Feed Lot Magazine Online, Dectomax Next Generation Program Extends FFA Activities

Many FFA chapters throughout the U.S. are providing more opportunities for their members, thanks to help from local beef producers and Pfizer Animal Health.

The assistance is coming through a unique program in which Pfizer Animal Health gives participating FFA chapters $3 for every Dectomax(R) Pour-On box top or Dectomax Injectable bottle cap they collect and redeem. Since the program began two years ago, nearly $300,000 has been distributed to 557 chapters across the U.S.

A number of chapters benefiting are from the High Plains area, where cooperation from local feedyards, backgrounders, stocker operations, cow-calf producers and animal health suppliers has been especially strong.

Cimarron (Kansas) High School FFA is one example. There, FFA members strive to better themselves by judging livestock, participating in learning workshops and performing community service. Thanks to Gray County Feed Yard and the Dectomax Next Generation Program, the chapter extended these activities in 1999.

The processing crew at Gray County Feed Yard routinely saves Dectomax box tops and bottle caps for the FFA chapter. In 1999, this support provided the chapter with substantial funding for trip expenses and other activities.

"We raised between $1,000 and $2,000 for motel rooms and meals for the kids at the various activities," says Sonya Roberts, Cimarron FFA advisor. "The Next Generation program is easy for us, and the money allows us to do some things that we might not otherwise be able to do."

Todd Siek, office manager for Gray County Feed Yard, says the program is a simple way to support the local FFA.

"It's so simple to do and it helps the kids with their education," he says. "Our FFA just went to the national convention in Louisville, Ky., and I'm sure that trip was partially funded by this program."

Last year the top participating chapter -- Hartley FFA in Hartley, Texas -- raised more than $14,000 by collecting box tops and bottle caps from feedlots, ranches and veterinary clinics. The money purchased a new chapter livestock trailer and established a local scholarship fund.

A majority of the caps for Hartley FFA came from Hartley Feeders, a 45,000-head capacity yard. Mike Shafer, general manager of Hartley Feeders, says he is happy to support the excellent vocational agriculture program at Hartley High School through this and other FFA programs.

"We think this is a good way for the FFA chapters to raise money, and it's not a straight hand-out. It takes effort to collect the caps, so the students have to work for it," Shafer says. "And, the program doesn't cost us anything. It's a great gesture on Pfizer's part to support the FFA program this way."

In addition to financially supporting the FFA chapter, Hartley Feeders hires some of the students through a work-study program and helps prepare the students for careers and contests.

"The judging team comes out to the feedyard and practices judging livestock, and we've conducted mock interviews for some of the juniors and seniors in the agriculture class," Shafer says. "We think the FFA program is very worthwhile, and we enjoy supporting the local school and agriculture program."

John Landon, Pfizer Animal Health senior marketing manager for parasite control products, says the Dectomax Next Generation Program is a way of expressing Pfizer's confidence in the future of the cattle industry -- and in the youth who are that future.

"The process of making these contacts enhances students' communication skills and increases their knowledge of career opportunities in animal agriculture. In doing so, they also earn cash and learn about animal health," Landon says. "It's a positive situation for everyone involved."

Hartley FFA president Sean Johnson says he and his fellow students enjoy the financial support, but they also benefit from the interaction with cattlemen and veterinarians.

"When we go to the feedlots and talk with managers about collecting the box tops and bottle caps, we practice our communication skills and visit with people we wouldn't usually get the opportunity to visit with," Johnson says.

Chandra Corse, Hartley FFA advisor, agrees that the program helps students network within their community. "Anytime students talk to people in business or industry, it helps increase their chances of employment later on," Corse says. "The program also increased our community's knowledge of FFA, making people aware of the high quality students in our program."

Graduating seniors from participating FFA chapters are also eligible to compete for $1,000 scholarships through the National FFA Foundation and the Dectomax Next Generation program. Pfizer provides the scholarships to FFA members pursuing continued education in agribusiness or animal science.

"The success of tomorrow's agriculture industry will depend on the youth of today," Landon says. "We are pleased to continue our support of the FFA in cooperation with cattle producers."

Producers interested in learning more about the Next Generation program should contact their local FFA chapter. FFA chapters not yet participating can enroll by calling 1-888-698-4367.