"It's a Family Tradition" by State Parliamentarian, Matthew Phillips

December Blog

     “Why?”—A child’s favorite question. I would imagine most children grow up asking their family why they decided to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or any other typical profession. The younger generation is always curious as to why their family decided to take a certain path and whether they’ll choose to take the same path. Some kids may grow up to become the same thing as their parents but most don’t. You see, most families decided to ‘change their direction’ due to numerous factors. Growing up, I have been extremely blessed to have a family who did not abandon the original American occupation. My family owns and operates a 2,500-acre generational sugarcane farm in Franklin, LA. Because of this, I was able to witness firsthand the highs and lows of agriculture from an early age.

Imagine an eight-year-old boy whose interest did not veer far from the farm. Many of my childhood toys always related back to the farm whether it was tractors, combines, or semi-trucks. On weekends and holidays, I did not want to go to the mountains, beach, or even Disney World but rather the sugarcane farm. I would constantly bug my grandfather and uncles all hours of the day to let me ride the tractors on the farm. Early on, I can recall waking up at 5:30 in the morning to be the co-pilot to my Uncle Donnie while he operated the combine during the harvest season. For those of you who know me, you’ll know that I always have a ton of questions…just imagine me as a child. While I am sure I had many questions that frigid December morning, it was never a question that I wanted to help in ‘carrying on this family tradition’. 

These encounters and interactions with my uncles continued on weekends and holidays until I was in the eighth grade when I was able to work my first true day. After working that day, it became surprisingly evident that the joys of riding on the tractor and other equipment did not quite define farming. In that moment, I had to ‘stop and think it over’. I realized that there are hardships and struggles that famers face every day in order to create a product that is satisfactory to consumers across the globe. Farmers know to always expect the unexpected and be prepared for when those unexpected incidents arise. Working long hours on my family’s sugarcane farm has taught me resiliency and given me an appreciation for the people whose toil affects the lives of so many as they are simply ‘living out the song they wrote’. Although I too have ‘changed my direction’ to educate the next generation of agriculturists by becoming an agricultural educator, I will be forever grateful for the knowledge and values gained from Bayou Sale Cane and intend to one day ‘carry on an old family tradition’.

"How Are You A Part of Agriculture?" by State Vice-President, Amber Bridges

November Blog

When wearing the blue jacket, it’s pretty common for people to ask you how you are connected to agriculture. For some people, the answer to that question could be really easy to answer, as they come from a traditional agricultural background whether their field of experience lies within animal production, crop production, or even from owning their own little piece of land where they grow or produce goods for their family. But for me, it’s the total opposite. When it comes to the traditional agricultural life, the closest I ever came to that was having dogs and cats as pets. The closest thing to field crop production that I came to was when my third grade teacher grew beans with us as a class project. That was my agricultural background until my freshman year of high school. 

In the spring semester of my eight grade year, the freshmen counselor came to speak to all of the students that would be attending West Ouachita High School the following year. Knowing that our town really isn't that big into agriculture and it doesn't involve many students within that lifestyle, she sold the agriscience class to many students by saying the if you take this class for two years, you won't have to take a senior science. Hearing those words, I instantly knew that I would be taking an agriscience class the first two years while I was at West Ouachita. Fast forward some time and I was walking into agriscience I with the advisor, Ms. Martin. She was the individual  that kickstarted my career and interest in not just FFA, but agriculture. Going to the 212/360 conference allowed me to see that not only are the people in this organization from all different kinds of agricultural backgrounds, but many also had backgrounds just like mine. It showed me that no matter what or where you came from, you could still be a part of agriculture. Competing in the many difference CDEs let me know that agriculture isn't just about the animals, the farmer and their crops. It's also about the floral designers creating your prom corsage and the eighteen-wheeler drivers hauling logs from the cutting site in the forest to the mills that all play a major role in Louisiana agriculture. Without those truck drivers, our state's number one commodity would not be forestry.

