by CrownRandall | May 4, 2025 | Agriculture
UNION CITY – The Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC FFA chapter held its annual parent and member banquet on March 27, 2025 in the cafeteria. Over 300 parents, members, and guests were served. The welcome was led by Drew Walker, and the invocation was given by Shane Germann. The banquet was called to order by our FFA president, Daniel Hartzell, along with the 2024-2025 officer team.
Donor awards were presented to the following sponsors for their continued support and loyalty this past year: Jeffrey Winchester, Bryan Wagoner, Liz Jensen, Scott Geesaman, Preston Deeter, Nick Hamilton, Sherry Dirksen, Brant Watson and the Mississinawa Valley Custodial Staff, Kevin and Kurt Bergman, Amanda Grow and the Cafeteria Staff, Chris Hamilton, Shawn Peters, Matt Aultman, Wade Hunt, Leis Realty, BC Metal Sales, William Siefring Farms, Jeremy Edger, Gail Overholser, Greg Miller, Sean Gerber, Kelly Guillozet, Don and Kim Hummel, Tom Harrod, Drew Walker, Sheila Scholl, Vercy Stachler, Krista Hoggatt, Sarah Smith, Scott Stachler, Jim Stachler, Jason Manning, Heather Manning, Brian and Audrey Hathaway, Didier Home and Hardware, 3 bar J rodeo and ranch, Homestead Quality Bedding, Pam Stump, Shauna Hopkins, Kim Hershey, Todd Grow, Jared Hummel Welding and Fabrication, Christi Hummel, Richard and Kathleen Grow, Harry Birt’s Store, Keens Body Shop, Becky Neukam, Kenneth Gower, Fort Recovery Construction and Equipment, Creative Carpets, Fort Recovery Insurance Agency, Jennifer E. Gerber, Darrel Gower, Debby Gower, Brock Gower Memorial, R and M Trucking, Jeff Keller, Scotti Keller, Jeff Keller, Kyle Bueter, Zach Evers, Cynthia Linder, Billie Hunt, Nicole Nieport, Terry Birt, Bernard Stachler, Tammy Drew, Nikki Hiestand, Jodi Humphries, Grant Stachler, John Winger, Rodeheffer Farms, P & R Communications, Diamond Transport, Johnson Towing and Recovery, Aron Hunt, Brandon Miller, Thomas Gower, Aaron Hummel, Makenna Guillozet, Diana Rodriguez-Garcia, Breanna Germann, Andrew Reichard, Bryson Gower, Andy Byram, Jessica Byram, Krista Miller, Emily Scholl, Paytyn Hiestand, Lilly Severance, Melinda Stachler, Malina Chappie, Emily Clark, Abels Barber Shop, Ansonia Auto Parts, Union City Country Club, Jim and Amy Hanes, Precision Ag Services, Beck’s – Ryan Alexander, Scott’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Emrick and Sons Painting, Matt Nieport, Post Excavating, Connie Germann, Paul Armstrong, Sara Richie, Seth Swallow, Bill Stocksdale, Jamie Stocksdale, Aislinn Miller, Ron Moore, Sandy Skidmore, Casey Miller, Jessica Gower, Kirk Gower, Wiley Well Drilling inc, Williamsburg Stockyards, Winners Quality Meats, Hanes Show Cattle, Sandy Denniston, Debbie Gower, Nick Philiposian, John Hannan, Jennifer Bruns, Lisa DeVaney, Brittany Gessler, Paul Buckmeyer, Kristi Edger, Tonya Fennig and Taylor Remencus.
The Star Greenhand was awarded to two first-year students who have promoted our chapter and attained immense potential. They participated in many events throughout the year and showed the chapter what it looks like to be an involved and dedicated first-year member. The recipients of the Star Greenhand award were McKinley Stachler and Casen Gower.
Harley Hanes was this year’s Star Chapter Farmer. Harley’s SAE consists of breeding and showing market sheep. Harley loves her long hours in the barn dedicated to excellence in the sheep industry. Harley plans to pursue a degree in agriculture at The Ohio State University.
This year’s Star in Ag Placement is Braden Wisner for his work at Wisner Painting and Murphy Nursery. Braden plans to attend Sinclair in HVAC.
This year’s Star in Ag Business is Reily Hanes for his work in building his name and reputation and working with his family in the beef and rodeo industry. He is the son of Joe and Mary Hanes. Reily has the drive to be an entrepreneur.
Blue and Gold, the colors of the FFA shine through in Daniel Hartzell’s thoughts, words and actions. He is a great example of a young person who lives out the FFA Creed.
The DEKALB® Ag Accomplishment Award showcases the abilities of outstanding agriculture students. The award is presented annually to one FFA student per chapter who exemplifies scholarship, commitment and work ethic. Aldon Edger is the recipient of the DeKalb Award. Aldon is the son of Jeremy and Kristi Edger.
