Scholarship Information

Many organizations and companies within the agriculture industry offer scholarships to FFA members each year.  As we are made aware of these scholarships, information is posted to kyffa.org. 

 You are encouraged to check the scholarship page of our website on a regular basis throughout the spring as we get information on new opportunities often. 

Click here to view the latest scholarship information.

Posted by Matt Chaliff

I Love Cows Essay Contest

The deadline for submitting entries to the Dustin Worthington I Love Cows Essay Contest is March 3, 2010.  This is a great opportunity for FFA members to win a cow or heifer to further their SAE Project. 

For more information on the program visit

www.dustinworthingtonmemorial.org

Posted by Matt Chaliff

State and American Degree Information

The State and American Degree Application is now available.  Click here to download the application.  

As in years past, the same Excel Application is used for both the State and American Degrees.  Students enter information on the American Degree pages and the information automatically transfers to the appropriate State Degree pages.  This allows students to apply for the American Degree by adding one more year of records to the State Degree application. 

Please review the "State Degree Tips" prior to starting work on State Degrees.  This document was developed to answer the most common questions about the State Degree process.    

State FFA Degree
In order to complete the State Degree Application, a student must first enter his/her information on the American Degree application.  This information automatically transfers to the State Degree pages.  While the application will check to insure that numbers are accurate, it will not check activities.  Please insure that all students have the required number of activities (3 local, 3 regional, and 2 state and/or national).  Remember to mark whether the degree is "Production," "Placement," or "Agribusiness" and staple it in the top left hand corner. Please save both an electronic and a paper copy of each degree application.  State Degree applications will not be returned.    


Process For Submitting State Degrees In 2010 Advisors will submit the names of students who will complete a State Degree Application to the Executive Secretary by February 15th.  Please use the Degree Registration Sheet to submit these names.  This should be emailed by February 15th- regardless of weather.   State Degree Applications will then be hand delivered to the Regional Evaluation.  Please check with your Regional Advisor to find out when and where State Degree Applications will be reviewed.   

 American FFA Degree InstructionsComplete the American Degree application.  Please make sure the degree is complete and meets all requirements.  Check to insure that the student has had continuous membership before mailing the application.  If you have a student who you feel should be considered as a National Star Finalist, please flag the application with a sticky note.   

National FFA Requires that ALL American Degree Applications have an email address on them.  An email address can only be used one time- thus an advisor cannot list his address for multiple applications.  Please send an email address with each application.   


American Degree Applications should be mailed to the address below and must be postmarked by March 1st.  Applications will NOT be accepted after March 1st under any circumstances. 

Please mail your completed American Degree applications to:            
Kentucky Association FFA           
2121 Capital Plaza Tower  500 Mero Street           

Frankfort, KY 40601 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Matt Chaliff at 502-564-3472 or email matt.chaliff@education.ky.gov   

Posted by Matt Chaliff

FFA Supports National Guard Efforts In Afghanistan

Kentucky FFA members, along with other members of the Kentucky agricultural community gathered in Frankfort today in support of one of Kentucky National Guard’s most unique wartime missions.  Sixty four (64) citizen soldiers from across the Commonwealth are currently serving in a special Agribusiness Development Team.  This unit is helping Afghan farmers develop and implement new agriculture practices that will lead to greater self sufficiency and stability. 

 

The Kentucky agriculture community donated over $6000 worth of gifts, supplies, and other items to support this unit in their efforts.  Kentucky FFA donated over $3600 to help purchase supplies which includes gifts for the soldiers and relationship gifts to be used for the Afghan people.  The ceremonial presentation was accepted by General Ed Tonini, Adjutant General of the Kentucky National Guard.  The items will arrive in Afghanistan in late December. 

 

Twenty six Kentucky FFA chapters made cash contributions to the program which was introduced at the Annual Regional Officer Training in September.  Additionally, the State FFA Officers and many Regional FFA Officers made personal contributions to the effort.  The Oneida Baptist FFA was recognized as the top chapter for their contribution of $836.50 to the program.  Several chapter members were able to attend the press conference along with chapter advisor Jennifer Griebenow. 

 

According to State FFA Advisor Curt Lucas, supporting this effort was a natural fit for Kentucky FFA.  “This mission goes hand in hand with our FFA motto of “learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, and living to serve.”  Throughout history, a safe and plentiful food supply has been the first step in a safe and stable nation.  We want our National Guard members to know that we support their efforts and wish them all the best.” 

 

Special thanks to the Kentucky National Guard for their support of this effort and to the Agriculture Communications Association for coordinating the collection and purchase of the supplies. 