Being a part of FFA, I was given the opportunity to experience the typical, most well-known side of agriculture. From my sophomore to my senior year of high school, I had the chance to show swine and get to experience the joys and discomforts of raising livestock. I was not aware of the hard work that some people put into their projects. Because of my experiences within the FFA, I have grown to learn more about the traditional agricultural lifestyle and have a newfound appreciation for those individuals who do so. I may not have come from an agricultural background or been exposed to that way of life during my younger years, but my connection to agriculture is there. Being a part of the FFA has allowed for me to ignite a passion that I never knew I had before. When I am now asked how I am a part of agriculture, I proudly day that I live and enjoy all the different opportunities and chances that this organization and agriculture gives you.

The Importance of the Original Roots of Agriculture" by State President, Jadyn' Durr

October Blog

Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492. This is a phrase most Americans know. He did many things such as making four trips across the Atlantic, exploring the coast of what is now North and South America. But one of the big things he did was push Native Americans out of their land, seemingly erasing their towns, families, and their progress in agriculture. Today, we still see the Native American population as a minority in agriculture and the FFA. Recently, there has been an extremely big push towards diversity and inclusion within the FFA, but resources to help chapters achieve this goal are sparse. Personally, I was one of those people who continually ignored all that Native Americans offered to agriculture as I felt I had no place to speak for them. I was never involved in tribes that I have relations with, and I never took the step to understand what true native agriculture was. However as I continued to be involved in the FFA on a state and national level and after sitting through continuous workshops on diversity and inclusion, the same question popped into my head: how can we talk about inclusion when the topic of the original ‘American Farmer’ is still rarely mentioned? 

I knew then that I wanted to find a way to talk about Native American agriculture, but unlike many others I did not want to advocate for something that I had no actual knowledge on. I was able to get in touch with Mackenzie Martinez, a Louisiana Choctaw Native.  Mackenzie, like most great FFA members, was incredibly involved. She grew up in a rural community where she raised chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and show pigs. She had a vegetable garden, and most everything she knew about agriculture was passed down from generation to generation. Yet unlike most of us, she grew up seeing and hearing prevalent problems facing Native American farmers. Mackenzie states, “Tribal farmers and ranchers face so many different obstacles because of their status as members of sovereign tribal nations. There are barriers to things like access to credit and lenders that won’t facilitate tribal members.”  The United States Government Accountability Office has created a report on the credit barriers Native American farmers face and how it affects them. Information provided by the Native Farm Bill Coalition gives us a glimpse of these issues, as well. The Coalition states, “Indian Country has been largely pushed to the margins of Farm Bill discussions for decades – which means that Native Americans and tribes are missing out on major opportunities to protect and advance their interests.” The Native Farm Bill Coalition website goes into great detail of how it is important that our native farmers have the support needed to thrive in the community. 

Mackenzie also states, “There is also a need for more funding towards tribal colleges and universities that establish them as land grant institutions.” I, along with many others, did not know about land grant tribal universities, but in 1994, roughly 34 tribal colleges received land-grant institution status. This means they were allowed access to federal government resources that allowed them to become more self-sufficient. Yet, according to the American Council of Education’s review of tribal funding, many of these colleges have yet to see the funding they were promised. In some instances a tribal college or university (TCU) could be promised $8,000 per Indian student and only receive $6,000. Do not get me wrong, $6,000 is a lot of money, but for many of these TCUs that $2,000 difference means more than we will ever know. 

With that being said the most important thing we can do is find ways to help out the cause. As FFA members or anyone involved in agriculture we have the power to use our platform to speak for those who may not be able to. Mackenzie especially harped on that fact. She states, “I think that non-native students can promote the story of traditional Native American agriculture by being aware and open-minded. When discussing students supporting one another in order to move forward in this space, the Louisiana FFA Association and even the National FFA Organization, if it hasn’t already, needs to take a stance on issues pertaining to cultural respect.”      

The reason I joined the FFA and even ran for state office was to open up a discussion of diversity and inclusion that was not built on the basis of guilt but on the basis of understanding. I think the most important thing we can do as members is to make sure that everyone has their chance to be heard.

