Category: FFA

Allentown, Allentown, Farm, Farm and Garden, FFA, High School, Monmouth County, Special Events

Allentown FFA Reports On Summer Activities

September 12, 2023

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Allentown FFA reported the following activities over the summer:

June

Cookout
We had our annual June chapter meeting and cookout on June 7 to finish out the school year.
We made the most of what we could amidst the smoke from the Canadian Wildfires. There were
lots of fun games like inside kickball and shop cornhole. We introduced the new leadership team
of the Allentown FFA. We were also incredibly grateful to our alumni for coming back and helping
make food for everyone. Overall, it was a fantastic way to kick off summer vacation.

POW-WOW
The leadership team hit the ground running with POW (Performance Objective
Workshop)-WOW. The first of many leadership training courses for officers. There was lots of planning
for the year, as well as team-building activities to bring the leadership team together.

July


Monmouth County Fair Produce


The Monmouth County Fair was held July 26-29, 2023. Members and alumni from the chapter
worked with the other Monmouth County FFA chapters at the FFA Produce stand. This event
helps raise for all chapters funds to help support travel and other expenses throughout the year.
Safe Tractor Operator Career Development Event (CDE)


During the summer, the Allentown FFA sent two contestants to the Burlington County Farm Fair
to participate in the Safe Tractor Operation contest. During the contest, the members had to
safely back up a four-wheeled wagon and a two-wheel trailer. They also had to operate a skid
steer to carry a bucket of water and the contestants also had to operate a front-end loader.


Meat Evaluation & Technology Career Development Event


During the summer, the chapter sent a team of 4 individuals to participate in the Meat
Evaluation & Technology CDE held in Jacksonville NJ. Participants in the competition delve into
the science of meat. During this team event, students evaluate beef carcasses for quality and
yield grade; identify various meat cuts and place carcasses; and identify wholesale and/or retail
cuts. The team placed 2nd overall!!

August

Canoe Trip

The newly elected leadership team participated in a canoe trip down the Wading River to work
on getting to know each other, learn to work together, and have fun! There were lots of good
memories from having lunch along the river and the advisors splashing everybody!!

9th-Grade Orientation

On August 29, the leadership team gave presentations and set up displays to show incoming
freshmen what the FFA was all about. We wanted to spark interest and introduce them to our
Agriculture program with its many opportunities.
Allentown Officer Leadership Training

To finish up our summer of planning and preparing, the leadership team stayed over at the
Allentown Presbyterian Church after Freshman orientation. We spent the day working with our
Committees to plan the year’s events. In addition, there were various team-building activities to
improve our teamwork. We ended the night with our sponsor’s dinner to communicate with our
sponsors and discuss ways to improve the chapter and better connect with the community!!

Allentown, Allentown, Farm and Garden, FFA, Millstone, Monmouth County, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

Allentown FFA chapter of Allentown, NJ, named 3 Star Chapter for 2022 National Chapter award by National FFA Organization

The Allentown FFA chapter of Allentown, NJ, has been recognized in 2022 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization.

The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the country that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

Chapters that received star ratings during judging this summer and will be recognized at the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct 26-29.

All star-rated FFA chapters receive honors made possible by corporate sponsor John Deere.

“At John Deere, we believe that FFA will grow the next generation of leaders capable of changing the world for the better,” Aaron Wetzel, vice president of production systems at John Deere, said. “Star chapters help inspire these vital leaders through their exceptional commitment to FFA’s mission, which they bring to life through inspiring agricultural education, rich career exploration, and meaningful community service.”

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 735,000 student members as part of 8,817 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Allentown, Allentown, FFA, Monmouth County

Allentown FFA Fall 2021 Activities

December 9, 2021

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–We are happy to announce that the Allentown FFA Chapter participated in its first sponsored leadership event for the 2021-2022 academic year through the LEAD leadership conference held on October 1st at Rutgers University. The chapter saw many people attend the conference that encompassed COLT (chapter officer leadership training), LOC (leadership and opportunities conference) and SGC (state greenhand conference), and then meeting at the Ag building the next day to virtually complete the conference conducted with the New Jersey State Officer Team. In regards to development activities, the members of the FFA continue practicing for Fall CDEs in Fruit & Vegetable Identification, Milk Quality and Products, Turf Management, and Land Evaluation competitions. Competitions will be held in November at Rutgers University. The Allentown FFA Chapter would like to wish good luck to all the teams competing!

