Waverly Shell Rock Agriculture Program
Waverly, Iowa
Parent/Student Handbook and Information Guide
Table of Contents
Ag Ed Program Description 2
SAE Projects
Ag Ed Classes
FFA Organization
What is SAE? 2-3
FFA Participation 3
FFA Calendar 4
Eligibility for FFA Membership 5
Good Conduct Policy-Periods of Ineligibility
FFA Activities that Everyone Should Attend 5-6
Annual Banquet
Monthly Meetings
Leadership Career Development Events (CDEs) 6-7
Skills CDEs 7
Major Fundraisers 8
Proficiency Awards 8
FFA Degrees 9-10
Greenhand
Chapter
State
American
FFA Conferences and Camps 11-12
Sub-district CDEs
District CDEs
State Leadership Conference (SLC)
National FFA Convention
Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT)
212 360 Conference
Washington Leadership Conference (WLC)
Risk Management Essay
Individual Opportunities for FFA Members 12-13
Exhibiting at the Cedar Co. Fair
Exhibiting at the Iowa State Fair
State FFA Band and Chorus
National FFA Band and FFA Chorus
For More Information 14
How Can I Get Involved? 14
Welcome to the Waverly Shell Rock Ag Ed Handbook
Welcome to the Waverly Shell Rock FFA Parent-Student Handbook. You’ll notice that it is not just a handbook for the FFA, but for the entire Agriculture Education Program, including Ag Ed Classes, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experience – these are integral components of the program that really can’t be separated.
This handbook, should answer any questions you have about our program and all of the opportunities that we have planned for the coming school year. If you have any questions that are not addressed in the handbook, always feel free to contact our FFA Advisor Amy Mitchell by email at [email protected] or calling school at (319) 3522087
Program Description
The Agricultural Education Program is much more than a class. Classroom instruction gives students the knowledge and skills they need for success in today’s world, and students get a chance to practice and apply these knowledge and skills in their Supervised Agricultural Experience Projects (SAE) and through the National FFA Organization. When the three parts are properly integrated, student education is maximized. Students learn important academic, career, technical, and life skills when all types of instruction are used. To make the most of the Agricultural Education Program, all students should participate in FFA and have an SAE project.
SAE
(Supervised Agricultural Experience)
An SAE project is any experience outside of regularly scheduled class time in which the student gains new skills or practices skills in agriculture. Students could hold an ag related job, job shadow an Ag professional, or own any agribusiness enterprise such as
an animal or plant project or agricultural service business.
The student should select their project based on their career and interests, as well as the amount of time they are willing to spend. The type of project and duration of the project is up to the student.
Students should have at least one SAE project each year that they are enrolled in the Ag Ed/FFA program. This can be the same or different projects.
Students are required to keep records on their SAE projects – the records are graded and included in their class grades. See page 4 for more information on SAE.
Ag Ed Classes
SAE and FFA as integral parts of Agricultural Education classes. This means that class activities will include FFA and SAE activities.
Animal Science
Plant Science
Ag Mechanics
Bio-Tech
Ag Management
Ag Equipment
Ag Business
Job Coop
Conservation
Horticulture
*Please see the course description book on the Tipton School Website for more detail into the classes being offered.
FFA
(formerly Future Farmers of America,
now known as the
“National FFA Organization”).
The Tipton FFA Chapter offers a multitude of opportunities to get involved in leadership projects, community service, recreation, competitive events, scholarships, and skills development. This handbook explains many of the opportunities available this school year.
Students do not have to participate in all FFA activities – they can pick the activities that they want to get involved in. All FFA members should plan at minimum to attend all monthly meetings and the Annual FFA Banquet.
What is SAE?
Supervised Agricultural Experience
An SAE program is the actual, hands-on application of agricultural skills outside the classroom. Students are supervised by agricultural education teachers, parents, employers, and other adults who assist them in the development and achievement of their educational and career goals.
SAE is a time honored and tested form of work-based learning. An SAE program can be whatever the student wants it to be—an agricultural business of his/her own, a job shadowing experience, or placement in a paid or unpaid job using agriculturally-related skills and competencies. It is a program designed cooperatively by the student, advisor and parents.
Some examples of recent SAE projects conducted by FFA Members:
Unpaid veterinary internship
Raising & selling pumpkins
Working in a greenhouse
Selling vegetables for farmers’ markets
Custom hay baling business
Breeding & selling purebred dogs
Training horses
Lawn mowing business
Volunteering at an animal shelter
Working at Family Foods
Landscaping projects at home
Job shadowing an ag broadcaster
Working at a flower shop
Raising a garden
Working at a grain elevator
Grocery store produce department
Work hunting & trapping (wildlife mgt.)
Working on any farm
Turf care at a golf course
Restoring a tractor
Raising livestock
Students keep records (including pictures) for each SAE project, and these records are submitted every semester to the Ag Ed instructor as part of the Ag Education class grade. Livestock-based projects may be entered and exhibited at the county and state fairs, but this is not required. (see “individual opportunities for FFA members” section). Students are rewarded for successful SAE projects through the FFA’s Proficiency Award Program. (See “Proficiency Awards” section). SAE’s are also one component of selection to the various levels of FFA membership, also known as Degrees. (See “Degrees of Membership” Section).
FFA Participation
FFA is an INTRA-curricular activity - not extracurricular like football, Student Council, drama, or speech. This means that it is a part of the class you are taking and that you are expected to learn about FFA. This expectation is similar to what is expected of students enrolled in vocal or instrumental music classes --participation in performances is required and is a part of the students’ grades. The difference is that in Ag Ed classes you aren’t required to participate in all activities, just certain activities which are assigned. Therefore, your participation in FFA will never reduce your grade.
Waverly Shell Rock FFA Calendar Yearly Calendar
Date
Event
Location
January
Legislative Symposium
Iowa Capitol, Des Moines
February 1
National Chapter Application Due
State Degree Applications & Star Applications Due
State Proficiency Application Due
District Officer Application Due
These are due to the State on Feb. 1st Deadline to get to your advisor will be announced
February
Sub-district Leadership Career Development Events (CDEs)
February 15
FFA Scholarship Due (seniors)
Agrisicence Student Application Due
Rising Star Applications Due (sophomores only)
SLC Signature Forms Due (Band, Chorus, Reporters’ Awards, State Officer Candidates, Nominating Committee, other Committees, Academic Achievement Awards)
Must be postmarked or already at Iowa FFA so chapter deadlines will be posted in the ag room
February
GROWMARK Essays Due
February
National FFA Week
February
District & State Proficiency Judging
February
Agriscience Fair Applications Due
April
Chapter Banquet
April
State FFA Convention
Marketing Team, Ag Communications, Farm Business Management Skills CDEs
Ames
May 15
American FFA Degree Application Due
May
County & State Fair Livestock IDs Due
June
Food Science, Ag Mechanics and Agronomy Skills CDEs
Ames
June
Floriculture, Nursery & Landscape Skills CDEs
Ankeny
June
Iowa Association of Ag Educators’ Conference (advisor gone for 3-5 days)
Ames/Ankeny
June-July
Washington Leadership Conference
Washington, DC
June
District Leadership Camp (for chapter leaders)
June
County and State Fair Livestock Entries Due
July
FFA Annual Report Due
July-August
Bremer County
and Iowa State Fair
August
Livestock Evaluation and Meats Evaluation Skills CDEs
Ames
September
World Food Prize Youth Symposium Papers Due
September
National Farm Safety Week
September-October
District Soil Evaluation CDE
Sept-Oct
Homecoming
WSR
October
Greenhand Fire-Up (new members only)
NE District
October
Chapter Roster and Dues Completed
October
State Soils Skills CDE
October
National FFA Convention
October-November
Chapter Fruit Sales
November
212 and 360 Conference
Ankeny
December
Fruit Sale delivery
Eligibility for FFA Membership
FFA membership is limited to students who are enrolled in Agricultural Education courses and certain graduates. Because FFA is an intra-curricular activity (not extra-curricular) it is considered part of a class. If a student wants to join FFA, they must enroll in at least one Ag Ed class during the school year.
