Bats, Macros, and Whitewater Rafting on the Sarapiqui - Day 2 of #CVCostaRica22

Binoculars out! Spotting a 3-toed sloth in the canopy less than 
2 minutes after jumping off the bus this 
morning!

 

We started Day 2 of #CVCostaRica22 back at the Tirimbina Rainforest Preserve by seeing a 3-toed sloth within 5 minutes of our arrival. No sooner had we started moving toward the classroom, our guides spotted a 2-toed sloth in another tree, so the group got the chance to see the differences between these species of sloths. Our guides noted this was exceptionally rare, so we knew the day was off to a great start! Students used binoculars and magifying scopes to focus in on these furry creatures and capture some unique images! 

I spy a 3-toed sloth!

The group visted the seed traps we set last night and collected bat guano captured overnight from bats in the open forest. Fruit-eating bats are the most abundant seed-dispersing mammals in the world. Costa Rica is no exception and is home to 30 species of frugivores. Each night, bats can communte several miles to find their food often venturing out of the rainforest into open areas in search of their favorite fruit tree. In this process, most of the seeds ingested from fruit pass through the bat's digestive system intact, then are defacated during flight. The seeds "raining" across the landscape can eventually germinate and become pioneer plants and assist in the process of reforestation.

Back in the classroom, teams worked to identify seeds found in the guano to indicate the location of nearby plants. Students used dissecting microscopes to zoom in and view the various seeds found in the bat guano. Our group was able to identify seeds from a pepper plant and a ficus plant. This event concluded our bat study last evening where students got to see a White Lined Bat, Sevas Short-Tailed Bat, and Black Motais Bat up close!

The morning ended with water quality testing and a macro-invertebrate study in the Sarapiqui River. In Costa Rica, the country is committed to ensuring that water is clean and free from pollutants. Before rafting down the Sarapiqui, students had to determine the pH and levels of phosphate and nitrate in the river. After a quick walk across our favorite suspension bridge and a trip down a spiral staircase, our group reached the banks of the Sarapiqui to work with our guide to conduct this
water quality testing. Groups returned a perfect pH of 7 and no detected nitrates or phosphates. 

After the water quality testing, students dispersed for 15 minutes to catch various macroinvertebrates using strainers. Macro-invertebrates are important in determining the history of a river and its water quality. A river with a high diversity of macros indicates a healthy ecosystem where a high abundance of pollution-tolerant macros indicates poor river health. Our groups found several skimmers, a beetle, and even a tiny fish! Overall, our guide said a high quantity of skimmers was a sign of a healthy ecosystem since we didn't locate any pollution tolerant species. 

Investigating the final count for each type
of macroinvertebrate

Students working with our guide William
to finalize water quality testing results

After lunch, the group enjoyed white-water rafting on the Sarapiqui! Our group was in 3 separate rafts and enjoyed a 7-kilometer journey down the river while observing more sloths, a monkey, and several bird species hunting for fish. 

Pura Vida! Kicking off #CVCostaRica22

Our group arrived safely in San Jose, Costa Rica yesterday and hit the ground running today in the Tirimbina Rainforest!

On our drive this morning to Sarapiqui, we stopped at a coffee plantation high in the mountains to learn about the "golden bean" that allowed Costa Rica to become a successful country. Costa Rica only grows Arabic coffee and harvests ripe coffee beans by hand.

This distinction sets Costa Rica apart because the coffee harvested is of higher quality, which demands a higher price. Other countries (such as Columbia and Vietnam) depend on quantity of coffee harvested rather than quality like Costa Rica. Our group picked up some high quality Expresso, French Roast, and Low Roast coffee to take back and sample with friends and family in the United States. While stopping at the cafe, we also were able to see a team of oxen and a beautiful ox cart.

The ox cart is viewed as a traditional part of Costa Rican culture that symbolizes "peace, humility, and hard work." We couldn't agree more with these adjectives that describe the country and great Costa Ricans we've interacted with so far on our trip!

Along the switchback roads coming down the mountain, we stopped to see the La Paz waterfall and discussed some of the devastion that can occur during the rainy season with extreme flooding and landslides. We continued our descent and saw several dairy farms (Holsteins & Jerseys), then finally some Brahman cattle in the lowlands. 