The Allentown FFA team also is pleased to announce the success of the Flower Bulb Sale that concluded on Wednesday October 20th, and the successive annual fruits sale that kicked off on October 15 that will continue until November 22, 2021; so get your fruit and cheesecake while they’re still in stock. If you have any questions or would like to pick up an order form, please see an officer or advisor.

The Allentown FFA Chapter conducted it’s Halloween Poster Contest at Newell Elementary School with the objective of informing kids on how to be safe during Halloween which finished successfully with many enthusiastic participants from the elementary school. Starting with Halloween, the October chapter meeting say many people dress and have lots of fun with the activities such as pumpkin painting and the haunted escape room that was made in the Agricultural building. For staying informed on FFA events and activities, continue to view the FFA website for the monthly newsletter for all updates on the Allentown FFA Chapter and we wish luck for all members for the month of November. We would love to invite anyone who wishes to come to the November Chapter Meeting that will be held on November 18, 2021, and for all questions regarding anything FFA, don’t hesitate to contact an FFA officer or advisor.

Honor Society Inductions: The Allentown FFA Chapter assists the National Honor Society advisors by attending the National Honor Society induction ceremony and handing out programs and acting as ushers the guests. The chapter also provided the stage floral decorations for the Honor Society Inductions- Latin, English, History, Fine Art, Math, Spanish, French, Science and Italian- as well as the National Honor Society Induction.

Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement Sale: The Allentown FFA sold flower arrangements that were Thanksgiving themed. We sold them to community members and staff of UFRSD. Single candle arrangements are $20.and cornucopias were $24.

Popcorn Park Zoo Donation Collection: Every year, the Allentown FFA hosts the Popcorn Park Pet Supply Drive to assist animals in the shelter. We do this by placing bins in various locations, including the 3 UFRSD schools, Ag stores in Allentown and Millstone, and other locations. For the drive, make flyers to show what types of supplies are needed by the shelter. We typically leave the bins at their location for a month and check them periodically to see if they need to be emptied. All officers must receive approval from their location before placing a bin there. After the donation drive is over, we pack a vehicle with the donations and deliver them to the zoo.

New Jersey FFA Assocation Officer Visit to Allentown FFA on November 15, 2021:

Monday, November 15, 2021 I had the opportunity to visit the Allentown FFA Chapter. I presented to a total of 5 classes, informing them about FFA and opportunities offered through the New Jersey Association. I also stayed after school for some time and attended a planning meeting where floral arrangements for Allentown’s NHS were created.
Jonathan Finney
New Jersey FFA State Treasurer

On December 4, 2021, Allentown FFA participated in the New Jersey FFA Association Mission Conference! Members learned about personal development!

FFA, High School, Special Events

Allentown FFA “National FFA Week” Activities Go Virtual In 2021

February 27, 2021

National FFA Week Celebrated Virtually February 20 – 27, 2021

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–During a normal year the Allentown FFA chapter holds many National FFA Week events. Some of the events include a sponsor’s breakfast, open house, display at Tractor Supply, and a visit to the 1st National FFA President’s gravesite with wreath laying in Freehold. The Allentown High School FFA Chapter moved their National FFA Week activities to virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and plans to return to normal in person FFA Week activities in 2022.

Traditionally, the Allentown FFA Chapter would thank our sponsors and supporters at the Annual Sponsor’s Breakfast and Open House on this Day of FFA Week. As with many things this year, we had to change our format to deliver this event virtually! We want to thank you for your continued support of our program. Your support enables our members to develop premier leadership, personal growth, and achieve career success!

2021 Allentown FFA Sponsor’s Recognition Event –On the Friday of National FFA Week, the Allentown FFA Chapter recognizes and thanks our sponsors and supporters! This event helps showcase the accomplishments of FFA Members and how FFA can positive influence our students. Due to COVID-19, we were unable to meet in person. However, we still want to share our story!

MidJersey.news 2020 FFA Week coverage:

FFA Week: Allentown FFA At Tractor Supply

National FFA Week: Feb 22 to 29, 2020, Looking Back at 1988-89 Allentown FFA Banquet

Allentown FFA Wreath Laying Ceremony For First FFA President

Allentown, FFA, High School

Allentown FFA Chapter Named 3 Star Chapter For 2020 National Chapter Award By National FFA Organization

September 29, 2020

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 16, 2020/National FFA Organization) – The Allentown FFA chapter of Allentown, New Jersey has been recognized in 2020 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization.