The “FFA Year” begins on the first day of school and ends on the last day of summer vacation. Therefore, a student enrolled in any Ag Ed class for the school year (regardless of which semester or quarter) is eligible for FFA membership beginning on the first day of school and lasting throughout the entire school year and the following summer.
Graduates who were FFA members during their senior year and met the active membership requirements there senior year can continue their membership. Graduate membership must be continuous membership; therefore, if a graduate decides not to retain membership, he or she may not change their mind later and re-join. At Tipton, we generally encourage students planning to study agriculture in college, or students who show livestock, to retain their membership until the fourth National Convention after graduation.
Periods of Ineligibility
The Waverly Shell Rock School District’s Good Conduct Policy (see the high school student handbook) applies to FFA. This is true even though FFA is not an extra-curricular activity. If a student has been declared ineligible for extra-curricular activities due to a good conduct violation, for academic reasons, or any other reason, this period of ineligibility applies to FFA as well. In athletics, an ineligible student may practice with the team but may not compete. How does this translate for FFA? The following chart will give several examples:
An Ineligible Student May . . . An Ineligible Student May Not . . .
Assist with the work of the chapter Serve as an officer during the period of ineligibility
Attend monthly FFA meetings Represent the chapter in public
Attend CDE team practices Compete on a CDE team or as an individual
Serve on a committee Chair the committee or miss school due to committee work
Accumulate FFA points Get the advisor’s signature on any applications, even if the application applies to an activity that will happen after the period of ineligibility.
Participate in most local activities Participate in activities at the county, sub-district, district, state, or national levels, or in local activities that are for fun only (recreation, trips, etc.)
Attend the chapter banquet Speak or present at the chapter banquet
FFA Activities that Everyone Should Attend
FFA is different from other intra-curricular activities that are part of a class such as Band or Choir because members of FFA get to select what activities, performances, competitions, and projects they become involved in. FFA members are not expected to do everything – you decide what to do based on your interests.
However, there are a few things that every FFA member should plan to do. They are:
1) Attend the Annual FFA Banquet*, with their family.
2) Attend the Monthly FFA Meetings° must attend at least 5 meeting
3) Take part in at least one Skills or one Leadership Career Development Event during their FFA career and attend at least 5 practices working on that CDE
4) Take part in at least one community service project during their FFA year.
5) Work at least one shift in the concession stand at the Bremer County Fair
.
An explanation of each follows. Please consult the FFA activity calendar for the dates of these events, and write these dates on your family calendar and make plans to attend:
The *Annual FFA Banquet - The annual FFA banquet is the highlight of the year for the FFA – all members, families, Alumni, and supporters should plan to attend. Following the meal, we will hold the evening’s program, which generally includes the following presentations: Star Greenhand, Star Chapter Farmer, Agribusiness, Placement, Agriscience Awards, Sub-District/District/State Activity and CDE Recognition, Chapter Proficiency Awards, Leadership Awards, Scholarship Awards, Recognition of past FFA Chapter Officers and introduction of the new Chapter Officer Team. Note: Applications for most of these awards are available from the advisor .
°Monthly FFA Meetings - FFA meetings are every month at 7:00 pm, unless otherwise specified.
Appropriate dress is required at FFA meetings, meaning that the school’s code of dress is in force. Many students choose to wear FFA T-shirts, and some even wear their FFA jackets to meetings. This is not required, but does improve the professionalism amongst the group.
Monthly meetings are conducted using official FFA opening and closing ceremonies and correct parliamentary procedure. The agenda may include new and old business, guest speakers, activities and fun competitions, the formation of committees, door prize drawings, and announcements of upcoming opportunities. Most months there is some type of snack provided at the meeting. We are happy to accept donations of food items for our fun activities after the meeting is adjourned
Parents and guests are always invited to attend FFA meetings, although they may not participate in discussion unless called upon by a member, and may not vote. Emails will be sent out periodically by the advisor, provided a parental and/or student email address has been furnished to the advisor. Emails will contain reminders about upcoming meetings and activities.
Leadership Career Development Events (CDEs)
To find out more about each event, please visit www.agiowa.org. Click on the CDE Rules and Resources link on the left-hand side of the page. The CDE webpage will provide objectives and rules for each event. Official dress is required for all leadership CDEs except Ag Issues & Perceptions and Experience the Action. All of the following start at the Sub-District level in mid-February:
Creed Speaking - The Creed CDE seeks to develop the ability of interpretation and self-expression of beginning FFA members. The event is open to first year FFA members.
Radio Broadcasting - A member shall deliver a daily ag market, news, and weather report along with an original commercial.
Ag Sales - The member will have to convince a panel of judges to purchase their chosen product.
Extemp Speaking - To develop the ability of FFA members to express themselves on a given subject without having prepared or rehearsed its content in advance. Topics shall be prepared by the State FFA Staff. Topics will be from the following three areas: Agriscience and Technology, Agrimarketing and International Agricultural Relations.
Public Speaking - To develop the ability of young FFA members to competently express themselves during a prepared speech about an ag-related topic of their choice.
Job Interview - To provide FFA members the opportunity to demonstrate their ability in completing a job application form, writing a letter of application, preparing a resume, interviewing, and completing a follow-up letter. The participant will select one of the eight full-time, entry-level job openings and apply for the position.
Conduct of Meetings - To develop the ability of freshmen and sophomore FFA members to improve their techniques in conduct of meetings by employing correct parliamentary law through the transaction of parliamentary abilities and answering questions on parliamentary procedure. The Conduct team shall consist of seven members; each team will be organized so that the team will have representatives act as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, sentinel, and advisor. The team shall also memorize and deliver the opening and closing ceremonies.
Chapter Program - The team of three students will deliver an overview of their chapters’ activities from the previous year while highlighting member accomplishments and level of involvement. Each of the fifteen committee areas needs to be represented by the presentation.
Parliamentary Procedure – A team of five juniors and/or seniors demonstrate knowledge of parliamentary procedure to conduct an orderly/efficient meeting and to transact business and to present logical, realistic, and convincing discussion. Each member shall serve as the chair for one ability.
The following CDE’s start at the District level in March:
Ag Issues & Perceptions – Six team member’s role play to represent different sides of an ag-related issue. The team consists of a community resident, an ag professional, an environmentalist, an elected official, a farm manager and a moderator. Members dress according to their role.
Experiences the Action – Between 3-5 members develop a recruitment presentation designed to attract new members to the agricultural education program. This is usually a very dynamic event requiring some creativity and energy!
Chapter Website- 1 member maintains and improves the chapter website and presents about the site to a panel of judges.
Skills Career Development Events (CDEs)
To find out more about each event log on to www.agiowa.org and go to the CDE Rules and Resources link to the left.
