FFA Convention News 2015 - Minnesota FFA Foundation

MINNESOTA FFA 2015
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contents
MINNESOTA FFA 2015
Minnesota FFA Convention News is
made possible by sponsorship
through the Minnesota FFA
Foundation.
For sponsorship information contact:
507-534-0188
Minnesota FFA Foundation
PO Box 365
Plainview, MN 55964
Editor: Brandon Roiger
Assistant Editors: Val Aarsvold and
Eileen Madsen
Design & Layout: Madsen Ink,
New Ulm
Photos courtesy of: Matt Addington
and Luke Weber of Matt Addington
Photography and Rachel Marthaler
Photography.
Visit us on Facebook at
Minnesota FFA
Association/Minnesota FFA
Foundation/Minnesota FFA
Alumni Association
• Message from
the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Message from the
Foundation Chair. . . . . . . . . . 6
• 2015-2016
State Officers . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
• Calendar of Events . . . . . . 12
• 2015-2016 Region
FFA Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . 14
• Ag Literacy Top Chapters . 14
• Career Development
Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
• State Star Finalists . . . . . . 18
• 2015-2016
State Stars. . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
• tks ertl for 35 years. . . 22-24
• Honorary FFA Degree . . . . 26
• National Chapter
Award Winners . . . . . . . . . . 26
• FFA: A Timeless
Classic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-34
• Warren finishes first year
as Hutchinson ag teacher. . 36
• Decade Donor
Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
• Involvement still
important for Hebrink . . . . 38
• Minnesota FFA Hall
of Fame Inductees . . . . . . . . 40
• Media Award . . . . . . . . . . . 45
• 2014 High Level Donors. . 46
• Models of Innovation/
Land of Service . . . . . . . . . . 47
• Star Partners . . . . . . . . . . . 49
• 25th Anniversary
MN FFA Officer Team . . 50-52
• Proficiency Award
Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
• 2015 Mn FFA Degree
Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . 55-56
Thank you to
these sponsors
for their
generous
support of FFA:
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State FFA Officers
President Jack Roessler
Vice President Kyla Mauk
Secretary Valerie Earley
Treasurer Brady Wulf
Reporter Erin Larson
Sentinel Dalton Kampsen
Minnesota FFA Staff
Joel Larsen, State Advisor
Jim Ertl, Executive Secretary
Lavyne Rada, Leadership
Development Coordinator
Minnesota FFA Alumni
Harmon Wilts, President
Phone: 320-264-5912
Minnesota FFA Association
www.mnffa.org
PO Box 118
Rosemount, MN 55068
612-669-3855
Minnesota FFA Foundation
Scott Hislop, Chair
Phone: 507-524-4583
Val Aarsvold, Executive Director
Phone: 507-534-0188
PO Box 365
Plainview, MN 55964
www.mnffafoundation.org
message
from the
editor
MINNESOTA FFA 2015
What will be your NBT?
Ever wondered what you are going to do for the rest of your life? You’re not
alone. Everyday, students and adults alike look for their “next big thing,”
which I like to call their NBT.
Welcome to FFA — a place you are sure to find your NBT as a member or
supporter. Even the smallest steps are going to take you to that NBT; you just
have to be willing to take them.
When I joined FFA as a 9th grader, I thought I wanted to be a physical
therapist. After getting involved, I developed a passion for my NBT that I
could not control. Those passions were agriculture, a service for others,
leadership and writing.
Yes, FFA will help you become familiar with agriculture, but you will also
become familiar with other skills such as speaking, leading a team, thinking
analytically or working hard to achieve success. FFA is going to prepare you
for careers in sales, marketing, advocacy, research, engineering and so much
more.
Because when it comes down to it, FFA is not just for a hick in overalls and
cowboy boots. It is for the band nerd, basketball jock, video gamer,
cheerleader, theatre kid and every average person who wants to find their
NBT by wearing the blue corduroy jacket.
My NBT has changed as I have continued my membership in Sleepy Eye FFA.
At one point, it was becoming a chapter officer and at another point, it was
to win the national proficiency award in agricultural education.
Today, my NBT is helping Minnesota FFA put together the best possible
convention news publication to recognize the amazing members and people
who support this organization, but more importantly — help you become
one of those members or supporters.
What will be your NBT?
brandon
roiger
Brandon is a Sleepy Eye
FFA member and
sophomore at the
University of Minnesota
majoring in agricultural
education and journalism.
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message from
the foundation
board chair
MINNESOTA FFA 2015
I’d like to personally thank all of
you for attending the 86th
Annual Minnesota State FFA
Convention. It was an exciting
time for agricultural education
and the FFA. As we continue to
grow and adapt to the needs of
our industry we will always be
motivated and responsive in our
quest to feed this hungry world.
Our organization is forever
confronted with many changes,
but we continue to meet these
changes at a time of larger
nation-wide and global change.
The world of agriculture is an
exciting area in which to
work/study/play. We will
continue to meet and bring
inspired people together at
conventions like the one we just
experienced, to ensure FFA
members remain at the cutting
edge.
this country. No one knows
this better than our retiring
executive secretary Jim Ertl. He
has given the FFA and
agricultural education students
40 years of service. For that
dedication the Minnesota FFA
Foundation has decided to
name 2015 “The Year of Ertl.”
Now it is our turn to thank him
by endowing the agriculture
education proficiency area in
Jim Ertl’s name. Ertl’s passion
for developing young leaders
was relentless. Help us
maintain that passion with your
contribution.
Scott Hislop
Chair, Minnesota FFA
Foundation
We’re transforming the way we
operate to continuously
improve our ability to serve the
needs of Agricultural Education
and the FFA. Our donors’ have
continued to meet the
challenges of our needs despite
the volatility we often see in
our economy. We are very
proud of all the members of
the Minnesota FFA which was
obvious by the excitement and
energy you witnessed during
This was a time when the Best of
Owner, Hislop Farms
the Best came together to
& Choice Connections
compete and participate in many
convention activities. The
Foundation was proud to have
provided over $80,000 of
this convention.
support for this event to help fund band and chorus,
banquet meals, CDE awards, proficiency awards,
If you were a present or past FFA member, teacher,
recognition awards, state degree charms and more.
parent, sponsor or guest, we want to thank you for
We were known as the “Sea of Blue” in Minneapolis
attending the 86th Annual Minnesota State FFA
and St. Paul during convention and we need to be
Convention. You, as organizational leaders, have the
proud of our accomplishments and our culture.
vision, the knowledge, the wherewithal and the
experience to help us “REACH" our way into a
Today we have over 500 businesses and individuals
successful future. Throughout the convention, you
who donate over a half million dollars to the
have stayed engaged, proactive and have helped us
Minnesota FFA Foundation each year. They make
shape the future of the Minnesota FFA. My personal
these donations because they believe the 10,000 plus
respect and thanks goes out to all of you.
Minnesota FFA Members and agricultural education
students are the future leaders of our industry and of
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2015-2016
state
officers
PJ Aarsvold
Minnesota FFA President
PJ, likely the St. Louis Ram’s number
one fan, is a native of the PlainviewElgin-Millville FFA chapter and will
begin his sophomore year at the
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
this fall as a student in the College of
Science and Engineering.
MINNESOTA FFA 2015
Morgan Krause
Minnesota FFA Vice President
A dairy farm girl her entire life and a
Buffalo FFA member, Morgan will start
her freshman year at the University of
Minnesota - Twin Cities next year to
study agricultural education and
animal science with a dairy emphasis.
Mariah Daninger
Minnesota FFA Secretary
For Mariah, who hails from Forest
Lake FFA, becoming a student at the
University of Minnesota - Twin
Cities was an easy decision. Her
entire family, parents included, has
gone there! She will be a
sophomore next fall in agricultural
education.
state band, and attending national convention.
SAM: My three favorite FFA activities/events would be serving
Minnesota as a National FFA Delegate this past convention,
taking part in my chapter’s Teach Ag Day Campaign to help
educate the youth in our school about agriculture, and assisting
in one of Region VII’s largest service projects this past year by
making tie blankets for the guests at the Ronald McDonald
House.
What have been your favorite FFA activities/events?
PJ: My three favorite activities would have to be Washington
Leadership Conference, state convention and summer camps.
All three of these are ways to meet incredible, caring people
from across the state and even the country. Every time I’ve
attended any of these, I’ve left feeling excited, happy, passionate
and ready to take on the world.
MORGAN: My favorite activities have been State Greenhand
Leadership Conference (SGLC), Washington Leadership
Conference (WLC) and National FFA Convention!
MARIAH: My favorite activities would be Washington
Leadership Conference, state convention where I am able to
compete in CDEs, watch sessions and meet new people, and
finally Forest Lake FFA’s chapter camp. At our chapter camp, we
gather for three days to discuss the past year and plan for the
upcoming year.
TRAVIS: My three favorite activities in FFA have been competing
at National Convention in the Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE,
attending SLCCL as a sophomore, and going to Region VIII
Greenhand Camp as both a camper and an officer.
MADISON: My favorite three activities have been our local
annual chapter “tractor parade,” participating in Minnesota FFA’s
If you could only eat one fruit for the rest of your life,
which would it be?
PJ: Raspberries! Not only are they my favorite fruit, they’re my
favorite food. I have a lot of great memories picking raspberries
off the bush with my family.
MORGAN: It would definitely be a Honeycrisp apple because
they are my favorite apple, and they were created by the
University of Minnesota where I am soon to be a Golden
Gopher.
MARIAH: Strawberries - I love strawberries whether they are
plain, in smoothies or in ice cream. You just can’t beat them!
TRAVIS: Strawberries, because strawberries are amazing.
continued...
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2015-2016
state
officers
Travis Troendle
Minnesota FFA Treasurer
If you’re looking to judge dairy cattle,
Travis is your guy. Originally from the
Lanesboro FFA chapter, he will study
agricultural engineering at Iowa State
University this coming fall as a
freshman.
Madison Taylor
Minnesota FFA Reporter
Madison will be a sophomore in
agricultural education next fall at the
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.
She is a member of the Randolph FFA
and is a proud turkey farmer in a state
that leads turkey production.
MADISON: WATERMELON. (yum yum)
SAM: It would definitely be cantaloupe.
What is your dream job?
PJ: When I was younger I always wanted to grow up and teach
mathematics at a college during the week, on Saturday nights I
would preach at church, on Sundays I would play football in the
NFL, and I wanted to do all of this while having my own llama
ranch at my house.
MORGAN: My dream job is one where I can promote and
educate others about the agriculture industry and the
importance it plays in our everyday lives. I would love to be an
agriculture teacher because I would have the opportunity to
watch students grow in their leadership through FFA and their
knowledge through agricultural education.
MARIAH: Besides wishing I could be a ballerina at around six
years old, I have always dreamed about being an agriculture
teacher and FFA advisor.
TRAVIS: Creating new technology for agriculture while running
my own farming operation.
MADISON: My dream job is traveling the world while promoting
agriculture.
Sam Johnson
Minnesota FFA Sentinel
Sam will be a sophomore at South
Dakota State University in
agricultural business and
agricultural leadership. A GlenvilleEmmons FFA member, he hopes to
go to law school after he graduates
college.
SAM: My dream job is to work for the USDA or a commodity
group organization in their government affairs office to help the
voices of agriculturalists be heard on state and national political
issues.
What’s one fun fact about you?
PJ: A couple of my best friends from my floor at college decided
that it would be fun to make a website in dedication of me. Now
I have an entire website filled with games about me,
embarrassing photos of me, and quotes from me (some of which
I haven’t actually said before).
MORGAN: I have been showing dairy cattle for 13 years, and I
absolutely love it.
MARIAH: I have a goal to be the first student in line at every
home Gopher football game this coming year. I love Golden
Gopher football!
TRAVIS: Wilma is the name of my favorite show cow!
MADISON: I am very competitive and love participating in every
kind of sport.
SAM: I have always loved to travel!
