Important NC FFA Events Update
April 28, 2020
In keeping with Governor Cooper’s announcement last week closing public schools for the remainder of the school year, the North Carolina FFA Association has cancelled the 92nd North Carolina FFA State Convention scheduled for June 16-18, 2020, in Raleigh.
During the week of June 15, we will host an online 2020 North Carolina FFA Celebration to recognize the achievements and accomplishments of our members. We will post content throughout the week including proficiency winners, state degree recipients, state officer retiring addresses, and more! Additional information will be shared soon.
The Sheraton will automatically cancel any chapter reservations made and any reservations within the housing block. Cancellation emails will be sent soon.
If you made reservations at the Marriott, please call (919-833-1120) or go online to cancel as soon as possible.
Though we will not be together in Raleigh June 16-18, we are planning to conduct online career and leadership development events throughout the months of June and July. Please see the CDE/LDE Planning Document link below for more information. We have also created a calendar for your convenience. Detailed event and registration information will be sent soon.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any member of the state staff team.
We look forward to continuing to provide unique opportunities for students this summer!
2020 Summer CDE Planning Document
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April 16, 2020
Signatures for Award Applications
Title: Public Speaking
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2020; 9:00am – 5:00pm
Location: University of Mount Olive, Raper Hall, Agribusiness Center; 634 Henderson St., Mount Olive, NC 28365
Instructor: Stephen Edwards
To Register Contact: Aleza Jones at AJones@umo.edu
Description: This workshop will focus on how to teach public speaking in the classroom and in turn how to prepare students for the Extemporaneous Public Speaking and the Prepared Public Speaking FFA Leadership Development Events. Teachers will learn methods of how to integrate public speaking instruction into the secondary agricultural education curriculum. Tips will be shared for how to find and compile trustworthy sources, how to teach APA formatting to secondary students, and how to prepare for the questioning round at the end of the speech. Teachers attending the workshop will have the opportunity to compete and to be critiqued in a simulated competition. Teachers are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet to the event.
CEU: 0.8 Class
Size: Maximum 20 participants
Fee: $20; Lunch is included. Wait to send payment until requested by UMO.
Please make checks payable to UMO. If sending in payment, please mail to Agribusiness Center – Workshops, University of Mount Olive, 634 Henderson Street, Mount Olive, NC 28445
Title: Meats Evaluation and Technology Workshop
Date: Tuesday - Thursday, June 30, 2020 – July 2, 2020
Location: University of Mount Olive, George R. Kornegay, Jr, Student Farm, 408 Garner
Chapel Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365,
Micro Summit Processors, 203 South Railroad Street, Micro, NC 27555
Instructor: Markus F. Miller, Ph. D., Professor - Meat Science, Food Processing &
Preservation – Texas Tech University
Contact: Allison Jennings, Eastern Region Agricultural Education Coordinator
Description: Participants of this workshop will examine various aspects of meat science and evaluation. Participants will evaluate beef, pork, and lamb carcasses for quality, yield grade, and identify various meat cuts for wholesale and retail. Participants will learn the skills and abilities needed to motivate students to compete on a Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE team, become knowledgeable consumers of meat animal products, and/or involved in the industry of meat animal marketing and merchandising.
Registration will begin April 1, 2020. You can access registration by using this link: https://apply.umo.edu/
Registration deadline is May 20, 2020 (Registration is limited to the first 25 teachers from each of the following states: North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia)
CEU: 2.0
Class Size: Maximum 75 participants - Advisors invited from NC, VA, and SC
Fee: Registration fee includes: Course materials, 3 night (June 29-July 1) double
occupancy lodging at the Sleep Inn-Mount Olive, NC, shuttle services from
hotel to the student farm & practicums, lunch June 30-July 2.
Double Occupancy Registration Fee: $150.00
Single Occupancy Registration Fee: $275.00
Please make checks payable to UMO. If sending in payment, please mail to Agribusiness Center – Workshops, University of Mount Olive, 634 Henderson Street, Mount Olive, NC 28445
Title: NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission SAE Professional Development Institute
Date: Monday - Friday, July 6 - 10, 2020
Location: University of Mount Olive, 634 Henderson St, Mt. Olive, NC 28365
Instructor: Dr. Sandy Maddox, Dean, School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, UMO
Edward Olive, Director, UMO Agribusiness Center
To Register Contact: Aleza Jones at AJones@umo.edu
Description: The NCTTFC SAE Professional Development Institute offers FFA advisors the opportunity to receive training and assistance in understanding opportunities in SAE and developing networks to support SAE activities. Professional development activities will include leadership development, SAE reporting, implementation discussions, tours and community service options, and advisor updates. This Institute prefers attendees plan to be in residence for the week. Housing will be provided at the Sleep Inn Mount Olive. Residence is preferred as the Institute activities and educational activities extend beyond 5pm in some cases. Attendees in residence will be given priority to attend the Institute over those desiring to commute. If accepted to the Institute, commuters must attend all educational activities to receive CEU credit. This Institute will coincide with the NCTTFC SAE Camp for FFA members.
