ffa reporter - Alabama FFA

The Alabama
FFA REPORTER OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALABAMA FFA ASSOCIATION
Vol. 13
SUMMER 1986
Convention Issue
The p resent challenge for the F uture Far­
mers of A merica is developing "Leaders for
the Ne w F ields of Agriculture," because
agriculture is more t han just farming. T he
new fields of agriculture range from hydro­
ponics, bio-genetics, and computers to aqua­
culture, hydraulic engineering, and econom­
ics. There are actually over 200 rewarding
careers in agriculture.
The 1986 State F FA C onvention provides
each of us with a tremendous opportunity to
expand our kn owledge of the new fields of
agriculture. M any members have grasped
this opportunity through participating in
numerous FFA activities. Each of them had
a dream, a desire to excel. Planning, prac­
tice, and perseverance enabled them to turn
that opportunity into reality.
FFA members have written speeches, been
attentive to classroom instruction, and sacri­
ficed time to maintain a strong SO EP . They
have spent long hours judging and grooming
cattle, cruising timber. identifying plants,
and keeping records up to date. Although
everyone can no t be a first-place winner, the
k n owledge, expe rience, and skills gained
through competition are invaluable.
T he State Officer team has made many
rewarding cha pter visits across the State of
Ala bama. Th rough these visits, the team has
had a firsthand view of h ow chapter me m be rs
are work ing hard toward FF A achievements.
No.3
Montgomery C ivic Center
June 10-12, 1986
It is you, the members, that will make the
convention an action-packed and thrilling
three-day event.
At your State Convention. members will
receive awards for their outstand ing achieve­
ments. These ac hievements have been reached
by the unequaled combination of knowl­
edge, experience, and skill. Success as an
F F A member is found in a Supervised
Occupational Experience Program. These
programs range from show cattle, dairy
operations, home gardens ... to wildlife
management, nursery operations and forest
production. Awards are presented to mem­
bers with the most outstanding SOEP's,
refined judging techniques, and polished
personal talents. This State Convention is
the time to shine for many members of the
Alabama F FA Association.
As they shine a t t his year's State Conven­
tion, countless others will be motivated to
shine in the coming years. This motivation is
triggered by watching fellow members suc­
ceed at what they do best. It is fostered
through the excitement of speeches, presen­
tation of awards, and the many meaningful
experiences gained through meeting other
people. The blue and gold creates a desire for
accomplishment, and with over 1,000 blue
and gold jackets at this State Convention,
the air is sure to be filled with excitement.
This year's State Convention offers more
tlianjust outstanding speakers and presenta­
tion of awards. There is an excellent oppor­
tunity to enjoy a wide variety of entertain­
ment. Mem [jers have a chance to enjoy the'
best FFA talent our state has to offer. The
crowds are sure to be large for the string
band and quartet finals. Cotton Ivy, a hum­
orist from Tennessee, will perform at the
Thursday morning session. Outside the con­
vention hall, Montgomery has many oppor­
tunities for recreation. The State Capitol,
the new State House, Archives, and River­
boat Park are within walking distance of the
convention center. T he M o ntgomery Zoo,
Shakespeare Festival and W hite House of
the Confederacy are sure to be big attractions.
This will be the 57th State C onvention of
the Alabama Association of Future Farmers
of America. Each year we have accepted the
challenges offered by a changing world of
(Continued on page 2)
FFA Officers Visit
Computer Lab
State FFA Officers toured the computer laboratory in
the new Center for Vocational and Adult Education at
Auburn University during a recent visit to the campus.
During the visit, they were able to review some of the
agricultural software packages and utilize the IBM and
Apple microcomputers. Officers shown are (I-r) David
Parmer. Vice President; Mike Dunkling. Reporter: Phil­
lip Hutson. Sentinel: Tommy Spencer, Secretary; Greg
Smith. Treasurer. and Jody Brewer. President.
THE ALABAMA "'FA REPORTER 1986 Call To Convention
Summer )986 Edllor . . ... . .. . . . . . . Troy D. Newton Sc.:rillary . .. . .... . . . . Belt)· L. Wright " Reaching the Top" Stalt Officers 1985-86 Jody Brewer Prcsillcnt .. ... . . . . . . . ... Jody Brewer Citronelle Chapter Route I. Box JO. S:traland 36571 V"I.' Prcsidt'II1 . . . . .. . . .. David Parmer
Ru"dh Ilk (,hllpt~r
Route Ii. Bo:-. 57 1, Rus,clhillc 35653 Sccf(!tar) . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Speneer Auburn Clmpler 678 Shim m:c 51.. f\ uburn 36830 Tr~'Il,un:r
. . .. . . .. . ....... Greg 'mith Pleasant Hom~ Chapter Route I. Ih)x 1!!4. ..\ndalu~ia 3M:!O Reporter . .. . . . . . . .. . . M ike Dunkling Wc~t 131 cton Chapler P.O. Ro.~ 3~ . Woodstock .l51!!1! by M y friends! Another year has nown by.
