2014-15 Annual Report

Annual Report 2014-2015

2014-15 Annual Report Table of Contents

Nebraska FFA Foundation PO Box 94942 Lincoln, NE 68509-4942 402-472-5224 Website: neffafoundation.org Facebook: facebook.com/neffafoundation Twitter: twitter.com/neffafoundation Blog: neffafoundation.wordpress.com

2

2

Welcome Letter............................................................3 Nebraska Agricultural Education.......................................4 Student Spotlight..........................................................6 FFA Chapter Spotlight....................................................8 Ag Teacher Feature......................................................10 Nebraska FFA Foundation Board of Directors.......................11 Nebraska FFA Foundation Financial Information..................12 Industry Partner Recognition...........................................14 Individual Donor Recognition..........................................18 I Believe in the Future of Ag Recognition...............................21 FFA Foundation Events.................................................26

Dear Friends, Live a Legacy.

That was the theme of the 2015 Nebraska FFA Convention and we think it’s very fitting as we look back on the past year of support and growth for Nebraska FFA. One thing that the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board of Directors speaks about frequently is the need to live and leave a legacy for Nebraska’s FFA members–those who will be leading and feeding our country as we grow older. You should see that reflected in our fundraising efforts.

As the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s largest program, the I Believe in the Future of Ag campaign has been instrumental in building capacity in Nebraska’s FFA chapters. In 2014-15, local FFA chapters raised almost $250,000 for their own programs. In addition, 20 corporate partners provided matching funds so that almost $275,000 was sent out to Nebraska’s FFA chapters.

The first time Nebraska FFA Convention was held at Pinnacle Bank Arena last April. Almost 6,000 students, advisors and chapter sponsors were in attendance with an updated schedule and venue.

Your support funded awards and recognition, leadership workshops for both middle and high school sutdents, the career fair and many other events held in Lincoln at that time.

The State Teach Ag Results (STAR) program has seen great success in its first year. Support from great partners provided funding and support for this program to allow for a more strategic approach to recruiting students to study Agricultural Education

and to enhance efforts to help current teachers excel in their career and remain in the teaching industry.

We know this challenge is one Team Ag Ed will face for many years to come, since many of Nebraska’s agriculture teachers are eligible for retirement in the very near future and this is one big step in finding a solution.

Finally, many of you stepped up this year to provide FFA jackets for students that really needed it. Over 600 students applied for an FFA jacket as part of the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program. That’s almost double the prior year. While we weren’t able to provide a jacket for all of them, we did award 259 jackets, which is the highest amount thus far.

The Nebraska FFA Foundation has continued to see a steady increase in both corporate and individual giving and it is our goal to continue this trend. We are so grateful for your support as Nebraska FFA works to grow leaders, build communities and strengthen agriculture. Much of the growth we are experiencing is supported by your generous financial contributions.

The Nebraska FFA Foundation is proud to serve as a way for you to leave your legacy and this annual report reflects that. In the following pages, you’ll see stories of the impact you made on young people over the past year and details of the many of you that financially supported young people in their classroom, supervised agricultural experiences and FFA programs.

Thank you for your commitment to agricultural education students.

Scanned by CamScanner

Sincerely,

Kent Kirchhoff

2014-15 President Nebraska FFA Foundation

Stacey Agnew

Executive Director Nebraska FFA Foundation

3

3

Nebraska Agricultural Education The mission of agricultural education is to prepare students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food and natural resource systems.

Ag Ed Three-Component Model Agricultural education uses a proven approach based on an integrated model of delivery. Students experience direct instruction in the classroom and laboratory, leadership development through FFA and experiential learning via a student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).

Nebraska Ag Ed & FFA Facts

158 agricultural education

8 New Ag Ed Programs

programs/FFA chapters This breaks a record set in 1955!

Arthur County, Litchfield, Adams Central, Silver Lake, Cross County, Cedar Bluffs, Auburn, HTRS

37 agriculture education teaching jobs

37% of Nebraska’s agriculture teachers

were available for the 2014-15 school year

UNL pre-service/student teachers attended the Nebraska Career Education conferencea first in Nebraska.

are female - another all-time high!

19 beginning agricultural education

teachers were paired with current teachers in mentoring relationships.

7,338 FFA members - All time high! exposed to over 200 agricultural professionals at Nebraska FFA members were

the new Pathways to Careers Conference.

Over 800 students attended the annual Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT).

FFA chapters registered 3,799 members and 2,172 teachers, parents and adult sponsors for the first Nebraska FFA Convention in Pinnacle Bank Arena.