Event Name
Individual/Team Size & Roles
Qualifying Level
Ag Communications
4; News Writer, Broadcaster, Press Release Writer, Graphic Designer
State
Marketing Plan
3; do market research and propose a marketing plan
State
Ag Mechanics
4; each completes the same set of skills
District & State
Team Ag Sales
4; each completes the same set of skills; complete a team project
State
Agronomy
4; each completes the same set of skills
State
Farm Business Management
4; each completes the same activities; complete a team project
District & State
Floriculture
4; each completes all activities; complete a team project
State
Food Science
4; each completes all activities; present an original food product following nutritional requirements
State
Livestock Evaluation
4; each evaluates all classes
State
Meats Evaluation
4; each completes all activities
State
Envirothon
4; each completes all activities
Regional & State
Nursery & Landscaping
4; each completes all activities
District & State
Horse Evaluation
4; each completes all activities; team completes some problem-solving
State
Greenhand Quiz
Up to two individuals complete a written exam
District & State
FFA Fundraisers
The need to raise funds is a reality for all student organizations. We would not be able to provide so many great opportunities for our students if it were not for our fund raising activities. Here is a short summary of what our FFA chapter does to raise funds for our programs. Other activities are conducted on an as-needed or as-available basis.
Fruit Sales - Our largest fundraiser includes selling fruit, and cheese products from mid-October to mid-November. This fundraiser is organized by the FFA. FFA members selling fruit can qualify to attend the Broomball event if they sell over $500.00. There are also top selling awards at the Banquet. If you sell over $1,000.00 then you will be awarded an extra trip or prize.
Proficiency Awards
The Agricultural Proficiency Awards program like the FFA motto helps you set goals and learn practical skills. The program rewards FFA members at the local, state and national levels for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. What are the proficiency award areas? Awards are available to all FFA members enrolled in high school agriculture, including special needs students. There are 47 or more award areas.
For more information and applications log on www.ffa.org
Proficiency awards are given in the following areas:
Ag. Communications
Ag Education
Ag Mechanics Design & Fabrication
Ag. Mechanics Repair & Maintenance Ag. Mechanics Energy Systems Ag. Processing
Ag. Sales Ag. Services Aquaculture
Beef Production Dairy Production Diversified Ag. Prod.
Diversified Crop Prod. Diversified Horticulture Diversified Livestock Prod.
Emerging Ag. Technology Environ. Sci & Nat. Resource Equine Science
Fiber and/or Oil Crop Prod Floriculture Food Science & Tech
Forage Production Forest Mgt. & Products Fruit Production
Grain Production Home or Community Development Landscape Management
Nursery Operations Organic Production Outdoor Recreation
Poultry Production Sheep Production Small Animal Prod. & Care
Specialty Animal Prod. Specialty Crop Prod. Swine Production
Turf Grass Management Vegetable Production Wildlife Management
Agricultural Proficiency Awards are available to all FFA members enrolled in high school agriculture. Students must meet the following eligibility requirements: Must apply while in high school or within 1 year after graduation from high school. If a high school graduate you must have completed at least 3 full years of instruction in agricultural education or program of agricultural education offered in school last attended. At minimum, must have kept 1 full calendar years’ worth of records as an FFA member to apply for a district, state, or national level proficiency award.
FFA Degrees
Greenhand FFA Degree
As a high school member of the FFA, receiving the Greenhand FFA Degree shows that you have opened the door to the many exciting opportunities that the National FFA Organization has to offer. When you qualify for the Greenhand FFA Degree, you have earned the first of four degrees that build on each other leading the way to the highest degree achievable in the FFA, the American FFA Degree.
Do you qualify?
Chapter FFA Degree
Whether it is helping plan your chapter’s next activity, working hard on your SAE or discussing a motion during a chapter meeting, chapter involvement is vital to your future successes in FFA. The root of the National FFA Organization is its chapters. By receiving the Chapter FFA Degree, you demonstrate your role in your chapter’s growth and development. 2nd or 3rd year of FFA membership
Do you qualify?
Like a high school diploma, the State FFA Degree celebrates your high school FFA career. Awarded by your state FFA association, this degree is a symbol to the members of your entire state FFA association that you are chapter leaders. As a State FFA Degree recipient, you have taken your FFA involvement beyond the chapter level and have a successful supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. With your State FFA Degree, you are one step away from achieving the highest degree attainable in the FFA, the American FFA Degree. Application: February, Usually during the 3rd or 4th year of FFA Membership
Do I qualify?
As the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, receiving the American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA associations. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they experienced throughout their FFA career. American FFA Degree recipients show promise for their future and have above and beyond to achieve excellence. Application: During the 1st, 2nd, 3rd year following high school graduation.
Do I qualify?
FFA Conferences and Camps
The Tipton FFA takes multiple trips to leadership conferences, conventions, and competitions throughout the year. As a rule, high school students must be eligible according to Waverly- Shell Rock Good Conduct Policy as well as academically eligible in order to participate in these trips. Any student currently failing a class will not be allowed to miss school for FFA-related activities.
On all FFA trips, students pay for their own meals (with a few exceptions as noted) and incidental costs such as souvenirs. On some trips, FFA members are asked to pay a fee to the chapter to cover a portion of the expenses. The rule of thumb is: If it is a trip that ALL FFA MEMBERS can participate in, the chapter pays the registration, entry fee, etc. for everyone. If it is a trip that ONLY SOME FFA MEMBERS are selected to participated in, then a fee is charged to the student for a portion of the total expenses.
Sub-District Leadership CDEs
District Leadership Skills Events are held annually in Mid-February. This is Waverly- Shell Rock FFA first level of competition in areas such as Public Speaking, Creed Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, Job Interview, and Extemporaneous Speaking. At Sub-Districts, Waverly-Shell Rock FFA participates with other FFA Chapters in the North East District of the Iowa FFA Association. The top two schools in each area of competition advance to Districts in March (the Creed event advances the top three participants). All students participating in a CDE may attend. There are no entry fees or costs other than your meal. Parents are invited to come and watch the students in competition.
District FFA CDEs and Convention
The District FFA Convention is held on a Saturday in early March at one school in the North East District of the Iowa FFA Association. It is the 2nd level of competition for most FFA Leadership Contests. Parents and others are encouraged to attend and support the Waverly- Shell Rock FFA in competition. The District Convention in the morning/early afternoon is open to all attendees and many of our members are recognized for other awards at this time. .
State Leadership Conference (SLC)
Most years, a large number of students have “earned their way” to the State FFA Convention in Ames by earning awards or competing in CDEs or participating in state band or chorus. We also enjoy taking a number of parents along to chaperone /drive/observe activities. Please contact the advisor if you are interested in attending.
There is no limit to the number of times a student may attend state convention. However, in order to make sure that only active and dedicated FFA members attend the convention, the chapter has the following restrictions: 1) To be selected to attend, a member must have attended the District convention that calendar year, AND 2) the member must have attended at least 5 FFA meetings during that school year. This information will be verified by the advisor.
Students will miss two days of school, so they must get assignments in advance from their teachers. All students attending the State Convention (including those who have “earned their way”) will pay a $20 fee as that is the registration fee.
National FFA Convention
Students who have “earned their way” to the National FFA Convention by earning awards or competing in contests have first priority. Once we have determined how many students have “earned their way” we will know how many other students we will be able to take, based on transportation available, and the number of hotel rooms allocated to our chapter. This is a yearly trip.
Other students wishing to attend must complete the National Convention Application. Priority for attending will be given to the students who have not attended in the past.
