VOLUME 42
Winter 2024
ISSUE #2
ON THE COVER: Tonganoxie FFA members attend
the barn raising for the new American Royal complex in Kansas City, Kansas. Winter 2024 State Officers Christian Peña
President Sublette
Payton Ryba
Vice President Cheney
Cecillia Newby
Secretary Labette County
Karli Neher
Treasurer Hays
Sage Toews
Reporter Canton-Galva
Kai Cox
Sentinel Northern Valley
State Staff Mr. Guy Shoulders 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 Adelle Higbie, West Franklin; Bethany DeDonder, North Lyon County; Bree Allen, Prairie View; Emma Self, Anderson County; Wade Enman, Paola; Hayley Hines, Paola NORTH CENTRAL Maddy Krueger, Minneapolis; Noah Goss, Ellsworth; Joni Begnoche, Clay Center; Lillian Hulse, Minneapolis; Ava Oentrich, Junction City; Jacob Wendland, Riley County NORTHEAST Rylie Meinhardt, Wamego; Adelaide Haverkamp, Nemaha-Central; Dustin Denton, Valley Heights; Jennifer Buck, Jackson Heights; Madeline Bontrager, Holton; Chloey Stratham, Axtell NORTHWEST Marisa Wasinger, Hays; Addison Green-Russell, Lakeside; Layton Johnson, Phillipsburg; Ruby Gosmel-Osthoff, Smith Center; Emma Karst, Russell; Teagen Pfeifer, Russell SOUTH CENTRAL Connor Blubaugh, Haven; Kaitlyn Bina, Centre; Kylee Simons, Renwick; Stetson Shook, Arkansas City; Jase Beltz, Canton-Galva; Kate Haines, Wellington SOUTHEAST Ainsley Norton, Girard; Bryon Fry, Uniontown; Addy Boaz, Erie; Lyle Perrier, Eureka; Tucker Leck, Neodesha; Cody Burns, Girard SOUTHWEST Madison Seyb, Stanton County; Nicole Bustillos, Hugoton; Lincoln Martin, Bucklin; Harlee Tilley, Bucklin; Kaylen Langhofer, Southwestern Heights; Pasli Werth, Cimarron
by Christian Peña, State FFA President
T
he state officer team and I just recently celebrated eight months in office! We have had such a great time and are excited for what the last four months hold in store for Kansas FFA. We have completed all the district Greenhand Conferences, National FFA Convention, and numerous chapter and industry visits. Let’s recap some highlights of our fall. Greenhand Conferences all across the state allowed first year members to show off their skills and gave our team the opportunity to interact with young members and see parts of the state that some of us had never seen before.
happening here in Kansas as well as see our members and some of the state officer team compete and be recognized up on the big stage! All in all, we had a great time representing our state and cheering on our members! We wrapped up 2023 with business and industry visits as well as chapter visits all across the state. With our last four months in office among us, we are gearing up for National FFA week, district and chapter banquets, and state convention! We can’t wait to see what is next!
We also had the opportunity to travel to Indianapolis for the 96th National FFA Convention. While there, we met with industry partners to share about what is
FAST FACT :
Did you know that #FFAWeek runs Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Feb. 22, George Washington’s birthday in recognition of his legacy as a farmer and agriculturist? This edition of the Kansas FFA Future Farmer is underwritten by Frontier Farm Credit. Learn more about Frontier Farm Credit at www.frontierfarmcredit.com
Consider Washington LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Kansas FFA alumnus in Washington D.C. share how their WLC experience shaped their desire to work in our nation’s capitol city.
Abby Goins
Labette County FFA Alumnus
Lane Coberly Chapman FFA Alumnus
What’s your current role?
What’s your current role?
Legislative Assistant for Rep. Tracey Mann.
Manager at Invariant, a bipartisan multi-client government relations and public relations firm in Washington DC.
