorite skilled CDE was by far Livestock Judging. Not only did I love the contest portion of livestock judging, I also enjoyed the countless hours of practices and workouts that went into being successful. The connections and networking opportunities in the livestock industry that came with judging are something I wouldn’t trade for anything. Many can relate to the hard work that it takes to be successful and win or lose knowing that you put 100% effort into an opportunity is a very rewarding feeling. I encourage everyone I meet to do something they may not be comfortable with or used to because you never know how much you can grow from that moment!

Lane Morrison-
This summer I was able to help run some of the Skilled CDE events across Iowa. Although all of the events were a lot of fun, I enjoyed the Meats judging CDE the most. I worked in a butcher shop as my SAE over the past few years so I already had a knowledge of the meat products the students were tasked with judging. All of the students that participated did a tremendous job and put in many hours of hard work for the event. The work they put in will definitely benefit them in the future when putting in situations that require them to work effectively and efficiently. Seeing these members participate in something they enjoy shows that they want to work hard for something and make themselves better.

Jodie Mausser-
My all-time favorite skilled CDE was definitely dairy judging! I remember sitting at the farm looking through the cow magazines and trying to decide what cow would be placed as the best. Whenever a cow would come into the parlor, I would judge her by her udder, how she walks on her feet and her teat placement. When it came time for the Dairy Judging Skills CDE, I was ready to put my knowledge to the test! Every year, it was my goal to do better than the previous year, and I’m proud to say that I had. Another thing I loved about the Dairy Judging CDE, was that I would get to see all of my dairy friends! While it was a competition, we all might not have been as competitive as we should be, because we were just happy to be with our friends, even the four-legged ones! Dairy Judging will always hold a special place in my heart because, at the end of the day, I could go back home and talk to my family about the day, and keep learning how to better myself and my judging skills!

Gwen Black-
My favorite Skilled CDE has always been Horse Judging. I always enjoyed that early morning ride to Kirkwood for an amazing day spent with friends and meeting new ones. This CDE has constantly pushed me to become a better horseman. Any open show I would attend I would judge the horses in the classes before and after me, giving my reasons to friends and family around me. Sometimes my friends and I would even make small bets to see who would match with the judge. This year I did not judge but rather had the opportunity to watch all of you judge. It was so amazing seeing all of your hard work pay off this June. I was beyond proud of awesome everyone did, and all of their dedication to be better. I can’t wait to continue to watch the success of our amazing horseman in the Iowa FFA!

Living to Serve, 

2018-2019 Iowa FFA State Officer Team

Hope

Hope, a four-letter word that could change so much. According to dictionary.com hope means “A feeling that events will turn out for the best”. We have all had times where we might have thought about giving up, or thought things just can’t get any worse, but we try to find the positive by having a little bit of hope.

When I was in high school, all I could think about was summer, because that meant softball was just around the corner. See, I had been practicing my pitching all winter, and I could not wait to try out my new pitches! It was just another normal Sunday afternoon pitching clinic. I had warmed up my arm and was ready to start into my full pitch. I had thrown about 10 pitches when I started to feel a pain in my shoulder and it had started to pop during every pitch. Eventually, I decided to call it a night because the pain continued to worsen.

Soon enough I found myself in tears by the fact that I couldn’t even put a mixing bowl in the cupboard due to my shoulder. My mom decided that we were going to go see the doctor. After several tests, I soon received the news that I had torn my labrum and that I would never be able to pitch again. At that moment I had thought my whole world had ended.

After my surgery, my family reminded me to have hope and that things would get better. My physical therapist also continued to remind me that I needed to have a little bit of hope because he to had hope that I would play again. That little bit of hope and strength from my family, friends, and doctors, was able to get me out on the softball field for yet another season.

While I was at practice, I was learning my limits with throwing the ball, and realizing I wasn’t able to do all the things I use to do. My coaches told me to keep my head up, and I needed that little bit of hope to get me back into the game I loved so dearly.