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continued on page 10
...officers from page 9
What has FFA done for you?
PJ: FFA really helped me find my voice in this world. I was a
very timid kid for many years, and really lacked selfconfidence, but FFA was the catalyst that not only opened my
eyes to the difference I could make, but also showed me that I
was surrounded by a group of people that loved and cared
about me for who I was.
MORGAN: FFA is by far the best organization I have ever been
a part of. Before joining FFA, I was shy and quiet, but after
attending camps and conferences I gained confidence in
myself and became the person I am today. It has helped me
step out of my comfort zone and grow as a leader in
agriculture. FFA has shown me that even though we are
young, we can all make a difference!
MARIAH: FFA has truly changed me into the person I am
today. I grew up in the shadow of three older and very
successful siblings. FFA showed me that I have the ability to
make a difference in the lives of others by just being myself. I
have learned I cannot constantly try to follow in the footsteps
of others if I want to create footsteps for my own life.
TRAVIS: FFA has done countless things for me. To list a few, it
has allowed me to meet people across the region and state, it
has helped me learn who I am, and it has prepared me to
enter the real world.
MADISON: FFA has taught me to think on so many higher
levels and encourage me to push myself to set and reach
goals. I have learned “hands-on” with my involvement in FFA
about hard work, leadership and service to others in all
aspects of my life.
SAM: FFA has changed me from a shy, quiet freshman into an
outgoing, crazy leader. FFA has shown me the importance of
agriculture and developed my skills and leadership in order
for me to be a leader in today’s society. This organization has
shaped my life and who I am today, and has provided me with
amazing individuals who I am blessed to call family!
What are you most excited to experience this year as a
state officer?
PJ: Honestly, I’m excited for everything. To build new
relationships and build on the ones I already have. I’m excited
to work with five incredible individuals and build friendships
with them that I know I won’t ever forget. I’m excited to meet
with sponsors and partners, learning life lessons from them
while also representing MN FFA at the same time. I’m excited
to let God work through me and use this year to serve others.
MORGAN: I am beyond excited to meet the over 10,000
Minnesota FFA members during camps, conferences, and
other events throughout the year. I can’t wait to hear how
agriculture has impacted their lives and how they will
continue to share their passions with others.
MARIAH: I cannot wait to be at camps, conferences and
chapter visits where I will be able to engage with Minnesota
FFA members and develop meaningful relationships. FFA has
been a huge part of my life, and I can’t wait to share my
excitement with members and partners of the FFA.
TRAVIS: I cannot wait to get to know as many members
across the state through both state camps and chapter visits
as possible! As a camper one of my favorite parts was always
getting to know the officers.
MADISON: I am most excited to connect with the wonderful
FFA members across the state of Minnesota. I am eager to
help members and chapters have positive FFA experiences
and learn how to develop their leadership and personal
growth.
SAM: I am most excited to be able to meet the members!
These members in our organization are ones that will make a
phenomenal impact in society. I can’t wait to listen to their
story and get to know who they are!
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calendar of events
June 9-11
June 15-21
June 22-26
July 12-15
July 15-18
July 23
July 25
Aug. 27-Sept. 7
Oct. 6
Oct. 28-31
Nov. 20
Dec. 17
Providing Officers With Essential Resources, Hackensack
Washington Leadership Conference, Washington, D.C.
State Greenhand Leadership Conference, Hackensack
State Leadership Conference for Chapter Leaders (Session 1), Hackensack
State Leadership Conference for Chapter Leaders (Session 2), Hackensack
Minnesota FFA Foundation Golf Tournament, Atwater
Minnesota FFA Day with the St. Paul Saints at CHS Field, St. Paul
Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul
University of Minnesota Fall Invitational, St. Paul
National FFA Convention, Louisville, Ky.
Providing Officers With Essential Resources II, Camp Friendship, Annandale
University of Minnesota Winter Invitational, St. Paul
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Ag Literacy
top chapters
2015-2016 Region
FFA Presidents
• Foley
• Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
• Princeton
• • • • • • • •
Region I
Emily Vogt
Detroit Lakes
Region II
Mary Sarah Sauber
Staples-Motley
Region III
Nathan Koehl
Hancock
Region IV
Janelle Hueners
Chisago Lakes
Region V
Kayla Kutzke
Atwater-CosmosGrove City
Region VI
Kathryn Rogers
Worthington
Region VII
Megan Andrist
Owatonna
Region VIII
Aricka Roberson
Zumbrota-Mazeppa
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Benson
Chatfield
Fertile-Beltrami
Glencoe-Silver Lake
Hutchinson
Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Little Falls
Martin County West
Milaca
Morris Area
Norman County West
Sleepy Eye
Springfield
Spring Valley-Wykoff
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Career development event
Agricultural
Communications
High Team: Forest Lake
High Individual: Jacob Just,
Morris Area
Sponsor: North Central
Chapter of NAMA
Farm Business
Management
High Team: Hancock
High Individual: Chris
Kahler, Martin County West
Sponsor: John Deere
Company
Agricultural Issues
High Team: Dassel-Cokato
Sponsor: Syngenta
Fish & Wildlife
Management
High Team: Jackson County
Central
High Individual: Corey
Mathies, Eden Valley-Watkins
Sponsor: Minnesota FFA
Foundation
Agricultural Mechanics
High Team: Holdingford
High Individual: Chris Heen,
Willmar
Sponsor: Minnesota John
Deere Dealers: AgPower
Enterprises, Kibble
Equipment, Midwest
Machinery & SEMA
Equipment
Agricultural Sales
High Team: Staples-Motley
High Individual: Nick Simen,
Waterville-Elysian-Morristown
Sponsor: Scott & Michelle
Hislop Farm
Crops
High Team: Sebeka
High Individual: Anna
Johnson, Sebeka
Sponsor: Minnesota Crop
Improvement Association &
Minnesota Soybean
Research & Promotion
Council
Dairy Cattle Evaluation
High Team: Sleepy Eye
High Individual: Sabrina
Portner, Sleepy Eye
Sponsor: AMPI
Dairy Handlers
High Individual: Katie
Thompson, Plainview-ElginMillville
Sponsor: Minnesota FFA
Foundation
“
Floriculture
High Team: Jackson County
Central
High Individual: Connor
Hagemeyer, MACCRAY
Sponsor: Minnesota FFA
Foundation
Food Science &
Technology
High Team: Howard LakeWaverly-Winsted
High Individual: Emmalie
Benson, Jackson County
Central
Sponsor: Midwest Dairy
Association
Forestry
High Team: Mountain Lake
High Individual: Daniel
Harder, Mountain Lake
Sponsor: Minnesota FFA
Foundation
Horse Evaluation
High Team: Marshall
High Individual: Paige
Plass, BOLD
Sponsor: Minnesota FFA
Foundation
Livestock Evaluation
High Team: Medford
High Individual: Madison
Schafer, Goodhue
Sponsor: Central Livestock
Association
Marketing Plan
High Team: Worthington
Sponsor: Minnesota FFA
Foundation
Meats Evaluation &
Technology
High Team: WestbrookWalnut Grove
High Individual: Justin
Petersen, Jackson County
Central
Sponsor: Minnesota FFA
Foundation
Milk Quality
High Team: Sleepy Eye
High Individual: Harley
Braun, Sleepy Eye
Sponsor: Minnesota FFA
Foundation
Nursery & Landscape
High Team: Howard LakeWaverly-Winsted
High Individual: Zachary
Uter, Howard Lake-WaverlyWinsted
Sponsor: Bailey Nursery
Poultry
High Team: Sleepy Eye
High Individual: Katie
Benson, Staples-Motley
Sponsor: Minnesota Turkey
Research & Promotion
Council
Small Animals
High Team: Tri-City United
High Individual: Melissa
Malakowsky, New RichlandHartland-Ellendale-Geneva
Sponsor: Minnesota
Veterinary Medical
Foundation
Soils
High Team: Grand Meadow
High Individual: Michael
Stevens, Grand Meadow
Sponsor: CF Industries
Best Informed Greenhand
High Team: Howard LakeWaverly-Winsted
High Individual: Kylee
Sherod, Howard LakeWaverly-Winsted
Sponsor: ZumbrotaMazeppa FFA
Creed Speaking
High Individual: Molly
Lindgren, Staples-Motley
Sponsor: West Central Ag
Sales Association
Discussion Meet
High Individual: Hayley
Carlson, Staples-Motley
Sponsor: Minnesota Farm
Bureau
Extemporaneous Speaking
High Individual: Katie
Benson, Staples-Motley
Sponsor: Minnesota Farm
Bureau
Job Interview
High Individual: Ellyn
Swanson, Martin County
West
Sponsor: Geronimo Energy
Novice Parliamentary
Procedure
High Team: Grand Meadow
Sponsor: Curt Youngs
Parliamentary Procedure
High Team: Grand Meadow
Sponsor: Kevin and Nancy
Dahlman
Prepared Public Speaking
High Individual: Mary
Moenning, Triton
Sponsor: Minnesota FFA
Foundation
I believe in the future of agriculture...in the
promise of better days through better ways
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”
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STATE STAR FINALISTS
Minnesota FFA Star in Agribusiness
I
Cody Benson Fer le-Beltrami
II
Mary Sarah Sauber
Staples-Motley
III
Carly Maanum Morris Area
IV
Laura Stobb* Milaca
V
Sco Dingels* Redwood Valley
VI
Kacie Goblirsch
Sleepy Eye
VII
Stephanie Palmer*
GFW Pioneer Express
VIII
Ashley Hanson*
Cha ield
Minnesota FFA Star in Agriscience
III
Klarissa Walvatne*
Ba le Lake
IV
Joe Ramstad* Forest Lake
VII
Mariah Larson*
Medford
Minnesota FFA Star Production Placement
I
Kelly Schouviller*
Detroit Lakes
II
Moriah Aho Menahga
III
Leah Steiner Hancock
IV
Andrew Kieser Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
V
Henry Hacker* Montevideo
VI
Keyen Gardner*
Springfield
VII
Colin Wagner United South Central
VIII
Jax Bauer*
Hayfield
Minnesota FFA Star Farmer
II
Anna Johnson III
Samuel Vogl IV
Jackson Tripplet*
V
Cole Regnier* VI Sabrina Portner*
VII
Sam Johnson Theis
VIII
Makaila Klejeski*
Sebeka
Fergus Falls
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
Canby
Sleepy Eye
Sibley East
Triton
*indicates finalists
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19
2015-2016
state STARS
“When I joined
FFA, my goal was
never to win
awards or
competitions, but
to simply become
more involved in
agriculture. I feel
very blessed to be
a part of an
organization
where
everywhere you
look there is
someone to
inspire you or to
be a role model
for you.”
“Through my
SAEs, I have
had the
opportunity to
meet many
people in the
agriculture
industry that
have had a very
positive impact
on my life.”
Laura Stobb, Milaca
Star in AgriBusiness
Sabrina Portner, Sleepy Eye
Star Farmer
When Sabrina Portner received her first Brown Swiss heifer
from her dad at age 6, her passion for the dairy industry
took off.
Raised on a family beef operation, Laura Stobb remembers feeding calves grass
through the fence as a child. She got involved in raising beef cattle as an
entrepreneur, but decided to explore the world of agricultural business.
That passion for dairy farming and being recognized as the
Minnesota FFA Star Farmer has left Portner feeling
humbled.
Stobb said she gained a lot of knowledge through her supervised agricultural
experience (SAE), especially at the veterinary clinic, proving itself useful for her
own beef operation.
Especially in the dairy industry, Portner is thankful for her
parents and sisters. She said they were the ones who picked
up her slack when she couldn’t be home to do chores.
She is considering a career in veterinary medicine because of passion she
developed from her SAE’s, she said.
She took her first heifer and prepared it for showing as a 4H project and her herd has grown to include 29 cows and
heifers today.
