Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016 Page 1

Future Farmers
of America

NATIONAL FFA WEEK

February 20-27, 2016

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE

THE ENTERPRISE Herald

Sauk Centre
Sauk Centre
Ce re
e

Albany-Avon-Holdingford

National FFA Week

is Sponsored by
Page 2 Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016

NATIONAL FFA WEEK February 20-27, 2016

FFA Members 2015-2016

Albany/Avon
Front Row (L to R): Katelyn Rakotz, Jessica Ohmann,
Emily Olsen, Mya Snyder, Ali Schwab, Ali Ritter,
Frances Klaphake, Megan Martini, Roseann Mehr and
Bethany Christen

Second Row (L to R): Amber Pelzer, Amanda Kokett,

Kelly Schmitz, Rachel Ramacher, Gracie Dobmeier,
Olivia Maus, Josie Fourre, Brooke Fleischhacker,
Crystal Maciejewski, Hailey Ebensteiner,
Madison Springer and Emily Pratt

Third Row (L to R): Hannah Kokett (Officer at Large),

Katelyn Hartwig (Treasurer), Hailey Stommes,
Sammy Schneider, Adam Young, Max Snyder,
Dillon Breth, Carson Keck, Miranda Breth (Sentinel),
Breanna Klaphake (Historian) and Duane Lichy (Advisor)

Fourth Row (L to R): Calen Watson (Advisor),

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Q&A FFA is for
everyone
Mackenzie Sand
Albany
What made you
decide to join
FFA? I was invited
to help out with
breakfast on the
farmat the end of
8th grade. I decided
to go, and seeing
all of the other FFA members coming
together and making the event goon was
inspiring.Ive been in FFA for three years
now, and I have enjoyed every second of it.
Please describe the activities you are
involved with in FFA: I am a part of the
Small Animals CDE.
Please describe your best experience
since joining FFA: My favorite
experiences inFFAsofarinclude selling
FFA fruit in the fall, and going to our
Small Animal competitions atRidgewater
College inWillmar.
FFA focuses on the science, business
and technology of agriculture. Have
you thought of a career in one of
those fields, and if so, how will FFA
benefit you? Iam an animal lover,and
enjoy learning anything I can about them.
I am interested in being a Veterinary
Technologist.This is one of the reasons
thatI joined theSmallAnimal team. We
practice animal breeds, anatomy, math
and miscellaneous facts aboutanimals. I
believe that I learn something newevery
year in the competition, and I am excited
for next year already.
What advice would you give someone
who is considering joining FFA? If
you are thinking about joining FFA, just
do it. It is a great experience, and you
never know until you try it. Also, try out as
many different teams as you can. You are
boundto find something you will like!
FFA is fun for all
Zwack encourages others to get involved
By JENNIFER COYNE
Staff Writer
The National FFA Organization,
commonly known as FFA, has helped
shape the lives of youth across the
nation, including one youth from Sauk
Centre Holly Zwack.
Zwack, the 14-year-old daughter
of Tom and Krissy, is a ninth grader at
Sauk Centre High School, entering her
second year in FFA.
Her interest in the well-rounded
organization first came from Zwacks
sister, Karla, and a friend, who were
Russ Atkinson
Ag Lender
Brian Buck
Ag Lender
320-248-6593 507-381-0741
Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016 Page 3
FFA: more than farm and fields
By HERMAN LENSING
Staff Writer
reaching a goal but enjoying the journey
leading up to your goal, said Melrose
Area FFA member Kenzi Lytle.
on it, said Thurk.
The workshops at Melrose focused
on what they had to offer and could help
One thing the national leaders have promote.
learned and experienced is that agriculture Sarah Draper, an agricultural education
MELROSE While there are concerns is diverse and there may not be a one-size- major at Utah State University and western
about farms and how they will develop, fits-all solution. For that reason they see a region vice-president, emphasized the
the best crop FFA members can develop is need to develop local leaders. An important need for members to look at what they had
themselves. part of that is agriculture teachers. and build from there. The lesson definitely
That was the central message of a visit We try to plant the seed, and that is caught the attention of Feldewerd.
to Melrose Area High School Thursday, cool, said Abrah Meyer, an agricultural I learned that everyone has something
Jan. 7, by National FFA officers. business major at Iowa State University different and unique about them, and thats
Our priority, as national officers, and the central region vice-president. what sets us all apart, Feldewerd said.
is to facilitate development of premier Ag teachers are the ones that help seeds I am definitely going to take the things
leadership, personal growth and career blossom and grow. My ag teacher helped I learned from the national officers and
success, said Nick Baker, National FFA foster that growth in me. apply them to my personal life.
secretary. Our members are going to be It was because of Melrose Ag teacher It was good for them to come,
our next generation of agriculture. Megan Thurk that the national leaders said Hanna Olmscheid, president of the
Baker is an agricultural visited Melrose. Melrose FFA Chapter. What I got out of it
communications major at the University of Lavyne Rada, the state leadership was to always be thankful for many things,
Tennessee. coordinator, sent me an email, and I jumped and to be in a good mood.
We take a year off as national
officers and travel across the country. We
do weekend conferences, workshops.
We will be spending a lot of time at state
conventions, said Baker
Developing themselves is a key to
being leaders. That message took root with
the Melrose FFA chapter, opening a few
eyes.
Participating in workshops with the
National FFA officers was one of the most
amazing things I have ever experienced,
said Melrose Area FFA Historian Lexi
Feldewerd. I had the opportunity to spend
a day with the officers. I also had the
opportunity to experience a chapter officer
session led by a national officer. I learned
in that session that one little comment as
simple as Your hair looks nice today can
change somebodys whole day.
The visit to Melrose was among 12
school visits to FFA chapters with an
emphasis on leadership and developing
those skills.
They did some workshops with
us, and it made me think about things in Melrose Area FFA Chapter member Kayla Herkenhoff (left) and Minnesota FFA
a different way. Now I have a different Region III Reporter Savannah Aanerud wrote down reflections of leadership during
perspective on FFA and life. Its not just a workshop.
both involved.
They helped me see the things
that FFA does, and I thought it looked
like fun, Zwack said. Now, Ive seen
that its more than just fun, but also a
great educational opportunity.
Currently, the Sauk Centre chapter
is made up of over 20 students in
ninth through 12th grade who have a
background or interest in agriculture
a mix of students, from those who live
on a farm to athletes who are looking
to be involved.
For Zwack, her family used to
FUN FOR ALL continued on page 10 Holly Zwack is a ninth grader involved in the Sauk Centre FFA. PHOTO BY JENNIFER COYNE
Todays seeds are tomorrows harvest
Proudly supporting all area FFA programs.
Jay Thissen
Ag Lender
AgStar.com 806 3rd Street South P.O. Box 608 Waite Park, MN 56837
320-510-2345 AgStar Financial Services is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Page 4 Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016