We arrived at the Tirimbina Rainforest Preserve a little before lunch and jumped right into a "Rainforest Color Challenge" to identify flora and fauna that were yellows, blues, reds, blacks, and pinks. After lunch, it was time to cross the Sarapiqui River on a swaying suspension bridge to enter the rainforest. Our group was treated to a colony of "ants moving plants," a 300-year-old tree, and great views of toucans, frogs, and spiders. 

Before departing for the afternoon, the group set up seed traps for a study to analyze how bats move seeds across the rainforest. Stay tuned to see our results tomorrow morning!

The day ended with a night bat study and up-close encounters with several species of bats found in the Tirimbina Rainforest. Did you know that various species of bats consume insects, frogs, and nectar from plants? 

Until tomorrow, pura vida!

CV FFA Hosts 5th Annual "Agventure Day" for 800+

Mechanicsburg, PA—Cumberland Valley FFA members successfully coordinated the 5^th annual “Agventure Day” for all 4^th grade students in the Cumberland Valley School District on October 6, 2016. The event was hosted in the CV Agriculture Department to promote the diverse agriculture facilities and showcase student learning opportunities within the department.

Students from the morning session on their way to
their "Agventure" workshops!

The day was divided into a morning and afternoon session due to the volume of expected attendees. Students from Monroe, Middlesex, Green Ridge, and Silver Spring elementary schools attended in the morning session while Shaull, Hampden, and Sporting Hill students joined the fun in the afternoon. Upon their arrival to the high school, students were greeted by some enthusiastic animals waiting to welcome them for the “agventure” of a lifetime!

FFA members lead the Beef Cattle workshop.

Students were divided into 10 groups with various animal names. Approximately 25 FFA members served as group leaders and tour guides during the 2-hour educational experience.  Groups rotated through workshops focused on Pennsylvania commodities, beef cattle, the dairy industry, maple syrup production, pesticide education, service dogs, and farm safety. The following individuals presented each of the workshops:

• ·         Beef Cattle—CV FFA President Killiann George
• ·         Dairy Cattle—Cumberland County Dairy Princess Amy Fogelsanger
• ·         Farm Safety—Rachel Bryson, American Trauma Society
• ·         Pesticide Education—Kelly Lowery, Penn State Pest Ed
• ·         Service Dogs—Jane Jackson, Susquehanna Service Dogs
• ·         Maple Syrup—CV FFA Senior Abby Klinger
• ·         All About Plants—CV FFA Senior Courtney Walter
• ·         Pennsylvania Commodities—CV FFA Treasurer Gabriel Hartman and CV FFA Secretary Megan Copeland
• **This workshop featured lesson plans and videos from "My American Farm"
•         Farm Animal Education (2 separate stations)—CV FFA Chaplain Anna Pauletta, CV FFA Reporter Ben Miskin, and CV FFA Vice-President Ben Miskin

FFA member Wyatt Dale
gives a visitors an up close
and personal visit with his
Hampshire sheep.

At the conclusion of their time at the high school, 4^th grade students and their teachers were all smiles after a day of learning disguised as fun. As evidenced by hundreds of thank-you notes received in the following weeks, the highlights of this ag literacy event include learning where maple syrup comes from, discovering the difference between beef and dairy cattle, and dispelling false ideas about how animals are raised.

FFA members Courtney Walter and
Dani Sherman present about plant
anatomy and function.

Great support is given to this event by community and industry representatives as well as the Cumberland Valley School District, especially our Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Dr. Patty Hillery. In all, this year’s event impacted 702 4^th-grade students from 7 elementary schools and 104 teachers/chaperones. Each classroom received a goodie bag of promotional items from the Dairy Princess, My American Farm handouts, and a CV Agricultural Sciences promotional flier. With a team of over 65 CV FFA members, the 2016 Agventure Day was deemed a success! 

A presentation by Susquehanna Service
Dogs.

From Left: Megan Copeland, Sara Mellot, Gabriel Hartman, and
Addie Harper conduct the PA Commodities Workshop utilizing
"My American Farm" ag literacy resources.

A special thanks to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for their generous support of this Ag Literacy event! Cumberland Valley FFA was one of 10 organizations selected to receive a "My American Farm" mini-grant in 2016. We thank the AFB Foundation for their support!

