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Dues for membership in the FFA Alumni Association are $10 per family to remain a member at the local level. If members wish to have their names submitted to state and national level, dues are $15. Those paying dues thus far include: Mike Resor, Ron Wolf, Jennifer Clark (Vice President), John & Mary Quinn, Will & Susan Davis (President), David Williams, Scott & Heather Davis, Lori Long, Chris Baker, Larry Meyers, Danny Hoyt, Rick Surber, Todd Mustain, Suzi Beck, Radcliff family, Anthony & Leda Schreiner, Rusty & Kari Black, Brenda Kerr (Secretary), Charles Kerr, Larry Meyers, Paula Way, Julie Basse, and Larry Meek.

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Alumni News (for more news & events, visit the Litton Ag News page)

On Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, 2014, the Litton Agriculture Campus was host to four (4) junior preview cattle shows. The shows included Showing for A Cure, North Missouri Prospect Show, Milan FFA Jackpot, and the NWMSU Green & Gold Classic.

Pig Show Extravaganza
June 4 & 5, 2011

On June 4 & 5, 2011 the Livingston County 4-H & FFA Fairgrounds-Jenkins Expo Building hosted three swine shows and two lamb shows. There were approximately 380 head of hogs shown during the two- day event and 210 head of lambs.

On Saturday morning, the show was sponsored by the Chillicothe FFA Alumni. There were approximately 220 head of hogs at this show. The sponsors were: Ag Venture, American Family-Janet McCauslin, Bank Midwest, Barnes Baker Motors, Brammer Show Pigs, BTC Bank, Chillicothe Animal Hospital, Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, Chillicothe State Bank, Constitution Tribune, Cooke Used Parts & Equipment, Crow Show Pigs, Davis Livestock, Farmers Electric Cooperative, Grand River Technical School, Hoffman-Reed Inc., Hutchinson & Co., J.R. Reid Show Pigs, Livingston TV & Appliance, MFA Agri-Service, Raymond Quinn Farms, Simms Show Pigs, Sullivan Show Supplies, T & R Soil Service, TLD Livestock, Trans Ova Genetics, Williams Farms, Wolf Farms, Wolf Brothers, and Young Vet Clinic.

The results of the show were: Supreme Gilt went to Bailey Pope, Reserve Supreme Gilt went to Kendall Brewer, Supreme Barrow went to Greg Connell, and Reserve Supreme Barrow went to Bailey Kemp. Showmanship results were: Champion Novice Showmanship went to Cole Murphy, Reserve Novice Showmanship went to Annie Robinson, Champion Junior Showmanship went to Jarret Fuehring, Reserve Junior Showmanship went to Victoria Hinton, Champion Intermediate Showmanship went to Clay Wooldridge, Reserve Intermediate Showmanship went to Austin Boland, Champion Senior Showmanship went to Bailey Pope, and Reserve Senior Showmanship went to Jesse Birkenhotz.

The two swine shows held on Sunday, June 5, 2011 were sponsored by the Missouri Youth Swine Supporters and had about 160 head of swine. The two lambs shows held on June 4, 2011 were put on by the Missouri Lamb Breeders Associations. The first show was sponsored by T & R Soil Services, Butterfield and Associates, and Purina Show Feeds.

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C-T Photo / Laura Schuler
Published: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, C-T

CAPTION: The Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation awarded $500,000 to the Chillicothe FFA Alumni Association to help fund construction of the new agricultural education building at the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center.

Click here for complete article...

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Agriculture Supporters Recognized at Extension Banquet
Published: Friday, February 27, 2009, C-T

CAPTION: Retiring members of the University of Extension are Tonja Tiemeyer, Brian Eggers and Jackie Woodworth. Barbara Minnick, J.D. Shafer and Jamie Reeter, also retiring, were unable to attend.