NATIONAL FFA WEEK February 20-27, 2016

FFA Members 2015-2016

Belgrade-
Brooten-Elrosa
Spencer Amundson, Adrian Arneson, Tyler Baker,
Adrian Belden, Kayle Benesh, Tyler Bents, Levi Berge,
Kody Bertram, Dawson Bitzan, Ben Boie, Megan Carroll,
Thaniel Cebulla, Kori DenHartog, Kenzie Dingmann,
Fantansia Dotson, Cody Evenson, Kyle Felling,
Ben Feuerhake, Brett Feuerhake, Jake Fischer,
Cole Garvick, Brandon Gates, Blake Goodall,
Evan Gregory, Morgan Gronli, Tanner Heinsius,
Colton Hoberg, Trevor Hubert, Ryan Illies,
James Jackson, Adam Jaeger, Alyssa Jeffries,
Danielle Jeffries, Dylan Kampsen, Karlee Kern,
Trevor Kern, Josie Kirckof, Macie Kirckof, Taylor Knight, FFA Officers:
Matthew Kollman, Thomas Kollman, Adam Leedahl, Austin Trustheim - President
Brady Lenarz, Riley Lenarz, Cody Lewis, Brendon Loch, Joe Reller - Vice President
Katherine Mastey, Ally Maynard, Morgan Meyer, Ben Thompson - Secretary
Jayden Miller, Jackson Mitchell, Tristan Nelson, Jake Fischer - Treasurer
Ryan Olmscheid, Jaden Pastian, Justin Paulson, Zach Schmitz - Sentinel
Abe Peter, Hannah Prentice, Jon Prentice, Joe Reller, Thomas Kollman - Reporter
Orion Reutzel, Aly Riggs, Seth Roering, Sarah Schmitz, Hannah Prentice -
Zach Schmitz, Trevor Schlangen, Ben Schumann, Officer-at-Large
Ethan Schwinghammer, Trevor Skare, Josh Steffensen,
Cory Sturges, Allegra TeBrake, Cassandra Tensen,
Jacob Tensen, Kenzie Thieschafer, Ben Thompson,
Joe Thompson, Amber Thonvold, Nicole Thonvold,
Austin Trustheim, Jonah Voss, Zach Walz, Jacob Weller,
Jared Weller, Riley Weller, Derek Weiner, Evan Weiner,
Mike Wildman, Sam Wosmek and Leo Ziemer
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 Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016 Page 5

