University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

Thanks to all CFFA members for a great year! Photo Credit: Kim O'Neil      Collegiate FFA celebrated its year-end Spring Banquet on Tuesday, April 19 th  at the 1912 Center in Moscow. Members gathered to recognize the accomplishments of the club’s activities, which stretch from a variety of community service projects and fundraisers to professional development events, including the facilitation of FFA Career Development Events at both the local and state level, as well as touring high school agriculture programs around the Pacific Northwest.       Renee Hanson, Office Administrator for the department of Agricultural and Extension Education, was the recipient of the chapter’s Honorary Degree for her outstanding service to students and the club.      Other awards were given to members who provide over-the-top performance throughout the year. Recipients included Maggie Elliot and Erin Peek. Advisor, Dr. Jeremy Falk, said that, “I am proud of the Collegiate FFA member

Every November the organization Agriculture Future of America hosts a conference in Kansas City for college students pursuing a degree in agriculture. This conference aids students in building professional skills as well as networking with employers. Emily George, a fellow CALS student, lends her insight as to why you should make it an addition to your college career. Emily George Professional Development      AFA has contributed to my professional development by expanding my knowledge and skill base and giving me countless opportunities for networking with industry professionals and other high caliber students from across the nation that are as passionate about agriculture as I am.  Knowledge Base - Since the Leaders Conference follows a Track layout, AFA is able to provide meaningful and informative sessions that correspond to the stage I am in my life. You get to learn about new and hot topics and how industries are handling those. Skill base- After attending t

With all of the possible careers students invested in agriculture can pursue, finding the right fit may seem overwhelming. Here are a few words from guest blogger Luke Erickson, extension educator with Northwest Youth Financial Literacy. Lyle Hansen and Luke Erickson       Agriculture continues to be one of the most important and powerful economic drivers in the state of Idaho. For over a century, University of Idaho Extension has served the individuals and families involved in this industry through a diverse array of programs. One of these is the Northwest Youth Financial Education program.      The Northwest Youth Financial Education program is a multi-state partnership between Northwest Farm Credit Services, University of Idaho Extension, and the extension systems of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Montana. University of Idaho Extension educators, Luke Erickson and Lyle Hansen, serve as coleaders of this program.      Luke and Lyle are both native Idahoans, and b

by Mary Kate Myers CFFA Members Travis Hoyle, Mary Kate Myers, Morgan Meyers, Erin Peek, and Taylor Nelson at Perrine Bridge It was a great week for CFFA members as they traveled down to Twin Falls for Idaho FFA State Leadership Conference (SLC). Members had a busy week of touring local Ag Programs as well as helping in all aspects of SLC. The members that traveled down to SLC with CFFA, had the opportunity to visit two Ag Programs, to see their schools and ask the Ag teachers questions about their programs and teaching styles. CFFA traveled to Burley and met their three Ag teachers; Mr. Lex Godfrey, Mr. Sam Condie, and Ms. Casey Sanders. The three teachers explained the benefits of having three teachers for their Ag program and how they are able to have more classes because they can all split up the work. Members also had the chance to tour around Burley’s newest addition to their Ag Program; a newly built Ag building, complete with a Food Science Kitchen. CFFA also t

By Maggie Elliot Always watch ed  Robin Hood   and figured you were a natural bowman? Or maybe felt like jumping into the sword duel in the  Princess Bride ? Or perhaps you've seen the karate kid and wanted to apply your own  wax on, wax off  skills... What if I told you there was a class for that? When you go to college, those far-fetched dreams may seem to slip away.  But they don’t have to. “I decided to enroll in archery because in movies it looks  fluid and graceful.”  said archer Milise Blanton.  “I wanted to be able to do that.” “You try to attack me? I’m going to flip you over. It’s so cool!”  mentioned Morgan Howard, listing a reason which drove her to learn self defense.       PEB courses, named as such since most of them take place in the Physical Education Building, give students the opportunity to develop a new, non-academic skill. From sports to scuba classes, rock climbing, yoga, or ev

Photo Credit: Carol Ryan Dumas, Capital Press Agricultural Educators Embrace Future Teachers http://www.capitalpress.com/FFA/20160410/agricultural-educators-embrace-future-teachers#.Vwv7akQ34TQ.facebook      Check out this article, written by Carol Ryan Dumas of the Capital Press, upon visiting with AEE faculty and students during Idaho FFA's State Leadership Conference in Twin Falls last week!

by Maggie Elliot Tired of spending all week curled over a laptop? Getting a little bored with your daily route to classes?  Well, you’re in luck. Students at the University of Idaho have the unique opportunity to explore the diverse regions surrounding the Palouse. Whether you enjoy following a stream in a dense forest, fishing at a lake, or soaking in breathtaking views of golden rolling hills, your outdoor recreational “happy place” may only be a stone’s throw away.  Some popular places to get you started: Spring Valley Reservoir  is located less than 18 miles east of Moscow, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game maintains an annual fish-stocking program. Trails around the reservoir are also popular birding pathways. Spring Valley on a sunny afternoon Photo Credit: Maggie Elliot Moscow Mountain  is a popular venture for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers, since it's sprawling with a plethora of trails and offers unparalleled view