VOLUME 45
Fall 2026
ISSUE #1
ON THE COVER: Kansas FFA members wait outside of
Fall 2026
Morgan Family Arena on the campus of Kansas State University prior to the Opening Session of the 98th Kansas FFA Convention.
State Officers Clara Gfeller
President Chapman
Riley Sturgis
Vice President Riverton
Lizzy Vajnar
Secretary Hays
Braeden Stutzman
Treasurer Inman
Ethan Petersilie
Reporter La Crosse
Ella Neher
Sentinel Hays
State Staff Mr. Anthony Meals State Advisor, KSDE Ms. Mary Kane State Executive Secretary Mrs. Lauren Chard Event Coordinator Ms. Beth Gaines Kansas FFA Foundation Executive Director Mrs. Johanna Anderes Kansas FFA Foundation Development Coordinator
District Officers EAST CENTRAL CJ Durkes, Mission Valley; Madyson Rose, Marias des Cygnes; Meg Johnson, Paola; Dalton Paltimore, Paola; Jayden Holt, Jayhawk-Linn; Kate Heikes, Eudora NORTH CENTRAL Nell Goss, Ellsworth; Lauren Kaupp, Manhattan; Casson Klover, Southeast of Saline; Ashlyn Calhoun, Salina; Rowley Keesecker, Washington County; Peter Newman, Pike Valley NORTHEAST Johanna Studer, Frankfort; Ellah Stirton, Horton; Kadence Buessing, Nemaha Central; Payton Ernzen, Pleasant Ridge; Ella Sourk, Nemaha Central; Klara McIntrye, Valley Heights NORTHWEST Kaelyn Schilling, Goodland; Mia Odle, Stockton; Maggie Holle, Atwood; Jayleigh Weilert, Hays; Chloe Harris, Lakeside; Alexis Bigge, Plainville SOUTH CENTRAL Micah Ballard, Inman; Kayli Snyder, Buhler; Brady Idleman, Buhler; Kora Zongker, Fairfield; Faith McMannis, Canton-Galva; Hunter Steindler, Andale SOUTHEAST Lainey Prince, Girard; Kole Harris, Uniontown; Alli Huber, Girard; Taylor Gudde, Labette County; Kodi Casper, Fort Scott; Regan Edwards, Cherryvale SOUTHWEST Lexi Averhoff, Ingalls; Anna Marquardt, Greeley County; Karlee Whipple, Ingalls; Kennan Murrell, Garden City; Emelin Williamson, Stanton County; Marly Cramer, Scott City
by Clara Gfeller, State FFA President
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here is something special about the start of a new school year. New schedules, new classes, new chapter activities, and for FFA members across Kansas, a brand-new year to zip up the blue jacket and see what is possible.
As I think back on the energy of State Convention in Manhattan, I keep coming back to one moment: the opening session in Morgan Family Arena. Over 2,500 blue jackets and guests filled the space with an energy that was electric. You couldn’t have left that space more excited to CULTIVATE and celebrate the achievements of Kansas FFA members throughout convention week.
gives us a chance to set goals and start fresh, this season gives each of us a chance to make a few New FFA Year’s Resolutions. Maybe your resolution is to try that Leadership Development Event or Career Development Event you have heard older members talk about. Maybe it is to grow your SAE, run for a chapter office, attend a conference, ask one more question in ag class, or invite someone new to sit with your chapter. Your resolution does not have to be huge. It just has to move you one step forward.