NATIONAL FFA WEEK February 20-27, 2016

FFA Members 2015-2016

Holdingford
State Degree Candidates: Abby Lehner,
Shania Siltala and Haley Skwira

Crops Team (L to R): Joe Pyka, Michael Lehner, Travis

Anderson and William Dobmeier

Tractor winner announced

The Holdingford FFA Alumni has an-
nounced the winner of the 2015 project
tractor raffle, which took place at the Oct. 9,
2015 Holdingford football game.
The tractor, a 1944 Case SC, was do-
nated by Brad and Becky Keppers from Osakis. The winner of the
tractor was Danny Skroch of Holdingford. Also selected in the raffle
for a $200 prize was Mike Kiley of Holdingford and a $100 prize was
Small Animals Team (L to R): Abigail Dubbin, Emily Donabauer, Grace Phillipp, and Shania Siltala. won by Debra Feld of Holdingford.
The Holdingford FFA Alumni congratulates all winners and
thanks everyone that participated.
Danny Skroch of The 2016 project tractor will be the choice of a 1949 8N Ford
Holdingford was the donated by David and Patty Skroch or a 1949 John Deere B donated
happy winner of the by Alan Dobis and Dan Skwira. Look for chances on the tractors
2015 project tractor.
starting in early summer.
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Page 6 Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016

Q&A
FFA is for
everyone
Haley Skwira
Holdingford
What made you
decide to join
FFA? My dad was
in the FFA when
he was growing
up and a lot of my
friends were in it
so I decided to join
because of that.
Please describe the activities you
are involved with in FFA: I am my
chapters Reporter; I also am involved in
the poultry as a CDE.
Please describe your best experience
since joining FFA: I would have to say
my best experience would be going to
camo and making friends that have the
same interests as me and also going to
state competition for my CDE.
FFA focuses on the science, business
and technology of agriculture. Have
you thought of a career in one of
those fields, and if so, how will FFA
benefit you? I would like to have a farm
when I am older or go into the veterinary
field. So being in FFA can benefit me by
talking with people who want to do the
same things as me and also taking classes
that have to deal with animals.
What advice would you give
someone who is considering joining
FFA? Just do it. You wont regret it, there
are so many fantastic people you meet and
so much you can learn on a wide variety
of topics.
Austin
Trustheim
Brooten BBE
What made you
decide to join
FFA? I joined FFA
because I have
always loved being
around agriculture
and all the things
that agriculture has
to offer.
Please describe the activities you are
involved with in FFA: I am currently
the Chapter President and participate in a
few regional events. I have participated in
soils, trap shooting and archery shooting.
I am also applying for my FFA State
Degree, so I will get to attend the State
Convention once again for that!
Please describe your best experience
since joining FFA: My best experience
was getting to go down to the State
Convention my freshman year in which
we got to stay in a hotel for a couple days
so we could compete.
FFA focuses on the science, business
and technology of agriculture. Have
you thought of a career in one of
those fields, and if so, how will
FFA benefit you? I will be majoring in
Agricultural Engineering next year and
am very excited to learn how to better
our agricultural system. FFA will benefit
me very much because I have learned
many things about some of the smaller
groups within the agricultural system
and will have a good idea and what needs
improvement.
What advice would you give
someone who is considering joining
FFA? DO IT! Definitely worth doing.
Everything about it is fun and you will
learn many things that could really help
you in the future, whether it be getting
into college or getting hired for a job.
PHOTO BY Adam Hommerding, Portrait Artist
Jadon Buntjer
Long Prairie
What made you
decide to join
FFA? I always
wanted to be in
FFA because I was something I
heard it was a great
organization and I
wanted to wear the
blue jacket. It turns out that FFA is an
excellent organization and I enjoy wearing
the blue jacket.
Please describe the activities you are
involved with in FFA: I am the LPGE
FFA chapter president and the CDEs I
am involved in include General Livestock
Judging and Dairy Cattle Judging. My SAE
(Supervised Agriculture Experience) is in
beef production placement. Our chapter
also participated in many other activities
throughout the year. We host FFA games
during homecoming week, have activities
during National FFA Week, and maintain
a farmland petting zoo during the Todd
County Fair, Prairie Fest and Breakfast on
the Farm.
Please describe your best
experience since joining FFA: My
favorite experiences since joining FFA
have been going to State Convention. You
meet many people and have a lot of fun
times. Being able to learn and grow in
many aspects of my life has been made
possible because of FFA.
FFA focuses on the science, business
and technology of agriculture. Have
you thought of a career in one of
those fields, and if so, how will FFA
benefit you? I am planning on majoring
in Agricultural Engineering when I go
to college. FFA helps you to be a well-
rounded person when you graduate so it
can benefit any career you go into.
What advice would you give
someone who is considering joining
FFA? There is something for everyone
and a good experience is guaranteed so go
ahead and give it a shot.
Shyanne
Johnson
Long Prairie
What made
you decide to
join FFA? It
wanted to do and
when I was younger
I looked up to my
father and grandfather who were both in
FFA. Also the fact that there were a lot of
opportunities through the program and it
had to deal with FFA.
Please describe the activities you
are involved with in FFA: Im the
Secretary of our Chapter; for three years
my SAE was my chickens, my family farm
JCP farms and my pig CDE; freshman
year general livestock, small animals,
poultry; sophomore year to senior year,
crops, camps, farmland and many other
community activities.
Please describe your best
experience since joining FFA: I
honestly cannot choose just one because
everything I do through FFA has been a
blast. I enjoy every moment of it.
FFA focuses on the science, business
and technology of agriculture.
Have you thought of a career in one
of those fields, and if so, how will
FFA benefit you? Yes. Actually I plan
on going to college for farm operation
management mechanics and/or vet tech
farming for sure.
What advice would you give
someone who is considering
joining FFA? Do it and try everything;
make the best of it. Its great and you can
get so much out of it.
PHOTO BY Matthew Brieter Photography

