Fall 2025 KS FFA Future Farmer

VOLUME 44

Fall 2025

ISSUE #1

ON THE COVER: The Kansas FFA State Officer team meets with Senator Jerry Moran in his office located in Washington D.C. during the 2025 State Officer Summit.

Fall 2025 State Officers Lillian Hulse

President Minneapolis

Dustin Denton

Vice President Valley Heights

Marisa Wasinger

Secretary Hays

Maggie Chandler

Treasurer Neodesha

Bricen Benyshek

Reporter Concordia

Allyson Reitcheck

Sentinel Eudora

State Staff Mr. Anthony Meals State Advisor, KSDE Ms. Mary Kane State Executive Secretary Ms. Beth Gaines Kansas FFA Foundation Executive Director Mrs. Johanna Anderes Kansas FFA Foundation Development Coordinator

District Officers EAST CENTRAL Grace Johnston, Mission Valley; Maleia Doud, Seaman; Brooklyn Sherron, Spring Hill; Blaine King, Crest; Emma Rambo, Shawnee Heights; Kylie Hines, Paola NORTH CENTRAL Clara Gfeller, Chapman, Nell Goss, Ellsworth; Cora Coffey, Manhattan; Mason Willard, Manhattan; Erica Lieb, Pike Valley; Eli Olander, Southeast of Saline NORTHEAST Carly Bohlken, Marysville; Ashton Neill, Atchinson County; Addison Bontrager, Holton; Natalee Stratham, Axtell; Liberty Sharpe, Wamego; Brooke Slipke, Jackson Heights NORTHWEST Lizzy Vajnar, Hays; Madison Johnson, Phillipsburg; Ella Neher, Hays; Kaelyn Schilling, Goodland; Hayden Short, Goodland; Mia Odle, Stockton SOUTH CENTRAL Kora Zongker, Fairfield; Eliza Rozenhagen, Cheney; Kayli Snyder, Buhler; Kenzie Kalb, Maize; Anna Doyon, Maize; Torbin LaPean, Sedgwick SOUTHEAST Riley Sturgis, Riverton; Delaney Bradford, Neodesha; Maria Cibrian-Vazquez, Uniontown; Jaci Falkenstein, Labette County; Lainey Prince, Girard; Sophia Heim, Marmaton Valley SOUTHWEST Rebecca Durler, Bucklin; Ethan Petersilie, La Crosse; Lexi Averhoff, Ingalls; Emma Petersilie, Ness City; Audra Oborny, La Crosse; Kamryn Meyer, Scott City

by Lillian Hulse, State FFA President

I

t is hard for me to believe that it has already been three months since the 97th Kansas FFA State Convention! Over 2700 members spent the week in Manhattan, celebrating a successful year for the 242 chapters across the state.

This summer has been filled with leadership and personal growth.

Kansas FFA members attended the Washington Leadership Conference, Chapter Leadership Trainings, and District Officer Conference. Each event sharpens their leadership skills, allows them to meet new peers, and prepares them for another fruitful year.

diving right in. Whether an experience sparks your interest or not, you never know when you will find something that might change your life! And, if you are about to close your last “chapter” in FFA, hone in on your favorite events, and cherish every moment!

As State Officers, my team and I are anxiously awaiting every opportunity to serve and support each and every member throughout this year. We know the future is bright for Kansas FFA!

There is much to look forward to this fall for Kansas FFA! As the busy school starts to ramp up, members are eagerly awaiting Greenhand Conference, district CDEs and LDEs, and chapter events. If you are starting your first year in FFA, I recommend

FAST FACT :

Over 60 Kansas FFA members traveled to our nation’s capitol to attend Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) during June.