C-T Photo / Amanda McKay

Four area families were recognized Thursday evening as Missouri Century Farm Club Membership recipients at the annual meeting of the Livingston County Extension Council, held at Calvary Baptist Church. The Missouri Century Farm Club recognizes families who have contributed to local, state, national and international agriculture by owning and operating the same Missouri farm for 100 years or more. Livingston County has four new members which are: the Howard and Virginia Burton family of Hale, Mo.; the Lloyd Raymond Silvey family, of Hale, Mo., who were unable to attend the banquet; Marty and Verna Eller family, of Chillicothe, Mo.; and the George (Pat) Gilliland family, of Ludlow, Mo.

CAPTION: Century Farm Family Member recipients included the Burton Family: (Front row) Steve Burton, Virginia Burton, Pam Marriott, Vivian Engleman, Marian Burton, Kathy Burton and Patti Burton. C-T Photo/Amanda McKay	CAPTION: George (Pat) Gilliland accepted the Century Farm Family award on behalf of his family for owning and operating the family farm for 100 years. Family members included: Brenda Barnes, Bill Gilliland, George (Pat) Gilliland, Joe Gilliland and Joni Jones. C-T Photo/Amanda McKay

Mont and Lena Burton first purchased 30 acres in Stokesmound Township on Dec. 8, 1906. Mont and Lena purchased an adjoining 40 acres in Fairview Township in November 1908. Their now 70-acre farm straddles the Carroll-Livingston line. Mont and Lena raised eight children to adulthood on the family farm. Through the years, Mont and Lena acquired more land, and at his death in 1950, owned more than 270 acres. In 1952, Mont and Lena’s youngest son, Howard Burton and his wife Virginia, bought 110 acres from the estate which included the original 70 acres and house. Howard and Virginia also raised eight children in the house Mont had built.

The Yeomans/Eller farm, located northwest of Chillicothe on Highway 190, is currently owned by Marty, Verna and Lambert Eller, fourth and fifth generations of Yeomans. Their farm was originally purchased by George Meredith Yeomans, Marty’s great-grandfather. George Meredith Yeomans served as sheriff of Livingston County from 1905 to 1909. On Feb. 28, 1908 he purchased 100 acres northwest of Chillicothe where he built a house, barn and several outbuildings. He planted an orchard and raised lots of fruits and vegetables and also had a dairy. He also raised livestock and practiced beekeeping. Marty’s brother, David, is also raising his family on five acres of the original farm.

In January 1908, George Frank Gilliland purchased 59 acres of land, a house, barn and outbuildings for $4,000 from John and Laurie Johnson. George William (Pat) and Geraldine Gilliland then bought the homeplace with 53 acres in 1951 for $5,000 from his parents, Frank and Lillian Gilliland. Through the years, George and Geraldine added to their farming operation for a total of 390 acres. They were blessed with four children and over 50 years of marriage. All 50 years were spent living “north of Ludlow” in the same house on the homeplace.

The master of ceremonies for Thursday’s banquet and awards ceremony was Jackie Woodworth, Livingston County University of Missouri Extension chairwoman. Entertainment was provided by Ian Derrickson, who played four marimba pieces. Derrickson is a 2003 graduate of Chillicothe High School and a 2008 graduate of Missouri Western State University. He is in his first year of teaching in Braymer.

Recipients of the Extension Leader’s Honor Roll of the University of Missouri were selected due to their work in helping to develop and carry out local extension programs. The first recipient of the 2008 Leader’s Honor Roll is Charles Casebeer. The second recipient of the 2008 Leader’s Honor Roll is Sondra Skipper. Neither Casebeer or Skipper were in attendance.

The evening also included the installation of officers for the new year as well as recognition to those who have served in the past. Brandi Wedlock from the Livingston County Clerk’s office, administered the oath of office to officers who are: Diane Kerns, chair; Marcia Putnam, vice chairman; Janice Meservey, treasurer; and Bette Atwell, secretary.