The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the country that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

Chapters that received star ratings during judging this summer and will be recognized at the 2020 National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct 27-29, which will be held virtually this year.

All star-rated FFA chapters receive honors made possible by corporate sponsor John Deere.

“Feeding some 9 billion people by mid-century brings with it unprecedented challenges for today’s farmers,” said Amy Allen, manager, national corporate contributions for John Deere. “The skills and experiences learned though the National Chapter Award Program will help meet the critical needs.”

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Allentown, Allentown, FFA, Monmouth County, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

FFA Annual Gift Auction and Spaghetti Dinner March 21 Canceled Over COVID-19 Concerns

March 10, 2020

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–From the Allentown FFA Alumni Facebook Page.

Due to concerns with Corona Virus, we will be cancelling the Annual Gift Auction and Spaghetti Dinner on March 21. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your support.

This was a difficult decision but we want to ensure the safety of students, supporters, and volunteers.

We hope to see you next year!

Allentown, Allentown, FFA, Freehold, Manalapan, Monmouth County

Allentown FFA Wreath Laying Ceremony For First FFA President

February 23, 2020

MANALAPAN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown FFA held a wreath laying ceremony for the first FFA National President from Freehold, NJ today the 2nd day of FFA Week. This has been a tradition tracked back in Allentown FFA scrap books as far as 1975.

Applegate was elected first FFA president in 1928 (Called New Farmers of America in 1928) First National FFA Convention is held in Kansas City, Mo.: 33 delegates from 18 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin) are in attendance.

More on NJ’s FFA History here at the NJ Department of Agriculture website.

The Allentown FFA held a wreath laying ceremony for the first FFA National President from Freehold, NJ today the 2nd day of FFA Week. This has been a tradition tracked back in Allentown FFA scrap books as far as 1975.

Leslie N. Applegate was born on October 20, 1911 and died in December 1971. Anyone wishing to visit Applegate is buried in Old Tennent Cemetery 454 Tennent Rd, Manalapan, Section C, Lot 16, Grave 279

Allentown, Allentown, FFA, Monmouth County, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

FFA Week: Allentown FFA At Tractor Supply

February 22, 2020

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown FFA Chapter was at the Allentown-Upper Freehold Tractor Supply today showing scrap books and other items from the FFA Chapter. Several current FFA members as well as Allentown FFA Alumni were on hand. Tractor Supply is collecting donations for the FFA Paper Emblem Program during FFA Week.

Tomorrow the Allentown FFA Chapter will have a wreath laying ceremony at grave site of Leslie Applegate from New Jersey who was elected first National FFA president in 1929. Looking though chapter records this has been a tradition since at least 1975 during FFA Week.

You may want to donate to the TSC FFA Paper Emblem Program if you happen to visit Tractor Supply this FFA Week.

  • Left to right: Willow Lugo, Rebecca Hopkins Allentown FFA Vice President and Maddin Emmons today at Tractor Supply Company in Allentown, NJ
  • Left to right: Willow Lugo, Rebecca Hopkins Allentown FFA Vice President and Maddin Emmons today at Tractor Supply Company in Allentown, NJ
FFA Week Activities at Tractor Supply Company, Allentown, NJ. Photo by: Dennis Symons, Jr.
Allentown, Allentown, FFA, High School, Monmouth County, Upper Freehold

National FFA Week: Feb 22 to 29, 2020, Looking Back at 1988-89 Allentown FFA Banquet

February 22, 2020

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–It is National FFA Week and this year is celebrated from February 22 to 29, 2020. The Allentown High School Chapter of the FFA Organization has a deep history in the area. Recently I came across a set of negatives of the 1988-89 FFA Banquet in Allentown. From the mark on one of the negatives one of the group photos may have been published back in the Messenger Press, none of the other photos have been seen before. Enjoy a look back in time from 32 years ago. Also a few photos in the mix of the Allentown FFA Alumni meeting in 1988-89.

If you happen to stop by Tractor Supply Company in Allentown/Upper Freehold today you may bump into some current and past FFA members. You may want to donate to the TSC FFA Paper Emblem Program while you are there.

Follow our Facebook page there are over 1,000 photo from late 1980s to early 90s of events in our area.

