FFA Members Receive Awards at Bowdle CDE

Posted on March 11, 2013 by

On March, 6th the Hoven FFA members competed at the Bowdle FFA Booster Club Career Development Event. The students have been practicing and studying hard to prepare for their Career Development Events. Their efforts were rewarded as many of Hoven’s teams and individuals placed very well.

The Floriculture Team comprised of Bailey Zweber, Jasmine Frost, and Tara Heuer placed 1st. Jasmine and Bailey received individual honors for placing in the top ten. Jasmine placed 5th and Bailey received first place.

First Place Floriculture Team with their arrangements and their plaques

First Place Floriculture Team with their arrangements and their plaques

Bailey with her 1st Place Individual plaque and arrangment

Garret Spindler, Ben Krueger, and Isaac Kaiser placed 3rd as a team in the Meats Evaluation CDE.

Third place Meats Evaluation Team

Third place Meats Evaluation Team

The Farm Business Management Team place 3rd. Members of the team include Abby Simon, Bailey Baker, Kalecia Hageman, and Autumn Simon. Individually Bailey placed 9th and Autumn placed 8th.

Third place Farm Business Management Team

Third place Farm Business Management Team

The Hoven team of Tyler DeRouchey, Tanner Heuer, and Troy Abler placed 3rd in the Agronomy CDE with Troy placing 9th as an individual.

Third place Agronomy Team

Third place Agronomy Team

In the event of Nursery Landscape Hoven placed 4th. This team is made up of Dana Hageman, Calie Kaiser, and Ellie Cole.

Fourth place Nursery Landscape Team

Fourth place Nursery Landscape Team

Traci Arbach, Bre’elle Breaw, and Sammy Stethem placed 4th as a team in the Milk Quality and Products CDE.

Fourth place Milk Quality and Products Team

Fourth place Milk Quality and Products Team

Other top ten placing individuals include Michael Rausch with an 8th place award in the Agricultural Mechanics CDE, and Shaye Jungwirth who placed 8th in Livestock Judging.

Congratulations to all the Hoven FFA members for their hard work! The next Career Development Event is April 2nd in Miller.

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FFA Members Receive Top Honors

Posted on January 21, 2013 by

 

Shaye, Reid, Lewus, Tyler, and Derick at the State Degree Screening Day in Faulkton.

Shaye, Reid, Lewus, Tyler, and Derick at the State Degree Screening Day in Faulkton.

 

On January 16th Derick Arbach, Tyler DeRouchey, Reid Kaiser and Lewus Morgan headed to Faulkton for State Degree Screening Day. To receive their State Degree the students have to have been an FFA member for the past 24 consecutive months, has two complete fiscal years worth of records, and has either earned and productively invested $1000 from the SAE or worked at least 300 hours on their SAE. They are also required to have performed at least 25 hours of community service throughout high school. Once they arrived in Faulkton they turned in their applications and SAE record books to be reviewed by a committee of Ag teachers. Once their application and record books have been reviewed by two ag teachers they are ready to be interviewed. Their interview covers the components of their SAE including their SAE goals, growth, and favorite parts of their SAE with the committee. The students are also interviewed about their community activities, school activities, and FFA Experiences. Future plans and goals are also topics that are covered in their interview. After their interview the District VI Ag Teachers certify the State Degree candidates that have met the requirements and earned their State Degrees. This list of certified candidates will go before the South Dakota FFA Executive Board to be approved.

Derick, Tyler, Reid and Lewus’s applications were all certified so they will be receiving their State FFA Degree’s at State FFA Convention this April. Congratulations gentlemen on your accomplishment! 

Shaye Jungwirth also attended the State Degree Screening Day as Hoven’s Star Greenhand Candidate. To be eligible for consideration Shaye had to complete her 2012 fiscal year records for her SAE along with the State Degree Application and Star Battery. Her record books, application, and battery are all reviewed and she is interviewed over her SAE, FFA activities, and school and community activities. Each district is allowed to name two District State Star Candidates that will advance on to the state level for review. Shaye has been advanced to the state level and is one of 14 State Star Greenhand Candidates. Her application will be reviewed the end of February were they will select the top four candidates. The top four candidates will be interviewed by a panel of judges at State Convention and the State Star Greenhand will be announced on stage. Congratulations to Shaye and good luck as you advance on.