Highlights of the convention may include the Convention Sessions, the National FFA Career Show; National Contests; Leadership Workshops; Field Trips to area attractions. Visit the FFA web site at http://www.ffa.org/convention/ for more information.
Students will miss four days of school to attend the National Convention, so they must get assignments in advance from their teachers. All students attending the National FFA Convention (including those who have “earned their way”) will pay the total registration cost of the trip. The chapter will pay for transportation and hotel rooms. .
Chapter Officer Leadership Trip (COLT)
Each year, the newly elected FFA officers will travel to the COLT conference for the North East District. This is a one day event put together by the State FFA officers and District Officers.
212 or 360 Conference
If personal growth interests you. then the 212 or 360 Conference may be the conference for you. Focused on building your confidence and competence, you have the opportunity to build a foundation of excellence through your own talents, skills and will power. 212 or 360 Conference helps you grow personally and realize what it takes to be a premier leader. The cost of this conference is $5.00
Washington Leadership Conference
From your local FFA chapter to the nation’s capital, that’s where you’ll be headed if you join hundreds of other FFA members at the Washington Leadership Conference. Set in Washington D.C., this week-long summer conference takes your leadership skills to their highest level. Focusing on problem-solving, relationship building, and character and serving others, WLC teaches you how to have a positive impact on you school, chapter, community, state, and country. While you are practicing all these skills, you will also take in such historical sites as the Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and World War II Memorial. Plus, you’ll meet lots of new friends from around the country. The FFA chapter will give each student a stipend to help cover cost to attend this trip.
Risk Management Essay Contest
Once your supervised agricultural experience is up and running, the Risk Management Essay Contest, helps you protect your investment of time and money. In this program, you will look at the principles of risk management and how they apply to your SAE project. You will discover ways to minimize risk and maximize profits. The best part about the Risk Management Essay Contest is that all winners and their advisor receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. for a special USDA Risk Management Agency/FFA Day. To learn more, talk to your advisor or visit www.ffa.org.
Individual Opportunities for FFA Members
Exhibiting at the Bremer/Butler County Fair
Members of the Waverly Shell-Rock FFA Chapter may exhibit livestock and other animals at the Bremer/Butler County Fair. Projects exhibited must be a part of the student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program and records should be maintained on this project. Participants can find livestock ID forms, entry forms, premium books, etc on the County Extension Website. All forms should be turned into the County Extension office by the established deadlines. Because the County Fair is an Individual FFA Activity, the chapter encourages participation, but does not provide financial support, transportation of livestock, or supervision. Important dates to remember for the County Fair include the Market Beef Weigh-In; Lamb/Goat Weigh-In, and the Livestock ID Deadlines and FSQA requirements. (YOU MUST MEET ALL DEADLINES TO PARTICIPATE)
Exhibiting at the Iowa State Fair
Members of the Waverly- Shell Rock FFA Chapter may exhibit Beef, Dairy Cattle, Crops, Dairy Goats, Meat Goats, Rabbits, Horse, Mechanics/Technology, Horticulture, Floriculture, Photography, Sheep, and Swine projects at the Iowa State Fair in August. With the exception of Photography and some Crops exhibits, all entries must be a part of the student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program and students must have record books on the projects exhibited. Intent to show at the Iowa State Fair must be communicated to the advisor prior to April in order to secure ear tags and ID forms; identification deadlines are typically in April, May and/or June. Entry deadlines are in June/July. To learn more about ISF information go to www.agiowa.org. Because the Iowa State Fair is an Individual FFA Activity, all FFA members under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or a responsible adult designated by the parent. The chapter encourages participation, but does not provide financial support, transportation of livestock, or supervision of students.
State FFA Band and Chorus
The State FFA Band and Chorus provide entertainment at sessions and other events associated with the State FFA Convention. These very skilled musicians are selected through a highly competitive process that includes a recommendation from the local music instructors, the state FFA band or chorus directors. Application materials can be downloaded from www.agiowa.org. The deadline is typically February 15.
National FFA Band and National FFA Chorus
The National FFA Band and Chorus provide entertainment at sessions, workshops, meal functions, and other events associated with the National FFA Convention. These very skilled musicians are selected through a highly competitive process that includes a recommendation from the local music instructors, the state FFA band or chorus directors, and an audition tape. Application materials can be downloaded from http://www.ffa.org/convention/. The deadline is typically in late April or early May. Members selected for the National Band or Chorus will travel to the convention site several days earlier than the rest of the chapter in order to practice. Because this is an individual activity, the chapter encourages students to participate, but does not provide financial support or supervision. Chaperones are provided by the National FFA Organization. The individual member is responsible for transporting instruments, paying any fees to the National FFA for music, hotel, etc. and for their meals.
For More Information
Feel free to contact the FFA advisor with any questions via email [email protected] or (319 )352 2087 office phone. The advisor also sends out periodic emails, so if you have an address that is checked regularly please get your address to the advisor. To learn more about National FFA Organization or the Iowa FFA Association, check out the following websites: www.ffa.org and www.agiowa.org
Waverly-Shell Rock FFA Membership Information
2017-2018 Dues are free students in Ag Class are FFA members. If you want to attend different activities there could be a fee. If you sign up for activities that cost the chapter and don't attend then there is a full cost fee. FFA apparel will cost members. To make the fee $0 we just ask all members to sell fruit.
Your Name: (first, last, middle initial):
Current Grade: Year you will Graduate:
FFA Member email: (use your school)
Home Phone: Mobile Phone:
Mailing Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Gender: _ Race: Ethnicity:
Birthday:
Guardian Name:
Guardian’s Primary Phone:
Guardian's Address if Different:
Guardian’s Email:
FFA member’s T-shirt Size:
***BY SIGNING THIS FORM YOU GIVE YOUR FFA MEMBER THE PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL LOCAL FFA EVENTS.
Guardian’s Signature Date
Please turn the FFA dues in along with this form to Mrs. Mitchell. Please make payments using a check made out to the Waverly-Shell Rock FFA
Waverly, Iowa
Parent/Student Handbook and Information Guide
Table of Contents
Ag Ed Program Description 2
SAE Projects
Ag Ed Classes
FFA Organization
What is SAE? 2-3
FFA Participation 3
FFA Calendar 4
Eligibility for FFA Membership 5
Good Conduct Policy-Periods of Ineligibility
FFA Activities that Everyone Should Attend 5-6
Annual Banquet
Monthly Meetings
Leadership Career Development Events (CDEs) 6-7
Skills CDEs 7
Major Fundraisers 8
Proficiency Awards 8
FFA Degrees 9-10
Greenhand
Chapter
State
American
FFA Conferences and Camps 11-12
Sub-district CDEs
District CDEs
State Leadership Conference (SLC)
National FFA Convention
Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT)
212 360 Conference
Washington Leadership Conference (WLC)
Risk Management Essay
Individual Opportunities for FFA Members 12-13
Exhibiting at the Cedar Co. Fair
Exhibiting at the Iowa State Fair
State FFA Band and Chorus
National FFA Band and FFA Chorus
For More Information 14
How Can I Get Involved? 14
Welcome to the Waverly Shell Rock Ag Ed Handbook
Welcome to the Waverly Shell Rock FFA Parent-Student Handbook. You’ll notice that it is not just a handbook for the FFA, but for the entire Agriculture Education Program, including Ag Ed Classes, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experience – these are integral components of the program that really can’t be separated.
