Those Blue Jackets // FFA

 I didn't know what FFA was until I came to college. Until recently, my perception of the FFA organization was that students in both high school and college can be involved, and every member wears a blue jacket. I am very well aware that is not the reality, as FFA is much more than just a blue jacket! This week does happen to be National FFA Week which is why I thought it would be appropriate to blog on this particular topic this week.

Membership 

Students who want membership into FFA must be enrolled in grades 7th through 12th, and be enrolled in some sort of an agricultural education course during the academic year. The PDF specific to membership information for the state of North Dakota FFA organizations can be found here through this link.  

The FFA website highlights that it is, "the largest student organization in the world" (https://www.ffa.org/join/why-join-ffa). Even after high school graduation, there are continued opportunities to be involved through collegiate chapters on various college universities, and lifelong support through adult/alumni involvement. The closest thing that I have to relate to a lifelong experience would be sorority life, which is only available to collegiate women (with a maximum of four years being an active member)- though membership/sisterhood is for a lifetime. It is easy to see why FFA members are so dedicated to the organization seeing as they have already five years of high school involvement before even coming to college.

Aside from the basic information about the organization, such as involvement, membership, the many regional/national conventions and annual events, the two categories that stand out to me the most are the leadership opportunities, and the history of FFA.

Leadership

Within the FFA organization, there are numerous ways for students to take advantage of leadership roles within their local chapter, as a state officer and even at a national level. The students that I personally know on campus that were involved in FFA in high school, are some of the best leaders that I know today. Some of the students continued to stay involved in the collegiate chapters, and others chose to join other clubs. Either way, FFA students are organized, are both efficient and effective when it comes to getting the job done, and their passion is always present. Students that have been/are involved know how to effectively run meetings through Robert's Rules of Order, which is a skill and an understanding that not many people know of, on and off campus.

History

This history of FFA is so impressive, dating back to 1928. The article explains that all 50 states, and even two US territories share charters with the national organization! FFA has impacted so much of our nation's history, such as having nearly 139,000 members serving in World War II. FFA celebrates not just agriculture, but performing arts like band, choir and talent shows. FFA has been federally recognized by several presidents and has had legislation passed in support, to even having a special stamp through the postal service. More recently in 2003, the State of North Dakota approved the FFA logo to be added as an option to the state license plates. Traditionally the only other logos at this time that were allowed were firefighters or military. Read the article here for further information.

                                                                         
                                                                                              Example of an FFA license plate
                                                                          Retrieved from: http://www.licenseplatecentral.com/usa/north-dakota

What I am excited to see in the future is more of what FFA will do; not just for local communities, but for our nation. FFA in my opinion, is setting examples for our country in more ways that many of us even realize.



Top Image retrieved from: http://www.ctsos.org/ctsos/fbla/ffa-logo/

Little I, How Could I?

Saddle And Sirloin

I'll never forget the day that I received my introductory letter to "Saddle and Sirloin" in the mail prior to my freshman college orientation. Opening the letter, I turned to my mom (who graduated from NDSU), and asked her what the heck "S&S" even meant. She explained it to me about their involvement with livestock, and the importance of all of their annual events. I threw my letter down, thinking there is no way this city girl was ever joining that organization! Well, never say never.

Since officially arriving on campus a few years ago, I am still amazed by the events sponsored by Saddle and Sirloin throughout the academic year. This particular organization is one the largest on campus, and participates in a minimum of ten events annually. These club activities include themed dances for their members, hosting a student-run livestock show, fundraisers and opportunities to teach children of all ages about agriculture programs. One of these events is known as Kiddie Days. Saddle and Sirloin are affiliated with Block and Bridle (their national counterpart) which members attend annual national conventions. Members also are involved in annual competitions with another campus to our south, SDSU in Brookings, South Dakota.

Saddle and Sirloin is actively involved in philanthropic events, such as last spring when they hosted a "dunk tank" to raise funds for Relay For Life. They also put on an event known as "Paddy Drop Raffle". Shepperd Arena is an indoor arena campus, which is where the organization has their weekly meetings and campus events, is measured into a grid, which then students can purchase a "tile" of the arena. The funds collected through student tickets are then donated to an organization of Saddle and Sirloin's choice. Eventually, a cow enters the arena and when it comes time for the cow to do its duty... then wherever the cow "dumps" on the tile, that student wins a cash prize. This is an excellent way to raise money for a cause, involve the student body on campus, and share great fun with the organization

Little International, Little Personal

One of the most popular events that Saddle and Sirloin annually hosts, is their student-sponsored livestock shown know as Little International, or Little I for short. Students from any major and any background (whether you grew up on a farm, or a city) are able to participate in the festivities. Students can show cattle, sheep, pigs and cure a ham - all while earning credits for agriculture. This past weekend, campus celebrated the 90th Little International, which happens to be one of the longest running traditions at NDSU.
"Little I" includes two livestock shows for students to show off their hard work; one Saturday morning and one Saturday evening, followed by a banquet and large celebration.

For some students, participating in a livestock show is very natural and routine. For others (such as myself) Little I was challenging, and put me far outside of my comfort zone. While it was an an incredible learning opportunity, it was overwhelming since I knew nothing about working/showing sheep. Going into Little I with no knowledge was scary, and I was also extremely naive. I signed up for a breed of sheep, known as a Columbia (apparently supposed to be easy) and I honestly expected to walk into the arena and meet my innocent baby lamb.

NOPE. Not even close.

Instead I was introduced to a full-grown female sheep, known as an ewe, which I then named Lola. Lola at first was very sassy and strong-wild, but then I quickly remembered that I am too - and each day, things got better and easier, and we both grew to be more comfortable with each other.