This edition of the Kansas FFA Future Farmer is underwritten by Frontier Farm Credit. Learn more about Frontier Farm Credit at www.frontierfarmcredit.com

KANSAS FFA CHAMPION

TEAMS AND MEMBERS Celebrate the following CDE, LDE and competition teams and members for their accomplishments, recognized at the 2025 Kansas FFA State Convention Agricultural Communications CDE Cheney FFA Sponsored by KFRM 550 AM Agricultural Issues Forum LDE Junction City FFA Sponsored by Kansas Corn Agricultural Sales CDE Ellsworth FFA Sponsored by Surepoint Ag Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Prairie View FFA Sponsored by Berry Companies, Inc. Agronomy CDE Washington County FFA Sponsored by the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers and Kansas Feed & Grain Association Conduct of Chapter Meetings LDE Uniontown FFA Creed Speaking LDE Hailey Shadden, Uniontown Sponsored by the Melva and Robert Armbruster Family Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE Spring Hill FFA Sponsored by Royal Farms Dairy Discussion Meet LDE Ethan Petersilie, La Crosse FFA Sponsored by Kansas Farm Bureau Employment Skills LDE Lillian Hulse, Minneapolis FFA Sponsored by Ag1Source Entomology CDE Yates Center FFA Sponsored by Pioneer Extemporaneous Public Speaking LDE Kailey Howell, Spring Hill FFA Sponsored by Landoll Farm and Agribusiness Management CDE Paola FFA Sponsored by Ag Mark, LLC

Floriculture CDE Manhattan FFA Sponsored by the CHS Foundation Food Science and Technology CDE Louisburg FFA Horse Evaluation CDE Ellsworth FFA High Individual Sponsored by the Frank Buchmann Memorial Livestock Evaluation CDE Wabaunsee FFA Sponsored by Lallemand Animal Nutrition Marketing Plan CDE Paola FFA Sponsored by Strategic Farm Solutions, LLC Meats Evaluation CDE Eureka FFA Sponsored by Cargill Milk Quality and Products CDE Louisburg FFA Sponsored by Midwest Dairy Nursery/Landscape CDE Washington County FFA Parliamentary Procedure LDE Labette County FFA Sponsored by the CHS Foundation Prepared Public Speaking LDE Jackson McCurry, Andale Sponsored by the Kansas FFA Alumni and Supporters Poultry Evaluation CDE Spring Hill FFA Sponsored by the KHAR Trust and the Kansas FFA Foundation Spanish Creed Speaking Invitational Karina Mijangos, Deerfield FFA Sponsored by Carmelita Gossen Veterinary Science CDE Louisburg FFA Sponsored by Zoetis and Animal Health International

MEET OUR 2025-26

STATE OFFICER TEAM Six new leaders were chosen to serve the Kansas FFA Association for the year this past May

A

robust week of activities concluded with the announcement of a new 2025-2026 slate of State Officers representing Kansas FFA during the 97th Kansas FFA Convention Friday, May 30, 2025 on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan.

The team includes president: Lillian Hulse, Minneapolis; vice president: Dustin Denton, Valley Heights; secretary: Marisa Wasinger, Hays; treasurer: Maggie Chandler, Neodesha; reporter: Bricen Benyshek, Concordia; and sentinel: Allyson Rietcheck, Eudora.

2,800 members and guests attended the convention at McCain Auditorium.

Here are the shining moments and heartfelt words-each new state officer shared with us.

KANSAS FFA PRESIDENT: “I was shocked. Even on stage – it didn’t feel real,” said Lillian “Lilly” Hulse, newly-elected Kansas FFA State president.

Jump-starting their first team meeting the next morning, Hulse; from Minneapolis FFA announced their mission statement for the year, “To serve Kansas FFA through exploration, inclusion and faith.”

Agriculture resonates deep in her heart.

“Some people work a job just so they can also farm, and that’s special and preserving God’s creation,” Hulse said.

Hulse plans to attend Kansas State University this fall; majoring in Ag Education and Ag Communications. She hopes to become an ag teacher.

In addition to helping her family raise commercial

by Amy Hadachek courtesy of

Hereford cattle near Culver, Kansas, Hulse has written several articles for Grass & Grain.

KANSAS FFA VICE PRESIDENT: Valley Heights FFA member Dustin Denton was selected 2025-2026 Kansas FFA vice president.

“I’m really excited. It was overwhelming, at first. It was a big day for me,” Denton shared.

First, he earned the prestigious State Star Farmer award for his record-keeping and interview about raising a 32 beef herd mix of Hereford, Angus, Chianina and Maine-Anjou.

