Meaningful Service

I spent the first week of 2017 in the mountains of northern Haiti. I could take the next twenty pages just detailing the events of each day, but instead I want to share some interesting lessons I learned over the course of the trip.

Lesson One: A smile and a wave can break through any language barrier.

On the four hour drive from Port-au-Prince to the the university where we would be staying and working, I rode in the back of a van. Although this spot made the banging and bouncing of the trip a little more extreme, it gave me a unique vantage point on the trek. I can distinctly remember looking out the back window amazed at the beauty of the mountains and the contrast of the abject poverty butting up to the road’s edge. Along the side of the road were two little boys, probably about five and three years old, sitting on a big rock used to keep vehicles from driving off the road and rolling down the side of the mountain. As we drove by, I made eye contact with them. I don’t know why, but I continued to stare as we got farther and farther apart. As the van drove on, I raised my arm and waved at them. When they waved back it brought a huge smile to my face, and as my smile grew bigger, the two boys smiled back and waved even harder. Even though I had no idea who these two boys were, couldn’t say anything to them, and will never see them again, we connected, not through speech, but by a simple smile and a wave. It makes for a nice feel good story, but more importantly, it made three people’s day better.

Lesson Two: You may never know what your actions mean to the people around you.

I have to preface this by asking you to imagine what it looks like in a high school ag class or a science lab when you are conducting an experiment. This will make sense at the end. To start, I was working with a group of students at the university testing soil from their garden plots. I had about eight students who were working with me. I began by going through the soil test, explaining each part as I was testing it. When I was finished demonstrating and explaining to the students, then it was their turn. Now, to the moral of the story and why I asked what I did at the beginning. Unlike almost all of the classrooms in the U.S., this class was full of students who were completely quiet, taking notes on everything being said, and engaged and attentive the entire time. This taught me that the students and the people in Haiti are so hungry for knowledge and ideas that can help them. They are so grateful and appreciative for what we are doing to help them, they don’t want to miss any of it.

Lesson Three: Actually do something that matters.

Far too often we work on projects or go on church or university sponsored trips, and by the time we are done we walk away saying to ourselves, “I came in thinking they needed me, but walked away thinking I was really the one needing them.” I am not saying this is a bad thing, but I want to encourage you to do something that has residual, something that will leave a lasting impact. Don’t go into a situation thinking you have all the answers or you know best. What I learned was, often times, you get the best results when you talk to the people living in the situation on a daily basis, listen to what they need, and work to solve the problems with shared understanding. Be open to what they have to say and willing to selflessly go and make meaningful change that will last longer than the time you are there.

Cole Moody

Northeast State Vice President

Enjoying the Little Things

With a new year upon us, chances are we already have a few big goals set for ourselves to accomplish in 2017. No matter how big or small your goals may seem, it is important to enjoy the little things. Far too often, we get caught up on thinking about everything on a grand scale, which causes us to overlook the little things that make our lives worthwhile. When you think back on a significant moment in your life what do you remember? For most, we think about the moment as a whole rather than thinking about each individual thing that went into making that moment special. If you stop and think about the little things, you realize just how big they actually are.

As an example, this summer I went boating with some family and whenever I recall that day, I remember the little things. I remember the smell of the lifejackets that remained unused for almost a year, I remember the smell of the engine firing up to life, and I’ll never forget the sunburn I dealt with for the weeks after. It is entirely too easy to become focused on that next big goal. Rather than stressing yourself out about accomplishing multiple things all at once, take the time to fully appreciate all of the little things that go into your everyday life. Challenge yourself to enjoy the little things, and see how much of a difference it can make in your life. As I wrap up this blog, I’d like to leave you with a quote from Mr. Kurt Vonnegut. “Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”

           Zach Hoffman

South Central State Vice President

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

‘Tis the season! As the holidays get closer and closer, your Iowa FFA State Officers, wanted to share some of our favorite holiday memories.  Check out our reasons why it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Cully Forsyth: Christmas in the Forsyth house can get very interesting. With my family being very close to each other you can imagine things get a little crazy. From wrestling in the living room to who can eat the most snicker salad, our competitive sides show very often. While we do get very loud and obnoxious it’s also a time to come back home and enjoy the presence of others. My favorite Christmas memory was traveling to Illinois on Christmas Eve to go skiing. My ten cousins, grandparents, parents, and I had a blast tearing up the slopes in the midst of winter. It was a different experience than the traditional sit around the Christmas tree and I’ll always remember that Christmas enjoying the time with my family in a place not familiar.

