by CrownRandall | Apr 10, 2025 | Agriculture
ARCANUM – Arcanum MVCTC FFA members recently competed in the Ohio FFA Grain Merchandising Contest. The purpose of the Grain Merchandising Contest is to stimulate interest in the area of grain merchandising and to make students aware of the complex decision-making process associated with merchandising agricultural products.
Arcanum MVCTC FFA members, Charlie Weiss, Lance Brinksneader, Katelynne Michael, Carrie Denlinger, Brooke Anderson, Seth Fearon, Ethan Hartman, Cheyenne Swisher, Landon Miller, Danicka Michael and Avery Bowser completed the online test portion of the contest in January. During the online test, students were given 50 general knowledge questions about Grain Merchandising and 5 problem-solving questions. The questions included puts, calls, basis, and hedging. The team finished in the top 10 in the State and qualified for the State Finals on April 2nd.
Charlie, Lance, Katelynne, and Carrie traveled to Wilmington College, where they completed a simulation in which they were tasked with marketing 20,000 bushels of grain across a calendar year using different grain marketing contracts.
At the end of the contest, the team from Arcanum was 2nd in the State.
The team members would like to thank Janelle Bell for coaching the team.
by CrownRandall | Apr 10, 2025 | Agriculture
ARCANUM – The Arcanum MVCTC FFA held its annual banquet on Sunday, March 30. The banquet celebrated the accomplishments that the FFA members accumulated over the past year.
To begin the ceremony, Lance Brinksneader, Sentinel, introduced and thanked all of the guests of the Arcanum MVCTC FFA. Included in the list of guests were teachers, staff members, board members, and administration from Arcanum and MVCTC. Members were recognized for their participation in various chapter activities and new levels of degree membership attained.
The Officer team presented the CDE plaques for the 2024-2025 School Year. The first CDE of the school year was Rural Soil Judging, with the team consisting of Henry Weiss, Danicka Michael, Moxon Gilpin, Alaina Brown, Zion North, Bohdan Menzie, Tripp Rimmer, Matthew Denlinger, Noah Egnor. The Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Team members were Charlie Weiss, Matthew Denlinger, Noah Egnor, Lance Brinksneader, Henry Weiss, Weston Stephens, Ethan Hartman, Landon Miller, Ben Hartman, Cody Werling, Robby Denniston, Landon McVey, Hudson Knaus, Sean Madigan, Seth Fearon, Colton Pool and Zion North. Charlie, Matthew, Noah, and Lance qualified for the Ohio FFA State Finals and placed 5th in the State.
The Food Science Contest allowed members to complete product development, taste testing and food safety. Members taking the Food Science online test were Kamryn Beisner, Danicka Michael, Mora Menzie, Cheyenne Swisher, Marli Morris and Katelynne Michael.
The Officer Team highlighted the CDEs that are life skills for everyone. The Job Interview Contest requires members to complete a resume and then complete an in-person mock interview. The Job Interview participants were Aly Abelquist, Katelynne Michael, and Danicka Michael. The public speakers for Arcanum were Seth Fearon and Katelynne Michael in Extemporaneous Speaking and Cheyenne Swisher in Advanced Prepared. Seth was 2nd in the county contest and moved on to districts, where he was 3rd.
The Ag Biotechnology Contest participants were Landon Miller, Katelynne Michael, Mora Menzie, Carrie Denlinger, Cheyenne Swisher, and Danicka Michael. The team qualified for the state finals and finished 11th in the State
The 2025 Grain Merchandising Team members were Charlie Weiss, Lance Brinksneader, Katelynne Michael, Carrie Denlinger, Brooke Anderson, Seth Fearon, Ethan Hartman, Cheyenne Swisher, Landon Miller, Danicka Michael, and Avery Bowser. The Grain Merchandising Team qualified for the State Finals. Charlie, Katelynne, Carrie and Lance traveled to Wilmington College to test their grain marketing skills in the finals, where they finished 2nd in the state.
The Farm Business Management Team also excelled at the State Level, finishing 1st in the Ohio FFA. Team members were Charlie Weiss, Katelynne Michael, Landon Miller, Ethan Hartman, Lance Brinksneader, Seth Fearon, Carrie Denlinger, Cheyenne Swisher, Dane Byers, Matthew Denlinger, Danicka Michael and Tripp Rimmer.