Just as the end of a year deserves celebration, the beginning does too! Happy New FFA Year! Just like January 1
FAST FACT :
The Kansas FFA Convention Opening Session was held for the first time in Morgan Family Arena at K-State at the 98th Kansas FFA Convention. 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 competition teams and individuals for their accomplishments, recognized at the 2026 Kansas FFA State Convention Agricultural Communications CDE Neodesha FFA Sponsored by KFRM 550 AM & High Plains Journal Agricultural Issues Forum LDE Ellsworth FFA Sponsored by Kansas Corn Agricultural Sales CDE Labette County FFA Sponsored by Surepoint Ag Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE Girard FFA Sponsored by Berry Companies, Inc. & AGCO Agronomy CDE Andale FFA Sponsored by the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers & Kansas Feed & Grain Association Conduct of Chapter Meetings LDE Tescott FFA Sponsored by the CHS Foundation Creed Speaking LDE Kealie Bryant, Garden City FFA Sponsored by the Armbruster Family Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE Nemaha Central FFA Sponsored by Royal Farms Dairy Discussion Meet LDE Braeden Stutzman, Inman FFA Sponsored by Kansas Farm Bureau Employment Skills LDE Madison Johnson, Phillipsburg FFA Sponsored by Ag1Source Entomology CDE Labette County FFA Sponsored by Pioneer Environmental & Natural Resource CDE Holton FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking LDE Taylor Gudde, Labette County FFA Sponsored by Landoll Farm and Agribusiness Management CDE Paola FFA Sponsored by Ag Mark, LLC
Floriculture CDE Spring Hill FFA Sponsored by the CHS Foundation Food Science and Technology CDE Yates Center FFA Sponsored by Land O’ Lakes Forestry CDE Mission Valley FFA Horse Evaluation CDE Spring Hill FFA Sponsored by Voge Quarter Horses, Lee Family & Topgut by Midwest Prime Livestock Evaluation CDE Uniontown FFA Sponsored by Fink Beef Genetics Marketing Plan CDE Junction City FFA Sponsored by Strategic Farm Solutions, LLC Meats Evaluation CDE Uniontown FFA Sponsored by Cargill Milk Quality and Products CDE Anderson County FFA Sponsored by Midwest Dairy Nursery/Landscape CDE Washington County FFA Parliamentary Procedure LDE Chapman FFA Sponsored by the CHS Foundation Prepared Public Speaking LDE Clara Gfeller, Chapman FFA Sponsored by the Kansas FFA Alumni Poultry Evaluation CDE Perry-Lecompton FFA Sponsored by the KHAR Trust Spanish Creed Speaking Invitational Heath Ratzlaff, Canton-Galva FFA Sponsored by Carmelita Gossen Veterinary Science CDE Phillipsburg FFA Sponsored by Zoetis Animal Health International
MEET OUR 2026-27
STATE OFFICER TEAM Six new leaders were chosen to serve the Kansas FFA Association for the year this past May
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n adrenaline-filled week came to a close May 29 with the installation of the 2026–27 Kansas FFA State Officer Team during the seventh session of the 98th Kansas FFA Convention. The team includes President Clara Gfeller, Chapman; Vice President Riley Sturgis, Riverton; Secretary Lizzy Vajnar, Hays; Treasurer Braeden Stutzman, Inman; Reporter Ethan Petersilie, La Crosse; and Sentinel Ella Neher, Hays. Together, the six officers will spend the next year connecting with members and carrying out their mission: “Know, Love, Serve All.” KANSAS FFA PRESIDENT : For President Clara Gfeller, the year ahead is centered on building meaningful relationships with members across Kansas. “One of our biggest goals is to build genuine, meaningful connections with members across Kansas,” Gfeller said. The team’s mission, “Know, Love, Serve All,” serves as a reminder of how the officers want to approach their year of service. “‘Know, Love, Serve All’ is more than just a motto; it’s a reminder of what an officer should strive to be,” Gfeller said. Gfeller is attending Kansas State University to major in agricultural education. After college, she hopes to return to the classroom as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. KANSAS FFA VICE PRESIDENT :
Vice President Riley Sturgis describes the state officer candidate process as a major period of personal growth that prepared him for the year ahead.
by Lizzy Vajnar, 2026-27 State Secretary “The State Officer process is definitely a catalyst for growth in all sectors,” Sturgis said. “In few words, the process can be described as scary, but I’d like to think it’s scarily impactful.”