It was almost the end of the season, and we were playing against one of our favorite teams! The score was eight to six and there was one out! The pitch was thrown and the next thing you know, I had the ball in my hand and I was throwing it home! Even though we had gotten the runner out, that wasn’t the only thing that was out. I was out again and then there was surgery number two.

Even though I was never able to play again, I had hope for my team that they would continue to play their hearts and go get that next win! One of the greatest lessons I have learned from this experience is that no matter what happens, you always have to have a little bit of hope.

As dictionary.com had said, hope means “A feeling that events will turn out for the best”. Recently my family and I had to dig deep down and find that little bit of hope. While I was at my Nana and Papa’s house for one of our family bonfires, I was sitting next to my Nana when she asked me to come inside and help her. I, of course, said yes and proceeded to follow her inside. As I was waiting to hear what we were going to be doing, I noticed Nana had tears in her eyes. The next few words that Nana said, were words I hoped I hadn’t heard. Those words were, “I have cancer”. As she pulled me in for a hug, Nana said to me, “It’s going to be alright, we just have to pray and have a little bit of hope”. It was those few words that told me, everything is going to be alright.

My Nana is one of the strongest people I have ever met, and with her being positive and keeping her hope, she continues to show us all that sometimes hope is all we need. As she has gone through her surgery’s, I found that my Nana is even stronger than before, and I hope that the next time life throws me a curveball, I will have hope just like my Nana.

Sometimes life throws us curve balls, some are good and some aren’t so good. Sometimes it is an opportunity to follow your dreams, and sometimes it tests you as an individual. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that sometimes that little bit of hope is the only thing you can hold on to, and sometimes that is all you need. Whether or not life continues to throw you a curveball, I hope that you can find a little bit of hope.

Smile for the camera,

Jodie Mausser

2018-2019 Iowa FFA State Reporter

Lucky

I can see it now: The rows upon rows of chairs, with the community I’ve spent most of my life with sitting before me. To the left, my graduating class. Most of them I’ve known since kindergarten. To the right, the high school choir. A place where I’ve made some of the best friends and the best memories. Four years flashed before my eyes and for a moment, I couldn’t believe I was actually graduating. The time to say goodbye to the community I’ve grown so close to came at me faster than a freight train and I wasn’t prepared for it. I looked back on the all the times I had thought “I can’t wait to graduate, move on to college, and leave this town” but why? In the moments after commencement when friends, family, and community members congratulated me, I finally realized how lucky I was.

How many times have you sat at home on a Saturday night and complained about how boring your hometown is? I know I have plenty. From the outside, small towns don’t look fun. There’s no malls, no big restaurants, no amusement parks or anything. Maybe you have a bowling alley, a McDonald’s, a couple places to hang out. But looking on the inside, you learn to appreciate the community you grew up in.

When I was little, I remember learning VERY quickly that people were always looking out for me around town. If I crashed my bike, a neighbor would be outside in a heartbeat with a band-aid. If I did anything I wasn’t supposed to, like in 5th grade when I decided to skip softball practice to go to the pool, my mom found out before I got home. I always felt safe in my community and knew that everyone was a neighbor who cared about me.

When you’re at your Friday night football game you can look into the crowd and see the support your community gives. There are people in the stands that aren’t parents or aunts and uncles of the players, they are people who are there simply because they want to be. When you’re on stage for a choir concert and scanning the faces below you, you find people who were willing to give up a free night just to support another school activity that they find important. They celebrate every victory and comfort every loss. It’s a group of people that have your back like no other.

Take the time to appreciate your community for every drive they make to a game all the way down to every smile they give as you pass them on the streets. Take the time to truly appreciate how lucky you are.