CV FFA member Veronica Kiner introduces 4th-grade
students to a Boer goat. Boer goats are raised for meat.

Senior FFA member Abby Klinger leads a workshop on
how maple syrup is produced. Each year, CV FFA
members tap approximately 50 maple trees on the
CV campus.

Cumberland County Dairy Princess Amy Fogelsanger
gives a presentation about how milk is produced and dairy
animals are raised.

Kelly Lowery with Penn State Pest Ed discusses how
harmful bugs can affect crop production. Kelly is a former
FFA member and past PA FFA State President.

Rachel Bryson from the American Trauma Society
discusses Farm Safety through the use of Farm Safety Jeopardy!

CV FFA Members Find Success at 89th National FFA Convention

INDIANAPOLIS, IN—17 members of the Cumberland Valley FFA chapter recently returned from participating in the 89th National FFA Convention and Expo held annually in Indianapolis, Indiana. One team of students and one individual competed against FFA members from 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. In order to compete at the National FFA Convention, teams and individuals must place 1^st in their respective contest at the Pennsylvania FFA Convention held in June of each year.

The Environmental & Natural Resources Team, consisting of Anna Pauletta, Mallory Taramelli-Dickinson, Abby Klinger, and Galen Witmer placed 15^th in the nation. The team had to develop a 10-minute presentation regarding a land development issue and also compete in various practicums including GPS navigation, water quality testing, and analyzing soil texture. Anna Pauletta took 1^st place individual in the entire contest and was awarded a $1,000 cash prize from the contest sponsor. Anna was recognized on the National FFA stage as the top individual during the 9^th General Session of the FFA Convention. Pauletta earned a Gold Rating individual rating while Klinger earned a Silver rating. Witmer and Taramelli-Dickinson received a Bronze rating.

Environmental and Natural Resources team members pose after the Awards
Banquet at the 89th National FFA Convention. Galen Witmer, Mallory
Taramelli-Dickinson, Anna Pauletta, and Abby Klinger combined efforts
to finish as the 15th place team in the nation.

Killiann George was selected to participate in the National FFA AgriScience Fair in Animal Systems—Division 2 with her research project on Farm Biosecurity. After an afternoon of interviews and judging, Killiann placed 10^th in the nation and received a Silver Rating.  Only 4 FFA members from Pennsylvania were invited to participate in the National FFA 

AgriScience Fair.

Killiann poses with her AgriScience Research
project entitled "Comparing the Effectiveness of
Biosecurity Practices."

Finally, Cumberland Valley FFA was presented with the 3-Star Chapter award during the 2^nd General Session of the convention. This award is given to chapters that complete and carry out a Program of Activities during the school year. Only 15 applications from Pennsylvania advance for national evaluation where applications are scored 1-star, 2-star, or 3-star. This is the 4^th consecutive year Cumberland Valley FFA has received a 3-Star Chapter Award, which is the highest distinction available to a local chapter.

Cumberland Valley FFA delegation to the 89th National FFA Convention in
Indianapolis, IN. Thanks for a great week of leadership development, friendly
competition, and learning how to TRANSFORM purpose into action!

CV FFA Members Return Victorious from 87th Pennsylvania FFA Convention

34 members of the Cumberland Valley FFA chapter recently returned from participating in the 87^th annual Pennsylvania FFA State Convention held annually at The Pennsylvania State University in State College. Two teams of students and one individual earned the privilege to represent Pennsylvania at the next level of competition this fall. Additionally, several students were awarded State Proficiencies for their work in Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) projects which can range from raising livestock, conducting AgriScience research projects, or exploring career options in a certain agriculture field.

Each FFA member attending is required to participate in a Career Development Event (CDEs). CDEs evaluate a student’s ability to perform skills and tasks necessary for various jobs in the agriculture field.  At the state level, Pennsylvania offers approximately 30 contests for students to compete in—every segment of agriculture is represented with contests like Livestock Evaluation, Parliamentary Procedure, Food Science, Ag Mechanics, and many more.

The Environmental & Natural Resources Team, consisting of Shannon Dolan, Anna Pauletta, Mallory Taramelli-Dickinson, and Galen Witmer placed 1^st in the state and earned the right to represent Pennsylvania at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana this October. The team had to develop a 10-minute presentation regarding a land development issue and also compete in the Aquatics and Wildlife contests. Anna Pauletta took 1^st place individual in the Aquatics competition while Galen Witmer was 5^th place individual in the Wildlife competition.