Even though the Spring Judging Contests didn’t feel like Spring weather, members were excited to evaluate livestock animals. Members of the General Livestock Team were Lance Brinksneader, Seth Fearon, Charlie Weiss, Katelynne Michael, Cheyenne Swisher and Carrie Denlinger, Dane Byers, Danicka Michael, Avery Bowser, Mackenzie Subler, Cooper Shilt Kennedy Freeman, and Gabby Nottingham. The General Livestock Team finished 14th in the State Prelims. The Equine Judging Team Members were Ethan Hartman, Ben Hartman, Ashlynn Tegtmeyer, Katie Bradford, Zion North, Moxon Gilpin, Aly Abelquist, and Tripp Rimmer. The Dairy Judging Team Members were Lance Brinksneader, Charlie Weiss, Robby Denniston, Katelynne Michael, Bohdan Menzie, Henry Weiss, Mora Menzie, Danicka Michael, Carrie Denlinger, and Donnie Hathaway. The Dairy team finished 2nd in the State Prelims and will compete in the State Finals
The second half of the school year offered multiple members the opportunity to compete in agricultural mechanics contests. The first was the Ag Power and Industrial Diagnostics contest, with team members Weston Stephens, Matthew Dennlinger, Henry Weiss, and Moxon Gilpin troubleshooting farm equipment. The Ag Mechanics Skills contests test members on various activities including welding, soldering and tool identification. Team members were Henry Weiss, Weston Stephens, and Matthew Denlinger. The Ag Mechanics team placed 3rd in the district. Finally, the Outdoor Power Contest involved everything small engine-related. Members competing were Hudson Knaus, Weston Stephens and Matthew Denlinger. The Outdoor Power team finished 2nd in the district and qualified for the state finals
The Chapter recognized members for earning membership degrees within the organization. After the Greenhand and Chapter Degree recipients were recognized, the officer team handed out plaques to this year’s 5 State FFA Degree Recipients: Lance Brinksneader, Ethan Hartman, Landon Miller, Cheyenne Swisher, and Charlie Weiss
Special Awards were also given to members who excelled throughout the past year. Top fruit sales persons’ awards were presented to Robby Denniston – 3rd, Katelynne and Danicka Michael – 2nd, Cheyenne Swisher – 1st. The top strawberry sales persons were presented to Noah Combs – 3rd, Cheyenne Swisher – 2nd, and Katelynne and Danicka Michael – 1st.
Mr. Brian Pohlman then addressed the crowd and gave an appreciation to the Arcanum – Butler Local School and Miami Valley CTC Administration and Boards of Education. The Chapter Advisor then presented the top awards for the evening. FFA Members are tasked with taking on various roles within the organization and leading in numerous events and activities. Members recognized for placing in the district with their proficiency awards were Katelynne Michael – Small Animal Care, Seth Fearon – Swine Production, and Ethan Hartman – Equine Science. Members recognized with the Leadership Award were Henry Weiss, Mora Menzie, Matthew Denlinger and Carrie Denlinger. The top members in each grade were presented with the Outstanding Member Awards. Chapter Advisor Mr. Brian Pohlman talked about each member’s involvement and then presented him or her with a plaque commemorating his or her hard work. They were: Freshman-Moxon Gilpin and Zion North, Sophomore-Danicka Michael, Junior-Cheynne Swisher, Lance Brinksneader and Charlie Weiss, and Senior-Seth Fearon. Star Awards recognize members’ accomplishments.
The Star Greenhand award winners were Katie Bradford and Hudson Knaus. The Star Chapter Farmer award is given to the member who has excelled in a SAE that is related directly to the Farm; this year’s recipient was Brooke Anderson. The Star Chapter Ag Placement award is given to the member who works in an Ag placement area. This year’s recipient was Landon Miller. The Star in Agri-Business award is given to the member who has successfully run their own business; this year’s recipient is Ethan Hartman. The Ag Accomplishment Award is awarded to the member who has excelled in Ag and FFA. This year’s Ag Accomplishment Award winner was Katelynne Michael.
Senior chapter Officers were recognized for their years of service. The officers were Chaplain – Ethan Hartman, Reporter- Mora Menzie, Treasurer- Carrie Denlinger, Secretary – Katelynne Michael, Vice-President- Seth Fearon, and President – Brooke Anderson.
During the banquet,t the chapter was honored to have the Overholser Family present the Ben Overholser Memorial Scholarship to 3 graduating seniors – Seth Fearon, Katelynne Michael, and Ethan Hartman.
The final award of the night was the Honorary Chapter Degrees. This honor is bestowed on members of the school or community for their contributions to the success of the chapter. This year’s Honorary Chapter Degree was presented to Mr. Chris Michael.
The ceremony was concluded with the induction of the 2025-2026 Arcanum MVCTC Officer Team. President Lance Brinksneader, Vice-President Charlie Weiss, Secretary Cheynne Swisher, Treasurer Kamryn Beisner, Reporter Danicka Michael, Sentinel Ben Hartman, Student Advisor Robby Denniston, Historian Mackenzie Subler. The Arcanum MVCTC FFA would like to thank everyone for their support of the chapter.
by CrownRandall | Apr 7, 2025 | Agriculture
VERSAILLES – On Saturday, April 5th, Maggie McGlinnch, a member of the Versailles FFA Chapter, participated in the State FFA Officer interviews vying for a spot on the 2025-2026 State FFA Officer Team.
As part of the interview process, Maggie completed an application, agriculture education and agriculture industry, along with a personal interview, led a scenario conversation with an agriculture business leader, recorded a video on why he desired to be on the Ohio FFA Association State FFA Officer and sent in thank you notes to be evaluated.