Kevin Hansen, ag business specialist and county program director, recognized Rusty and Karie Black as the Livingston County State Fair Farm Family. The Blacks were selected by the Livingston County Extension Council to represent Livingston County at the 2008 Missouri State Fair Farm Family Day. The purpose of Farm Family Day is to recognize the outstanding contribution farmers and their families make to Missouri and Missouri Agriculture.

CAPTION: Ian Derrickson, first year teacher at Braymer, Mo. and 2003 graduate of Chillicothe High School, performed last night (Thursday) at the Livingston County University Extension banquet and awards ceremony. Derrickson plays the marimba. C-T Photo/Amanda McKay	CAPTION: The Eller Family also received a Century Farm Family award. Family members present include: Marty Eller, Verna Eller and Lambert Eller. C-T Photo/Amanda McKay

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Whiteside Inducted into Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame
Published: Wednesday, August 27, 2008, C-T

CAPTION: Dale Whiteside of Chillicothe was welcomed into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame at the 2008 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Whiteside, a lifelong supporter of 4-H, is the founder and chairman of the Livingston County 4-H Foundation.

C-T Photo

Local University of Missouri Extension 4-H supporter Dale Whiteside, of Chillicothe, was inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame at the MO-AG Theatre at the 2008 Missouri State Fair. Whiteside was welcomed into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame during the induction ceremony held Aug 10. He was one of the 31 individuals, eight couples and one business from around the state recognized for their service and dedication to the youth of University of Missouri Extension 4-H. “We are delighted to recognize outstanding members of our Missouri 4-H family by inducting them into the Hall of Fame,” said Cheryl Reams, executive director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation.

Whiteside is a Missouri 4-H alumni and lifelong supporter of 4-H, especially in Livingston County. With his vision, determination and hard work, the Livingston County 4-H Foundation was established in 1997 which was the first county 4-H foundation in the state of Missouri. Through his leadership and untiring service, he has helped secure donations to build a strong financial base for the Livingston County 4-H Foundation all the while promoting the 4-H program.

“Our mission is to provide the youth of our community an opportunity to participate in 4-H,” Whiteside said. “We [4-H Foundation] have a good board of trustees.” He also stated that those seven trustees have played an integral part in success of the Livingston County 4-H Foundation.

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4-H Foundation Nearing $500,000 Goal
By CATHERINE STORTZ RIPLEY/C-T News Editor, Thursday, August 31, 2006

Nine years ago the Livingston County 4-H Foundation was established - a first in the state of Missouri. Weak in funds but strong in desire, organizers sought to raise enough money to fully endow a youth specialist to work full-time and exclusively for the local 4-H program. The goal was set at half-a-million dollars.

The foundation is coming close to that goal with a current balance of $340,000; however, the principal is not growing as fast as foundation members would like because it is responsible for funding its current staff which includes a part-time youth program assistant and a summer intern. “We continue to get closer to our goal, but at a slower pace,” said foundation chairman Dale Whiteside. Pat Wood is the youth program assistant, maintaining the program and working with volunteers and leaders. She splits her time with the Linn County 4-H program.

Livingston County's 4-H program has had a strong past and, although without a full-time youth specialist, continues to be active; however, supporters envision an even stronger program with a full-time youth specialist devoted completely to the local 4-H program. “A full-time person who is really good at working with youth and volunteers and working in the community makes all the difference in the world,” Whiteside said. “We could get more kids involved with 4-H if we can get the endowment and hire a full-time youth specialist. We would always have one person here.”

Livingston County 4-H Foundation members are Diane Kerns, secretary; Kay Green, treasurer; Mike Sensenich, member; Jack McCall, member; Dale Whiteside, chairman; Dave Walker, vice chairman; Brenda Kerr, member; Susie Beck, member; Rebecca Kerr, student 4-H representative.