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Spring Semester!

Posted on January 8, 2013 by

Last semester flew by and I am sure that this Semester will do the same! So what is coming up?

Students are closing up their 2012 record books for their Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs. The Seniors are busy filling out their State Degree Applications and will be heading to Faulkton on the 16th for their interviews. If they are awarded their State Degrees they will receive them at the State FFA Convention this April. Along with Hoven’s State Degree Applicants our Star Greenhand Candidate, Shaye, will be interviewing the 16th to be named the District 6 Star Greenhand. If she is selected she will advance to the state level. Good Luck to everyone!

Along with record books students are getting ready for Production CDE competitions. Teams competeing include Agricultural Mechanics, Agronomy, Floriculture, Dairy Foods, Food Science, Meats Judging, Livestock Judging, Natural Resources, Nursery Landscape, and Agricultural Communications. If you would be interested in helping coach or know someone who would want to please contact Miss Rist at Noelle.Rist@K12.sd.us or call the school at 605-948-2252.

February events include the Corduroy Classic, Soup Supper, National FFA Week, National FFA Scholarships are due, and Proficiency Application Judging…February is going to be busy! Check back often to learn about these upcoming events and the successes of the Hoven FFA Chapter!

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District VI Leadership Career Development Events

Posted on November 9, 2012 by

On Tuesday, November 13th Hoven FFA Members will be traveling to Miller for Distict Leadership CDE’s. This year Hoven has individuals competeing in Extemporaneous Speaking, Ag Broadcasting, Job Interview, and Prepared Public Speaking. There is also a Jr. Parli Pro team and an Ag Issues team competeing. Tuesday will be a busy day with individuals and teams competeing as well as District Officer Interviews. Stay tuned for results!

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Let’s Grow-85th National FFA Convention

Posted on November 9, 2012 by

Let’s Grow was the theme of the 85th National Convention and Expo, which 8 Hoven FFA members attended October 24th-27. We left Hoven on the morning of October 24th and flew out of Sioux Falls. We landed in Indianapolis shortly after noon. . The first session included the introduction of the national officers, a laser light show, and motivational speaker Scott Hamilton. He said that even though things may come in the way of your dreams, never give up on them. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer and brain cancer twice. “I really enjoyed the keynote speaker and the amazing laser light show,” says sophomore Shaye Jungwirth. While at convention we watched teams compete in the areas of Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Agricultural Issues, Marketing Plan, and Agricultural Communications. We were also able to go through the Career Show and visit the booths of more than 2,400 companies, organizations, and schools. A highlight of the trip was attended the Convention Sessions and watching the National FFA Talent Revue along with the National FFA Band and Chorus. Thursday evening the keynote speaker was Dr. Lowell Catlett. In his message he shared that he believes that the youth of America has the power to feed the world in the future. He also made the point that to be successful we need to have a tight bond with people, plants, and animals and that we all need to and can work together. While at Convention, we helped with the Rally to Fight Hunger. We packaged meals to be distributed by the organization Kids Against Hunger. The meal we packaged at convention will be distributed to those in need in Haiti as well as those in need in the Indianapolis area. We packed 1,005,048 meals in 20 hours. “Packing the meals was actually kind of fun, and knowing that the meals were going to help unprivileged kids made me feel even better about doing it,” said Autumn Simon. Friday night we attended the World’s Toughest Rodeo. This rodeo consisted of bull riding, bare back riding, and saddle bronco riding. “The rodeo was very entertaining, intense, and I loved it! I had so much a fun with everyone there. My favorite part was the bull riding,” says sophomore Tara Heuer. On Saturday, October 27th, the final day of convention, we watched Megan DeRouchey receive her American Degree in Lucas Oil Stadium. The American Degree is the highest degree you can receive in FFA. We then went to the final session and watched the installation of the new national officers. Soon after we were packed up and were ready to come home after a long, educational, and fun filled week.