There was one thing that Mackenzie said that truly expressed the importance of representing Native Americans. “There are certain challenges to growing up on a reservation that many native youth face, and recognition in the FFA is an opportunity for them to develop into well-rounded individuals and implement that leadership into improving their communities.” When we look at the statistics, there are currently 165 Louisiana FFA members who self-reported Native American ethnicity,  meaning about 1.5% of our state’s membership is Native American. It’s not the biggest number, but it is a step in the right direction. We must also remember that numbers do not mean anything without something to show for it. We are awarded so many opportunities within the FFA, so why not work to ensure that everyone in the organization can share in those opportunities? Native Americans have been farming on this land longer than anyone knows, and they have so much to teach us about sustainable agriculture if we would just take the time to listen. It is time for us to take the initiative to understand their methods and traditions. My missions for all of you is to get in touch with a local tribe and truly pick their brains about what agriculture means to them. Find ways to get involved with their youth to understand the original roots of agriculture, and above all else, do what we were taught to do; represent our jacket with pride. 

May the odds be ever in your favor,

Jadyn’ Durr

"Real Food to You" By Dekota McGee, State Secretary

September Blog

“What am I eating?” “Where does my food come from?” “Is my food safe?” These are questions that more and more consumers are demanding be answered.  Parents want to provide healthier meals to their families, and some people want to treat their body’s better. As society becomes more aware of what they put into their bodies and what is going on around them, restaurant owners are taking the initiative in making their businesses’ more appealing to the public. 

Restaurant owners are making the choice to use local grown produce for their dishes, many hopping on the farm to table bandwagon. Farm to table restaurants are becoming a thriving sensation in larger cities across the state of Louisiana and the nation. If you’re not familiar with the farm to table movement, it is a social movement that promotes serving local food at restaurants and school cafeterias, preferably through direct acquisition from the producer. These establishments use their simple recipes to attract customers who want to experience a fresher and healthier meal, while also enjoying a groovy environment. Customers say that the food tastes fresher and overall much better than frozen and processed foods. This happens due to the effective transportation of goods being transported immediately from the fields of local farms to the kitchens of small restaurants.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Mr. Nathan Stubbs, the owner of a farm to table restaurant, The Saint Street Inn, located in Lafayette, LA. Stubbs began his business just under ten years ago and says that he absolutely loves his job. He says, “I have two favorite parts. The first being my staff and suppliers. The second being the customers and the atmosphere the community provides.” He mentioned that he enjoys seeing the vibes that his customers have as they sit with their friends. With the Saint Street Inn being only four minutes away from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, college students and professors often frequent the restaurant. “The support of the community truly fuels my passion to make my business thrive,” says Stubbs.

“When the Saint Street Inn began, it was built on the idea of cooking more meticulously and being creative with our ingredient choices,” said Mr. Stubbs. The restaurant provides consumers with a wide variety of food choices that are fresh and grown close to home. One thing that amazes and sticks with me was how the Saint Street Inn mainly used farm products grown or raised in Louisiana. The restaurant does not use large food distributors, but instead partners with local farmers to provide a fresher dish. The Saint Street Inn has over twenty farms that supply produce and products used to create their spectacular dishes. Stubbs says, “[Suppliers] are the backbone of our business. We couldn’t make it without them. Pastured pork comes from Husser, LA, eggs come from Alexandria, LA, pastured chicken comes from Singer, LA.” For me, there is nothing more refreshing than enjoying a meal with ingredients produced by Louisiana farmers.  

Don’t get me wrong, I love chicken nuggets and fries just as much as the next person, but I also enjoy supporting a restaurant that supports our local communities. Walking into a restaurant like the Saint Street Inn gives me hope that our small-time farmers are still appreciated. Choosing to eat at a farm to table restaurant will change a person’s view of creativity. I never thought of food as an art until I sat down with Mr. Nathan Stubbs. Stubbs truly loves what he does, how he does it, and the impact his business has had on himself and others. He started his business with a friend to try something new. This one choice turned into a profession that he is passionate about. Agriculture is affected by large corporate industries, but small businesses, just like the Saint Street Inn, matter too.