 

For more information on the Agribusiness Development Team go to http://kentuckyguard.wordpress.com

 

For more information on Kentucky FFA, contact Matt Chaliff at 502-564-3472 or matt.chaliff@education.ky.gov

  

Kentucky Association FFA

500 Mero Street, Room 2121

Frankfort, KY 40601

502-564-3472

www.kyffa.org

 

Posted by Matt Chaliff

National FFA Scholarships

The 2010 National FFA Collegiate Scholarship program is now online.  

 To register and submit an online application, students can go to the FFA homepage at www.ffa.org and click the “Scholarship” link.  They may also go directly to the Scholarship homepage at http://www.ffa.org/index.cfm?method=c_programs.Scholarships.   FFA applications must have advisor approval.  A complimentary email will be sent to advisors when a student has submitted an application for review.  
 Applications must be submitted electronically by 5:00 p.m. EST February 15, 2010.  Required Signature Pages must be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service postmarked no later than February 22, 2010.  Note: Applicants cannot print the required Signature Page until after advisor approval.  Applicants will not be able to access the Print Signature Page link after 11:59 p.m. EST on February 22, 2010. Helpful Tools including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Important Notes, scoring rubrics and sample applications are available on the Scholarship homepage.  Students should have that information in hand before beginning the application process. Students are encouraged to apply early in the event they experience technical issues and to provide ample time for advisor approval and collection of endorsements on the signature page.   If you have questions or issues, please call the Scholarship Hotline at 317-802-6099 or  email scholarships@ffa.org

Posted by Matt Chaliff

Land Judging Results

The 2009 State FFA Land Judging Contest was held November 5th in Hardinsburg. 

Calloway County FFA won the State Contest with a score of 899 points.  Boyle County placed second, Madison Central placed third, Cumberland County placed fourth, and McCreary Central placed fifth. 

The high individual was Trent Bottom from Boyle County.  Jacob Reynolds of Calloway County was the second high individual and Laura Hooper of Cumberland County was the third high individual. 


Click here for complete scores. 


Special thanks to contest sponsors Farm Credit Services and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.  Thanks is also extended to the Breckinridge County Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service for coordinating the contest and to Mr. Joe Payne for hosting the contest on his farm.   

Posted by Matt Chaliff

Kentucky Well Represented At National FFA Convention

Kentucky FFA Members Excel At National FFA Convention

October 26, 2009 

Kentucky FFA was well represented at the 82nd Annual National FFA Convention, which was held October 21-24 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Over 53,000 FFA members from across the United States attended the Convention, which is the largest youth organization gathering in the United States.   


Ariel Waldeck of the Central Hardin FFA was named a National Winner in the Agri-Entrepreneurship Contest which is sponsored by USDA Rural Development.  Waldeck was recognized for her work in her dairy genetics business and received $1000 to expand and grow her business. 


Emily Johnson of LaRue County was named the National Winner in the Floriculture Proficiency Contest.  Twelve other Kentucky students were named national finalists in proficiency contests-meaning that they were in the top four in the nation.  They were: 

Ag. Mechanics Repair & Maintenance- Ent.               Tanner Hudgins                                             Harrison County

Ag. Mechanics Repair & Maintenance- Plct.               Cody Milburn                                                 Spencer County

Agriculture Services                                                           Zach Cotton                                                   Spencer County

Diversified Crop Ent.                                                        Alex Richardson                                            Meade County

Equine Science Ent.                                                          Rebekkah McCoy                                         Montgomery County

Equine Science Plct.                                                          Carlye Graff                                                   Spencer County

Grain Production Plct.                                                       Tyler Milburn                                                 Spencer County

Home and Community Development                          Les Taylor                                                       Russell County

Landscape Management                                                 Samuel Reis                                                    Campbell County

Specialty Crop Production                                               Jeffery Albright                                              Rockcastle County

Turf Grass Management                                                  Cody Sullivan                                                LaRue County

Wildlife Production                                                           Gabe Stodghill                                                Spencer County

 

 

Andrew Baird of Spencer County FFA was named as a national finalist for the American Star Farmer Award.  Stephanie Mitchell of Spencer County FFA was named as a national finalist for the American Star In Agriscience Award.  The American Star Awards are the highest awarded by FFA and both students made it to the top four in the nation. 


The Wolfe County FFA Chapter was named as one of the 10 Model of Innovation Chapters in the areas of Student Development and Community Development.  This is the second year in a row that Wolfe County has been a national finalist for this coveted award.     


Four Kentucky career development event teams placed in the top ten in the nation.  The Agriculture Marketing Team from Nelson County placed third in the nation.  Team members were: Brooke Spalding, Kayla Spalding, and Sammy Humes.  The Agriculture Sales Team from Franklin Simpson placed fifth in the nation.  Team members were: Mariah Rowland, Claire Crocker, Kendra Kelley, and Kali Duncan.  The Agronomy Team from Spencer County placed fifth in the nation.  Team members were: Amanda Martin, Tevin Shouse, Joseph Snider, and Holly Ware.  The Food Science Team from LaRue County placed eight in the nation.  Team members were: Julia Johnson, Craig Dunn, Justin Carter, and Lannah Wheeler.  The Farm Management Team from Spencer County, the Floriculture Team from Oldham County, and the Livestock Judging Team from Boyle County all received Gold Emblem ratings.   


