Faribault County Fair FFA Show

I had the honor of traveling to Blue Earth, MN this past Saturday for the Faribault County Fair FFA Show. It was the 148th year for their fair and the first time they held an FFA show. Local chapters were invited to participate in the hog, beef and sheep shows. I saw many familiar faces from earlier this summer as I handed out the ribbons to class winners. It was so cool to see an FFA show start up. I would encourage FFA members to continue participating in FFA shows this summer. See you at the state fair!

Caitlin

MN FFA Foundation Golf Tournament

The fifth annual Minnesota FFA Foundation Golf Tournament was held at the Summit Golf Course in Cannon Falls on July 24th. It was an excellent day for golfing with some shade and a light breeze. About 34 golf teams of 4 individuals each participated this year. Each team played 18 holes and a dinner was held afterward at Grandpa's Garage. I really appreciate all the sponsors that helped to make the tournament possible. Numerous opportunities for FFA members were created with the dollars that were raised last week. Thank you!

Caitlin

State Leadership Conference for Chapter Leaders

Happy Friday!

SLCCL was held last week, July 14-18, at Deep Portage Conservation Reserve in Hackensack, MN. Over 140 FFA members arrived on Monday for an experience of a lifetime. Throughout the week, members were challenged to enhance their leadership abilities and acquire knowledge to bring back to their chapters. On Thursday of camp, members did over 400 hours of service at Deep Portage which counts toward the state's 20,000 service hours goal. I was a part of the invasive species group where we picked thistles and ragweed around the buildings. Other service projects included making tie blankets to donate, restoring a wildflower garden, cutting wood, fixing the volleyball court and blocking trails from ATVs. We also had an excellent banquet, talent show and dance on Thursday night. We said goodbye to campers on Friday morning. The theme "Mission Possible" was perfect for this week of camp. Everyone left camp with new friends and new talents and abilities. Now, it's time for them to prove that their mission is possible as chapter leaders over the next year. 

Caitlin

AgriBank Dairy Day

Today I traveled to St. Paul for AgriBank's Dairy Day. I met with many employees of AgriBank including Bill York, CEO. Their company holds various days dedicated to certain commodities in order to educate their employees about agriculture. After eating lunch with a few employees of AgriBank, I helped at a dairy quiz booth. I asked questions to over 100 employees about important dairy industry facts. I had a lot of fun, and it was great to learn more about AgriBank, a dedicated sponsor of FFA.

Caitlin

FFA Day at the Dome

Sunday, June 29th brought me to the Twin Cities for FFA Day at the Dome. Before the start of the Twins vs. Brewers game, I had the opportunity to meet sponsors and FFA members at a pre-game picnic. Sponsored by the Minnesota FFA Foundation, the Day at the Dome was a great success with numerous members, sponsors and FFA families in attendance. A sweet ending to this event was marked with a win by the Twins!!

I hope to see many more sponsors and FFA members at the Minnesota FFA Foundation Golf Tournament in Cannon Falls on July 24th.

-Caitlin Kasper

State Greenhand Leadership Conference

Over 130 Greenhand FFA members gathered at Deep Portage in Hackensack, MN on June 23rd on the quest to "Go for the Gold". Everyone's excitement for learning and growing made this SGLC a huge success. From sharing Me-in-boxes at cabin chats to participating in the volleyball tournament and serving as session officers, Greenhands from around the state had experiences of a lifetime. Our Olympic theme continued to challenge us throughout the week to become all-stars in FFA. 

This is one of the most enjoyable conferences I have ever had the opportunity to lead. The success of SGLC was measured greatly by campers' positive comments and smiling  faces throughout the week in addition to the many times that I heard, "I am going to miss SGLC," as the state officers said their goodbyes to campers. 

For those that attended this conference, just remember that you will have so many more opportunities in your future FFA career. State Greenhand Leadership Conference opened numerous doors for you to make friends and discover just exactly what your passions are in this organization. Continue to be involved in FFA and carry the same curiosity for learning with you every step of the way.

Stationed by the ear of corn,

Caitlin Kasper