Through the process, Sturgis learned the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and relying on the people who support him. Those lessons have shaped how he approaches challenges and will continue to guide him throughout his year of service. As he travels across Kansas, Sturgis hopes to use those lessons to encourage members to embrace growth and the opportunities FFA provides. KANSAS FFA SECRETARY : For Secretary Lizzy Vajnar, agriculture and leadership have been lifelong influences, beginning with the example of her father, an agriculture teacher. “Watching all the leaders that grew in my father’s classroom inspired me to be a leader with my local chapter and run for state office,” Vajnar said. Vajnar hopes to help members recognize the opportunities available through FFA, from competitions and career exploration to industry connections and Supervised Agricultural Experiences. Her own SAE focuses on turf and grass maintenance through Hays K-Lawn, giving her firsthand experience with agriculture-related careers and business.
She hopes to use her experiences to help members discover opportunities that fit their own interests and goals. KANSAS FFA TREASURER : Treasurer Braeden Stutzman believes FFA’s greatest strength is the community it creates and the sense of belonging it provides to members. “The thing I love the most about FFA is the fact that everyone, regardless of background or ideas, has a place and a community within the organization,” Stutzman said. Stutzman’s passion for communication grew through Leadership Development Events, where he discovered the power of sharing ideas and connecting with others. He plans to carry that passion into his future education at Kansas State University, where he will major in agricultural and natural resource communications and minor in agricultural economics. During his year of service, Stutzman hopes to help members find their place within FFA and recognize the community surrounding them.
to be a guiding light from a member’s current position to where they want to be in Kansas FFA.” For Petersilie, being a state officer is about more than completing the responsibilities of his position. He wants to help members navigate their own FFA journeys and feel confident pursuing their goals. He also hopes the officer team creates experiences and memories that members will carry with them beyond the 2026–27 year. KANSAS FFA SENTINEL : Sentinel Ella Neher is looking forward to meeting members across Kansas and helping them find a sense of belonging within FFA. “I am most excited for the opportunity to meet members from across the state on chapter visits and to make FFA a home for others,” Neher said.
Reporter Ethan Petersilie hopes to use his year of service to become a mentor and source of encouragement for members across Kansas.
Neher sees chapter visits and other member interactions as opportunities to learn from the people she serves while sharing her own passion for the organization. After spending the summer preparing and working together, Neher said the team is ready to bring its mission into classrooms, chapter visits and district events across Kansas.
“A personal goal that I have for myself this year is to be a better mentor,” Petersilie said. “I wanted
Through those experiences, she hopes members feel known, valued and connected to the FFA.
KANSAS FFA REPORTER :
OUR NEWEST
STARS OVER KANSAS Three FFA members from across the state were selected as Star winners for their Supervised Agricultural Education programs
Cole Dieball, Little River STAR FARMER Cole’s agricultural experience centers on the operation of Dieball Cattle Company, where he manages a spring and fall-calving herd focused on raising purebred Hereford cattle. His operation currently includes 25 cows, three bulls, six bred heifers, and four open heifers. Cole began building his herd with the purchase of his first Hereford heifer, PCC New Mexico Lady 4100 ET, and has strategically expanded the operation over the past four years.
STAR IN AGRIBUSINESS Karli Haase, Ellsworth Karli trains foals and horses for local farmers and ranchers, providing gentling, halter breaking, saddle breaking, and tune-up services. She tailors each training program to the horse’s intended purpose, whether for ranch work, youth riders, or other uses. Karli emphasizes building trust, confidence, responsiveness, and reliability. While she primarily works with foals, she also assists older horses by addressing behavioral concerns, refreshing training, and improving their overall performance and condition.
Lizzy Vajnar, Hays STAR IN AG PLACEMENT Lizzy works for Hays K-Lawn, a turf management company, where she manages customer communication, scheduling, service tickets, and lawn care recommendations. She selects appropriate fertilizers and pesticides, calculates lawn measurements, and maintains contact with more than 2,000 customers. Lizzy has strengthened her knowledge of turf management, ag sales, business organization, communication, and agricultural career opportunities.