“Then, awarded vice president was...quite a bit of adrenaline,” Denton said.

He’ll attend K-State’s animal science program this fall. He’s already been accepted to the Early Admission Program for the College of Veterinary Medicine.

KANSAS FFA SECRETARY: “I was stunned, so excited.

Quinn; (previous secretary) and I got to be close friends, and it was exciting to run out from backstage with her,” said Marisa Wasinger, from Hays FFA the newly elected Kansas FFA secretary.

She’s intent on connecting with the state officers, members, and students interested in ag and anyone willing to listen to their message this year.

Wasinger’s Supervised Agricultural Experience(SAE) was beef entrepreneurship with a small herd of cattle, two new heifers, and showing cattle. Her family raises row crops and

Angus cattle.

“My passion for ag started through 4-H and FFA contests. I’m excited to give back as a state officer this year.”

Wasinger will attend K-State this fall; majoring in Ag Education.

KANSAS FFA TREASURER:

Maggie Chandler from

Neodesha’s FFA chapter is the new Kansas FFA State treasurer.

Grass & Grain.

“I had been calm all week, and knew I left everything in the interview room. So, hearing my name called lifted some stress...I was so excited,” Chandler told

“I love the community that FFA built. It’s more than a club; it’s ‘home away from home’ and a family,” Chandler said.

It’s also family tradition, as Chandler’s older sister, uncle and a cousin were all state officers.

Chandler’s SAE is a diversified livestock production, with a herd of her retired show heifers, and a herd of four meat goats. She sells offspring to other FFA and 4-H members. Her family has a large hog operation and cattle.

Chandler will attend K-State this fall; majoring in Agriculture Education, and hopes to become an Ag Education instructor and FFA advisor.

KANSAS FFA REPORTER: Hearing his name called as the new Kansas FFA State reporter, Bricen Benyshek, Concordia FFA says, “It was a big moment of shock - my heart started jumping out of my chest.” Admitting he’s grown a lot through FFA, Benyshek says he was hesitant initially; not knowing whether FFA was for him.

“But, once I got involved, I grew to love it. When I was accepted into the national FFA band, I met people from across the country. It’s a way to connect that we wouldn’t otherwise have.”

Benyshek grew up ‘in town,’ later moving to the country and showing swine in 4-H.

His SAE is ag education, teaching students about the structure of flowers, then gives them flowers to take home.

Benyshek will be a sophomore at K-State this year; majoring in Environmental Engineering and Entomology.

Benyshek noted - there hasn’t been a state officer from Concordia in over 50 years since Bob Garlow, (an FFA band member who tragically passed away during a flight back home.)

Bob Garlow was in the National FFA Chorus, and Benyshek was in the National Band, so both experienced music in FFA, and both were elected state reporters.

“I admire expectations he set,” Benyshek said. “I hope to meet the precedents-Bob built through FFA.” KANSAS FFA SENTINEL: Eudora FFA member Allyson “Ally” Rietcheck is the new sentinel.

“I was astonished. The day of – I felt confident, nervous, all the feels. I didn’t want to get my hopes up. It was surreal,” she told Grass & Grain.

Her SAE is market lambs and agriculture education.

“For ag ed, I put together a presentation for kids for farm-to-table, crops and the livestock industry.”

Rietcheck began showing lambs at seven years old and continues feeding out lambs. Her family has a small cattle herd.

Rietcheck will attend K-State this fall; majoring in Feed and Pet Food Science.

As sentinel, Rietcheck said, it’s someone who encourages others; an outgoing person who starts conversations to make people feel welcome. The new officers will travel most of this summer.

“I want to make members feel included and appreciated, and know they’re an essential part of the organization.”

OUR NEWEST

STARS OVER KANSAS Three FFA members from across the state were selected as Star winners for their SAE programs

M

any FFA students seek agricultural opportunities in areas of the industry that interest them. However, a successful supervised agricultural experience (SAE) requires initiative, accurate recordkeeping and passion for the project.

At the 2025 Kansas FFA Convention, members were interviewed for their outstanding SAEs in hopes of winning a prestigious Star over Kansas award. There are three categories based on the project: Star in Agribusiness, Star in Ag Placement and Star Farmer.

