Kansas Future Farmer Fall 2024

VOLUME 43

Fall 2024

ISSUE #1

ON THE COVER: Kansas FFA members enjoy Ignite the

Night, an event during the convention that brought over a 1,000 members to the K-State Recreation Complex for a night of fun.

Fall 2024 State Officers Jory Ratzlaff

President Canton-Galva

Hayley Hines

Vice President Paola

Quinn Browning

Secretary Prairie View

Zoë Rhodes

Treasurer Girard

Mason Springer

Reporter Neodesha

Natalee Bray

Sentinel Pike Valley

State Staff Mr. Kurt Dillon 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 Brooklyn Sherron, Spring Hill; Katelynn Shepherd, West Franklin; Kyleigh Heikes, Eudora; Kenady Deever, Mission Valley; Conner Hoelting, Mission Valley; Hannah King, Spring Hill NORTH CENTRAL Clara Gfeller, Chapman, Lillian Hulse, Minneapolis; Landon Albrecht, Southeast of Saline; Gabe Vinduska, Herington; Josie Strauss, Chapman, Kourtney Dibben, Junction City NORTHEAST Dustin Denton, Valley Heights; Nora Bosse, Wamego; Adelaide Haverkamp, Nemaha Central; Rafael Silva, Doniphan West; Carley Bohlken, Marysville; Madeline Bontrager, Holton NORTHWEST Addison Green Russell, Lakeside; Ruby GosmelOsthoff, Smith Center; Marisa Wasinger, Hays; Ella Neher, Hays; Madison Johnson, Phillipsburg; Emma Karst, Russell SOUTH CENTRAL Kaitlynn Bina, Centre; Jase Beltz, Canton-Galva; Garrett Lanning, Fairfield; Braedan Stutzman, Inman; Jackson McCurry, Andale; Addison Bina, Centre SOUTHEAST Natalia Onelio, Girard; Maria Cibrian-Vazquez, Uniontown; Addy Boaz, Erie; Delaney Bradford, Neodesha; Riley Sturgis, Riverton; Maggie Chandler, Neodesha SOUTHWEST Breck Averhoff, Ingalls; Emma Petersilie, Ness City; Rebecca Durler, Dodge City; Lexi Averhoff, Ingalls; Sophia Kasella, Ashland; Harlee Tilley, Bucklin

by Jory Ratzlaff, State FFA President

I

t has been a wonderful summer for Kansas FFA. First, we welcomed more than 2,600 members to Manhattan for the 96th Kansas FFA State Convention!

school year will has begun and things are getting even more exciting. Greenhand Conferences, district, and chapter events will be right around the corner.

Students and chapters were recognized and celebrated for their hard work and past year of accomplishments. Following convention, the rest of the summer months offered Kansas FFA members the opportunity to attend the Washington Leadership Conference in our nation’s capitol, Chapter Leadership Training across three locations in Kansas, and District Officer Conference.

Whether this is your first year in FFA, or if you are entering one of your last, this year will have much to offer for all members of Kansas FFA. My teammates and I are honored and beyond excited to serve as the Kansas FFA State Officers for this upcoming year, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds!

These events offer unique experiences as members develop qualities of leadership, plan activities for the year ahead, and build strong, lasting connections.

As summer begins to wrap up, the

FAST FACT :

Kansas FFA members packaged over 600 hygiene kits for families across Kansas in need of the basic necessities associated with personal hygiene and wellbeing.

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

State Award Winning

CHAPTERS & MEMBERS

Celebrate the following chapters and members for their accomplishments, recognized at the 2024 Kansas FFA State Convention.

