The Essential Role of CATA Committees
By John Williams, CATA President
As I reflect on our summer conference, I am encouraged to begin my year as your state president. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this organization during my career. 

One thing about this year’s summer conference that really sticks out in my mind was the Wednesday morning business session. We had the opportunity to honor our retiring teachers who have served the students, teachers, and communities throughout their careers. While that was indeed remarkable, what truly left a mark was the discussion surrounding the changes proposed during the Operations Division report.

After the division report was read, teachers who coach parli-pro moved to change a curricular code item that was discussed and voted on previously during Tuesday’s curricular code meeting. It was discussed with the general membership, and the change passed during the general session. After the voting took place, a teacher on the second balcony posed a question. I was incredibly happy for two reasons: first, I could hear the question despite my hearing loss (I use hearing aids), and second, his question was referring to why members can make a change on the meeting floor even though the committee voted differently in the curricular code meeting. Kudos to the young member who asked the question to seek clarification. To answer this, it is essential to understand the role of committees. In short, no changes can be made to our bylaws without the approval of the general membership.
Are FFA Members College and Career Ready?
Agricultural Education Magazine
Schools have been tasked with preparing students who are both college and career ready across the nation. As a career and technical education subject, agricultural education is well-situated to provide opportunities for students to develop those skills. In an article featured in the July/August 2023 issue of the Agricultural Education Magazine, Dr. B. Allen Talbert and Dr. Sarah E. LaRose from Purdue University highlight the employability skills required in today's ever-evolving job market. The article also emphasizes that agricultural education, as a career and technical education subject, is uniquely positioned to offer students opportunities to develop these critical employability skills. As a teacher of a career and technical education subject, how are you intentionally embedding development of employability skills across all areas of your curriculum?
CATA Governance at the 2023 CATA Summer Conference
By Matt Patton, CATA Executive Director
Below are summaries of the actions and initiatives discussed during the pre- and post-conference CATA Governing Board meetings at the CATA Summer Conference this June. Complete minutes are posted on the CATA website for those interested in more detail.  Governing Board Conference Minutes

Pre-Conference CATA Governing Board Meeting Summary
It was reported that registration at the 2023 California Agricultural Teachers' Association (CATA) Summer Conference reached an all-time high, with more than 1050 participants. In addition, the awards banquet hosted by the Southern Region sold 900 tickets, underscoring the interest and engagement surrounding the event. 

During the pre-conference Governing Board meeting, Gene Lieb was presented and accepted as a candidate for the State CATA Treasurer position. Mr. Lieb's name was forwarded to the Awards/Nominations/Bylaws Committee. 

Cari Brown, CATA Executive Assistant, reported on the automatic membership renewal system associated with the new CATA website. Ms. Brown assured the membership that only those members that wanted to participate would be enrolled in the auto renew service.
 
During the pre-conference meeting’s Curricular Code (CC) portion, the first topic was Career Development Events on probation. Farm Business Management, Vine Judging, and Marketing Plan contests all had five or more teams participate at State Finals and were removed from probation. Agricultural Computers and Food Science and Technology failed to secure the five teams needed to be reinstated. California Department of Education staff recommended that both contests be suspended.
Nominate A Remarkable Colleague for the Golden Owl Award
The Golden Owl Award Program, generously sponsored by Nationwide, aims to spotlight educators who consistently go the extra mile, creating opportunities for their students and chapters to thrive and excel. Nominations for this year’s Golden Owl Award are open now! 

As dedicated agriculture teachers, you have the unique insight to help identify the exceptional educators in our state and nominate colleagues who deserve recognition. Nominees can win the distinction of being California’s Agricultural Educator of the Year and the following prizes:

$500 and a beautifully engraved plaque for each regional finalist.
$3,000 in prize money and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy for each state's grand prize winner.

In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to the California FFA Foundation to further support the personal and professional growth of students and teachers. 
To nominate an outstanding ag teacher, click here.
Nominations close on January 16, 2024.
National #TeachAg Day is September 21, 2023
National #TeachAg Day stands as a flagship initiative of the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) within the broader framework of the National Teach Ag Campaign. This nationwide effort is aimed at inspiring individuals to explore a vocation in agricultural education while acknowledging the invaluable contributions made by agriculture teachers to our schools and communities. 

Once again, NAAE has developed a variety of resources, including lesson plans, to help you celebrate National #TeachAg Day and encourage your students to consider a rewarding career teaching agriculture. To access the resources, visit naae.org/teachag.
Register Your Chapter for the 5K for FFA
The California FFA Foundation needs YOUR help making the 5K for FFA a success. The 5K for FFA, proudly presented by Molina Healthcare of California, is happening from October 8-14, and we need every chapter’s help spreading the word and ralling your FFA chapters, your alumni, FFA boosters, and the entire community to participate. The proceeds generated from the 5K event help us maintain conference registration fees for GLC, MFE, and ALA at the 2022-2023 rates, despite rising expenses related to meals, facilities, and supplies.

Every participant will receive a finisher's medal and an exclusive 5K for FFA t-shirt. Your chapter members will wear these tokens of achievement with pride, knowing they've not only prioritized wellness but also made a significant contribution to California FFA. 
Thank You Corporate Members!
The California Ag Teacher's Association appreciates the commitment of our corporate members who support agricultural education.
Let’s Go to Indianapolis!
The 96th National FFA Convention & Expo is November 1-4, 2023. Early bird registration, which offers the best rates and the best chances to attend live entertainment events, opens TONIGHT at 6:00 p.m. The early bird registration rate is $80 for those staying within a designated convention hotel. You only have a few weeks to get this special rate, so register soon! 
Congratulations to the 2023 National Chapter, Agriscience Fair, and Proficiency Finalists
The finalists for the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo's National Chapter Awards, National FFA Agriscience Fair, and Agricultural Proficiency Awards have been announced. We extend our congratulations to the deserving California finalists. To check out the 2023 results, simply follow the links below.

  • The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes student researchers studying the application of agricultural scientific principles and emerging technologies in agricultural enterprises. The agriscience fair is open to middle and high school students. Participation begins at the local level and progresses to state and national levels.
  • The Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers.
  • The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization.
Get Your FREE Ag Plate Today!
If you don't have an ag plate yet, it's time to get one! By getting your ag plate, you're not only showing your support for California agriculture but also taking advantage of a fantastic offer: California FFA is giving away FREE plates!

For a limited time, California FFA is covering the initial $50 application fee, making it easier than ever to proudly display your commitment to the agricultural community. Visit www.calaged.org to take advantage of this amazing offer.
National FFA News and Updates
Compiled by Jason Ferreira, Hanford High School Ag Teacher and National FFA Teacher Ambassador
2024 Next Gen Conferences
The Next Gen conferences for 2024 have been set! Do you have students interested in ag communications, food products and processing systems or environmental services and natural resources? Next Gen provides an opportunity for them to explore pathways through informational sessions, panels and tours. Applications are now open. Visit here for more information and to apply.

NEW! 2023 Fall-Winter FFA New Horizons Teaching Guide
The latest edition of the FFA New Horizons Teaching Guide is now available. In this guide, you will find activities for seven articles featured in the Fall 2023 FFA New Horizons plus a vocabulary activity utilizing terms from the articles.