                

Cole Moody: My favorite Christmas memory is going to our Christmas Eve church service with my family. For as long as I can remember we have gone to church together on Christmas Eve, and I always look forward to that quality time with my family celebrating the birth of Christ. This is such a special time to me because as a family we are blessed to celebrate the true REASON for the SEASON. My favorite part is at the end of the service where they dim the lights, and we sing Christmas carols together by candle light. This is a tradition I look forward to continuing for the rest of my life.

Blake Lineweaver: Unlike your typical, frozen tundra Christmas parties, one side of my family celebrates what we call “Christmas in July.” Since they live so far away, July is the perfect time for them to get away to Okoboji. In my opinion, the greatest to time for festivities and family is when it’s 70 degrees outside rather than -40. We celebrate the holiday by going on boat rides, frying fish, and sending cousins out on the tube every other hour. The best part: we get a t-shirt commemorating each year’s festivities, and now I have 10-15 annual “Christmas in July” shirts overflowing my closet.

Zach Hamilton: Back when I was in younger, there was one Christmas that sticks out the most. My mom wrapped all of our presents at our aunt’s house while we were at school and decided to leave them there so we wouldn’t find the gifts early. Then Christmas rolled around. For some reason, we had finished up opening presents much sooner than my mom had expected. She checked around and realized we hadn’t even gotten through half of the things she had bought. She had only picked up about half of the presents she had left at my aunt’s house.  Determined to not ruin Christmas, my mom decided to brave snow that had been falling for the past couple days.  She headed out to get the presents she had forgotten and it was like we had our own Santa when she returned.  I will definitely never let her live it down, but it was quite the Christmas.  

Zoie Shook: I have never been a big lover of surprises. Although, the surprise I received this year for Christmas topped it all. My big brother TJ shipped out to basic in November this year, and it really was hitting me hard. My brother and the rest of my family pulled off a surprise homecoming for Christmas. I opened my front door after there was a knock, saw TJ standing there, and immediately started bawling my eyes out. My favorite thing about Christmas is always being surrounded by my family, and this year, with the surprise homecoming of my big brother, the family aspect that will be surrounding the tree this year will not be short one single person.

Zach Hoffman: The holiday season here, it is important to focus on what really matters. To me, family comes first. It is always a tradition of mine to visit my Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Ellie’s house on Christmas day where I am greeted by a loving family. For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been spent thumbing through scrapbooks, and eating far too many desserts. I am always sad to leave the Christmas party when the time comes, but I soon cheer up once I remember how truly blessed I am to have the loved ones that I do in my life. No matter what your celebration may look like, I wish you a very joy filled holiday season!

Savannah Keitzer: ‘Tis the season! My favorite holiday tradition is simply spending time with my family and friends. I love sitting around the table playing games and listening to the people around me tell stories. My favorite is listening to my grandparents reflect on and tell stories about how different it was “back in their day.” When they speaks of their past, it reminds me just how blessed I truly am to be raised in this time and place.

Chase Kusel: One of my favorite Christmas/ Holiday memories is one that occurs every year on Christmas Eve. My mom, dad, and I go out to eat every Christmas Eve as a family, and we always go to a movie following that. I can’t think of a more humbling way to spend the day before Christmas with the people that you love the most. Which is why it has been one of my favorite holiday memories for as long as I can remember.

Elisa Russ: Holidays for my family is always just my parents and my siblings, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Some of my favorite memories revolve around Christmas Eve.  We start with loading up the car and heading to church for Christmas Eve service (which gives me goosebumps just thinking about it because it’s such a beautiful service).  We come back and always have my dad’s amazing homemade chili for supper, followed by opening one present, before playing some cards and heading to bed.  These memories made with my family are ones I will forever cherish.

Although our memories may vary, they all revolve around spending time with those we most care about.  We would like to wish you a safe and very merry holiday season to you and your loved ones!