Stobb’s started her SAE when she accepted a position at the local veterinary
clinic to help in a variety of ways, including pricing and stocking products,
general cleaning in the clinic’s pens and examination rooms, and assisting
technicians and receptionists.
Portner exchanges her income from milk sales, cull cows,
and bull calves to pay for the expenses for her herd. The
funds left from her milk sales are used to expand her herd
and saved for her college education.
Because Stobb had time on weekends and evenings after the vet clinic closed,
she found work at a local horse boarding barn providing care, feeding and
exercise to a dozen horses in the morning and afternoons.
Portner is an advocate for the dairy industry through local,
county and state organizations, as well as a volunteer in a
wide variety of church and school organizations including
4-H and National Honor Society. In FFA, Portner has served
as chapter president, chapter reporter and sat on numerous
committees. She juggles all of her activities such as
basketball, track and theatre to fit around the family dairy
milking scheduled at 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.
After graduation from high school, Portner will attend Iowa
State University to major in dairy science. She hopes to stay
involved in the dairy industry.
Finally, Stobb landed the summer internship position with the Mille Lacs County
Fair. Her work included contacting vendors, coordinating exhibits, securing
sponsors, and working with the 4-H exhibitors. Through these very different
experiences, Stobb has expanded her knowledge of agriculture in the areas of
animal health, animal care, agricultural communications, and public relations.
Stobb has served her FFA chapter as vice president and president. She has
participated in many CDE’s and competitions including general livestock, soils,
dairy foods, farm business management, meats, small animals, poultry and
forestry.
She plans to attend St. Cloud State University and study biology and possibly
continue her education into animal or veterinary science.
20
2015-2016
state STARS
sponsored by:
“After working
closely with my
advisors, I was able
to build my very own
SAE program that
allowed me to
explore my passion
for science,
education, and
service. My SAE has
also helped me
develop my
aspiration of
becoming an
agriculture teacher so
that I can help
students succeed
each day in and out
of the classroom.”
“The field of
individuals was
tough, and I am
humbled to be
selected. My
SAE has helped
shape me as an
individual and
has better
prepared me
for life after
high school.”
Jax Bauer, Hayfield
Star in Production Placement
Joe Ramstad, Forest Lake
Star in AgriScience
You could say Joe Ramstad has a fairly unique supervised agricultural
experience project. Ramstad spent time researching and executing different
teaching methods and activity formats to determine which methods students
retain the most information from. He taught two agricultural education
courses in the Forest Lake Community Education program in the winter of
2014.
When Jax Bauer began working at Terra-McCree dairy farm with
registered Holsteins nearly two years ago, he began as an
assistant milker. As Bauer continued to work hard, he took on
more responsibility.
Ramstad comes from an urban background, a unique and non-traditional
trait for an agriculturist. Because of this, he said it was difficult for him to
begin his supervised agricultural experience project (SAE) as a freshman.
Bauer was shocked to be selected for the award based on his
supervised agricultural experience (SAE).
Ramstad said he couldn’t imagine his FFA experience without his SAE.
Bauer said he has gained skills in the dairy industry he hopes to
apply to his future career. He hopes to start his own dairy or
beef farm one day.
Standards and learning objectives were formulated and assigned, and pre-,
mid- and post-tests were calculated in his SAE. Ramstad found that the
combination of simulation teaching and individual demonstration yields the
best results.
Ramstad and Megan Palmer, another Forest Lake FFA member, were state
champions in the 2014 Agri Science Fair in Social Systems and earned fourth
place at the National FFA Convention.
Ramstad has served in many leadership roles in the FFA including chapter
president and region vice president; Joe has also participated on numerous
chapter committees and CDE events. He qualified for the national
agricultural communications CDE next fall when his team took first place in
the state competition.
Ramstad plans to attend the University of Minnesota to earn a degree in
agricultural education. He has a passion to combat the stereotype of
agriculture being only about cows, plows, and sows, and he would love to
teach at an urban high school where he can help educate people about the
many opportunities available in agriculture.
21
Now, he works with the herdsman.
In his SAE, Bauer performs a variety of tasks ranging from feed
testing to farm machinery handling, but his primary
responsibility is to diagnose and treat diseases in the hoof along
with treating and managing cows with mastitis.
He has also been involved with vaccinations, treatment of pink
eye, pneumonia and IV’ing cows for milk fever and ketosis.
Bauer is involved in a number of leadership activities, and he has
been a part of the dairy cattle evaluation, creed speaking and
best informed greenhand CDE teams. Because of his SAE, he said
he is better able to classify dairy cattle for the CDE.
He has attended many conferences and been active at county
and state fair livestock shows. Jax has also participated in the
Farm Bureau discussion meet and Hayfield’s corn drives.
Bauer is planning to attend the University of Minnesota or
Oklahoma State University in animal science and eventually
obtain a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition.
tks ertl
for 35 years
By Brandon Roiger
state fair one year and
afterward applied to be the
executive secretary. He was
selected and began his first
day of many in October
1981.
Mr. Ertl walks in the
door of the FFA
Leadership Center on
the Minnesota State
Fairgrounds. He’s
wearing a blue state
fair t-shirt under an
unbuttoned plaid
long-sleeve with
jeans — remnants
of the state fair
and a reminder
of what is to
come at the
end of
August.
“I didn’t know what I was
getting into,” Ertl said with a
laugh. “No, I knew from
when I was a freshman in
high school that I wanted to
teach ag.”
In January 2016, Mr. R. James Ertl
of Rosemount will retire his
position as the Minnesota FFA
Association’s executive
secretary after nearly 35
years of service.
He will stick around to
manage the CHS Miracle
of Birth Center and FFA
Chapter House and
Leadership Center during
the Minnesota State Fair.
That’s his favorite time
of year.
“It’s a chance to tell
the country and the
fairgoer what
agriculture is all
about,” Ertl said.
“Showing them
something they don’t
know anything
about.”
ERTL’S STORY
Ertl worked with the
barnyard during the
He went to high school in Waconia and received
his State Farmer Degree in 1967 when he
graduated. He served four years with the military
as a Morse code intercept operator and
dittybopper.
He eventually went to the University of Minnesota
- Crookston for dairy production and then
transferred to the University of Wisconsin - River
Falls to receive a degree in agricultural education.
He then taught in St. Francis and KassonMantorville before coming aboard as the
executive secretary.
“I had good kids to work with, good community,
good families, a very supportive ag community in
general and made a lot of supporters that are still
down there [in Kasson-Mantorville],” Ertl said.
Trying to get everything done has always been a
challenge for Ertl because there just isn’t enough
time. He said he usually gets almost 50 emails by
noon each day.
But Ertl has reaped many rewards during his time.
Seeing past state officers and star winners grow
their skills and come back into the agriculture
industry to have a successful career is his favorite
part of the job.
“They’re family members. They’re community
ERTL CONTINUED...
22
...ERTL CONTINUED
Minnesota,” she said.
leaders, and they return to their roots,”
he said. “That’s good for rural
Minnesota. We need to have people
going back home.”
With Ertl, you have to be prepared
to do anything, Mike Thofson said.
He is the agriculture teacher at Lake
Crystal Wellcome Memorial.
Ertl has stuck around because the job
is different every day, and each year,
the game changes when a new set of
officers are brought in to try and make
the organization better.
After the state fair, Ertl always looked
forward to the Goodwill tour when the
state officers focus on classroom visits
in two regions of Minnesota.
“
I’m not
regretting any
minute of what
I’ve done for
the last
30-somethingodd years.
It’s been a treat,
an enjoyable
experience."
“It was a real treat to drive a pair of
officers for five days straight and make
a lot of connections and see and share
and let the officers see Minnesota like
they wouldn’t ever do alone,” Ertl said.
ERTL-ISMS
Most of Ertl’s colleagues immediately
point to his characteristic emails as
“Ertl-isms,” which include addressing
people by their initials, an excessive
use of punctuation or capitalization
and signing off with “tks, ertl.”
But, “Ertl-isms” also include memories and stories that perfectly
describe his personality, friends said.
Ertl always has students figure out the tasks he gives them,
Lavyne Rada said, who recently joined Minnesota FFA as the
leadership development coordinator.
”
Thofson said Ertl signed him and
another person up in the Bee
Grower’s ice cream contest and told
them around 3 p.m. the ice cream
recipe had to be made and entered
by 10 a.m. the next day. A typical
Ertl move, Thofson said.
Dassel-Cokato’s agriculture
instructor Eric Sawatzke remembers
his first interaction with Ertl at State
Greenhand Leadership Conference
when his ride back home fell
through.
Sawatzke was the last camper there
and just a high school freshman at
the time, but that didn’t stop Ertl
from grabbing Sawatzke by the
elbow (as he is known to do), put a
broom in his hand and ask him to
start sweeping.
“I haven’t been able to find a way to
stop helping him ever since,” Sawatzke said.
As a freshman FFA member also at a leadership camp with Ertl,
Forest Lake agriculture teacher Mike Miron said he didn’t really
understand Ertl’s role or why he was there.
When Miron served as a state officer and worked with Ertl as an
intern, Ertl’s role became very apparent as Miron realized all of the
behind-the-scenes work Ertl truly did.
When she was a high school teacher at Hutchinson and dropped
off a student to be a barnyard volunteer at the CHS Miracle of
Birth Center one year, she remembers walking in and Ertl
immediately telling the student to “make those flowers look
good” as he turned and walked away.
“In so many ways, Mr. Ertl has been the face of the Minnesota FFA
for over 30 years,” Miron said.
Rada also said Ertl likes to find a new path each time he hits the
road. “I think he knows every single road in the state of
Besides being a good person to call for the location of the
nearest Dairy Queen, Amber Seibert, an agriculture teacher in
ERTL CONTINUED...
23
...ERTL CONTINUED
Fairmont, said Ertl has been
a key mentor for many of
her questions about FFA.
“He always manages to
make me laugh, and he’s
been one of my best
cheerleaders as I’ve worked
to build my chapter and my
ability to teach,” Seibert
said. “I would have quit this job a long time
ago without his support.”
ERTL’S IMPACT
Minnesota FFA Advisor Joel Larsen, a
program specialist in agriculture, food and
natural resources at the Minnesota
Department of Education, has worked with
Ertl since 1995. He said he has enjoyed trips
across the state for star tours with Ertl.
“We solved a lot of the world’s problems
behind the wheel of a vehicle going to
Greenbush, Minnesota,” Larsen said.
He said it is easy to see the impact from
Ertl’s positive attitude and hard work ethic.
Ertl is the first guy there and usually the last
to leave, he said.
“It doesn’t matter what the story is. When
he walks in the room and you ask someone
their impressions of Jim Ertl, their eyes light
up,” Larsen said.
Lindsey Brown, an agricultural educator in
Mountain Lake, learned from Ertl a person’s
impact isn’t necessarily measured by how
much gets done is a day, but how the work
gets done.
“Even when things are not going right, he
keeps at it until it is accomplished,” Brown
said.” In those times, I look to his example
because not only does he complete the
work, but he keeps the environment
positive and fun.”
Val Aarsvold, executive director of the
Minnesota FFA Foundation since 2001, said
it has been hard to describe Ertl’s impact on
her.
“I have known him for two-thirds of my life.
I cannot even imagine how many hours we
have spent laughing, problem-solving and
creating awesome programs for FFA
members together. We have driven around
the state together, spent hours on the
phone together and shared silly stories
together,” she said. “I have the utmost
respect for Mr. Ertl as a person and his
service to Minnesota FFA.”
Leah Addington, previously the leadership
development coordinator for Minnesota
FFA and a co-worker, said he has taught her
a lot of lessons. One day, she was riding
with Ertl in the Cities when they got lost.
“Anytime you feel lost, you’re really not.
You’re just in a spot you’ll need to know for
next time,” he said to her. Addington quickly
realized how applicable this was to life.
“Ertl is a great man with a willingness to
help and a heart to serve others. He’s not
just someone I have had the privilege to
work with and learn from; he’s one of my
best friends,” Addington said.