Members benefit from FFA

By HERMAN LENSING
Staff Writer
MELROSE We arent just about plows, cows and
sows reads an FFA T-shirt.
Melrose FFA Officer At Large Brittany Rademacher
and Sentinel Tyler Bertram are quick to point that out.
Even if you are not a farmer, you can still join, said
Rademacher. There is something for everybody.
Rademacher has found her area in horse judging since
donning the blue jacket, but she noted she had opportunities
for other endeavors.
You can experience new things and try whatever you
want to do, she said.
Bertram has found himself drawn into the wildlife and
meat judging categories.
There is a leadership skills class, he said. You learn
skills that will help you.
Rademacher, who plays on the Lady Dutchmen
Basketball Team, said she finds herself applying some of
those lessons during games.
You encourage your teammates, she said.
Both have benefited from FFA through the various
competitions. Bertram enjoys wildlife competitions.
You have to learn about wildlife, he said. You learn
of different animals and fish and get asked questions.
Last year one competition featured a list of animals,
and the question, In which of these species is the male
called a buck?
There were no deer on the list, he said. The answer
was the cottontail rabbit.
Rademachers horse judging has led her to state
contests. Besides learning about horses, she said the
program has helped her meet new people.
Bertram is also involved in meat judging where
members are asked to judge and evaluate different cuts
of meat. He had a great mentor for that. Melrose Area
FFA advisor Megan Thurk competed in the National FFA
contest in that category.
Bertram and Rademacher are hoping to use lessons Melrose Area FFA members Brittany
theyve learned to attract others into the FFA. Currently Rademacher and Tyler Bertram check an
students can join as ninth graders. incubator in the FFA classroom. Both have
We are working to get it so seventh and eighth found they can pursue various interests working
graders can be involved, said Bertram. and growing in the FFA.

