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Blue jackets deliver FFA message of strength in numbers

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BY ART HOVEY / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 12:24:33 am CDT

Through all the evidence of a shrinking farm and ranch population, the Nebraska FFA remains a blue-jacketed tower of strength.

An estimated 3,200 students from 132 high school chapters descended on Lincoln Thursday for the first full day of their three-day state convention.

Donelle Johnson, part of the Nebraska Department of Education staff in charge of the event, described the annual turnout at The Cornhusker Marriott hotel as “real steady.”

Story Photo
Pender students wait to register during the 2001 Nebraska FFA state conference at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. (LJS file)

Consolidations of school districts claim a few chapters, she said. But that’s balanced out again this year by the decisions of Spalding, in Greeley County north of Grand Island, and Southern Valley at Oxford, near Holdrege, to start others.

And again this year, the Thursday ag entrepreneurship awards mark the transition toward a membership mixture that includes students from farms, ranches, acreages and from town addresses.

One of the high-water marks for that competition remains Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus, which continues to grow and flourish between Sutton and Grafton.

Reid Ely, 19, a state FFA vice president, a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a partner in the business that brother Neal started seven years ago, said this year’s goal is 11,000 pints of pickled spears.

“It’s a good tasting product that’s very unique,” Reid Ely said. “You’ll not find any other pickled asparagus anywhere else except California.”

Don’t ask for the brine recipe, because you won’t get it. It is, said Reid, “kind of a secret thing.”

A family business that also includes their parents, Mike and Tami, has just expanded from two to four acres of asparagus. Reid is in charge of sales of the fresh-picked produce.

“With entrepreneurship like that, the sky is pretty much the limit,” he said. “It shows you there’s so much more in the agricultural field in Nebraska that you can take off and be successful at.”

He credits agricultural education programs in place in Sutton and elsewhere. “What we learn from FFA motivates us and shows us the opportunities that are out there.”

This year’s top entrepreneurship winners were Judd Went of Columbus Lakeview, who’s working toward marketing specialty cuts of lamb in the Columbus area, and Rachael Arkfeld, a member of the Lourdes Central chapter in Nebraska City, who’s pursuing possibilities with miniature pumpkins and wild flowers.

Reach Art Hovey at 523-4949 or at ahovey@alltel.net.


