North Central Kansas Officers

North Central Kansas Officers

Friday, February 27, 2015

Risk Worth Taking



  “Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.” - Denis Waitley

  Hello NCD, I am Lane Nichols, and over the past year, I have been blessed with the opportunity of being the North Central District Sentinel. I would like to begin by telling you all a little about myself. Many of you know me for FFA. Besides being a district officer, I have been highly involved in Career Development Events at both the district and state levels, but outside of FFA, I have also tried to stay
active. I am a three sport athlete with cross country, basketball, and golf, and a member of National Honor Society, 4-H, band, and drama club.
Showing a steer in our county fairs round robin show.
Throughout high school, I have always felt constantly overwhelmed with homework and extracurricular activities, but now that I’m a senior, I look back on my first three years of high school as being a piece of cake. Between all the homework, sports, and scholarships, I think it’s safe to say that “senioritis” is beginning to set in. Even though I look forward to May 17 when I get to walk the stage to receive my high school diploma, I also realize that with being a senior, many of the things I have loved doing for much of my life are coming to an end.

Our district officer team prepping for our district dodge ball tournament
As I reflect on the last several years, the thing that bugs me the most is that I haven’t always seized the moment and taken advantage of the opportunities put before me. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a blast with high school, but I want to challenge you to go out and try something new. When I made the decision to run for a district office, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and I saw that as a risk! But I’m not just talking about FFA. I mean risk trying a new activity. Or risk talking to that group of people that you always avoid. Do something that challenges you and gets you out of your comfort zone. Edward Whitacre Jr., the founder of General Motors, gets my point across perfectly in his words, “Be willing to step outside your comfort zone once in a while; take the risks in life that seem worth taking. The ride might not be as predictable as if you’d just planted your feet and stayed put, but it will be a heck of a lot more interesting.” Now, North Central Kansas FFA, don’t sit back and let life pass you by, go out and take advantage of your opportunities!




Your North Central District Sentinel,
Lane Nichols

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Fun on the Farm

The birth of an animal on the farm leads to an mindset of excitement for everyone. The excitement of when babies will be born, the excitement of wondering how many newborns there will be, and the excitement of how to manage all the newborns at the same time. Excitement for everyone, that is, except me.
Hi guys! My name is Kyler Langvardt and I’m serving as the North Central District District Reporter this year! I hail from Chapman Kansas, where I was raised on a family farm. I attend Chapman High School where I’m involved with, well, just about everything.
When I first joined FFA, my parents always joked about my affection towards agriculture. Their favorite story to tell occurred when I was just 8 years old. It was a cold winter day, and our family had just started raising sheep. With our sheep being relatively new, the charm of them hadn’t quite worn off, so everytime there was a new set of lambs, my siblings rushed out to see them. I, on the other hand, was sitting in our living room, playing my video games.
After my parents finally talked me into going outside, I hopped from hole to hole, following in my father’s footsteps so I wouldn’t get any snow in my boots. When we finally reached our barn, my mother pulled out her camera and tried to capture the perfect picture of me and my siblings holding the cute newborn lambs. Forcing a smile on my face, the picture was taken and I blurted out, “Okay, I saw them. I’m going back inside now.”, and rushed backed indoors to resume my game.
In all actuality, I would have rather raised my herds of online animals in Farmville, then taken time out of my schedule to go outside and help my father with the daily chores. So the cycle had begun. The cycle of not wanting to help my dad with chores for my 4-H project, getting to our county fair and happily tugging my goats around the arena, then bawling my eyes out when the goats went off to market, even though I had barely got to know them.
My early days of showing animals didn't always end the way I would have liked, but now I love going to different shows and meeting new people!
My involvement in agriculture stayed minimal the next few years, only consisting of my dad hauling me around for chores and the weekly visits to our livestock sale barns. The thought of spending my perfectly good Saturday morning doing repetitive chores instead of sleeping in made me cringe, that is, until I joined FFA. Don’t get me wrong; waking up early in the morning for work is still a struggle, but I now understand why it’s necessary. Only being exposed to one aspect of agriculture in my early years had worn me out, but when I joined FFA, I was able to experience all aspects of agriculture.
Agriculture isn’t just those farmers and ranchers putting day after day of work in, to feed the growing population. It’s a complex network that includes business men, activists, and everyday people who love this industry.
My awesome teammates and I! With each others help, we've learned not just how diverse our team is, but how diverse the Agriculture industry is as well!
It seems like the message thats given to our generation is, that to be successful, you have to get off the farm. Now, it’s more than likely I’ll never end up back on my family farm, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be involved with it. In the future, I hope to be able to promote farms and agricultural businesses in a positive light through Agricultural Communications. Whether it’s designing an innovative website or writing stories about inspirational agriculturists who can motivate the next generation, I’ll still be on the farm. I challenge you to look past the typical agricultural mold, and find a way to make a difference on not only the farm, but the agricultural industry as well!

