FFA Model Class Judging Standards DVD & FFA National Convention
Re: FFA Model Class Judging Standards DVD & FFA National Convention
For several months now I have been working with the National FFA team to produce a model class judging DVD. The board approved a budget of $10,000.00 for production and distribution costs. On August 28, 2007 we submitted 52 copies to the FFA to be distributed to the state chapters. Although final invoices are not in as of this writing the estimated cost is expected to be approximately $7,500.00. The total cost includes the production of 1000 copies that are appropriately packaged, encrypted to prevent copying and copy write protected.
The Missouri Fox Trotter has been selected as the featured horse at the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, Oct. 24-27, 2007. Approximately 50,000 students are expected at this year’s convention. And the Fox Trotter will be included in the Horse Evaluation Event on Wednesday, October 24. Valley Springs Ranch and Johnnie Miller will be providing the horses and affiliate members in Indiana and Illinois will act an exhibitors.
Additional copies of the DVD will be available to the membership after Nov. 01, 2007. Watch The Journal for ordering instructions.
I have not seen official membership data but understand there are 89,000 students enrolled in FFA classes throughout the United States. Published information from the FFA National Convention says that 50,000 students are expected to be in Indianapolis this month. Whatever the actual numbers; it is apparent this is a huge market potential for Missouri Fox Trotters and the Association wants to develop this market. Hopefully, the board will adopt a MFTHBA Strategic Business Plan this year and the FFA will be a target in our marketing objectives.
Briefly, here are some ideas about FFA development:
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Advertise in FFA official magazine “New Horizons”.
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Participate in regional and area FFA events.
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Continue to provide Model Horse DVD’s directly to schools and students.
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Develop an Equine Curriculum Guide to be provided to teachers and administrators.
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Distribute The Journal to FFA classrooms and mail directly to students wherever possible.
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Solicit advertisers that target FFA students to advertise in The Journal.
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Develop strategies to develop special FFA youth Association memberships.
The development of FFA students as potential purchasers of the Missouri Fox Trotter is crucial for the future of our Association in four primary approaches.
(1) Increase Association membership
(2) Create additional potential for purchasers of the Missouri Fox Trotter
(3) Increase circulation of The Journal.
(4) Increase in The Journal circulation will attract businesses that market to the 13 to 24 year old age group.
I have said frequently in the past that success can be measured by our ability to work toward common goals and function in a collaborative environment. The development of the Model Class DVD is a classic example of these ideals. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this project, Johnnie Miller, Floyd Hurst, Suzanne Scott, Karen Graddy, Wannenmacher Advertising Co., and to all those who I have sought their input over time. I would especially like to acknowledge Tom Owen retired FFA teacher and former President of MFTHBA. It was Tom that initially suggested the FFA DVD to me and it was through his insight that the project was realized.
Jim Wood