What memories do you have of your WLC Experience? For me, WLC really opened up my eyes to what opportunities were available. It was the furthest I’d been from home and my first exposure to national advocacy. I especially remember the “poverty dinner” and how impactful it was to experience something so eye opening and moving, while having a vulnerable and meaningful conversation. How did your WLC experience influence your decision to work in our nation’s capitol? The people I met at WLC went on to be some of my best friends, classmates, and colleagues. Those people impacted what classes, internships, and opportunities I pursued. My boss was an FFA Member and currently co-chairs the Congressional FFA Caucus. I first met many of my current coworkers through FFA. It’s because of those connections - and the way that WLC taught me about the opportunities in policy - that I pursued a career ag policy. I always love hosting WLC attendees each summer, because it’s a reminder of how I got started in this career & why opportunities like WLC are so critical to preparing the next generation of leaders.
What memories do you have of your WLC Experience? I have many great and impactful memories from my time at WLC – from touring the national monuments to meeting FFA members from across the country (that I still keep in contact with today) to hearing from agriculture industry professionals with expertise on the U.S. food and agriculture industry’s role in the world. How did your WLC experience influence your decision to work in our nation’s capitol? By attending WLC, my awareness of how numerous other “pieces”, including the role of public policy and good leadership, help determine the larger picture of the agriculture industry broadened. WLC challenges attendees to reconsider the status quo and make a positive impact in our own unique ways. This led me to study relevant coursework in high school and college, apply for policy-related internships in Kansas and in Washington, DC, and eventually to live and work here. In my job and day-to-day life in DC, I am reminded of the value of diverse expertise to help address the various complex issues our communities, country, and world face – which WLC helps showcase to its attendees.
KANSAS FFA WLC TRAVEL GROUP DATES: JUNE 11 - 16, 2024 | VISIT WWW.KSFFA.ORG/PROGRAMS/WASHINGTON-LEADERSHIP-CONFERENCE/
Translating a WINNING PERFORMANCE
by Lucas Shivers
Uniontown FFA member wins the first Spanish Creed Invitational Competition at the 96th National FFA Convention in Indianpolis.
U
at Uniontown High School and took Plant and Animal Science from advisor Scott Sutton.
“Never doubt yourself, and believe in yourself,” she says. “There will be highs and lows while competing, but you must push through and persevere.”
To the Top with a Team
niontown FFA member Maria Cibrian-Vazquez earned first place at the inaugural Spanish Creed Invitational Competition at the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo.
Topping 37 members from 16 states in the first event, Cibrian-Vazquez brought home the top prize to the heartland. “The Creed is one of those foundational pieces that you learn really early on when you’re in FFA,” says Jenny Bautista Ramirez, invitational superintendent and committee chair. “But being able to actually express and understand it in a language they prefer, that’s something that you can’t take away.”
“The move was difficult at first as the school I transferred to had very few Hispanic students and lacked diversity,” says Cibrian-Vazquez. “It took time to adjust and eventually I made a new set of friends.” Sutton worked to designate Cibrian-Vazquez as a competitor to represent Kansas for the national event. With this blessing, she competed on Nov. 1 in downtown Indianapolis. “Essentially, I helped her in answering questions and leaned heavily on our school’s Spanish teacher and her former advisors from California,” Sutton said. “We picked out some questions that were likely to be asked and she created flash cards. She was polished and it didn’t take much more.” He listened to many iterations to help with movements, hand motions and delivery. “Through all the difficulties of competing in public speaking competitions, it’s important to have people in your corner to support you and help you such as advisors and mentors,” Cibrian-Vazquez says.
Golden to Sunflower State Cibrian-Vazquez started FFA in California by taking an agriculture class in junior high at Los Banos Junior High. She officially began her FFA career as a freshman at Pacheco High School in Los Banos, CA, and finished third in the California Spanish Creed contest. After moving to Kansas right before school started this summer, Cibrian-Vazquez enrolled
“Never doubt yourself.... There will be highs and lows while competing, but you must push through and persevere.” - Maria Cibrian-Vazquez
Top Contestant
Balanced Life
In three rounds of competitions, Cibrian-Vazquez performed the Creed in front of a panel of judges and answered questions at each cycle.