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Alice wrote on March 30, 2007 8:52 am:
" I work in the Cornhusker Office Plaza and have to walk or step over all the FFA kids that are sleeping or sitting in the hallway on the 2nd level. These kids do not move for you, you have to walk around them. Why are these kids lounging in the hallways if there is a convention going on, shouldn't they be doing something??? Also the trash they leave in the skywalk and around the building is awful. These are our future farmers and our future adults???? "
resume wrote on March 30, 2007 9:23 am:
" The numbers are large because it is a resume club. Most members know practically nothing about agriculture and don't really care. These people join because either they feel they need to pad their college application or because they get out of school for a few days or both. The sad thing is that they'll probably get into college before other kids who work hard doing nontraditional activities (play in bands, art, etc...). But that's high school for ya. "
James wrote on March 30, 2007 9:59 am:
" While I'm glad to have the FFAers in Lincoln, I must say I agree with Alice about the trash thing. I know kids will be kids, but please don't come here and litter. You'd think future farmers would be a little more conscious about the land. Oh wait, maybe not (water issues.) "
as wrote on March 30, 2007 10:23 am:
" Yeah it's always great to have them crawling around. Try having to get by them - because they certainly don't think they need to move for anyone. They are all over the skywalk & the the 2nd & 3rd floors of the Cornhusker. Walking around the skywalk, counting cars, marveling at how the glass skywalk between the Atrium & Tier 1 is 'just' the reason to come to town. Or there are girls lounging in the skywalk playing with their cell phones, hair and makeup. If this is a serious convention, don't they have activities and meetings to be at? Don't their chaperones have ANY control over them? "
You're all a bunch of hypocrits wrote on March 30, 2007 1:11 pm:
" All you do is whine if it has "farmer" connected to anything. Why don't you jsut ban them, that seems to be what you want to do. Don't let any "farmers" in the city, they don't know how to act...not like the "city" folk. Give me a break, normally you would be saying kids will be kids. "
Jen wrote on March 30, 2007 2:27 pm:
" I was in FFA in high school. I have to say though, even though people joined FFA at our school, they didn't get to go to the state level unless they placed at the regional level at something. So the only people our school took where ones that had to be there. However that was usually 50 or so kids, we had an great Ag program. I know that from that we have had 2 state FFA officers in 5 years and 4 or 5 Ag teachers from just my high school class of 36 kids, wich I think is impressive. It's only been 7 years since I've been in school and I know that kids have changed drastically, and it's sad they have no respect for the oppurtunity that they are given. "
Thor wrote on March 30, 2007 2:53 pm:
" I work in the Tier One bldg. and walked through the skywalk back from lunch that connects the two buildings and discovered a boatload of them in the middle of the skywalk, taking up most of the room, laying down on their stomachs playing cards. Not to mention dodging them while trying to cross the street outside. Not fun. "
FFA Supporter wrote on March 30, 2007 3:33 pm:
" I am disappointed to hear that FFA members are being disrespectful while they are in Lincoln and damaging their reputation, however as a former FFA member, I know that most of these are good kids. In regards to resume's comment, I would like to point out that these kids do work hard in their club. Each member is required to have a project of their own, whether it is having a part time job or owning and building up their own business. Most chapters also do community service projects together as a group. Unfortunately there are always a few kids that ruin it for everyone, but the majority of these kids work just as hard, if not harder, than kids in other clubs. I know I won't be surprised when some of our best leaders come from this great organization. "
Sam wrote on March 30, 2007 7:41 pm:
" I have not experience FFA members littering, but I definitely can attest to the fact that the raoming packs of blue coats add to the headache of getting around downtown on foot. Nothing like trying to break through the sauntering masses when you have someplace to be. And forget about a half-hour lunch if they hot the subway line seconds before you. Wouldn't it be nice if these FFA members showed a little consideration by allowing one person in an obvious hurry to go ahead of their large and inattentive group in the lunch line? "
Clint wrote on March 30, 2007 9:30 pm:
" I am sure Kearney would be glad to host the convention. The economical boost to the city would be welcome plus the kids would have a chance to visit their college and perhaps attend there. Obviously the folks in Lincoln do not need nor do they want Nebraska kids in their community. "
Blake wrote on March 31, 2007 12:39 am:
" Hey, Im seventeen and was at the convention...Wow almost cant beleive some of the comments people have left, I wake up an hour earlier than the rest of the school for about two days every week since september to practice ag demo to compete at this "worthless" convention. Im really happy to see that the children of the adults that put food on your plate every night are really appreciated. Im sure none of the people who left negative comments could identify meat cuts, produce bio fuels, plant crops, explain the genetics behind bt corn or any other various component of modern agriculture. Like I said earlier this is just astonishing to me how disrespectful some of the locals are, maybe they should be looking at how they are behaving and not us. Im begining to wonder if UNL really is the place for me if this is what I will experiance on an every day basis. And to Alice, yes there are kids sitting in the hallways there is some down time typically we have our contests one day and sessions the next and Im sorry but not many people have the stamina for continous sessions all day, when you go to four or five of them in a row let me know ok. These arnt the same group of kids its a rotation. And to the guy who wants to cut in line since we are such an inconveniance, If we were in a hurry would you do the same for us? Most of the time we are on a very tight scheadule. I truly would love to host the convention somewhere else next year if this is the attitude towards us. I hope you guys can in time learn to get over yourselves I cant imagine 3 thousand extra people for 3 days really kills you. And to all the people who do appreciate what we do Thank You, It is a good Program and we do learn alot. Its not a Resume Pad that is the most Idiotic thing I have ever heard, If thats what I was looking for I would have gone out for more than a single sport that seems to be all anybody is concerned with anymore anyway. Again Thanks to the Locals who do appreciate the business and the cause. "
Joe wrote on March 31, 2007 4:06 am:
" Why do they wear those jackets ? Makes them look like a motor cyle gang. "
These groups should be supported wrote on March 31, 2007 9:19 am:
" they are what has built and sustains Nebraska and the Good Life. "
Come on wrote on March 31, 2007 11:15 am:
" Its really a sad day in Nebraska when all people can do is complain about littering on O street and having to wait in line for lunch. By the way, since you are complaining about trash on the sidewalks, are any of you doing anything about the problem? Or how bout all the cigarette butts on the ground, how many of you who commented on here are smokers who just throw your butts down on the ground rather than put them in a receptacle? Come on people lets grow up a bit. "
LeaAnn wrote on March 31, 2007 11:31 am:
" Come on Lincoln let's support these young people. Two many adults do nothing but complain about youth. If you have questions about the relevance of the convention why not take the time to engage in a conversation with the youth about what it is they do in FFA? It is amazing what we can learn from youth when we just take the time to ask. If you have concerns about the trash then respectfully address it with them. Engage in modeling what your expectation is..... dont sit back and complain because they are in some way an inconvience in your day. Youth need caring adults to set high expectations, to support them, and to engage them in meaningful activities. We all have a role to play in helping our youth grow and develop. It is called community. "
Downtown? wrote on March 31, 2007 2:13 pm:
" You think downtown was bad? Did anyone go to Gateway Mall? They walk in packs and 10 wide...I noticed everyone had to move for them. Sorry, but most of these kids are smalltown, they don't get the big city. "
DJ wrote on March 31, 2007 3:57 pm:
" I say let Kearney host this event. If Lincoln's economy is is such sad shape that boosts in profits for Subway, Burger King and the Cornhusker are worth this nitemare, then we've got major problems. "
Anne wrote on March 31, 2007 6:33 pm:
" I hear comments year after year about the littering, the swarms of students blocking sidewalks, being disrespectful, etc. It's not going to change, so just accept it as the price if living and working in Lincoln and move on with your lives. "
Sam wrote on March 31, 2007 6:39 pm:
" The groups that I'm in always allow people "cuts" if they've arrived at the same time. Allowing a single individual who arrived just after your huge group to go in front of you in line is simply common courtesy. "
Come On....... wrote on March 31, 2007 7:07 pm:
" Ok-so you wouldnt have even known if they were FFA'ers anyway if they hadnt had on their blue jackets. To me it is just city people looking down their noses at the very same young people who are going to be the ones that ensure that you have the nice big juicy steak that you enjoy on your supper tables regularly. I have seen SOOOOOO many "city kids" have a blatant disrespect for the public here in Lincoln-I for one find it refreshing to have a nice young group of kids come to Lincoln. "
Disappointed wrote on March 31, 2007 7:31 pm:
" All I ever see on these boards are the residents of Lincoln complaining about something. For some of these kids it is the farthest they have ever been from home. Let alone the largest city they have ever been to. I don't think you understand the work that goes into this convention and them being here. Have it in Kearney you say? Does Kearney have a College of Ag or even the facilities to host this kind of an event? Not even close. So they are laying around. Most of those kids were probably up late the night before prep-ing for their contest only to have to be on campus by 6:30. And you complain and want them to allow you in front of them in a line? Some of these members are on a very strict schedule. Of course there are some who will be the "black sheep" of the organization but some of those members have put more work into those two days then you would have ever put into any project you have worked on. Give people a break. (Some of) you Lincoln people are just rude. God forbid someone inconvenience you. I can't wait to get done with school and get out of this town. "
Jacket wrote on March 31, 2007 7:47 pm:
" For the person wondering what the blue jacket was about. It is apart of official dress. There is a very strict set of guidelines on what should be worn to official functions. Unfortunately some members do not always follow this. The blue is national blue and the yellow, corn gold. These are the FFA colors. The jacket itself was first adopted as apart of the official dress in 1933 and is still wore today because of tradition. The emblem on the back also has alot of meaning and if anyone in interested: http://www.ffa.org/students/html/ffabasics.html FFA is a wonderful organization that helped me grow as a person and experience so many new things. All I have to say is good thing you complainers don't live in Indianapolis when almost 50,000 members meet for the National Convention. "
Why FFA? wrote on March 31, 2007 8:13 pm:
" Not all youth groups behave like this when in Lincoln. Why FFA? I know some of the reasons why - the Journal-Star won't print them. Maybe some of the adult advisers need to communicate some higher expectations for behavior. FFA - your stellar reputation is suffering! "
Rock wrote on March 31, 2007 8:57 pm:
" as a parent of an FFA student, It would have been appropriate to show adult leadership instead of hopping over the kids, possibly suggesting that they find a better place to "hang out" than such a high traffic area. and explain that you and others are "at work" like they too will be in a few short years. Reasoning with them may have been a good start. "
Its official wrote on April 1, 2007 8:53 am:
" The people of Lincoln are stupid. You've lost State Wrestling already, you may lose state basketball and now you want to boot a major convention out of town. Congratulations. You are official the dumbest city in America. "
kw wrote on April 1, 2007 12:33 pm:
" It sounds to me like Lincoln is spoiled. Do you realize how much income local restaurants, hotels etc get for every convention or sporting event from all the people in Nebraska. If you are so upset at someone blocking your way ask them to move. Make them aware at the moment of your complaint to do something. But, if Lincoln is going to act this way toward income , lets not only move the Wrestling tournament someplace, lets give some things to Scottsbluff. Like Lincoln, would even travel to our end of the state. Who are the adults???? "
Farmer wrote on April 1, 2007 12:34 pm:
" As an actual farmer, I am disappointed by what FFA has become. It is basically the wimpy side of agriculture marked by ice-breakers and people pretending to be the leaders in agriculture. The officer they select are always a joke and represet what FFA has become well. If these individuals represent the future of Nebraska agriculture, then we do not have a promising future. "
money talks wrote on April 1, 2007 1:25 pm:
" I'm sorry 'Downtown?' What in the heck are you talking about that 'these kids are smalltown, they don't get the big city." Lincoln, a big city? give me a break. Lincoln is an overgrown small town. That's what attracts so many people to it. You're complaining about the herds of kids at the mall and downtown. What do you think happens on Husker game days, HS bball tournaments, etc. It happens then to. All adults in Lincoln do is bicker and complain. If they hate it so much why don't they move to Omaha since they love living in a 'big city.' We should welcome these kids with open arms, they've worked hard to get where they are today, just because it's not a sports team doesn't mean that what they're doing is pointless. In actuality, they're learning more now doing FFA, than they would in sports. Good job kids! "
bleeding blue and gold wrote on April 1, 2007 3:24 pm:
" Ladies and gentelman, I agree that roving 'bands' of students who are 'lounging' in the hallways and taking your place in line for lunch are upsetting. They come to Lincoln once a year. For those 2 days you should be able to be the adult that you are and deal with it. Pack your lunch, arrive to work a few minutes early, be patient. FFA has so much to offer the students of Nebraska, more than just learning farming and ranching. They are learning ABOUT agriculture and all the aspects of the industry that makes our state one of the best states to live in. Agricultural education teaches our students not only about leadership, but how to take the skills you learn and apply them in the agricultural field and real life. FFA is not a "RESUME" club, it is a club for students with a sincere interest in agriculture and leadership. While being in FFA can look good on a resume, the majority of the country doesn't even know what FFA is.. There's only 7200 chapters across the country. So, please....Football captin is a better resume builder. While I agree that some of the advisors bring way too many students and/or do not know what they are doing at all times of the day. Consider this. Staying at a hotel 10 miles from the Cornhusker or driving an hour to convention each day. In your Official Dress, attending convention sessions, workshops, competitions, and tours and oh my gosh...needing 10 minutes to lounge on your phone. As an advisor and/or sponsor managing these where 1 may be in an interview, 4 at a contest on East campus, 8 are at a workshop and the rest should be at the convention session but you're busy making sure the others are where they are supposed to be. It's the advisors responsibility to communicate the rules and behavior expectations prior to convention. If it is a particular "band" of students, don't label the entire group, contact their school or advisor. That will put a stop to it immediately!! So, instead of complaining about these students who are taking an active role in our States largest economic industry and learning how to make it better. Remember who feeds and clothes you. It's the agriculturalists. "