Ertl said time flies, but people just have to
take advantage of it before it’s gone and try
to do as much as they can.
“I’m not regretting any minute of what I’ve
done for the last 30-something-odd years.
It’s been a treat, an enjoyable experience.
It’s a matter of wrapping it up and letting
someone else take it on,” Ertl said. “That’s
okay with me. They’ll do it a different way,
and they’ll have fun doing it.”
Larsen said Ertl will be missed by a lot of
people, and his impact will really be noticed
in a year or so.
“A lot of people have a job. He has a
passion and a career. I’m not sure that this
is work for him,” Larsen said. “He truly
enjoys what he does every day.”
Ertl’s sure he’ll be asked to help a little, he
said.
Spoken in true character, he said, “But, in
the meantime, we keep plugging away.”
Because even when he is on the verge of
retirement, he won’t stop working.
tks ertl for 35 years,
mn ffa
24
Producing Top Quality
Canned & Frozen
Vegetables
•••
A Community Leader
& Supporter
25
honorary ffa degree
National
Chapter
Award
Winners
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Recipients
Rep. Paul Anderson
Ed Barrett
Scott Hislop
Mary Hoffmann
Lisa Hoefs
Mike Mastey
Tom Mollet
Duane Pliscott
Jordan Pollock
Rep. Jeanne Poppe
Lavyne Rada
Kyle Rozeboom
Sen. Dan Sparks
Pat Tax
Shell Tumberg
Minnesota House of Representatives
Minnesota State Fair Beef Assistant Superintendent
Minnesota FFA Foundation Chair
Sleepy Eye Agricultural Education Instructor
Medford Agricultural Education Instructor
Ridgewater Farm Business Management
CF Industries
Cannon Falls Agricultural Education Instructor
AFSA Agricultural Education Instructor
Minnesota House of Representatives
Minnesota FFA Leadership Development Coordinator
Livestock Career Development Event
Minnesota Senate
Pierz Agricultural Education Instructor
Perham Agricultural Education Instructor
Parents of State Officers
Craig & Megan Roessler
Harlan & Christina Mauk
James & Rachel Earley
Jim & Twyla Wulf
Cary & Connie Larson
Jeff Kampsen & Heather Einerson
St. Charles
Howard Lake
Wykoff
Starbuck
New Richland
New London / Olivia
Parents of Star Winners
Star Farmer
Star in Agribusiness
Star in Agriscience
Star in Agricultural Placement
Tom and Mary Portner
Jeffrey and Tamera Stobb
Jane Ramstad
Tony and Paula Bauer
26
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
Forest Lake
Sleepy Eye
Academy for Sciences &
Agriculture
Springfield
Chatfield
Hutchinson
Martin County West
Dassel-Cokato
Rockford Middle
Plainview-Elgin-Millville
Morris Area
Princeton
Sibley East
Fertile-Beltrami
Wadena-Deer Creek
Buffalo
These chapters advance to National FFA
for ranking.
27
28
29
30
?
a
t
o
s
e
n
n
i
M
f
o
y
t
i
s
r
e
v
i
n
U
e
h
t
ng to
Comi
Looking to stay involved in programs
such as FFA and 4-H?
Come visit Beta of C
lovia Sorority!
Clovia is a non-Greek sorority based on the ideals of 4-H. We’re
located on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota and
more than 60 percent of our members are FFA alumni!
Clovia is the perfect way to maintain your agricultural roots in the
big city. If you’re considering coming to the University of Minnesota,
stop by and visit! We’re located just off of Cleveland Avenue across
from the mall.
For more information go to www.betaofclovia.org
31
FFA: A TIMELESS CLASSIC
Minnesota FFA celebrates 85 years, continues traditions
BY CASSIE OLSON
The feeling an FFA member has at the close
of the final general session is almost
uniform: awards have been received,
officers have been named and friends have
been made. When that final gavel taps, no
matter the chapter at the bottom of their
jacket, FFA members similarly feel the same
sigh of nostalgia that comes from a great
experience and memories made at
convention.
Over the years, Minnesota has grown from
a small cluster of founding members in
1930 to over 10,000 members today.
Despite a consistently changing society, the
traditions and values of the Minnesota FFA
Association have only continued to
strengthen. The last 85 years have proven
rewarding and challenging, and there are
some key moments that have shaped FFA
into what it is today.
FIRST MEMBERSHIP SCORES BIG
The Minnesota FFA began its roots with the
Esko FFA chapter. Esko first began its
membership in 1929 before becoming
officially chartered in 1930. As a community
widely recognized for progressive farming
practices, Esko was the perfect area to
begin shaping the Minnesota FFA
Association.
Esko FFA members were rewarded for their
agricultural involvement, winning awards
for many contests including dairy cattle,
livestock, and poultry evaluation teams.
Speaking contests and musical involvement
were other popular activities for Esko FFA
members.
In addition to being the first chartered FFA
chapter in Minnesota, Esko was also home
to the first FFA basketball team. A quick
stroll through the town and a brief
conversation with a local is surely to include
the folklore-like tale of when the FFA
basketball team triumphantly defeated the
Harlem Globetrotters in a basketball game
on January 26, 1938.
Donald Himango, a grade-school student
sitting in the third row at center court
during the game, recalled the event in a
Duluth Tribune sports column, when he
said, “The Globetrotters led by a point and
they had the ball, and then they started
clowning around. Time was running out
and Les Knuti stole the ball and sank a
basket from half-court right as it ended.”
Esko FFA won the game by a score of 42-41.
STRENGTH IN THE AMERICAN FFA
DEGREE
The American FFA Degree is the highest
degree that can be bestowed upon an FFA
member. It is an award that requires
countless hours of dedication in a
supervised agricultural experience project,
dedication to community service and
outstanding involvement in the FFA.
After graduating from Austin High School
in 1931, Norman Goodwin of the Austin FFA
Chapter was the first Minnesota FFA
member to receive the American Farmer
Degree, now known as the American FFA
Degree.
During his time as an FFA member,
Goodwin was known as a champion dairy
judge, and studied at the University of
Minnesota where his interests in agriculture
continued through involvement in livestock,
crops, and meat judging teams.
The American FFA Degree continues to be
an important part of the Minnesota FFA
experience. To date, 2,259 Minnesota FFA
members have received this high honor.
Becky Church is one of the recent recipients
of the American FFA Degree from the
Minnesota FFA.
Getting the degree is no easy chore. It can
be a daunting task, but is one many FFA
members set their standards high for.
Church had to attend a monthly agriculture
class at a high school 45 minutes away in
order to be an FFA member.
“A few years ago, I never would have
imagined that I would obtain my American
Degree someday,” Church said. “My school
did not offer agriculture courses.”
Church is thankful for those who helped her
on the way and proud of what the FFA has
offered her.
Church said, “Had I not been allowed to be
an ’outreach student’, I wouldn’t have had
the opportunities I have had within the FFA.
I am committed to being a part of
agriculture’s future, and for this, I remain
grateful and excited.”
SERVING OTHERS AND OUR COUNTRY
Throughout the nation, FFA saw a decrease
in membership due to being called to duty
in the Armed Forces during World War II.
This affected the Minnesota FFA Association
when five of the state officers were called to
32
leave their positions to serve the country.
President Aldis Johnson of Houston,
Secretary Jorma Kangas of Embarrass,
Acting Secretary Roy Petrell of Embarrass,
and Advisor Leo L. Knuti of St Paul all were
called to duty in order to serve the country.
Stepping into these programs were Acting
President Jack Soderland of Cotton, Acting
Secretary Arnold Maki of Esko, and Acting
Advisor H.J. Peterson of St. Paul.
The U.S. Army has partnered with the
National FFA Organization for over 30
years. Each year at the National FFA
Convention & Expo, members are able to
visit exhibits to learn more about the
educational opportunities and scholarships
that the U.S. Army has to offer.
SETTING A FOUNDATION
In 1953, an organization was founded that
would give the Minnesota FFA Association a
boost that would continue for many years.
The Minnesota FFA Foundation was
established as a non-profit organization,
which works to secure resources to fund
agricultural education and FFA programs.
Val Aarsvold, executive director for the
Minnesota FFA Foundation, explained the
importance of the organization to the
association’s success.
“The Minnesota FFA Foundation raises over
half a million dollars to support agricultural
education programs on the local, regional
and state levels,” Aarsvold said. “We play a
vital role in ensuring that FFA is accessible
to all young people, regardless of their
financial situation. We aid in the on-going
training of quality agricultural educators.”
In her role, Aarsvold builds partnerships to
provide resources through sponsorship and
general support. She manages the finances
of the Foundation and coordinates the
efforts of their two boards: the Board of
Trustees and the Executive Sponsors board.
Additionally, she coordinates the
development of promotional materials and
resources that benefit Minnesota
agricultural education programs.
Aarsvold has left a lasting mark on the
Minnesota FFA Foundation, as she was the
key driver in introducing the Blue JacketBright Futures program.
“This program encourages new members to
apply to receive their own jacket,” Aarsvold
said. “Through this process, they are
timeless continued...
32
...timeless continued
encouraged to reflect on what they have done
in the FFA and what they hope to be involved
with.”
The Minnesota FFA Foundation continues to
support the Minnesota FFA Association, and
Aarsvold said the experience is a rewarding
one.
“I find it extremely rewarding to see the
opportunities that are provided to FFA
member as a result of quality programs that
the Foundation supports,” Aarsvold said. “I
know the value of the FFA experience
personally and am pleased to support young
people who are starting their FFA experience.”
WOMEN WEAR THE JACKET
1969 proved to be a valuable year in the
National FFA Organization as it marked the
beginning of membership for women. It was
decided by a delegate vote in 1930 that
women would be denied membership.
While many states permitted female members
prior to 1969, full FFA membership and
privileges were voted upon by national
convention delegates. The first two women to
come female delegates at the convention were
Anita Decker, New York, and Patricia Krowicki,
New Jersey, in 1970.
Today, 47 percent of FFA’s membership is
made up of women.
“I can say with ease that no other organization
has had such a profound impact on who I am
today,” Kirsten Pagel, a former member of the
Fulda FFA chapter said. “The FFA provided me
with the opportunity to interact with strong
and confident leaders who encouraged me to
embrace my identity and pursue my passions.”
Pagel served the Minnesota FFA Association as
the state reporter from 2010 to
2011. She recognizes
how being a female
in the FFA is still a
relevant topic today.
“Organizations like
the FFA provide
female members
the opportunity to
participate in an
industry in which
women are still
the minority,”
Pagel said.
“As women
Besides beating the Harlem Globetrotters, Esko’s FFA basketball teams gained fame
increasingly
in the 1930s by winning several state and Midwest tournaments. The 1938–39 team
play key roles
built a trophy collection, as seen here. In front row, from left, are Bernie Koivisto,
within
Fred Seikkula, trainer Bill Juntunen, H. Ray Johnson and Marvin Davidson. Back row,
agriculture,
from left: Les Knuti, Emil Joki, Clarence Juntti, Walter Maunu, Ray Maunu, Harvey
the FFA will
Mattinen and coach-manager Lauri Kortesmaki. (Image: Esko Historical Society)
consistently
provide these
Moe was the first of many women who would
young women with the leadership skills that
go on to become Minnesota State FFA officers.
they need to leave a positive impact.”
Today, over 50 percent of state leadership
positions
are held by women.
KUBICEK FIRST FEMALE TO LEAD
ASSOCIATION
ERTL TAKES THE REIGNS
Once membership was opened to women, it
wasn’t long before females began taking the
reigns of leadership within the organization.
Kathryn Kubicek Moe, who began her FFA
membership in 1973 with the Lake Crystal FFA
chapter, made her mark when she was the first
female FFA state officer in the state of
Minnesota.
