Despite New State Alignments Newark FFA Chapter Remains One of Illinois Top Chapters

After a year of changes, the Newark FFA Chapter ranked second in state again this year, making the Newark FFA Chapter on e of the top FFA Chapters in the state. Newark has been 2nd in state nine out of the last 10 years right behind the Seneca FFA chapter. The Illinois FFA Association did realignment a year ago this week that moved the Newark FFA Chapter out of the Chicago area schools to a section of local area schools. Career Development Events and other FFA activities have now been against new schools in area. The new section 7 now consists of Oswego East, Newark, Minooka, Seneca, Somonauk-Leland, Streator, Streator-Woodland, LaSalle, Mendota, and Serena. Changes made in all 25 sections in the state due to the increase of Agricultural Programs and FFA Chapters in Illinois.
The Newark FFA Chapter attended the 80th Annual Illinois FFA Convention in Springfield, Illinois, held June 10th through the 12th.
The Newark FFA Chapter accepted the award for the sixth place chapter in Illinois for its Heritage and Cooperative Program. The chapter ranked Gold in the State and will send Allie Jurcak and Alison Monkemeyer to Washington D.C. on all expense paid trip, sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau.
The Newark FFA Chapter received second place plaque for its work in the Illinois FFA Foundation Collection Drive. The chapter received the $9,000 Club Award collecting over $9,000 for the Illinois FFA Foundation.
The Newark FFA Chapter was one of 25 chapters to receive the FFA Sweepstakes Award. This award given to FFA chapters who take part in the National Chapter Award, Illinois FFA Foundation Collection Drive, Heritage Activity Program, and the Cooperative Activity Program and attends at least one State Career Development Event. The chapter also received the Century Challenge award, which recognizes the chapters that have achieved FFA membership equal to the agricultural education enrollment in the school. This is the chapters 28th consecutive year in this award.
The Newark FFA Chapter was section winner in the following area of Student Development in the National Chapter Award Program. There are three areas of the National Chapter Award Program and they are Chapter Development, Student Development, and Community Development. The Chapter was award the number chapter in the state in Student Development. This was the first time that Seneca FFA Chapter lost in this area. The Newark Chapter is a national finalist in the National Chapter Award Program, and judged in Indianapolis, IN this month and results given at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN, in October.
Abby McCartney sang a solo with the State FFA Chorus and chosen to represent Illinois at the National FFA Chorus at the National FFA Convention in October.
Also recognized was Hailey Rehberg for a gold rating and raked as the Top Ten Chapter FFA Presidents in Illinois.
Joe Hanson received his State FFA Degree, the highest degree the state association can bestow on its members.
Voting delegates attending the convention were Dan Doeing and Mike Larson. Also attending the convention was Zeke Schmidt, Josh Michealson, Alison Monkemeyer, Tara Bernard, Skyler Hagen, Sam Hoddy, Rachel Whitlock, Kendall Sigmund, Derek Chandler, Josh McConnell, Connor Duncan, Megan Watson, Logan Rehberg, Alex Bromeland, Luke Larson, Joe Hanson, Allie Jurcak, and Advisor of the Newark FFA Chapter Joe Steffen. The Newark FFA Chapter would like to thank Wendy Bernard and Darlene Ashton for the chaperoning the convention.Overall, the Newark FFA Chapter received a gold rating and recognized as the second place chapter in the state of Illinois. The chapter will compete nationally this summer along with 30 other schools from Illinois.

Newark FFA Members Feed Drivers from Heritage Trail Tractor Drive

On Monday June 16th about three hundred tractors drove into Newark. Over half drove on through town under the big American Flag hanging from the Newark Fire Department Ladder Truck while the rest stopped at the Newark Community Park for a porkchop lunch provided by the Newark FFA Chapter. Tractors from 13 states took a rest from driving from Morris before driving to Ottawa during the Heritage Trail driving trek.

Newark FFA receives Illinois State Board Education Grant

The Newark FFA received a $958 grant to purchase three mAGic Kits. The kits are designed 3rd-5th graders different areas in Agriculture with fun learning activities while learning the required state standards for the state of Illinois. The goal is the teach grade students at Lisbon and Newark grade school in the 2008-2009 school year. Purchased were a Dairy, Soil, Machinery, and Chick mAGic kits. Kendall County Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, Jenny Wold will teach Newark FFA members to teach these units to the grade students

2008-2009 FFA Officers Elected

The Newark FFA chapter members elected the 2008-2009 Chapter officers at the April chapter meeting. Elected into office were:

President- Dan Doeing
Vice- President- Mike Larson
2nd Vice President-Allie Jurcak
Reporter- Megan Watson
2nd Reporter- Luke Larson
Secretary- Alison Monkemeyer
Treasurer- Becky Doorn
Sentinel- Zeke Schmidt
Historians- Kendall Sigmund & Sam Hoddy
Farm Managers- Logan Rehberg & Josh McConnell
Student Council Representatives- Rachel Whitlock & Kyle Testin

Cancellations…

The Newark FFA has decided to cancel the Barnyard Zoo Friday February 22, 2008 and the Greenhouse Open House Saturday, February 23rd 2008 due the Newark Lady Norsemen playing in the State Tournament in Bloomington. The Greenhouse Open House has been rescheduled for March 1st, 2008 from 1-2:30 p.m.