Your 2014-15 
North Central District Reporter,

Kyler Langvardt

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

A Slice of the Pie

  Towards the end of my 8th grade year I had heard of FFA, but really didn't know what it was all about. At my school, all 8th graders considering joining the Ag program are invited to a sort of recruitment party, and most of the 8th graders go because there’s free pizza. So, my entire FFA career was basically started over a slice of pizza!
This years pizza party for my chapter and interested 8th graders
  Growing up, I didn't really have an extremely strong background in agriculture; although, both of my parents grew up with a strong agriculture background and were both FFA members. When I was 12, my dad approached me about starting a lawn care and landscaping company. That conversation sparked my interest in the Supervised Agricultural Program, which really led to my membership in FFA. My first year as a member doesn't really stand out. I tried a couple CDE’s and met a few people, but other than that, I never really got involved. I was really shy and it didn't help that I missed about 3 months of my freshman year. (More on this later)
My parents FFA Jackets from their time in the Wabaunsee FFA chapter.
  This all changed when my advisor approached me about running for chapter office. I spent sophomore year as my chapter reporter, and it completely changed my experience in FFA. Once I started getting really involved in my chapter, I became good friends with a couple of members that were older than me. They were all leaders in our chapter and I really owe where I am today in FFA to them. They introduced me to a lot of people in our district, and it was because of these new friends that I got more involved on the district level.
  I was meeting new people and had found a couple of contests that I really liked. I got the opportunity to compete at state and attend state convention as a delegate. I had a great time there with all my friends and just enjoyed some time outside of school. My sophomore year is really what inspired me to jump into FFA wholeheartedly, and that same group of friends, are who convinced me to run for district office. This year, I’ve had the honor of serving as North Central District Treasurer and as Southeast of Saline chapter President; both have been absolutely life changing for me. The experiences I’ve had with my officer team, gives me a group of incredibly close friends that I could not imagine how my life would be without them. Its mind boggling to me that my entire life was forever changed by that one slice of pizza three years ago.
This years North Central District Officer team after a successful Greenhand Conference!
  The speech I gave when running for district office was about my time in the hospital. I have something called Guillian-BarrĂ© syndrome; my immune system attacked my nerves. I was losing all feeling, and was paralyzed from the neck down for about a month. I wasn’t given that great of chance of surviving and was given an even less likely chance of ever walking again. We all have those sorts of defining moments in life, where we choose how we are going to let a challenge hold us back, or continue to live our life. I challenge you to find your “slice” in agriculture and in FFA, despite all the challenges you face every day.



Your 2014-15 North Central District Treasurer,
Wyatt Rutherford







Tuesday, February 24, 2015

You Create Your Own Opportunities

  Life is full of risky situations that can leave you scared and wondering if you made the right decision. If you decide to never take risks, many opportunities can be missed. Running for a district office, for example, is a risk that I took that left me nervous for the future and very, very happy.
  My name is Gabryelle Gilliam and I am the 2014-2015 North Central District Secretary. I am a senior at Washington County and am enjoying every minute of my busy schedule! I am very involved in showing livestock through 4-H, FFA activities, and of course, trying to fill out as many scholarships as possible (K-State here I come).  I am also trying to spend as much time with my friends and family before my high school days come to an end.
  Throughout my life I have had many opportunities presented to me through both showing livestock and FFA. Having the chance to meet many influential people in the agricultural industry and travel the country is something that I am beyond thankful for. I’m sure when my dad first got me showing at the age of seven, he never imaged I would fall so in love with livestock and dedicate myself as much as I have. When I was little, I was extremely shy and refused to talk to new people; sometimes I even hid from family! I was raised to be independent, though, and my dad tells me every day to stand up for what I believe in. When I started living by those words, I started creating my own opportunities.