ENR team members pose after being recognized on the convention stage.
Senior Shannon Dolan, Junior Anna Pauletta, and Sophomores Mallory
Taramelli-Dickinson and Galen Witmer comprise the state-winning team.

 Ethan Cohn was the 1^st place individual in the Job Interview competition in a field of more than 40 students and will be representing Pennsylvania at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana this October. Ethan completed 2 rounds of job interviews, a phone interview, networking activity, and also submitted a resume, cover letter, and thank you letter.

Ethan Cohn has honed his skills in the Interview Contest. He has competed in this
CDE for the past 4 years and improved each year. He exceeded his goal of
reaching the final four by winning himself a trip to Indianapolis, IN!

The Farm Business Management Team, consisting of Terrin Brammer, Killiann George, Megan Myers, and Taylor Quigley placed 2^nd and will represent Pennsylvania at the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, Massachusetts this September. The team analyzed farm income statements, budgets, and made recommendations for which scenarios would be more profitable to the farm business. Killiann George was the 2^nd place individual in the contest.

The Farm Business Management Team is excited to represent Pennsylvania FFA
at the Big E competition in September. Killiann George, Terrin Brammer, and
Taylor Quigley accept the 2nd place plaque.

Other high-placing teams and participants are listed below with their placings:

·         Horse Evaluation (3^rd place)-Emiliann Goodhart, Cheyenne Murlatt, Makayla Thickey, and Paige Smith

·         Agricultural Sales (3rd place)-Courtney Walter, Victoria Howell, Morgan Lettich, and Sabrina McClintock

·         Agriscience Fair—Food Science Division Winner-Megan McGee

·         Agriscience Fair—Animal Science Division Winner-Killiann George

·         National Chapter Award-4th place Gold & advancing for National Evaluation (prepared by 2015-16 FFA Officer Team)

4 CV FFA members were also recognized on stage for their outstanding SAE programs and earned recognition as a State Proficiency Winner. State winners earned $250.00 and will move on for evaluation at the National level this July.  State winners are identified below in their respective categories.

·         Beef Production Entrepreneurship-Mackenzie Yorlets (State Winner)

·         Equine Science Placement-Cheyenne Murlatt (State Winner)

·         Equine Science Entrepreneurship-Emiliann Goodhart (State Winner)

·         Sheep Production-Wyatt Dale (State Winner)

America's Farmers Grow Rural Community Grant

Cumberland Valley FFA has received a $2,500 donation from America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund and directed by local farmer Ron Stover of Carlisle, Cumberland County. The donation will help the organization upgrade classroom technology for Agriculture Education students and FFA members to utilize while preparing for large agricultural advocacy events, such as Agventure Day and Ag in the Valley. New technology will aid in effectively developing FFA members’ skills in Agricultural Communications.

“I hope this donation will help the FFA chapter continue to develop leaders in agriculture and learn about the need for promoting agriculture within our community,” said Stover. This is the second Growing Communities Grant that Stover has directed to the Cumberland Valley FFA chapter.

Cumberland Valley FFA is one of the largest student organizations at Cumberland Valley High School boasting 175 members from grades 9-12. The chapter conducts numerous FFA events throughout the year that develop a student’s potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. “We are very fortunate to have received this farmer-directed donation to obtain new technology to continue learning about the need for agricultural advocacy. The chapter thanks the Stover family for thinking of our organization,” said Alicia Gates, chapter President.

For six years, America’s Farmers Grow Communities has collaborated with farmers to donate over $22 million to more than 8,000 community organizations across rural America. Winning farmers will direct donations to nonprofits to help fight rural hunger, purchase life saving fire and EMS equipment, support ag youth leadership programs, buy much needed classroom resources, and so much more.

School board member Barb Geistwhite (left) and Ag Advisory Board Member
Nancy Griffie (right) pose with members of the Cumberland Valley FFA
Officer Team after receiving the check from Monsanto on February 21, 2016.
Chaplain Emiliann Goodhart, Treasurer Anna Pauletta, President Alicia Gates, and
Vice-President Mackenzie Yorlets hold the $2,500 donation which will be used to
purchase Ipads for the Agriculture Department.