The following members were recognized for their significant roles in fundraising for the chapter through the annual fruit sale:
Raising $250 to $800:
Emma Brock, Caleb Spradling, Ethan Loy, Aldon Edger, Rachael Philiposian, Evan Hiestand, Owen Hiestand, Paige Emrick, Ty Houser, Tenlee Woodbury, Hailey Buddo, Phoenix Mote, Addysan Preston, Hunter Cox, Caden Hanes, Shelby Fennig, Gretchen Rodeheffer, Cayde Neukam, Leland Neukam, Ethan Grow, Makayla Grow, Brooklyn Crain, Jada Zheringer, Quentin Hanes, Tristen Hemmerich, Marina Trobridge, Brooklynn Seubert, Elliott Seubert, Cassidy Seubert, Cade Seubert, Ella Livingston, Taylee Woodbury, Gage Hill, Colton Hiestand, Wyatt Stump, and Cole McGlothlin.
Raising Over $800:
Allyson Waymire, Matalin Meyer, Rylie Alexander, Ava Hummel, Daniel Hartzell, Shane Germann, Emily Byram, Casen Gower, McKinley Stachler, Cora Hoggatt, Makenna Hoggatt, Cooper Nieport, Caeden Fritz, and Leland Kaufmann.
The top three sales people were Casen Gower with $1,924 worth of fruit, second place was Shane German with $2,314 worth of fruit and Emily and Nate Byram with $2,629 worth of fruit.
Attendance awards were given to students with a perfect attendance record at the monthly meetings. Those students were: Rylie Alexander, Ashton Amspaugh, Caelie Bard, Emily Byram, Nathan Byram, Hunter Cox, Brooklynn Crain, Ramiro De La Torre, Stephany De La Torre, Aldon Edger, Paige Emrick, Caeden Fritz, Shane Germann, Ayden Gibson, Ethan Grow, Makayla Grow, Caden Hanes, Cole Hanes, Harley Hanes, Quentin Hanes, Conner Hardy, Daniel Hartzell, Taylor Holden, Ty Houser, Miles Hughs, Ava Hummel, Aubrey Lang, Ella Livingston, Brennan Manning, Matalin Meyer, Cooper Nieport, Rachael Philiposian, Arabella Pierce, Addysan Preston, Gretchen Rodeheffer, Cade Seubert, Cassidy Seubert, Elliot Seubert, Journey Shafer, Caleb Spradling, McKinley Stachler, Emma Temple, Nick Ward, Grayson Wilkerson, Braden Wisner, Maia Wisner, Peyton Wolfe, Taylee Woodbury and Jada Zehringer.
This year’s honorary degree recipients were Level MB, Drew Walker, and Jeremy Edger. Level MB has received this award for their renovations in our Agriculture building. Level MB did an amazing job transforming the classrooms and the ag shop. Drew Walker has served as the Ag Communications coach, chaperoned the state convention, and helped our chapter through various events. Jeremy Edger supports the chapter through monetary donations, coaching the Agronomy team, and purchasing 20 new official dress jackets. We are very grateful to these people who have made our chapter successful. Congratulations to this year’s honorary members!
The following proficiency awards were handed out at the chapter level and each recipient received $20 from the Mississinawa Valley FFA Alumni :
Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Aron Ramirez
Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship – Ethan Grow
Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Leland Kauffman
Beef Production Placement – Riely Hanes
Beef Production Entrepreneurship – Wyatt Stump
Diversified Crop Production – Elliott Seubert
Diversified Livestock Production – Philip Geesaman
Diversified Horticulture Production- Brooklynn Seubert
Diversified Livestock Production- Colton Hiestand
Forage Production – Emma Brock
Equine Science Entrepreneurship- Tenlee Woodberry
Goat Production- Marina Trobridge
Grain Production- Cooper Nieport
Landscape Management – Jaxin Beanblossom
Outdoor Recreation- Ty Houser
Sheep Production- Harley Hanes
Specialty Crop Production- Hailey Buddo
Swine Production- Ethan Loy
Veterinary Science – Summer Harter
Vegetable Production- Rachael Philliposian
Service Learning – Caeden Fritz
Turf and Landscape Management- Braden Wisner
The banquet concluded with the installation of the 2025-2026 officers which consist of: President- Brennan Manning, Vice President- Matalin Meyer, Second Vice President- Shane Germann, Secretary- McKinley Stachler, Treasurer- Philip Geesaman, Reporter- Emma Brock, Sentinels- Ty Houser and Peyton Wolfe, Historian – Ava Hummel, Parliamentarian – Gretchen Rodeheffer, Student Advisor- Rylie Alexander
Mississinawa Valley- MVCTC Agriculture Program is a satellite of Miami Valley Career Technology Center.
by CrownRandall | May 4, 2025 | Agriculture
I hope this Newsletter finds you well. Despite some rain throughout the county, plenty of field work has been getting done. Manure, fertilizer, and pesticide applications have been occurring, and several farmers have had the chance to start planting when the weather allows. Unsurprisingly, Darke County has had sufficient moisture thanks to the rains we’ve experienced
(https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips_39037. Be sure to cooperate with any farm equipment on the roads, and stay safe in the fields!