By: Abby Simon

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Annual FFA Brat Feed

Posted on September 20, 2012 by

The Hoven FFA will be having their annual brat feed at the Homecoming football game on September 28th. The menu will consist of grilled brats, baked beans, potato salad, chips, and homemade treats. Members will begin serving at 5:30pm by the football field. A meal will sell for $5. The Hoven FFA members have decided to donate all the profits from this years brat feed to the family of Mr. Bill Lehman. Mr. Lehman was the Ag Teacher in Gettysburg and recently lost his battle with cancer. The Hoven FFA members look forward to seeing you at the brat feed.

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Members Attend Land and Range Schools in Gettysburg and Faulkton

Posted on September 19, 2012 by

Hoven FFA Members have attended Land and Range Judging schools in Gettysburg adn Faulkton. In Gettysburg the students enjoyed their day learning about Land and Range Judging from experts from the NRCS. The students discussed soil texture, permeability to rain water, erosion, slope and other factors that effect a piece of land and how to properly manage it. They also discussed plant identification and the importance of native plants in range situations and how to calculate animal units for a piece of  ground . Students then determine the grazing requirements and formulate range management suggestions. After completing the land and range judging school, students used the skills they have been practicing in class to compete in a Land and Range Judging Competition.

In Faulkton Hoven FFA members participated in a practice competition to prepare for the upcoming State Land and Range Judging event in Wessington Springs. The top 15 scores from Faulkton advanced to the state competition on September 26th. Michael Rausch took high honors placing first for Hoven. He was closely followed by Tara heuer who had the only perfect score on a site for the day. In range judging Lewus Morgan, Shaye Jungwirth and Bailey Baker have advanced to State and will represent Hoven well. Hoven’s state land judging team includes Michael Rausch, Tara Heuer, Reid Kaiser, Carrie Kaiser, Tyler Kraft, Abby Simon, Tyler DeRouchey, Derick Arbach, Jasmine Frost, Garret Spindler, Tanner Heuer, Katie McClure, Garrett Rausch, Jacob Rausch, and Kalecia Hageman.

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Hoven FFA Memebers Practice for Land and Range Judging

Posted on September 10, 2012 by

Hoven Ag students and FFA Members have been hard at work preparing for upcoming Land and Range Judging Schools and Contests. This year students will head to Gettysburg and Faulkton for schools and practice contests. How they do in Faulkton will determine which students qualify for the State Teams.

Tyler, Michael, Tanner, and Jasmine practicing ribboning at a pit in Abler’s field.

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Hoven FFA Members Participate in State Fair Activities

Posted on September 4, 2012 by

It was a busy few days for some Hoven FFA Members. Between livestock shows, volunteering in the Ag Learning Center and Animal Nursery, and working with the South Dakota Pork Producers FFA members represented Hoven well at the State Fair. The State Fair started on Thursday, August 30th and wrapped up on September 3rd. Andy Rausch, the 2012-2013 State FFA Vice President, was at the State Fair representing the South Dakota FFA along with Daren Stoecker, the 2012-2013 State FFA Student Ambassador.

Ben, Dana, and Andy helping visitors with “Ag-tivities” in the Ag Learning Center and Animal Nursery.

Their responsibilities included managing the Animal Nursery and Ag Learning Center, assisting with the registration of livestock for the State FFA Livestock Shows, as well as running the different livestock shows that took place throughout the five day State Fair.

Hoven was represented by several FFA showmen. Sammy Keller, Shaye, Brady, Tyler, Brooke, and Chance participated in the FFA Beef Show. They also participated in other beef show offered at the State Fair and several won prestigious awards in those shows. Along with showing their beef animals in their respected classes several also participated in the Showmanship competition. Along with showing her breeding heifer, Shaye also showed a breeding ewe and market ewe lamb in the FFA Sheep Show. All in all it was a successful few days for these Hoven FFA Members.

Chance showing his steer in the FFA Beef Show

 

Shaye getting her heifer ready to go in the ring.