America’s Farmers Grow Communities partners with farmers to support local nonprofit causes that positively impact farming communities across rural America. Grow Communities is one program in the America’s Farmers community outreach effort, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. Other programs include America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, which encourages rural youth to remain in agriculture and provides $1,500 college scholarships to high school and college students pursuing ag-related degrees and America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education, which works with farmers to nominate rural school districts to compete for $10,000 and $25,000 math and science grants. Visit www.AmericasFarmers.com to learn more.

###

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org. 

2016 PA Farm Show Update

Cumberland Valley FFA Members Shine at 2016 Pennsylvania Farm Show

Agriculture takes center stage each year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, held in early January of each year. This year the PA Farm Show celebrated its 100th edition and Cumberland Valley FFA’s involvement was evident in many departments within the exhibition.
Cumberland Valley FFA has consistently participated in the Landscape Design contest, where chapters are asked to create a design that is 10’ x 15’ in size. CV’s Plant Science & Landscape Design class met the challenge and created an engaging landscape design. Students enrolled in Plant Science also created several Horticulture Exhibits that were showcased the entire week.
Additionally, FFA members experienced widespread success in the show ring with their market and breeding livestock projects. With entries coming from across the Commonwealth, exhibitors bring the ‘best of the best’ to compete for top honors. 
Finally, FFA members are able to compete in contests just for FFA chapters within the state of Pennsylvania. CV FFA qualified for the Ag Safety Quizbowl Competition (by placing 4th at Ag Progress Days in August) and had an excellent showing in a competitive field. Members also created a Career Connections Video with the help of CV Alumni about the requirements needed to gain a job within the Agricultural Power, Structural, and Technical Systems pathway.

Career Connections Video Contest
Sponsored by the popular agricultural newspaper, Lancaster Farming, the annual video contests features the work of 12 FFA chapters from across the state. CV FFA successfully applied to be a part of this contest back in September and quickly began working on the project. The contest included creating a 3-5 minute video showcasing a segment of the agricultural industry and what knowledge, skills, and education is needed to gain employment in the respective industry. CV FFA showcased the Agricultural Power, Structural, and Technical Systems industry and even interviewed current employees from the Messick’s Equipment in Carlisle.

The following students were involved in creating the video and presenting it to a crowd at the PA Farm Show on Thursday, January 14th (L to R): Bree Bender, Meade Montgomery, Anne Puchalsky, Courtney Walter, Macey Shawver, Kassidy Staller, and Courtney Davis.

Success in the Show Ring
Each year at the Farm Show, hundreds of 4-H and FFA members from across the state bring their best livestock to compete for top honors in the youth division of the show. A common goal for all youth exhibitors is to qualify for the Youth Livestock Sale of Champions. Unlike local county fairs, only a small percentage of livestock (approximately 5 animals per class) “make sale.” This year, CV FFA was very fortunate to have 2 members qualify for the sale (Megan Myers and Killiann George).



Brothers Wyatt Dale and Calvin Dale also exhibited Market Lambs in the Youth Show. Wyatt (left) and Calvin (right) each placed in the middle of their classes with their home-bred lambs, but did not qualify for the Youth sale. 

All FFA members that exhibited at Farm Show now become eligible to receive the prestigious Farm Show Scholarship by exhibiting a youth market or breeding animal at the Farm Show. Exhibitors must be enrolled in post-secondary education before applying for the scholarship, valued at $3,500.00.

More CV FFA Show Ring Action

Freshman Ben Miskin had a busy week at Farm Show between driving draft horses in the cart classes (left) and exhibiting beef cattle in the Junior and Open Shows. Competitors are judged on their ability to control the horse’s gait and presence while maneuvering a designated course in the ring.

Megan Myers (at right) also participated in the Junior and Open Breeding Sheep Show. These animals are the foundation of her breeding herd and return to her farm at the conclusion of the show.

Sabrina McClintock was part of the inaugural Alpaca Show at the 100th PA Farm Show. She competed in the Alpaca Showmanship and Obstacle competitions and won 1st Place in both contests for her Intermediate Division!

Cumberland Valley FFA was also home to several members that played important roles during the Farm Show. 