Career and Leadership Development Event Champions Ag Communications - Girard FFA Ag Issues – Ellsworth FFA Ag Sales - Labette County FFA Ag Technology & Management Systems - Girard FFA Agronomy - Southeast of Saline FFA Conduct of Chapter Meetings – Fort Scott FFA Creed Speaking – Jayleigh Weilert, Hays FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation - Iola FFA Discussion Meet – Mason Springer, Neodesha Employment Skills – Hannah Gideon, Russell FFA Entomology - Labette County FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking – Tucker Leck, Neodesha FFA Farm and Ag. Management - Paola FFA Floriculture - Louisburg FFA Food Science and Technology - Louisburg FFA Horse Evaluation - Flinthills FFA Livestock Evaluation - Iola FFA Marketing Plan – Paola FFA Meats Evaluation - Pleasant Ridge FFA Milk Quality & Products - Anderson County FFA Nursery/Landscape - Holton FFA Parliamentary Procedure – Holton FFA Prepared Public Speaking – Tyler Templeton, Labette County FFA Poultry Evaluation - Caney FFA Scrapbook – Russell FFA Veterinary Science - Labette County FFA

2024 Kansas FFA Creed Champion Jayleigh Weilert of Hays FFA delivers the creed on stage along with the four other finalists and Spanish Creed Speaking winner.

Celebrating Our

PROFICIENCY WINNERS

These students excelled in their Supervised Agricultural Experience programs and were named state Proficiency Award winners at the 96th Kansas FFA State Convention.

Agricultural Communications Logan Graber, Pretty Prairie Sponsored by Kansas Farmer Magazine Agricultural Education Carson Fouard, Ell-Saline Sponsored by Harmon Bliss Family & Kurt Dillon Family Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication Andrew Garman, Pike Valley Sponsored by Abilene Machine Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance - Placement Luke Metzger, Sabetha Sponsored by KanEquip Agricultural Processing Madeline Bontrager, Holton Sponsored by Santa Fe Trails Meats Agricultural Sales – Entrepreneurship * Delaney New, Holton Sponsored by Harris Crop Insurance Agricultural Sales – Placement * Madelyn Schiltz, Oakley Sponsored by Stewart Seed Agricultural Services Dane Haverkamp, Nemaha Central Sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas Agriscience Research – Animal Systems Ava Oentrich, Junction City Sponsored by Kansas FFA Foundation Agriscience Research – Integrated Systems * Hannah Gideon, Russell Sponsored by Kansas FFA Foundation Agriscience Research – Plant Systems Elle Jacobs, Smith Center Sponsored by Pioneer

Beef Production – Entrepreneurship Aidan Mingus, Perry-Lecompton Sponsored by Sam & Janet Hands Beef Production – Placement * Cecillia Newby, Labette County Sponsored by Tiffany Cattle Company Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship Gavin Carson, White City Sponsored by Kansas Dairy Commission Dairy Production – Placement Laura Metzger, Sabetha Sponsored by Kansas Dairy Commission Diversified Agricultural Production Josie Kueser, Ellsworth Sponsored by Triangle H Farms, In Memory of Greg Hands Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship Paxton Voet, Marysville Sponsored by Vulgamore Family Farms Diversified Crop Production – Placement Karsen Kroupa, Centre Sponsored by Kansas Corn Diversified Horticulture Candace Lippe, Clay Center Sponsored by Hummert International Diversified Livestock Production Kierra Eck, Russell Sponsored by Hutchinson Community College Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management Graham Foley, Tonganoxie Sponsored by Midwest Ford Dealers Equine Science – Entrepreneurship Piper Whildin, Prairie View Sponsored by Harms Plainview Ranch * Indicates National Finalist Award Area

Equine Science – Placement Claudia Grimm, Sabetha Sponsored by United Mosquito & Fly Control Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production * Noah Wiley, Labette County Sponsored by Kansas Soybean Commission Forage Production Jacob Wendland, Riley County Sponsored by Kansas Forage and Grassland Council, Inc. Forest Management and Production Lucas White, Holton Sponsored by Kansas Forest Service Fruit and Nut Production Clare McKain, Minneapolis Sponsored by Sturgis Enterprises Goat Production Olivia Sprang, Valley Falls Sponsored by Kevin Davis Family Grain Production Kourtney Dibben, Junction City Sponsored by Kansas Wheat Commissio Landscape Management Grady Gleason, Garden City Sponsored by Lawrence Landscape Nursery Operations * Emilee Remmers, Centre Sponsored by Kansas FFA Foundation Outdoor Recreation Kara Helms, Paola Sponsored by Kansas FFA Foundation Poultry Production Jaydon Morrison, Iola Sponsored by Tractor Supply Co. - Grants for Growing

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.