"Living to Learn" by State Vice President, Salem Johnson

August Blog

When many people think of agriculture, the image of a 500-acre row crop farm may pop into their head. For others, it’s an open pasture with 200 head of cattle roaming around. Either way, these agricultural industries are very important, but what about the industries only a few think about? What about the fisherman working in the Gulf of Mexico, or the foresters estimating how many board feet you can get within a certain area, or even the farmers that grow flowers for weddings instead of lettuce for salads? We as FFA members continuously represent our organization in and out of the blue jacket, but it is also our duty to be able to effectively advocate for each agricultural industry and its importance to our society. Here are three of my personal favorite unusual and unfamiliar agricultural industries.
Pearl Farming: The pearls generated by the pearl farming industry make up nearly 99% of all total pearls sold around the world. Since the beginning of pearl farming in the early 20th century, to now, it has become a billion-dollar industry. Starting at the beginning of the pearl farming process, many pearl farmers start by breeding their oysters. Once the oysters are mature, in about 2-5 years they will make a beloved pearl that will eventually be made into jewelry. How cool is that?! Each oyster can produce about 2-3 pearls in their lifetime before they are released back into the wild or are sold to various restaurants. Many people are not familiar with the pearl farming industry, but just imagine life without the beautiful, gleaming pearls that many of us enjoy today. 
Deer Urine Collection Farms: This second agricultural industry does not directly supply food to its customers, but instead better enables a customer to supply their own. If you are not familiar with hunting, a human's scent can repel a deer from a certain area; the deer urine collected from these farms can be used to mask this smell, resulting in a lower chance of repelling a deer and a higher chance of a kill. The deer urine industry is small and not very well known, but has a great impact on the food supply in the United States. About 40 million Americans' food security depends on the consumption of wild game each year. With the help of these deer urine farms, hunters can be better equipped to feed their families!
Lavender Farming: The popularity of lavender farming has grown tremendously over the past couple of year and is known to be very profitable. It is said that a quarter-acre of lavender can produce about 3,000 bunches, which is worth about $18,000! From floral arrangements and essential oils, to air fresheners and medicine, lavender has a great array of things it can be used for. So, next time you smell the calming sent of lavender, remember that a farmer produced it too!
Many people only consider the agricultural industries that produce us food, while a handful think of commodities such as jewelry, oils, wood, and countless others. However, it is our job as the future generation of agriculturists to inform the public about these different commodities and the effect they have on our lives. I encourage you to learn about a new agricultural industry you’re not familiar with.  Don’t be afraid to advocate for an agricultural commodity that has not had a direct impact on you. We as FFA members have the opportunity and obligation to be a platform for every agricultural industry and its influence on our world! So, stay informed, use your voice, and change the world!

"And on the Ninth Day, God Created the Ag Teacher" by State Vice President, Lane Degenhardt

May Blog

What exactly does student-led mean? It means that we as individuals, we as members have the right to choose what happens to our future, to our organization. This responsibility means dedication, passion, and persistence. However just because we are student-led does not mean we are on our own, so God created the Ag teacher. Every tree has its roots, every story has its origin, and for us as members we have our advisors. The guidance, the wisdom, the knowledge we need is provided to us thanks to these people for having made a choice to be involved in agricultural education to lead us, the future of our country. Many times when you ask an agricultural educator what made them decide to pursue this profession they will give you the same answer “I was inspired by my own agricultural teacher." These individuals work tirelessly to make sure that we get the same unique experiences that they themselves were able to procure as FFA members. We all have a specific story about a specific moment or a conversation with our advisors that truly made us into who we are today. For me it was practicing for the Creed Speaking competition my freshman year in FFA. It was after school and there were so many other things that my teacher could be doing, such as spending time with his wife and kids and yet he chose to spend it helping me. The moment I walked into the room I was told to leave and walk right back in, I repeated this process over fifteen times this was just in order to perfect my walk. We stayed for over two hours after everyone had left to make sure that I had everything I needed to succeed in my endeavors. The stories I’ve heard, the conversations I’ve had, the laughter I’ve experienced, and the tears that have fallen thanks to my advisors is something that has inspired me and countless others beyond belief. However this is something that is in extreme risk in this day and age.
Today within all fifty states there are over eleven thousand agricultural educators this might sound like a lot but there are over 135,00 private and public secondary schools and middle schools. One major argument that could be made is the majority of these schools don’t have an agricultural program for teachers to even go to. But with the major shortage of Ag educators, many schools who might be interested in building a program won’t have the teachers needed to properly care for its foundation. In addition of the 131 reported (meaning their information was sent into the the state office) 55 teachers are within 0-3 years of retirement, that means that within those 0-3 years, over 44% of agricultural teachers are eligible for retirement, leaving a giant need for agricultural educators to step into those new roles. That is the future of our organization, our passion as FFA members. Imagine if you didn’t have the experiences you’ve had in FFA, imagine if that teacher never took the time to offer guidance or wisdom, imagine if everything you’ve grown to love wasn’t available. These thoughts are becoming the new reality as we are in desperate need of Ag educators for the next generation. So what can we do?
If you believe that your passion could be in this field, don’t hesitate to at least look into it. Talk to your Ag teachers listen to their own stories and experiences, and really think if that’s what you want in life. If not for yourself then for the future generations. We are taught to be servant leaders not just for the betterment of ourselves but for those around us. So thank you teachers for showing us exactly what that means and consider the opportunity you have to do that for others.