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 Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016 Page 7

NATIONAL FFA WEEK February 20-27, 2016

FFA Members 2015-2016

Long Prairie/
Grey Eagle
The FFA Creed
Celebrating 85 years of the FFA Creed
I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born
not of words but of deeds - achievements won by the
present and past generations of agriculturists; in the Front Row (L to R): Alexis Biermaier, Rachel Middendorf, Megan Marcyes, Issabella Allen and Hailey Schleter
promise of better days through better ways, even as
the better things we now enjoy have come to us from Second Row (L to R): Emma Kedrowski, Ben Katterhagen, Alex Pesta, Tanner Gjerstad, Matt Roe, Weston Heuer,
the struggles of former years. Maddie Zastrow, Natalie Minke and Eric Pachan

Third Row (L to R): Advisor Mr. Gjerstad, Jadon Buntjer, Devon Johnson, Brandon Bundy, Tate Urman,
I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to Sam Olson, Kevin Ecsobar, Noah Urman and Derek Dempsey
be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant
as well as challenging; for I know the joys and Fourth Row (L to R): Nicholas Middendorf, Hudson Pung, Hunter Cavilero, Eric Gessell, Aaron Peterson,
discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn Josh Connor, Cody Marcyes, Shyanne Johnson, TJ Becker, William Herzog, Parker Gjerstad and John Gjerstad
fondness for those associations which, even in hours of
discouragement, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect

from others. I believe in my own ability to work
efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and
skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive The U.S. Department of Education provides
agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest leadership and helps set direction for FFA
in producing and marketing the product of our toil. as a service to state and local agricultural
education programs.
I believe in less dependence on begging and more
power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough
honest wealth to help make it so -- for others as well
as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when
needed; in being happy myself and playing square
with those whose happiness depends upon me.
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Page 8 Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016

Dobmeier and Pratt help take

Albany FFA to the next level
By LIZ VOS
Staff Writer
The passion of FFA members is
hard to miss. An intrigue into the orga-
nizations multitude of offerings plays
out through competition, judging, ca-
reer development events and other
components of agricultural education.
For two of Albanys FFA students,
Austin Dobmeier and Emily Pratt, the
lessons are widespread and follow
them home to the dairy farms they
have been raised on.
Dobmeier, the organizations pres-
ident, helps out on his familys dairy
farm south of Albany and has always
had a passion for agriculture. Through
FFA, he says, he has been able to grasp
a variety of knowledge in many aspects
of agriculture.
I hope to contribute to the ag in-
dustry and move it forward, he said of
his future plans. While dairy is a fo-
cus right now, I have interest in feeds,
crops and a whole variety of aspects.
I just want to take the knowledge and
make an impact.
It is Dobmeiers interest in a wide
variety of focuses, intertwined with
four years of hard work and dedication
to the FFA, that recently made him a
State FFA Degree winner. It is the first
time in decades Albany has staked
claim to such an honor.
This wasnt my original intention
I didnt know my work would pay
off like this, he said of reaching the
State honor. The work turned out to
be a blessing in itself and I am really
proud of it.
Pratt is one of three proficiency
winners selected from Albany this
year the list also includes Breanna
Klaphake and Courtney Klaphake.
She, too, lives on a dairy farm and
earned her award in Dairy Production.
Pratt has found that building a base of
knowledge has helped her construct a
deeper understanding of agriculture.
I help in the barn, in the field and
wherever I can, she said. Through
crop judging and CDE (Career De-
velopment Events), I have gained so
much insight.
As they glance back on the im-
pact their FFA involvement has made
in their lives, both Dobmeier and
Pratt agree that the vast opportuni-
ties available have opened doors they
didnt know existed.
NEXT LEVEL continued on page 10
PHOTO BY LIZ VOS
Albany FFA President Austin Dobmeier
and Secretary Emily Pratt recently
earned a State Award and a Proficiency
Award, respectively.
Q&A FFA is for
everyone
Mikenzi Lytle
Melrose
What made you
decide to join
FFA? I was told by
my best friend to
just try it and that
it would be a lot of
fun. None of my
family was ever in
FFA so I decided to try it out.
Please describe the activities you
are involved with in FFA: I am
currently involved in Small Animals and
Horse Judging.
Please describe your best
experience since joining FFA:
My best experience I have had since
joining FFA would have to be having
the national officers at our school. Also
I enjoyed going to my first competition
and being with Ms. Thurk and the rest
of my FFA family.
FFA focuses on the science,
business and technology of
agriculture. Have you thought of a
career in one of those fields, and if
so, how will FFA benefit you? I was
thinking about going into an agriculture
degree before joining FFA but now that
I am in FFA my passion to pursue that
is greater.
What advice would you give
someone who is considering
joining FFA? I think that if you would
like to join FFA do not hesitate. It is so
much fun I do not regret joining. When
you have an advisor like Ms. Thurk it
makes it so much more fun!

