We are creating something that is World Class. It is larger than the ribbon color

   It now seems we are at the time in the summer where we are in the midst of County Fairs and State Fair is fast approaching. Today, I was looking back at some pictures of my cattle on Instagram. I found a picture of one of steers on sale day at the 2014 Harlan County Fair. I had to sell a black and white steer "H-Man". The Caption reads "No matter if you are 8 or 18 Sale Day is the worst." I am clearly crying in this picture.

I remember the morning I knew I had to say goodbye to "H-Man" I was in tears when I got in my pickup and drove to the fair grounds just before sunrise to feed "H-Man" one last time.
   As I pondered thoughts today, saying goodbye to an animal of any kind is never easy. Exhibitors work countless hours preparing that animal. Not only are they preparing that animal for showing they are making that animal world class. What I mean by this is when we harvest our livestock those who consume our livestock do not know who was champion, who received a purple, blue, red or white. What the consumer cares about is the quality of the meat. 4-H and FFA exhibitors work extra hard to make sure that animal is world class, because it is not about the ribbon color it is about the experience and what we produce in the end.

 

National FFA Week #neFFAweek #FFAweek

As we finish up National FFA Week if you are following me on Social Media you will see I participated in the Nebraska’s National FFA Week Social Media Challenge.

Sunday was SAE Sunday. Both of my SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experiences) are a big part of my day to day life. I own and operate a 21 head commercial cows, five show cows, three show calves and I also have an embryo business. In my show herd we use In Vitro Fertilization (I.V.F), Embryo Transfer (E.T.), and Artificially Insemination (A.I.). Through this SAE I have gained valuable life skills. I plan on becoming a future Ag Teacher and managing my cow herd.

            My second SAE Wave Image Marketing, is a service that provides social media and multimedia services to existing companies. I picture, video and create promotional videos for the companies. My major clients currently are Powerline Genetics/ABS Global, Power Genetics and GROW Nebraska. I have learned how to stay extremely organized through this SAE and stay on task while working from home with these companies.

My cows have become a huge part of my life! 

Monday was FFA T-shirt. My favorite T-shirt is my “Nebraska FFA I believe in the Future of Ag” shirt. This shirt has sparked many conversations about FFA and agriculture. The I believe in the Future of Ag Campaign runs until February 29^th. Even the smallest donation will help the future of agriculture benefit. Also, my FFA chapter kicked off FFA Week with Locker signs, a teacher appreciation breakfast and dressing in Red vs. Green Day! We also had FFA members facilitate in the elementary teaching students about agriculture. The elementary students dressed up this week and also participated in a coloring contest.

Tractors were driven to school in support of FFA week. 

Tuesday was Pride. I take pride in wearing my jacket. I am a firm believer in this organization and take pride in being a current member. I am always proud to zip up in my blue corduroy! Southern Valley FFA held an emblem hunt, State FFA President Gage Hoegermeyer had a chapter visit and we had the Alumni Lunch. The dress up day was Farmer/Rancher/Cowboy Day.

I always have pride in wearing my blue jacket. 

FFA members gave a tour of the goat barn to Gage Hogemeyer.  

Even some FFA members rode their horses around the school! 

Wednesday was favorite CDE/LSE. My favorite LSE (Leadership Skills Event) is Job Interview. This year was the first year I have ever participated in the contest and I found out how much I like it! My favorite CDE (Career Development Event) is Ag Sales. I have learned so much in the past four years being a part of this contest that it will continue to impact me in the future. I have used these skills in my SAEs and daily life. There was no school due to a teacher in-service. 

Kaitlyn Ford and I both participated in Job Interview this year. It was a great experience. As a future Ag Teacher I am blessed to be able to try a variety of contests throughout my FFA career.

Thursday was throwback! I had fun finding pictures from the past four years I have been in FFA. As I reflected over the past four years I have experienced in FFA. I honestly can't believe the amazing experiences, life lessons, skills and most of all friendships I have gained through this organization. When it comes my time to unzip my blue jacket, I know the experiences, life lessons, skills and friendships will be with me forever. There was no school due to Teacher In-service.

 My throwback includes many of my favorite memories at the Nebraska State Fair! I am grateful for the lifelong friendships I have already established.

Friday was FFAmily. My chapter is FFAmaily. Without the Southern Valley FFA Chapter I would not be involved in FFA! I am thankful for my officer team and how diligent we are with our work and how we help one another. I honestly could not of asked for a better advisor or chapter. The Southern Valley FFA Chapter had a chapter picture, emblem hunt and the Kiss A Goat contest was held in the Elementary. The Coloring Contest winners were announced. It was Blue and Gold Day!

The Southern Valley FFA Chapter has had a very successful National FFA Week! 

The elementary students enjoyed getting to pet the goat. They also liked seeing Mr. Grove and Mr. Guy "Kiss the Goat". 

Saturday is Supporter. My supporter shout out went to my family! They have done so much for me and supported me in all my endeavors. I am so grateful for all of their support!

My family is pictured above with one of my most favorite show steers of all time JD's Battle Buddy. 

I had a great National FFA Week! I enjoyed participating in the Nebraska’s National FFA Week Photo Challenge! Hope you had a great week also! If you would like to see what other Nebraska FFA members were posting about National FFA week search the hashtag #neFFAweek or the National FFA Week hashtag #FFAweek. 

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