ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — This year, the winners of the third annual LA-CO All-Weather Livestock Decorating Contest were challenged to show their true colors – red, white and blue.

Focusing on July 4 as a theme, first place winners, 18-year-old Erin DeVries from Michigan and 13-year-old William Malecha from Minnesota, will each receive $1,000 for creating the most patriotic designs on their livestock using LA-CO All-Weather markers.

Over the summer, LA-CO invited youths 18 and under to submit a photo of their favorite cow or pig decorated to show off their American pride. Entrants were allowed to use props such as hats, clothing, flags or balloons, but to be eligible, the animals had to be decorated using the All-Weather Paintstik, Twist-Stik, Stock Shot or Quik Shot livestock markers.

Many entries were received and judged based on creativity and the original use of All-Weather marking products on the animals. Erin DeVries’ pig features an inventive striped design, while William Malecha’s cow showcases a unique display of stars and stripes. In addition to the grand prize winners, the second place winners each received a Nintendo Wii and the third place winners each received an 8-gig iPod. Available in a variety of colors, the All-Weather family of livestock markers has been a trusted component in hog, beef and dairy farming since 1964. The non-toxic markers use real paint for long-lasting identification in all types of weather

Alexander FFA tops district soils contest

ALBANY, Ohio — Members of the Alexander FFA Chapter recently participated in the District 10 Soils Competition. The District 10 Soils Competition took place in Jackson, Ohio. Noelle Eveland, Kara Oberholzer, Donielle Trout, and Jack Hart all participated in the rural competition and placed 6th overall. Noelle Eveland received first place individual in District 10 and qualified to participate in the state competition. Brent Kasler, Jarrett Bright, Michael Reeve, and Zach Crabtree participated in the urban competition they also placed 6th in the district.

National FFA Alumni names Legion of Merit Award winners INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Ohio FFA Alumni members were recognized during the 36th National FFA Alumni convention last month held each year in conjunction with the National FFA Convention. More than 54,000 FFA members, FFA Alumni members and guests attended the convention, which is one of the world’s largest annual youth conventions.

Recipients from Ohio include: Amanda Boyce, Colleen Cape, Dan Dailey, Linda Daniel, Doris Disher, Marilyn Esbenshade, Sylvester Furman, Holly Grams, Bruce Henney, Deborah Johlin-Bach, Jeff Koehler, Mitzi Martin, Michael K. Miller, Stephen Nafziger, Elizabeth Neider, John and Lexie Poulson, Dave Russell, Vicky Ryan and Kelley Ziegler.

Legion of Merit Citation recipients have proven to be leaders in encouraging membership in their local FFA Alumni affiliates.

Their efforts have developed unified support and service for agricultural education. FFA Alumni affiliates have been formed to operate in support of FFA chapters all across the nation. Their purpose is to help today’s agricultural youth by joining together in a united volunteer effort to assist the FFA and support education in local agricultural programs.

The National FFA Alumni Association is an organization of more than 45,000 active members. The mission of the National FFA Alumni Association is to secure the promise of FFA and agricultural education by creating an environment where people and communities can develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.