Co nvention time has arrived. On June 10-13
in the Montgomer y Civic Center , a year of
hard work will culminate i nt o an exciting
event of awards and entertainment.
The scene of American agriculture is
changing very rapidl y. To meel the new c hal­
lenges , the FFA is striving to develop "Lead­
ers for the New Fields of Agriculture." Our
greatest opportunit y to fulfill this theme is
the State Convention. Make your plans now
to attend, partici pate with enthusiasm , and
receive the motivation offered by the many
s tirri ng spea kers .
Throughout the year, you have work ed
and dedicated yourselves to achieve s u ccess .
You have climbed the mountain, overcom­
ing many problems along the wa y . The peak
is in sight : the j ourney will s oon end . The
State Convention is the top o f the m o un tain .
Rewards are ju st ahead .
Yes , the time ha s c ome . The moment of
truth is here. Keep c limbing. kee p dreaming ,
keep giving your best - reach th e top of yo ur
mountain' Att e nd the Ala b a ma State FFA
Convention in Montgomery , June 10-13 .
You are the FFA! You ar e the " Leaders for
the New Fields of Agriculture ."
~cntincl .. . . .. ..... . . . Phillip Hutson We~t POill! C'hapur Roule 13. Box 290. Cullman 35055 S tale .\Il\is.or . . . .. . . .. . . . CW o Reed Mont/1omery .'6130 Exe~uti\'c
Scerct3 ry . ... . Tro,' Newton M'lnlJ.!,omcry ]!JI.m Convention Issue - Continued
agriculture. In the last thirty years, U. S.
farm output has increased more than 79 per­
cent. As agriculture has grown, so has the
F uture Farmers of America. Founded in
1928, today over 425,000 agriculture stu­
dents in 50 states and Puerto Rico are
members of the FFA. Certainly, members in
the past ha ve met their challenges: they have
made their dreams come true. It is now our
responsibility to meet the challenges pre­
sented by today's agriculture . Members
attending the State Convention will become
the leaders of tomorrow. When you come to
Montgomery, be prepared to accept the
challenge to develop yourselves into "Lead­
ers for the New F ields of Agriculture."
Convention Dress Code
When you becamean FFA member. you
agreed to a bide by the FFA Code of Elhics.
The Code simpl y states Ihat " You will con­
duct yourself at a ll times in orde r 10 be a
credillo your orga nization , chapter, school.
and communit y." We can ha ve a great
convenlion if FFA members will keep the
points of Ihe Code of Elhics in mind during
the Conventio n. This means that all mem­
bers will dres s appropriately for the occa­
sion, eit her the official jacket or official
FFA T-shirt. Shorts and other such dress
are not a part of official dress for the Con­
vention. We should also respect the rights
and property of others, demonstrate good
sportsmanship, and take PRIDE in our
organi zation . Together, we can have a
great convention and do our part to pre­
pare "Leaders for the New Fields of Agri­
culture. "
Young people exploring careers today will find a
variety of exci ting, high-tech agricultural opportunities.
From horticulture, computers, bio-genetics and sales ...
to economics, forestry,aquaculture and farming.There
are boundless career choices for today's young people.
Today's agriculture industry is changing as we know it.
but change brings opportunity.
PROGRAM 57th Annual FFA Convention June 10, 11, 12, 1986 Monday, June 9
P.M.
1:00
Forestry Judging Contest (Montgomery)
Livestock Judging Contest (Auburn)
Dairy Cattle Judging Contest (E. V. Smith
Research Center. Milstead)
Land Judging Contest (Montgomery)
Agricultural Mechanics Contest (Auburn)
Small Engines Contest (Montgomery)
Agricultural Construction and Maintenance
Contest (M ontgomery)
Nurs ery/ Landscape Contest (Civic Center)
Floriculture Contest (Civic Center)
7:30
Final Interview of Officer Candidates
(Civic Center)
Tuesday , June 10
A. M .
8:00 - 12:00 Registration (Civic Center)
9 :00
Public Speaking Contest Preliminary (Civic
Center)
String Band Contest Preliminary (Civic
Center)
Quartet Contest Preliminary (Civic Center)
II :30
Courtesy Co r ps Meeting (Civic Center)
ciency, Beef Production, Swine Produc­
tion, Poultry Prod uction, Agricultural
Mechanics, Agricultural Electrification,
Fruit and / or Vegetable Production,
N ursery O perations, Floriculture, Soil
and Water Management. Home and / or
Farmstead Improvement , Wildlife Man­
agement , Turf and Landscape Manage­
ment
Awards - String Band Contest
Greetingsand Announcements-c.W. Reed,
State FFA Advisor
Closing Ceremony
Meeting of all Local Advisors (Civic Center)
Crime Prevention Awards
Activity Program
Retiring Address - Mike Dunkling, Reporter
Building Our A mericanComm unities
Awards
Computers in Agriculture Awards
Awards - Agricultural Construction and
Maintenance, Agricultural Mechanics,
Small Enginers
Announcements
Closing Ceremony
P.M.