Until next time,

Laken Mullinix

2018-2019 State Secretary

Where Family is Found

Growing up, I attended a Catholic school. I got the usual questions like, “Do you have to wear a uniform?”, each time I would mention this. However, my school was much more than just wearing a uniform. It taught me morals, values, and the importance of family. Family is not always the people you live with or you are related to. With each class size averaging about 35 students, it was easy to know everyone in the school. I found a family within the student body and staff members. Everywhere we would go together, you could easily pick us out because of our uniforms. People would often stare, but I soon came to realize that this was something to be proud of. Like most high schoolers, I was excited to see what my future would hold. When I graduated, I realized that there was something special about Bishop Garrigan that I would cherish forever. It was always more than just a school. Bishop Garrigan was a place where I found a family. It was a family that supported, accepted, and motivated me to be the best possible version of myself.

Now Bishop Garrigan was not the only place where I found a family in high school. Similarly, the Algona FFA chapter became a family also. In FFA, people often reference the “Sea of Blue”. Now, as a Greenhand FFA member, I never really understood this term. Well until my first National Convention. In October 2015, I loaded the bus to head down to Louisville, KY, with some of my best friends. After being on the bus for what seemed like forever, it was finally time to get off. I was tired of being on the bus for so long, but I quickly forgot about everything within a few seconds. I stepped out and walked up to the convention center and all I saw was Blue Corduroy. Now, this is a sight I will never forget. This sight instantly changed my life forever. I realized that not only was my chapter a family, but the National FFA Organization as a whole was a family. Throughout my time at numerous state and national FFA conventions, I met members from across the nation that became my family. Just like Bishop Garrigan, we shared core values that connected us no matter how far apart we may be at times.

Whenever I am missing those families, I remember this quote, “Families are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.” (Unknown) No matter where life may take you, remember that your family will always be there for you. You are always connected by your common values.

In the Bible, it says, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) Value the families you form throughout your life. They are the people who accept you as you are. Never forget the where family is found.

Keep it Real,

Alexis Berte

North Central State Vice President

What is your favorite thing about the Iowa State Fair?

Lane Morrison -

My favorite part about the Iowa State Fair definitely has to be hanging out with my friends at different concerts and livestock shows. Every year, we make it a priority to come to the great Iowa State Fair and go to the free stages to enjoy all of the new upcoming performers. This year was a little different from my normal routine. Each state officer is given the opportunity to attend a concert in the grandstands sometime throughout the week as an FFA usher so seeing what goes on behind the scenes has been really cool. Another fair favorite has to be the amazing food throughout the fairgrounds. I don’t shy away from a pork chop on a stick or a warm bucket of cookies. Overall, the State Fair is one of my favorite times of the year!

Jodie Mausser -

My favorite part of the Iowa State Fair is getting to see all the hard work that everyone does to putting the state fair on, and also getting to see all of the super cool projects that our members work so hard at during the year, to bring them to the great Iowa State Fair! Everyone has a story, and if you give them the time to tell you, you can learn a lot from the state fair, and the people. Another one of my favorite parts of the state fair is getting to help out at the Animal Learning Center. While helping out, I get the opportunity to talk with fairgoers about agriculture, and I get to share my passion with them while talking to them about the dairy industry. This is my favorite part of the Iowa State Fair!

Laken Mullinix -

Believe it or not, this was my first time at the Iowa State Fair and out of everything I’ve experienced, my favorite part is working at FFA Display in the Agriculture Building! I have loved the opportunity to meet with people of all ages and see how they relate to the jacket and what it means to them I have had so many conversations with people who were members long before me, and seeing the impact that the blue corduroy still has on them today amazes me! It really shows that the memories you take with you from this blessed organization will stay with you from years to come.