Newark FFA celebrates 2008 National FFA Week, February 16-23

The Newark FFA Chapter will celebrate National FFA Week Feb. 16-23, 2008. Blue Jackets, Bright Futures is the theme this year and it embodies all the best about FFA members, from the most recognizable symbol of the organization, the blue corduroy jacket, a symbol of pride and tradition, to the bright future of agriculture and the traditions of leadership and hard work. More than half a million members around the nation will participate in National FFA Week activities at the local and state levels.The focus of National FFA Week is to tell America about the great opportunities available for all youth. From its beginnings in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America, the National FFA organization todays reaches out to all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA is committed to developing character and leadership skills and preparing members for a lifetime of civic leadership and career success.As part of National FFA Week, Newark FFA members are planning the following special events:Sunday- Members will go on a Ski trip to Alpine Valley Ski resort in East Troy, Wisconsin.
Monday- Plans are to go sledding and Cheer the Newark Lady Norsemen to victory in super sectionals in Rockford
Tuesday-Members are serving their annual porkburger lunch and have a bowling night in Morris.Wednesday-Blue and Gold Day (all members are encouraged to wear National Blue and Corn Gold) and also Greenhand day (all first year members have their hands dyed green) Members will also go the grade schools and make ice cream and talk about the importance of Agriculture.
Thursday- Drive your tractor to school day. Students have a chance to complete in an Ag Olympics during homeroom. Members will also go the Jr. highs and talk to and recruit future FFA members.Friday-Muddiest Truck Day and Barnyard Zoo (zoo is open to public from 9-1:30 in the ag shop) and the day will conclude with the Kiss a Pig contest for the favorite teacher. All money collected in votes will go to charity.
Saturday- The greenhouse is now completed and we would like to invite everyone to our Open House, Saturday, February 23rd from 1-2:30pm. Refreshments will be served.Newark FFA members are the leaders of tomorrow. They are well-mannered, perceptive and willing to help others through service. They are success-oriented students who are driven to achieve their career goals. FFA gives many young people an important push to consider their futures-what kind of people, citizens and professionals they intend to be. FFA builds leaders and leaders impact the future.National FFA Week is sponsored by Case IH as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The Foundation is the fundraising arm of the National FFA and supports programs by working with sponsors to raise funds for scholarships that are awarded to outstanding members.

Newark FFA Proficiency Awards

On Saturday, February 9th, eleven people from the Newark FFA Chapter competed in Proficiency Awards at the Section level at Seneca High School. Participants had to complete their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) record books that they maintain throughout the year. Participants at the Section level include: Zeke Schmidt – Ag Mechanics Repair/Maintenance, Logan Rehberg – Diversified Ag Production and Fiber/Oil Crop Production, Joe Hanson – Diversified Crop Production, Hailey Rehberg – Diversified Livestock, Becky Doorn – Equine Science, Alison Monkemeyer – Floriculture, Brandon Cihak – Nursery, Skyler Hagen – Poultry, Kim Monkemeyer – Swine, and Kyle Testin – Swine. Those that competed at Section, won in their division, and will be moving on to Districts on March 5th at Joliet Junior College are Steve Nichols – Dairy Production Placement , Skyler Hagen – Forage Production, Kyle Testin – Swine Production Placement, and Dan Doeing – Vegetable Production. Congratulations to all those who participated and best of luck to those moving on to District Competition!

Thanks to Greenhouse donors...

