Cardinals shine at state
FFA has successful convention; named top 10 chapter
NEW BREMEN — Twenty-six members of the New Bremen FFA Chapter recently attended the State FFA Convention held at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. This was the first in-person State FFA Convention since May 2019. The chapter and members were recognized for multiple different awards throughout the convention. Prior to attending the convention, members attended several educational tours. Members toured the Dole Fresh Foods plant in Springfield and learned about the steps in processing lettuce. Members then toured ST Genetics Ohio Heifer Center before touring the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Six members were named state finalists in the State Proficiency Award Program which awards students who have outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Projects.
Emma Homan was named as the state runnerup in the area of Agricultural Sales Placement for her SAE at True Value Hardware.
Lauren Homan placed third in the state in the area of Dairy Production Placement. Her SAE consists of working at Homan Dairy Farm.
Troy Homan was named as the state runner-up in the area of Forage Production for his SAE at Marvin Homan Dairy Farm.
Jared Weigandt was named as the state winner in the area of Landscape Management for his work at Sidney Lawn and Landscaping.
Max Homan competed in two areas and was named as the state runner-up in the area of Diversified Agricultural Production and the State Winner in Dairy Production Placement for his SAEs at Marvin Homan Dairy.
Liam Homan also competed in two award areas and placed third in the area of Diversified Agricultural Production and was the State Winner in Grain Production. His SAE consists of working on Homan Beef Farm. Jared, Max and Liam will have their proficiency applications forwarded to the national level this summer for competition at the national level.
The chapter was recognized on stage for being a Top Ten Chapter in the state of Ohio based on the National Chapter Award Program which evaluates chapters on their activities which build leaders, grow communities and strengthen agriculture.
Additionally, the chapter was named as a Gold Medal Chapter in Ohio and named a Top Ten Chapter in each of the three National Chapter Divisions of: Growing Leaders, Building Communities and Strengthening Agriculture. The chapter’s National Chapter Application will be forwarded to the national level this summer for competition there.
Three New Bremen FFA Officers were recognized on stage for having Gold Rated Officer books, which is the highest rating their books can receive. Those officers included: Secretary Megan Ritter; Treasurer Troy Homan and Reporter Lauren Homan.
Two members were selected for the State FFA Choir. Freshmen members Roman Spragg and Tanner This represented the chapter during the convention by participating in and performing in the State FFA Choir.
Additionally, six members received the State FFA Degree which is the highest degree the Ohio FFA Association can bestow upon its members. Members had to earn $3,000 as a result of their SAE projects, compete in two Career Development Events, complete 25 hours of community service, meet GPA and attendance requirements, and participate in two other state or national level FFA activities. Members who earned their degrees included: Dylan Bambauer, Hank Elshoff, Lauren Homan, Troy Homan, Lauren Paul and Megan Ritter.
This year’s State Degree Recipients included: Dylan Bambauer, Troy Homan, Hank Elshoff, Lauren Homan, Megan Ritter and Lauren Paul.