Published: April 13, 2008 12:01 am            

FFA briefs fir 4-13-08

Garber students finalists for ag proficiency awards



Three Garber FFA members have been selected as state finalists in various agricultural proficiency award categories.

Justin Strate is a finalist in beef production placement. Eddie Seidl is a state finalist in agricultural services. Brian Holman is a state finalist in agricultural mechanics energy systems.

Three finalists are selected in 46 agricultural proficiency award categories, and the state winner in each area will be announced during the 82nd State FFA Convention April 29-30 at Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

In addition to receiving a plaque and cash award, finalists will enjoy an honors luncheon with their sponsors. The awards luncheon is sponsored by Gilbert & Sons Trucking, Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma, Triangle Cooperative Service Co., Chesapeake Energy Corp., Public Service Company of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Pork Council.

The state winner in each area will represent Oklahoma in the national FFA competition this fall in Indianapolis, Ind.

Proficiency awards recognize excellence in a supervised agricultural experience program and exceptional accomplishment in progressing toward specific agricultural career objectives. These awards encourage members to develop specialized skills to apply toward future careers. Members are recognized at the local, state and national levels for their accomplishments.

Strate and Randi Yost, also of Garber FFA, are among 41 Oklahoma FFA members to receive a scholarship to attend 2008 Washington Leadership Conferenc June 1-8.

They will be recognized during the first general session of the convention.

Sponsors of WLC scholarships are The Craig Foundation, Dupy Family Trust, Chesapeake Energy, Farm Credit of Enid, Oklahoma LP Gas Research Marketing and Safety Commission, Blue & Gold Sausage Co., Mike Stephens Memorial, Alfred and Anita Green Trust and Oklahoma FFA Alumni Association.

More than 2,300 FFA members from around the nation will attend Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Students will learn how to solve local problems, build relationships and develop their character by living to serve.

FFA members will tour the nation’s capital, visit with members of Congress and perform a service learning project within the Washington, D.C., area.

The Oklahoma FFA Alumni Association sponsors two charter buses to the Washington Leadership Conference each summer for the scholarship recipients and approximately 60 other FFA members who pay their own way or find local sponsorships to attend.



Newlin chosen winner

in national essay contest



Lacey Newlin, of Burlington FFA, is one of 10 students from across the nation named winners in the 2008 National FFA Organization risk management essay contest.

Each student submitted an essay on the topic of “Risk Management Strategies Used in a Supervised Agricultural Experience.”

Each winner and his or her FFA adviser will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., April 30-May 4, during which they will meet with U.S. Department of Agriculture officials and be presented with their awards. The winners also will have lunch with USDA staff and visit the offices of their legislators.

The contest is offered by the National FFA Organization in partnership with the Risk Management Agency, USDA, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

This essay contest is offered to stimulate today’s agriculture students’ interest in, knowledge of and successful selection and use of risk management tools.

In addition, the contest provides a way to recognize students who have developed their communication skills and can effectively share key information regarding implementing risk management tools.