The Kansas FFA Star awards are sponsored by: United Bank and Trust, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas and Kansas Farm Bureau
TOP CHAPTERS
FOR THE TRIPLE CROWN 1st Place - Riverton
6th Place - Buhler
2nd Place - Ellsworth
7th Place - Andale
3rd Place - Chapman
8th Place - Royal Valley
4th Place - Neodesha
9th Place - Skyline
5th Place - Arkansas City
10th Place - Mission Valley
he Riverton FFA chapter earned the prestigious Kansas FFA Triple Crown award at the final session of the 98th Kansas FFA Convention, May 27- 29, 2026 on the Kansas State University campus.
mentoring, service, leadership, agricultural education, healthy living, and advocacy. Activities included supporting local families, improving community spaces, promoting agriculture, raising food donations, hosting educational events, recognizing academic achievement, developing outdoor skills, engaging younger students, and strengthening relationships with community members and agricultural supporters.
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Under the guidance of advisor Jacob Larison, the Riverton chapter scored the best in the statewide National Chapter Award program with the highest combined ranking over three separate divisions: Building Communities, Growing Leaders, and Strengthening Agriculture. The chapter created meaningful opportunities for members and the community through
This is the third time the Riverton FFA chapter has won the Triple Crown Award since it’s creation in 1975. Learn more about past winners at www.ksffa.org/kansas-ffa-project-2028/.
CELEBRATING OUR
PROFICIENCY WINNERS These students excelled in Supervised Agricultural Experience programs and were named state Proficiency Award winners at the 98th Kansas FFA Convention Agricultural Communications Noah Goss, Ellsworth Sponsored by Kansas Farmer Magazine
Beef Production – Placement Taylor Gudde, Labette County Sponsored by Tiffany Cattle Company
Agricultural Education Erica Lieb, Pike Valley Sponsored by Harmon Bliss Family & Kurt Dillon Family
Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship Lauren Benfer, Clay Center Sponsored by Kansas Dairy
Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication Clay Guttery, Osborne County Sponsored by Versatile
Diversified Agricultural Production Logan Leiker, Hays Sponsored by Triangle H Farms
Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance - Placement Gage Elliott, Buhler Sponsored by KanEquip
Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship Charlie Strauss, Chapman Sponsored by Harris Crop Insurance
Agricultural Processing Coal VanZant, South Haven Sponsored by Santa Fe Trails Meats
Diversified Crop Production – Placement Jacob O’Trimble, Perry-Lecompton Sponsored by Kansas Corn
Agricultural Sales – Placement Eli Olander, Southeast of Saline Sponsored by Stewart Family Farm Agricultural Services Emmarie Ginest, Stafford Sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas
Dairy Production – Placement Hailey Wells, Cheney Sponsored by Kansas Dairy
Diversified Horticulture Alexis Andrew, Buhler Sponsored by MTI Greenhouse Solutions
Agriscience Research – Integrated Systems Hannah Huddleston, Junction City Sponsored by Pioneer Agriscience Research – Plant Systems Keira Gliniecki, Junction City Sponsored by Pioneer Beef Production – Entrepreneurship Tava Gustafson, Chapman Sponsored by Sam and Janet Hands
Diversified Livestock Production Kyser Nemecek, Iola Sponsored by Hutchinson Community College Environmental Science & Natural Resources Management Conner Hoelting, Mission Valley Sponsored by Midwest Ford Dealers Association Equine Science – Entrepreneurship Karli Haase, Ellsworth Sponsored by Harms Plainview Ranch Equine Science – Placement John Svaty, Ellsworth Sponsored by United Mosquito & Fly Control
Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production Brittney Dibben, Junction City Sponsored by Kansas Soybean
Sheep Production Miley Baumgartel, Eureka Sponsored by Hobbs Show Lambs
Forage Production Dawson Strunk, Washington County Sponsored by Kansas Forage and Grassland Council, Inc.
Small Animal Production and Care Jonathan Wright, Washington County Sponsored by Animal Health Center of Marion County
Forest Management and Production McKenzie Baker, Washington County Sponsored by Kansas Forest Service
Specialty Animal Production Elliette Nelson, Maize Sponsored by Prairie School Farms
Fruit and Nut Production Abigail Gaston, Chapman Sponsored by Sturgis Enterprises
Swine Production – Entrepreneurship Hadley Huseman, Ellsworth Sponsored by Kansas Pork Association
Goat Production Jaci Falkenstien, Labette County Sponsored by Kevin Davis Family
Swine Production – Placement Colby Stoller, Sabetha Sponsored by Kansas Pork Association
Grain Production Arika Feldman, Little River Sponsored by Kansas Wheat Commission
Turf and Landscape Management Easton Ford, Manhattan Sponsored by Sod Shop Inc.