Applications due by May 15, 2020. Apply online at https://apply.umo.edu/
CEU: 3.0
Class Size: Maximum 10 participants
Fee: $0; All training materials, travel, accommodations, and meals will be provided.
Title: Plumbing
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2020; 9:00am – 5:00 pm
Location: University of Mount Olive / Goodson and Wells Ag Shop
Instructor: Steve Fuchs / Tim Warren hosting
To Register Contact: Aleza Jones at AJones@umo.edu
Description: This workshop will focus on plumbing rules and regulations, safety, troubleshooting, and planning and installation of water and drainage systems for agricultural operations. It will be taught by Steve Fuchs, a retired agriculture teacher from Chocowinity who is well known for his plumbing skills. The skills you develop are applicable for teachers of Agricultural Mechanics, Horticulture, or Animal Science. You will receive some plumbing related items to use in instruction and practice skills related to plumbing for the Agricultural Mechanics CDE.
CEU: 0.8
Class Size: Maximum 12 participants
Fee: $20; Covers supplies and lunch, snacks, and drinks. Please make checks payable to UMO. If sending in payment, please mail to Agribusiness Center – Workshops, University of Mount Olive, 634 Henderson Street, Mount Olive, NC 28445. Wait to make payment until requested by UMO.
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April 7, 2020
Over the past month, we have been monitoring the situation with the coronavirus in respect to FFA events and activities. After much thoughtful consideration and evaluating our circumstances, we made the difficult decision this afternoon with the North Carolina FFA Board of Directors to cancel our summer camping program and close the North Carolina FFA Center until further notice. This includes all FFA and non-FFA rentals.
This is as disappointing to us as it is you. We know the impact our summer camping program has on students and we regret that we will not be able to provide life-changing opportunities this summer. This is the first time since World War II that we have not had a summer camping program; however, we know this is the most prudent course of action to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our members, teachers, staff, and families. We will continue to monitor the situation and will update you all when we know it is safe to open the North Carolina FFA Center for business once again.
Currently, the State FFA Convention is still scheduled to occur June 16-18. We are in regular communication with the Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Raleigh Convention Center, our hotels, vendors, and partners regarding our best plan of action for the State FFA Convention in June. As more information is finalized, we will share that with you all via the listserv and ncffa.org.
If you have any questions or if we can be of service to you in any way, please feel free to contact us.
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April 6, 2020
The North Carolina FFA State Officer Team recognizes the importance of staying connected with members, advisors, and stakeholders and we hope to bridge the gap during this time. Please know that we are here for you. Because of the inability to connect in person, there will be a large push virtually to reach out to members in the meantime. Please share this information with everyone so they can stay tuned in and participate as well!
Region Calls to Members
In order to deliver meaningful content to members, the State FFA Officers will be conducting video conferences via Zoom. The first two sessions will be conducted on Tuesday, April 14th for all of the Western regions and Thursday, April 16th for all of the Eastern regions. Each session will start at 4pm. For the first sessions, students will learn more about the importance of agriculture in our state, analyze differences in production systems, and better understand how to effectively advocate for agriculture. Links and additional instructions for accessing the video sessions will be shared prior to the dates of the sessions.
YouTube - Vlog Content
Each week, the State Officers will publish two vlogs. The vlog can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX8LiyySCV4jiqivOipU_Kg. We would love for you to share this with your chapter members. You are welcome to use our content in various matters, academic and non-academic. Tuesdays will feature content for members that is geared towards leadership within our organization. This content is useful and applicable to all FFA members, especially those interested in officer positions and leadership opportunities within our Association. Fridays will feature vlog content that is fun and uplifting. Each vlog features content from members all over the state so be on the lookout for members from your chapters, regions, and federations. We hope that you share our content on your social sphere and with your FFA members. Thank you in advance for sharing our virtual platform!
