FarmFest

After many trips to the Twin Cities, Up North, and even out of state, finally an event in my own backyard! FarmFest is held near Redwood Falls, MN which is only about 30 miles away from my house. Derek, Caitlin, Justin, Pete, and I, along with Ms. Val Aarsvold took the day to learn about the heart and soul of the agricultural industry from many groups like the Soybean Growers, Corn Growers, and Farm Bureau. We also had a chance to share our message about Agricultural Education and the FFA through numerous conversations. I always enjoy these sort of visits to really get in touch with the industry that we, as FFA members, represent. Though it was a little warm in Official Dress, it was a lot of fun to have people come up to us and tell stories of their days in the Blue Jacket. We even had some time to spend at the University of MN booth, playing an ag knowledge game. We got to ask a lot of people to come spin the wheel and win a prize or take a picture with Goldie! The day ended with an auctioneer contest where Justin came away with first prize out of a pretty talented group! For those of you who saw his skills at SGLC and SLCCL, you're not surprised!

State Presidents' Conference

State Presidents' Conference was unlike any FFA event I have ever been a part of. Derek and I had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. along with two representatives from every other association. The conference theme was "Empower" and the week focused mainly on two topics: advocating for agricultural education through Capitol Hill visits and meeting with the President and beginning the delegate process for national convention.

Derek and I had a chance to meet with staff from the offices of Colin Peterson and Amy Klobuchar. Later we had an audience with the Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Education and the highlight of the week was meeting with President George W. Bush himself. We also had a chance to work with our own legislative process by narrowing the state submitted issues for national convention and breaking out into delegate committees. Summaries of the committees will be published soon and any member can give input on them so be sure to check them out! I will serve as a sentinel on the Officer Parts committee, working to access the possibility of adding official opening ceremony parts. Derek will be a small group leader on the Greenhand award committee. Others include going green, American Degree clarifications, and a new goat proficiency.

When we weren't in sessions, we had the opportunity to tour D.C. and meet members from across the country. My favorite part was the night tour of the monuments. There was something indescribably moving about standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, looking out at the mall. We also had a chance to take in an Orioles game at Camden Yards in Baltimore, where they played the visiting Angels. Having no preference on the outcome of the game, I cheered for Torii Hunter in center field. Being a huge government and history buff, my first trip to our nation's capital was a very empowering experience. After almost a week, it was time to return to the Twin Cities, just in time for board meeting and Miracle of Birth Center training. DC was certainly a lot of fun, but the days in St. Paul and trip back to my house reminded me there is no place quite like home.

HLWW Lake Party

Everyone at Howard Lake - Waverly - Winsted sure knows how to have a good time! After getting lost along the way Derek and I joined Cindy and Rachael to make the trip over to Justin Crowley's cabin for a fun night that included a meal, meeting, and a lot of lake fun. It was new member recruitment night so there were many new faces to meet as well as many familiar ones from both camps. After getting everyone to promise not to dunk me all the way in, I joined the group on the shore and then, was of course, dunked in, all while Mr. Winninger took pictures. Derek met a similar fate. Justin was nice enough to give me my first jet ski ride. After a few hours and waiting to see Doreen and Crystal after they came back from play practice, we headed back to the cities to sleep a few hours before heading off to SPC.