The announcement of the Ohio FFA State Officer ballot will take place at the upcoming State FFA Convention.
Versailles FFA and Maggie McGlinch wish to thank the following individuals who assisted in preparing Maggie for the officer interviews they included: Maria Homan, Tommy Shaw, Amy Hoying, Jacki Stonebraker, Laura Wuebker, JoAnn Pfeiffer and Lucy Bambauer.
Good luck to Maggie!
by CrownRandall | Apr 6, 2025 | Agriculture
NELSONVILLE – On Saturday, March 29, the Versailles FFA Wildlife team participated in the State FFA Wildlife Career Development Event at Hocking College, where they earned an impressive 8th place overall in the state.
The team was composed of Luke Kaiser, Josh Henry, Jace Bohman and Sam Albers, who represented the top four members. Additional team members included Josie Pothast, Reed Grilliot, Danica York, Ethan Wilker, Jack Borches, Natalie Gehret, Kallie Banks, Eli Keiser, Colten Spradlin, Jaelyn Hecht, Dale Petijean, Cole Williams, Simeon Hess, Logan Nerderman, Jacob Simons and Drake Ahrens. Luke Kaiser demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge, achieving 4th place individually in the state.
In the middle school division, Ben Kaiser distinguished himself by placing 8th overall. The Wildlife Career Development Event required participants to demonstrate their proficiency in identifying mammals, birds, plants, fish, and wildlife-related equipment.
Additionally, team members engaged in practical exercises related to pond management, game laws and regulations, and habitat management.
The Versailles FFA Wildlife team extends its sincere appreciation to Coach John Kaiser for his guidance and dedication in preparing the team for this prestigious competition.
by CrownRandall | Apr 6, 2025 | Agriculture
I hope this Newsletter finds you well. Hopefully nobody has faced too much impact from harsh weather this past week. We have been receiving some significant rains, with more expected in the coming days. Even with the precipitation, part of Darke County is considered to be abnormally dry (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips_39037). The wet soils are limiting field and garden work, but we’ll likely see more before long. More information on the weather will be shared in the attached Newsletter.
Today is International Carrot Day! This may not be a widely celebrated day, but it’s a good opportunity to promote a classic garden staple. Whether or not you’ve grown them in the past, consider including this root crop in your garden this year. There are countless varieties available, and they are a fun crop to grow.
While there haven’t been any officially confirmed cases recently, it is important to remain aware of HPAI in Darke County and the surrounding region. Continue using proper biosecurity measures when working with backyard flocks. More information on biosecurity, as well as the latest numbers of Bird Flu, can be tracked at the ODA website: https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/animal-health/hpai/01-poultry
I’ll be discussing Pheasants at Worch Library on April 10th at 6:00 p.m. We’ll be discussing pheasants in nature, raising pheasants, and what we can do to support pheasants. I’ll be joined by a special guest, and I hope to see you there.
The next Darke County Garden Roundtables will be April 9th at 12:00 p.m., and April 23rd at 6:00 p.m. The agenda is attached.
The next Darke County Ag Breakfast will be April 25th at 7:30 a.m. at Jack’s Cabin in Greenville.
This week’s Newsletter topics include:
· Checking Your Soybean Seeding Rate
· Encouraging Good Behaviors in Heifers
· How Grain Source Impacts Dairy Rations
· Spring Nitrogen Fertilization for Winter Annual Grain Forages
· Using Dairy Manure with Newly Planted Corn and Soybeans
· Weather Update
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 6, 2025 | Agriculture
I hope this Newsletter finds you well. We’ve had some typical back-and-forth weather at the beginning of spring, but hopefully, nice weather will be here to stay before long (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips_39037). Some field work has begun already, and the fields will be buzzing with activity before we know it.
While there haven’t been any officially confirmed cases recently, it is important to remain aware of HPAI in Darke County and the surrounding region. Continue using proper biosecurity measures when working with backyard flocks. More information on biosecurity, as well as the latest numbers of Bird Flu, can be tracked at the ODA website: https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/animal-health/hpai/01-poultry
I’ll be discussing Pheasants at Worch Library on April 10th at 6:00 p.m. We’ll be discussing pheasants in nature, raising pheasants, and what we can do to support pheasants. I’ll be joined by a special guest, and I hope to see you there.
The next Darke County Garden Roundtables will be April 9th at 12:00 p.m., and April 23rd at 6:00 p.m. The agenda is attached.
The next Darke County Ag Breakfast will be April 25th at 7:30 a.m. at Jack’s Cabin in Greenville.
This week’s Newsletter topics include:
· Early Spring Lawncare
· FARMS Comprehensive Tool for Farm Transition Planning
· Forming a Nutrient Management Plan
· How and Why to Hire an Arborist
· How to Onboard New Hires Successfully
· Using Early Seeded Spring Forage to Fill Shortfalls
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