This handbook, should answer any questions you have about our program and all of the opportunities that we have planned for the coming school year. If you have any questions that are not addressed in the handbook, always feel free to contact our FFA Advisor Amy Mitchell by email at [email protected] or calling school at (319) 3522087
Program Description
The Agricultural Education Program is much more than a class. Classroom instruction gives students the knowledge and skills they need for success in today’s world, and students get a chance to practice and apply these knowledge and skills in their Supervised Agricultural Experience Projects (SAE) and through the National FFA Organization. When the three parts are properly integrated, student education is maximized. Students learn important academic, career, technical, and life skills when all types of instruction are used. To make the most of the Agricultural Education Program, all students should participate in FFA and have an SAE project.
SAE
(Supervised Agricultural Experience)
An SAE project is any experience outside of regularly scheduled class time in which the student gains new skills or practices skills in agriculture. Students could hold an ag related job, job shadow an Ag professional, or own any agribusiness enterprise such as
an animal or plant project or agricultural service business.
The student should select their project based on their career and interests, as well as the amount of time they are willing to spend. The type of project and duration of the project is up to the student.
Students should have at least one SAE project each year that they are enrolled in the Ag Ed/FFA program. This can be the same or different projects.
Students are required to keep records on their SAE projects – the records are graded and included in their class grades. See page 4 for more information on SAE.
Ag Ed Classes
SAE and FFA as integral parts of Agricultural Education classes. This means that class activities will include FFA and SAE activities.
Animal Science
Plant Science
Ag Mechanics
Bio-Tech
Ag Management
Ag Equipment
Ag Business
Job Coop
Conservation
Horticulture
*Please see the course description book on the Tipton School Website for more detail into the classes being offered.
FFA
(formerly Future Farmers of America,
now known as the
“National FFA Organization”).
The Tipton FFA Chapter offers a multitude of opportunities to get involved in leadership projects, community service, recreation, competitive events, scholarships, and skills development. This handbook explains many of the opportunities available this school year.
Students do not have to participate in all FFA activities – they can pick the activities that they want to get involved in. All FFA members should plan at minimum to attend all monthly meetings and the Annual FFA Banquet.
What is SAE?
Supervised Agricultural Experience
An SAE program is the actual, hands-on application of agricultural skills outside the classroom. Students are supervised by agricultural education teachers, parents, employers, and other adults who assist them in the development and achievement of their educational and career goals.
SAE is a time honored and tested form of work-based learning. An SAE program can be whatever the student wants it to be—an agricultural business of his/her own, a job shadowing experience, or placement in a paid or unpaid job using agriculturally-related skills and competencies. It is a program designed cooperatively by the student, advisor and parents.
Some examples of recent SAE projects conducted by FFA Members:
Unpaid veterinary internship
Raising & selling pumpkins
Working in a greenhouse
Selling vegetables for farmers’ markets
Custom hay baling business
Breeding & selling purebred dogs
Training horses
Lawn mowing business
Volunteering at an animal shelter
Working at Family Foods
Landscaping projects at home
Job shadowing an ag broadcaster
Working at a flower shop
Raising a garden
Working at a grain elevator
Grocery store produce department
Work hunting & trapping (wildlife mgt.)
Working on any farm
Turf care at a golf course
Restoring a tractor
Raising livestock
Students keep records (including pictures) for each SAE project, and these records are submitted every semester to the Ag Ed instructor as part of the Ag Education class grade. Livestock-based projects may be entered and exhibited at the county and state fairs, but this is not required. (see “individual opportunities for FFA members” section). Students are rewarded for successful SAE projects through the FFA’s Proficiency Award Program. (See “Proficiency Awards” section). SAE’s are also one component of selection to the various levels of FFA membership, also known as Degrees. (See “Degrees of Membership” Section).
FFA Participation
FFA is an INTRA-curricular activity - not extracurricular like football, Student Council, drama, or speech. This means that it is a part of the class you are taking and that you are expected to learn about FFA. This expectation is similar to what is expected of students enrolled in vocal or instrumental music classes --participation in performances is required and is a part of the students’ grades. The difference is that in Ag Ed classes you aren’t required to participate in all activities, just certain activities which are assigned. Therefore, your participation in FFA will never reduce your grade.
Waverly Shell Rock FFA Calendar Yearly Calendar
Date
Event
Location
January
Legislative Symposium
Iowa Capitol, Des Moines
February 1
National Chapter Application Due
State Degree Applications & Star Applications Due
State Proficiency Application Due
District Officer Application Due
These are due to the State on Feb. 1st Deadline to get to your advisor will be announced
February
Sub-district Leadership Career Development Events (CDEs)
February 15
FFA Scholarship Due (seniors)
Agrisicence Student Application Due
Rising Star Applications Due (sophomores only)
SLC Signature Forms Due (Band, Chorus, Reporters’ Awards, State Officer Candidates, Nominating Committee, other Committees, Academic Achievement Awards)
Must be postmarked or already at Iowa FFA so chapter deadlines will be posted in the ag room
February
GROWMARK Essays Due
February
National FFA Week
February
District & State Proficiency Judging
February
Agriscience Fair Applications Due
April
Chapter Banquet
April
State FFA Convention
Marketing Team, Ag Communications, Farm Business Management Skills CDEs
Ames
May 15
American FFA Degree Application Due
May
County & State Fair Livestock IDs Due
June
Food Science, Ag Mechanics and Agronomy Skills CDEs
Ames
June
Floriculture, Nursery & Landscape Skills CDEs
Ankeny
June
Iowa Association of Ag Educators’ Conference (advisor gone for 3-5 days)
Ames/Ankeny
June-July
Washington Leadership Conference
Washington, DC
June
District Leadership Camp (for chapter leaders)
June
County and State Fair Livestock Entries Due
July
FFA Annual Report Due
July-August
Bremer County
and Iowa State Fair
August
Livestock Evaluation and Meats Evaluation Skills CDEs
Ames
September
World Food Prize Youth Symposium Papers Due
September
National Farm Safety Week
September-October
District Soil Evaluation CDE
Sept-Oct
Homecoming
WSR
October
Greenhand Fire-Up (new members only)
NE District
October
Chapter Roster and Dues Completed
October
State Soils Skills CDE
October
National FFA Convention
October-November
Chapter Fruit Sales
November
212 and 360 Conference
Ankeny
December
Fruit Sale delivery
Eligibility for FFA Membership
FFA membership is limited to students who are enrolled in Agricultural Education courses and certain graduates. Because FFA is an intra-curricular activity (not extra-curricular) it is considered part of a class. If a student wants to join FFA, they must enroll in at least one Ag Ed class during the school year.
The “FFA Year” begins on the first day of school and ends on the last day of summer vacation. Therefore, a student enrolled in any Ag Ed class for the school year (regardless of which semester or quarter) is eligible for FFA membership beginning on the first day of school and lasting throughout the entire school year and the following summer.
Graduates who were FFA members during their senior year and met the active membership requirements there senior year can continue their membership. Graduate membership must be continuous membership; therefore, if a graduate decides not to retain membership, he or she may not change their mind later and re-join. At Tipton, we generally encourage students planning to study agriculture in college, or students who show livestock, to retain their membership until the fourth National Convention after graduation.
Periods of Ineligibility
The Waverly Shell Rock School District’s Good Conduct Policy (see the high school student handbook) applies to FFA. This is true even though FFA is not an extra-curricular activity. If a student has been declared ineligible for extra-curricular activities due to a good conduct violation, for academic reasons, or any other reason, this period of ineligibility applies to FFA as well. In athletics, an ineligible student may practice with the team but may not compete. How does this translate for FFA? The following chart will give several examples:
An Ineligible Student May . . . An Ineligible Student May Not . . .
