The Golden Slate: Happy Holidays from CATA

CATA: Who We Are

By Matt Patton, CATA Executive Director

The Agricultural Experience Tracker (AET) is an excellent tool for collecting data that paints a picture of who California’s agricultural educators are. Looking at the makeup of the profession helps CATA better serve the membership. Focusing on professional development needs, organizational messaging, and making resources available are all shaped by teacher demographics. The following demographics were gleaned from the AET input of 80% of the agriculture teachers in the system. The more teachers input data into AET, and the more accurate the data is, the more complete the picture of our profession becomes.

California Community Colleges: Three Reasons Why They’re Great for Ag Majors

Dr. Jacob Vazquez, Butte College Agriculture Business Instructor

As a former community college student and current instructor, I’m a big fan of California Community Colleges (CCC). My journey started at Butte College (Butte), then Fresno State, then Farm Credit, and now back at Butte serving as an agriculture business instructor. The CCC system is robust and inclusive, proudly holding the title of the largest higher education system in the United States. With 116 colleges, it hosts a vibrant community of 1.9 million enrolled students (California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office, n.d.).

However, despite the undeniable value of community colleges, a lingering stigma of inadequacy persists in comparison to universities, as noted by Gauthier (2020) and Shaw et al. (2019). Drawing upon my firsthand experience as both a student and instructor, here are three stigma-breaking reasons why agriculture students can feel empowered and confident in their choice to attend a community college.

A Program for Everyone

With 116 colleges in California, you can be certain that at least one of them will offer opportunities that align with a student’s interests. CCCs offer a wide range of agriculture-related disciplines. The most common programs include agriculture business, animal science, and plant science. Beyond these traditional programs, the CCC network boasts a wealth of specialty programs as well. Examples include equine studies at Feather River College, food safety management at College of the Sequoias, and agriculture education at Reedley College.

Coming Soon: The 6th Annual Blue Corduroy Classic

Save the date for FFA’s annual online auction that benefits over 100,000 members across the state! On January 16, 2024, FFA alumni, friends, and supporters will have the opportunity to bid on hundreds of items, with all the proceeds going to the California FFA. Here’s how you can get involved:

Donate an item, service, or experience for the auction. Your donation and business will be promoted online, and your contribution will directly benefit FFA. You can fill out the online auction form or contact Katie Otto.
Save the date, hop online, and bid on the many fabulous items available. An auction preview will be available before the event and will be sent via email.

Secure your spot for the Region 1 – NAAE Conference from May 28 to May 31, 2024, in beautiful San Diego. Dive into a realm of professional growth with opportunities to learn new teaching strategies, share curriculum, and hear from leaders in the field. Beyond the conference rooms, embark on enriching tours, immersing yourself in hands-on experiences that will inspire new classroom connections. Registration is happening now at www.calagteachers.org/naae-region-1.

New Interpretation of Prop 12 Compliance for Youth Producers

California Department of Food and Agriculture

As we all begin to prepare for the 2024 Fair Season, please keep in mind that Proposition 12 (2018) went into effect on January 1, 2022. New interpretation of the requirements provided by CDFA specify that breeding pigs that are part of a youth project are exempt from Animal Confinement minimum standards and therefore exempt from Proposition 12 requirements. Any whole pork meat from the immediate offspring of that breeding pig project is considered compliant with the law and can be sold in California.

While California Code of Regulations do not specify a requirement for what the youth of a breeding pig project would provide to the buyers of the immediate offspring from their project animal to communicate that the immediate offspring are from a breeding pig that is exempt from Prop 12, CDFA recommends that a simple letter accompanies the bill of sale for each buyer of the immediate offspring explaining that the breeding pig and her immediate offspring are compliant with Prop 12 under HSC section 25992(d). This will ensure the buyers of the immediate offspring have access to resale markets if that is an option at their fair. For more information visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/AnimalCare/ or contact Mike Francesconi, CDFA Fairs and Expositions Branch Chief, at (916) 900-5365.

Thank You Corporate Members!

The California Ag Teachers' Association appreciates the commitment of our corporate members who support agricultural education.

Corporate Member List

Legislative Analyst’s Office Forecasts $19 Billion State Budget Deficit for Schools and Community Colleges

Ed Source

Schools and community colleges likely will face a $19 billion, three-year state funding deficit, the Legislative Analyst’s Office reported Thursday. The funding for TK-12 this year is $108 billion.

