California FFA Welcomes New Staff
The California Association, FFA is pleased to announce the hiring of Heather Casjens as an Office Assistant. Heather is a graduate of CSU Monterey Bay where she majored in Earth Systems Science and Policy. She will work hand-in-hand with the State Agricultural Education staff and FFA Center staff in supporting FFA members. Heather resides in Galt along with her husband and three daughters, all former or current Galt FFA members. She understands how important it is to provide foundational experiences for students to learn leadership skills and grow as individuals. Heather looks forward to supporting the amazing teachers and fellow staff in this organization that have provided a multitude of opportunities and experiences to her family and its current and future students.

California FFA would also like to thank Jennifer Van Conett for the past two years of service in this role. Please join us in thanking Mrs. Van Conett for her hard work; and wishing her all the best in future endeavors.
FFA’s Blue Corduroy Classic - January 17, 2023
Get your virtual auction paddle ready! California’s annual online benefit sale, the Blue Corduroy Classic, is just around the corner. Each year, FFA alumni, friends, and supporters have the opportunity to bid on dozens of items benefiting the California FFA. Here’s how you can help:
  • Donate an item, service, or experience for the benefit sale.Your donation and business will be promoted online, and your contribution will directly benefit FFA. You can fill out the donation form or contact Katie Otto.
  • Save the date, get online, and bid. Bid on entertainment, like a private concert by James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash; livestock items, such as supplements and transportation; and many California crafted products. An auction preview will be sent via email before the event.
Last Chance To Nominate An Outstanding Ag Teacher
Nominations for the 2023 Golden Owl Award closes on January 23. Take five minutes to nominate a fellow ag teacher, and help them win $3,000 and receive national recognition. The Golden Owl Award Program, a partnership between Nationwide, California Farm Bureau, and California FFA, is designed to recognize teachers who go above and beyond. Visit https://form.jotform.com/CaliforniaFFA/2023-golden-owl-award to nominate a teacher today.
FFA Field Day Opportunities in 2023
Are your students ready to showcase their knowledge, demonstrate agricultural skills, and grow as leaders? Check out this spreadsheet of CDE FFA Field Days in California.
Featured Field Day: UC Davis’ 47th Annual FFA and 4-H Field Day
The 2023 UC Davis Field Day will be held in March, with Job Interview and Parli Pro on March 3, and all other contests held on March 4. Registration via JudgingCard (link below) is open now through February 10. Contests with registration caps will be filled based on registration order, and later registrants will be added to a waitlist. Check out UC Davis’ Field Day Website for up-to-date details and to see a photo gallery from previous years.
 
Featured Field Day: Hancock College FFA Field Day
The Allan Hancock College FFA Field Day will be held on February 18. Thanks to funding from California Community Colleges, registration is free. Events offered this year include Soil & Land Evaluation, Landscape/Nursery, Vegetable Crop, and Veterinary Science (state qualifying site). Lunch will be provided for all participants. Register by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3.
Preview Fresno State Field Score Cards
Help your students successfully prepare to compete in CDE contests hosted by Fresno State with this comprehensive list of contests, supervising faculty, and judging card formats. Questions? Contact FFA Field Day Committee advisor Dr. Steven Rocca at srocca@csufresno.edu.
Blue Diamond Growers Foundation Scholarship
Do you live in an almond producing area of California? Your students might be eligible for a scholarship from the Blue Diamond Growers Foundation. Since 2008, the Blue Diamond Foundation has awarded nearly 175 scholarships to help students in local communities achieve their dreams of a college education. Apple by visiting: bluediamondgrowers.com/scholarship-program. Application deadline is March 31, 2023.
Wilco FFA Forever Grants 
Wilco’s chapter grant program supports chapters that need funding for special projects that will make an impact on their FFA chapter or greater community. Selected projects will receive $250 - $4,000 grants, and ALL active California FFA chapters are eligible. Previously funded projects have included chapter equipment and facility improvements like greenhouses and land labs, educational activities, and service projects. Applications will close February 24, 2023. Be sure to visit https://www.wilco.coop/community/ffa-forever/grant-request/ for grant requirements and application details.
National FFA News and Updates
Compiled by Jason Ferreira, Hanford High School Ag Teacher and National FFA Teacher Ambassador 
Celebrate National FFA Week! 
Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. From February 18-25, FFA members will get loud about FFA—what the organization stands for and the impact it has on members every day. National FFA has created a variety of resources, including an implementation guide for FFA advisors and student leaders, to make your National FFA Week a success! 

Official FFA Manual Now in Spanish
Learn everything you need to know about FFA—its history, bylaws, constitution, and more—with the Official FFA Manual, now available online in English and Spanish. There is even a mobile-friendly version for on-the-go access.

Living to Serve Grants
The 2023 Spring Semester-Long Living to Serve Grant will open December 15. FFA chapters may apply for up to $1,200 to support semester-long service-learning projects that address community needs in one of four focus areas: Community Safety; Hunger, Health and Nutrition; Environmental Responsibility and Community Engagement. Grant applications are due February 1, 2023.
Thank You Corporate Members!
The California Ag Teachers Association appreciates the commitment of our corporate members who support agricultural education.