Faith / Family / Friends / Farming

Meet SARAH KROEGER

SARAH KROEGER

South Dakota State University sophomore Sarah Kroeger, a Lennox, S.D. native, is pursuing an agriculture education degree and hopes to also assume a role as FFA Advisor.

Growing up on a farm played a key role in giving Sarah hands-on experience caring for animals. Her parents, Kim and Paula Kroeger, continue to farm. Sarah’s older siblings, Molly and Jared, pursued ag-related careers as well. “My brother is now working as a custom harvester, and my sister is graduating this year from SDSU with a degree in microbiology,” adds Sarah.

In addition to growing up on her family’s beef, swine and grain farm just north of Lennox, her involvement in 4-H provided experience raising and showing animals including rabbits, pigs, goats and sheep. She joined 4-H when she was 8 years old. “I also enjoyed creating many static exhibits for the fair such as paintings, drawings, jewelry, baked goods and wood projects,” she says. She attended 4-H camps and the Citizen Washington Focus 4-H trip.

Sarah joined FFA as a freshman in high school. “I watched my two older siblings become highly involved in the organization and could not wait to join! From there, I have been involved in so many different competitions and activities such as leadership camp, livestock judging, ag mechanics, parliamentary procedure, creed speaking, ag marketing, ag communications and showing livestock.”

In addition to FFA activities, Sarah says her Advisor sparked a passion for agriculture. “My FFA advisor was this awesome mustache man named Mr. (Jim) Wilson,” she jokes. “He fueled

When in Portugal, Sarah and her friend, Marie, could not pass up the chance to take a picture in front of this beautiful bull fighting arena.

all of the goals I had throughout my FFA career. The biggest one he helped me with was showing sheep. He provided me with practically everything I needed to be successful, and I am extremely grateful for all his help. A big lesson I learned from him is you only get out what you put in.”

As a FFA member, Sarah served in several leadership roles. On the chapter level, she filled the positions of treasurer and president. Through those roles, she helped organize events and fundraisers including the community pancake feed

Sarah with her favorite steer, Max, she ever showed. Sarah says he was a giant teddy.

fundraiser, AGventure Day and Kiss the Pig.

On the district level, she was the secretary. This position required her to help out at the Ag adventure center at the State Fair and also help arrange the district dance. Finally, she was the 2018-2019 FFA State Vice President. While serving as the FFA State VP, she had a variety of duties including writing workshops, putting on leadership camps, attending numerous leadership trainings, putting on FFA shows at State Fair, attending national convention, completing chapter visits, managing district officer training and of course— practicing and hosting state convention.

Sarah says she has greatly enjoyed the many trips FFA has taken her on. “Throughout my time, I have traveled the country to places such as Indianapolis, Ind., Oklahoma City, Ok., Washington, D.C., Casper, Wyo. and Louisville, Ky. Plus, I spent the first two weeks of the year in Spain and Portugal with the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers put on by National FFA. These are opportunities that I won’t get anywhere else. From that, I have learned to be present in the moment, enjoy where you are, and always try to have a positive attitude.”

“Anyone can learn something through FFA, regardless of their background, interest or future plans,” shares Sarah. “Students can learn skills in an agricultural setting that transfer to anywhere in life—ag related or not. One of the biggest skills I gained was public speaking which has helped me gain confidence. I know I have used this public speaking skill beyond ag class. I’ve used public speaking in other classes and job interviews. FFA is really for anyone who has a willingness to work hard and learn.”

Sarah encourages any student to consider joining FFA. “FFA is a great program where you can pick what you want to do and put in however much time you want. Plus, you can always choose something new; you don’t have to stick to one thing. There are also countless opportunities to travel—whether that’s just across the state for camp or to Washington, D.C. for the Washington Leadership Conference. FFA can really take you everywhere if you let it. Plus, you can meet so many new people from around that state. You never know who might become your new friend.”

Sarah say, “Even though I grew up showing cattle, I fell in love with showing sheep during my last few years in 4-H and FFA.”