2016-2017 Iowa FFA State Officers

We Are All on Our Way

With the holidays officially in full swing, I can tell you that there is nothing I love more than spending time with my family and friends. Whether it be sipping on hot chocolate by the fireplace, playing a competitive game of cards, yelling at the football game on TV, or just sitting around telling stories, it’s the most wonderful time of the year for my family and I. The holidays as a college student is even better. I can give myself a snow day if wanted, go home when I want to, and my Christmas break is almost a whole month long! But in order to get to that month long Christmas break, I have to get through FINALS.

While in the midst of (trying to) study for finals, getting into the Christmas spirit, (trying to) catch up on sleep, figuring out how I’m buying everyone presents with only $57 to my name, and every other struggle the typical college student has this time of the year, I realized just how badly I wished my dad was here to help me out a little and see everything that I am doing.

In March of my freshman year, my dad passed away from Neuroendocrine Carcinoid Cancer. He taught me so much about life in the short 14 years I was able to be with him, but still to this day, I long for his embrace, wise words, and corny jokes as if the 14 years I had just wasn’t quite enough.

Honestly, for me, my first semester of college has been one of the biggest struggles I have ever faced. Every class I had to sit through seemed to just drag on. I just didn’t want to be there. But the last thing I wanted to do was disappoint my mom and dad. I simply was just struggling with myself and life in general. Despite the depression that I had fallen back into, I continued trying to keep my spirits up and just get through the semester. I was just losing. Losing my confidence, my drive, my passion, my happiness, and myself. Things I have worked so hard to gain back after I lost my dad. I was losing all of my progress simply because I thoroughly just missed my dad. I had officially given up.

Everyone we know has lost someone or something in their life. It’s not easy and it never will be. But last week, I was reading some blogs that I follow and I read this, “It’s okay if you feel like you’ve let yourself and the people you love down a lot of times already. One day, after all the trials and errors and breakdowns, you’ll finally make it. And you’ll see that the people who love you never lost their faith in you… I am asking you to not give up. Your heart may feel heavy and your mind may have thousands of thoughts inside, but you have to keep going. You have to, no matter how scary and much of a struggle it may be… So if there are times that you feel like you’re about to just turn around and give it all up, remember this: You are not a failure. You are on your way. You are on your way.”

That’s when it hit me. We are all on our way. On our way to something spectacular. I had been having a rough few months and struggling with a lot of things but I’m on my way. We all go through some really tough things in life, and we all feel like giving up at some point in life. But we have to keep going. We really have no choice. Roadblocks are inevitable, but what matters is how we get around them. We’re going to feel like a failure sometimes, it’s going to seem like we’re not getting anything done that we need to, and that’s okay. It’s all a part of our journey. Our paths may be rough, long, and twisted but in the end, we’re all going to make it, we’re all just on our way. Despite the trials and tribulations that face us on that path, we will all make it in the end.

With the holidays upon us, I encourage you to hug your family a little tighter and take in the love that comes with this season. It’s truly something amazing. Cherish every moment you have with those loved ones because even when people don’t live forever, memories do. Confide in your loved ones and give everyone all that you can, you never know when it’s going to be your last time. Use these next few weeks to tell those you love that you love them, go see that friend you haven’t seen in a while, bake with your mom, talk to your siblings, watch Christmas movies with your family, and just take in the joy, love, and happiness this holiday season brings. Because I know I would give anything to have just one more Christmas with my dad.

And when something goes wrong, remember to take a step back and realize that everyone is battling something. And I promise you that whatever demons you are fighting, you will win, do some amazing things in your life, and in the end, you will make it, because we are all on our way.

Scott Shook

April 22^nd 1970 - March 6^th 2013

Zoie Shook

Southwest State Vice-President

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

As we get closer to winter break were starting to see many changes whether it’s leaves falling, the temperature dropping, to more pumpkin spice products than we’ve ever seen before. I thought we had the opportunity to skip winter this year when I wore just a t-shirt outside on December 1^st but my hopes were brought back down when I went outside on December 2^nd and felt the harsh 29 degree winter we were all waiting for. Now that winter is finally here to stay, I thought I’d touch on just a couple of things this wonderful season has to offer us.

SNOW!