Landscape Installation Will Voos, Sabetha Sponsored by Lawrence Landscape
Vegetable Production Kade Pearson, Beloit Sponsored by From the Land of Kansas Program
Nursery Operations Addilyn Lefferd, Royal Valley Sponsored by Hummert International Poultry Production Clara Seiler, Andale Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company Service-Learning Landon Baetz, Lakeside Sponsored by Seitz Fundraising
Apply for a
SAE GRANT by November 15th
Veterinary Science Eliza Rozenhagen, Cheney Sponsored by Kansas Veterinary Medicine Association Wildlife Production & Management Sadie Aylward, Andale Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Indicates National Finalist Award Area
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.
WINNER OF 2026
GOLDEN OWL REVEALED Mission Valley agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor honored with coveted Golden Owl Award
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r. Kelly Hoelting, agricultural education teacher and FFA Advisor at Mission Valley High School in the East Central FFA District, received the 2026 Kansas State Golden Owl Award during the 98th Kansas FFA Convention, May 27–29, 2026, on the Kansas State University campus. Dr. Hoelting was described by nominators as someone who continually encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and discover opportunities they never imagined for themselves. Others reflected on the countless hours spent preparing teams for competitions and national conventions, always making students feel supported and confident along the way. Regional winners included: Ms. Jeannie Wege from the Hiawatha FFA Chapter – Northeast District, Ms. Allison Dix from the Phillipsburg FFA Chapter – Northwest, Mrs. Sonya Roberts from the Hillsboro FFA Chapter – South Central, Mrs. Karlea Clark of the Cherryvale FFA Chapter – Southeast District, Ms. Caity Thompson from the Spearville FFA Chapter – Southwest District, and Mr. Jim Weller from the Chapman FFA Chapter – North Central.
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. Hoelting 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 - Pierce Bales, Osborne County Division 2 - Jarett Riley & Blake Nightingale, Canton-Galva Division 3 - Hadley Huseman, Ellsworth Division 4 - Rett Bohl & Sage Gray, Ellsworth Division 5 - Kennedy Moreland, Junction City Division 6 - Pagano David & Lucas Laudick, Junction City
Environmental Service/Natural Resource Systems Division 2 - Ryker Sloup & Yael Amador, Canton-Galva Division 3 - Deyton Dibben, Junction City Division 4 - Tanner Riley & Quentin Shaw, Canton-Galva Division 5 - Kevin Lechuga-Adame, Junction City
Food Products and Processing Systems
Division 1 - Barrett Lix, Osborne County Division 2 - Addy Cathey & Joss Hett, Canton-Galva Division 3 - Isabel Petersilie, Ness City Division 5 - Nell Goss, Ellsworth Division 6 - Haley Brogan & Ellie Samms, Winfield
Plant Systems Sponsored by Pioneer
Division 3 - Cagney Bohl, Ellsworth Division 4 - Kassidy Heller & Stormy Guttery, Osborne County Division 5 - Brittney Dibben, Junction City * Division 6 - Honesty Williams & Brynn Kruse, Canton-Galva
Power, Structural and Technical Systems Sponsored by AGCO
Division 1 - Kaleb Larosh, Osborne County Division 2 - Levi Regehr & Julian Williams, Canton-Galva Division 3 - Robert “Austin” Seger, Stanton County * Division 4 - Wesley Prieb & Kyler Sawatsky, Canton-Galva Division 5 - Roper Woods, Chapman Division 6 - Aaron Long & Ty Herrera, Canton-Galva
Social Science
Division 1 - Liam Eilert, Osborne County Division 2 - Lydia Bartlett & Abigail Marah, Tonganoxie * Division 3 - Aspen Goddard, Junction City Division 4 - Lexi Goheen & Lainey Kendig, Osborne County * Division 5 - Mary “Lizzy” Vajnar, Hays Division 6 - Presley Henson & Mylee Miller, Chanute
* Indicates National Finalist Award Area
FROM THE BUDDY SEAT
TO THE NATIONAL STAGE Labette County FFA member’s SAE journey will lead him to the national stage, as a National Finalist in Ag Placement
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oah Wiley is currently a senior studying Economics at Pittsburg State University, but he was once a Greenhand FFA member starting his SAE and dreaming of standing on the National FFA Convention stage one day. In 2019, Noah began his first official SAE, working for Frazier Farms, but his passion for farming started when he was little, insisting on riding on the buddy seat of the tractor to spend time with his dad. Over the years, Noah’s tasks on the farm have changed drastically. He started by picking up rocks and roots, cleaning and organizing the shop and helping with minor maintenance. As his experience grew, so did Noah’s responsibility. “I’m now involved in every aspect of the farm. I perform deep tillage and final seedbed preparation. I operate the planter and the grain drill, the combine as well as the grain cart in planting and harvest
