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State Officer Update: Champion Drives, Fiestas, and So Much More!
By Noah Kamea Stanisai, State Vice President
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August has been jam-packed, with hardly a dull moment!
Our team kicked off the month in Visalia at the California Youth Agriculture Expo (CYAE). We cheered on FFA members in the ring, handed out awards during the champion drive, and connected with industry professionals. We also enjoyed time at State Treasurer Daren Deftereos’s home in Hanford before returning to CYAE to announce the winners of the CalAgPlate raffle and then heading home.
After a few days to recharge, we made our way to the Southern Region to host workshops and meet sectional officers at their Sectional Officer Leadership Conference (SOLC). Southern Region FFA brought the hype with an ag olympics tournament, featuring games and entertainment (including an ice cream eating contest!), and closed the night with a dance. A big thank you to the Southern Region FFA Officer Team for their hard work; we felt right at “HOME.”
| | Next, we added finishing touches to our chapter visit workshops and headed to Nevada City for the Superior Region’s Chapter Officer Leadership Conference (COLC). Amid the beautiful forest setting, we hosted workshops on various topics and supported the Superior Region FFA Officer Team with their conference. Thank you to the FFA members in the Superior Region for helping us “RADIATE” positivity in August! | | Big News, California FFA! New State FFA Advisor | | |
We’ve got a new State FFA Advisor and she’s making history! Jill Sperling officially stepped into the role in May, becoming the first woman in FFA’s nearly 100-year history to lead California FFA as State Supervisor of Ag Education and State FFA Advisor.
Mrs. Sperling is no stranger to blue jackets. She’s been cheering on FFA members for decades, from her 14 years teaching ag and coaching teams at Kingsburg High School to her 10 years as Central Region FFA Advisor, where she supported 86 chapters from Sacramento to Merced.
Now she’s ready to bring that same energy and passion to all 108,000+ FFA members and 1,100 ag teachers across California.
“I am immensely proud to be the first female State Supervisor and State FFA Advisor in California,” Mrs. Sperling shared. “I look forward to providing leadership and support to students and teachers across the state.”
FFA runs in Mrs. Sperling’s blood. Her dad held this same role for nearly 30 years, her husband is a former member, and both of her kids have worn the blue jacket too.
This is a big moment for California FFA and we can’t wait to see how Mrs. Sperling helps members like YOU take things to the next level.
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Congrats to Proficiency and Agriscience Finalists | Congratulations to the California FFA members who were recently named National FFA Proficiency Award and Agriscience Fair finalists! These students have demonstrated either exceptional work with their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) or deep investigative work into solving complex problems related to agriculture, food, and natural resources. We’re proud to cheer them on as they head to the 98th National FFA Convention this October, where they will compete for the national title. Best of luck to all of our incredible finalists! |
| | National Convention Registration | | Get ready for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, happening October 29–November 1, 2025! This is your chance to be part of the biggest FFA event of the year. Registration opens September 17, so ask your advisor to sign you up early to lock in the best rates and secure tickets to the live entertainment events. Don’t miss your shot at an unforgettable experience in Indy! | | | |
Love to create, perform, or be on camera? This is YOUR moment! The #SpeakAg State Showcase Competition is your chance to influence and inspire others by telling the story of California agriculture through a short, creative video.
Show off the bounty, diversity, and innovation of California agriculture for a national audience. All entries will be featured at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, and top videos will earn recognition and a banner your chapter can proudly display.
Grab your teammates, bring your best ideas, and start creating!
Submissions due: October 1
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The annual National Rice Month Scholarship Video Contest is up and running! Open to graduating high school students from Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Texas, the contest asks students to create a video that shines a light on U.S. rice. Educate, entertain, and tell us why rice is special—to you, to your state, or to the world!
Three guaranteed scholarship prizes, sponsored by the American Commodity Company, totaling $10,000 will be awarded. Entries are judged on creativity, quality, and effectiveness in telling a story about U.S.-grown rice.
Submissions due: October 15
| | | Get Your Chapter in the Spotlight | | |
We’re looking for more Chapter Highlight submissions so we can put a spotlight on the amazing things happening in FFA chapters across the state. Sharing your story is a great way to inspire other chapters with new ideas and showcase your members’ hard work. Plus, your chapter could be featured in our newsletters and on social media!
Complete the JotForm here: https://form.jotform.com/221983657577069
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San Marcos FFA Members Compete at the San Diego County Fair
Submitted by Seth Serrano, Chapter Secretary
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This summer, 15 freshmen members of the San Marcos FFA Chapter took on a new challenge by competing in the Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, California. For their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project, students designed, built, and planted a whimsical fairy garden.
The project began in January and spanned the entire semester. Each student was responsible for developing their own design plan, selecting plants, and collaborating with their classmates to create the final landscape display. Students were challenged to consider sustainability, water conservation, and colorful plant selection while preparing their exhibition for the fair.
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“We had a design in place and it was part of my vision to bring it to life,” shared San Marcos FFA freshman, Alexander Oliva. “I wanted to showcase how we could use rocks and other materials to create pathways. I think we did well overall.” Classmate Dasha Arrieta added, “I did not know what to expect from this project. I ended up having so much fun, especially when my friends were a part of it as well.”
Through this experience, San Marcos FFA members gained valuable skills in creativity, teamwork, and sustainable design while discovering skills applicable to a career in horticulture.
Follow San Marcos FFA on Instagram.
| | We Want to Share Your Chapter News! | | | | |
Is your FFA chapter making a difference?
Share your story! Gather your info and fill out the form online for a chance to be featured in the California FFA statewide newsletter or on our social media.
tinyurl.com/caffanews
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Follow California FFA on Social Media
#CaliforniaFFA
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California FFA News | news@californiaffa.org | | | | |