While running a successful project is an incredible feat, these students were recognized for going above and beyond, and all three plan to incorporate their projects into their future.

Ethan Kniesler

Star in Agribusiness Lyndon FFA

Ethan Kneisler, a Lyndon FFA member, wanted to enter the hay business, so he purchased a Vermeer wrapper and started Jimmy’s Custom Wrapping. His SAE doesn’t stop there. He also is passionate about the cattle industry and began

by Elizabeth Hodges courtesy of

providing artificial insemination, clipping and fitting services for local 4-H projects.

Differentiating his forage company from the competition, Kneisler focuses on high-moisture forages.

“I wrap high-moisture forages from 40% moisture to 60% moisture in silage film that will then go through a fermentation process that then can be fed within 90 days,” he says.

Kneisler’s biggest takeaway from this project he started in 2021 was learning how to financially run a business and work on his own equipment.

“Being able to learn how to finance the equipment and making sure I make my payments taught me how to work with my money,” he says. “I’ve expanded my cow herd since then, so being diverse with my incomes helped me pay off my wrapper and my machines.”

He credits local farmers and ranchers, who have helped him by giving advice along the way, with his success in these two ventures. Kneisler also is thankful for the support from his FFA advisor and parents, guiding him as he explores the cattle and forage industry.

Kneisler’s future career hasn’t been fully decided, but he says he knows that running cattle and keeping the hay business going will be part of it.

Tucker Leck

Star in Ag Placement Neodesha FFA

Tucker Leck, a Neodesha FFA member, received the Star in Ag Placement award this year for his involvement in Leck Family Enterprises. The family business is a diversified operation consisting of raising Meishan pigs, high-quality show pigs, French bulldogs and farm-fresh eggs.

At age 7, Leck was involved in the farm. With his help, the farm has grown to 20 sows, 16 female French bulldogs, two male French bulldogs and 39 laying hens.

Leck was able to differentiate himself from swine operations because of his work in reestablishing the Meishan pig breed in Kansas.

“An ag issue that became concerning to Leck Family Enterprises was the declaration that the Meishan breed is endangered,” Leck says. “The quality of Meishan pork provides a lucrative retail option for consumers, making preservation efforts a responsibility.”

Leck Family Enterprises is now the only registered Meishan breeder in Kansas.

Recordkeeping is an essential part of Leck’s SAE. He has logged more than 2,540 hours, which has led to him contributing to the $7,101 average profit increase for the hog operation, a 37% improvement in puppy survival and a 32% rise in egg sales.

He plans to pursue law school in the future and sees his experiences in FFA as setting himself apart. “[I’ve allowed] my SAE and FFA experience to direct me and to guide me in how I can connect to the widest range of people,” Leck says.

Leck has a long list of people who have helped him along the way, including producers answering his calls; advisors across the Midwest providing guidance; and his parents, and brother offering support.

Dustin Denton Star Farmer Valley Heights FFA

Dustin Denton, a Valley Heights FFA member, received the Star Farmer award for his expanding cattle operation, Springhill Herefords.

“I am a fourth-generation registered Hereford breeder,” Denton says. “I started with Hereford cattle, but I grew [my herd] to include Angus and Maine and Chi cattle to increase my profitability and marketability. So, now I continue raising calves out of those breeds and to show, but also to sell to juniors from across the state of Kansas and even into other states.”

The duties that Denton has on the operation are all-encompassing. This SAE has taught him how to increase the genetic potential of his cattle through in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination. He also credits the leadership positions that he has held through the different breed organizations such as the National Junior Hereford Association.

His passion for high-quality cattle started at a young age, and he strives to give back to the youth in Kansas. Advice that he gives to students involves being humble enough to ask for help.

“I think that it’s OK to ask for help. Even though it’s your project, you can have other people help you,” Denton says. “While getting all sorts of experience, sometimes you need to lean on other people to get those experiences and grow in your project.”

Denton wants to thank his advisors, family and other producers who have pushed him to grow in this business, which he says has helped him become more skilled in the cattle industry. Denton plans to attend veterinary school and continue his work in cattle genetics while keeping up with his own cattle herd.