Service-Learning * Hayley Hines, Paola Sponsored by Seitz Fundraising Sheep Production * Lora Larison, Holton Sponsored by Hobbs Show Lambs Small Animal Production and Care Kaylee Dillow, Labette County Sponsored by Animal Health Center of Marion County Specialty Animal Production Jason Mader, Chapman Sponsored by Prairie School Farms Swine Production – Entrepreneurship Kyser Nemecek, Iola Sponsored by Kansas Pork Association Swine Production – Placement * Tucker Leck, Neodesha Sponsored by Kansas Pork Association Turf Grass Management Rhett Jackman, Prairie View Sponsored by Sod Shop Inc. Vegetable Production Rebekah Vague, Ellsworth Sponsored by From the Land of Kansas Program Veterinary Science Katelyn Haines, Wellington Sponsored by Kansas Veterinary Medicine Association Wildlife Production & Management Trent Haag, West Elk Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited

Apply for a

SAE GRANT

by November 15th

Meet Our

2024-25 STATE OFFICERS

Six new leaders were chosen to serve the Kansas by Amy Hadachek FFA Association for the year this past May. courtesy of

T

he 2024-25 Kansas State FFA Officer team was announced on the final day of the state convention, May 31, in Manhattan, Kan. The new officers include: President Jory Ratzlaff, Canton-Galva FFA; Vice President Hayley Hines, Paola FFA; Secretary Quinn Browning, Prairie View FFA; Treasurer Zoë Rhodes, Girard FFA; Reporter Mason Springer, Neodesha FFA; and Sentinel Natalee Bray, Pike Valley FFA.

Jory Ratzlaff

State President Canton-Galva FFA

Overcoming unique challenges this year strengthened Jory Ratzlaff’s determination and support for Canton-Galva chapter members.

The first in his family to be in FFA, Ratzlaff comes from a diverse background as a non-traditional FFA member who didn’t grow up around agricultural procedures.

“I am a Mexican-American dual citizen. This background allows me to connect with members from a multitude of backgrounds,” says Ratzlaff, who will attend Kansas State University this fall and major in agricultural technology management.

Ratzlaff says he’s committed to persevere through challenges, including the loss of his FFA advisor Ashley Austin, who passed away after a December car accident. Ratzlaff’s goal as Kansas State FFA President is to leave an impact on members.

“I hope to pass down lessons originally shared by my advisor, Mrs. Ashley Austin,” Ratzlaff says. “I hope to grow my abilities as a leader, including how to do ‘What we can, with what we have, where we are.’”

Hayley Hines

State Vice President Paola FFA

With a self-described “servant heart,” new Kansas FFA Vice President Hayley Hines’ supervised agricultural experience involved starting a food pantry for students who needed assistance.

“My freshman year — I saw a kid sitting next to me who had to go home early to support their family. That didn’t sit well with me, and I started ‘Panthers Helping Panthers,’” Hines says.

Raising $13,000 through grants and anonymous donations, Hines worked with school counselors to respect students’ privacy. She shopped for groceries for the students with a school administrator. And Hines arranged for the school’s animal science lab to have chickens and pigs as a learning opportunity for raising food.

Hines will attend K-State this fall, pursuing degrees in nursing and nutrition, and health.

Quinn Browning State Secretary Prairie View FFA

As the new Kansas State FFA Secretary, Quinn Browning hopes her passion for helping others find their way through agriculture will encourage members to also advocate for agriculture.

Her SAE is beef production. Working on her family’s ranch, Browning checks cattle daily, helps administer vaccinations and assists in the calving process.