The Newark Community High School, Newark Ag Education Department, and the Newark FFA Chapter would like to thank all those who made monetary donations and time to make our greenhouse possible. The greenhouse is now completed and we would like to invite everyone to our Open House, Saturday, February 23rd from 1-2:30pm. Donors include Vulcan Materials Company, Dr. Ethan and Lynn Hagen & Family, Illinois State Board of Education Grant, Facilitating and Coordinating Ag Education Projects Grant, Newark FFA Alumni Association, Verda Electric, T4 Construction, Josh and Jenna Johnson, Terry Seggebruch, William Schmidt and Family, Joe Steffen Family, 36 Cents Club, Central Limestone, S & K Excavating, Bruce Hintzsche - Hintzsche Trucking, Kendall Hill Nursery, Philip D. Young & Associates, Newark Farmers Grain, Central Sod Farms, Inc., Total Body Fitness, Thanepohn Farms, Ed Thompson Family, Martin Plumbing, Grainco FS – John Scheffer, Phil and Carmen Nelson, Scott Larson Family, Bicksler Excavating, William Eisenbrandt, Winding Creek Nursery, National Tractor Parts, Richard and Lisa Anderson, Tom and Cheryl Tesdal, Clarence Toftoy, Castle Bank, Kendall County Farm Bureau, Yorkville NAPA, Joe Bregar, Oswego Excavating, Illinois Truck & Equipment, Kendall County Record, Max Armstrong, Ashton Farms – Bill and Darlene Ashton and Sons, L & B Bols Farm, Countyline Hauling, Bob and Sharon Friestad, J-M Transports, Johnson & Associates – Ronald Johnson, Mike Lee, Lowell and Van Mathre, Doug Ness, Oswego Excavating, LLC, Robert Toftoy - Monsanto Seeds, Robert and Diane Pottinger, Jalapeno Paint Werx, Service Gas, Steve Scalf – Pioneer Dealer, Daves Auto, Village Peddler, Tri County Stockdale, B. W. Properties, Illinois Truck Maintenance, Burk Brothers Drywall, Gil and Lois Blankenship, D.K. Trailer & Tractor Sales and Service, Robert Morel, Viking NAPA Auto Parts, Wesley and Becky Johnson, Quantz Small Engine Repair Shop, Raoul and Kathy Seidlitz, Plano Farmers Grain, Richard Sjolund, R Tree Service, Newark Body Shop, Friestad Farms, Sandwich Grain, Dekane Equipment Corporation, K R & G Excavating, Mc Dowell Truck Parts, Richard and Kay Carlson, Rich Dunn, Steve Johnson, Roth Jorstad Insurance Agency, Joan Knutson, Law Office of Daniel J. Kramer, Robert and Patricia Brummel, Apple Butter, Laurie’s Beauty Shop, Claussen, White & Associates, Anna Mae Testin, Lisbon Locker, John Wayne, Undesser Turkey Farm, Plainfield Signs, Ormiston Farms, Narvick Brothers Ready Mix, Old Mill, Mr. And Mrs. August Corneils, Millbrook Insurance Associates, Darald Nelson, Roger and Nancy Ness, James and Lori Updike, R & S Distributing, Inc., Westbrook’s State Farm Insurance, Douglas and Roberta Doeing, Jim Wheeler, Dave Elmore, Tom Richards, Terry and Nancy Larson, Randy and Karla Seggebruch, Kevin and Wendy Bernard, Windy Hill Boat & RV Storage.

Newark FFA Chapter

Greenhouse Open House

The Newark High School Agricultural Department and the Newark FFA Chapter are proud to announce the completion of the Newark Ag Department /Vulcan Materials Greenhouse. They will host a ribbon cutting ceremony with refreshments during the open house. The Open House will be Saturday, February 23rd, from 1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. at the new greenhouse. The public is invited.

Illinois Agricultural Education Students Move Ahead with Move to Online Business Records

RANTOUL, IL – Illinois agricultural education students now have the opportunity to use online technology to maintain their real business records for various entrepreneurial projects – projects ranging from agricultural product sales to turf management, and projects that contribute millions of dollars to the Illinois economy each year.

“Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) projects are an integral part of agricultural education, and allow students to gain valuable work experience, explore career opportunities and make money for college and living expenses,” says Jay Runner, coordinator, Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education (FCAE). “In 2005, the 9,905 students in Illinois that had an SAE project, earned a cumulative $9.6 million.”

Jim Craft, Illinois FFA executive director, says the move to online record books this year from the previous CD-ROM version allows agricultural education students and instructors to spend more time strategizing business and marketing plans and managing the projects rather than passing paper copies back and forth for corrections.

“You can adjust errors, pull data out and place comments directly in the records. The whole process is interactive and of great benefit to students and teachers,” says Craft. “The big picture benefit for Illinois agricultural education in 2006 will be our ability to quickly determine the financial impact these students have on various economic sectors.”

Craft says by the latter part of 2006, agricultural education officials will be able to access aggregate records and summaries of specific data related to student SAE programs. For example, officials will pull up the number of statewide beef production projects, and be able to gather such information as pounds of beef produced statewide, student profits and hours worked, while keeping student names and personal information confidential.