PHOTO SUBMITTED
Albany FFA Secretary and Proficiency Award winner Emily Pratt
helps out on her familys dairy farm.

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 Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016 Page 9

NATIONAL FFA WEEK February 20-27, 2016

FFA Members 2015-2016

Melrose
Front Row (L to R): Travis Bertram, Kenzi Lytle,
Tommy Aherns, Katie Maus, Jenna Rademacher and
Julia Welle

Middle Row (L to R): Tyler Bertram, Derek Uphoff,

Haily Meyer, Kurt Herdering, Michael Hiltner, Ryan Welle
and Paul Pundsack

Back Row (L to R): Tyler Roerick, Brittany Rademacher,

Ashley Herdering, Hannah Olmscheid, Ashley Maus,
and Dylan Uphoff

Officers
Front Row (L to R):
Paul Pundsack and
Dylan Uphoff

Back Row (L to R):

Tyler Roerick,
Ashley Herdering,
Hannah Olmscheid,
Brittany Rademacher,
Ashley Maus and
Tyler Bertram

Not Pictured: Lexi Feldewerd

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Page 10 Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016
Q&A
FFA is for
everyone
Tanner Gjerstad
Long Prairie
What made you
decide to join
FFA? My dad is an
Agriculture teacher
and FFA Advisor so
Ive always wanted
to be in FFA since I
was little so I could
do all the fun things I saw my dads
students do, like contests and helping
the community.
Please describe the activities you
are involved with in FFA: I am a
chapter officer from the last couple years
serving as reporter my second year in
FFAand Vice President for two years. I
have been in Career Development Events
such as Dairy Evaluation, Fish and
Wildlife, Agricultural Sales and Horse
Judging. I have also volunteered for
FFA on both the Chapter and State level
at petting zoos during Prairie Fest and
the Todd County Fair, cooking burgers
during the lawnmower pull during Gem
Fest, and my favorite, volunteering at
the CHS Miracle of Birth Center for the
lest two years.
Please describe your best experience
since joining FFA: My best experience
since joining FFA would have to be
teaching the visitors at the Miracle of Birth
Center about agriculture and helping them
understand that farmers really do care a
lot about their animals and that they seem
like part of your family.
FFA focuses on the science,
business and technology of
agriculture. Have you thought of
a career in one of those fields, and
if so, how will FFA benefit you?
Yes, I have thought about a career in
agricultural business, in fact I have
applied to the University of Wisconsin
River Falls to major in ag business and
agronomy which they are 8th out of 102
colleges for that program. FFA has and
will continue to help me with this by
taking me out of my comfort zone and
talking to people. Being in FFA has also
taught me leadership skills that will help
me get through life.
What advice would you give
someone who is considering
joining FFA? For anyone thinking
about joining FFA or even curious
about it I would like to quote my dad,
Try it, you might like it. You honestly
dont know how much of a difference it
can make in your life if you never give
yourself the chance. If you set the bar low
then you cant be disappointed in what
you did but you will be disappointed in
what you never tried to do.
PHOTO BY Beccabird Photography
NEXT LEVEL continued from page 8
Melissa
Zimmermann There is so much involved and so of his students. It makes me extreme-
Sauk Centre much to learn, Pratt said. With such ly happy that they are willing to go the
a wide range of knowledge, you have extra mile to achieve so much. It can
What made you the ability to hold a conversation with be scary and challenging, but they are
decide to join others and that is valuable. putting in the work.
FFA? When I was Dobmeier adds that his greatest Both Dobmeier and Pratt have
younger I heard lessons learned through his work in plans to keep their FFA experience
some of my older FFA have been communication and with them as they venture forward in
siblingswere in FFA leadership. the world.
and once hearing
what FFA was I immediately wanted to
You get a chance to speak to so The two recommend that if other
join. After learning more about the FFA many people and become a leader in a students may be wondering whether or
organizationI absolutely wanted to be lot of ways, he explained. Those are not they should join FFA, they should
part of it. important lessons. go for it.
Albanys award-winning FFA Definitely join. You dont have
Please describe the activities members are growing in numbers and to live on a farm to be part of FFA
you are involved with in FFA: Advisor Duane Lichy couldnt be more there is so much to do, Dobmeier said.
I am involved in two cdes; they are proud to see the growth. Dont second guess it!