Showing my steer at the Kansas Beef Expo (one of my newest adventures)

  Over the past few years, I have gone to different showing events without my family. I know this was hard on my dad at first (Daddy’s little girl here), but it helped to push me to where I am today. At first this was just local events that I would hitch a ride too. Last year, however, I was able to show at the National Western Stock Show, which is in the middle of calving season for my family. There is no way my dad could take me, so I called on some friends. I was able to create this opportunity by stepping out of my comfort zone and knowing that I was capable of doing everything necessary to have my livestock ready to show on my own.
 Another opportunity I created was with my steer this year (pictured above). In previous years I have shown cattle at the county fair that my family had raised. This year, however, I had a new desire to show cattle. There is a family that lives a few miles from me that raises show calves and I spent my summer lifeguarding (did I mention I hate swimming?) in order to buy myself a steer. Not only did I have a summer full of memories at the pool, I have also found a love in showing cattle and cannot wait to see what this year will hold!
  Above of all of this, my decision to run for an FFA District Office was the most life-changing. There is so much time and commitment put into both running for office, and then once being elected it feels like the dedication level between you are your team increases 100 percent. My fellow officers have come to be some of my best friends and have impacted me in ways that I could never thank them.
The 2014-15 North Central District Officer Team; also known as my best friends

  As our time as a team begins to wind down, we end up talking about our futures nearly every day. Seeing the passion for FFA in my team, and finding out how much I truly love this organization, has pushed me to take one more risk. I have decided to run for a State FFA Office for the upcoming year. Whether I actually am elected as an officer is not what is most important, however. The most amazing thing in my opinion is that a shy little seven-year-old was able to create enough opportunities for herself to even have this chance.
  Trust me, I know taking chances can be scary. I know things do not always work out. However, according to the words of H. Jackson Brown, “Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity.” I challenge each and every one of you to take a risk, create an opportunity, and watch as life shows you all that is has to offer.


Your 2014-2015 North Central District Secretary,

Gabryelle Gilliam

Finding Your Passion

    "It is said that when you find something to care about, you have discovered your purpose." I didn't know it then, but I believe I found my purpose at a very young age.
Hey y'all! I am Katelyn Bohnenblust, your 2014-2015 North Central District Vice-President. I have had the privilege to meet many of you throughout this year, but here is a quick introduction for those of you whom I have not met.
  I am currently a junior who is trying to keep up with this thing that we call "life". Some of my absolute favorite pastimes include reading, competing in fast-pitch softball tournaments, watching college sports (Go Cats!), spending time with friends and family, and working outside on our family farm.
  I was born into a family with all girls. Yep, my dad was blessed with a family of five women in the house. Since there were no boys around to go help dad in the barns, my sisters and I learned real quick how to be hard workers. On our farm we raise sheep, pigs, and cattle. As you can imagine it keeps us pretty busy, but we love it. Some of my first memories were from the Christmas Eve's when we would go out to the lambing barns and have new babies on the ground. In the eyes of a five year old Katelyn, that was a real Christmas miracle. Growing up on the farm has taught me the importance of hard work, responsibility, and passion. Hard work because keeping a farm up and running can't be done without it. Responsibility because you know the animals are counting on you for their next meal. Passion because without it, how would you be able to get up before the sun rises and get home after the sun sets? My passion for agriculture has been instilled in me for as long as I can remember and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Enjoying time at the Clay County fair, helping my sisters prepare their animals for show when I was two years old
  Being the youngest of four girls and having a dad who was an agriculture teacher I was always going to all of the FFA events. I didn't mind this because I was able to hang out with those cool high school kids, who wore the blue corduroy jacket, which was absolute heaven for me. I grew up knowing that I wanted to be a part of this organization, and it wasn't just because of my father or sisters. It was because of the heart I saw put into CDE practices, fellowship during FFA fun nights, and PASSION for this wonderful thing we call agriculture.
  