4

2014-15 Nebraska FFA State Officer Team

Blair Hartman State Vice President Imperial FFA

Andrea Wach State Vice President Hayes Center FFA

Amanda Lambrecht State Vice President Blair FFA

Colton Flower State Secretary Scottsbluff FFA

Paige Dexter State President Chambers FFA

Brandon Nichols State Vice President Bridgeport FFA

Ben Rice State Vice President Norris FFA

Team Ag Ed Staff

Matt Kreifels

State Director of Agricultural Education & AFNR Career Field Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Anita Wollenburg

AFNR Career Field Specialist & State FFA Advisor, Nebraska Department of Education

Stacey Agnew Executive Director, Nebraska FFA Foundation

Sarah Mullen Program Manager, Nebraska FFA Foundation

5

Supervised Agricultural Experience Develops into Value-Added Beef Business for Logan Peters Left: Peters has learned the importance of caring for his cattle herd which includes vaccinations.

In this photo, a camera person visits to shoot video for the American Star Farmer Award.

Right: Peters poses before going on stage to win the 2011 Nebraska Turf Grass Management Proficiency Award.

Logan Peters grew up on a small, diversified family operation. He spent a lot of time following around his dad and grandpa as a young boy and bought his first bucket calf when he was 8 years old for $210.00. This is what sparked his love of beef cattle. He wanted to start his own herd of beef cattle. Knowing the slow process to grow a cattle herd internally, as well as the capital required to purchase bred cows to expand his operation, Peters began brainstorming ways to support and grow his herd through value-added profits.

In his free time, he started a lawn mowing business, picked up scrap metal, raised chickens for both meat and egg production, put together field corn test plots and helped neighboring farmers. Pumpkins were his next big venture.

After much research and limited land, he decided to try it and produced 700 pumpkins in his first year. He learned quickly how to grow, store and market this seasonal product and eventually would sign a contract with a Papillion shopping mall to supply fall decorations, including pumpkins, gourds, straw bales, cornstalks and ornamental corn. All the profit from these ventures went to support his dream of growing his cattle herd.

And grow it he did. He purchased fifteen Wagyu bred cows at the local sale barn. While the purchase doubled his herd size, it also created more challenges. He needed to find a more profitable way to market because there is such

6

Feeding cattle requires a combination of both knowledge and skill. Peters values the mentors who have helped guide him to reach his goals and teach him new ways.

a niche market for the Wagyu breed. Wagyu is a Japanese breed of cattle known for the extreme amount of marbling found in the meat. He wanted to sell these cattle privately, so Peters listed his calves for sale on Craigslist and he began conversations with Jill and Mark Schmitz of Panama, Iowa. Mark, a former Ag Ed teacher and FFA advisor, became a mentor and buyer of Peters’ calves. Schmitz would finish the cattle and distribute the meat to local restaurants and sell it online and in the wholesale market.

This relationship eventually gave Peters the opportunity to purchase purebred Wagyu bulls from Schmitz.

Photo by Bryce Doeschot

Peters tests and observes his alfalfa hay with great attention. He works continually to improve quality for the premium dairy, horse and sheep markets within a three-state radius.

Peters says he learned a lot because of his agricultural education classes, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) and FFA. He credits his leadership skills to his time as a chapter officer and the leadership development activities he participated in during high school.

The skills he learned in classes and the Career Development Events he participated in have been very relevant to his college coursework and dayto-day aspects of his operation.

He shared a story of a bad snowstorm near his hometown where he lost three calves in ten days.

“I was irritated and frustrated,” Peters said, “but it taught me to take more ownership of my herd.”

He began to pay more attention to and make his own decisions regarding vaccinations, feedstuff and the layout of the cattle yard to be better prepared for severe weather.

Peters says he’s always had the entrepreneurial spirit. When he was eight years old, he started Logan’s Corn Palace. He says, “I was riding in the combine with my dad, saw corn left in the field and started asking questions about the waste.”

He began picking up ears of corn left lying on the ground, designing and building squirrel feeders and learning to market these products to local customers.

Peters says he attended Nebraska’s FFA Convention with his parents when he was in Junior High. His older brother was involved in FFA. It was seeing the Stars Over Nebraska

Logan Peters, middle, is pictured with his parents Pam and Matt Peters, who received their Honorary American Degrees at National FFA Convention when Peters was named an American Star Farmer Finalist.

Pageant on stage that he set a goal of becoming the State Star Farmer.

As a senior, he wasn’t even selected as a state finalist for the award, but he didn’t give up.