Cibrian-Vazquez also plays the bagpipes, resulting in a top 12 finish at the California State Convention talent show her freshman year. She hopes to bring the Spanish creed speaking to Kansas and rally support for the event.
“I was worried after the second round as I ran out of time answering questions, but I was relieved to learn that I had made it to the final six,” she says. In the final recitation, one of her judges was David Lopez, a former state and national officer from California. “He is a hero to me and someone who’s footsteps I hope to follow,” she says. “I have goals of becoming an officer on several levels including my local chapter, district, state and eventually a national officer.”
“I am proud of her for dealing with an uncomfortable situation of moving to the middle of the USA and having to adjust, make friends, navigate teenage life and figure things out,” Sutton said. “We’re so rural and not always as diverse so it was a big change to make, all while preparing for this high-level contest.”
El Credo de FFA
Creo en el futuro de la agricultura, con una fe que no nace de las palabras sino de los hechos — logros conseguidos por las generaciones presentes y pasadas de agricultores; en la promesa de días mejores a través de mejores maneras, así como creo que las mejores cosas de las que gozamos hoy han llegado a nosotros como resultado de las luchas de años anteriores. Creo que vivir y trabajar en una buena finca, o dedicarse a otras actividades agrícolas, es agradable, y al mismo tiempo es un reto, porque conozco las alegrías e inconvenientes de la vida agrícola y mantengo una afición innata por aquellas asociaciones que no le negaré ni siquiera en horas de desaliento. Creo en nuestro propio liderazgo y en el respeto a los demás. Creo en mi propia capacidad de trabajar de manera eficiente y de pensar con claridad, con cuantos conocimientos y habilidades pueda adquirir, y en la capacidad de los agricultores progresistas para servir nuestros propios intereses y el interés público en la producción y la comercialización del producto de nuestro trabajo. Creo en menos dependencia de la caridad y más poder en la negociación; en la vida abundante y en que haya suficiente riqueza honesta para ayudar a que así sea — tanto para los demás como para mí; sin necesidad de caridad y más de ella cuando sea necesario; creo en ser feliz y en ser más honesto con aquellos cuya felicidad depende de mí. Creo que la agricultura de Estados Unidos puede y debe mantenerse fiel a las mejores tradiciones de nuestra vida nacional y que puedo ejercer influencia en mi hogar y en la comunidad, que se mantendrá firme por mi parte en esta inspiradora tarea.
The Social @GRICULTURE EDUCATOR
by Amy Feigley
Early career agricultural educator utlizes social media in his program to highlight opportunities and connect with students.
F
or Cade Fiske, the love of agriculture began early. He wanted a career where he could work with people by giving back, but didn’t really know what that would be. While in middle school, Mr. Fiske thought about becoming a teacher. In high school, he enrolled in agricultural education classes and became an FFA member, solidifying his love of agriculture. Although banking was his first thought, he ended up following his passion, graduating Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education. While Mr. Fiske is still pretty new to the teaching profession, he has been able to witness milestones, such as growth in himself as an educator. He watched his students achieve their goals, whether they be attending a postsecondary school, or entering the workforce. Mr. Fiske, like other educators, taught via Zoom during a pandemic as a student teacher. He has witnessed the education community gather to make sure the students’ best interest was a top priority, as well as witnessing the Kansas FFA Association reaching the highest number of members. Social media in this day and age is a way to create connections and stay connected to a variety of people. This is something that Mr. Fiske realized early on in his teaching career, needing to stay connected with his coworkers, as well as other Ag teachers. His “professional/teaching” social media started with an Instagram account, which he started as a student teacher. He was able to showcase what he was teaching, gather ideas from other teachers, and as an outlet for his creativity. His TikTok account, “@mr_fiske_ag”,
began as a joke. It has since cultivated into something he is enthusiastic about. The page allows him to let others know about teaching, as well as agricultural education and the FFA. Being tuned in with other agricultural educators across the country has given him the chance to see what they are teaching, and Mr. Fiske will even work social media into his classroom curriculum. Being connected to his students is something that Fiske prides himself in, knowing that they are an important piece of the puzzle of an agricultural education program. FFA gives him the chance to dive into the interest of his students, allowing him to have meaningful conversations with them about what is important in their lives. He also believes in assisting his students to succeed in other aspects of their high school career outside of FFA. Cade coaches three sports and sponsors another club, aside from being the FFA advisor. This allows him to engage with other students. Attending a variety of Mission Valley community and school events is a point of pride for him Fiske’s overall goal for social media accounts is to continue showing the world about agricultural education and FFA, as well as seeing those programs through the eyes of an educator. He works to expose the public to his program, and believes that social media in the education system can be a success. He recently began a new venture with “Beyond that School Bell”, a podcast that can be heard on all major podcast platforms.