Assist with the work of the chapter Serve as an officer during the period of ineligibility
Attend monthly FFA meetings Represent the chapter in public
Attend CDE team practices Compete on a CDE team or as an individual
Serve on a committee Chair the committee or miss school due to committee work
Accumulate FFA points Get the advisor’s signature on any applications, even if the application applies to an activity that will happen after the period of ineligibility.
Participate in most local activities Participate in activities at the county, sub-district, district, state, or national levels, or in local activities that are for fun only (recreation, trips, etc.)
Attend the chapter banquet Speak or present at the chapter banquet
FFA Activities that Everyone Should Attend
FFA is different from other intra-curricular activities that are part of a class such as Band or Choir because members of FFA get to select what activities, performances, competitions, and projects they become involved in. FFA members are not expected to do everything – you decide what to do based on your interests.
However, there are a few things that every FFA member should plan to do. They are:
1) Attend the Annual FFA Banquet*, with their family.
2) Attend the Monthly FFA Meetings° must attend at least 5 meeting
3) Take part in at least one Skills or one Leadership Career Development Event during their FFA career and attend at least 5 practices working on that CDE
4) Take part in at least one community service project during their FFA year.
5) Work at least one shift in the concession stand at the Bremer County Fair
.
An explanation of each follows. Please consult the FFA activity calendar for the dates of these events, and write these dates on your family calendar and make plans to attend:
The *Annual FFA Banquet - The annual FFA banquet is the highlight of the year for the FFA – all members, families, Alumni, and supporters should plan to attend. Following the meal, we will hold the evening’s program, which generally includes the following presentations: Star Greenhand, Star Chapter Farmer, Agribusiness, Placement, Agriscience Awards, Sub-District/District/State Activity and CDE Recognition, Chapter Proficiency Awards, Leadership Awards, Scholarship Awards, Recognition of past FFA Chapter Officers and introduction of the new Chapter Officer Team. Note: Applications for most of these awards are available from the advisor .
°Monthly FFA Meetings - FFA meetings are every month at 7:00 pm, unless otherwise specified.
Appropriate dress is required at FFA meetings, meaning that the school’s code of dress is in force. Many students choose to wear FFA T-shirts, and some even wear their FFA jackets to meetings. This is not required, but does improve the professionalism amongst the group.
Monthly meetings are conducted using official FFA opening and closing ceremonies and correct parliamentary procedure. The agenda may include new and old business, guest speakers, activities and fun competitions, the formation of committees, door prize drawings, and announcements of upcoming opportunities. Most months there is some type of snack provided at the meeting. We are happy to accept donations of food items for our fun activities after the meeting is adjourned
Parents and guests are always invited to attend FFA meetings, although they may not participate in discussion unless called upon by a member, and may not vote. Emails will be sent out periodically by the advisor, provided a parental and/or student email address has been furnished to the advisor. Emails will contain reminders about upcoming meetings and activities.
Leadership Career Development Events (CDEs)
To find out more about each event, please visit www.agiowa.org. Click on the CDE Rules and Resources link on the left-hand side of the page. The CDE webpage will provide objectives and rules for each event. Official dress is required for all leadership CDEs except Ag Issues & Perceptions and Experience the Action. All of the following start at the Sub-District level in mid-February:
Creed Speaking - The Creed CDE seeks to develop the ability of interpretation and self-expression of beginning FFA members. The event is open to first year FFA members.
Radio Broadcasting - A member shall deliver a daily ag market, news, and weather report along with an original commercial.
Ag Sales - The member will have to convince a panel of judges to purchase their chosen product.
Extemp Speaking - To develop the ability of FFA members to express themselves on a given subject without having prepared or rehearsed its content in advance. Topics shall be prepared by the State FFA Staff. Topics will be from the following three areas: Agriscience and Technology, Agrimarketing and International Agricultural Relations.
Public Speaking - To develop the ability of young FFA members to competently express themselves during a prepared speech about an ag-related topic of their choice.
Job Interview - To provide FFA members the opportunity to demonstrate their ability in completing a job application form, writing a letter of application, preparing a resume, interviewing, and completing a follow-up letter. The participant will select one of the eight full-time, entry-level job openings and apply for the position.
Conduct of Meetings - To develop the ability of freshmen and sophomore FFA members to improve their techniques in conduct of meetings by employing correct parliamentary law through the transaction of parliamentary abilities and answering questions on parliamentary procedure. The Conduct team shall consist of seven members; each team will be organized so that the team will have representatives act as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, sentinel, and advisor. The team shall also memorize and deliver the opening and closing ceremonies.
Chapter Program - The team of three students will deliver an overview of their chapters’ activities from the previous year while highlighting member accomplishments and level of involvement. Each of the fifteen committee areas needs to be represented by the presentation.
Parliamentary Procedure – A team of five juniors and/or seniors demonstrate knowledge of parliamentary procedure to conduct an orderly/efficient meeting and to transact business and to present logical, realistic, and convincing discussion. Each member shall serve as the chair for one ability.
The following CDE’s start at the District level in March:
Ag Issues & Perceptions – Six team member’s role play to represent different sides of an ag-related issue. The team consists of a community resident, an ag professional, an environmentalist, an elected official, a farm manager and a moderator. Members dress according to their role.
Experiences the Action – Between 3-5 members develop a recruitment presentation designed to attract new members to the agricultural education program. This is usually a very dynamic event requiring some creativity and energy!
Chapter Website- 1 member maintains and improves the chapter website and presents about the site to a panel of judges.
Skills Career Development Events (CDEs)
To find out more about each event log on to www.agiowa.org and go to the CDE Rules and Resources link to the left.
Event Name
Individual/Team Size & Roles
Qualifying Level
Ag Communications
4; News Writer, Broadcaster, Press Release Writer, Graphic Designer
State
Marketing Plan
3; do market research and propose a marketing plan
State
Ag Mechanics
4; each completes the same set of skills
District & State
Team Ag Sales
4; each completes the same set of skills; complete a team project
State
Agronomy
4; each completes the same set of skills
State
Farm Business Management
4; each completes the same activities; complete a team project
District & State
Floriculture
4; each completes all activities; complete a team project
State
Food Science
4; each completes all activities; present an original food product following nutritional requirements
State
Livestock Evaluation
4; each evaluates all classes
State
Meats Evaluation
4; each completes all activities
State
Envirothon
4; each completes all activities
Regional & State
Nursery & Landscaping
4; each completes all activities
District & State
Horse Evaluation
4; each completes all activities; team completes some problem-solving
State
Greenhand Quiz
Up to two individuals complete a written exam
District & State
FFA Fundraisers
The need to raise funds is a reality for all student organizations. We would not be able to provide so many great opportunities for our students if it were not for our fund raising activities. Here is a short summary of what our FFA chapter does to raise funds for our programs. Other activities are conducted on an as-needed or as-available basis.
Fruit Sales - Our largest fundraiser includes selling fruit, and cheese products from mid-October to mid-November. This fundraiser is organized by the FFA. FFA members selling fruit can qualify to attend the Broomball event if they sell over $500.00. There are also top selling awards at the Banquet. If you sell over $1,000.00 then you will be awarded an extra trip or prize.
