2013-2014 FFA Chapter Officers and FFA Information

Page | 1

Table of Contents

2013-2014 FFA Chapter Officers and FFA Information

Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy

SVHS Ag Science Project Facility Rules and Agreement

SVHS Ag Science Department Consent Form

SVHS Ag Boosters Club General Information

SVHS Ag Booster Club/Ag Teachers Point of Contact

SVHS Ag Booster Club Committees

Texas Stock Show Web Sites

Scholarship Information

Species Information

Equipment Needs

SVHS Ag Science Terminology

CISD School Calendar

CISD Grade Reporting Calendar

Important Dates

Scholarship Dance “Save the Date” Flyer

Smithson Valley FFA Chapter

2013-2014 Officers

President / Kirsten Crutcher
Vice President / Trevor Perkins
Secretary / Cameron Kissling
Treasurer / Chase Maddox
Reporter / Max Milewski
Sentinal / Kyler Patton
Parliamentarian / Megan Michalec
Student Advisor / Will Krause

The FFA Mission

The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The FFA Motto

The FFA motto gives members twelve short words to live by as they experience the opportunities in the organization. Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

Structure of FFA

The FFA operates on local, state and national levels. Student members belong to chapters organized at the local school level. Agricultural education instructors serve as chapter advisors. Chapters are organized under state associations headed by an advisor and executive secretary, often employees of the state department of education. States conduct programs and host annual conventions.

The National FFA Organization, governed by a Board of Directors and a Board of Student Officers, charters state associations; provided direction, programmatic materials and support; and hosts the National FFA Convention, which draws more than 45,000 attendees each October. The National FFA Alumni Association’s more than 40,000 members in 1,200 affiliates assist in the continued growth and development of active FFA programs.

Applied Learning

The agricultural education programs provides a well-rounded, practical approach to learning through three components: Classroom education in agricultural topics such as plant and animal sciences, horticulture, forestry, agrimarketing, etc; hands-on supervised agricultural career experience such as starting a business or working for an established company; and FFA, which provided leadership opportunities and tests students’ agricultural skills.

Programs and Activities

The FFA local, state and national programs and activities help members develop public speaking skills, conduct and participate in meetings, manage financial matters, strengthen problem-solving abilities and assume civic responsibility. Degrees earned at local, state and national levels recognize members’ increasing accomplishments. Competitive events and awards programs in areas such as public speaking, commodity marketing and Agriscience recognize students’ achievements, encourage them to excel beyond the classroom and develop career skills. Community service programs help students contribute to society.

Each degree of active membership requires commitment and a lot of hard work, but you don’t have to be a gifted student or live on a large farm or ranch to reach your goals. The FFA degree system is organized so that all FFA members, no matter where you are from, have an equal chance of obtaining each degree of membership including the highest degree of membership within the FFA, the American FFA Degree. However, you must show progress in your Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program to have a realistic chance of attaining this goal. If you are a freshman or sophmore in high school, now is the time to set your goal and create a road map on how you plan to achieve your goals withing the FFA.

Discovery Degree

This degree recognizes students enrolled in 7-8 grade agricultural science class making strides toward successful involvement in the FFA. Receipt of this degree is not necessary in order to obtain the Greenhand FFA Degree. This degree of active membership is awarded at the chapter level.

Greenhand FFA Degree

FFA members enrolled in their first year of high school credit agricultural science, that have satisfactory plans for a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program and that have demonstrated their understanding of the history and purpose of the FFA may apply for their Greenhand Degree. This degree of active membership is awarded at the chapter level.

Chapter FFA Degree

Those FFA members that have received their Greenhand Degree may apply for the Chapter Degree. Members must be enrolled in an agricultural science class, have completed at least two semesters in agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, have in operation an approved SAE program, demonstrate leadership skills and be actively involved in the activities of the local FFA chapter. This degree of active membership is awarded at the chapter level.

State/Lone Star FFA Degree

This is the highest degree of membership the State FFA Accociation can award. FFA members that apply to receive the Lone Star Degree only after they have received the Chapter Degree. Those wishing to receive their Lone Star Degree must have been an active FFA member for at least two years, complete at least four semesters of agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, maintain a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program, invest significant time and money in their SAE, demonstrate their leadership skills and show a commitment to the FFA through involvement at the chapter level and above. This degree of active membership is awarded at the state level during the Texas FFA Convention.

American FFA Degree

This degree of active membership is awarded by the National FFA Organization and is the highest level of active membership which can be achieved within the FFA. This final step in the FFA Degree system encourages members to grow and achieve personally toward establishing yourself in an agricultural career. Members may apply for their American Degree only if they have received the State FFA Degree, have graduated from high school at least twelve months prior to the national convention and meet the very high standards of the degree.