The list goes on with all the hard work from these three Stars over Kansas; however, one message is clear: Asking for help and working hard led them to receive the awards.

The Kansas FFA Star awards are sponsored by: United Bank and Trust, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas and Kansas Farm Bureau

CELEBRATING OUR

PROFICIENCY WINNERS These students excelled in Supervised Agricultural Experience programs and were named state Proficiency Award winners at the 97th Kansas FFA Convention Agricultural Communications Lillian Hulse, Minneapolis Sponsored by Kansas Farmer Magazine

Beef Production – Placement Jackson McCurry, Andale Sponsored by Tiffany Cattle Company

Agricultural Education Josie Strauss, Chapman Sponsored by Harmon Bliss Family & Kurt Dillon Family

Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship Alexandria Kester, Royal Valley Sponsored by Kansas Dairy

Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication Parker Embree, Prairie View Sponsored by KanEquip

Diversified Agricultural Production Lucas White, Holton Sponsored by Triangle H Farms

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance - Placement Joseph Kern, Washington County Sponsored by KanEquip

Diversified Crop Production – Placement Kourtney Dibben, Junction City Sponsored by Kansas Corn

Agricultural Processing Isabella Stolle, Prairie View Sponsored by Santa Fe Trails Meats

Diversified Horticulture Emilee Remmers, Centre Sponsored by MTI Greenhouse Solutions

Agricultural Sales – Entrepreneurship Cooper Burling, Eudora Sponsored by Harris Crop Insurance Agricultural Sales – Placement Landon Albrecht, Southeast of Saline Sponsored by Stewart Family Farm Agricultural Services Kruce Liddeke, Norwich Sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas

Dairy Production – Placement Lauren Bowles, Sabetha Sponsored by Kansas Dairy

Agriscience Research – Plant Systems Keira Gliniecki, Junction City Sponsored by Pioneer Beef Production – Entrepreneurship Emma Karst, Russell Sponsored by Sam and Janet Hands

Diversified Livestock Production Lora Larison, Holton Sponsored by Hutchinson Community College Equine Science – Entrepreneurship Alexandra Buckley, Chapman Sponsored by Harms Plainview Ranch Equine Science – Placement Aubrey Kirmse, Perry-Lecompton Sponsored by United Mosquito & Fly Control Forage Production Avarielle Hightower, Prairie View Sponsored by Kansas Forage and Grassland Council, Inc. Forest Management and Production Dalton Lingenfelter, Marias des Cygnes Sponsored by Kansas Forest Service

Fruit and Nut Production Bree Allen, Prairie View Sponsored by Sturgis Enterprises Goat Production Erica Wiese, Cheney Sponsored by Kevin Davis Family Grain Production Kyler Murphy, Norwich Sponsored by Kansas Wheat Commission Landscape Installation Noah Bartel, Holton Sponsored by Lawrence Landscape Nursery Operations Jansen Gerstner, Frankfort Sponsored by Hummert International Outdoor Recreation Estelle Bass, Perry-Lecompton Sponsored by John Deere Poultry Production Kennedy Moreland, Junction City Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company Service-Learning Ava Gustin, Mission Valley Sponsored by Seitz Fundraising\ Sheep Production David Hays, Perry-Lecompton Sponsored by Hobbs Show Lambs

Do you need financial assistance to help start or expand your SAE? A number of grants are available to current FFA members, provided by the Kansas and National FFA Foundations.

The online application process is open now and closes at 7 p.m. CST on November 15.

Small Animal Production and Care Shianne Kimball, Holton Sponsored by Animal Health Center of Marion County Swine Production – Entrepreneurship Ethan Petersilie, La Crosse Sponsored by Kansas Pork Association Swine Production – Placement Conner Hoelting, Mission Valley Sponsored by Kansas Pork Association Turf and Landscape Management Stratton Draper, Paola Sponsored by Sod Shop Inc. Vegetable Production Lily Wiley, Labette County Sponsored by From the Land of Kansas Program Veterinary Science Adalyn Pfinzenmaier, Clay Center Sponsored by Kansas Veterinary Medicine Association Wildlife Production & Management Payton Huffman, Buhler Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Indicates National Finalist Award Area

Apply for a

SAE GRANT

by November 15th

WINNER OF 2025

GOLDEN OWL REVEALED Retiring Prairie View agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor honored with coveted Golden Owl Award

M

elissa Bertz, agricultural education teacher and FFA Advisor at Prairie View High School in the East Central FFA District, received the 2025 Kansas State Golden Owl Award during the 97th Kansas FFA Convention on the Kansas State University campus.