Social Media Push
By primarily using personal social media pages, the State FFA Officers are posting daily challenges, motivational tips, and valuable information to stay connected with members. The North Carolina FFA social media pages will be used for important publications. Advisors, help spread the word, participate, and encourage your students to participate also! Monday: tag a member; Tuesday: talking/content; Wednesday: mid-week motivation; Thursday: positive thoughts; Friday: agriculture facts.
We hope everyone stays safe, healthy, and happy!
Sara Beth, Zannah, Megan, Malachi, Milosh, & Harrison
2019-2020 North Carolina FFA State Officer Team
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March 30, 2020
Applications for the following are due by 11:59 pm on May 1, 2020. All applications will be submitted electronically - no paper versions are required.
The following applications will be submitted through The AET.
- Old North State Degrees
- American Degrees
- Proficiency Awards
- National Chapter Awards
The following applications should be emailed as a PDF file to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu.
- All NC FFA Scholarships
- National Delegate Applications
- State FFA Officer Applications
- Student Nom Com Applications
- Teacher Nom Com Applications
- NC FFA State Star Application (State Degree Applications and American Degree Applications should be submitted through the AET)
Detailed information on submission of applications is listed in the March 25 update below. Please review this information carefully.
Agriscience Fair Application materials should be submitted through the AET. The deadline for Agriscience Fair remains June 1.
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March 27, 2020
The State Envirothon Committee just met and made the decision to cancel the 2020 North Carolina Envirothon.
We have not determined how we will certify a North Carolina FFA team to participate in the National FFA Environmental and Natural Resources CDE in October at this time. As soon as we have a solution, we will communicate that through this listserv and on ncffa.org.
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March 26, 2020
Teachers,
We know that most agriculture teachers have plants in greenhouses that need watering and/or animals that need feed and water daily. If the state of North Carolina and/or your town/city/county issue a shelter-in-place or stay-at-home order, that could make it difficult for you to maintain your school-based enterprises with animals and plants.
Yesterday, North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture, Steve Troxler, issued a Notice of Essential Food and Agricultural Employee document providing agricultural employees the ability to travel to work to perform essential agricultural duties. I have been in touch with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture today. They have allowed us to share the attached document with agriculture teachers across the state so you can have this as additional documentation to allow you to maintain the plants and animals in your local programs.
As always, please work with your local administration and follow all local/county/state rules and guidelines surrounding shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders. I would ask that you share the attached document with your local school administration as you have your conversations with them. This email and attached document will also be shared with CTE Directors today.
If you have any questions, please contact joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu.
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March 25, 2020
Please read through this email carefully and please reach out to any member of state staff if you have any questions.
Based on schools being closed through mid-May, we are extending the North Carolina FFA application deadline to 11:59pm on May 1, 2020.
As previously shared via email, we are implementing online/electronic submission of North Carolina FFA award applications. Unless otherwise noted in this email, please do not mail applications to the North Carolina FFA State Office.
For those awards/applications hosted by the AET, we have been able to turn on a "submit to state" function. Those awards/applications include:
- Old North State FFA Degree
- American FFA Degree
- Proficiency Award
- National Chapter Award
- Agriscience Fair
The process for advisors to submit these applications to state is simple and straightforward. Please watch the video below.
https://www.theaet.com/video.aspx?ID=126
Some tips to keep in mind prior to submitting degree and proficiency applications:
- Students need a complete PDF recently printed. This ensures they have a completed application.
- The application must have 0 "NOT MET" issues.
We realize these applications require multiple signatures; however, this has been amended for this year. The online submission by the chapter advisor to the state will be the only thing that is required this year. You will not be required to get multiple signatures from multiple people this year. When the advisor submits the application to state through the AET, that means all of the information included in the application has been verified and is accurate. We shared this process with the North Carolina FFA Board of Directors and they formally approved yesterday.
Agriscience Fair
The application materials for Agriscience Fair will be submitted through the AET using the process outlined above; however, the due date for Agriscience Fair materials remains June 1.
We also have applications that are not hosted by the AET. Submission instructions are listed below for each of these.
NC FFA Scholarships
https://ncffa.org/ncffa-more/chapter-guide-to-state-ffa-activities-scholarships/
- The advisor should email the completed application and supporting materials as a PDF directly to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu.
- The completed application should be emailed by the advisor to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu. You will not be required to get multiple signatures from multiple people this year. When the advisor submits the application via email, that means that all of the information included in the application has been verified and is accurate.
