FFA Convention 2015

I have to say that FFA State convention turned out to be a huge success this year in Silverton, Oregon!  While I wasn’t there wearing the most popular blue and gold attire, it was really fun to be involved again with an organization and event that brought back so many great memories.  And brought back a lot of friends, so many people who I haven’t seen in ages were there, mostly as ag teachers and parents of current FFA-ers.

We were able to connect with many students and talk to them about how Young farmers and ranchers creates a unique opportunity to continue with leadership after graduation.  We talked about how we have a few similar competitions, and provide  a great way to keep in touch and network with other young farmers throughout the state and nation.

20150321_092840_resized20150321_094833_resizedOur booth was very popular, probably mostly due to corn hole games and our giveaway of a Kindle Fire to one lucky winner.  That lucky guy was Kurt Norton from Enterprise FFA.  When I handed off his prize today he was so grateful, he said, “I should have bought some lottery tickets because I won my proficiency and a new Kindle…what a lucky day!”

IMG_3187We also had a good time meeting many state degree recipients and serving them up some good apps and great ice cream floats!

20150321_160322_resizedIt took the whole weekend, it was a lot of work, and it was a lot of fun.  Overall I think it all paid off and many of us walking away from convention this year not only feel hopeful for the next generation of farmers coming through the ranks, but also optimistic for a future where FFA continues to provide leaders for Oregon.

20150321_165323_resizedThanks for everyone’s help and organization this weekend….especially Kathy Hadley, Chairman of Young Farmers & Ranchers!  She worked her tail off to make this all happen!!

 

FFA State Convention…Refreshment Delivery

It’s only fitting that National Ag Week is wrapping up, just as Oregon state FFA convention is getting started.  The brightest young agriculturalists in the state will be competing for top state recognition this coming weekend.  So Oregon Young Farmers and Ranchers, in conjunction with Country Financial Insurance are hosting a reception to honor those at the very top, the students who will be receiving their State Degrees this year.

So it might seems strange that these are the photos I took of our trip today to drop off refreshments…considering they are high school students.

IMG_3151But no, we are not celebrating quite like you might think…if you look closely you will see something like this on the labels…

IMG_3152IMG_3153And then you add a little of this…

IMG_3149If you haven’t figured it out yet, we’re having floats with a local flavor.  Thank you to Mt. Angel Brewing for some delicious pop!  And congrats Oregon FFA students…you deserve the best after all your hard work!

Happy Friday everyone!

Happy Ag Week!

This week is Ag Week and people all over the country, or at least the 3% of us who are farmers, use this week as a chance to talk about what we are up to on our farms, give you a taste of what it’s like to be a farmer, and spread the word about agriculture.

So I looked back at some old photos I thought I would share of what my life has been like not just as a farmer, but as a growing family farmer.  Growing in the sense of the next generation, new equipment, good days, and new crops.

Harvest looked a lot like this last year…I’m guessing the “busy” level will be increased a bit this year!IMG_1439

We bought a new toy for our little farm boy….it has auto steer, so he’s already driving it!IMG_1942

This one still makes me feel good….good days all around!photo(3)

And the newest crop to be added to our farm….Red cabbage for seed.
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If you have any friends that are farmers, watch out this week for some good ag posts on Facebook.  I know that Oregon Women for Ag will be posting many photos as the week goes on on their page.  If you’re a farmer yourself, then take this chance to post a quick pic of what you’re doing this week.  It may sound strange that someone wants to know what you’re up to on your farm, but truly I hear time and time again how much they love seeing our way of life, and what our “regular” day looks like (if there is such a thing in farming!).