parliamentary procedure and small I am proud of them, Lichy said
animals. Im also involved in several
committees and also help with designing
the FFAs parade float.
Please describe your best
experience since joining FFA: My
absolute best experience since joining
FFA was going to a camp called SGLC
which stands for State Greenhand
Leadership Conference. There I had an
amazing time. I met so many new people
that had many of the same interests and
experiences that I had, making it very
easy to make friends. In addition to
making new friends I learned a great
deal about agriculture and FFA that I
didntknow before, like how to properly
organize my SAE. In short it was an
excellent way to meet new people and
expand my knowledge about FFA and
agriculture in general.
FFA focuses on the science,
business and technology of
agriculture. Have you thought of a
career in one of those fields, and if
so, how will FFA benefit you? I have Austin Dobmeier lends a hand on his familys dairy farm south of Albany.
thought about possibly taking over my
parents hog farm, or going to acollege
and majoring in agriculture. The way FUN FOR ALL continued from page 3
FFA would benefit a person wanting a
future in agriculture, or really anyone in raise poultry and now rents farmland others and take on different forms of
this world is the simple fact of learning for growing alfalfa and small grain leadership, Zwack said. FFA has
about your food,where it comes from, crops. the ability to expose people to their
how it was grown and howits cared for. As she becomes more involved in future education path, scholarships and
FFA offers career development events
or cdes that cover almost anything to
the organization, currently serving as careers.
do with agriculture, from floriculture the chapter Historian and a member of As a ninth grader, Zwack feels that
to welding. All cdes test your ability in the Crops Career Development Event she still has a lot to learn in her time
one area of agriculture and they can (CDE), Zwack has realized the impact remaining in FFA.
be very helpful if you want a career in FFA has on a rural community. From summer development
agriculture. Some have said, that without an workshops at the Student Greenhand
interest or support, it could go away. Leadership Conference (SGLC) to CDE
What advice would you give Thats really sad to imagine when competitions in St. Paul, from cleaning
someone who is considering FFA has done so much for people, up a highway to making classroom
joining FFA? If someone were Zwack said. FFA plays an important visits in the elementary school, Zwack
considering joining FFA I would most
certainly encourage them to join. FFA
role in the community of Sauk Centre; has completely engrossed herself in
is a great national organization that especially, being the strong farming the FFA organization and encourages
can only help you in the long haul. It community that we are. others to do the same.
provides worthwhile life lessons and Not only does FFA cater to students Im immersing myself into
allows you to meet great people that are with an interest in agriculture, but it something I care deeply about. FFA
actively changing the world. also establishes life-long skills, such lays the groundwork to further our
as responsibility, that students may not lives and where we can go, Zwack
acquire elsewhere and will be beneficial said. Its a learning experience and
no matter which path of life is chosen. the more involved you become, the
Im learning what it means to be more you can benefit.
involved in the community, educate
 Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016 Page 11

NATIONAL FFA WEEK February 20-27, 2016

FFA Members 2015-2016

Sauk Centre

Front Row (L to R): Azara Boschee, Kaleb VanHavermaet, Vincent Marthaler, Marcus Schmiesing and Melissa
Zimmermann
FFA Officers:
Emily Middendorf - President Second Row (L to R): Mr. Jacob Fischer, Natalie Berndt, Sarah Middendorf, Alexandra Christen, Savanna
Spencer Middendorf - Vice President Marthaler, Alissa Christen, Erica Middendorf, Emily Middendorf and Holly Zwack
Mitchell Reitsma - Treasurer
Erica Middendorf - Reporter Third Row (L to R): Bailey David, Spencer Middendorf, Mitchell Reitsma, Jacob Gamradt, Adam Metzger,
Melissa Zimmermann - Secretary Brandon Ruegemer, Kyle VanHavermaet, Zach Middendorf, Joe Reitsma and Eugene Marthaler
Savanna Marthaler - Sentinel
Holly Zwack - Historian Not Pictured: Paige Nelson, Brandon Herickhoff, Emily Primus and Simon Duncan

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Page 12 Special FFA Edition - February 17, 2016