Student Focus

A Crop With the Potential to Soar

This Alabama member plants an experimental crop that can be converted to jet fuel. Crystal Chandler was looking for a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project when her FFA advisor at Geraldine High School in Geraldine, Ala., introduced her to carinata (Brassica carinata). The oilseed crop, a nonfood biofuel oil, can be used in jet fuel. The remnants of the carinata seed can be used as a high-protein feed for livestock. The timing was right for Chandler to plant the novel crop. Her parents had just rented 50 acres of farmland with plans to grow row crops. Also, Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., a business focused on sustainable biofuel production, was looking for Alabama farmers to experiment with the oilseed crop. Chandler was eager to take on a major project. “For my first SAE, I grew herbs,” she says. “The second year, I got a little bigger and grew 2 acres of row crops, and I wanted to do something bigger.” In 2017, Chandler planted 50 acres of carinata under contract with Agrisoma. She expected to harvest her first [...]

By |2018-12-20T14:05:30-05:00December 10th, 2018|Categories: Chapter Focus, SAE, Student Focus|Tags: , , , , , , |

Persistence Earns Tractor Restoration Champ Jay Leno Appearance

As the 2017 Grand Champion in the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition, Corey Verstraeten can certainly attest to the old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try again.” After being named as a finalist in three previous competitions, Verstraeten finally won the top prize during his senior year in high school with a restored Oliver 1755. Perhaps even more exciting, though, was the invitation Verstraeten received to appear on the television show, Jay Leno’s Garage, in August. It proves the value of perseverance and the importance of never giving up. 1972 Oliver 1755 A 2018 graduate of Southwest High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he was an active FFA member, Verstraeten chose a 1972 Oliver 1755 tractor with front-wheel assist as his senior-year restoration project. His tractor was ultimately selected as Grand Champion from among the 12 finalists in the competition sponsored by Chevron Products Company, a division of Chevron U.S.A., Inc. Third Time’s a Charm Prior to winning the championship, Verstraeten was a finalist in 2016 with a 1971 Oliver 1855. He was also [...]

Go to Top