“We will be able to calculate the economic impact in every SAE area, including not only production agriculture, but urban agriculture projects that include horticulture, landscaping, food science and other businesses. It will be dynamic data, and something we can share with interested industries,” he says.

An Early Beginning in Business
Elisa Bentz, Cullom, Ill., was one of 10 students from across the country who received the National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award last fall at the National FFA Convention. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start businesses.

Bentz owns and operates EZ’s Butterfly Boutique, an enterprise that processes agricultural products into personal care items, including lip gloss, scented soaps and bath salts. Bentz started her business when she was in the seventh grade. She grew the business through advertising and attending craft shows in Illinois and surrounding states to market her products. She also sells through local craft stores and her own website.

“Throughout the years, I have worked to increase my production and the enterprise’s profitability,” she says. Bentz is a freshman at Black Hawk Community College, where she is pursuing two degrees in equestrian and horse science.

Jared Lee was awarded the National Agricultural Proficiency Award for entrepreneurship in turf grass management. Lee started a lawn mowing business in fourth grade. He has expanded the business to nearly 80 lawn contracts, manages several employees and repairs his own equipment. The Seneca Township High School graduate is pursuing a degree in turf management, landscape design and installation at Joliet Junior College.

Lee’s high school agriculture instructor, Jeff Maierhofer, says managing such businesses online helps students and instructors alike to spend less time on accounting and more time on analyzing businesses. “Students are more comfortable in what they are doing with these records, and the interaction enhances their learning experience,” he says.

With more than 22 million people working in more than 300 careers in science, business and technology, agriculture is the nation’s top employer. About 25 percent of the civilian workforce in Illinois is employed in agriculture. Roughly 69 percent of Illinois’ job growth is related to agriculture, and nine percent growth is projected in the next decade.

The statewide agricultural education team includes the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE), the Governor-appointed Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education (ICAE), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Illinois FFA and its associated groups, Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers (IAVAT), Illinois Association Community College Agriculture Instructors (IACCAI), University Council, Partners For Agricultural Literacy, and FCAE.
The team works to help ensure a successful social, economical and environmental future for the state with
K-adult education programs in support of Illinois’ largest industry, agriculture.

For more information, visit www.agriculturaleducation.org.

CONVENTION BROADCAST SCHEDULE

80th National FFA Convention
Broadcast Schedule
Oct. 24-27, 2007

The 80th National FFA Convention will be filled with energy and excitement, and we don’t want you to miss a minute of it!
Here are some highlights and the broadcast schedule for RFD-TV.

Wednesday, October 24
6:30– 9:00 p.m. Opening Convention Session – “Blue Jackets, Bright Futures”
National Band and Chorus Grand Entry
National Officer Reflections
National Advisor’s Challenge
Keynote Speaker: Rick Rigsby

Thursday, October 25
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Second Convention Session
National Chapter Awards
National Chapter Models of Innovation Awards
State Membership Awards
National Secretary Kacy Baugher Retiring Address
5:30-7:00 p.m. National FFA Talent Revue
7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Third Convention Session
Recognition of FFA Foundation Sponsors
Past National Officer Recognition
Stars Over America Pageant
Eastern Region VP Coty Back Retiring Address

Friday, October 26
7:30 – 10:30 a.m. Fourth Convention Session
National Officer Advisor/School Recognition
Honorary Awards
Western Region VP Janette Barnard Retiring Address
Keynote Speaker: Chad Hymas
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Fifth Convention Session
H. O. Sargent Award
Agri-Entrepreneurship Awards
National Officer Candidates
National Advisor and School Recognition
Southern Region VP Jennifer Himburg Retiring Address
2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Sixth Convention Session
National FFA Proficiency Awards
5:30-6:30 p.m. National FFA Band and Chorus Concert
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Seventh Convention Session
Creed/Public Speaking Awards
Agriscience Awards
Keynote Speaker: Henry Winkler
Central Region VP Jamie Cecil Retiring Address

Saturday, October 27
7:30 – 11:30 a.m. Eighth Convention Session
• American FFA Degree Ceremony (uninterrupted)

1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Ninth Convention Session
Keynote Speaker: Mark Sanborn
Delegate Reports
Career Development Awards
National President Beau Williamson Retiring Address
National Officer Parent Recognition
Election and Installation of 2007-08 National FFA Officers

(All Times Listed Are Eastern)


The 80th National FFA Convention “LIVE” on RFD-TV will once again be hosted by Orion Samuelson and Max Armstrong.
Please join us for each session as we bring you behind-the-scenes stories, special guests and award winners.