The LAO’s annual projection is a forecast of what to expect from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s first pass next month on the 2024-25 state budget. It reflects a decline in funding in Proposition 98, the 35-year-old constitutional amendment that determines the portion of the state’s general fund that must go to schools and community colleges. Complicating the picture is that about half of the education deficit covers money that schools and community colleges spent in 2022-23.

The overall projected state general fund budget deficit of $68 billion could also jeopardize 5% annual increases for the University of California and California State University systems that Gov. Gavin Newsom had agreed to, as well as children’s services not covered by Proposition 98.

The projected shortfall is the largest financial challenge schools and community colleges will face since the Great Recession budget of 2009. However, the LAO said that schools are better positioned now because of an education rainy-day fund that the Legislature was required to sock away in the record-high revenue years of the past half-decade.

FFA Supporters ‘Give the Gift of Blue,’ All Chapters Benefit

Thanks to another successful Giving Tuesday, the California FFA Foundation raised enough funds for every chapter in the state to receive necessary components of FFA’s official dress, including a blue corduroy jacket and a giftcard to purchase other uniform essentials. The set is to be given by the chapter to a dedicated FFA member who cannot afford to purchase their own official dress. Every chapter in California is eligible to apply.

Complete the Jotform (one per chapter) and the FFA Foundation will submit your order to National FFA on your behalf. Be sure to have your chapter number, shipping address, jacket types and sizes, and scarf and tie preferences before you start the form. If you have any questions, please contact Heather Casjens at hcasjens@californiaffa.org.

Modesto JC Hosts Livestock Sale

Save the date! On January 27, MJC will host their annual sheep, goat, and hog pen sale. This unique livestock sale offers 4-H and FFA members the chance to purchase pre-priced, quality lambs, goats, and hogs for various budgets. Visit their website for additional information about the event. Last year, over 90 livestock projects went home with happy customers. Questions? Contact Tim Truax at truaxt@yosemite.edu.

Golden Owl Award: Nominate A Colleague Today!

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. Anyone can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher and summarize what makes him or her the best in the state.

To be recognized as the Golden Owl award recipient is more than a title given to an agriculture teacher. It represents what it means to be an advocate for outstanding service to students, schools, and communities. This award reminds me of the positive impact that is made in ag education, inspiring me to continue going above and beyond to provide excellence and life-changing experiences that will transform the future of our society.

2023 Golden Owl Award Recipient

Jason Ferreira, Hanford High School

To nominate an outstanding ag teacher, click here.

Nominations close on January 16, 2024.

Welcome New Professionals!

Agricultural teachers new to the profession gathered on November 7 - 8 in Fresno for the New Professionals Institute. The objective of the conference is to help teachers in their first, second, or third year increase professional confidence and competency in a collaborative environment. This year, 235 participants from all regions of the state attended. On behalf of the CATA, we welcome all our new professionals and wish you the best as you begin your journey!

Scholarships Available from Ag Industry Groups

Encourage your students to turn their achievements, interests, and dreams into reality with valuable scholarships! Ag Association Management Services oversees various organizations, collectively offering over $100,000 in scholarship opportunities. Dive into the details by sharing the link below with you FFA seniors and alumni.

https://www.calaged.org/news/agriculture-industry-scholarships

National FFA News and Updates

Compiled by Jason Ferreira, Hanford High School Ag Teacher and National FFA Teacher Ambassador

National FFA Scholarships Available

Scholarships are awarded annually to students with a variety of higher education plans and career goals, and are available to support FFA high school seniors and collegiate members. Only one application is needed to be considered for many scholarship opportunities. The application deadline is January 11, 2024. Visit ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/ to learn more.

Prepare for FFA Week

Mark your calendars for February 17-24, 2024! Are you seeking creative ideas and convenient planning resources to elevate your chapter's enthusiasm? The perfect time to start planning is now. Explore the recently enhanced National FFA Week Implementation Guide and access a variety of resources to make your FFA Week unforgettable. Visit FFA.org/national-ffa-week/ for all the details.

Introducing the Sustainability Lesson Series

Integrate sustainability principles into your classroom effortlessly. This series guides students through core sustainability concepts, global development goals, and practical applications in agriculture. Encourage actionable steps for a more sustainable lifestyle. Click here to elevate your classroom experience with a commitment to a greener future.