"The Role of Alumni Members" By Brooklyn Hampton, State President

April Blog

Our time in the blue jackets is filled with wild adventures, once-in-a-lifetime relationships, and a tremendous amount of knowledge gained. One of the most memorable times I have experienced within my blue jacket is competing the Agronomy Career Development Event. My team and I spent many hours preparing for the competition and were fortunate enough to represent Louisiana on the national level, and eventually win the National Agronomy CDE in 2016. Now this was such a great accomplishment for my team and I--I mean, we were national champions--but looking back, my favorite part about the Agronomy competition was not winning, it was learning how to learn and sharing such an awesome experience with my teammates, who grew to be my brothers. As FFA members we have opportunities to grow and challenge ourselves at such a young age that we stand out amongst our peers. We become leaders, educators, relationship builders and advocates for agriculture. FFA becomes a part of who we are, but what happens when our time in the blue jacket is up? Do we throw away everything that has helped make us who we are? Do we forget about the organization that educates students about our nation’s largest industry? What do we do when we hang up our jackets for the very last time?

I have often thought about this as my year as a state officer quickly comes to and end and my time in the blue jacket will be no more. What will I do to stay involved in an organization that has shaped who I am? As FFA members we can transition from our time in the FFA to our time outside of the FFA, while still being involved with the organization by becoming FFA Alumni members. The National FFA Organization has made becoming an FFA alumni member easy and effective. While exploring the National Alumni page, potential alumni members can discover what type of alumni they would like to be: a fan, mentor, advocate, volunteer, or donor.  The National FFA Organization has also initiated a program called “Alumni Check In” where “checking in allows our FFA community to learn, support, unite and connect nationwide.” The national FFA alumni website offers opportunities for members and chapters to get involved as well as promotes events that alumni members can be a part of.

As past FFA members, it is our responsibility to ensure that current and future FFA members have the resources and means needed to be successful. By becoming an alumni member, we can do exactly that.

The success of the National FFA Organization depends on past members just like you and I who know the type of impact this organization makes, and to continue to lead the way for members to reach new heights. Remember the adventures, relationships, and knowledge you had the opportunity of experiencing when you were a FFA member and let those memories inspire you to become an alumni member. Becoming an alumni member will allow you to help make the same memories happen for a kid wearing that same blue jacket as you once did.

Keep on rocking,

Brooklyn Hampton

"Living To Serve" by Katie Mestayer, State Secretary

March Blog

The year was 2010. Ten year old me was forced to go to the homeless shelter with my church’s youth group. I specifically remember thinking to myself on the way there “I wish I was home, I don’t want to be here.” My bad attitude followed me into the men’s shelter in Baton Rouge as we began to set up the dinner we were providing them. As I carelessly served the salad onto their plate, my negative thoughts were interrupted by the most sincere and humble “thank you.” I looked up and saw the face of an older gentleman with the biggest smile on his face. He gave a genuine “thank you” to each person as they served him. I decided to later sit down with him and share our meal together. He never once told me what he didn’t have, or what he wished he had. He only told me what he’s thankful for, and he started by saying he was thankful for my church group coming every month to serve them dinner. Wow. I mean, my heart literally sank in my chest. It was at that moment that I truly realized the incredible value of community service.