These requirements include an excellent record of involvement within the FFA, operation and maintenance of records to substantiate an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program through which a member has exhibited comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise, have earned a productively invested a specific amount of both time and money.

The American FFA Degree is a sign of great accomplishment amount FFA members. Only a small percentage of FFA members even earn the degree (the greatest percentage of members ever to receive the degree in one year was less than one half of one percent).

For specific requirements necessary to attain each degree of active membership, please read Article VI of the Texas FFA Constitution.

The ethics policy applies to any 4-H/FFA member planning to exhibit animal at livestock shows in Texas. It includes Junior as well as open class exhibitors who compete in structures classes of competition. All classes of livestock offered at the livestock events are included: Cattle (Beef and Dairy), Goats (Angora, Boer, dairy, meat, Cashmere), Equine (Horses), Llamas and other specialty animals, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep, Swine, and any other livestock classes offered. This “Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy” will be enhanced with additional rules and guidelines which individual fairs and livestock shows adhere to on the local, county, state, regional, and national levels.

The following practices or procedures are unacceptable and are defined as being deceptive, fraudulent, unethical and inhumane in the care, fitting, preparation and showing of all classes of livestock. The use of any illegal drug is prohibited. Any substance used to phenotypically alter the appearance of an animal entered in livestock events is prohibited. (See Guideline #8)

Proof of any animal being subjected to illegal and/or unethical practice(s) and/or procedure(s) described herein subjects the animal to immediate disqualification. The animal is ineligible for exhibition at any livestock show on the local, county, state, regional and national levels. The exhibitor will forfeit any premium, awards, or auction proceeds, and may be prohibited from future competition at livestock shows in Texas, as well as being subject to potential criminal prosecution.

The following is a listing of guidelines all 4-H/FFA exhibitors must follow to enter livestock at organized competitive events.

1. Exhibitors must be bonafide members of a 4-H club or FFA Chapter in the State of Texas and care for their animals under the direct supervision of a County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher. Exhibitors must be enrolled in, and attending, public or private and/or home school elementary or secondary schools in Texas. Exhibitors must be between the ages of 9 (or 8 and in the 3rd grade) and 19.
2. 4-H members that plan to show horses at any of the twelve district and/or the Texas State 4-H Horse Show should submit a signed copy of the Ethics Policy with their entry forms. While items 3-9, listed below, do not apply to the horse project, there are specifics on ethics in the publication Texas 4-H Horse Show Rules and Regulations (AS 3-2.043) that do apply. The Texas State 4-H Horse Show and all of the district horse shows are conducted under the rules and regulations contained in this publication and 4-H’ers are expected to comply with those rules regarding ownership, management and treatment of horses.
3. All exhibitors must have viable proof (Junior division) of ownership available to prove length of time animals have been owned. Market animals (Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goats) must be owned and under exhibitor’s daily care by the following dates: June 30 – Steers, October 31 – Sheep and Goats, November 30 – Hogs, to be eligible to participate at any major livestock show within Texas. This also includes all small market animals (Rabbits and Poultry). The official ownership date is the date shown on the bill of sale or receipt of sale, unless the animal was bred by the exhibitor, in which calving or birth records will be utilized. (Individual show rules may determine ownership requirements for non-market animals.) Registered breeding livestock must show the exhibitor as the sole owner of the animal on the breed association papers or certificates.
4. Exhibitors must continuously own and personally feed and care for their animal(s) throughout the entire feeding period. The feeding period begins with the specie validation date through exhibition at all shows. Prior approval must be granted by the specie specific County State Validation Committee in the event the animal will be outside the direct care of the exhibitor. The animal(s) may not be out of the exhibitors care for a period exceeding 48 hours. Exceptions may be made with approval from the specific county State Validation Committee.
5. No exhibitor may show a market animal which has been previously sold at a county, regional, or major livestock show auction or sale in which the ownership of the animal has changed hands after the state validation deadline for that specie. State validation dates are as follows: State Fair – June 30 for all specie; all other major shows-June 30-Steers, October 31-Lambs/Goats, November 30 – Swine. Market lambs and meat goats that sell at the State Fair of Texas are not eligible for further competition or validation in October.