“My SAE helped me learn about the beef industry, but my involvement in NHS (National Honor Society), FFA, yearbook, Scholars Bowl

and student section leader prepared me with communication and public speaking skills that helped obtain the secretary position,” Browning says.

Her individual goal is to help members develop SAEs and be successful in CDEs (Career Development Events) and LDEs (Leadership Development Events). She’s also determined to help Kansas FFA reach an all-time high member engagement in CDEs and LDEs. Browning will attend Kansas State University, majoring in agricultural education with a minor in entomology.

Zoë Rhodes State Treasurer Girard FFA

“As an officer, I thrive by including others, and I’m very excited for a selfless year of service,” says new Kansas State FFA Treasurer Zoë Rhodes.

Being a state officer has been a decade-long dream of Rhodes. Her goals this year are to highlight the benefits of agricultural education and continually shine a positive light through her work as an officer.

“Agricultural educators are needed everywhere, and I want to decrease the amount of programs that go without an educator and FFA advisor to lead them,” Rhodes says.

She’s excited about being a first generation FFA member. “What really drew me towards FFA in my early high school career was a sense of belonging and community. Not only did FFA teach me agricultural leadership skills, but [it also] brought me a family from coast to coast,” Rhodes says.

Rhodes will be a sophomore at Kansas State University, majoring in agricultural education with a focus on educational policy.

Mason Springer State Reporter Neodesha FFA

Growing up on a third-generation family hog operation with 3,500 sows and 50,000 pigs, newly elected State FFA Reporter Mason Springer says his family’s large-scale commercial animal production background will help him advocate

about the importance of large-scale family farms.

“There is something for everyone in FFA, and it’s important members are knowledgeable of the opportunities and events FFA offers, even if they come from a non-traditional agricultural background,” Springer says.

Learning what it takes to be a leader — including perseverance, accountability and work ethic — has inspired Springer. He’ll attend Kansas State University in Manhattan with a major in agricultural economics, emphasizing animal science with a minor in agronomy.

Natalee Bray State Sentinel Pike Valley FFA

For Natalee Bray, Scandia, Kan., earning the office of Kansas FFA State Sentinel means joining a team which strives to help people feel welcomed and comfortable.

“Our new officer team isn’t necessarily Nos. 1 to 6; but rather, we’re a group of people helping lead the organization,” Bray says. “I’m really excited about making connections with people and getting to travel across the state to different banquets and competitions, and talking with people.”

Bray selected equine science entrepreneurship for her SAE. She has a herd of five horses, including a wild mustang, gives riding lessons to students in the area and hopes to breed horses.

Bray will attend Kansas State University this fall and major in agricultural education.

Our Newest

STARS OVER KANSAS

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

S

hining in the spotlight before 2,615 people at the 2024 Kansas FFA state Convention May 31, three up-and-coming Kansas FFA members stand waiting for their official recognition as state stars. They are Kansas FFA Star Farmer Adelle Higbie of the West Franklin FFA chapter; Kansas FFA Star in Agribusiness Andrew Garman of Pike Valley FFA; and Star in Ag Placement Noah Wiley of Labette County FFA. These star awards were earned by these FFA members who demonstrated outstanding agricultural skills through their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).

Adelle Higbie Star Farmer West Franklin FFA

Adelle Higbie, Pomona, Kan., is eager to assist other FFA members in building their own programs. This West Franklin FFA member enjoys helping fellow members soar.

“It brings me joy to serve others through sharing my passion for the meat goat industry,” Higbie says. She’s a sixth-generation Kansas farmer, but the first person in her family to raise meat goats.

Higbie’s goat production SAE is a herd of 40 meat goat breeding stock, and her Beef Production SAE is managing 10 head of Polled Hereford breeding stock. She also sells both goats and calves in her own yearly farm sale. Higbie enjoys being in the kidding barn with the newborn baby goats and watching the offspring grow into production stock.

Becoming the 2024 Kansas FFA Star Farmer is still sinking in.

