The Golden Slate: National Convention Results and MORE!

Evidence of Excellence in Agricultural Education

By Matt Patton, CATA Executive Director

Recently, I was asked to present at a Career Technical Education (CTE) conference about agricultural education. Ag Ed, as we affectionately call it, is often touted as a model of CTE. This conference was the same; my role was to explain why agricultural education is so effective.

To have credibility with the audience, some evidence of agricultural education's success would need to be presented. Below are facts that support the claim that agricultural education is successful and worthy of being used as a positive example of CTE.

100, 1000, and 100,000

Ag education has been in existence for over 100 years. The California Agricultural Teachers' Association has existed for 103 years, and the California FFA will celebrate its centennial in 2028. Longevity serves as a testament to the enduring qualities of relevance, adaptability, and practicality. Not only have both CATA and California FFA existed for long periods, but have also experienced consistent growth in their membership over the decades. Presently, both organizations proudly maintain a historic and expanding membership, serving as a clear indicator of their ongoing relevance and applicability.

Apprenticeship: A Growing Path for Many of Your Students

By Todd Conrado, Modesto Junior College

For many years now, those in secondary and post-secondary education have been trained, supported, and encouraged to direct their students to a four-year post-secondary degree. While this path has proven successful for many, there are others who recognize that traditional college is not an option. These students have often been strongly encouraged to go to college just to fail or become discouraged and subsequently drop out. Often these students are forgotten or passed over. Thankfully one of the tools that ag education is implementing to aid all students, including these forgotten students, is industry certification. But what does a student do when they have such a certification? How can they use it to aid them in finding a job or starting their career? There is a tried and true path to gainful employment that has stood the test of time and is making a strong resurgence—apprenticeship.

Proposition 12 Update from CDFA

As you prepare for the 2024 Fair Season, please keep in mind that Proposition 12 (2018) went into effect on January 1, 2022. Proposition 12 is the Farm Animal Confinement Initiative that requires that covered animals be housed in confinement systems that comply with specific minimum standards, and identifies covered animals as veal calves, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens. As you might already be aware, the regulations went into effect on September 1, 2022, for certification, registration, accreditation, and inspection to implement the Health and Safety Code (HSC) sections 25990-25994.

While self-certification of the farm where the breeding pig is kept was acceptable for the 2023 fair season, only third-party certifications will be permitted beginning with the 2024 fair season for fair pigs to be processed for resale. The CDFA strongly recommends that all fairs request that their market hog exhibitors submit a third-party certification to ensure the pork meat from the show pig has access to a “resale” market. All pig breeders, regardless of age and farm size, in California and those outside of California selling market show pigs to California exhibitors, must be in compliance with Proposition 12.

A list of third-party accredited certifying agents for Proposition 12 compliance can also be found on the ACP website. Currently, the CDFA AHFSS Division is the only governmental entity certifying agent and certifies at no cost to the producer. If a producer would like CDFA to certify their farm, they can contact the ACP at AnimalCare@cdfa.ca.gov to inquire about applying for certification.

Watch and share the Proposition 12 Fairs and Exhibitions Guidance for 4-H and FFA video prepared by the CDFA Animal Care Program (ACP).

Help Get the Word Out: Support CA FFA on Giving Tuesday

Join us in championing California FFA by spreading the word! Use the graphic and text below to share with your chapter’s audience on Giving Tuesday, November 28. If your students have benefitted from the initiative, be sure to add a chapter photo or personal testimony.

It’s Giving Tuesday! Let's unite with other FFA chapters across the state to "Give the Gift of Blue." Today, we’re raising funds to supply FFA jackets to members, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to proudly wear the iconic blue jacket. Blue Diamond Growers has generously committed to match donations, doubling the impact of your contribution, up to $25,000. This means your support goes even further in making a difference in the lives of FFA members. Ready to make a meaningful impact? Click here to contribute and be part of this incredible initiative!

An Alternative Certification Primer

Agricultural Education Magazine

In line with the wisdom that "There are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same," various credentialing programs are now exploring alternative routes to produce effective agriculture teachers. Alternative certification, broadly defined as anything other than the conventional university-based teacher preparation, represents a dynamic shift in how educators are trained.

These alternative routes mirror traditional teacher preparation programs but offer unique avenues for individuals driven by a passion for agriculture and a commitment to the future of their students. Dr. Kellie Claflin, in a compelling article featured in the September/October 2023 issue of the Agricultural Education Magazine, sheds light on the diverse and unconventional pathways individuals take to become agricultural teachers.

This choice of alternative certification emerges as a strategic response to the prevalent teacher shortage, providing school districts with a means to fill specialized positions in the realm of agricultural education. State legislatures have embraced this option, recognizing its potential to address the urgent need for qualified teachers and foster the growth of impactful educators.

Thank You Corporate Members!

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

Corporate Member List

Now is the time to submit registrations for California FFA’s Made for Excellence (MFE) and Advanced Leadership Academy (ALA), and applications for Sacramento Leadership Experience (SLE).

MFE and ALA

These two-day conferences are designed to engage sophomore (MFE) and junior (ALA) FFA members at their respective levels. MFE participants will spend the weekend learning about their personal values and understanding how to connect with others, while ALA participants will discover how to work with others and accomplish a shared goal. Early registration is $105 per student (ends November 30) and the registration deadline is December 22, 2023.

Conference dates and locations.

SLE

This statewide conference allows high school seniors to step into the role of one of California's State Legislators. Participants are assigned a specific California legislative district and spend four days in Sacramento. SLE focuses on the role of government, agricultural policy, and advocacy. Applications are open and due December 15, 2023.

More information about SLE.

LEARN MORE

Results from the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo

California FFA members represented the Golden State well at this year's National FFA Convention! Highlights include: three national proficiency champions, two CDE national champions, one LDE national champion, one national agriscience champion, one national FFA talent winner, 10 Honorary American Degree recipients, 528 American Degree recipients, and many finalists!

Congratulations to everyone who competed in Indianapolis! Click here to see a complete listing of California's results.

Charles Parker Receives National Accolades

The agricultural education community proudly acknowledges the accomplishments of Charles Parker, CDE Program Manager & State FFA Advisor. We are thrilled to share that he has been honored as the 2023 Outstanding State Supervisor by the NASAE. Congratulations, Mr. Parker, on this well-deserved recognition!

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 exploring the links below and pave the way for your students' successful future.

Discover Effective Pest Management Strategies: Host a Workshop at Your School

Join the California Department of Pesticide Regulations for a comprehensive School IPM Workshop, a full-day training held at your school site. These workshops feature engaging presentations and interactive demonstrations, bringing together school staff from various districts to delve into the Healthy Schools Act and adopt safer, more sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices for both landscapes and structures.

What makes a school an ideal host?

High school or middle school
Demonstrations of successful IPM implementation
Focus on critical areas such as gyms, onsite kitchens, break rooms, athletic fields, etc.
Emphasis on natural turf management

Curious about the workshop experience? Explore our School IPM Workshop video to get a glimpse of the valuable insights and practical knowledge awaiting you. Email school-ipm@cdpr.ca.gov to express your interest.

National FFA News and Updates

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

National FFA Scholarships Available

1123 students from 44 states were awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships through the National FFA Foundation’s scholarship program. 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 2024 scholarship application will be available through the FFA online scholarship portal from November 1, 2023 to January 11, 2024. Visit ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/ to learn more.