Each year Oathoudt Farm Supply and the CRYSTALYX® Cares program pick a school in the area to give a donation to, and this year Atlantic FFA was selected.  Jason Oathoudt said,  “CRYSTALYX® Cares program is ideal for rural livestock communities that is designed to assist youth or community groups raise funds to expand their educational opportunities.”

Photo credit: CRYSTALYX® Cares program
Left to Right: Joaquin Wailes, Jason Oathoudt, Colton Rudy, Wyatt

How the program works is that for every CRYSTALYX® barrel sold by a Hubbard Feeds dealership during the months of September and October, CRYSTALYX® would donate $2 per barrel to a youth or community group selected by the dealer. Oathoudt Farm Supply was enrolled in this program resulting in a donation check to Atlantic FFA.

We want to thank everyone from the community of Oathoudt Farm Supply for their support of buying barrels so Atlantic FFA could receive a donation to their chapter.  Atlantic FFA Treasurer Roth Den Beste said, “Thank you to Oathoudt Farm Supply for their generous donation.  Without support from local businesses, our FFA chapter would not be as successful as it is.”

– article provided

February 26, 2024 (DES MOINES) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and a delegation of farmers and other agricultural industry leaders just returned from a trade mission to Mexico that was held February 18-24. The mission, coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), was focused on increasing exports of manufactured products and agricultural goods.

“Because of the incredible productivity of Iowa farmers and favorable free trade agreements, we have an opportunity to supply customers here and around the world. Mexico is Iowa’s largest export destination for corn, pork, and dried distillers grains as well as a significant market for soybeans, soybean meal, beef and ethanol,” said Secretary Naig. “By leading strategic trade missions to both established and emerging markets, we’re able to thank our customers for their past business, strengthen existing relationships and discover new business opportunities. All of this will create even more market demand for Iowa’s high quality, safe, consistent and reliable agriculture products.”

Iowa companies exported $4.2 billion in goods to Mexico in 2023, a new record for Iowa exports to Mexico. Mexico is Iowa’s largest export destination for corn, pork, distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production, and second for soybeans. Iowa exported $973 million in corn, $706 million in pork and $392 million in soybeans to Mexico in 2023. Mexico was the second largest export market for U.S. exporters in 2023, with overall total exports valued at $323 billion.   Specific to top agricultural products, Mexico purchased $28.5 billion – a record. (Source: WiserTrade)

Mission participants included members of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and IEDA staff. Delegates participated in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs.

The IEDA’s International Trade Office connects Iowa companies with markets for their products and services, educates Iowa businesses on exporting, and assists global companies wishing to establish or expand operations in Iowa. To learn more about these services or other trade missions the IEDA is planning, visit iowaeda.com/missions.

by Lily Johnson, Atlantic FFA Reporter

On Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, 18 members of the Atlantic FFA chapter competed in the Sub District Career Development Events at Tri-Center High School.

Extemporaneous Speaking Lola Comes

Earning a Gold rating, placing 1st and advancing to Districts, was Claire Pellett competing in Public Speaking and Lola Comes earning a gold and

Public Speaking Claire Pellett

placing 2nd in Extemporaneous Speaking.

Also advancing to Districts, the Conduct of Meetings Team placed 3rd and earned a Silver. Team members include Addie Freund, Addalyn Sonntag, Rylee Harlan, Jacquie Freund, Lily Johnson, Collin Harris and Maddy Anderson. Charli Goff placed first earning a Silver in Arc/Wire welding. Keegan Kemp also placed first with a Silver in Oxy Acetylene Welding. Lauren Comes competed in Ag Sales earning a Gold and was selected as the Alternate for Districts.

Conduct of meetings (Left to right) Addalynn Sonntag, Lily Johnson, Rylee Harlan, Collin Harris, Addie Freund, Maddy Anderson, and Jacquie Freund.

Arc/Wire welding Charli Goff

Competing but not going to district includes Bailey Grieshaber in Ag broadcasting earning a silver. Callee Pellett in Job interview receiving a silver. Chapter program consisting of Hayden Kleen, Frank Freund, and Keston Schmidt earning a bronze.

Oxy Acetylene welding Keegan Kemp

Competing in the Farm Business Management Test was Mia Kloewer placing 10th.

In the FFA Chapter Quiz, Atlantic FFA had 8 members participate.  Earning a gold were Lily Johnson placing 1st, and Addie Freund 5th. Receiving silvers were Keston Schmidt, Natalie Smith, Hunter Quist, Frank Freund, and Claire Schroeder. Earning a bronze was Hayden Kleen.

In the FFA Freshman Greenhand Quiz, Atlantic FFA had 10 members participate. Earning a Gold was Jayden Fiebelkorn. Receiving silvers were Jacquelyn Freund, Rylee Harlan, Addalyn Sonntag, Collin Harris, Maggie Cohrs, Lily Willrich, and Kayedance Sturm. Receiving Bronze include Walker Gary.

Claire, Lola, Keegan, Charli and the Conduct of Meeting team will compete at District FFA Convention Saturday March 2nd in Clarinda.  Lauren will also run for SW District Secretary.