Service. What exactly is service? Google says it is “the action of helping or doing work for someone.” In the FFA, we heavily emphasize on service and its importance. Most of your chapters probably participate in at least one service project throughout the year, maybe even once or twice a month.  Whether it’s helping out at your local food bank or visiting your local nursing home, community service is a necessity. It’s extremely important that we realize how valuable these actions are, and if your chapter doesn’t participate in any service projects, it may be time to consider how serving your community can be beneficial for you.

If you or your chapter are unsure where to start, or you are looking to enhance your service opportunities, schedule a meeting with your town’s mayor and learn where your community is in need! This is an awesome way to develop a relationship with your city officials as well as serve your community. Even if your project is small, no service goes unnoticed. In my chapter, we have built a relationship with a local elderly man who can no longer care for his citrus orchard and greenhouse. Once a month we visit for an hour and a half to help him out as much as we can. This past month that we visited him, I told him that I wished we could come more often because we feel like we could do more. He told me that we don’t understand how much us coming meant to him, even only for an hour and a half a month. No matter the project, the work you are putting in, it is always impacting someone much more than what meets the eye. You and your chapter may even find yourselves making some impactful and lasting relationships memories. Always remember, a servant’s heart is never out of style.
Keep serving,
Katie Mestayer

"Get to Chasing" by Sara Toal, State Vice-President

February Blog

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always been chasing after something. Of course, when I was younger, that something was most likely a wild, escaped lamb or one of my even wilder, little siblings. In elementary school, I was chasing after the title of “Biggest Taylor Swift Fan” amongst my friends and that first place ribbon in the Spelling Bee.. or is it “Be”... I don’t know, it’s safe to say I didn’t win either. Junior High was filled with me chasing the school’s record for most books read in a year… which I did achieve at the expense of my social life. In high school, I was chasing after summer breaks and that beloved diploma… only to find myself months later in college chasing after the same thing all over again. I think it’s safe to say that everyone has something to chase after, a goal that we see at the end of the race, waiting for us to reach it. Now, as FFA members, that something doesn’t have to be big banners and shiny trophies, but something more self-fulfilling. I’m talking about degrees.

Now, now, hold up a minute. I’m not talking about those degrees that keep you up all night worrying about essays, math homework, and chemistry exams. I’m talking about a much more fun take on it: FFA degrees. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or even already a high school graduate, you can add an FFA degree to your list of accomplishments. Sara, what are these things you’re talking about? Great question, you read my mind.

FFA degrees are opportunities that show everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve throughout your time in the blue jacket. They even have a tier system so that you don’t have to wait four long years to receive this honor. As a freshman or a first-year FFA member, you can qualify for the Greenhand FFA Degree. All you have to do is learn about the FFA Creed, what our motto, salute, and colors are, and know a few FFA history facts. If you think you’ve got that down, grab the closest FFA manual and go the “Greenhand FFA Degree Requirements” and make sure you can check off everything on the list, and you are good to go! Next time you see your ag teacher, ask them how you can apply to receive your Greenhand Degree because every chapter is different! You might even walk home with a fancy certificate and new pin for your jacket from your end of the year banquet too. Holy cow, look at you go!

Okay, now I’m talking to my Sophomores or second-year members who have already received their Greenhand Degrees. You, my friends, are now eligible for your Chapter FFA Degree. Since you already have received your Greenhand Degree, there are only a few more requirements you have to meet in order to advance to this next level of achievement. Make sure you have a well functioning SAE (if you don’t know what this is, go check out Kerington’s blog last month!), have 10 hours of community service, and have effectively led 15 minutes in a group discussion in your chapter. Again, take a look in one of your chapter’s manuals to make sure you have everything you need, then hit up your advisor to see what steps you need to take to apply for Chapter FFA Degree.