- Confidential letters of recommendation should be emailed directly to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu by the individual references. Please make sure that the reference clearly indicates the student name and the name of the scholarship for which they are applying.
- High School/College transcripts can be mailed to our office or emailed directly to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu. We understand that some people may not want to email these documents and that is completely understandable. So please mail those directly to the NC FFA State Office at the address listed below in my signature block. They must be postmarked on or before May 1.
National Delegate Applications
https://ncffa.org/ncffa-more/applications-forms/
- Please email the completed application and supporting materials as a PDF directly to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu.
- The completed application should be emailed by the advisor to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu. You will not be required to get multiple signatures from multiple people this year. When the advisor submits the application via email, that means that all of the information included in the application has been verified and is accurate.
- High School/College transcripts can be mailed to our office or emailed directly to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu. We understand that some people may not want to email these documents and that is completely understandable. So please mail those directly to the NC FFA State Office at the address listed below in my signature block. They must be postmarked on or before May 1.
State Officer Applications
https://ncffa.org/z/ncffa-more/ncffa-officers/state-officer-candidates
- Please email the completed application and supporting materials as a PDF directly to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu.
- The completed application should be emailed by the advisor to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu. You will not be required to get multiple signatures from multiple people this year. When the advisor submits the application via email, that means that all of the information included in the application has been verified and is accurate.
- Confidential letters of recommendation should be emailed directly to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu by the individual references. Please make sure that the reference clearly indicates the student name in the reference.
- High School/College transcripts can be mailed to our office or emailed directly to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu. We understand that some people may not want to email these documents and that is completely understandable. So please mail those directly to the NC FFA State Office at the address listed below in my signature block. They must be postmarked on or before May 1.
Nominating Committee Applications
https://ncffa.org/z/ncffa-more/ncffa-officers/state-officer-candidates
- Please email the completed application and supporting materials as a PDF directly to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu.
- The completed application should be emailed by the advisor to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu. You will not be required to get multiple signatures from multiple people this year. When the advisor submits the application via email, that means that all of the information included in the application has been verified and is accurate.
State Stars
https://ncffa.org/ncffa-more/applications-forms/
- Please email the completed application as a PDF directly to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu.
- Please submit the Old North State Degree and the American FFA Degree applications via the online submission process for AET outlined above.
Proficiency Award Judging
Proficiency Award judging will occur virtually this year. More information will be shared at a later date regarding proficiency award judging.
If you have any questions, or if we can be of assistance to you in any way, please feel free to contact any member of the state staff team.
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March 16, 2020
Click here for a printable version of the 3/16/20 event updates
This is our best planning as of today, March 16, 2020. As information from the CDC, NC Department of Health of Human Services, and other government agencies is shared, these plans are subject to change. Student, teacher, and volunteer health and safety remain our top priority.
We are making these changes based on the Governor’s announcement this weekend that all public schools will be closed for two weeks. We are also basing these deadlines on the ability to collect, score, recognize, and submit applications for further participation at the state and national levels accordingly.
Southeast Region In-Service
- Postponed until schools are in session once again.
- An email update will be sent out soon to all teachers in the SE Region.
Regional Officer Interviews
- Move to May - exact date to be determined once schools are in session once again.
- These will be conducted via Zoom in all regions.
NC FFA Award Application Deadline
- All applications will be due by 11:59 pm on April 17, 2020. All applications will be submitted electronically - no paper versions are required.
- The following applications will be submitted through The AET.
- Old North State Degrees
- American Degrees
- Proficiency Awards
- State Stars
- National Chapter Awards
- The following applications should be emailed as a PDF file to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu.
- NC Scholarships
- National Delegate Applications
- State FFA Officer Applications
- Detailed information on submission of applications will be shared later with all teachers.
State FFA Degree Requirements
- State FFA Degree requirements are outlined in the National FFA Constitution - Article VI, Section E. The NC FFA Constitution - Article VI, Section F, states that we will follow the requirements for the State FFA Degree as outlined in the National FFA Constitution.
- Amending the NC FFA Constitution requires the NC FFA Board of Directors approve the change and ⅔ of the student delegates vote to amend.
- We cannot amend or alter the requirements for the State FFA Degree.
American FFA Degree Requirements
- American FFA Degree requirements are outlined in the National FFA Constitution - Article VI, Section F. The NC FFA Constitution - Article VI, Section F, states that we will follow the requirements for the American FFA Degree as outlined in the National FFA Constitution.
- Amending the National FFA Constitution requires the board to approve the change and ⅔ of the student delegates vote to amend.