When I think of winter the first thing that comes to my mind any maybe yours too is snow. Whether you love it or not every year snow will cover the ground, and it doesn’t matter how old you are when you hear someone yell, “SNOWBALL FIGHT”, you throw a snowball. The coolest thing I see in my community back in Charles City is when it snows everybody is helping each other clear a path for vehicles and roads just out of pure kindness. It brings people together in many ways that many people never think of.

Christmas movies!

Ok but seriously how many times is it acceptable to watch the movie “ELF” from December to January. When I do have free time from my crazy schedule you can definitely find me watching Christmas movies. I can’t get enough of them!

Food!

Since I already made the joke I might as well bring it up again. Call me basic but I love a warm pumpkin spice latte and will definitely drink a lot of them during these cold months. I enjoy seeing all the different types of foods and drinks that are offered during this season especially the ones made by my family during Christmas.

Traditions!

Speaking of family, my number one favorite thing about winter is the holidays when I get to travel back to Americas Hometown and see all my family members. Sitting by the fireplace, around the dinner table, to even the occasional snowball fight, the love everyone shows for each other makes me treasure those special moments.

When you finally get that break off school, sports, FFA, and the many other activities you are in take in the awesome weather we get to experience here in Iowa, make sure to get cozy and watch hours on hours of Christmas movies, drink and eat as much delicious food and pumpkin spice products as you can handle, and most importantly focus on your family. Not long you’ll be off to college and counting down the days till you get to travel home and experience those memorable traditions that we all love. Have a warm winter!

Cully Forsyth

North Central State Vice President 

Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving being just a few days away, we each have the opportunity to reflect on life’s blessings and be grateful.  The Iowa FFA State Officers have done some reflecting ourselves and here is what we would like to give thanks for:

Zach Hoffman: As a State Officer, I have the opportunity to travel across the state and interact with many different chapters. Each time I visit, I am always amazed at how much respect students give towards their FFA advisors. The sense of family is always apparent as soon as I walk through the door and that might be my favorite part about being involved in FFA: the family. FFA advisors put students before themselves and I am very thankful for that. I would not be the man I am today without the constant guidance and support system that Mrs. Kelsey Bailey, my FFA advisor, provides. I'm sure we can all spend an entire day saying great things about our FFA advisors, but today, I want to simply say thanks.

Blake Lineweaver: In high school, I did a satirical (kind of sarcastic) speech pretending to be cranberry sauce during Thanksgiving. To sum it up, I was a livid, jiggly mound of fruit that couldn't stand that fact that he wasn't the main dish of Thanksgiving. This holiday season, I'm thankful that for any meal, at least one person will appreciate every food, no matter how physically repulsive it may be.

Chase Kusel: I am thankful for my family. To be able to be back around the people that have pushed me and supported me in everything I do is indescribable. Throughout my year of service, they have been here to help in anyway possible, and I couldn't be more thankful for a support system like then.

Zach Hamilton: This Thanksgiving I would have to say that I am especially thankful for my car. As a State Officer and college student who lives about 3 1/2 hours from campus, I have put a lot of hours and miles on the road. Everything from traveling to and from home and campus for a break, to chapter visits, across Iowa for RAGBRAI, to the Enrichment Center for all sorts of things, or even just the short trip to Starbucks, I probably would not survive without my car. My car, Cam Cam and I have put in over 6,000 miles in a few short months, jamming to Beyonce and Carly Rae Jepsen. I am extremely thankful to have the ability to take Cam wherever I need to go to improve either my own or someone else's life.

Zoie Shook: I'm thankful for laughter and its ability to bring people together, make the bad days not so bad, and shine light on a hard situation. This year, laughter has become a daily occurrence; I’ve laughed until I cried, laughed until my stomach hurt, laughed until someone told me to shut up, and laughed because I was in an awkward situation (which I find myself in way too often). But honestly, I wouldn't change it for the world. So, thank you God, for allowing me the ability to laugh at not only myself, but everything else around me as well. Laughter is happiness, and happiness is key to a wonderful life.

Cole Moody: I am thankful for Jesus because He died on the cross for my sins. Because of Him I am forgiven.