Alright, my Juniors and Seniors, I need your attention on this one. You of all can apply for your.. drum roll please.. State FFA Degree! Now, this is entering into the “big leagues” of degrees. Have you ever been to State Convention and thought to yourself, “Wouldn’t it be cool if I was up there?” Well, good news, you can be! Since you have already earned your Greenhand and Chapter FFA Degrees, you can apply and be awarded your State FFA Degree on stage at Convention with some very easy steps. If you have 25 hours of community service, can demonstrate 10 parliamentary law procedures, have participated in five FFA activities/events above the chapter level, and have only a handful of other requirements down, you are on the right track to getting that gold pin and certificate. Just go onto the Louisiana FFA website page, scroll down to “Awards and Degrees”, click on “State FFA Degree”, and start applying! After you’re done, ask your advisor to look over your application, and once they give you the thumbs up, submit it! Your application will be reviewed, and if accepted, you’ll be walking that stage at Convention in no time. Only 10% of members ever get their state degree, so remember that this is an extreme honor, so give it your all!

Now for my high school graduates and college students, you might not have known that there was anything after the state degree, but do I have news for you. After you are awarded your state degree, you can start working on your application for the highest honor in the National FFA Organization... your American Degree. This award is given to the best of the best in the country, and that can easily be you. Make sure to keep hold of your SAE records and get in contact with your advisor to help you fill out your application. This will give you a chance to be one of the elite 1% of members that are awarded this honor and give you the opportunity to travel to Indianapolis and walk across the stage at the NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION! Way to represent Louisiana! So if you have hung up your FFA jacket and are thinking of one great way to wrap up your FFA career and also make Louisiana shine, make sure to look into applying for your American degree, and make your chapter and state proud!

Everyone chases after something, and I can say from experience that the feeling of catching that dream or goal you’ve been after is one you’ll hold onto for the rest of your life. Don’t just go through the motions, step up and stand out. Rise above in everything you do. And when you slip on that blue jacket, remember that you are apart of something extraordinary, and therefore, YOU are extraordinary. So give yourself the recognition your extraordinary self deserves and apply for that degree, and chase that gold standard.

Stay awesome my friends,

Sara Toal

"Step-up to SAEs" By

Kerington Bass, State Vice President

January Blog

Chores - everyone has them, and only some of us actually complete them, but they undoubtedly exist. Day after day, we do our chores. This continuous cycle has made me wonder, what's the point in doing them and how will this benefit me or my future? My daily chores included feeding my livestock, tending to my grandparents’ garden, and taking care of my many dogs. After a while, I saw no joy in doing these tasks and saw it as a big waste of time. It wasn’t until my advisor introduced me to the acronym SAE. She explained that SAE stands for Supervised Agricultural Experience, or agriculture outside the class, like my daily chores. My advisor showed me a list of SAEs

(https://www.ffa.org/participate/awards/proficiencies) and how many I actually could be apart of.

My advisor also showed me that with any SAE I can apply for a proficiency award. This organized my SAE by detailing what my responsibilities are, the challenges I faced, impacts this SAE has had on me, skills I have obtained from it, and so on. After completing the application, I was able to compete with other members in the same category. Similar to any CDE I have competed in, the top four placings are given a banner.  Besides the banner, I also got a check which I used to improve my SAE in the upcoming years!

Before learning about SAE, I saw my chores as useless, tedious tasks. Now I see the value and have pride in my work. Time management skills are practiced when caring for my livestock in my Diversified Livestock Production SAE. From each new insect infestation, I was able to learn which treatment works best for each bug when tending to the vegetable garden for my Vegetable Production SAE. I was able to add new pens for my dogs in my Small Animal Care SAE with the money I won. These accomplishments will not only help me in the coming years of my SAE, but also in any career I finally decide to go into.

Many of you probably feel the same as I once did about your own chores or job. I encourage you to check if you fall under an SAE category and complete a proficiency application so you are able to find a sense of purpose in your chores.

Best wishes,

Kerington

Here are some more resources:

http://la-ffa.org/proficiency-awards

http://la-ffa.org/star-awards

https://www.ffa.org/participate/awards/american-star-awards/

https://thecouncil.ffa.org/sae/