by Lillian Hulse
seasons… I also operate the GPS and precision ag systems… set computer parameters and make adjustments to equipment. I also scout the crops for weed, insect and disease pressure in order to get early detection,” Noah shares about his work on farms. Over the years, Noah has had SAEs in Diversified Crop Production, Grain Production, Fiber and/or Oil Production and even Vegetable Production, growing sweet corn. All of these SAEs brought different challenges, but keeping up with recordkeeping has proven successful for Noah. He says, “I built my (college) schedule to where I could have a couple of days during the school week that I come back and work… It’s benefited my SAE and it’s helped me be able to farm a lot more.” Like many FFA members, Noah contributes much of his success to the help of his ag teachers, FFA advisors, employer and parents. However, for Noah, one of his advisors and parents is one in the same. Labette County ag educator, Mr. Dustin Wiley is immensely proud of his son. Reminiscing on the moment Mr. Wiley learned of Noah’s success, he says, “I’ve been teaching for 28 years now, and I know that type of an award
just doesn’t normally happen… The likelihood of having a student, especially your own son, to become a star is… amazing.”
“I built my (college) schedule to where I could have a couple of days during the school week that I come back and work.”
somebody else has taken their life to build,” Mr. Wiley says proudly. As advisor and dad, Mr. Wiley’s insight for members aspiring to be successful in their SAEs is to, “Solicit help from people that you trust… people your own age and adults that will help you become a better person each and every day.” After years of hard work, preparation and dedication Noah is looking forward to the 99th National FFA Convention, where he will be anxiously awaiting the results of National Star in Ag Placement.
- Noah Wiley Making Noah’s FFA and SAE journey even more unique, his employer, Mr. John Frazier, was his dad’s ag teacher. Now, Noah works for and learns from Mr. Frazier almost everyday. “The reason why he (Mr. Frazier) is farming today is simply because he wants Noah to have the opportunity to take the farm over… in my view, there’s not a better example of what an SAE, or a proficiency award could ever turn into than a lifelong opportunity to take over the business that
PAST KANSAS FFA NATIONAL STARS 2017 Austin Nordyke
Hugoton
Star in Agribusiness
2011 Alex Goeckel
Washington County
Star in Ag Placement
2007 Caleb Alexander Garden City
Star in Agribusiness
2003 Orrin Holle Atwood Star Farmer 2002 Kyle Cott
Clay Center
Star in Ag Placement
2001 Steven Friess
Labette County
Star Farmer
1999 Michael Springer Neodesha
Star Farmer
1982 Kevin Robinson Mission Valley
Star Farmer
1975 Dan Worcester
Hill City
Star Farmer
1957 Jim Jarnigan
Jetmore
Star Farmer
1935 Paul Leck
Washington
Star Farmer
A ROUND OF GOLF, A
LIFETIME OF LEADERSHIP Blue & Gold Scholarship Scramble turns a day on the course into opportunities for Kansas FFA members
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round of golf in Hesston is helping Kansas FFA members take their leadership skills to Washington, D.C. On Friday, August 14, the 2026 Blue & Gold Scholarship Scramble brought together 22 teams at the Hesston Golf Course for a day of golf, fellowship and support of Kansas FFA. Along with a great round of golf, popular raffles and other activities helped the event raise more than $18,000—the strongest Scholarship Scramble to date. The annual event is a collaborative project of the Kansas FFA Alumni and Supporters and the Kansas FFA Foundation, with proceeds helping provide scholarships for Kansas FFA members to attend the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC). For the golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who make the Scramble possible, the day’s impact extends well beyond the course. Special thanks go out to Premier Sponsor Landoll and KanEquip, as well as Gold Sponsors Ryckert Farms, Kansas Soybean, S&S Rock Crushing, and Ag Direct.
