Emily Saeugling from the Atlantic FFA Chapter, competed in the National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE) at the National FFA Convention & Expo advancing to the National Semifinals. The event was held in conjunction with the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Emily presented her speech titled “Herding the Beef Industry to a Traceable Future”. In the first round Emily competed against 6 students, who were also State winners in 2018. Emily advanced the semi final round where she competed against 3 other individuals for the right to advance to the final round. While Emily did not advanced to the final 4, she did an outstanding job presenting and answering questions from the judges.

Emily

Emily said, “Competing at the National FFA Convention was an opportunity for me to research and speak about an issue that I am passionate about. I am also thankful for all the Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Event has taught me about advocating for agriculture.” The prepared public speaking LDE is designed to recognize outstanding FFA members for their ability to prepare and present a factual speech on a specific agricultural issue in a well thought-out and logical manner in a competitive setting. Members prepare and deliver an eight to ten minute speech from memory and respond to five minutes of questions. The event is just one way FFA members can develop their ability to communicate in a powerful, organized and professional manner.

The event, held at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown and the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, is one of many educational activities at the National FFA Convention & Expo in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes.

Cale Pellett from the Atlantic FFA Chapter competed as a national finalist for the National FFA Proficiency Award in Grain Production Entrepreneurship. Pellett was one of only four people chosen to compete for this award at the national finals that was held at the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The proficiency awards recognize outstanding student achievement in agribusiness gained through establishment of a new business, working for an existing company or otherwise gaining hands-on career experience. Pellett began the contest on Thursday by spending time taking pictures, speaking with members of the media and having a luncheon with fellow FFA members that were also competing in this event. An interview followed where Cale was asked to describe his grain entrepreneurship and spent 15 minutes answering judges questions.

Cale

On Friday during the 6th General Session Pellett and his FFA Advisor, Eric Miller went on stage to find out the results of the contest. Eric Miller Atlantic FFA Advisor said, “Unfortunately Cale did not win, but it was still an awesome experience and I believe that Cale will be better off for participating.”  Cale Pellett said, “Being selected as a national finalist was the highlight of my FFA experience through these four years. It was a true honor and blessing to be selected as not only a representative from the Atlantic FFA chapter, but the whole state of Iowa in grain production, a category highly regarded in this part of the country. This moment will never be forgotten and I have to thank my advisor and fellow members for getting me this far.

Pellett’s proficiency award is in Grain Production – Entrepreneurship. Pellett owns a business that applies the best management practices available to efficiently produce and market crops for grain production such as corn. Pellett’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) began with land that he rented from his grandfather for the production of corn. In 2015, he rented 11.9 acres and raised a corn crop, 2016 he raised soybeans, and in 2017 back to corn, where he expanded to 47.6 acres. With this project, Pellett decides what seed variety to plant, what chemicals to spray, when to sell the grain, as well as coordinating trucking and transportation to the elevator or ethanol plant. The SAE has allowed him to be able to expand his operation directly with plant systems, such as the raising of crops.

Pellett, a member of the Atlantic FFA Chapter, became eligible for the national award after winning the Iowa FFA state competition earlier this year. In recognition of being a finalist, each of the four finalists will receive a plaque and $500. The award is supported by Valent USA Corporation based in Walnut Creek, CA.

Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. This year three FFA members from the Atlantic FFA Chapter have earned the American FFA Degree award. Alexis Boes, Carly Westphalen and Haley Carlson joined the 28 other members in Atlantic FFA history that have achieved this honor in the past 53 years.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year 4,255 American Degrees were awarded the American Degree at the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 24-27, in Indianapolis. Sponsored by Case IH, Elanco Animal Health and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs.To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own or hold a professional position in an existing agricultural enterprise. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement.

Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller said he was “very proud of all three of these FFA members and all the hard work they have put into their SAE program and his education. Alexis, Carly and Haley are all very deserving of this award.” Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized on stage at the national convention. Haley Carlson said “Earning my American Degree was the perfect ending to my FFA career. Being able to walk across the stage, earning the highest honor of the organization reminded me of all the memories that got me there and the very first time I put on my blue jacket. I cannot say thank you enough to all the people who influenced my FFA life.” Alexis Boes said “Knowing that all of my hard work paid off to earn this high honor makes me feel honored! Knowing that I am part of the 1% of FFA members to receive their American Degree gives me a sense of accomplishment! I highly suggest that all members apply for their American degree!”