1:00
Tours
Wednesday Evening
Tuesday Evening
P.M.
P . M.
7:30
F IR ST GE N E R AL S ESS IO N
Opening Ceremony
Public Speaking Contest Finals
Future Farmer of the Year Award
H onor Parents and Advisors of 1985-86
State FFA Officers
Retiring Address - David Parmer, Vice
President
Awards - Forestry Judging, Champion Corn
Growing, Nursery / Landscape Judging,
Floriculture Judging, Land Judging,
P ublic Speaking
Vespers Program - State FFA Officers
Announcements
Closing Ceremony
P . M.
6:00
Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
(Civic Center)
7:30
T HIRD GENERAL SESSION
O pening Ceremony
Miss Alabama Agriculture - Nancy Stewart
Conferring of H onorary State Farme r
Degrees
Retiring Add ress - Tom Spencer, Secretary
Quartet Contest Finals
Proficiency Awards - Placement in Agricul­
tural Production, Agricultural Sales
and/ or Service
Agricultural Processing, Forest Ma nagement
Awards - Quartet Contest
Announcements
Closing Ceremony
Wednesday, June II
1:00
Delegate Orientation
1:30
Opening Ceremony
Invocation
National Anthem
Official Seating of Delegates
Greetings - Dr. Wayne Teague, State Super­
intendent of Education
Greeting - Robert Weaver, National FF A
Vice President
Business Session
Appointment of Committees
Retiring Address - Phillip Hutson, Sentinel
String Band Finals
Proficiency Awards - Diversified Crop Pro­
duction, Dairy Prod uction, Horse Profi-
Thursday, June 12
A.M.
A.M.
8:30
M usic - Convention Organist
9:00
SEC ON D G ENER A L SESSION
Opening Ceremony
State FFA Officers' Annual Report - Tom
Spencer, Secreta ry
Address - Robert Weaver, National F F A
Vice P resident
Awards - Dairy Judging, Livestock Judging,
M. K. Heath Animal Health and Sanita­
tion Award, Safety Awards
Retiring Address - Greg Smith , Treasurer
Chapter Awards
9 :00
L AST G EN E RAL SESS ION
Opening Ceremony
Star Farmer Ceremony
Retiring Address - Jody Brewer, President
Entertainment - Cotton Ivy
State Farmer Degree Ceremony
Installation of New State Officers
Presentation of Past Officer Pins
Presentation of Gavel to Past President
Announcements
Closing Ceremony
New Officers, their Parents and Local Advi­
sors Meeting (Civic Center)
To Appear on Convention Program Robert Weaver National Vice President Robert Weaver, of the Falkville FFA Chap­
ter, is the Southern R egion Vice President of
the FFA. Before being elected 1982-83 State
President, Robert served his local chapter as
T reasurer, Vice President, and President.
H is Supervised Occupational Experience
Program consisted of dairy prod uction
management at a neighboring dairy . His
success at the dairy earned him the Ameri­
can Farmer Degree. Robert will address the
convention on Wednesday morning.
Nancy Stewart Miss Alabama Agriculture Nancy Stewart, 21-year-old beauty from
Bynum, Alabama, in Calhoun County, is the
reigning Miss Alabama Agriculture. Na ncy
will appear on the program Wednesday
evening, June Il. Nancy is ajunior at Auburn
University majoringin Public Re lationsand
Speech Communications. Her hobbies in­
clude modeling, baton twirling, aerobics and
teaching at majorette camps. She has been a
member of the A uburn University Marching
Band ; AU Majorette in 1984 and 1985;
member of the concert band , and is a
Lambda Chi Alpha Little Sister.
Cotton Ivy Humorist If you like to laugh, you 'll love Cotton Ivy.
His humor is a down-to-earth, genu ine,
clean kind that people relate to-and that's
rare nowadays. Some have even said he's the
new Will Rogers. Cotton has been a special
guest on the Grand Ole Opry and Hee Haw.
He has appeared with Ronnie M ilsap, the
Statler Brothers, and many others . He will
appear during the Thursday morning session.
, . . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - FFA Sweethearts ,
Karen Aldridge Berry Chapter The 1985-86 FFA Sweetheart at Berry
High School is Ka ren Aldridge. Karen
isa member of the FFA, FHA, and 4- H
Clubs. She has also served as mascot for
the Berry High School football team .
Remona Barrow LaFayette Chapter T he sweetheart of the La F ayette FFA
C hapter is Remon a Barrow. Remona is
a senior honor student, participates in a
number of school clubs and activities.
Kendra Woods Danville Chapter The sweetheart of the Danville FFA
Chapter is Kendra Woods. Kendra is in
the 10th grade and involved in many
school activities.