by the Kansas FFA Foundation
experience centered on leadership, service, and making a difference in their communities. Reagan Every of the Dexter FFA Chapter was among the Kansas FFA members who experienced WLC this summer. She returned home with a different perspective on what it means to lead. “WLC changed me as a leader in the sense of understanding the importance of serving,” Every said. “My eyes were opened to the fact that service is the quality that will cause me to truly make a change.” She also had a message for the sponsors and supporters who help provide WLC scholarships. “Sponsors—your investment will be returned,” Every said. “WLC helped everyone make a plan of how they’re going to serve back at home, and gave everyone the resources to carry out their plans.” Every’s comments reflect a common theme among this year’s Kansas participants: WLC provides more than a trip to Washington. Members return home with new ideas, greater confidence, and a stronger understanding of how they can put leadership into action in their schools, FFA chapters, and communities. Sawyer Harrod, Dexter FFA member and WLC participant, said the experience helped him understand that leadership is about more than holding a position. “Leadership isn’t just about being in charge; it’s about serving others, working as a team, and leading by example,” Harrod said.
From Hesston to Washington, D.C. Each summer, Kansas FFA members travel to Washington, D.C., for WLC, where they join FFA members from across the country for an
For the Kansas FFA Alumni and Supporters and Kansas FFA Foundation, those experiences are the real measure of the Scholarship Scramble’s success. Each team registration, sponsorship, and raffle ticket ultimately helps provide Kansas
FFA members with opportunities to learn, grow, and lead.
“WLC changed me as a leader in the sense of understanding the importance of serving. My eyes were opened to the fact that service is the quality that will cause me to truly make a change.” Reagan Every Investing in Kansas FFA Throughout the Year The Blue & Gold Scholarship Scramble is just one way the Kansas FFA Foundation works throughout the year to create opportunities for Kansas FFA members. Through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and agricultural partners, the Foundation helps provide resources for leadership development, student scholarships and grants, recognition programs, educational opportunities, and many of the major activities that are part of the Kansas FFA experience. That work includes seeking partners to help underwrite programs and events throughout the year, including the Kansas State FFA Convention. These partnerships allow companies and organizations to connect with Kansas FFA
members while investing in experiences that prepare students for leadership, careers, and service in agriculture and their communities. At the same time, the Foundation is working to secure those opportunities for generations yet to come. Our Youth. Our Future. Our Kansas FFA. Endowment Campaign is currently working toward a $5 million goal to establish a permanent endowment supporting the mission and vision of Kansas FFA for decades to come. The campaign represents an investment not simply in the organization as it exists today, but in the thousands of young people who will wear the blue jacket in the future. Strong support this past summer from the Kansas Corn Commission and the Kansas Farm Bureau has closed the gap, with just under $500,000 left to raise to meet the goal. Whether through an event sponsorship, support for a specific program, an endowment gift, or another investment, there are opportunities for both businesses and individuals to become part of that work. Companies interested in positioning their organization alongside Kansas FFA and individuals with a personal interest in investing in the future of agricultural leadership are encouraged to contact the Kansas FFA Foundation to learn more about partnership and giving opportunities.
RIDE WITH OUR BRAND Kansas Agricultural Education license plates are starting to appear across the state! Can we make it into all 105 counties? To get the tag, simply visit your county treasurer and let them know you’re interested in the Kansas FFA plate! The Kansas FFA Foundation will receive a monthly report from the treasurer’s office with all tag donations.
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 18th at Great Bend November 19th at Emporia
Give to the Kansas FFA Foundation by scanning the QR code above!