Moe was encouraged to join the Lake Crystal
FFA chapter by her advisor, Norm Sieling. In
the publication “Minnesota FFA at 75”, Moe
recalled becoming a member.
“[I was] welcomed, encouraged and supported
by Norm Sieling every day and every step of
the way,” Moe said.
Moe joined the chapter as a junior in
high school, and wasted no time
getting involved. In 1974, she was
elected as both a chapter and
regional officer. Her advisor
continued to push her to great
heights as she entered public
speaking contests in preparation for
a run for state office.
Moe was elected to serve as the
state secretary for 1975-76. Moe
said she felt encouraged and
supported throughout the
duration of her term.
Pictured is an FFA octet from about 1940. In
front row, from left, are Dale Hendrickson,
Walter Lennartson, Harold Mostrom and
Robert Orde. In back row, from left, are
Howard Juntunen, Clifford Johnson, Arnold
Maki and Tony Francisco. (Esko Historical
Society photo)
Those attending the 86th Minnesota FFA
Convention probably were no stranger to two
cardboard cutouts floating throughout the
Continuing Education and Conference Center
(CECC). The two cutouts of Executive Secretary
Jim Ertl were a part of the celebration for his
time and dedication to the association, as he
will be retiring in January.
“I travelled extensively and
received lots of speaking
engagements at annual events
because I was the first female
officer,” Moe said. “I felt very
fortunate.”
33
33
Kathryn Kubicek Moe
(left) was elected as
the Minnesota FFA
State Secretary 19751976. Pictured with
W.J. Kortesmaki.
Ertl took on the
role as executive
secretary in
October 1981,
after taking a
short-term role
with Paul Day,
Minnesota FFA
Advisor, to
coordinate the FFA
chapter house.
Little did he know
his involvement in
this role would
lead to a 35-year
legacy impacting
thousands of FFA
members
throughout the
state.
Ertl has seen a lot
of change in FFA
and agricultural education over the years,
including a shift in the career paths members
prepare for.
“Moms and dads started saying, ’You’re not
coming back to farm,’” Ertl said. “That is when
FFA turned it around in the late 80s.”
timeless continued...
...timeless
continued
Coliseum in 2006. The MOBC is a oneof-a-kind agricultural experience for
those attending the Great Minnesota
Get Together, as it provides fairgoers
with the opportunity to see the live
births of nearly 200 calves, lambs,
goats, and piglets during the 12 days
of the Minnesota State Fair.
Ertl has seen the
association change and
develop over the course
of three decades.
Members with inquires
and questions always
have found their answers
in Ertl’s kind words.
The Minnesota FFA
Association has declared
2015 “The Year of Ertl”.
Members and advisors
across the state are
continue to celebrate the
legacy Ertl has left and
will miss his helpful
guidance as he
approaches retirement.
BRINGING EDUCATION
TO FAIRGOERS
Working alongside veterinarians and
members of the Minnesota Veterinary
Medical Association (MVMA), FFA
students assist in educating the public
about the animals they are delivering
while also assisting in the FFA Chapter
House & Leadership Center.
NancyBarkaDahlman
participatedinthe
livestockCDEsinthe
early1970s.Dahlman
wasalsooneofthe
irst ivefemalesto
receivetheMinnesota
StateFFADegree.
The most popular free
event of the Minnesota
State Fair, the CHS Miracle
of Birth Center (MOBC), debuted in 2001 and
moved to its location east of the Warner
Megan Thurk, advisor of the Melrose
FFA Chapter, had extensive experience
with MOBC while she was a member.
Beyond being a volunteer in high
school, Thurk served two state fairs as
the MOBC supervisor while in college.
“Being able to work both roles at the
CHS Miracle of Birth Center was a
great experience,” Thurk said. “As a
[volunteer], my public speaking skills
grew and it was great to talk to the public
about my passion for agriculture.”
34
34
MOBC also serves as a great learning
opportunity for FFA members. Thurk recalled
the experience from her role as a supervisor.
“I loved being able to work with students and
see them grow as individuals,” Thurk said.
The CHS Miracle Birth Center continues
provide FFA members with the opportunity to
educate others. Thurk is proud of the
members involved and the growth that the
exhibit has seen.
Thurk said, “MOBC offers a great opportunity
for FFA members to share the positive
message of agriculture, and I feel lucky that I
have been able to be apart of such a positive
experience.”
CONTINUING A LEGACY
As the gavel tapped and convention came to a
close, what did you think? As FFA members
and supporters, were you sad that it was over,
happy it had happened, or hopeful for the
future? As you continue in your roles in the
organization, remember the members who
have left their footprint on the association’s
history and how it impacts you today.
35
W
hen Tyler Warren became a
member of the Litchfield FFA
th
chapter in 8 grade, it was
already a family tradition. His sister was
president of the Litchfield FFA chapter
where his dad, uncle and aunts had also
been members when they were in high
school.
“I thought it was a natural fit that if you
lived on a farm you should probably join
FFA,” Warren said, an agriculture
instructor at Hutchinson High School.
As Warren became more involved in FFA,
he began to see what FFA was all about
for himself and stuck with the program for
different reasons. Working with
individuals that were the same age, the
concepts of leadership and teamwork
along with exposure to different aspects
of agriculture sparked an interest with
Warren.
With more involvement within FFA, he
began to meet many people who were
influential during his membership. With
more exposure as a region officer, he was
led to the idea of being a state officer.
After completing a year of college at the
University of Minnesota with past and
present state officers, he learned more
about FFA and realized he wanted to help
and work with youth within the FFA.
When Warren put on his blue jacket for a
proficiency interview during college, he
realized he wanted to run for state office.
With the help of many of his friends and
mentors preparing for interviews, Warren
was selected as the state treasurer.
Being a state officer helped Warren grow
as an individual where he was able to gain
more self-confidence and the ability to
interact and build connections with
people on a sincere and personal level. He
Warren
finishes
first year as
Hutchinson
ag teacher
BY NICOLE KRUMRIE
also gained more team work skills while
collaborating with his state officer team
for a year.
Warren said his team members helped his
growth as a person during his year of
state office.
“They definitely played a huge in fostering
my potential and development as a
leader,” Warren said.
Warren has been able to use the skills he
gained as a state officer and transfer them
over to his new position as an agriculture
teacher in Hutchinson.
Warren knew he wanted to be a teacher in
high school but he didn’t know exactly
what type of teacher. His passion for
teaching and agriculture drove him into
the path of becoming an agricultural
educator.
He graduated from the University of
Minnesota-Twin Cities this past spring.
This is his first year as an agricultural
educator.
The transition from being a student,
student teacher to a now fulltime teacher
has been a big challenge for Warren.
36
“It’s like taking the training wheels off and
you’re now on your own,” Warren said.
Luckily for Warren, he has a network of
agriculture teachers that are always more
than willing to help out if any questions
arise.
He has been able to help his students
gain more knowledge and opportunities
of the FFA and help them grow as both a
leader and person through different
leadership activities that participated in
when he was an FFA member.
Sierra Swanson, a junior at Hutchinson
High School and FFA member, said about
Warren,
“He actually cares about us as students,
you don’t get that very often,” Swenson
said.
Warren said becoming an agriculture
teacher wasn’t the easiest thing to do.
“The students make it all worthwhile,”
Warren said.
Ten years from now, Warren hopes to
continue making a difference in education
and agriculture while giving his time and
talents to not just a career in agricultural
education, but he said also a family and
community.
“There’s a good chance I’ll continue being
an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor or I
may be farming or working in another job
related to agricultural education,” Warren
said.
“One thing is for sure, and that’s to live a
happy and honest life doing what I love
and giving back to the people and
organizations that have made an impact
on my life.”
decade donor recognition
10 Year Donors
Benson FFA
Brainerd FFA
Don & Susan Buhl, Tyler
Cannon Falls FFA
Paul & Annette Hansen, New Hope
John & Julie Hobert, Cannon Falls
Litchfield FFA
McPherson Crop Management, Janesville
New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva FFA
Norman County West FFA
Tom Rothman, St. Paul
Eric Sawatzke, Buffalo
The Toro Company, Bloomington
Tradexpos, Austin
West Central Ag Sales Association, Willmar
30 Year Donors
Alden-Conger FFA
Ronald Erpelding, Willmar
Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial
FFA
20 Year Donors
Patrick & Kristin Duncanson, Mapleton
Southland FFA
40 Year Donors
Larry Klingbeil, Minneapolis
37
involvement
still
important
for
hebrink
BY RACHAEL ANDERSON
A
fter finishing an eventful
year as a state officer, Rod
Hebrink thought about
how FFA was such an important
part of his high school experience.
Then he wondered what was
going to replace this part of his
life.
In his chapter, he said he was
lucky to have two agriculture
instructors with different roles.
One was a strong coach of career
development event (CDE) teams,
especially the parliamentary
procedure team. The other was
active in classroom activities.
Hebrink was an active and
passionate FFA member and like
many students at the end of their
membership, Hebrink wondered
what was in store next. He served
as the Minnesota FFA President
from 1975-1976 and is currently
the Chief Executive Officer of
AgStar Financial Services.
In the spring of his senior year in
high school, Hebrink was elected
as the Minnesota FFA President.
He said FFA was “at its peak” that
year.
Enrollment was booming in
agricultural education programs
and membership in the FFA was at
an all-time high with nearly
17,000 members.
Many FFA members like Hebrink
are sad to leave the organization
that had a big impact on them.
However, it doesn’t have to be the
ending. There are many
opportunities for members to
give back and stay involved. The
FFA thrives with the help of
sponsors like AgStar and
supporters such as the Minnesota
FFA Foundation and Minnesota
FFA Alumni.
Hebrink did a lot of traveling to
visit both FFA chapters and
agriculture industry groups.
However, Rod described his
experience as not just a year of
“state office,” but being extremely
influential in developing his
leadership presence that has
served him so well in his career.
After being so involved in the FFA,
Hebrink didn’t want his
involvement to end. Today, he is a
leading supporter of agricultural
education and FFA, both
individually and through AgStar’s
financial support.
During that time, he gained the
ability to be confident in
presenting to groups and sharing
thoughts and concepts both with
employees as well as to other
agriculture groups outside of
AgStar.
Hebrink is a member of the
Executive Sponsors board, a
legacy club member and
continues to judge the
parliamentary procedure contest
at state convention.
After having the opportunity to
serve as a state officer, Hebrink
wondered what would come next.
Growing up on a farm in Renville,
Minn., agriculture was a huge part
of his family and community. So
when it came time to join FFA, it
was a natural transition to
become a part of the strong
chapter in the area near him,
Hebrink said.
There was very limited
opportunity to stay involved at
the time because there was no
alumni association that would
allow him to carry on the
connections he had made, like
there is today. He wishes there
had been, he said.
His state officer team still
maintains regular communication
and continues to stay good
friends, Hebrink said.
During college, he was able to
stay involved periodically with his
high school FFA chapter by
serving as a coach to several
speaking CDE’s, particularly
parliamentary procedure.
Shortly following college, Hebrink
eventually made his way into what
is now known as AgStar Financial
Services.
He is currently the president and
chief executive officer.
Hebrink is proud of the
tremendous connection AgStar
has with its clients and how they
partner to help clients reach their
goals as well as community youth
groups like 4-H and FFA.
When he first started his career,
AgStar was a sponsor just on the
local level and now has
transitioned into a role as one of
the largest supporters of the
Minnesota FFA Foundation.
Today, Hebrink encourages
graduating students to become a
part of the alumni association.
Not only does it connect you to
the state association, but your
local chapters as well, he said.
“That would be an excellent way
for ongoing involvement,” Hebrink
said.
Attending convention since he
was a freshman in high school in
1971 and now as a parliamentary
procedure judge, Hebrink said by
staying involved, he is able to stay
in touch with advisors and
students in FFA with him.
There are numerous ways to
become involved after graduation
whether it’s volunteering to coach
a local CDE team, being a contest
judge, becoming involved in the
alumni or the foundation.