Logan Goggin of the Boyle County FFA finished eight over all in the Livestock Judging Career Development Event.  Maggie Brown of Cumberland County FFA received a gold rating in the Dairy Cattle Handlers Event which is the highest possible in that event.   


Several Kentucky students participated in the National FFA Agriscience Fair including: Ali Higgs, Andrew Ballard, and Ronald Lewis of Western Hills; Michael Waddlington- Union County; Kayla Williams, Stephanie Donnely, Chelsey Davis, and Katelyn Thomas of New Haven; Jessica Gambrel of North Laurel; Krystal Rigney, Brianna Hardesty, Taylor Husson, Alex Tingle, Josh Johns, Kaleb Paul, Hunter Dean, Michael Goodlett, J. P. Lilly, Danielle Smith, and Abby Teator of Jessamine County; and Anna Meador of Franklin Simpson.    


Four students, Alex Tingle of Jessamine County, Tracy Prater of Fleming County, Ashley Ruth of Scott County, and Josh Spencer of Deming represented Kentucky in the National FFA Band. 

 

167 Kentucky students received their American FFA Degrees, which is the highest award the organization can bestow on a member. 

 

Quint Pottinger of LaRue County represented Kentucky as a National Officer Candidate.

 

Several Kentuckians received Honorary American Degrees at the Convention, including Teachers of Agriculture, Bland Baird of Spencer County, Boyd Johnson of Oldham County, and Camille Rice of Wolfe County.  Retired Jessamine County Superintendent Lawrence Allen also received the Honorary American Degree. 

 

For a complete listing of National Convention winners, visit http://www.ffa.org/convention/2009/awards.cfm

 

For More Information Contact:

Matt Chaliff, Executive Secretary

matt.chaliff@education.ky.gov

502-564-3472

                                                                                                 

                                                                                             

  

Posted by Matt Chaliff

YouTube Video Contest

The Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board is proud to announce the Top Ten videos of the Kentucky Farmers are the #1 Advocate for Animals Video contest.  The Top 10 videos are listed below in alphabetical order by school name – this is in no way a ranking.   
Barren CountyHaley Fisherhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGTs9gOANY0
Bourbon CountyCaroline Snellhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH3w-kRVMuo
Green CountyCierra Pricehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgVjkakZW0s
Jessamine CountyBrittany Quinn + Grouphttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BBiEIWqj2M 
Jessamine CountyJoseph Horton + Grouphttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmN6Y_w5D8E 
LaRue CountyCraig Dunn & Julia Johnsonhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41HCsQaGKB0
LaRue CountyValerie Sherrard & Emilee Whitthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLqwLpXE-3U
Meade CountyLydia Richardsonhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TFu_ZhKU1w
Nelson CountyMariah Cecil & Kimberly Greerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTdK3YnU80Q
Simon KentonMakenzie Waymeyerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35hRgwSXuFQ
  It is now up to you to promote your video in as many creative ways as possible to get the number of views or hits to increase.  On November 20, 2009 the videos with the most views will determine First, Second and Third Place. Here are some tips to increase the number of views:

  • Contact your local media (television, radio and newspaper) to come out a do a story regarding your video
  • Add your video to the school’s webpage
  • Add your video to your social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc)
  • Email it to everyone in your address book asking them to view and forward
  • Get creative and get busy!
Please note* A question of using a viewing software to increase hits has been raised.  KSPB cannot monitor the use of this software in this contest; however, to make the contest fair, everyone needs to be made aware such software exists. Did you have a great video that did not make it to the Top Ten?  There were MANY excellent videos that did not make it to the Top Ten due to the fact they did not meet contest requirements.  The rules of this contest are black and white and videos MUST follow contest guidelines.  Your video may have been cut due to:
  • Not meeting the time restraints.  All videos had to be 30 seconds to 1 minute.  Anything shorter or longer did not qualify.
  • Once videos were approved and uploaded, video and contestant information had to be resubmitted to KSPB.
  • Keywords to the video must have included the following: Animal Agriculture, Factory Farming, Animal Cruelty, Humane Treatment, FFA (additional keywords could have been added, but these listed must have been included).
  • Missing the deadline. All videos needed to be approved, uploaded and officially submitted back to KSPB before midnight on October 2, 2009. 
  • Special thanks to all who participated and congratulations!

Posted by Matt Chaliff 		 



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