Bertz has taught for 40 years, including 7 years at Prairie View, and has mentored ten students to become teachers, including ag education teachers. She has helped her students achieve success through FFA Degrees, Proficiency Awards, Leadership Roles at both the state and the national level, including national chapter award recognition. Throughout her career, she has maintained a commitment to providing a broad foundation of knowledge and instilling a desire to learn and seek answers.

Regional winners included: Emma Lehmann, Neodesha High School – Southeast District; Elissa Mullinix, Manhattan High School – North Central District; Steve Buss, Jefferson West High School – Northeast District; Lauren VanAllen, Clearwater High School – South Central District; Kelly Sipes, Stanton County High School – Southwest District; and Janet Gottstine, Logan High School – Northwest District.

The Golden Owl program recognizes and rewards outstanding agricultural educators for their dedication and hard work in shaping the future of our industry. This program is made possible

by Nationwide Insurance. Nationwide supports the future of the agriculture community through meaningful sponsorships of national and local organizations.

In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to the Kansas FFA Foundation to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors alike. Bertz received $3,000 and the Golden Owl Award trophy. Regional winners received $500 and an engraved plaque.

Established by Nationwide, the Golden Owl Award honors the hard work of agricultural educators and provides additional resources to enhance their programs. This year, the award program is recognizing exceptional ag educators in 13 states, including Kansas. “As the demand for agricultural education grows, we are proud to recognize and support these incredible teachers,” said Brad Liggett, President of Agribusiness at Nationwide.

Nominate your Teacher for the Golden Owl Award

OUR FINDINGS:

SUCCESS IN AGRISCIENCE These members projects involve meticulous investigation of processes to generate new knowledge and present their findings to judges Animal Sciences Sponsored by Merck Animal Health

Division 1 - Zoe Winsor, Moundridge Division 2 - Anna Galle & Payton Wilson, Moundridge Division 3 - Kayleigh Goggins, Junction City Division 4 - Hunter Doolittle & Mason Ferguson, Marmaton Valley Division 5 - Kennedy Moreland, Junction City Division 6 - Maggie Bohl & Mallory Dobrinski, Ellsworth

Environmental Service/Natural Resource Systems

Division 2 - Quentin Shaw & Tanner Riley, Canton-Galva Division 3 - Brittney Dibben, Junction City * Division 4 - Grayden Mariscal & Collin Goracke, Ashland Division 5 - Kourtney Dibben, Junction City Division 6 - Wyatt Henry & Jaxon Nightingale, Canton-Galva

Food Products and Processing Systems

Division 1 - Annah Schrag, Moundridge Division 2 - Anjelica Elliot & Rylee Lacy, Canton-Galva Division 3 - Brynn Kruse, Canton-Galva Division 4 - Cohner Janssen & Honesty Williams, Canton-Galva Division 5 - Grady Oentrich, Junction City Division 6 - Ellie Samms & Haley Brogan, Winfield

Plant Systems Sponsored by Pioneer

Divison 2 - Heath Ratzlaff & Kyler Sawatzky, Canton-Galva Division 3 - Kade Hartman, Lakin * Division 5 - Audra Oborny, La Crosse Division 6 - Cassidy Lawrence & Autumn Ross Underwood, Winfield

Power, Structural and Technical Systems Sponsored by AGCO Division 1 - Tia Williams, Moundridge Division 5 - Wyatt Sutton, Ness City

Social Science

Division 1 - Lainey Kendig, Osborne County * Division 2 - Levi Henry & Rustin Ayres, Canton-Galva Division 3 - Emma Arbuckle, West Elk * Division 5 - Cora Coffey, Manhattan Division 6 - Marie Wright & Kiley Dillow, Chanute * * Indicates National Finalist Award Area