“It’s an incredible, yet surreal experience to

by Amy Hadachek courtesy of

receive this honor, and I’m grateful for the amazing figures in my life who helped mold me into a leader.”

As an only child, Higbie received hours of guidance from her dad and her mom, Angelle Higbie, who has been an FFA advisor for 16 years.

“My mom has been my greatest mentor for becoming an FFA leader,” Higbie says. “I had three other advisors in FFA — Mr. Maurer, Mrs. Bolinger and Mr. Powelson — who each taught me unique skills that helped me pursue my dreams.”

“Adelle has put so many countless hours into her SAE projects, from 5 a.m. to very late evening after practice taking care of her goats and livestock,” says Caleb Powelson, FFA Advisor at West Franklin High School. “To Adelle, every challenge is another opportunity to grow and become a better leader.”

Higbie will attend the University of Kansas this fall and pursue a degree in pre-optometry through a major in biochemistry and minor in Spanish. Then, she plans to attend Northeastern State University’s College of Optometry to attain a doctor of optometry degree and continue operating her herds.

Andrew Garman Star in Agribusiness Pike Valley FFA

Just hours after earning the 2024 Kansas FFA Star in Agribusiness award for his SAE and business enterprise, Garman Industrial, Andrew Garman of Courtland, Kan. was already “on a roll

working on something pretty cool — including a patent — with details expected this fall,” he says.

Garman, who graduated this spring from high school, is focused on propelling his fabrication business. Garman Industrial now has 10 welders and a CNC (computer numerical control) cutter, he says with pride.

“A majority of what I’ve built since starting the business three years ago rolls through that machine, so it’s been a big deal for me,” Garman says. In addition to rebuilding machine parts, Garman does custom fabrication and manufactures agricultural attachments.

“The announcement of Andrew Garman as the 2024 Star in Agribusiness was an overwhelming feeling of pride and joy,” says Katie Carlgren, advisor of Pike Valley FFA. “Andrew is intelligent, hardworking and driven, and his growth as a businessman, student and a person has been tremendous.”

When he won, the emotion was a whirlwind, Garman says. “After I heard my name, I honestly don’t remember a whole lot,” he says.

“Last year, the Star in Agribusiness was the State FFA president. I was a delegate and remember watching his interview and slideshow and thinking, ‘That’s really cool, and I should do that.’” Garman says. “I talked with my FFA Advisor, and without her, I probably wouldn’t have been on the stage.”

The structure of an SAE taught him how to keep his books square, and the interviews provided structure for his business. Garman also won his proficiency in Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication, and he’ll compete at nationals in Indianapolis in the fall.

“I’m definitely excited and a little bit nervous,” Garman says.

Noah Wiley

Star in Ag Placement Labette County FFA

Noah Wiley, Edna, Kan., says he enjoys using Case IH and John Deere precision farming technology in his SAE. This Labette County FFA

member sets complex computer parameters in tractors and combines for tillage and harvesting wheat, corn and soybean on the 2,000-acre Frazier Farms.

“Noah also does maintenance on all the equipment, he can rebuild an entire planter; he plants, operates the combine and scouts for disease and insects for corn, wheat and soybeans,” says his father, Dustin Wiley, who is one of Noah’s three FFA advisors, along with Kyle Zwahlen and Rocky Becker. “Mr. Frazier’s trust in Noah to operate his half-million-dollar tractors and combines is a testament to how hard Noah works.

I’m proud he treats people with kindness and respect.”

Since riding in the buddy seat with his dad growing up on their farm, all Noah wanted to do was farm, says his parents Dustin and Becky Wiley.

Noah learned a lot from his employer, and through relationships he cultivated with seed and implement dealers, crop insurance agents and landlords.

“Noah Wiley is a positive image for his peers and future FFA members,” Zwahlen says. “He’s worked countless hours on his SAE at Frazier Farms and made our FFA chapter, school district and community very proud.”