1. Any method used to misrepresent the age of an animal for a class in which it is shown is deceptive and considered a violation of the rules and guidelines.
2. Showing an animal for another individual by claiming ownership in order to show in a specific livestock class or event is prohibited. False ownership is a violation of the rules and guidelines.
3. Treating an animal internally or externally, with any irritant, counter-irritant, or other substance used to artificially change the conformation or appearance of an animal for show is considered unethical, inhumane, and is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to the use of graphite, air, powders, hemp, artificial hair coloring, common products such as fly spray, ointment or liniment used to the point that is irritating, (unless required to reduce edema at time of calving) or similar type products. The use of dyes, spray paint or other artificial coloring which result in altering an animal’s true and natural appearance and/or color is prohibited. Adding false hair or hair-like materials, fleece, or skin at any point, spot or area of the animal’s body is illegal and will result in immediate disqualification.
4. Surgery, injection or insertion of foreign material under the skin and/or into the flesh of the animal to change the natural contour, conformation or appearance of an animal’s body is illegal. This includes vegetable oil, air, silicone or any other substance used to alter the shape of the animal. Acceptable practices of physical preparation which are allowed includes, clipping of hair, trimming of hooves, dehorning, removal of ancillary teats, and docking of tails.
5. The use of inhumane fitting, showing and/or handling practices or devices shall not be tolerated.
6. The Administration of the Texas 4-H and/or FFA Programs reserve the final and absolute right to interpret these guidelines and to arbitrarily settle and determine all matters, questions, and differences in regard thereto, or otherwise arising out of or connected with or incident to “Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy”.

Any violation of the “Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy” or specific rules as designated by individual fairs and livestock shows may result in forfeiture of premiums and awards, disqualification, and may result in probationary status and/or loss of eligibility for future participation in organized livestock competition. Possible civil penalties may be imposed by the proper authorities based on evidence by the livestock show of exhibitors in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act/or the animal mistreatment, neglect, and abandonment laws that apply on the local, state and/or national levels. All rule violations will be dealt with on an individual basis by the specie specific county State Validation Committee, the State Validation Coordinators, and/or livestock show officials.

I am verifying that I have read the “Texas 4-H/FFA Livestock Program Ethics Policy” and understand the consequences of and penalties involved for illegal, unethical, inhumane, and unfair practices in livestock competition. I am also verifying knowledge that my family and I may be prohibited from future participation in organized validation programs in the State of Texas, and could face possible criminal prosecution and/or civil penalties if implicated in any of the aforementioned acts.



NOTE: Only one exhibitor per form.

______

Exhibitor (printed name) DateExhibitor (Signature) Date

______

Parent/Guardian DateCounty Extension Agent or Date

Agricultural Science Teacher

______

Validation Chairman Date

______

County Name

Introduction:The following rules and regulation will be used for students using the livestock feeding facilities during the school year. These facilities were constructed by past booster club members and students and provided free of charge by the Agriscience Department. Pen space will be assigned on a first come first serve basis. The Ag. Teacher will assign pens according to classes of livestock, breeds, size, or other considerations. A $30/pen deposit is required and if pens are cleaned and returned to manageable condition, hut removed, and there is no damage, (by March 31) the deposit will be returned.

Responsibility of Student:Students and/or parents will assume full responsibility for the care and use of his/her respective pen and feed storage area. It is mandatory that these areas be kept clean and orderly at all times. (Areas will be subject to inspection at any time). Each pen must be clean DAILY. All students will be assigned additional duties on specific days. Students will be responsible for general livestock sanitation and disease prevention. Those students not obeying this rule will be required to remove their animals from the school facilities immediately.

Liability: The Comal ISD will assume NO RESPONSIBILITY for accidents or injuries to students, visitors, parents, or their respective livestock resulting from the use of the facilities, equipment, or livestock owned by other persons. Also, Comal ISD will NOT assume responsibility for the loss of livestock by theft, vandalism, or natural causes.

Insurance: Insurance is available on all livestock housed at the school facility. Insurance for show animals is available through ALSIC at a reasonable fee. (see Ag. Teachers for more information)

Animal Requirements: Only top quality animals will be approved for exhibition. Animals in poor condition due to disease, injury, or neglect will not be allowed to participate. The final decision will rest with the Ag. teacher.

Unruly Animals: Unruly animals which may cause injury to others will not be exhibited in any livestock show and must be removed from school property.

Equipment Use: Any FFA equipment lost, stolen or destroyed while in the possession of a student will be replaced at the expense of the student.

Validation: Each student must personally feed and care for his/her own animal. It is the feeder’s responsibility to deliver his project to the proper validation format and see that is it properly done.

Records: A record book must be kept on all projects.

Daily Care: The daily routine of feeding and care is very important. All animals will respond to an organized routine. They should be fed twice daily, preferably as close to twelve hours apart as possible. Normally this will require approximately thirty minutes in the morning and the evening. Recommended times: (7:00-7:30a.m.) (4:30-5:00p.m.). If there is a problem and you cannot contact an AST, call a local veterinarian immediately during business hours. You can call after hours but expect to pay higher fees. Any charges and fees are the responsibility of the feeder.