Giving my lamb a pep talk at the 2014 Kansas State Fair

  Once I made it to high school I joined FFA, and it has been my favorite class since. I have loved going to all of the different career development events, participating in chapter activities, and meeting other members at leadership conferences. During my sophomore year I was encouraged by my advisors to run for a district office. When I decided to run I didn't know how much an impact this experience would have on me, but let me tell you it has been a wonderful one. I have had the privilege to meet five of my best friends, advocate for the agriculture industry, and serve passionate members from the North Central District. I have been blessed by it all, and I know I have found my purpose in serving others and sharing my love for agriculture.

Robert Bryne once said, "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." FFA members, I challenge you to find your purpose.

Your North Central District Vice-President, 
Katelyn Bohnenblust 

Monday, February 23, 2015

Diversity

Hey NCD, it’s Lane Coberly your 2014-2015 district president! I hope your chapters will have a fun FFA week and plan on making some new FFA memories. Speaking of memories, most people with an agriculture story can quickly recall memories growing up. Whether it be the first time going to a livestock show, to not sleeping in during the summers because there was a laundry list of chores to be done, to hearing discussion of crop and land prices amongst older relatives, or just looking out at the wide open space after a long day of work. Whatever the bold memory may be, I can almost guarantee you, I haven’t experienced it. You might be thinking, “Wait, hold up man...you’re telling me that you haven’t done any of these? And you’re our district president?” Yep, you’ve heard me right. It may come as a shock to those who aren’t too familiar with me but, I do not know what it’s like to live on farm. 
    Instead, where someone might have seen Carhartts and muddy boots-I saw ACUs (army combat uniforms) and black berets. Where someone with the usual Ag story would see tractors and combines in the barn-I saw Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters in a hangar. Where someone raised with an agriculture background might always have seen ribbons of purple, blue and red-I was embedded with the red, white and blue waving from every building I saw on base. If you haven’t caught on yet, I’m what they affectionately call, an army brat.  

mapoftheusa.jpg
Here’s a quick visual of my military lifestyle growing up. Starting in Iowa where I was born, we were then stationed to Alabama, New York, Arizona and then to here, Kansas. 


In fact, page one of my Ag story didn’t start until my family was stationed to Ft. Riley, Kansas. After hearing my parents tell numerous stories of their years in the blue jacket, including the first time they met, I decided $12 in dues was worth it. Of course this turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. But at first, it made me seem ‘out of place’ and frankly made me agree with a few that questioned how I could be an FFA member when I hadn’t experienced any of the events mentioned above. But I soon realized, that as long as my passion to learn and serve outweighed my inexperience, that I could be of use to not only the FFA but to the agriculture industry. Many of you would probably agree with me when I say that the best days are FFA days. Serving y’all the past two years has been nothing less than the best. Some of my favorite FFA memories will be talking with the coolest of the corduroy jacket a.k.a. members of the North Central District. (That’s right, I said it; we’re the coolest.) IMG_2638.JPG
It’s impossible to capture a picture with all of my FFA friends, but here’s five that have helped make this year serving y’all a whole lot of fun. 



So as you can see, I don’t fit the stereotyped, cookie-cutter FFA story. However, it’s mine. Just like the industry itself, it’s unique and adds to the diversity. My personal opinion tells me that stories similar to mine, will be a vital tool to use when facing antagonists of agriculture. The point being, I was once in their skeptical shoes and have since seen the passion, drive, and concern by those who tell the conventional story. As much as agriculture is advancing and shifting, to be seen even in the most urban areas, people from those areas will soon be starting the first page of their Ag story. How exciting is that?! But want to know what’s even more important? That YOU will be the deciding factor for them. Will their experience with you be as good as the ones I’ve been blessed with? Will they show interest like me or run the opposite way? North Central District, I challenge you to make more ag stories like mine begin.


Living to Serve,
Lane Coberly
Your NCD President