RFD-TV can be found on Dish Network channel 231, Direct TV channel 379, as well as Mediacom cable, NCTC and other cable systems.

NEWARK FFA ATTENDS REPORTER’S WORKSHOP

Pictured ( l to r) Logan Rehberg, Tannor Spittler and Skyler Hagen


Skyler Hagen, Reporter and Logan Rehberg, Farm Manager from the Newark FFA chapter, recently attended the Illinois FFA Reporter’s Workshop at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois. In this workshop presented by the Illinois FFA State Reporter, Tannor Spittler, chapter and section reporters were instructed and motivated to report FFA news promptly and efficiently. The reporters were also able to exchange ideas with other reporters and ask questions about their duties for the upcoming year.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of members by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.

FFA Fall Mums for Sale

The Newark FFA has fall mums that were raised by the students and will be sold until they are sold out. They are in 1 gal pots and are $6each or 3 or more $5 each. Pumpkins and Gourds coming soon. We will be selling at the Scarecrow fest October 4th & 5th. Contact Mr. Steffen @ 815-695-5164 ext. 228or any Newark FFA member

Farm Progress Show, Decatur, IL

Lisbon Labor Day Parade

First Place Small Float

FFA Officer Retreat

The Newark FFA Officers attended an Officer retreat at the Grand Bear Lodge in Utica July 24-26th to plan and work out difficulties for the upcoming year.

Midland Crossing Grand Opening

Newark Fourth of July Float

Best Themed Float in the Newark Fourth of July Float

Kendall County Fair

Newark FFA Second Place Chapter in the State

The Newark FFA Chapter was ranked 2nd in the state of Illinois, 8 out of the last 9 years, at the 79th Annual Illinois FFA Convention in Springfield, Illinois, held June 12th through the 14th. Newark was ranked behind the Seneca FFA Chapter by 6 points.
The Newark FFA Chapter accepted the award for the first place chapter in Section 8 for its heritage program. The chapter was ranked Gold and 4th in the State and will send Dan Doeing and Alison Monkemeyer to Washington D.C. on all expense paid trip, sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau.
The chapter also received first place in Section 8 for the Cooperative program in which the Newark FFA Chapter will send Kim Monkemeyer to Washington D.C. on all expense paid trip, sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau.
The Newark FFA Chapter received the $3,000 plaque for its work in the Illinois FFA Foundation Collection Drive.
The Newark FFA Chapter was one of 25 chapters to receive the FFA Sweepstakes Award. This award is given to FFA chapters who take part in the National Chapter Award, Illinois FFA Foundation Collection Drive, Heritage Activity Program, and the Cooperative Activity Program and attends at least one State Career Development Event. The chapter also received the Century Challenge award, which recognizes the chapters that have achieved FFA membership equal to the agricultural education enrollment in the school. This is the chapters 25th consecutive year in this award.
The Newark FFA Chapter was section winner in each of the following areas of the National Chapter Award Program. The areas are Chapter Development, Student Development and Community Development. The Chapter was award the number chapter in the state in Community Development. The Chapter was recognized as a national finalist in the National Chapter Award Program, which will be judged in Indianapolis, IN this month and results will be given at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in October.
For being the section winner in the National Chapter Award, the chapter was named the winner of the Illinois Banker’s Plaque Award. The Illinois Banker’s Plaque is presented to chapters with the best program of activities in each of the Illinois FFA Association 25 sections in the state.
Nick Verda was recognized on stage for qualifying for the American Degree which he will receive at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in October. He was also serving as the Section 8 FFA president for Kendall, Grundy, Will, Dupage, Kane, Kankakee, and Cook counties.
Larry Testin was recognized for a gold rating and raked as the Top Ten Chapter FFA President in Illinois.
Brandon Seggebruch, Ryan Seggebruch, Larry Testin, Kim Monkemeyer, and Hailey Rehberg, all received their State FFA Degree, the highest degree the state association can bestow on its members.
Voting delegates attending the convention were Hailey Rehberg and Joe Hanson. Also attending the convention were: Josh Michaelson, Dan Doeing, Nick Huggins, Zeke Schmidt, Jessica Christensen, Allie Jurcak, Amanda Huggins, Megan Watson, Alison Monkemeyer, Tara Bernard, Cody Walker, Kendall Sigmund, Brandon Cihak, Nico Behlke, Logan Rehberg, Dave Ashton, Mike Larson, student teachers Matt Meyer and James Kennedy and Advisor of the Newark FFA Chapter Joe Steffen.
Overall, the Newark FFA Chapter received a gold rating and was named the second place chapter in the state of Illinois. The chapter will compete nationally this summer along with 29 gold ranked schools out of the 396 schools from Illinois.