Peters waited a few years to develop more of his SAE, narrowed his focus to premium alfalfa hay and Wagyu beef cattle production and applied for the American Star Farmer as part of the American FFA Degree. Considered as the highest recognition in the nation for an aspiring young farmer, the American Star Farmer Award recognizes achievement in both career and leadership development. He was chosen as a finalist, meaning Peters was in the top four in the nation.

But his story doesn’t end there. Peters, a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will graduate and continue to grow his operation. He has done thorough research and written a business plan for PrimeFire Meats. “I realized early on in my high school career that there wasn’t going to be an opportunity for me to come back to the family farm and I decided to create an opportunity myself,” he says.

His plan includes vertically integrating his SAE into a birth to plate operation. This means he will finish out the cattle himself, get them processed at a specialty packing plant, utilize cold storage and sell American Style Kobe Beef directly to high-end restaurants all across the Midwest.

7

Above: McCool Junction students pose in front of the future animal lab.

Left: McCool Junction students and volunteers work to insulate and complete a wall in their animal lab.

Right: The lab will serve as an educational tool for students in special education too. Mitch, pictured bottom left, was involved in a serious accident six years ago.

He now spends a portion of some days interacting and learning about a different animal during each visit.

8

McCool Junction FFA -

Just Livin’ Clay’s Dream in 2015 What was just an empty filling station is quickly being transformed, with the community and students’ help, into Clay Real Livin’ the Dream Live Animal Lab. Clay Real, a former student at McCool Junction, had an agricultural dream. As a senior, Real was on his way home from an FFA event with the York FFA advisors. That’s where he had the opportunity to see the live animal lab that York had as part of their agricultural education program. From that experience grew a passion and mission for the senior. He called his advisor Dana Hall shortly afterward. He knew they needed something like this. He continued to talk about it, even after starting school at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He was going to come back during holiday break to help her figure out how to make it a reality.

While Real passed away before he could do that, his parents knew about his dream. Hall says, “His parents called me a few days later and said, we know Clay had this dream that he talked about a lot. We want to help you make that happen and we want to use some of his memorial funds to do so.”

The Real family donated $15,000 to the McCool Junction FFA Chapter through the I Believe in the Future of Ag campaign. Because of support of Nebraska FFA Foundation corporate sponsors, the chapter received over $1,500 in matching funds and also received an additional $1,000 for winning a video contest hosted by the Foundation. This gave the chapter a great starting point for what seemed like an unreachable goal.

They’ve seen great community support since the Reals’ generous gift last February. They’ve received several monetary donations, material donations for the building, volunteer hours and animals, including a hedgehog, turtles, lionhead rabbits, chinchillas, chicks, rabbits and fish. But the work has just begun. This September, a year after Real’s passing, the community gathered together to begin work on the facility. Over the next several months Ag Ed students, FFA members and community members will work to turn part of an old filling station, donated by

Farmers Cooperative, into their own live animal lab.

The lab will house their current animals and with room for larger animals, such as pigs, lambs, cattle and horses, to be brought in for a few days for educational purposes.

McCool Junction FFA Facts: Location: McCool Junction, NE About 15 miles south of York, NE Charter Year: 2007 FFA Members: 50

Alex Shockey, a senior and McCool Junction FFA Chapter President says, “I was a close friend with Clay and it means a lot to me to help build his legacy. We knew it was going to be a lot of work, but it will be worth it.” Shockey lives in town and helps out on his friends’ and neighbors’ farms occasionally. He says he’s excited to experience new animals, like experiencing a pig give birth.

That’s something he’s never experienced before and he’s most likely not the only one.

Chantelle Schulz, a junior, says it’s exciting to be able to take her potential career path in equine therapy and to get hands-on experiences. “I’m excited to take what I know about the equine field and work with elementary students and middle school students and special education programs to teach them and encourage them to pursue similar career paths.”

Hall says, “We’ve seen an increased interest in taking Ag Ed classes and not just from your traditional ag kids. This will also really give our students an opportunity to teach their peers, younger students and the community about animals, animal care and where their food comes from. And to just continue living Clay’s dream.”

9

State Teach Ag Results Program Assists Teacher Recruitment and Retention Nebraska is in serious need of agriculture teachers. The number of agricultural education and FFA chapters in the state has grown by 32 percent in the past couple years and a significant percentage of Nebraska’s agriculture teachers are eligible for retirement in the next few years.

Because of the growth of agricultural education and FFA, the shortage of agriculture teachers and the high percentage of retiring ag teachers, Nebraska was selected to be part of the State Teach Ag Results (STAR) program.