File photos by: Dennis Symons, Jr. 86-87 NJ State FFA Association President and AHS Alumni
Allentown, Allentown, FFA, High School, Monmouth County

Allentown FFA January 2020 Update

February 21, 2020

By: Kylie Byrne

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–This past month Jennifer Healey of the Allentown FFA was named the January State Member of the Month for New Jersey. Any FFA member who wishes to become a member of the month for the state has to complete an application which then gets sent to the State. Many members apply for this award every month.

The Allentown FFA apparel sale came to an end this month. It was a huge success and everyone loved the design for the apparel. It was so popular that we decided to do another order due January 17th.

January 16th was our monthly chapter meeting. We had the opportunity to
welcome Mrs Pribell to come and speak to us. We learned alot about the Farm Bureau and how we can be involved. Mrs Pribell also spoke to us about her and her husband’s beekeeping business. It was very interesting to learn about the different types of honey and what it takes to be a beekeeper. We would like to thank Mrs Pribell for this amazing opportunity.

After the meeting was adjourned we held a cupcake decorating
competition.

Coming up in February we have FFA Week. FFA week is held the last week of February which is February 23rd to the 29th. FFA week is a time for chapters all around the country to celebrate FFA and how it has affected each member. During this week we do many fun activities and attend a leadership conference. We are also preparing for our Valentine’s Day fundraiser. In this fundraiser we sell pre-ordered roses that will be sent to the person of their choice on Valentine’s Day.

  • Allentown FFA Officers: Rebecca Hopkins, Susan Mandeville, Jennifer Healey, and Alyssia Carotenuto
Allentown, Allentown, Events, FFA, High School, Monmouth County, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

13th Annual Allentown FFA PAF Gift Auction & Spaghetti Dinner March 21, 2020

The Allentown FFA Parents, Alumni, and Friends (PAF) will be hosting the 13th Annual Gift Auction andSpaghetti Dinner on March 21st, 2020 at 6:00PM at the Hope Fire House, 82 County Road 526 in Allentown, NJ. Doors will open at 5:30PM.  The Allentown FFA PAF provides support to the Allentown FFA Chapter of Allentown High School throughout the year through scholarships, leadership training programs, and more. 

Proceeds from the Allentown PAF Alumni Gift Auction will provide students with opportunities to pursue careers in veterinary science, agricultural technology and mechanical systems, earth sciences, environmental science, horticulture, aquaculture, and many other essential fields of work. Students are given the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom through FFA activities, such as competitive events and leadership trainings.

This event provides the Allentown FFA PAF with necessary funds to assist with chapter activities. This includes travel to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, the New Jersey FFA Convention, and various Career Development Events (CDEs) throughout the year. These are tremendous opportunities for members to grow personally and professionally. Through fundraising events, such as the Annual Gift Auction, all students have the opportunity to participate in any of the Chapter, State, and/or National activities, regardless of their financial situation.

Admittance for the 13th Annual Gift Auction is $15.00. The admittance ticket includes an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner. Seating is limited to the first 175 individuals. Please arrive early to secure your seat.  No seats will be saved. Donations are also being accepted.

Join the Allentown FFA Alumni/ PAF at this special event and support this very worthy cause!

For further information, please contact the Allentown FFA at (609) 259-7292 x1440 or x1443. To learn more about the National FFA Organization, please visit ffa.org. 

FFA, High School

Allentown FFA Updates

January 10, 2020

By: Kylie Byrne, Allentown FFA Chapter Reporter

November 2019 Update:

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–In November of 2019 the Allentown FFA members and officers participated in many events and held many fundraisers. This month our Citrus sale and Apparel sales came to an end, it was a big success and we would like to thank everyone who helped support us! On November 19th members and officers attended the Hamilton Grange to give a presentation. At this presentation we made an arrangement with the people who attended. At the same time as the Grange presentation, other members were helping out at the Allentown High School ́s National Honor Society induction by passing out programs to the people who attended.

            On November 21st, we had three teams compete at Rutgers for our fall CDEs. The Land Judging team came in Second place overall and team member, Patrick McMahon came in first statewide. The Fruits and Vegetables identification team came in First overall and will be recognized this year at State Convention. The Milk Quality and Products team came in second place overall and team member, Connor Mcneill came in second statewide. All members had a great experience during these competitions and learned lots of valuable information.