                                                                Photo: Taken by self, of Lola. Feb 2014. 

This experience opened my eyes to a world that I had never known before. I have so much more respect than I already did for my fellow peers who can sheer a sheep in under two hours, while it took me two days! I will be forever grateful to the students who helped me with technique, and who helped me better understand and connect with the animals. I am also so grateful for my "student focused, land grant, research university" which allows students to use the research animals for no cost.

                                                                              Photo: selfie with Lola, while attempting to sheer her. Feb 2014.

Growing up in an urban environment had its perks; great food, close to the mall and frequent concerts and events close by, big schools etc. But the grass in the case IS greener on the other side. I wish that I had been given or grown up with opportunities to be surrounded by animals and agriculture on a regular basis like so many of my fellow students. The only time that I ever went to see livestock was once a year at the State Fair. Looking back now, I wish I had never "written off" Saddle and Sirloin before I had even given the organization and its members a chance - because it is an outstanding organization, with truly inspiring members who inhabit a passion for agriculture. I may not miss smelling like a sheep every day, but I sure do miss Lola and the friends that I met. I will forever cherish the experience, and always respect those who respect and honor agriculture.

It's More Than Just Chips and Guacamole

Chipotle: one of my favorite places to eat in high school. We used to go before football games to load up on a lot of food for not not a lot of money. The chips and guacamole... delicious! I've heard that it's a "Minnesota thing" to be obsessed with Chipotle, and my freshman year when I learned that Fargo only had a Qdoba, it would be an understatement to say that I was disappointed.

Fast forward a few years to fall of 2014, in the Memorial Union. There stands a Chipotle contact table in the main entryway by the Bookstore advertising the brand new location opening in Fargo, with information about open positions for hire, and of course a free bag of their amazing chips. I grabbed a bag of chips and headed to class. I sat down with my bag of chips, and immediately students were peppering me with questions about how could I possible like Chipotle, and did I even know anything about their company and what they stood for?!

I honestly didn't have any answers for them, and started to do some research for myself.

In 2013, Chipotle as a company decided to no longer serve "conventionally raised beef" due to concerns that farmers were not providing sufficient healthcare measures for their cattle, and therefore the beef was obviously (to Chipotle's eyes) full of hormone injections and antibiotics. The company's goal is to serve food with "integrity." To Chipotle, serving food with integrity means only local farmers, on small farms. This cuts out a HUGE portion of the United States agriculture industry, and farmers who own large farms, and who DO farm/raise livestock with integrity. To many farmers, this was a slap in the face from Chipotle, who ultimately did not, and still do not, understand the sickly implications of that decision. LOTS of questions are now being raised about that integrity due to multiple cases of food borne illness, including E.coli, that has spread through Chiptole locations around the country, which totals to about 600 stores. The Chipotle location near Boston College on the east coast this past December 2015 sent home nearly 30 students with food borne illness alone.

 [read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/12/09/what-in-the-world-is-happening-to-chipotle/]

Another article states, "...the agriculture industry has argued that turning away from efficiency-boosting technology, like GMOs and synthetic hormones, will leave people hungry." [read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/10/chipotle-scarecrow-ad-integrity-agriculture-97763_Page2.html] 

The video that Chipotle issued, called Scarecrow, is a 3-minute video which does not show an accurate view of agriculture, and portrays agriculture/farming and livestock production in a very negative way, such as the scene where the chicken is injected with hormones to make it larger. This video is very offensive to many hard-working American's who have a genuine passion, love, and understanding, and raising livestock with integrity, that Chipotle thinks they lack.

This is a deep issue, rooted in many emotions and to some this post may barely even scratch the surface of this hot topic. Learning more about what we eat, and where it comes from is extreme important. It is critical to not only eat good things, but to eat from good companies and sources, whereas for me now, Chipotle is not one of them.




Image Retrived: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipotle_Mexican_Grill

Hi Hi Hello!

Hello!

My name is Hilary, a senior at North Dakota State University, majoring in Management Communication with a minor in Agriculture Communication. This blog is to share my previous perspectives on agriculture, agriculture organizations such as FFA and 4H, agriculture student organizations and college campus events, community development and involvement and so much more - with the purpose to share the truth of these programs, and benefits to all.

Though NDSU and Fargo, ND are my new home, I grew up in the heart of Saint Paul, MN where many of my daily activities and social engagements were surrounded by skyscrapers and busy streets. and Starbucks on every corner. I grew up right downtown; right next to the Xcel Center, restaurants, concerts, the high ways... right in the middle of all the action! Though I do have family throughout parts of North Dakota with agriculture backgrounds, I remained naive and ignorant as a city girl, as to what agriculture actually meant, and little did I know what an impact it would have on my life today.

Going to school in Saint Paul, MN has been very different than school in Fargo, ND. I know that seems obvious, but agriculture is something that we learned about only in our textbooks, or at the Minnesota State Fair.every summer. Whereas now, agriculture is apart of my everyday life. Many of my high school friends chose schools in the cities, only a few of chose to attend "ag colleges." Though I have tried many times to explain NDSU/Fargo, I am convinced that many of my friends think that I go to school on a farm. 

I am writing this blog to disclose the stereotypes of "agriculture" from a city perspective, and share the truth on many agriculture related programs. Hopefully this blog will make you laugh, but most importantly shed light and understanding about all types of agriculture. I have been known to say, "You can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl." That is very wrong, for here in North Dakota I am to stay, with a better understanding and genuine appreciation for agriculture.