The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

This year's Tenth Annual John Deere Ag Expo (JDAE) took place November 12-14 as a hybrid event. Most contests were hosted online with the exception of a few that were held at local levels around the state. The Chinook and Harlem FFA Chapters were invited to in-person events at Frontline Ag Solutions in Havre, but neither Chapter travelled, citing COVID restrictions as the deterrent.

On Thursday, November 12, the Montana FFA Foundation invited FFA members to the first ever Virtual Keynote Session, which was streamed from the Montana FFA website, Montana FFA YouTube Channel, and Montana FFA Association Facebook page.

During that block of time, those who took part heard from FFA supporters, State Officers, and Keynote Speaker Courtenay DeHoff who delivered a message about how we can advocate for agriculture regardless of where we grow up and where our paths lead us.

According to her website, Courtenay DeHoff is "a cowgirl turned television personality, keynote speaker, and podcast host." She is a self-proclaimed "Fancy Lady Cowgirl" who takes pride in upholding traditions of the West in unexpected ways. For example, she loves combining her passion for city life, urban trends, and high fashion with her cowgirl spirit. Through her multiple platforms, she works to help bridge the gap between urban and rural communities through advocacy and storytelling.

When she isn't busy working, DeHoff loves to travel. She has visited eighteen countries around the world and doesn't plan to slow down anytime soon. DeHoff is also a former collegiate and professional rodeo athlete.

"It's our job to tell the story about agriculture, to get the word out, to be the voice for agriculture," DeHoff said in her keynote.

"Your appearance does not define you. Whether you wear cowboy boots or high heels, that doesn't speak to your values. It's not how you look and it's not where you live. It's a state of mind. Being a part of this industry and using your voice is all about the mindset. If you cherish this way of life and you want it to succeed, then you're cut out to be a storyteller," DeHoff said. "Advocates come in all shapes and sizes."

To close her keynote, DeHoff outlined the three C's of advocacy: Courage to overcome the naysayers; compassion for the self and others who may have been raised differently and hold different beliefs; and connections. She encouraged FFA members to form connections with like-minded people and to use their voices to spread the word about the importance and the value of agriculture.

Chinook FFA Advisor, Karyn Billmayer reported that it has been difficult to get students to participate in virtual events. "So far none of the members have shown interest in participating virtually. I am hoping to generate more interest, as it is required to qualify in the top half at Districts to be able to compete at State," Billmayer said.

Billmayer hopes to include some of the highlights of DeHoff's keynote in some of her classes in the coming weeks. She also shared announcements about upcoming FFA Events.

"I know we are a ways out from Christmas, but before it sneaks up on us, FFA will be doing a community service project after the holidays before we return to school. We will pick up any Christmas trees to go to the green waste area. We have not scheduled the fine details of this event, but it is a great opportunity to do community service without the issues of COVID interfering. There always seems to be a need to haul off holiday trees for those who aren't able to do so or do not have a vehicle to transport them," Billmayer explained.

The particulars of this project will be scheduled at the December 1 FFA Chapter meeting.