38
According to the alumni
association, its organization
creates an environment where
people and communities can
develop and grow to their fullest
potential.
Kevin Dahlman of the Minnesota
FFA Alumni said recent graduates
can bring a level of maturity and
experience to younger members.
Some of the ways graduates can
help is through coaching career
development events, assisting in
interviews, chaperoning,
fundraising activities and serving
on advisory committees.
The Minnesota FFA Foundation
provides an opportunity for
supporters to invest in the
strength of the program.
Paul Hansen, past chairperson of
the Foundation, said to invest in
what you are passionate about.
Hansen’s passion lies within
leadership and evaluating what it
takes to get to the next level of
leadership position.
That’s why he helps with national
and state officer nominating
committees. “It is something I
enjoy and is easy to find time to
help with,” Hansen said.
His advice to graduates is to offer
up what you can. It is easy to give
time, talents and when the time is
right, financially if it is something
you are passionate about.
Hebrink is a true testimony
graduation doesn’t have to be the
end of FFA.
Whether the “last” FFA event is
state convention, chapter banquet
or FFA barnyard at the county fair,
there are many more
opportunities waiting.
39
Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame Inductees
Senator Gary Dahms
● Re-established agricultural education program in the
Redwood Area Schools in 2007 and continues to support
the program through leadership in FFA Alumni
Association.
● Served as a co-chair for the Minnesota Agricultural
Education Leadership Council (MAELC) from 2011-2012.
● Instrumental in establishing an agricultural education
major at Southwest Minnesota State University in
Marshall, which has raised over $300,000 to support the
program.
Timothy McNamara
● Served on the MN FFA Foundation Board of Trustees
for six years, including a year as chair.
● Has been an FFA Foundation donor for many years and
became a Legacy Club donor in 2012.
● Has supported FFA throughout 33-year career in
agricultural lending with the Farm Credit system and
Purina Mills.
Charles Erickson
● Actively involved with agricultural education and the FFA
for 42 years from the chapter to national level.
● Has been an MAAE officer, delegate to NAAE conferences,
Outstanding Ag Educator, Regional Advisor, and an
Honorary Chapter and State FFA Degree Recipient.
● Has had numerous national qualifying teams, state and
national degree recipients and eight former students
complete an agricultural education degree.
James Gibson
● Served as an associate professor, faculty member and
assistant provost 1976-1992 at the University of Minnesota
- Waseca (UMW)
● Served as coordinator of Region VII and Region VIII FFA
competitions and helped develop a retired agricultural
instructor contact list for both regions.
● Member of the committee that led to the development of
the National Postsecondary Agricultural Student
Organization (PAS) and also taught in Michigan at high
school and postsecondary level from 1965-1976.
Delray Lecy
● Taught high school agricultural education and
postsecondary agriculture for over 35 years and served as
regional dean of management education.
● Has written regional Farm Business Management problem
for over 20 years and the state problem for over 15 years.
Serves on the National FFA Farm Business Management
CDE committee.
● Teacher chair of state creed competition for 30 years and
former member of the Minnesota FFA Foundation Board of
Directors.
40
40
Lowell Ross (Deceased)
● Taught high school
agricultural education in
Albert Lea, Minn. from
1949-1983 and was
involved in local, state
and national agricultural
associations.
● Was named National FFA
Advisor of the Year in
1971.
● Served the Minnesota
State Fair Miracle of Birth
& FFA Chapter House
and Leadership Center.
A. Lee Thompson
● Taught high school
agriculture in Goodhue,
Minn. for more than 30
years.
● Named MAAE Outstanding
Agricultural Educator in
2012 and received his
Honorary American FFA
Degree in 2014.
● Advised five state officers,
numerous regional officers
and many chapter officer
teams. Has instructed
seven students who have
gone on to teach
agricultural education.
Enberg Logging Supply
11785 State 64 SW, Motley
Drive Determination Success
REACH for it with FFA!
218-352-6175
41
Granite Falls • fageninc.com
Saluting
Tomorrow’s
Leaders!
“Building a
better world
for tomorrow.”
42
43
...A Leader in Agriculture is a
Proud Sponsor of the Future
Ag Leaders of Tomorrow.
44
media award
Minnesota Farm Bureau’s
Harner & Debele have Social Skills
By Aly Schwartau
P
ost it, tweet it,
share it. Many
people use
social media to do
these all the time
however there are
two ladies that have
gone above and
beyond and been a
part of an increased
push in media
exposure for the Minnesota FFA Association.
Pam Debele and Kristin Harner of the
Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation are this
year’s recipients of the Minnesota FFA
Foundation Media Award.
The Minnesota FFA Foundation recognizes
individuals who make the extra effort to
advocate for the organization through print
media, radio and most recently on social
media. The Minnesota FFA Foundation
Media Award is given to individuals in the
agricultural industry selected based on
nominations from the Minnesota FFA
Foundation Board of Trustees.
Pam (Dahlman) Debele is a communications
specialist with the Minnesota Farm Bureau
Federation. Being on a two-person team,
she has her hands in just about anything
communications-related. She specifically
works with the Minnesota Farm Bureau
Federation website, social media channels,
design work and collaborating with county
requests.
Debele also oversees the media interns
during the Minnesota FFA Convention. She
works with the individuals who are working
on social media, photography and news
releases.
Debele was a member of the Dassel-Cokato
FFA chapter during high school. She was
also very involved as the regional and state
level.
She served as Minnesota FFA Secretary in
2007-2008 and received her American FFA
Degree in 2009.
Debele first joined FFA when she was
recruited to do the speaking contests
because of her involvement in speech. She
participated in creed speaking, prepared
public speaking, and extemporaneous
speaking.
She participated in parliamentary procedure
for six years and eventually qualified for
nationals in agricultural communications.
She credits her participation in these events
to her current position with Minnesota Farm
Bureau.
For Debele, it has always been easy to stay
involved in FFA.
“FFA gave me my college career, my job
career, and it is natural to want to provide
opportunities to others who may want the
same things as me. It’s fun and easy to want
to work with youth,” she said
By participating in the agricultural
communications CDE, Debele realized she
could combine her passion for
communications and agriculture. She was
able to do that and found her future career
with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation.
Harner is the public relations director at
Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation where
she oversees all public relations and
communications. She grew up in the Tracy
Area FFA and was very involved with local
chapter activities. She served as a chapter
officer and was a member of the general
livestock judging team.
After high school, Harner attended South
Dakota State University and now lives with
her husband and two sons outside of
Northfield. She served on the MN FFA
Foundation Board of Trustees for nine years
and is an executive committee past chair.
Continuing to advocate for FFA in Harner’s
day-to-day life is important. She enjoys
sharing positive stories and messages about
agriculture and FFA on social media.
Harner and her husband are both members
of the Randolph FFA Alumni chapter. They
enjoy giving back because they value the
opportunities that FFA provides to today’s
youth.
“As the world population is set to double by
2050, it is imperative to continue to train
and provide opportunities to today’s youth
through FFA. Part of that includes
advocating on social media,” Harner said.
45
Harner hopes
graduating FFA
members will get
involved after
high school.
“Get involved at
the local alumni
level. Give back
to the FFA
Foundation,
whether it is
sponsoring a
jacket or participating with a local FFA
alumni or ag teacher,” Harner said. “There
are so many opportunities out there; you
just have to go get them.”
During the Minnesota FFA Convention each
year, Debele and Harner implement and
oversee communication outreach for the
Minnesota FFA Association, Minnesota FFA
Alumni and Minnesota FFA Foundation.
Val Aarsvold of the Minnesota FFA
Foundation said she is pleased with the
work Debele and Harner have done for the
collective organizations.
“Pam and Kristin have done an exceptional
job helping us to tell the FFA story through
a number of mediums, whether that be the
traditional areas of media as well as social
media,” Aarsvold said. “They have been very
good at involving the students that we have
in this role serving as interns.”
Debele and Harner will join the ranks of
notable figures such as Tom Rothman who
was working with Minnesota Farm Network
when he received the award in 2004. Jerry
Groskreutz of KDHL Radio received the
award in 2005 for coverage of the Minnesota
FFA Convention, and Carol Stender, a
reporter at Agri News, received the award in
2013.
Debele was humbled to have received the
award.
“We do not do it for the awards. We do it
because we want to give back, and we saw a
need at the convention that needed to be
filled. Our skills worked well to fill that role,”
Debele said. “It is wonderful to be
recognized, but we do it because it is such a
great organization.”
2014 High Level Donors
Supreme Champion ($20,000-$100,000)
AgStar Financial Services, Mankato
Alliance Pipeline L.P., Eden Prairie
CHS Foundation, Inver Grove Heights
Northland Ford Dealers, Minneapolis
Champion ($10,000-$19,999)
AgriBank, St. Paul
Land O’Lakes Foundation, Arden Hills
Leedstone, Melrose
Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion
Council, Mankato
University of Minnesota-CFANS, St. Paul
Diamond ($5,000-$9,999)
CF Industries, Deerfield, IL
Hormel Foods, Austin
McDonald’s Twin Cities Co-op, Rosemount
Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, Minneapolis
Minnesota Corn Growers, Shakopee
Minnesota Farm Bureau, St. Paul
Minnesota Farmers Union, St. Paul
Minnesota Grain and Feed Association, St.
Paul
Minnesota Pork Board, Mankato
Monsanto, Chanhassen
Ralco, Marshall
The Rosen Family Foundation, Fairmont
United FCS, Willmar
Wells Fargo, Minneapolis
West Central Inc., Willmar
Council, Buffalo
Kyle & Paula Petersen, Murdock
Pipestone Veterinary Services, Pipestone
RDO Equipment, Fargo, ND
Riverview LLP, Morris
Rod Enberg Logging, Motley
Gold ($3,000-$3,999)
Animal Health International, Manchester, IA
Bayer CropScience, Farmington
DuPont Pioneer, Mankato
Gislason & Hunter, New Ulm
GNP Company, St. Cloud
Midwest Dairy Association, St. Paul
Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association,
South St. Paul
SEMA Equipment, Plainview
Bronze ($1,000-$1,999)
AMPI, New Ulm
Animal Health International Inc., Sioux Falls,
SD
Bailey Nurseries, St. Paul
Central Lakes Co-op, Atwater
Central Livestock Association, South St. Paul
CoBank, Minneapolis
Kevin & Nancy Dahlman, Cokato
Foremost Farms USA, Baraboo, WI
Geronimo Energy, Edina
Greg, Karen & Nick Gosen, Albert Lea
John Deere Company, St. Paul
Mark Jirik, Detroit Lakes
Larry & Amanda Konsterlie, Pennock
Minnesota Soybean Processors, Brewster
Minnwest Bank, Montevideo
Natural Resource Group, Minneapolis
George & Mary Peichel, Fairfax
Producers Hybrids, Battle Creek, NE
Rosen’s Inc., Fairmont
Dale & Lila Schmidt, Marshall
WinField, Shoreview
Silver ($2,000-$2,999)
ADM Facilities across Minnesota, Mankato
AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Grand Forks,
ND
BASF Corporation, Clive, IA
BMO Harris Bank, Minneapolis
Davisco Foods International, LeSueur
Fagen, Inc., Granite Falls
Farm Bureau Financial Services, West Des
Moines, IA
Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership
Council, St. Paul
Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion
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AL-CORN Clean Fuel, Clarimont
Christensen Farms, Sleepy Eye
Scott & Michelle Hislop, Winnebago
Johnston Family Foundation, Hawley
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Cooperation helps you REACH your goals!
FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA
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Sleepy Eye
46
Springfield
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MODELS OF INNOVATION • LAND OF SERVICE
Student Development
• My Plate Workshop Rockford Middle
• Everyone Loves Pizza Howard Lake-WaverlyWinsted
• Middle School Leadership
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• Martin County West Hay Drive for Breast
Cancer Awareness
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Ag Challenge - PlainviewElgin-Millville
Community
Development
• North Elementary Garden
Club - Princeton
• Supervised Agricultural
Experience Fair - AFSA
• The Great Rockford
Middle Milk Drive Rockford Middle
Land of Service
1- Academy for Sciences
and Agriculture
2- Fertile Beltrami
3- Howard Lake-WaverlyWinsted
Additional High Level
Chapters
Ada-Borup
Brandon-Evansville
Chatfield
Detroit Lakes
Foley
GFW Pioneer Express
Glencoe-Silver Lake
Kerkhoven-MurdockSunburg
Lanesboro
LeRoy-Ostrander   
Little Falls
Martin County West
Milaca
Morris Area
New London-Spicer
Norwood Young America
Princeton
Sleepy Eye
Spring Valley
Springfield
Tracy
Triton
Winona
Zumbrota-Mazeppa
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Together...
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48
STAR PARTNERS
Three-Star Partners
AgriBank
AgStar Financial Services
Land O’Lakes Founda on
Wells Fargo
Minnesota Grain and Feed Associa on
Minnesota Turkey Promo on &
Research Council
Ralco
Rosen’s Diversified
Runnings
United FCS
West Central, Inc.
WFS
Two-Star Partners
CF Industries
Hormel Foods
McDonald’s Twin Ci es
Co-op
Minnesota Biofuels Associa on
Minnesota Corn Growers Associa on
One-Star Partners
ADM Facili es across Minnesota
AgCountry Farm Credit Services
BASF
Baune Financial - Northwestern Mutual
Bayer CropScience
BMO Harris Bank
Dis nguished Star Partners
CHS
Northland Ford
membership challenge
Chapters with 85 percent or higher FFA
membership of all students enrolled in
agricultural educa on courses.
Academy for Sciences & Agriculture*
Cha ield*
Dassel-Cokato*
Fairmont*
Fer le-Beltrami*
Glenville-Emmons
Hutchinson*
Lanesboro
Leroy-Ostrander
Maple River*
Marshall Area*
Mountain Lake*
New Ulm*
Randolph
Redwood Valley*
Silver Bay*
Sleepy Eye
Springfield
Tracy Area*
Upsala*
*indicates affiliate chapters with 100
percent membership
49
Christensen Farms
Davisco Foods Interna onal
DuPont Pioneer
Fagen, Inc.
Gislason & Hunter, LLP
GNP Company
Minnesota Farm Bureau
Minnesota Farmers Union
Minnesota Pork Board
Monsanto
Pipestone Veterinary Services
RDO Equipment
Riverview, LLP
Rod Enberg Logging
Seneca Foods
th
25 Anniversary Minnesota FFA Officer Team
By MARIE WOOD, The Land Associate Editor • A shortened version courtesy of The Land publication.
Representatives from 2009 to
2011 and served 2004 to 2008
on the Duluth City Council,
where he was twice-elected
president.
FFA ignited the spark to serve
his country in the Navy, to
serve his community in the
Minnesota Legislature, and to
teach political science at Lake
Superior College in Duluth. “It
was this idea that we get
involved beyond our
immediate self interests,” said
Reinert. “We care about the
school, we care about the
community, we care about the
area.”
What do an executive director
for a commodity group,
financial advisor, teacher,
cattle rancher, vice president
in a power co-op, and a state
senator all have in common?
They were the 1989-90
Minnesota State FFA Officer
Team.
Jon Brekke
President
As president, Jon Brekke
traveled to Washington, D.C.,
with fellow team member
Jeremy Freking for an FFA
conference. President George
H.W. Bush visited the FFA
officers in the West Wing and
delivered an inspiring speech.
Brekke learned the president
of the United States was
human, with a sense of humor
and friends just like
everybody else.
Married with four children and
living in Shakopee, Minn.,
Brekke is the current vice
president, member services of
Great River Energy. Brekke,
who grew up in Godahl,
graduated from St. James
High School in 1988. While his
dad was an agronomist at the
grain elevator in La Salle, his
uncles ran the family farm. He
picked rocks, walked beans
and baled hay.
While serving as an FFA
officer, Brekke attended the
University of Minnesota. In
1992, he graduated with a
degree in agribusiness
management. Brekke served
two terms as mayor of
Shakopee from 1998 to 2001.
Previously, Brekke served on
the Shakopee City Council
and the Shakopee Planning
Commission, which he chaired
in 1997.
“The parliamentary procedure
at FFA was invaluable as a
mayor of a city. Learning how
to run a meeting — that
sounds so simple, but it’s so
powerful to know how to do
that,” he said. “Where I
learned that was FFA.”
Roger Reinert
Vice President
Minnesota State Senator
Roger Reinert gained valuable
leadership skills while wearing
the iconic blue and gold
jacket. Today, he wears the
uniform of Lieutenant
Commander in the U.S. Navy
Reserves. Reinert has been a
DFL State Senator, serving
District 7, Duluth, since
winning election in 2010 and
re-election in 2012. Prior to
the State Senate, he served in
the Minnesota House of
Earning his American FFA
Degree was a major
achievement for a kid who
didn’t grow up on the farm.
The National FFA Convention
was also a highlight. Reinert
credits Minnesota FFA advisor
Paul Day for “changing us as
people.” “Great people,” said
Reinert. “We just had fun. I
truly enjoyed serving with that
group of people.”
Al Schoenfeld
Secretary
Allen “Al” Schoenfeld learned
the importance of chasing
perfection in FFA. As a state
officer he learned
“organization, attention to
detail and striving to do your
best every day.” Schoenfeld is
working to pass on the value
of doing your best and
catching excellence to his own
sons — Tanner, 17, Nathan,
15, Lane, 12, and Chance, 6 —
at his own home and farm, K
& A Cattle Company in
Astoria, S.D.
Schoenfeld grew up in
Medford, Minn., where his
parents farmed 600 acres of
corn and soybeans and ran a
120-sow farrow-to-finish
operation. When he served as
state officer, Schoenfeld was
attending the University of
Minnesota in the animal
50
science department.
“At that time, I had personally
sown my own enterprise —
about 120 acres of corn and
soybean,” he said. He worked
for a feed company that
moved him to western
Minnesota. In transitioning to
self-employment, he moved
just over the Minnesota
border to Astoria, S.D. His
company’s focus is beef cattle
reproduction, artificial
insemination, embryo transfer
and ultrasounds. A major
component is its custom
donor house business.
Schoenfeld enjoyed getting to
know his Minnesota officer
team, traveling together and
directing state leadership
camps. Schoenfeld carried the
leadership skills developed in
FFA into his adult leadership
roles in 4-H and church
organizations. He also gained
the ability to not be afraid to
introduce himself and meet
new people.
Jeremy Freking
Treasurer
For Jeremy Freking,
communication was the most
important skill he developed
in FFA. Today, Freking is
executive director of South
Dakota Soybean Association
and South Dakota Soybean
Research and Promotion
Council. “I really found my
niche in terms of what I
enjoyed. It’s served me well in
my current career,” said
Freking. “Now through my
work at South Dakota
Soybean Association and
Research Council, my job’s a
lot like being an FFA officer.”
Previously, he was executive
director for the South Dakota
Biotech Association and the
South Dakota Pork Producers
Council.
ANNIVERSARY continued...
51
Bruning served for two
years as a regional FFA
officer and graduated
from Blackduck High
School. During her service,
she attended North
Dakota State University. “It
was a fun challenge,” she
said. “It taught me a lot
about myself and it
helped me give back a
little bit, which I really
enjoyed.”
...ANNIVERSARY continued
Freking was raised on a
Jackson County corn and
soybean farm in Heron
Lake, Minn. As an officer, he
was a freshman at St. Cloud
State University.
Sophomore year, Freking
transferred to the
University of Minnesota
and earned a degree in
agriculture industries and
marketing, with a plant and
soil science emphasis.
For his Supervised
Agricultural Experience,
Freking worked at a
strawberry farm and tree
nursery in Heron Lake. His
team placed in the top 10 in
the nation in the
nursery/landscape contest. To
this day, he can identify a tree
and shrub from a bare branch.
“It’s amazing how much of
that knowledge has stuck with
me all these years,” he said.
Michael Busch
Reporter
Reporter Michael Busch
published the FFA Newsletter
four times a year as a state
officer. By that point in his life,
he had already done a lot of
writing and communicating so
the newsletter was a good
opportunity for him.
Busch, who grew up in St.
James, Minn., had a hobby
sheep operation for his FFA
projects. But the bulk of his
FFA Supervised Agricultural
Experience was working at
Watonwan Farm Service, a
farmer’s cooperative for grain
storage, marketing, seed, feed,
fertilizer, chemicals and
financing.
Busch’s FFA experience
became the foundation of his
career. He earned a degree in
ag economics with an
emphasis in marketing and
agronomy from the University
of Minnesota. For many years,
he worked in agribusiness
communications — National
Hog Farmer, Beef Magazine,
Cevette and Co., Campbell
Mithun and Miller Meester
Advertising.
Today, Busch makes his home
in Eden Prairie and is pursuing
a second career as financial
advisor, compliance manager
and annuities wholesaler for
Ameriprise Financial,
Minneapolis. His work centers
around helping people retire.
His dad, Dale Busch — St.
James High School ag teacher
and FFA advisor — inspired
him to join FFA. “The skills and
leadership from my FFA years,
particularly as an FFA officer,
provided public speaking
ability, organization and
leadership skills,” he said.
Cindy Yerbich Bruning
Sentinel
Cindy Yerbich Bruning got a
kick out of educating city
people at the 1989 Minnesota
State Fair children’s barnyard.
She recalled that some visitors
thought the baby chicks were
ducks.
52
Today Bruning lives in
Bemidji with her husband,
Marcus Bruning, and her
three children. She is a teacher
for deaf/hard of hearing and
blind/visually impaired
students at Bemidji Area
Schools.
“I think (being in FFA) helped
me be more confident, speak
before a group, be
comfortable in a public
setting,” she said.
While she is no longer
involved in agriculture, her
FFA experience helped
prepare her for a career in
education, which requires
both leadership skills and
confidence in speaking before
a group. “It’s really good for
anyone — parliamentary
procedure, job interview —
you wouldn’t have to be in
agriculture to benefit from it.
It’s just well-rounded activities
that you can be involved in,”
said Bruning.
53
Proficiency Award Winners
PROFICIENCY AREA
Agricultural Communications
Agricultural Education
Agricultural Mechanics
Fabrication & Design
Agricultural Mechanics
Energy Systems
Agricultural Mechanics Repair
& Maintenance Entrepreneurship
Agricultural Mechanics Repair
& Maintenance Placement
Agricultural Processing
Agricultural Sales Entrepreneurship
Agricultural Sales Placement
Agricultural Services
Agriscience Research Animal Systems
Agriscience Research Integrated Systems
Agriscience Research Plant Systems
Beef Production Entrepreneurship
Beef Production Placement
Dairy Production Entrepreneurship
Dairy Production Placement
Diversified Agricultural Production
Diversified Crop Production
Entrepreneurship
Diversified Crop Production Placement
Diversified Horticulture
Diversified Livestock Production
Environmental Science & Natural
Resources Management
Equine Science Entrepreneurship
Equine Science Placement
Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production
WINNER
Rebekah Aanerud, Morris Area
Joe Ramstad, Forest Lake
SPONSOR
The Farmer
Greg, Karen & Nick Gosen
Chris Herman, United South Central
John Deere Company
Dakota Kalis, United South Central
Minnesota FFA Foundation
Dylan Pederson, United South Central
AGCO
William Schoneman, Windom
Katie Jacobson, Foley
Scott Dingels, Redwood Valley
Tanisha Goblirsch, Sleepy Eye
Emily Vogt, Detroit Lakes
Madison Radtke, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Eden Norton, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Jesse Hanley, Foley
Laura Stobb, Milaca
Mallory Carlson, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
James Gathje, Eden Valley-Watkins
Andrew Pederson, Westbrook-Walnut Grove
Ashley Helget, Sleepy Eye
MN SD Equipment Dealers Association
CHS Foundation
West Central, Inc.