FFA Gurl wrote on April 1, 2007 9:57 pm:
" It is really sad to hear that you people think that we just go around and litter and lay around and play cards while attending the convention. Hundreds of FFA members such as myself had a completly jam packed three days of events. On Thursday afternoon I went to the East Campus and judged Meats in a freezer for four hours. We barly had enough time to eat or change our clothes. On Friday we were busy attending workshops all day. Several thousand young people such as myself work our butts off trying to get enough participation points to attend this yearly convention. Not to mention part of our community service is to actually clean up the parts of our counties in which we live. The Adopt-A-HiWay program is just only one of the projects we work on. So if you would like to rudly comment us FFA kids anymore then think about all of the thousands of dollars we paid just to stay in The capitial city for three nights. So just because we actually made you do your job for once doesn't mean were rude or sloppy! *A very Upset FFA member "
DannyB wrote on April 2, 2007 8:36 am:
" I have to agree with some of the disgusted comments. Lincoln is upset it does not get the conventions and state competitions, then when you do get something, you complain about it because you don't have the infrastructure. Where the heck are these kids supposed to go? The Centrum or Miller and Paine? (aged myself) And how the heck are they supposed to get around, that fabulous bus system? "
whatever wrote on April 2, 2007 12:34 pm:
" "Downtown?", who is more ignorant here? Many of these "smalltown" kids are very familiar with Lincoln, which is far from a big city. Their families come to Lincoln for sporting events, for shopping, spending their money here...don't make generalizations when you most likely aren't "smalltown" yourself. "
Amazed!! wrote on April 2, 2007 3:40 pm:
" I am honestly amazed!! I am a past FFA member and I have a younger sibling that is still in FFA. I attended the convention all day on Friday and yes at times I did have to walk over lounging kids, but have you ever tried to POLITLY ask them to move?!? My guess is no. Yes I too had to stand in line at Subway and at Amigos and while walking to those places from the Cornhusker I had to walk "around" packs of kids....personally I think its a great view to see all those blue & gold jackets walking around. It shows youth & the future of our world. To those that refer to FFA as Future Farmers....you couldn't be more wrong. FFA is not just farmers and had you attended a session or a contest, you would see that. To those of you that refer to FFA members as "small town" you have no idea either... It seems to me that none of you that are complaining care about the organization or take the time to care. All you care about is how it "ruins" your day. Maybe you should do some further looking into the organzation before you bash the FFA, year after year that we come to Lincoln. Yes I agree there are a few "bad" kids that don't move when asked or throw trash on the ground or what ever it may be. But don't down grade such a wonderful organization just because there are a few "bad ones" out of 3,200 kids. I am amazed that those of you that complain are adults, because honestly you are acting like 2yr olds. If its not good for you, personally, you don't want. Grow up!! "
Farm kid wrote on April 3, 2007 9:58 am:
" You people obviously don't know to much about us FFAer's. Majority of us go to the contest early in the morning and hardly have no sleep. So thats why we lay around in the hallways. Your streets were already dirty when we got there so how about you clean them up a little. I sure wish you would stop PMSin about how we trash your city. I hope we don't have our convention there next year. Hope you like your loss in income. "
Hill Billy wrote on April 3, 2007 10:43 am:
" If we dont know agriculture then your talking to the wrong person!! Because in sure all your peoples jobs consitst of sitting in an office typing on a computer! Get a REAL JOB and actually do some manual labor, something you've never done before!!! Plus you people wouldnt know agriculture if it came up and kicked you in the FACE!!!!! "
as wrote on April 3, 2007 12:07 pm:
" While everyone is trashing those who have complained on this board about the behavior of the FFA kids while they were in town, consider this. Prior to the 'invasion of the blue jackets', DECA was in town - no kids lounging around. Just after them - FCCCL arrives & the kids I encountered then were exceedingly polite & well behaved. Yet no mention is made of these kids & what their groups do for them & bring to Lincoln in the JS. Just the blue jackets. Also doesn't it say something that the hotel needs to bring in video games to keep the FFA kids occupied but not for any other group? "
FFA Facts wrote on April 17, 2007 10:02 am:
" To clear up any miconceptions, this is what FFA is all about and as a past FFA member and an educator, I hope that you take time to read the impact that FFA has on the youth of our great state. The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Recent statistics show that 1 out of 3 jobs in Nebraska is related to agriculture; while the face of agriculture is changing, we as citizens need to become educated on how important agriculture is in our country and Nebraska. Please get all the facts before you write rude and disrespectful comments about these youth. In fact go to http://www.ffa.org/ to learn more about this great organization which has positively impacted thousands of youth. "

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