Jake Hlas -

The great Iowa State Fair has always been the highlight of my year. My family has camped there since before I was born. Many of my earliest memories came from the 11 days of summer spent at the Iowa State Fair. I have shown and exhibited livestock here for nearly 10 years and through this, I have met and connected with countless people in this great industry. In regards to the question of what is my favorite part of the Iowa State Fair, it is hard to choose just one. This state has been one to remember and not just because of the 15 days we spent on the grounds this year or the hot summer nights spent in the air-condition-less five-star resort of Hillcrest, it is because of the broad spectrum of people we have been able to meet with. Not only in the livestock barns but also all over the fairgrounds. My favorite memory from this fair occurred during the parade of champions. I was able to see all of the hard work pay off for numerous individuals and this was a very good feeling to have, being able to relate to the countless hours spent on their livestock and projects. The excitement within the eyes of everyone in the ring of the livestock pavilion as 2000 spectators cheered, is something I will never forget. Moments like these are what truly coins the term, “Nothing Compares to the Iowa State Fair.”

Chandler Jahner -

Nothing compares to the Great Iowa State Fair! This year did not disappoint! Whether it be meeting members from across the state, working the Avenue of Breeds, or hanging out with the Ushers, it was a ball! My favorite part of this year's fair was to witness and hear everyone’s Ag stories. Take for example Parker, who won Grand Champion Restored Tractor this year, who spent hours telling his story of success. Or Skie, with her heavy hitch draft horse team, hauled not only us as state officers but the governor and lieutenant governor in the parade of champions! You can see it on their faces, witness their hard work in action as you travel in the barns, these members stories are just beginning. At the same time, it was an honor to hear the adventures of those who plowed the way before us. Whether it be during the farm crisis of the 80s, or the boom of the 50s, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. It was a blessing to be a part of and hear the story of those who still believe in the future of agriculture.

Alexis Berte -

The Iowa State Fair is an event I wait for all year long. This year, however, my state fair looked a little bit different than normal. I represented Kossuth County as fair queen during Queen’s Week. Although I missed out on many of the FFA livestock shows, this second week has been one to remember. Working numerous display shifts, I have met some amazing people with even better stories to tell. Learning about their backgrounds in FFA has truly been amazing. I can by far say, these years state fair is one for the books. It’s hard to pick just one aspect of the fair to be my favorite one, but I would have to say it is watching the Swine Show. Fun fact: My favorite animal is a pig! All year long, exhibitors work with their livestock to prepare them for their county fairs and the great Iowa State Fair. Seeing their joy and excitement in the ring is something I will never forget. All of their hard work has paid off in those few moments. With the theme this year being Iowa State Fair Moments, I can recall many moments from over the years at the Iowa State Fair. All of those moments have a special place in my heart. I cannot wait to continue making memories at the Iowa State Fair not only this year but for many years to come, because nothing compares to these moments.

Gwen Black -

The Great Iowa State Fair is one of my favorite times of the year! I have been attending the fair with my family for as long as I can remember, whether that be to exhibit projects, show horses, or just go to a concert in the Grandstands, we have been here, rain or shine. Because it is so hard to choose just one of my favorite state fair moments I’ll tell you my favorite from both sides of the coin. Now as an FFA member and Officer I have loved seeing all of you! Your hard work throughout the year has obviously paid off. Seeing everyone work the ring in the parade of champions was so amazing! Being a regular fairgoer my favorite part of the fair is, of course, the food! I can’t even choose a favorite food either because everything is amazing. Though I can say the best lemonade at the fair is the booth up in Pioneer Hall! Would highly recommend! The fair this year has truly been an amazing experience and I hope all of you enjoyed your fair as well and made some memorable moments along the way.

CD Brinegar -

My favorite part of the Iowa State Fair is the FFA Ag Mechanics. I enjoy walking through and looking at all the tractors. Although green is the best and "Nothing Runs Like a Deere", the red ones aren't too bad. The tractors are all shined up with chrome straight pipes and new lights tend to always look the best sitting outside in the sun. But what really makes those tractors so meaningful are the stories that went into each one. Like the tractor that grandpa bought brand new and dad blew the motor on it, it made it to the state fair. Or my personal favorite - a tractor that was used as a tram puller back in the day - was bought from the fairgrounds and now is back after a 50-year absence. If you get a chance, I strongly recommend a trip through the FFA tractors.