For others eager to blaze a path in FFA, Noah has some advice.

“Seek out opportunity; and when you find it, seek out successful people, because they didn’t get there by accident,” Noah says. “Apply it to your life, which will take you a long way.”

Noah also earned a Kansas FFA Proficiency Award in Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production, and he will compete at the National FFA Convention this fall.

Noah is an incoming sophomore at Coffeyville Community College, with the intent to transfer to Kansas State University, majoring in agricultural economics. He hopes to move back to southeast Kansas, become an agricultural loan officer after college and farm in Labette County.

“I’ve gotten so much out of FFA,” he says. “I’ve made lifelong friends, learned life skills you can’t learn anywhere else. I learned to be a leader and how to be a man.”

A Farmer

EDUCATING AGRICULTURISTS

Students’ respect and praise propel urban agricultural education teacher into Kansas spotlight.

R

evealing that FFA’s powerful impact he benefited from while attending Norton Community High School in Norton, Kansas – impacts almost everything he is...and does today, Mike Smith; Chairman of the Kansas FFA Foundation Board of Trustees joyfully reflects how decades in Kansas FFA continue helping him...inspire others. He modestly earned ‘Kansas Star Farmer’ in 1978, then the highly-acclaimed American Farmer (national) degree; and shares a deep passion for creating the FFA experience for others.

“I believe the FFA association is by far the best youth leadership and development organization in the country. Employers of former FFA students can tell the difference that FFA experiences have on students when they interview prospects for their jobs. They’re more dedicated, confident and aware of their purpose as they enter new employment,” Smith said.

Through FFA’s CDE’s and LDE’s (Career Development Events and Leadership Development Events,) students learn characterdevelopment, leadership, integrity and how to work with others to solve problems.

Michael ‘Mike’ Smith says the decision to serve on the Kansas FFA Foundation Board since 2015 – was influenced by his own high school agricultural teacher; Bob Broeckelman.

“Mr. Broeckelman was undoubtedly, the most influential teacher I ever had, who also became a lifetime mentor to me. He cared how well I did as a student, and influenced many of my most important character traits as I developed into my career,” Smith explained. “Mr. Broeckelman kept track of me; well past his duties as a high school teacher. He cared about the future of agriculture and is committed to leading and influencing people, as far as he can.”

by Amy Hadachek

His teacher had plenty to say about Smith.

“From the minute he became one of my students, you could tell he was there to learn; brighteyed, ambitious. He drove 20 minutes to school, each day. We won so many contests with Mike and his friend Terry Nelson at FFA,” said Bob Broeckelman; Smith’s agricultural teacher and FFA advisor at Norton Community High School in Norton, Kansas in the mid-1970’s. “If I asked Mike to prepare anything for contests, I knew it’d be done.”

And it was.

“I believe the FFA association is by far the best youth leadership and development organization in the country.”

- Mike Smith Besides placing first in his Farm Business Management contest, and winning the State Electrical Proficiency Award, applying for Star Farmer involved a challenging list of documentation and record bookkeeping of years of contests attended, placed, the level won, the number of projects built and completed.

Previously, Smith earned Star Greenhand, and Star Chapter Farmer, won Northwest District Star Farmer and was filmed for the Seven Stars over Kansas by Kansas Farm Bureau.

With Broeckelman as his ag teacher, Norton FFA earned the Triple Crown chapter award.

Interestingly, Broeckelman became an ag teacher because his ag teacher; (the late) Howard Wallace saw something...in him. When

Broeckelman went to camp, quiet and homesick, he pondered on the way home...“Why did everyone have a good time and I didn’t...” Determined, he went to FFA events with a renewed attitude.

Retired, Broeckelman meets yearly with the new slate of State FFA officers.

With a 30% growth in new FFA programs; much of that in metropolitan - and some rural communities, Smith’s focus as Foundation Board Chairman is providing resources and funding to support programs within the Kansas FFA Association; for the 501c3 tax deductible platform for sponsors and donors who want to contribute to the organization. Funds go to awards, CDE’s and LDE’s and ‘Kansas BEST’ program; supporting first-year ag educators.