Follow Mr. Fiske @mr_fiske_ag @mr_fiske_ag Beyond That School Bell
Contribute Today to the KANSAS FFA 5x5 PLEDGE 1 GIFT
2 GIFTS
3 GIFTS
4 GIFTS
5 GIFTS
I
n our world, commonalities bring us together: shared hobbies, interests, backgrounds, and more. Yet, for nearly a century, one common symbol has bound millions of people together within the National FFA Organization—the iconic blue jacket. From its humble origins in 1928, when 33 farm boys organized the Future Farmers of America, its profound impact on countless lives was still to come. Approaching our centennial milestone, the Kansas FFA Foundation team is taking a moment to reflect on our storied past and look forward to the future. We aspire to continue offering transformative experiences for future Kansas FFA members, ensuring that the legacy endures for generations to come. Across Kansas, we witness a shared commitment from individuals, communities, and businesses, all invested in nurturing the organization’s growth and longevity. Throughout our travels, we’ve highlighted a pressing need within the Kansas FFA Association: to stabilize our funding sources. Despite recordbreaking membership and chapter numbers, our financial support hasn’t kept pace. Through a combination of annual funds raised by the Kansas FFA Foundation, membership dues, and stagnant grant funding, the urgency to fortify our financial footing has never been clearer.
As previously shared in this magazine,the Kansas FFA Foundation is promoting a statewide $5 million capital campaign, aiming to establish an endowment that will sustain our growth responsibly. Presently, we’ve secured over $3 million in raised funds. The question arises: How do we bridge the gap and ensure the campaign’s success? Enter the “5x5 Pledge Program,” launched in October 2023, which has already yielded remarkable results. FFA’s presence resonates in 102 of Kansas’s 105 counties. Imagine if five individuals, businesses, or organizations from each county pledged $5,000 over five years— equivalent to $1,000 annually, $83 monthly or $20 weekly. These pledges would ensure we reach our goal. We recognize the depth of care for this organization across Kansas. It will require collective effort from all who champion its cause to achieve our goal. If you, your business, or community organization wishes to join us in supporting the 5x5 pledge program, reach out to Johanna Anderes at the Kansas FFA Foundation today via phone at 785-410-7313 or email at johanna@kansasffafoundation.org. Together, let’s ensure a vibrant future for Kansas FFA.
Kansas FFA Association 110 Umberger Hall 1612 Claflin Road Manhattan, KS 66506
WE CHALLENGE YOU!
digitally CONNECT
Are you a past Kansas FFA State Award Winner or apart of an FFA Alumni & Supporters Chapter? The Kansas FFA Foundation is challenging you to give back to future Kansas FFA members!
See our website (www.ksffa.org) for more information on the following:
Past State Star Challenge
List of Chapters and Districts
Mike Smith, 1978 Star Farmer challenges other past State Stars to give to the Kansas FFA Endowment Campaign by providing a match of $10,000 towards the campaign.
Calendar of Events
List of Foundation Sponsors Awards Programs
Alumni & Supporters Marysville and Chapman FFA Alumni Chapters have made 5x5 Pledges to the Endowment Campaign and challenge other Alumni Chapters to do the same.
Give to the Kansas FFA Foundation by scanning the QR code above!