The nice weather also encourages gardeners to get some seeds planted. If you are looking for seeds to get your garden started or would like to add to the seeds you already have, you may be interested in the Darke County Garden Giveaway. The OSU Extension office will be offering free packets of seed, with each large packet containing smaller packets of spinach, cucumber, green bean, carrot, and lettuce seed. Planting information will be included in the seed packet. Let me know if you are interested in these seeds or if you have any questions.
The NRCS is offering the opportunity for poultry operations to increase biosecurity on their farm through free Biosecurity Assessments. These assessments will assist producers in increasing their farms’ biosecurity and provide cost-share opportunities. More details and contact information can be found in the attached flyer.
I’ll be at Worch Library on May 15th at 4:00 p.m. to conduct the program Spring Into Gardening. We’ll discuss the makings of a spring garden, what plants to grow, and how to help them be successful. I hope to see you there!
Our next Darke County Garden Roundtables will be May 14th at 12:00 p.m. and May 21st at 6:00 p.m. Both sessions will be at the OSU Extension office, and the agenda is attached.
The next Darke County Ag Breakfast will be May 16th at 7:30 a.m. at Jack’s Cabin in Greenville.
This week’s Newsletter topics include:
· Alfalfa Weevil Update
· Body Condition Scoring for Beef Cattle
· Drone Laws in Ohio
· Gifting to Manage Estate Taxes
· Spring Pasture Management
· What We Know About Biologicals
I hope you enjoy this week’s Newsletter, and as always, never hesitate to reach out to me and let me know how I can best serve you and all of Darke County.
by Caden Buschur, Darke County Extension Educator
by CrownRandall | Apr 28, 2025 | Agriculture
GREENVILLE – The Greenville FFA Chapter proudly celebrated its 95th Annual Banquet, honoring the hard work, dedication, and achievements of its outstanding members. The event, held in the Greenville Middle School cafeteria, brought together students, families, alumni, and community supporters to recognize excellence in leadership, career development events, and awards.
One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of scholarships to a graduating senior who has shown exceptional commitment to agricultural education and FFA values. This scholarship will support this student as they continue their education and pursue careers in the agriculture industry and beyond. Marissa Hicks, our 24–25-chapter president, received the Ben Overholser Foundation Scholarship.
In addition to scholarships, members were recognized for their accomplishments in Career Development Events (CDEs), where students apply classroom knowledge to real-world agricultural challenges. Awards were given across a range of events, including livestock judging, agronomy, soil judging, tractor trouble shooting, public speaking, dairy judging, vet science and ag mechanics. Many Greenville FFA teams earned top rankings at the district and state levels, a testament to the chapter’s dedication to excellence and hands-on learning. Livestock judging recipients: Marissa Hicks, Cooper Hunt, Troy Lavy, Taylor Trissel, Emma Stith, and Meredith Hunt. Agronomy recipients: Lucas Wright. Soil Judging recipients: Marissa Hicks, Allison Francis, Mason Hangen, Troy Lavy, Bo Melton, Taylor Trissel, Skylynn Kessinger, Emma Stith, Cash Bubeck, Austin Bush, Hunter Burns, Lane Francis, Drew Garber, Bentley Huecker, Meredith Hunt, Caleigh Stebbins, Kylee Stith, and Riley Thomas. Tractor trouble shooting recipients: Marissa Hicks, Mason Hangen, Bo Melton, and Owen Shaffer. Public Speaking recipients: Marissa Hicks, Allison Francis, Taylor Trissel, Kylee Stith, and Lucas Wright. Dairy Judging recipients: Marissa Hicks, Taylor Trissel, and Lane Francis. Vet science recipient: Taylor Trissel. Ag mechanics recipients: Bo Melton, and Owen Shaffer.
Leadership awards were also a central focus of the banquet. Students who served as chapter officers, committee chairs, and team leaders were acknowledged for their commitment to service, responsibility, and teamwork. These young leaders have not only made a difference within the chapter but have represented Greenville FFA with pride across the state. These recipients were: Bo Melton, Emma Stith, Taylor Trissel, Allison Francis, Marissa Hicks, Wyatt Hissong, Kyrie Unger, Kylee Stith, Lucas Wright, and Julia Yohey.
“This banquet is a celebration of the hard work our students put in every day,” said Korey Garland, Greenville’s chapter advisor. “It’s about more than awards—it’s about recognizing growth, leadership, and the impact these students are making now and will continue to make in the future.”
As the chapter looks ahead to another year of learning and leadership, the 95th Annual Banquet served as a powerful reminder of the tradition, passion, and promise that define Greenville FFA.