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Alumni Projects

Steer Identification
Published: Monday, March 2, 2009, C-T

CAPTION: The Missouri State Fair may be months away but preparations were in full swing at Young Veterinary Clinic Saturday. Here, Chillicothe FFA Alumni members Johnny Hayes and Adam Campbell take nose prints of steers. Just as no two people have identical fingerprints, no two cows have identical nose prints. The nose printing process was necessary for steers which could advance to the state fair. In order to show at the state level, the exhibitors must have proof that they owned the steers by a certain date. In addition to FFA alumni, Saturday’s nose printing was done by local ag instructors and University Extension agents. There were around 45 steers getting nose prints.

C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley

Past Projects include:

• Agriculture Future of American (AFA) scholarship - AFA currently funds two high school senior scholarships to attend the AFA convention in Kansas City.
• Choose FFA award winners from applications submitted
• Serve & clean up at the FFA banquet
• Serve on the Litton Board
• Chaperone Barnwarming
• Work at the cattle show the second weekend in May
• Work at the hog show the first weekend in June

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For more information, contact:
Nancy Yates, (816) 472-4232, nancy.yates@agfuture.org

Locals Recognized As Ten-Year Partners
Community partners raise more than $70,000 in agricultural scholarship

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Oct. 31, 2006) —Agricultural leaders mentor, inspire and challenge college students through a non-profit organization, Agriculture Future of America (AFA), based in Kansas City. For ten years, Chillicothe business leaders and individuals have embraced AFA’s mission to identify, encourage and support outstanding college men and women preparing for careers in the agriculture and food industry by partnering to identify young people to receive academic scholarship support and leader development training.

L to R: Paul Thomas, Jim Grozinger, EL Reed

Since 1996, Chillicothe has awarded 22 academic and leader development scholarships totaling $70,400. Four area businesses have supported the partnership with AFA each of the last 10 years including Chillicothe FFA, Citizens Bank and Trust Company, Reed Seeds, Inc. and Chillicothe State Bank. Jim Grozinger, Paul Thomas and E.L. Reed accepted recognition for their organizations, respectively, at the recent AFA Leader in Agriculture Award Dinner in Kansas City, an event held in conjunction with the AFA Leaders Conference.

Anthony Schreiner (pictured at left) was one of the first scholarship recipients from Chillicothe. Now a grain buyer with Ray-Carroll Cooperative in Richmond, Missouri, Anthony is active in the AFA Alliance. The Alliance is a young professional organization for those seeking continued professional development and life-long learning.

The annual conference is focused on college students who plan to pursue agriculture-related careers. Delegates will participate in career training seminars and will interact with executive-level managers of leading agribusiness companies and organizations.

The conference also features an Opportunity Fair, slated for Friday, November 3. Conference participants meet with recruiting representatives from top companies and associations to explore internship and full-time employment opportunities. Over 80 regional and national employers will attend, including Archer Daniels Midland Company; CHS, Inc.; Deere & Company; Cargill, Inc.; Monsanto; National Crop Insurance Services; Pioneer Hi Bred International, Inc.; the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and UMB Bank.

The AFA Leader in Agriculture Award Dinner, honored Marilyn Adams, president and founder of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, and Clayton Yeutter, Of Counsel to Hogan & Harston, LLP. More than 760 attendees also celebrate AFA’s 10-year history and accomplishments.

AFA is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1996 to promote intern opportunities, leader development, and AFA scholarships for students interested in careers in agriculture. Since 1997, more than 1,000 scholarships totaling more than $4.1 million have been awarded.

The following is a partial list of AFA sponsors: Archer Daniels Midland; Bunge North America; Cargill, Inc; CHS Foundation; Farm Credit System Foundation; John Deere; Monsanto Company; National Crop Insurance Services; Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.; UMB Bank, n.a.; Ag Processing, Inc.; Bank Midwest; Bartlett & Company; Diary Farmers of America; Farmland Foods; Nationwide Agribusiness; Premium Standard Farms; and The Scoular Company.

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