Coffee with the Owl

After losing by just 3 points, this team had a choice, run it back or completely reinvent their strategy.In this episode, Shields Valley’s State Champion Marketing Plan Team breaks down the moment everything changed: the risky shift, the pressure at state, and what it actually takes to beat a powerhouse program.From a freshman stepping up, to a team finding its edge, to finally hearing their name called, this is the inside story of a championship run.If you’ve ever come close… this one hits.

In this special episode of Coffee with the Owl, we sit down with Shields Valley FFA seniors Rylan, Mylee, Teah, and Hagen as they reflect on their final ride through Great Falls, right where it all began their freshman year. From early struggles and pressure-filled moments to championship performances and career-defining lessons, this episode captures what it truly means to grow through FFA.You’ll hear stories of resilience, missed opportunities that turned into motivation, and the mindset it takes to compete at a high level. From State Star Farmer honors to a Marketing Plan State Championship, each senior shares what made their final convention meaningful and what they’ll carry forward into life beyond the blue jacket.More than anything, this episode is a reminder: the future is in good hands.

This week on Coffee with the Owl, we sit down with the legendary “Melstone Cowboy” Brody Grebe, a small-town Montana kid who turned grit, discipline, and work ethic into a journey that reached the Division I level, the NFL door, and even Olympic trials.From growing up on a ranch in a town of under 100 people… to navigating prep school on the East Coast… to competing at Montana State and beyond, Brody shares what it really takes to chase big dreams from a small place.

What happens when the hardest decision of your career becomes the foundation for your greatest impact? Ambra Tennery opens up about leaving the classroom, building culture, and finding purpose beyond what she originally planned.

Mr. Pierce, Everly, and Teah sit down with Montana State FFA Sentinel Weston Sondeno for a powerful conversation about growth, service, and timing. Weston reflects on his journey to state office, sharing stories from the road, the lessons learned through travel, and the deep sense of responsibility he feels serving the FFA organization.He opens up about the disappointment of not earning a state office on his first attempt and explains why, in hindsight, that setback became a blessing, shaping him, strengthening him, and ultimately preparing him for this year. Weston also shares exciting breaking news about what the future may hold in the months ahead.Sit back and enjoy an honest, thoughtful episode with a young man who truly was Built for This Year.

Shields Valley 1st VP Mylee and Advisor Mr. Pierce talk with Shields' Math and Business Education Teachers Mr. Teddy Bostley and Mr. Sam Asktin. They talk about the pleasant surprises coming from urban areas to teach in Small Class C Montana. They talk about the joys and struggles taking over programs that were run previously from well respected tenure teachers of Shields Valley. We had laughs and new ideas on how to approach education in the world of today!

National FFA Champion Josie Roberts joins Coffee with the Owl to share her journey to winning Prepared Public Speaking at the National FFA Convention. We discuss her powerful speech on mental health in rural America, what it’s like competing on the biggest stage, and how Wisconsin and Montana FFA compare. Josie’s insight, authenticity, and future ambitions make this one of our most inspiring episodes yet.

Today, before we celebrate a hopeful Bobcat victory, we sat down with Shields Valley Football Coach Dennis Morris, as he shares his story of life in Great Falls, the unexpected changes that got him to Shields Valley and how small town culture made him fall in love with Shields Valley. We hope you get some laughs as you get ready for today's FCS 2nd Round Matchup.

Coffee with the Owl talks with the Executive Director of the Montana FFA Foundation, Megan Irion. Megan talks about her journey and how it led her to the Foundation. She talks about the new opportunities and the direction she wants to take the foundation. We are excited and hope you enjoy this episode!

Season 3 is officially here! Join members Everly and Mylee as they share their experiences from the 205 National FFA Convention — from incredible educational opportunities, to celebrating our National Chapter Award, to… yes… even trying bugs. It’s a fun, honest look at what makes FFA unforgettable.

Little late but starting the year off with a episode featuring some of our captains on the Shields Valley FFA Chapter explaining what is the purpose of CDE's and what the details of their individual event.