A key capital campaign goal is getting programs funded through endowment; not just annual funding support.

Growing up in Long Island, Kansas – Smith raised feeder pigs, his family had a cow-calf operation, and farmed corn, wheat and sorghum in Norton and Phillips Counties. He majored in agriculture at Kansas State University, and enjoyed agronomy sales management. Later, Smith built his own agribusiness company; Ag 1 Source, retiring 20 years later, in 2022.

“I took advantage of every opportunity to participate in FFA events,” Smith said. Projects included cattle feeding panels, portable corrals, feeding platforms, trailers, and public speaking contests. Money-making opportunities helped pay for his college education.

Never running out of enthusiasm, Smith enjoyed running in 52 marathons (26.2 miles each.) He ran 20 of those in 2009.

Smith and wife Mary retired to Kansas City near their two daughters, their families and grandchildren. He’s helping his son-in-law build homes with FFA skills he never forgot.

Smith begins his second year as Chairman of the Board in October.

Top: Mike Smith poses for his local newspaper with his Star Farmer award in 1978. Bottom: Mike Smith running the PF Chang’s Marathon in Phoenix/Tempe Arizona during the 2006 season.

Reflecting on his forever student, Broeckelman said, “I’m really proud of Mike Smith, I talked with him about getting on the Board, because I knew how much he cared about FFA.”

SCAN NOW to Learn More

about the Endowement+ Campaign

The Top Chapter

FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

Girard FFA Chapter happily shocked to be named the top chapter in the state for the Triple Crown Award.

E

cstatic and shocked are two words that described how Girard agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor, Brandon Callaway, felt when he found out his chapter had won the Triple Crown award at the 2024 State FFA Convention.

Ecstatic to be in the top ten, and happily shocked to win it. The chapter had been outside of the top ten since Callaway’s time at Girard, so winning it, that was the icing on the cake.

For any FFA chapter, a Program of Activities (POA) is very vital. This is a way to get not only the members involved, but the community as well.

The Girard FFA officer team held their retreat during thIs past summer summer where they evaluated their own strengths and weaknesses, provided leadership activities ideas, and began to set goals and plan for the upcoming school year, as well as deadlines for each event the chapter is involved in. Throughout the school year, the job of each committee was to ensure that each deadline was met and that they are were being accomplished in a timely manner. Callaway said that this year’s group did an astounding job on following through on each of their ideas and goals.

The officers had two primary goals for this year and those were to establish groundwork for reforming their alumni and supporters’ organization, as well as to remake their committees to bring ownership and leadership to members outside of the officer team. Events such as the first annual summer BBQ for alumni,

by Amy Feigley

supporters, and current members was held, with a high attendance. A Turkey hunt, Christmas in the Community, and a Super CDE day for eighth graders were also held. Callaway states that ten new committees were established, allowing the members to be involved even more and working on getting the community to participate in everything the Girard FFA Chapter has to offer.

Callaway gives credit to his FFA officers for concentrating on their goals to grow and strengthen their chapter and believing in the mission of what FFA is based on.

“They established committees and set up the procedures for the chapter to be successful” notes Callaway. While winning this award is a magnificent honor, the students work this year has created a foundation for continued success in the future of the Girard FFA chapter. And for Mr. Callaway, he couldn’t be more thrilled with his students.

Top Five Chapters in the Triple Crown 1st - Girard FFA 3rd - Riverton FFA 2nd - Ellsworth FFA 4th - Chapman FFA 5th - Clay Center FFA

Our Hypothesis:

CELEBRATING AGRISCIENCE

These members projects involve meticulous investigation of processes either to generate new knowledge and present their findings to judges.

