The Journey to Law: Bill Adoption and Impacts for Ag Education

By Matt Patton, CATA Executive Director

The bill adoption process in California is a thorough and multi-step procedure that starts with introducing a bill in either the State Assembly or the State Senate. After introduction, the bill undergoes committee review, where it is debated, amended, and voted upon. If the relevant committees approve, the bill moves to the floor of the originating house for a full vote. If it passes, it then goes through a similar process in the other house. Both houses must pass identical versions of the bill before proceeding to the Governor's desk. The Governor has the option to sign the bill into law, allow it to become law without a signature, veto it, or utilize a pocket veto. If the Governor vetoes the bill, the Legislature can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber. Once the Governor signs or overrides, the bill becomes law, potentially with a specified effective date.

The following are bills being monitored by CATA as they could impact agricultural education if enacted.

AB 1871 – (Alanis) Adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12: social sciences and career technical education: personal financial literacy. If passed, this bill would amend the existing course of study in California, mandating instruction of personal financial literacy in Social Science and CTE classes. 

AB 1927 – (Alanis) Golden State Teacher Grant Program: career technical education instructors. This bill would expand the Golden State Teacher Grant Program to include grants to students in professional preparation programs who commit to work for four years as a credentialed career technical education instructor at a priority school. Qualifying students could receive $10,000 to $20,000 in grants. 

State Conference Reminder

The Growth of the Ag Mechanics Fair

By Dan Crookham, Exeter High School

I remember many years ago when Chris Dixon was teaching in Kern County, and she took up the cause of the Agriscience Fair Career Development Event (CDE). She was a tireless cheerleader, and although I did not directly supervise a project entry for many years, I certainly knew what it was, and I knew that supporting my coworkers and our students was a worthwhile endeavor. I feel a bit like Chris now as I promote participation in the Ag Mechanics Fair CDE. It is here, and it is growing. I hope that you, too, will support it and consider entering students this April.

Some sections and regions have had project competition events over the years, and of course, many chapters participate in the Agriscience Fair CDE. Both of these were part of the inspiration for the Ag Mechanics Fair. This contest allows our students to compete on the state level with their actual projects on-site and to meet face-to-face with a judging panel to defend and explain their projects. The three high scores from a school will be the chapter’s team score, and awards are presented much as the Agriscience Fair awards are. There is no maximum number of projects that a chapter may enter. This contest is inclusive. The same rules have been adopted by the California Youth Ag Expo, which will host its ag mechanics contest in August. 

The conference officially begins on Monday, June 24, 2024, with pre-conference activity beginning on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Conference registration MUST be submitted online.

Visit the conference website for additional information about professional development sessions, continuing education units, AgriSkills sessions, hotel information, and more.

Present at the CATA Summer Conference

CATA is looking for presenters and topic suggestions for the professional development sessions and AgriSkills workshops at CATA summer conference.

Contact Cari Brown if you’re interested in presenting a professional development session.

• Tuesday, June 25 - Offering one Professional Development Session 
• Wednesday, June 26 - Offering twoProfessional Development Sessions 

AgriSkills sessions are 4-hour, technical agriculture workshops with an emphasis on “learn by doing.” Apply online to present an AgriSkills session.

• Sunday, June 23 - AgriSkills (AM and PM)
• Thursday, June 27 - AgriSkills (PM only)

Thank You Corporate Members!

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

Six California Agricultural Teachers Named Finalists for Ag Educator of the Year

To shed light on the contributions of California's leading agricultural teachers, the California Farm Bureau, California FFA Foundation, and Nationwide are honoring six exceptional teachers as finalists for the Golden Owl Award. 

California’s 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award finalists are: 

• Daniel Crookham, Exeter FFA
• Rebecca Freeman, Lodi-Tokay FFA
• Randy Mendes, St. Helena FFA
• Deanna Morton, Shandon FFA
• Rick Neugebauer, McArthur-Fall River FFA
• Marlisa Nordstrom, Buena Park FFA

Each finalist will be presented with an individualized plaque and a $500 check in front of fellow teachers, students, and supporters at the 2024 State FFA Leadership Conference, March 21-24 in Sacramento. All finalists will be considered for California’s Ag Educator of the Year Award, earning an additional $3,000 and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy. The winner will be announced on stage at the conference.

