agcommCDEweek

I found my calling in agricultural communication

By: Maggie Hovermale
agricultural communication

Throughout high school, I was set on studying animal science, and potentially going to vet school. However, through my involvement in my SAE working at Honeyrun Farm and participating in CDEs like agricultural sales and agricultural communications, I found my calling.

I was then able to recognize that while I do still love science, biology, and animals, I truly was going to be happy in a career within agricultural communications.

 

Maggie Hovermale (left) at OSU for the agricultural communications CDE.

 

Maggie Hovermale (left) at the 88th Ohio FFA Convention.

 

How the Agricultural Communications CDE Has Impacted Me

By: Kaylee Reed
agricultural communication

For three years, I competed at the state Agricultural Communications CDE and one year, I got the opportunity to compete at the national level. Competing in this CDE made me fall in love with the agricultural communication major and Ohio State.

One year in particular stands out to me: my second year competing in the radio broadcast practicum. I was so excited to compete in that particular practicum! I ended scoring a 97 out of 100 on my practicum and from that moment on, I knew that I wanted to major in agricultural communication. This CDE opened my eyes open to the different jobs an agricultural communicator can do and how broad those jobs are. There are so many options in this major!

The many visits to Ohio State made me feel the sense of community and hear about the wonderful opportunities that CFAES could offer me in terms of studying abroad, education, advanced computer labs, a support system and caring faculty.

 

Kaylee Reed, left, at the Agricultural Communications Banquet for the national level.

Agricultural Communication, More Than a CDE

By: Josie Montoney
agricultural communication

 

The Agricultural Communications Career Development Event was by far the biggest factor behind my decision to pursue a degree in agricultural communication – it truly exemplified the idea that CDEs are put in place to fulfill the FFA’s mission of “career success”.

From the time I began to compete in the contest my freshmen year, it piqued my interest as a way for me to find my niche in the agricultural industry. I hadn’t grown up on a farm, yet I had an undeniable passion for sharing the industry with those who hadn’t been provided with the same exposure as I had experienced from 4-H and FFA.

Through the wonderful coaching of my agriscience educator, Mr. Scott Sharp, I was able to hone my skills in writing, graphic design, editing, planning/marketing, and presenting – all skills that have given me an upper hand in nearly every endeavor I have pursued, especially my college education. This CDE provided me with a clear mindset of what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, which is a luxury very students are afforded with.

I cannot stress enough that any FFA member who has enjoyed this contest should heavily consider the agricultural communication major- it’s the first step in choosing a career that will truly make a difference.

 

Josie Montoney (left) at the Agricultural Communications CDE.

 

From a CDE to the Rest of My Life

By: Sarah Johnson
agricultural communication

Participating in the Agricultural Communications Career Development Event (CDE) was one of the most instrumental parts of my high school career. This CDE catapulted me into a career path I never saw myself pursuing.

I have interned with the Office of Advancement for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences as their communications intern, interned with Linde’s Livestock Photos, and currently work in the Office of Advancement as a student assistant and with ShowChampions Photography.

I also own SJ Photography where I photograph livestock, shows, events, weddings, families and seniors. None of these experiences would’ve been the same if I hadn’t been exposed to the material and framework of agricultural communication at this CDE.

Majoring in agricultural communication allows me to have the best of both worlds, all while continually improving my communication skills.

Johnson, second from left, and her Agricultural Communication CDE team and advisors at the Ohio FFA Convention.

 

 

 

 

 

FFA turned a shy teen to a public speaking faculty member

By Dr. Emily Buck
Professor
The Ohio State University

If anyone had looked at me when I was 12 they never would have thought I would be standing in front of people teaching everyday.

I was a shy sheep girl who kept to herself. My agriculture teacher changed all of that!

I will never forget my first state FFA convention on Ohio State’s campus. The mass of blue jackets walking around High Street, sitting in the auditorium watching as the state officers shared their retiring address and kids win awards for their dedication to agriculture. My ag teacher turned to my friend and I and said, “that will be you.” At that moment I knew I was going to be involved.

Three years later as I prepared to graduate from high school I had another memorable state convention. I can’t tell you which I am more proud of: receiving the state degree, winning the state sheep proficiency, or being elected state treasurer.

The FFA had set me up to be successful in all I did from there on out. Because of that I strive every year to help or give back to the organization that gave me so much. I was in 4-H and loved it, but FFA is what made me who I am.

The nights at FFA camp raiding the kitchen as a state officer, dancing on stage at opening session of “my” state convention, to the long drives to national convention in Kansas City, they all had an impact on me.

Buck was elected as State Treasurer for the Ohio FFA Association.

Buck was elected as State Treasurer for the Ohio FFA Association.

 

A visit to Washington DC.

A visit to Washington DC.

 

As State Treasurer of the Ohio FFA Association, Buck visited high schools around the state.

As State Treasurer of the Ohio FFA Association, Buck visited high schools around the state.

 

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