NAAE Convention Scholarship Auction Major Items

Again this year we have had some major items donated from our sponsors for the scholarship auction to be held at the NAAE convention. We will be sending a separate mailing to all who pre-register for the convention with the details of the majors items so you can come prepared with your checkbook or a school purchase order. To date, the major items include:

Gothic Arch Greenhouses – Gothic Arch Model 1102, 14’W x 20’L. Framing will be of heart Cypress, glazing to be corrugated polycarbonate rigid plastic, 40/m btu gas-fired heating system, a basic fan/air-inlet shutter ventilation system, and a shade cloth. The list cost on this unit as described is $5,861.00 FOB shipping point. Bidding on this item needs to start at $ 4,500.00.

Forever Resorts – 7-day, 6-night houseboat rental. Houseboat is a 56 foot "Forever 10" luxury houseboat that will sleep 10 persons. Rental is available on the following lakes: The California Delta, California; Trinity Lake, California; Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri; Table Rock Lake, Missouri; Lake Lanier, Georgia; Lake Amistad, Texas; and Lake Meredith, Texas. Rental is available during the Value Season (October 16 through December 30). Retail value is $1,695.00. Bidding should begin at $800.00.

Stuppy Greenhouse Manufacturing – Powerhouse Greenhouse Frame, 30’W x 48’L with 3 1/2’ sidewall height. Non-code. $1,454.40 value. Bidding needs to start at $800.00. Freight collect.

Ohio Curriculum Materials Service – CD-ROM lab library that includes a set of 20 Learning Lab Library CDs. (This is 20 identical copies, each with all 12 of our Learning Lab titles on each single CD.) The value of this set is $1,995.00.

A set of 30 "Introduction to Greenhouse Production" books. This set of books is valued at $1,198.50.

Plus anyone who donates $100 cash to the scholarship auction will receive a $100 CMS gift certificate. Ten of these gift certificates will be available.

CEV Multimedia – Three educational videos as a set, including: 1) Equine Management I; 2) Equine Management II; and 3) Careers in the Equine Industry. The value of this video set is about $300.00.

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Distance Learning Program – Complete set of "Gee Whiz in Agriculture" videos and written materials. These are ideal for Ag in the Classroom activities for younger students. The value of the set is about $275.00.

The National Young Farmers Educational Association (NYFEA) is offering some outstanding programs in both educational activities and services. As the NAAE representative on the NYFEA Board of Directors, it has been my pleasure to see an organization make so many perks available for so little money.

Currently members pay $15 and are eligible for a prescription drug program and a vision care program. I myself am using the drug discount card and it has proven to be better than my school’s card. The testimonials for the vision care program have been outstanding.

The NYFEA also has a "Members and Mentors" program in effect that pays the dues for new members so they will be exposed to the organization. This program is sponsored by the NYFEA and private companies who have made the commitment to promote agricultural education on the adult level.

Another program that the NYFEA is developing is computer-based lessons on management. These lessons will be on the national web page and are being developed by Jeff McGee International, Inc.–a well known management consulting firm.

To find out more about all of the programs that the NYFEA has to offer, go to www.nyfea.org and check out what I believe is a dynamic organization. There are some areas on the web site for which you will need a password; these areas are reserved for members. I hope you will check out NYFEA, an organization for farmers and agribusinesses that is developed by farmers and agribusinesses. I hope to see you in Cheyenne, Wyoming, November 29 - December 2, for the National Institute.