The State Fair was full of opportunities for Hoven FFA members to volunteer their time and effort. Members spent time working in the South Dakota FFA Animal Nursery and Ag Learning Center. They answered questions about agriculture, assisted visitors in agriculture related activities such as planting seeds and completing an Ag Trivia Scavenger Hunt, and handling animals so visitors to the center could have a hands on experience. Throughout the day the members also assisted with animal care, and making sure the facilities were kept clean.

 

Brooke, Tara, Kalecia, and Shaye in the animal nursery.

 

Brady doing his part to keep the animal pens clean

When they weren’t volunteering in the Animal Nursery the members were over helping the South Dakota Pork Producers at their stand. The members helped prepare, wrap and sell pork loin sandwiches. Several also had the opportunity to assist in public outreach programs the South Dakota Pork Producers were sponsoring during the State Fair. When it was time for a break the members enjoyed a few of the sandwiches they were helping prepare.

Lewus, Bailey, Jasmine, Ben, and Dana ready to serve up delicious pork loin sandwiches at the South Dakota Pork Producers lunchstand.

The Hoven FFA members that volunteered their time include: Reid, Lewus, Jasmine, Bailey, Tara, Kalecia, Shaye, Bre’elle, Traci, Caleb, Brooke, Shania, Sammy, Ben, Dana, and Isaac.

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Hoven FFA Members Attend Leadership Retreat in Black Hills

Posted on July 18, 2012 by

To Infinitely, and Beyond! This was the motto of the 2012 South Dakota FFA West River Leadership Retreat, which was held at Camp Bob Marshall July 10th – 13th in Custer South Dakota. The Hoven FFA Chapter had 8 students attend. This included Tyler DeRouchey, Michael Rausch, Abby Simon, Tara Heuer, Bailey Baker, Shaye Jungwirth, Traci Arbach, and Katie McClure. The Hoven campers were supervised by chapter advisor Miss Noelle Rist. She encouraged them to try new things and meet new people.

Hoven FFA Members at Mt. Rushmore before the lighting ceremony.

The retreat was full of sessions the focused on teaching the students how to improve their chapter in the areas of student, chapter, and community development. Servant leadership was another main focus of the leadership retreat and students were able to to take part in a service learning project to exercise what they had learned. This years service project was helping the Custer community with clean up. The FFA members also attended the lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore.

Along with the 104 students at leadership retreat, there were a few special people helping out. One of which was Seth Pratt. He is the National FFA Western Region Vice President. Seth helped out sharing ideas, taking part in activities and gave some very motivating speeches. Another important person at camp was South Dakota’s 2012 National FFA Officer Candidate Jamie Flint. She assisted with Leadership Retreat and spent time getting to know the members. Members were also able to see and work with Hoven’s very own, Andy Rausch and Darin Stoecker. Andy is currently serving as the State FFA Vice President and Darin as State Ambassador. They did an excellent job presenting and running Leadership Retreat and are representing Hoven well.

There was a banquet held on the last night at camp. There, Seth Pratt gave the keynote speech, and some awards were handed out. Hoven was lucky enough to bring home two awards! Tyler DeRouchey brought home the “Good Helper” award, while Tara Heuer received the “Outstanding Polar Plunger” award. For those of you who don’t know what this is, it is when you get up at 6:30 in the morning and go jump in a lake. You may think it is crazy, but it is actually quite fun! Hoven was also recogninzed with another award during the final session. The Hoven FFA Chapter was named the Best Represented Chapter. This award is awarded to the chapter that has the best attitudes, most helpful, hardest working, and the most enthusiastic. The Chapter received a traveling plaque which will be engraved with the chapter name and year the award was won.

All the students that attended Leadership Retreat with the State FFA Officers before the banquet when awards were given out.

Overall the 2012 Leadership Retreat was a success for the Hoven FFA chapter. “It was a lot of fun and I learned so much! I can’t wait to go back next year!” says. Katie McClure. They learned a lot of leadership skills and have new ideas to bring back to the chapter. I know it will be another successful year for the Hoven FFA chapter.

-By Abby Simon

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