PIQUA, Ohio — The Miami East FFA chapter recently competed in the District 5 evaluations of the Ohio FFA Assoc. at Upper Valley Career Center in Piqua. Several members of the chapter worked extra hard on their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) record books to prepare their applications for awards and degrees. 

Several current officers submitted their officer books for review. Amanda Bartel, Miami East FFA treasurer, received a gold rating for her treasurer’s book (100 out of 100 possible points).  Emily Johnson, Miami East FFA secretary, received a gold rating on her secretary’s book. Danielle Sands, Miami East FFA reporter, received a gold rating on the chapter’s scrapbook. 

Applying for the State FFA degree were seniors Jake Eideimiller, Meagan McKinney and Amanda Bartel and junior Emily Johnson. Their applications will be reviewed at state evaluations in March and then be approved at the Ohio FFA Board of Directors meeting in March. If approved, they will be receiving their State FFA degrees in May.

Graduate Kyle Roeth applied for the American FFA Degree. The American FFA degree is the highest degree for the National FFA Organization. His application was approved and will be forwarded onto the State and National FFA Evaluations for further review. If approved, he will be receiving his American FFA degrees in October.

In proficiency awards, members are recognized for having outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience programs in the multiple areas sponsored by the FFA.

Dylan Kinnison applied in the area of agricultural mechanics and repair for his 250 hours of job placement at his family’s business, Kinnison Excavating. He has learned to repair and service a large variety of equipment and work on a large construction site. He placed in the Top 2 in the district and will have his application forwarded to state for further evaluation.

Macaleh Thompson applied in a new citatory, agricultural research – integrated sciences. She conducted a research project in which she competed at the state and national Agriscience fair. Her research topic was “Public Education – topic Agriculture.” Her application placed first in the district and will be forwarded to state evaluations.

Amanda Bartel placed in the Top 5 in the district in the area of poultry production. She purchased chicks, raised and cared for them and then sold chicken meat to family and friends. She developed a marketing program and learned to efficiently feed 500 market broilers. Her application was forwarded to state for further evaluations.

Emily Johnson applied in the area of sheep production. She owns 13 Dorset ewes in which she breeds to sell Brockle market lambs to fellow 4-H and FFA members. She had a lambing percentage of 150 percent and learned to properly care for lambs and their mothers after birth. She placed first in the district and her application will be forwarded to state for additional evaluations.

Meagan McKinney secured job placement at Petco in Troy where she worked 560 hours in the pet care industry. She assisted customers and helped keep the store organized and clean. She placed in Top 2 in the district in area of small animal care and production proficiency. Her application will be forwarded to state for additional evaluation.

Lauren Williams applied in the area of vegetable production for her basil and tomato garden. She marketed her produce at the Tipp City Farmers’ Market and to family and friends. Lauren learned to care for her plants and create an eye-appealing display for marketing. She placed in the Top 2 in the district and will have her proficiency books reviewed at state.

All award and degree applications are being sent to the State FFA Evaluation March 1 and 2 at the Ohio FFA Center in Columbus. At that time, the applications will again be reviewed and final selections made on the recipients. The Top 4 in the state will be interviewed, judged, and recognized at the State FFA Convention in May. Ohio’s winner will be forwarded to national evaluations in July.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee (MSPC) is offering a new soybean essay contest for Michigan 4-H members. This contest will not only educate our future leaders about this golden bean, but also provide positive public imaging for Michigan’s soybean farmers.

Michigan 4-H members, ages 9-19, are given the chance to win a cash prize for their 4-H club or group by developing essays with photos about soybeans. Essays must be 250 words or more. They must explore a soybean topic based on how Michigan’s soybean farmers produce soybeans for food, feed, fiber, and fuel. 

The deadline to submit photos and essays with an entry form is May 31, 2012. Photos may be posted at the MSPC Facebook page www.facebook.com/MichiganSoybean by the 4-H club or group leader or by the 4-H member. The MSPC Board of Directors will determine the three winning essays based on factual information, development of theme, demonstration, clarity, and photo sharing. To receive updates on the 4-H members’ essay progress and contest results, visit www.facebook.com/MichiganSoybean and click the “Like” button.

The winning Michigan 4-H clubs or groups will receive cash prizes as follows: first place $250, second place $150, and third place $50. All entrants and winners will be informed of the results no later than June 15, 2012. The MSPC will announce the contest results at their website, Facebook page, and in other forms of media, such as radio and print.

For additional rules, guidelines, and entry forms, visit the MSPC website at www.michigansoybean.org