Cole Reiman -

The people - I know it sounds cheesy but sometimes I feel like a dog at a dog park - always going up and meeting new people! One of my teammates brought something to my attention this week when you are at the state fair and you walk by hundreds of people but you never know their stories. On these fairgrounds, there have been advisors, governors, members, queens, and even the everyday visitors. Each of these people has their own story, their own lives that lead up to this moment, right now where we have all been brought together at an amazing state fair. The conversations we have to allow us into the doorway of another person’s life, they allow us to feel what others feel and connect with others, they let ourselves gain an understanding of a whole new perspective on life and in the process gain an appreciation for where others have been and where they are going. Next time you are unsure whether or not to start a conversation, do it. I can promise you will learn something by the end of it and grow in the process.

2018-2019 

Iowa FFA State Officer Team

Fear

Growing up, I was the quiet kid. I was the kid the teacher had to drag answers out of, who sat in the back of the class. The kid people were concerned about. Allow me to give you some perspective. I had a conversation with my grandmother once and she outright said, “Chandler, we were worried about you.” My parents noticed up until 4th grade, I did all of the things a kid should. I was goofy, fun, and I made friends like it was my job. I was just another 4th grader. Then it stopped for no apparent reason. It wasn’t until I reflected on that part of my life did I figure it out. I had let fear weave itself into my life and take hold. Where most kids that age think they’re bulletproof, I thought I was the designated bullet catcher. The constant overthinking, self-doubt and questioning was a vicious cycle.

I think all of us live with this fear to some degree daily. “Am I pretty enough?” “Is she going to like me?” “What will they say?” Believe me, I know the feeling. At this point, I own a timeshare in that area of thinking. In a day and age where we as a society thrive off of our presence on social media, it’s easy to get sucked into this mindset. Throw in the stress of college or career preparation, a sprinkle of people cutting you down and you have a blue ribbon recipe for disaster. The recipe of my life.

Have you ever woke up in the morning and the whole world seemed gray? As if it was letting you know, “This day this going to bite, salvage what you can.” Have you ever questioned what the point of going outside is? That if a bus hit you it would be the highlight of your day? Because I know I have.

I’m a sheep farmer from southern Iowa, I’m not trained in Socrates or Plato, but I do know this: What you choose to do with your fears is what defines you as a person, not the fear itself.

We as state officers recently returned from a training out in Washington D.C. While there, one of the things we focused on was our nation's history. The men and women who laid the foundation and fought to preserve our country are patriots, but they all had fear. They could have chosen to stay silent, to let fear rule over them but they didn’t. They fixed bayonets on Bunker Hill, fought to restitch a torn nation, and stood tall in faraway lands for people they’d never met. They threw off the shackles of tyranny so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Like the freedom for a quiet Iowan to zip-up a blue corduroy jacket that would change his life forever.

In times of darkness, have you ever seen the sunrise chase off the dark from the mountains of West Virginia? Sped down the highway with windows down and the music too loud? Stood proudly next to a speech, performance or project and knew that you gave it your all? Because I know I have. The Bible says in 2 Timothy, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

It’s ok to be fearful, that’s life. Never be ashamed to reach out to someone and tell them you’re down, people want to help. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Know when you see me singing along, cracking jokes, or being a little “weird” I’m choosing to fight my battle. I’m choosing to be fearless. That my fears have no hold on me.

See, I was never a fan of my recipe for disaster, so I decided to change it. My new blue-ribbon recipe for life is as follows: a dash of self-confidence and a sprinkle of some amazing friends and family with a touch of Faith. But it has a secret ingredient that really brings it all together: a blue corduroy jacket. With a perfect balance of growth and love from its members and advisors, it fills me up like nothing else. If you’re tired of the dark of life, give my recipe a try. I can confidently say when you do, “all you’ll have to fear is fear itself”.

Go Get Em’!

Chandler Jahner

South Central State Vice-President