McDonald’s Twin Cities Co-op
Rosen’s Diversified
Hormel Foods
Minnesota Grain and Feed Assoc.
Minnesota Soybean Research and
Promotion Council
Minnesota Corn Growers Association
Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation
Accelerated Genetics
Midwest Dairy Association
Minnesota Biofuels Association
Katherine Wilts, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Amanda Bauman, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Cassidy Harrington, LeRoy-Ostrander
Cassidy Hacker, Sleepy Eye
CF Industries
WinField
AgStar Financial Services
Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation
Daniel Williamson, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City
McKenzie Cselovszki, Sleepy Eye
Madeline Drayna, Milaca
Colin Wegner, United South Central
Minnesota FFA Foundation
Zinpro Corporation
Northland Ford Dealers
Minnesota Soybean Research and
Promotion Council
Midwest Dairy Association
DuPont Pioneer
Vermeer Sales and Service
MinnTex
Runnings
WFS
DuPont Pioneer
AgriBank
Minnesota FFA Foundation
Wells Fargo
Johnson Outdoors
Minnesota Turkey Research and
Promotion Council
Minnesota FFA Foundation
Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation
Ralco
Petersen Farms, Inc.
Christensen Farms
Christensen Farms
Minnesota FFA Foundation
United FCS
Food Science & Technology
Forage Production
Forest Management & Products
Fruit Production
Goat Production
Grain Production Entrepreneurship
Grain Production Placement
Home and/or Community Development
Landscape Management
Nursery Operations
Outdoor Recreation
Poultry Production
Daniel Williamson, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City
Brandon Voje, Fertile-Beltrami
Rebekka Paskewitz, Staples-Motley
Kaelyn Platz, Springfield
Garrett Moorse, Minneota
Chris Kahler, Martin County West
Nathaniel Kahlbaugh, Mahnomen
Wendy Bauman, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Brennan Magnuson, United South Central
Alecia Hansen, Hutchinson
Kari Holt, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Katherine Moller, Princeton
Sheep Production
Small Animal Production & Care
Specialty Animal Production
Specialty Crop Production
Swine Production Entrepreneurship
Swine Production Placement
Turf Grass Management
Vegetable Production
Veterinary Science
Katie Peterson, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City
Lindsey Lepper, Hawley
Payton Vold, Red Rock Central
Brett Petersen, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Derek Krieger, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Braden Rahn, Maple River
Patrick Tate, Jackson County Central
Abbey Weninger, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
Emily Ann Edwinson, School of
Environmental Studies
Brianna Jonas, Kimball
Wildlife Management
54
Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation
George & Mary Peichel
2015 MN FFA DEGREE RECIPIENTS
REGION I
Austin Nelson
Nichole Uzelac
REGION IV
Ada-Borup
Mason Kitchell
Evan Purrington
Megan Vesledahl
Little Falls
Alex Fellbaum
Kaylee Kathrein
Academy for
Sciences &
Agriculture
Emily Blosberg
Winona Johnson
Climax
Nick Ostgaard
Menahga
Moriah Aho
Tristan Grangroth
Detroit Lakes
HJ Gerdes
Kelly Schouviller
Logan
Sonnenberg
Bryant Swiers
Emily Vogt
Fertile-Beltrami
Cody Benson
Quinten Desrosier
Christoffer Hegre
Samantha Olson
Hawley
Jeremiah Johnson
Skyler Johnston
Lindsey Lepper
Mahnomen
Sarah LaVoyBrunette
Kurt Francis
Kaleb Gieseke
Abby Johnson
Nathaniel
Kalhbaugh
Katerina Kozitka
Jake Refshaw
Dylan Reitan
Luke Warnsholz
Norman County
West
Haylee Borgen
Jacob Carlson
Perham
Matt Langlie
Levi Swyter
Thief River Falls
Ann Skalsky
Ulen-Hitterdal
Evan Bates
Courtney Rowcliffe
REGION II
Blackduck
Paul Eckstrom
Brainerd
Abby Schreier
Sarah Smude
Justin Thesing
Grand Rapids
Johannah Hayes
Sebeka
Anna Johnson
Staples-Motley
Hayley Carlson
Jeremy Kruse
Mary Sarah
Sauber
Upsala
McKenzie Barth
Audrey Schleper
Braham
Kole German
Buffalo
Katie Brown
Ellen LaFave
Tammy Putz
Chisago Lakes
Janelle Hueners
Abby
Penzenstadler
Foley
Jessie Hanley
Katie Jacobson
REGION III
Battle Lake
Tanya Bengtson
Klarissa Walvatne
BelgradeBrooten-Elrosa
Cole Arceneau
Dalon Bitzan
Tommy Cebulla
Tanner Halvorson
Sam Kollman
Jordan Wosmek
Forest Lake
Laura Lutz
Joe Ramstad
Amanda Stafford
Jenny Thill
Fergus Falls
William Haas
Samuel Vogl
Tanner Wulfekuhle
Howard LakeWaverly-Winsted
Josie Bakeberg
Russell Bayerl
Liam Fury
Lucas Hauladen
Andrew Kieser
Lindsay Marketon
Benton Miller
Jackson Triplett
Katie Utne
Abbey Weninger
Hancock
Nathan Koehl
Leah Steiner
Milaca
Selena Lopez
Laura Stobb
Holdingford
Keaton Knutson
Maria Peltz
Kathryn Skroch
REGION V
Morris Area
Carly Maanum
Matt Munstermann
Michael Rausch
Isaac Wente
Austin White
Trent Wulf
Paynesville
Jonathan
Schaeffer
Anthony
Wendlandt
Sauk Centre
Tami Middendorf
Atwater-CosmosGrove City
Kayla Kutzke
Benson
Kali Geyer
BOLD
Christopher
McRell
Cody O’Halloran
Daniel Roker
Brady Schmoll
Buffalo LakeHector-Stewart
Alexander
Broderius
Jack Broderius
Scott Buboltz
Alex Girodat
Alexis Grams
Shantay Krumrey
Cody Schmalz
Willmar
Kiley Mattson
Amber Ann Willis
REGION VI
Canby
Cole Regnier
Eden ValleyWatkins
Dillon Blonigen
James Gathje
Glencoe-Silver
Lake
Kirsten Barott
Hutchinson
Gregor Fraser
Alecia Hansen
Thoma Hornick
KerkhovenMurdockSunburg
Amanda Bauman
Taylor Feldman
Kalli Forsell
Simon Johnson
Alison Krieger
Erica Osterbauer
Brandon Prahl
Heather Rothers
Jackson Walsh
Elizabeth Wilts
MACRRAY
Dalton Ruiter
Minneota
Jack Buysee
Joseph Buysee
Shay Buysee
Garrett Moorse
Jordan Twedt
Montevideo
Henry Hacker
Paige Olson
Baylee Pauling
New LondonSpicer
Noah Carlson
Trevor Dobmeier
Jessica Jacobsen
Heather Weber
Redwood Valley
Scott Dingels
Wabasso
Janessa Baune
Paige Netzke
Angie Paskewitz
Brian Swedzinski
Jason Swoboda
55
Fulda
Rylan
Baumhoefner
Brett Cuperus
Thomas Salentiny
Taylor Schettler
Jackson County
Central
Emmalie Benson
Ana Dunlavey
Sydney Eddy
Michael Miller
Justin Petersen
Maggie Post
Martin County
West
Wyatt Harris
Chris Kahler
Molly Klima
Jonah Mayo
Bryan Potthoff
Jacob Sinn
Ellyn Swanson
Evan Swanson
McKenna Jo
Taylor
Mountain Lake
Melanie Adrian
Derek Harder
Jacob Junker
Daniel Nelson
Eric-John Niss de
Jesus
Caitlin
Oeltjenbruns
Caleb Rempel
Madelyn Regier
Austin Suderman
Pipestone Area
Brady Bobendrier
Jared Carlson
Shantel Raatz
Russell-TylerRuthton
Jesse Jasper
Austin Swanson
Sleepy Eye
Matt Berkner
Kennedy Capacia
Daniel Fischer
Kacie Goblirsch
Tanisha Goblirsch
Ashley Helget
Kaylee Hillmer
Ashley Johnson
Wyatt Kosmatka
Erin Kotten
Justin Kotten
Christian Linan
Janie Martinez
Marisa Martinez
Matthew Miller
Sabrina Portner
Bethany Seifert
Southwest Star
Concept
Jonathan Hussong
Dakotah Schmid
Hannah Schmid
Sarah Schmid
Garrett
Schumacher
Springfield
Keyen Gardner
Cody Bedner
Leah Larson
Gerritt Meidl
Andrew Salonek
Tracy Area
Morgan Benson
Jen Lavoy
Caleb Lasley
Worthington
Carson Hagen
Nicholas Newman
Kathryn Marie
Rogers
Laura Schuck
Emily Williamson
REGION VII
Albert Lea
Marissa Oakland
Brianna Opdahl
Taylor Willis
Alden-Conger
Katelyn Smith
GFW Pioneer
Express
Lindsay Miller
Stephanie Palmer
Lake Crystal
Wellcome
Memorial
Jeremiah Hartman
Shane Nelson
Maple River
Joshua Moore
Medford
Stephanie
Choudek
Katie Chester
Mariah Larson
Mary Schalm
degree
continued...
...degree continued
New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva
Melissa Malakowsky
Haylie Mosher
New Ulm
Alex Portner
Matthew Struss
Owatonna
Rhi Lustig
Sibley East
Carla Bromenschenkel
Zachary Klaers
Sam Thies
Kelli Martens
Shelby Voight
Breann Walsh
South Central Minnesota
Agriscience Academy
Alexia Riley
Lanesboro
Stephanie Erickson
Margaret Haugstad
Kyle Lawstuen
Haely Leiding
Kayla Leiding
LeRoy-Ostrander
Cassidy Harrington
Ryan Kasel
Taylor Meyer
Haley Riedemann
Jacob Souhrada
Craig Wheeler
Pine Island
Danielle Bye
United South Central
Matthew Chaffee
Ben Huper
Nicholas Krebsbach
Nathan Niebuhr
Dallas Olson
Brian Remington
Dustin Schultz
Austin Suhr
Colin Wegner
Plainview-Elgin-Millville
John Duden
Waseca
McKinsy Rew
James Zimmerman
Southland
John Heller
Tyler Kiefer
Mike Merten
Christopher Quale
Waterville-ElysianMorristown
Nicholas Simek
Stephanie Stoering
REGION VIII
Austin
Connor Bollum
Randolph
Thomas Duff
Kendra Emery
Mason Lindenfelser
Aaron Mamer
Ashley Nye
Amber Shay
Spring Valley-Wykoff
Jackie Apenhorst
Hannah Frank
Dane Gillespie
Kayla Mulhern
Cannon Falls
John Carpenter
Stewartville
Alyson Hurley
Olivia Oehlke
Cole Schimek
Chatfield
Jessica Fenske
Jared Goldsmith
Alli Hanson
Abigail Hopp
Kamryn Kullot
Zachery Welch
Danielle Wright
Triton
Lindsey Anding
Elizabeth Gochnauer
Makaila Klejeski
Cameron Marquardt
Morgan Moe
Mary Moenning
Ben Scherger
Goodhue
Maggie Mills
Winona
Rachel Selke
Breanna Vogel
Jordan Woodard
Hayfield
Jax Bauer
Olivia Louks
Shelby Mindrup
Donavan Phoenix
Matt Slowinski
Madison Tebay
56
Kenyon-Wanamingo
Abigail Donkers
Eric Hokanson
Clint Irrthum
Quinn Traxler
Zumbrota-Mazeppa
Aricka Roberson
Derek Stehr
57
58
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