"California FFA is thrilled to collaborate with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau in honoring exceptional agricultural educators and FFA Advisors," stated Charles Parker, State FFA Advisor. "The six state finalists showcase extraordinary commitment to equipping students with foundational skills, leadership qualities, and essential knowledge for the future. These educators extend beyond traditional classroom instruction, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for success."

Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to honor the contributions of teachers and support their programs with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts. In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is also donating $5,000 to the California FFA to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors alike.

Apply for Cal Delta Class of 2024

California Delta is a year-long professional development experience designed to increase the competence and confidence of teacher-leaders. Delta participants will be challenged to explore perceptions of teaching and learning, as well as analyze their current instructional design. They will also explore leadership effectiveness, examine best practices, and adopt models and strategies to increase their professional impact.

You can find more information about this professional development opportunity at www.growaged.org. Applications are due April 1. If you are ready to up your teaching game, this opportunity is for you!

Give the Gift of Blue Update

FFA Chapters may apply for additional jackets, as supplies last!

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 gift card 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, and we are now accepting more than one submission from each chapter.

Complete the Jotform 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.

Spread the Word: Washington Leadership Conference Registration is Happening NOW

For many FFA members, a summer highlight is attending Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) in Washington, D.C.—the second-largest student experience hosted by the National FFA Organization each year. It draws thousands of students from across the country.

FFA members can attend one of seven week-long WLC sessions in June and July that include interactive workshops, seminars, and small-group sessions led by agriculture industry professionals, counselors, and FFA staff members. Participants also learn about the history of the nation’s capital, tour D.C. landmarks, and participate in congressional visits. Registration for WLC is happening now, and limited spaces are available. For more information, visit the Washington Leadership Conference website. 

The California FFA Foundation Kicks Off Antique Tractor Raffle

Supporters of FFA (and agricultural history!) can now enter to win a meticulously restored 1948 John Deere Model B tractor, generously donated by Angell Farms. Help us spread the word in your network of FFA parents, alumni, and community supporters. 

Shareable Social Media Post: 

🚜✨ Dive into agricultural history and WIN big! 🌾🎉 We're giving you the chance to own a beautifully restored 1948 John Deere Model B tractor, generously donated by Angell Farms. 🤩 Your $20 tickets could make this iconic piece of farming heritage yours, all while supporting California FFA! Link: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/tractorraffle

Tickets can be requested online and supporters can keep a lookout for the tractor at agriculture industry events throughout the year. The drawing will take place on December 19, 2024. You must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket and do not need to be present to win. For complete raffle rules, check out the official terms and conditions.

Zoetis Provides Grants to FFA Chapters: Sign Up Now

Zoetis, formerly Pfizer, is a renowned industry leader dedicated to advancing animal health. Their longstanding commitment to community support is evident in this initiative, channeling grant funds to local FFA chapters based on sales of Zoetis products by veterinarians, distributors, and dealers.

Help us share the news!  FFA members can invite their veterinarians or animal health providers to participate by signing up here. Veterinarians will need their local chapter's FFA ID number to complete the process. The best part? It costs nothing to participate! Every sale made contributes grant funds, supporting FFA chapters in executing vital projects and activities.

National FFA’s #IAmAg Social Media Campaign: Amplify your ag pride by joining the #IAmAg social media movement. Share your personal ag journey and impact using the hashtag. Let's flood social media with images of how agriculture keeps the world running by providing nutrition, fuel, shelter, and clothing. Click here for post ideas and a customizable photo frame.

FFA Advisor and Agricultural Educator Needs Assessment Survey Report: The National FFA Organization conducts a biannual survey of FFA advisors and agricultural educators. The purpose of the survey is to obtain a national representation of educators to participate and provide insight into what National FFA resources teachers are using in their classrooms and local chapters as well as what future resources they need. Check out this report for 2023 findings directly from your peers. https://ffa.app.box.com/s/c4fmureoowswf6jeejf7l8le5ttln401