A YEAR LONG JOURNEY

LEADS TO HIGH HONORS FFA Leadership training propels Ottawa chapter’s awards, Inspires others to succeed

E

arning the prestigious gold rating at the Kansas FFA Convention, then recently learning they’ll receive the 3-Star National Chapter Award at the upcoming National FFA Convention...isn’t just about awards for Ottawa FFA members in Ottawa, Kansas. The year-long preparation for these honors from 2024-2025 through special leadership training was a big part of it all, while the chapter is laser-focused on inspiring other FFA members to reach goals.

2024–2025 Ottawa FFA officer team during Chapter Leadership Training (CLT) summer of 2024.

Ottawa’s seeds for success were planted during Chapter Leadership Training (CLT) in Summer 2024, when their officer team learned how carefully planning activities strengthen leadership, and imbue a strong sense of direction and confidence. During that training, they established their ‘Program of Activities’ which involves holding 15 activities throughout the school year. A favorite was their safety program, ‘Day on the Farm’ where all Franklin County third graders attended sessions on the ‘Mustang Seeds Farm.’

After submitting their application based on these activities to state, Ottawa FFA received a gold rating at the Kansas FFA State Convention in May 2025.

by Amy Hadachek

Next, state FFA submitted Ottawa’s gold award onward to nationals, and in an exciting, fresh development – Ottawa FFA was just notified in August 2025 - they’ve been selected as the 3-star national chapter. They’ll officially receive that award at the FFA National Convention in October.

Speaking from the heart, Allyson Gilmore; Agriculture Educator and FFA Advisor for Ottawa FFA in Ottawa, Kansas said the chapter’s success flourished from that CLT summer training. “The training provided practical tools for goal setting, project management, member engagement and networking opportunities with leaders from other chapters,” said Gilmore, who’s been the Ag Educator and FFA advisor at Ottawa High School in Franklin County for four years, and teaching for seven. Members returned from the summer training with fresh ideas, clear priorities and an improved ability to delegate and communicate within their officer team. Their inspiration for applying for the national chapter award came from the desire to impact their school and the community, and believing their projects could inspire other FFA chapter members.

2025 is the third consecutive year for Ottawa FFA to receive a gold and 3-Star rating.

Holding themselves accountable, Ottawa FFA members used digital trackers and a monthly check-in system where each officer reported progress with assigned goals. “Peer accountability played a big role; leaders supported each other and recognized achievements,” Gilmore explained. Ottawa FFA members and its leader are proud of their chapter’s inclusivity, creativity, and resilience.

“Students in FFA have opportunities regardless of their background - there’s something for everybody to grow and learn.”

TOP CHAPTERS

FOR THE TRIPLE CROWN 1st Place - Ellsworth

6th Place - Clay Center

2nd Place - Chapman

7th Place - Hoxie

3rd Place - Riverton

8th Place - Andale

4th Place - Royal Valley

9th Place - Buhler

5th Place - Girard

10th Place - Arkansas City New for 2025: The Traveling Plaque

Created by former state advisor, Kurt Dillon, this plaque will travel with the Triple Crown winner each year.

The Bob Garlow Memorial Trophy Made in 1975 to honor late Kansas FFA State Reporter Bob Garlow, this trophy will remain a Convention staple.

LEGACIES OF SERVICE &

NEW OPPORTUNITIES Decades of FFA values spurs passion to create scholarship for rural Kansas FFA chapters

W

ith great zeal and a strong appreciation for the values that FFA instilled in their family, the Reinhardt family; with roots in rural Erie in southeast Kansas, has chosen a path to help future FFA members. Randy Reinhardt and his wife Cheryl established a scholarship to support a student pursuing an agricultural-related career to be awarded to a member of the Erie or nearby Chanute FFA chapter.

Their goal in establishing this scholarship is to honor their family heritage, while providing an on-going opportunity for Kansas FFA members.