- We cannot amend or alter the requirements for the American FFA Degree.
Proficiency Award Judging
- Proficiency Award Judging will now be held after applications are due. The exact date is TBD.
- Judging will be conducted virtually by experienced teachers and other professionals.
- Judges will have two days to score applications independently. Results will be tallied and a Zoom call will be scheduled to review and ask questions.
- A new proficiency award judging form will be posted online soon to sign up for judging.
All NC FFA Regional Rallies
- In-person rallies are cancelled for 2020.
- Move most CDEs to May - exact date to be determined once schools are in session once again.
- The following CDEs will be conducted virtually as a written test - the exact platform TBD.
- Ag Mechanics
- Introduction to Horticulture
- Nursery Landscape
- Floriculture
- The following LDEs will be conducted virtually as a Zoom video call.
- Job Interview
- Prepared Public Speaking
- Creed Speaking
- The following LDEs will have the regional events on Tuesday, June 16 at the NC FFA State Convention and the state events on Wednesday, June 17.
- Parliamentary Procedure
- Extemporaneous Public Speaking
Forestry CDE
- Postponed until August
- We are planning for the event to be held on a weekday after August 7 and before September 4.
- The 2020 state winners will be recognized at the 2021 State FFA Convention.
- More information to come.
Ag Sales CDE - Senior and Junior Divisions
- Move to May - exact date to be determined once schools are in session once again.
- This will be conducted virtually as a written test state-wide.
- The top five teams will be invited to participate in a Zoom individual sales presentation.
Farm Business Management CDE - Senior and Junior Divisions
- Move to May - exact date to be determined once schools are in session once again.
- This will be conducted virtually as a written test state-wide.
- Both the problem solving and the written test will be administered.
Marketing Plan
- Move to May - exact date to be determined once schools are in session once again.
- All written marketing plans will be evaluated and scored.
- The top five teams will be invited to participate in a Zoom marketing presentation.
Agricultural Tools & Materials Identification
- The state event will still be held during the State FFA Convention.
- The event will be open to any chapter in the state.
State Officer Selection Process
- Applications will be due via email to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu by 11:59 pm on April 17.
- The three confidential recommendation letters should be emailed directly to joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu by 11:59 pm on April 17.
- Interviews will be held in Raleigh June 12-14, 2020, with arrival in Raleigh on the evening of June 11.
- Cost per candidate will be $225.
State FFA Officer Visits
- All State FFA Officer visit requests received to date have been cancelled.
- If you would like a state officer to attend an event, please resubmit that request.
Convention and Camp Registration
- Currently we are planning on camp starting on June 1 and state convention being held June 16-18. Again, this is fluid.
- We will send out information about camp and convention registration once schools are back in session.
The North Carolina FFA partners with other organizations for these events and will follow their guidelines and planning for their delivery.
Dairy Evaluation CDE and Dairy Handlers Activity
- Postponed until August 28.
- The 2020 state winners will be recognized at the 2021 State FFA Convention.
- More information to come.
Horse Evaluation CDE - Senior, Junior and Middle Grades
- Postponed for now - working to secure a date
- The state event will be administered virtually
- More information to come
State and Area Envirothons
- Area Envirothons are cancelled.
- The in-person State Envirothon is cancelled.
- The State Envirothon Committee is researching the feasibility of having an online state event for all teams to participate.
- More information will be available in the coming weeks.
Board Action Taken:
Moved to suspend the rules for this year from the NC FFA Policy Manual, Section XIII - Career Development Events, Individual Member Awards, and Chapter Awards Program, #2:
“FFA Members may not participate in a Career Development Event that leads to a state level event after July 1 following their high school/early college graduation. (July 10, 2010)
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March 13, 2020
- The Southeast Region In-Service will be conducted via Zoom. Connection information will be emailed soon.
- All State FFA Officer Visits are cancelled.
- All Regional Officer Interviews will be conducted via Zoom. Connection information will be emailed soon.
- The state Dairy Evaluation CDE is postponed until August 28.
- All Regional Rallies are cancelled.
- The state Horse Evaluation CDE is cancelled.
- Area Envirothons are cancelled. The in-person State Envirothon is cancelled. The State Envirothon Committee is researching the feasibility of having an online state event for all teams to participate. More information will be available in the coming weeks.
- The state Forestry CDE is cancelled.
- Our staff will be meeting next week in conjunction with the NC FFA board of directors to discuss possible alternative activities for these events.