            November 21st at seven o’clock was also our monthly chapter meeting. We talked about all of the upcoming and past events and how members can become involved. After the meeting we had lots of food for our friendsgiving and also played a movie for the members. On November 25th and 26th members stayed after school to help construct floral arrangements for our annual Thanksgiving Floral Sale. Members had a great time constructing these arrangements and learned alot about floral design. Overall the sale did very well and we would like to thank everyone who supported us by purchasing one o these beautiful arrangements!

December 2019 Update:

In December of 2019 Allentown FFA participated in many fun events and held many fundraisers. This month we held our annual Poinsettia sale and Holiday Centerpiece Sale. Members stayed after school on December 16th and 17th to construct the holiday arrangements. The event was very enjoyable and members learned a lot about floral design. We would also like to thank everyone who helped support the Allentown FFA by purchasing a poinsettia or one of our holiday floral arrangements.

            On December 6th some members attended Science Night Live at Newell Elementary School. A presentation was given to the students which taught them about the many different pigments within a leaf. The Students were able to do a fun activity to understand this topic and had the opportunity to interact with one of our bunnies, Snowball. December 19th was our monthly chapter meeting. We talked about the various past and upcoming events and afterwards we made graham cracker houses and an ugly sweater contest.

            December 20th was the end of our annual Pet Supply Drive. Throughout the month buckets where placed at various locations around town and pet supplies for Popcorn Park Zoo where collected. After school members helped take all of the items to the Popcorn Park Zoo where they were collected to be used in the animal shelter. Members then had the opportunity to tour the animal shelter and the zoo. The collection was a huge success and the trip was a lot of fun.

Allentown, FFA, High School, Millstone, Upper Freehold

Allentown FFA Citrus Sale

It’s that time of year again for the Annual Allentown FFA Citrus Sale! We will be taking pre-orders through November 15, 2019. We are pleased to announce that we are using a NEW supplier this year. This will provide you with MORE fruit for your money. It has also REDUCED prices for all of our products. We will also be offering cheesecakes for the first time this year.

Pick-up Date:(Tentative)12/10/2019
Pick-up Time:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pick-up Address:
Agricultural Science Building
27 High Street,
Allentown NJ 08501 

2019 Citrus Pricing: .

All indications are pointing to an excellent crop this year! NEW Supplier and REDUCED pricing compared to 2018

  • Florida Navel Oranges: 4/5 Box (72-88 pieces)- $36.00, 2/5 Box (36-44 pieces)- $23.00, 1/5 Box (10-12 pieces)- $17.00)
  • Florida Juice Oranges– 4/5 Box (64-125 pieces)- $34.00, 2/5 Box (32-65 pieces)- $23.00,
  • Red Grapefruit: 4/5 Box (32-48 pieces)- $38.00, 2/5 Box (16-24 pieces)- $24.00 , 1/5 Box (10-12 Pieces)- $17.00
  • Mixed (Navels/ Grapefruit):  2/5 Box (10-20 Navels, 8-12 Grapefruit)- $30.00
  • Clementines– 1/5 Box (40-50 pieces)- $24.00
  • Anjou Pears– 4/5 Box (80-120 pieces)- $54.00, 1/4 Bushel (20 pieces)- $24.00
  • Red Delicious Apples– 4/5 Bushel (80-120 pieces)- $54.00, 1/4 Bushel (20-22 pieces)- $24.00
  • Golden Pineapples- Case of 3- $20.00

Mixed Gift Boxes

  • Trio Mixed Box– (8 Red Delicious Apples, 8 Anjou Pears, 8 Navels- $30.00
  • Citrus Mixed Box- (8-14 Navels, 6 Red Grapefruit, 8-14 Juice Oranges, 12-14 Clementines- $31.00
  • Fresh Fruit Sampler- (Red Delicious Apples, Navels, Anjou Pears, Clementines (16 pieces)- $26.00
  • Apple Sampler- Sampler of Red Delicious, Gala, Golden Delicious, Gala, and Granny Smith (16 pieces)- $26.00
  • Apple and Pear Sampler- Sampler of Red Delicious Apples, Anjou Pears, Granny Smith Apples, Red Anjou Pears (16 pieces)- $26.00

Cheesecakes

  • Available in Plain, Fruit Sampler, and Chocolate Symphony- $20 Each

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! You can place an order with any FFA member or adviser or place an order through the online form. You can purchase with a credit card through the link and all materials will be shipped with our order. You can also order gift boxes to ship throughout the country. All orders due by 11/15/19!