Savannah Keitzer: I am thankful for EM Tiffany. I am sure each of us in the “FFAmily” had a panic attack when our FFA Advisor told us that we had to memorize and recite the creed. Even though the majority of us thought we could never do it, we did. Little did we know, reciting the creed instilled values within our hearts. The creed reminds of our mission as an agricultural industry, and the dreams we want to achieve. It reminds us of our past, and all the hard work and accomplishments that have been put forth to make our dreams come true. I am especially thankful for the FFAmily EM Tiffany created because you make my dreams a reality.

Cully Forsyth: Not just on Thanksgiving but all year ‘round I am thankful for my loving family and the faith they always show, my hometown and how the people their taught me to be the person I am today, my friends and the memories they continue to help me make and last but definitely not least........ The Green. Bay. Packers. This historic team not only has a past of success, but a bright future as well. Don't let their slow start, 4 - 5 record, below average defense, and 3rd place seat in the NFC North fool you, the rest of the season can only go up from here and I definitely see another Lombardi trophy coming back to Lambeau Field soon. This Thanksgiving remember to thank your family, your friends, and most definitely your favorite team for always doing what they can to ensure a bright future for you. 

Elisa Russ: This year, I’m thankful for this crazy thing called life.  Through late nights, football games, endless hours on the road, packed schedules, good food, ripped pantyhose, amazing people, and all the other things that make our lives what they are, I’m just thankful for every new day that is given to me.  I am appreciative of every good and not-so-good moment, because life itself truly is a blessing.

From the Iowa FFA State Officer Team, we want to wish everyone a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.  Enjoy the time with loved ones, remember to thank an agriculturalist for your holiday meal, and be grateful for all of life’s blessings.

A Rich History and A Bright Future

Truth be told, I had no clue what FFA was before high school. My parents never stepped foot on a farm, so there was no family pressure to understand agriculture. I knew enough to know the food I ate did not come from a store but was instead produced many miles away on a farm. I knew chocolate milk does not come from brown cows, despite the common misconception. However, my blindness to agriculture was not from a lack of interest, but instead through a lack of knowledge. I simply didn’t know what I didn’t know, and that seems to be the biggest barrier.

After being introduced to the industry as a high school freshman, I began to understand why our industry matters. I never appreciated agriculture, because I never understood it. Through agricultural education, I was able to bridge that gap of understanding and find a future career I believe can overcome any obstacle. Throughout history, agriculture has proven to overcome many challenges. Why wouldn’t you choose agriculture?

Agriculture has grown through events that seemingly destroyed the industry. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl overwhelmed the nation for an entire decade. What seems like a history lesson was incredibly real for over 2.5 million Americans who fled Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Prices for all commodities nationwide dropped substantially, leaving our nation’s farmers in peril. Across the board, the industry was decimated. But in the end, agriculture prevailed. The Farm Crisis of the 1980s shook the sector. Iowa was at the center of this national catastrophe. In 1983, nearly 500 farms were being auctioned off each month.  As the Farm Crisis subsided, almost 300,000 farmers had lost everything. Again, agriculture prevailed.

Today, farmers are challenged by low commodity prices and high input costs. However, there is hope on the horizon. Nationally, farmers are reaching record yields for corn and soybeans. This year corn production jumped 1.9 bushels per acre and soybeans now average 52.5 bushels per acre. Through science, agriculture has a promising future. The implementation of CRISPR-Cas9 promises to develop improved crops. Microbial applications and soil management will increase yields. Digital agriculture increases the data available to farmers to allow for more informed decisions. Conservation techniques like wetland management and no-till crop systems are improving water and soil quality for all Iowans.

And finally, our organization is on the rise. The National FFA Organization’s membership reached an all time high for the 2015-16 year at 649,355 members, and the Iowa FFA Association is looking to break over 15,000 members this year. Iowa FFA members continue to show leadership through their career experiences earning $25.56 million as reported last year. Our nation’s rising youth are a talented, educated, and passionate workforce willing to take agriculture to the next step. Every day, I wake up grateful for choosing this field, because I see the promise of better days ahead. In times of doubt or uncertainty, we should look to the final paragraph of our creed: “I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life,” and remember that you will always have a role to play in agriculture.

Blake Lineweaver

Northwest State Vice President

Food for Thought:

http://phys.org/news/2016-09-vegetables-crispr-cas9-cultivated-harvested-cooked.html

http://www2.econ.iastate.edu/ifo/