Animal Sciences

Division 1 - Kaylee Weltmer, Smith Center * Division 3 - Kennedy Moreland, Junction City Division 4 - Rylee Oppenheimer & Adeline Graham, Clay Center Division 5 - Danica Hicks, Ellsworth Division 6 - Rylee Holt & Cadence Togerson, Ellsworth

Environmental Service/Natural Resource Systems Division 3 - William Andreas, Canton-Galva Division 4 - Ava Denton & Emma Arbuckle, West Elk * Division 5 - Kourtney Dibben, Junction City Division 6 - Unity Lawson & Janay Harrington, Junction City

Food Products and Processing Systems

Division 1 - Faith McMannis, Canton-Galva Division 2 - Brynn Kruse & Brinley Orth, Canton-Galva Division 3 - Haley Brogan, Winfield Division 4 - Makinlee Hoppes & Emerson Hoppes, Canton-Galva Division 5 - Rebekah Vague, Ellsworth Division 6 - Isom Marston & Jordyn Elliot, Canton-Galva

Plant Systems

Divison 2 - Kippley Lintecum & Gentry Dishman, Moundridge Division 3 - Autumn Ross-Underwood, Winfield Division 4 -Hannah Younger & Brooklyn McGranahan, Ness City Division 5 - Hannah Gideon, Russell Division 6 - Jodi Donley & Maggie Bohl, Ellsworth

Power, Structural and Technical Systems

Division 2 - Cole Schrag & Keagan Neufeld, Moundridge Division 4 - Blake Proetti & Grant Roeser, Junction City Division 5 - Aiden Peres, Canton-Galva Division 6 - Jory Ratzlaff & Jase Beltz, Canton-Galva *

Social Science

Division 2 - Grace Potts & Baylee Schriner, Moundridge Division 3 - Amelia Strauss, Chapman * Division 4 - Kate Rathburn & Josie Kueser, Ellsworth Division 5 - Maggie Chandler, Neodesha Division 6 - Keiondrae Wilcox & Jordan Thiem, Junction City * Indicates National Finalist Award Area

Kansas Golden Owl

2024 WINNER REVEALED

Washington County agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor honored with first Golden Owl Award.

J

ohn Kern, agricultural education teacher and FFA Advisor at Washington County High School in the North Central FFA District received the 2024 Kansas State Golden Owl Award during the 96th Kansas FFA Convention, May 29 - May 31, 2024.

Kern has taught for 26 years and has mentored 12 students who have become teachers, some in agricultural education. Under Kern’s guidance, many of his students have earned state and national-level awards. Kern has been involved in workforce readiness initiatives, including internships and industry certifications.

He continues to be involved in professional development, mentoring student teachers and presenting in various teacher workshops.

A nomination of Mr. Kern for this award said, “John Kern has the gift of connecting with students in ways that make learning exciting and interesting. He always goes above and beyond for students, and best of all, he enjoys the process.”

Regional winners (pictured below left to right) included: Jim Morgan, Louisburg High School,

East Central FFA District; Kim Clark, Royal Valley High School, Northeast FFA District; Linda Chase, Wellington High School, South Central FFA District; John Wells, Sedan High School, Southeast FFA District; Nikole Winter, Hays High School, Northwest FFA District; Les McNally, Hugoton High School, Southwest FFA 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. Kern will receive a cash award and the Golden Owl Award trophy. Finalists will receive a cash award and an engraved plaque.

Nominate your Teacher for the Golden Owl Award

Kansas FFA Day at NASCAR Support Kansas FFA program this September at the NASCAR Cup Series Race at Kansas Speedway. Portion of each admission benefits the Kansas FFA Foundation to help current & future students

Package Include Portion of each admission donated back to Kansas FFA Reserved Grandstand seat in Main Grandstand within Kansas FFA "mini section" Access to Fan Midway with games, performances, and giveaways Complimentary Fanwalk Admission to experience Pre-Race Ceremonies

Date September 29, 2024

Address

400 Speedway Blvd.

Kansas City, KS 66111

To purchase tickets: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Kansasffafoundation

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

d igitally STAND & DELIVER Attend the

Conference

For the first time, 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 Emporia.

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