“This scholarship was created for the local community to honor our father Richard; who turns 91 on February 8, and Dad’s late brother Loy, who passed away last year. Dad and Uncle Loy were both active in FFA and were state officers,” said Randy Reinhardt.

Richard Reinhardt was the Kansas FFA State Reporter from 1951-52. Loy Reinhardt was a State Secretary from 1955-56. They served on numerous boards throughout their lives.

Richard served on the Kansas Legislature as Representative for the 8th District, the Kansas Board of Regents and the State Board of Agriculture for Kansas.

Community service has permeated through the

The 1951-1952 Kansas FFA State Officer Team.

Richard Reinhardt (center) served as Reporter.

by Amy Hadachek

next two generations of Reinhardts who continue active in FFA, 4H and other organizations. Randy was Kansas FFA State President from 1979-80, served on the Kansas FFA Foundation Board, and currently serves on the American Royal Board of Directors (a non-profit organization highlighting food and agriculture education, events, and engagement.)

Randy and his sisters, Terri Sue and AJ, have fond memories of growing up on the family’s dairy farm and working closely with their dad and uncle.

Terri Sue poured her heart into sharing about growing up and working on their Grade A dairy.

“We grew up as an extended family, my grandparents, my uncle’s family, and our family.

We all lived on the same quarter section – and us cousins are more like siblings, because we shared the same grandparents within walking distance, and we all worked together,” said Terri Sue. They were all very involved in 4-H and FFA. The dairy operation was liquidated during the dairy buy-out in the 1980’s. Terri Sue and her husband Jim DeGeer, passionate about their farm connection, returned to the family farm and started a registered Gelbvieh beef cattle operation, which is still going strong. In September 2024, their daughter Staci converted

The 1955-1956 Kansas FFA State Officer Team. Loy Reinhardt (third from left) served as Secretary.

the family farmhouse (which her great great grandfather built in 1904) into The ‘B n B at Reinhardt Farm’, to share the joy and blessings of farm life with others.

“It is important to me to give back to the organizations that provided me with the foundation for success in life.”

- Randy Reinhardt The Reinhardt scholarship provides opportunities for youth in the Erie and Chanute communities

to further their education and promote careers in agriculture. With emotion in her voice, Terri Sue added, “I know how important this is to kids in our community. Most of my career has been as a school counselor, so I see the impact scholarships have; helping students pursue an education and making it more obtainable.”

FFA was a springboard; propelling Randy’s leadership growth and confidence.

“It built on the work ethic instilled in me growing up on our family farm. It is important to me to give back to the organizations that provided me with the foundation for success in life.” Randy shared, adding, “Our hope is - this scholarship will encourage young people to pursue a career in agriculture. As the FFA creed states, ‘I believe in the future of agriculture.’ As we honor our past, we invest in the future through this scholarship.”

RIDE WITH OUR BRAND

12345

Starting January 1, 2026, Kansas drivers can proudly display a Kansas FFA Distinctive License Plate. Available through your county DMV with a $50 donation added to your annual tag renewal, your plate purchase helps support leadership development and agricultural education programs for FFA members across Kansas.

“Kansas’s distinctive license plate bills empower Kansans to support organizations they value,” said Representative for District 125 Shannon Francis. “One plate in this bill supports the FFA, an organization that has profoundly impacted generations of Kansans. FFA plays a crucial role in nurturing leadership skills among youth and preparing them for careers in agricultural science, business, and technology.”

Sign up for updates at ksffa.org/foundation/ kansas-ffa-specialty-license-plate/

Kansas FFA Association 110 Umberger Hall 1612 Claflin Road Manhattan, KS 66506

d igitally STAND & DELIVER Attend the

Conference

Kansas FFA members can attend a fall Stand and Deliver conference, which focuses on member’s and their individual growth in public speaking, personal leadership, and message development.

Members again will work with professional facilitators, yet in a smaller group setting.

Stand and Deliver allows for students to learn material and then apply and practice what they just learned.

CONNECT

See our website (www.ksffa.org) for more information on the following: Calendar of Events List of Chapters and Districts List of Foundation Sponsors Awards Programs

November 20th at Great Bend.

Give to the Kansas FFA Foundation by scanning the QR code above!