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Show A joint publication of the Page 10, February 12, 2004 They're diG: jaasft the Maura fannraeirs By VALERIE THORNE Farm & Agriculture It's a school night in south Utah County and, unlike most high school students who have just settled down for another evening of reality TV, four local teens have decided to spend their spare time shaping their future careers. Ranging in age from 14 to 18, these exceptional young people have at least one thing in common: they're all dedicated members mem-bers of the Future Farmers of America. YEA is an acronym we're all familiar with, but one that we commonly com-monly associate with a small group of Wrangler-wearing, belt-buckle sporting cowboys who are only in the organization because their Wrangler-wearing, belt-buckle sporting fathers were. They will not further their education, rather they will spend the rest of their lives simply sim-ply trying to acquire bigger belt buckles. But according to a 1999 Purdue study titled "A Comparison of Agricultural Education Students to the 'Typical High School Student,"' FFA members are "more likely to believe that the harder they study the more opportunities theyTl have after graduation. ... they are more likely to believe the amount of work they do in school is important to es "Is there industry support for FFA? Y there is! Agriculture is the nation's largest employer, with more than 22 million people working in the same phase of agriculture. That' s 20 percent of our national employment. Agricultural Education and the FFA prepare members for more than 300 careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. " Buddy Deimler their success later in life. ... and they are more likely to identify a specific career rather than a general field." If this information alone is not enough to shatter the stereotype, just talk to State FFA Advisor Buddy Deimler. "Is there industry support for this program? Yes there is!" Deimler said. "Agriculture is the nation's largest employer, with more than 22 million people working in the same phase of agriculture. That's 20 percent per-cent of our national employment. Agricultural Education and the FFA prepare members for more than 300 careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture." agricul-ture." With the many career opportunities opportuni-ties that an agricultural education offers, there is something for everyone. every-one. Starting in ninth grade, students are able to get involved and explore the many aspects of the program, which include communication, financial finan-cial literacy, responsible citizenship and more. With that in mind, let us return to our four stalwart FFA members. mem-bers. Scott Thorne, a ninth grader at Payson High School, kicked off his agricultural education this year with the annual Greenhand Ceremony. To attain his Greenhand Degree, Thorne was required to be enrolled in an agricultural science class, learn and explain the FFA Creed, have access to an official FFA manual, demonstrate a knowledge of the history his-tory of the organization, submit an application and complete several other tasks that would prepare him for a high school career as an FFA member. This year Thorne, along with several sever-al other enthusiastic 9th grade students, stu-dents, plunged his hand into the famous bin of dark green paint, sealing seal-ing his new membership in the Payson FFA Chapter. After a period of ag science and a long officer meeting, sophomore Kaylee Liddiard's duties aren't yet finished. As the reporter for the Spanish Fork FFA Chapter, Liddiard See FFA, Page 11 (iPremier Financial TanEM South Main St. ypySJJJ Gunnison. Utah 84634 Yes! It's FQESSOne outside, we will warm you on the inside with our 422 interest rates! Premier Financial offers: Low Fees 1 00 Purchases Fast Turn Around Many Loan Programs to Friendly Service ' fit almost any needs A-D Credit Can't come to us, we will come to you! Don't wait, call Jennifer Helm today! 435-528-5766 1-800-781-9333 GdHwielh Bull and Female Sale (SKnSiKa. aSSEJ(gai!5SEB) '(Hit. Twenty Progressive Consignors Offering: 40 Bulls 20 Females Gelbvieh Continental Breed of Choice! Use Gelbvieh for all the right economic reasons: m They "work" in the pasture, the feedlot, and the packer's cooleru Call for a catalog or find catalog and sale results at Mettler Sale Management .tarry Mtfltor OavM Matter LB 28884 4aotr Avenue Canton, South Dakota 57013 (605) 987-21 14 or Fan (605) 987-5364 www.mettlersales.com |