Sophomore Sabrina McClintock (left) is also serving as the Pennsylvania Alpaca Princess while Junior Courtney Walter (right) is the 2015-16 Pennsylvania 4-H Council President. Both of these young ladies attended various banquets, assisted at shows by handing out ribbons, and representing their respective organizations throughout the week, especially Farm Show Opening Ceremonies.

Earning the Coveted “Keystone” Degree
In FFA, as members spend time and productively invest in their Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) projects, acquire more community service hours, give speeches and demonstrations, and demonstrate knowledge of FFA history, they qualify for awards called “degrees.” After earning the Greenhand and Chapter degrees during their 1st and 2nd year of membership, respectively, members strive to earn the coveted “Keystone” Degree, which is the highest degree the Pennsylvania State FFA Association can bestow on it’s members. 

To qualify for this degree, students must have invested 300 hours (outside of class) and/or earned $1,000.00 through their SAE projects. In 2016, only 387 members earned the Keystone Degree (out of 12,000 members in the Pennsylvania FFA).  Cumberland Valley FFA was fortunate to have 11 Keystone Degree Recipients this year.

Keystone Degree Recipients pose with Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding (left) and Secretary of Education (Pedro Rivera). From left Cheyenne Murlatt, Nate Short, Megan Myers, Carley Shuckhart, Emiliann Goodhart, Wyatt Williams, Alicia Gates, Mackenzie Yorlets, Marlin Hoover, Ethan Cohn, and Megan McGee were awarded their Keystone Degrees on January 11th.

Yorlets Earns FFA State Star in Agriculture Production

In addition to earning the Keystone Degree, Senior Mackenzie Yorlets also competed in the Pennsylvania FFA State Star Interviews. In November, Yorlets was selected as the South-Central Regional Star in Agriculture Production for her Supervised Agriculture Experience projects where she raises beef cattle, goats, swine, and poultry. 

After a grueling morning of interviews with industry experts, Yorlets emerged victorious as the 2016 Pennsylvania FFA State Star in Agriculture Production. She is the first FFA member from Cumberland Valley to earn this honor. She will compete against State Stars from 10 other states in the Northeast at the Eastern States Exposition this September. 

FFA Jacket Recipients
Each year, the Pennsylvania FFA Alumni organizes a unique program to provide new and beginning FFA members with their very own blue corduroy jacket. Through the generous donations of individuals, agricultural companies, and supporters, the FFA Alumni garner sponsorship for approximately 350 jackets per year.  However, this year was a record year with sponsorship being obtained for 550 FFA jackets.



Cumberland Valley FFA was fortunate to have 16 first-year FFA members receive their very own FFA jacket. Seeing this group of individuals beginning their journey in FFA is a sign that the future of agriculture is bright with this many individuals taking an interest in this vibrant industry. Pictured at right are: (front) Dan DeRosa, Taylor Hanson, Meade Montgomery, Terrin Brammer, Caleb Kissinger, Dakota Lauckner, Calvin Dale, Nick Wagner, Ben Miskin, Gabriel Hartman and Tyler Heckert. 

Cumberland Valley FFA would like to thank the following local businesses/individuals for supporting the Jacket Campaign: 
Kara Boehne-Miele, Sunday’s Mill Company, Mike & Penny Brammer, and Cumberland County Farm Bureau.

Agriscience in Action
 A new niche within the CV Agricultural Science program is participating in the various science fairs available to high school students.  Pennsylvania FFA also sponsors a state-level Agriscience Fair that is held at Farm Show each year. To participate, students choose a topic within one of the following categories: (1) Animal Systems, (2) Plant Systems, (3) Food Products & Processing Systems, (4) Power, Structure, and Technical Systems, (5) Environmental Systems, or (6) Social Systems.  Students develop a research question, design a method to test their hypothesis, then create a project report and trifold to be presented before a panel of judges.  CV FFA was well-represented by 13 students who conducted AgriScience Research.