Proficiency Awards
The Agricultural Proficiency Awards program like the FFA motto helps you set goals and learn practical skills. The program rewards FFA members at the local, state and national levels for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. What are the proficiency award areas? Awards are available to all FFA members enrolled in high school agriculture, including special needs students. There are 47 or more award areas.
For more information and applications log on www.ffa.org
Proficiency awards are given in the following areas:
Ag. Communications
Ag Education
Ag Mechanics Design & Fabrication
Ag. Mechanics Repair & Maintenance Ag. Mechanics Energy Systems Ag. Processing
Ag. Sales Ag. Services Aquaculture
Beef Production Dairy Production Diversified Ag. Prod.
Diversified Crop Prod. Diversified Horticulture Diversified Livestock Prod.
Emerging Ag. Technology Environ. Sci & Nat. Resource Equine Science
Fiber and/or Oil Crop Prod Floriculture Food Science & Tech
Forage Production Forest Mgt. & Products Fruit Production
Grain Production Home or Community Development Landscape Management
Nursery Operations Organic Production Outdoor Recreation
Poultry Production Sheep Production Small Animal Prod. & Care
Specialty Animal Prod. Specialty Crop Prod. Swine Production
Turf Grass Management Vegetable Production Wildlife Management
Agricultural Proficiency Awards are available to all FFA members enrolled in high school agriculture. Students must meet the following eligibility requirements: Must apply while in high school or within 1 year after graduation from high school. If a high school graduate you must have completed at least 3 full years of instruction in agricultural education or program of agricultural education offered in school last attended. At minimum, must have kept 1 full calendar years’ worth of records as an FFA member to apply for a district, state, or national level proficiency award.
FFA Degrees
Greenhand FFA Degree
As a high school member of the FFA, receiving the Greenhand FFA Degree shows that you have opened the door to the many exciting opportunities that the National FFA Organization has to offer. When you qualify for the Greenhand FFA Degree, you have earned the first of four degrees that build on each other leading the way to the highest degree achievable in the FFA, the American FFA Degree.
Do you qualify?
- I am a FFA member enrolled in agricultural education class.
- I have satisfactory plans for a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program.
- I learned and can explain the FFA creed, motto, salute, and FFA mission statement.
- I can describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and colors.
- I can demonstrate knowledge of the FFA Code of Ethics and proper use of the FFA jacket.
- I can demonstrate knowledge of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws and the chapter Program of Activities
- I personally own or have access to the Official FFA Manual and the FFA Student Handbook.
Chapter FFA Degree
Whether it is helping plan your chapter’s next activity, working hard on your SAE or discussing a motion during a chapter meeting, chapter involvement is vital to your future successes in FFA. The root of the National FFA Organization is its chapters. By receiving the Chapter FFA Degree, you demonstrate your role in your chapter’s growth and development. 2nd or 3rd year of FFA membership
Do you qualify?
- Must have received the Greenhand FFA Degree.
- Must have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least 180 hours of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level, have in operation an approved supervised agricultural experience program, and be enrolled in an agricultural education course.
- Have participated in the planning and conducting of at least three official functions in the chapter Program of Activities.
- Have earned and productively invested at least $150 by the member's own efforts or worked at least forty-five hours in excess of scheduled class time, or a combination thereof, and have developed plans for continued growth and improvement in a supervised agricultural experience program.
- Have taken part in at least one skills and/or one leadership CDE
- Have effectively led a group discussion for 15 minutes.
- Have demonstrated five procedures of parliamentary law.
- Show progress toward individual achievement in the FFA award programs.
- Have a satisfactory scholastic record.
- Have recorded more than 10 hours of community service projects.
Like a high school diploma, the State FFA Degree celebrates your high school FFA career. Awarded by your state FFA association, this degree is a symbol to the members of your entire state FFA association that you are chapter leaders. As a State FFA Degree recipient, you have taken your FFA involvement beyond the chapter level and have a successful supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. With your State FFA Degree, you are one step away from achieving the highest degree attainable in the FFA, the American FFA Degree. Application: February, Usually during the 3rd or 4th year of FFA Membership
Do I qualify?
- Have received the Chapter FFA Degree.
- Have been an active FFA member for at least two years (24 months) at the time of receiving the State FFA Degree.
- While in school, have completed the equivalent of at least two years (360 hours) of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level, which includes a supervised agricultural experience program.
- Have earned and productively invested at least $1,000, or worked at least 300 hours in excess of scheduled class time, or a combination thereof, in a supervised agricultural experience program.
- Demonstrate leadership ability by:
*Performing 10 procedures of parliamentary law.
*Giving a six-minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or the FFA.
* Serving as an officer, committee chairperson, or participating member of a chapter committee. - Have a satisfactory scholastic record as certified by the local agricultural education instructor and the principal or superintendent.
- Have participated in the planning and completion of the chapter Program of Activities.
- Have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the chapter level. The percentage of the total state membership which may receive the State FFA Degree and other requirements may be established by the state FFA association.
- Have recorded more than 25 hours of community service projects.
As the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, receiving the American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA associations. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they experienced throughout their FFA career. American FFA Degree recipients show promise for their future and have above and beyond to achieve excellence. Application: During the 1st, 2nd, 3rd year following high school graduation.
Do I qualify?
- Have received the State FFA Degree, have been an active member for the past three years (36 months) and have a record of satisfactory participation in the activities on the chapter and state levels.
- Have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least three years (540 hours) of systematic secondary school instruction in an agricultural education program or have completed the program of agricultural education offered in the school last attended.
- Have graduated from high school at least 12 months prior to the national convention at which the degree is to be granted.
- Have in operation and have maintained records to substantiate an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program through which a member has exhibited comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise.
- Have earned and productively invested at least $7,500 or have earned and productively invested at least $1,500 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Any combination of hours times a factor of $3.33 plus dollars must be equal to, or greater than the number 9,000. Hours used for the purpose of producing earnings reported as productively invested income shall not be duplicated as hours of credit to meet the minimum requirements for the degree.
- Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement and have achieved a high school scholastic record of C or better as certified by the principal or superintendent.
- Have recorded more than 50 hours of community service projects.
FFA Conferences and Camps
The Tipton FFA takes multiple trips to leadership conferences, conventions, and competitions throughout the year. As a rule, high school students must be eligible according to Waverly- Shell Rock Good Conduct Policy as well as academically eligible in order to participate in these trips. Any student currently failing a class will not be allowed to miss school for FFA-related activities.
On all FFA trips, students pay for their own meals (with a few exceptions as noted) and incidental costs such as souvenirs. On some trips, FFA members are asked to pay a fee to the chapter to cover a portion of the expenses. The rule of thumb is: If it is a trip that ALL FFA MEMBERS can participate in, the chapter pays the registration, entry fee, etc. for everyone. If it is a trip that ONLY SOME FFA MEMBERS are selected to participated in, then a fee is charged to the student for a portion of the total expenses.
Sub-District Leadership CDEs
District Leadership Skills Events are held annually in Mid-February. This is Waverly- Shell Rock FFA first level of competition in areas such as Public Speaking, Creed Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, Job Interview, and Extemporaneous Speaking. At Sub-Districts, Waverly-Shell Rock FFA participates with other FFA Chapters in the North East District of the Iowa FFA Association. The top two schools in each area of competition advance to Districts in March (the Creed event advances the top three participants). All students participating in a CDE may attend. There are no entry fees or costs other than your meal. Parents are invited to come and watch the students in competition.