Coffee with the Owl dives into all things Northern International Livestock Exposition with special guest Mrs. Shelby Shaw, Livestock Department Manager and Director of Youth Educational Engagement. With over 15 years of experience at the NILE, Shelby provides an in-depth look at the effort and dedication it takes to bring this iconic event to life. Don’t miss this insider's perspective on what it takes to make the NILE a success!

Get ready for an amazing episode of Coffee with the Owl! Today, Mr. Pierce and Caroline sit down with none other than Mr. Rodney Braaten, the legendary Ruby Valley FFA Advisor with 18 years of experience under his belt. Together, they dive into the behind-the-scenes magic of the Ruby Valley Invitational—an epic livestock, range, and forestry contest that’s been running strong for 53 years! You’re guaranteed to pick up some fresh insights on the RVI, and who knows, you might even crack a smile or two along the way. So grab your coffee and join us for a lively conversation you won’t want to miss!

Same cranky owl, brand new cohost start the next season of Coffee with the Owl. We recap the summer and explore new events that are happening this fall for Shields Valley FFA.

Now we talk to the members and captains of the Agronomy, Food Science, and Marketing Teams to get their perspective of State Convention. Great conversations and viewpoints from our members

Someone is running the show and it isn't Mr. Pierce. Buckle your seat belts. Our Reporter Mackinzie Hogenson and our Food Science Team Captain Caroline Elder dive into the x's and o's of Food Science in Montana with Caroline's Coach.

Mr. Pierce and Mackinzie interview the Reserve Champion Coach of the Shields Valley Marketing Team Danielle Pierce. They discuss the run and success the team had throughout the year. **Disclaimer** This episode was recording during the Prep period of the Ag ED Department, you will hear a bell and a general announcement during this episode.

Shields Valley FFA had great success with the Montana State FFA Convention this year. Coffee with Owl dives in the success of the chapter through a multi-episode series. We start with discussing the process and success of our State Winning Agronomy Team with their coach, Sage Willis.

After a "brief" pause, we are back!!! Today's episode features the Star Greenhand of the Shields Valley FFA. With the advisor, they talk about the Star Greenhand Program, Rodeo, Basketball, and the future...

Coffee with the Owl Host talk with current Montana FFA Vice President Summit Browning about his days in Gardiner FFA, his experiences as a State Officer, and to top it off....you'll have to listen

The Coffee with Owl team talk with Montana State FFA Advisor Jim Rose. They talk about the differences between being a Chapter Advisor and a State Advisor. Talk about Montana FFA and it direction. And of course, the team had a little fun with the great owl.

In this episode. The crew and Texas FFA Vice President Weston Parr, discuss the differences and similarities between Texas and Montana FFA. They also dive into different types of Agriculture, school cultures, experiences from FFA to siblings. We hope you enjoy this great episode!

In our Education Series, Pt. 2 features English teacher of SVHS Lacey Arthurn. We discuss education, life, balancing "different" hats, and explore the future challenges that public education faces in the changing world.

Mr. Pierce and Mackinze Hogenson explore the educational world by creating this series featuring students from Shields Valley Ag 3/4 and a SVHS staff member. In this part, Ag 3/4 students explore what they have gained from SVHS and what the greatest lessons they have been taught throughout their time.

Mr. Pierce talks with Shields Valley FFA Livestock Judging Kira Jerke about the difference in judging in general and where the industry is going. They also talk about the changes they saw in Shields Valley FFA and in Park County over the years and why they are excited for the future. **Warning** Towards the end, the interview talks about the "transitional" period for our Chapter's history. Please be aware these are "personal perspective opinions" and in no way is intended to offend anybody involved during those times.

Co - Host J.R. Pierce (Advisor) and Mackinze Hogenson (Reporter) start the inaugural episode talking about what is the purpose of the podcast, the officer team, the start of the year, the current culture, and give their takes on the burning question; Are we moving from out of our FFA District??