Students that participated and their placings include:
• Killiann George (1st Place Animal Systems)
• Cheyenne Murlatt
• Mikenna Hale
• Mackenzie Yorlets (3rd Place Social Systems)
• Anna Pauletta (4th Place Social Systems)
• Megan McGee (1st Place Food Science)
• Gabriel Hartman (2nd Place Food Science)
• Paige Smith
• Monet Jones
• Maddy Todaro
• Katerina Oechler (2nd Place Environmental Systems)
• Mallory Taramelli-Dickinson (3rd Place Environmental Systems)
• Emiliann Goodhart (2nd Place Power, Structural, and Technical Systems)

By placing 1st in their category, Killiann George and Megan McGee will earn the right to represent Pennsylvania at the 2016 National FFA AgriScience Fair in Indianapolis, Indiana this October. 

Landscape Exhibit Celebrates “100 Years of Horticulture”
Each year, 8 chapters from across the state are selected to participate in the competitive Landscape Exhibit design contest at the Farm Show. Chapters are given a theme and provided with a 10’x15’ space to execute the landscape design. The winning chapter is then awarded the opportunity to set-up their display and complete at the Eastern States Exposition in Massachusetts in September. CV FFA last won the Landscape Design competition in 2012.

This year’s theme was “100 Years of Horticulture,” which proves to be a difficult task when constructing a landscape in early January (imagine trying to create an ice sculpture in the middle of July…it’s possible, but not convenient). Nonetheless, students in Plant Science were up to the challenge to design the landscape, acquire plants beginning in September, and set-up the landscape for the 100th PA Farm Show.

This year’s Landscape Exhibit is pictured at right and features several Pennsylvania native plants. The landscape received 6th place in this year’s competition. Students that were directly involved in the planning and set-up of the display were Nate Short, Courtney Walter, Morgan Lettich, Xavier Mack, Jill Distler, Dylan Short, Brandon Brown, Abby Klinger, Mackenzie Yorlets, Wyatt Williams, and Alexandra Scott. Great job on planning, constructing, and developing this landscape exhibit!


New Window Display Features White Nose Syndrome

Students enrolled in the FFA Leadership courses accepted a new challenge this year by creating an Agriculture Education Window Display. This contest requires students to develop a display around a current issue or topic in agriculture. This year, the chapter chose to make a display about White Nose Syndrome in bats.

To qualify for competition at the Farm Show, the Window Display needed to be exhibited at another local fair. Our Window Display was exhibited at the 2015 Gratz Fair and received 1st Place! 

At Farm Show, our display did not make the top 10, but visitors to the display were intrigued by the bat sounds and facts found on bat cut-outs displayed around a paper-mache bat cave. Students from the Leadership Classes pose next to the finished display. From Left Katerina Oechsler, Monet Jones, Mackenzie Yorlets, Anna Pauletta, Emiliann Goodhart, and Maddy Todaro.

Pennsylvania FFA Foundation Honors 2015 National Contestants
Each year, the Pennsylvania FFA Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Pennsylvania FFA, organizes an awards luncheon to recognize participants that competed or won awards at the 2014 National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. 

The following teams were recognized for their participation in Louisville, Kentucky this past October:

Agricultural Issues Team (Bronze Emblem Team)
• Mackenzie Yorlets
• Emiliann Goodhart
• Alicia Gates
• Anna Pauletta
• Paige Smith

Marketing Plan Team (Bronze Emblem Team)
• Abby Klinger
• Megan Myers
• Taylor Quigley


National FFA Agriscience Fair
• Emiliann Goodhart (10th Place Food Science Systems, Silver Medal Individual)

Cumberland Valley FFA
• Recognized as 3-Star Chapter (highest rating available)
o 3rd consecutive year
o Only 2 chapters in Pennsylvania received this rating

Farm Safety Quiz Bowl 
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the site for the ultimate showdown in Farm Safety Knowledge. Teams representing 4-H and FFA groups compete in a quiz show format to demonstrate their knowledge about farm safety, health hazards and recommended practices.

Participants not only learn about farm safety and health, but they also increase their leadership and public speaking skills and learn how to promote agricultural safety and health through their organizations.

After qualifying for the Farm Show by placing in the top four at Ag Progress Days in August, the team earned the right to compete for top honors in January. 

After several rounds of competition against Mifflinburg FFA “A”, Mifflinburg FFA “B:, and Big Spring FFA, the team placed fourth in the state winning a cash prize and a framed certificate. The team from left to right consisted of Abby Klinger, , Anna Pauletta, and Mackenzie Yorlets. Congratulations to the team as they hope to qualify for the state competition again next year and take down defending champion Mifflinburg FFA.