District FFA CDEs and Convention
The District FFA Convention is held on a Saturday in early March at one school in the North East District of the Iowa FFA Association. It is the 2nd level of competition for most FFA Leadership Contests. Parents and others are encouraged to attend and support the Waverly- Shell Rock FFA in competition. The District Convention in the morning/early afternoon is open to all attendees and many of our members are recognized for other awards at this time. .
State Leadership Conference (SLC)
Most years, a large number of students have “earned their way” to the State FFA Convention in Ames by earning awards or competing in CDEs or participating in state band or chorus. We also enjoy taking a number of parents along to chaperone /drive/observe activities. Please contact the advisor if you are interested in attending.
There is no limit to the number of times a student may attend state convention. However, in order to make sure that only active and dedicated FFA members attend the convention, the chapter has the following restrictions: 1) To be selected to attend, a member must have attended the District convention that calendar year, AND 2) the member must have attended at least 5 FFA meetings during that school year. This information will be verified by the advisor.
Students will miss two days of school, so they must get assignments in advance from their teachers. All students attending the State Convention (including those who have “earned their way”) will pay a $20 fee as that is the registration fee.
National FFA Convention
Students who have “earned their way” to the National FFA Convention by earning awards or competing in contests have first priority. Once we have determined how many students have “earned their way” we will know how many other students we will be able to take, based on transportation available, and the number of hotel rooms allocated to our chapter. This is a yearly trip.
Other students wishing to attend must complete the National Convention Application. Priority for attending will be given to the students who have not attended in the past.
Highlights of the convention may include the Convention Sessions, the National FFA Career Show; National Contests; Leadership Workshops; Field Trips to area attractions. Visit the FFA web site at http://www.ffa.org/convention/ for more information.
Students will miss four days of school to attend the National Convention, so they must get assignments in advance from their teachers. All students attending the National FFA Convention (including those who have “earned their way”) will pay the total registration cost of the trip. The chapter will pay for transportation and hotel rooms. .
Chapter Officer Leadership Trip (COLT)
Each year, the newly elected FFA officers will travel to the COLT conference for the North East District. This is a one day event put together by the State FFA officers and District Officers.
212 or 360 Conference
If personal growth interests you. then the 212 or 360 Conference may be the conference for you. Focused on building your confidence and competence, you have the opportunity to build a foundation of excellence through your own talents, skills and will power. 212 or 360 Conference helps you grow personally and realize what it takes to be a premier leader. The cost of this conference is $5.00
Washington Leadership Conference
From your local FFA chapter to the nation’s capital, that’s where you’ll be headed if you join hundreds of other FFA members at the Washington Leadership Conference. Set in Washington D.C., this week-long summer conference takes your leadership skills to their highest level. Focusing on problem-solving, relationship building, and character and serving others, WLC teaches you how to have a positive impact on you school, chapter, community, state, and country. While you are practicing all these skills, you will also take in such historical sites as the Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and World War II Memorial. Plus, you’ll meet lots of new friends from around the country. The FFA chapter will give each student a stipend to help cover cost to attend this trip.
Risk Management Essay Contest
Once your supervised agricultural experience is up and running, the Risk Management Essay Contest, helps you protect your investment of time and money. In this program, you will look at the principles of risk management and how they apply to your SAE project. You will discover ways to minimize risk and maximize profits. The best part about the Risk Management Essay Contest is that all winners and their advisor receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. for a special USDA Risk Management Agency/FFA Day. To learn more, talk to your advisor or visit www.ffa.org.
Individual Opportunities for FFA Members
Exhibiting at the Bremer/Butler County Fair
Members of the Waverly Shell-Rock FFA Chapter may exhibit livestock and other animals at the Bremer/Butler County Fair. Projects exhibited must be a part of the student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program and records should be maintained on this project. Participants can find livestock ID forms, entry forms, premium books, etc on the County Extension Website. All forms should be turned into the County Extension office by the established deadlines. Because the County Fair is an Individual FFA Activity, the chapter encourages participation, but does not provide financial support, transportation of livestock, or supervision. Important dates to remember for the County Fair include the Market Beef Weigh-In; Lamb/Goat Weigh-In, and the Livestock ID Deadlines and FSQA requirements. (YOU MUST MEET ALL DEADLINES TO PARTICIPATE)
Exhibiting at the Iowa State Fair
Members of the Waverly- Shell Rock FFA Chapter may exhibit Beef, Dairy Cattle, Crops, Dairy Goats, Meat Goats, Rabbits, Horse, Mechanics/Technology, Horticulture, Floriculture, Photography, Sheep, and Swine projects at the Iowa State Fair in August. With the exception of Photography and some Crops exhibits, all entries must be a part of the student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program and students must have record books on the projects exhibited. Intent to show at the Iowa State Fair must be communicated to the advisor prior to April in order to secure ear tags and ID forms; identification deadlines are typically in April, May and/or June. Entry deadlines are in June/July. To learn more about ISF information go to www.agiowa.org. Because the Iowa State Fair is an Individual FFA Activity, all FFA members under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or a responsible adult designated by the parent. The chapter encourages participation, but does not provide financial support, transportation of livestock, or supervision of students.
State FFA Band and Chorus
The State FFA Band and Chorus provide entertainment at sessions and other events associated with the State FFA Convention. These very skilled musicians are selected through a highly competitive process that includes a recommendation from the local music instructors, the state FFA band or chorus directors. Application materials can be downloaded from www.agiowa.org. The deadline is typically February 15.
National FFA Band and National FFA Chorus
The National FFA Band and Chorus provide entertainment at sessions, workshops, meal functions, and other events associated with the National FFA Convention. These very skilled musicians are selected through a highly competitive process that includes a recommendation from the local music instructors, the state FFA band or chorus directors, and an audition tape. Application materials can be downloaded from http://www.ffa.org/convention/. The deadline is typically in late April or early May. Members selected for the National Band or Chorus will travel to the convention site several days earlier than the rest of the chapter in order to practice. Because this is an individual activity, the chapter encourages students to participate, but does not provide financial support or supervision. Chaperones are provided by the National FFA Organization. The individual member is responsible for transporting instruments, paying any fees to the National FFA for music, hotel, etc. and for their meals.
For More Information
Feel free to contact the FFA advisor with any questions via email [email protected] or (319 )352 2087 office phone. The advisor also sends out periodic emails, so if you have an address that is checked regularly please get your address to the advisor. To learn more about National FFA Organization or the Iowa FFA Association, check out the following websites: www.ffa.org and www.agiowa.org
Waverly-Shell Rock FFA Membership Information
2017-2018 Dues are free students in Ag Class are FFA members. If you want to attend different activities there could be a fee. If you sign up for activities that cost the chapter and don't attend then there is a full cost fee. FFA apparel will cost members. To make the fee $0 we just ask all members to sell fruit.
Your Name: (first, last, middle initial):
Current Grade: Year you will Graduate:
FFA Member email: (use your school)
Home Phone: Mobile Phone:
Mailing Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Gender: _ Race: Ethnicity:
Birthday:
Guardian Name:
Guardian’s Primary Phone:
Guardian's Address if Different:
Guardian’s Email:
FFA member’s T-shirt Size:
***BY SIGNING THIS FORM YOU GIVE YOUR FFA MEMBER THE PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL LOCAL FFA EVENTS.
Guardian’s Signature Date
Please turn the FFA dues in along with this form to Mrs. Mitchell. Please make payments using a check made out to the Waverly-Shell Rock FFA