The STAR program is a nationwide program run by the National Teach Ag campaign, which is part of the National Council for Agricultural Education. Only ten states were selected to participate in the first year. Once each state is chosen they determine a team of representatives to develop a long-term agriculture teacher recruitment and retention plan for their state. The Nebraska STAR program team representatives include staff from the Nebraska Department of Education, University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Department of Agricultural Education and Communication (ALEC), Nebraska FFA Alumni and Nebraska FFA Foundation, and current agriculture teachers and UNL students majoring in Agricultural Education.

As part of the 2014-15 program, Team Ag Ed hosted several events throughout the year for both high school and college students.

They hosted Teach Ag workshops, Teach Ag promotional booths and recruitment at Nebraska FFA Events, with a big emphasis at State FFA Convention. Teachers were recognized for outstanding service to the ag teacher profession at their annual conference and undergraduate students studying agricultural education attended the annual Nebraska Career Educators Conference, typically held for teachers already in the profession. They also toured different areas of the agriculture industry to gain knowledge and connect with professionals that will help them later in the field.

Nebraska also had their first two agricultural education interns, Lacey Jo Peterson and Jessy Eggerling. The interns were exposed to many

10

Nebraska agriculture teachers speak about the importance of teaching agriculture during each of the general sessions at the 2015 Nebraska FFA Convention.

different opportunities within the agriculture education major. They had experiences with the Nebraska FFA Association, Nebraska Agricultural Education section of the Nebraska Department of Education, Nebraska FFA Foundation and its sponsors, UNL ALEC Department, and two local agricultural education programs. Both of the interns said that the greatest part about the internship was meeting all of the teachers.

Peterson says she benefited from the internship because she feels more prepared to student-teach in the coming year. She said, “I chose to be an agricultural education major because I feel there is a real disconnect between consumers and the agricultural industry.” This experience has helped her connect the dots and will provide the tools necessary for her to help fill the gap.

The STAR program has already shown great results in Nebraska. Matt Kreifels, State Director of Agricultural Education, is leading the charge on the STAR program in Nebraska. He says, “We have already seen more people interested in majoring in agricultural education at UNL and the team will continue to find ways to promote agricultural education to fill the positions of future agricultural programs and retired agricultural teachers.”

2014-15 Nebraska FFA Foundation Board of Directors The mission of the Nebraska FFA Foundation is to enhance quality education/FFA programs in order to achieve excellence in leadership development, curriculum innovation and scholastic advancement of students.

Back Row: Kent Kirchhoff, Karl Hensley, Mark Holoubek, Seth Derner, Craig Head, Jack Nemec, Blake Johnson Front Row: Rich Herink, Judson Jesske, Justin Troudt, Christin Kamm, Jill Goedeken Not pictured: Craig Frederick, Katie Gutzmann, Dann Husmann, Anita Wollenburg, Matt Kreifels, Tom Volk

Seth Derner, Treasurer Vivayic, Inc.

Rich Herink First National Bank

Christin Kamm, Vice President Nebraska Department of Agriculture

Craig Frederick Seward Public Schools Represented the Nebraska Ag Educators Association

Mark Holoubek, Secretary Seitec Genetics & Farmer

Kent Kirchhoff, President Plains Equipment Group

Dann Husmann University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Matt Kreifels Nebraska Department of Education

Judson Jesske Farm Credit Services of America

Jack Nemec Retired

Blake Johnson Bunker Hill Farms

Justin Troudt Orthman Manufacturing

Anita Wollenburg Nebraska FFA Association Represented the Nebraska FFA Association

Tom Volk DEKALB & Asgrow

Jill Goedeken Columbus Lakeview Schools Represented the Nebraska FFA Alumni Association Katie Gutzmann Hoegemeyer Hybrids Craig Head Nebraska Farm Bureau Karl Hensley Central Valley Ag

11

Financial Information Statement of Financial Position

2015

2014

Assets Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents Checking & Savings Accounts Money Market Accounts Accrued Interest Receivable Receivables, Unconditional Promises and Pledges Prepaid Insurance Total Current Assets

$457,851 6,769 321,731 $786,351

$317,049 9,471 2,374 34,300 633 $363,827

Other Assets Investments Mutual Funds Promissory Note Receivables, Unconditional Promises & Pledges Total Other Assets

678,445 17,984 27,700 $724,129

545,398 48,133 $593,531

$1,510,480

$957,358

TOTAL ASSETS Liabilities and Net Assets Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Accrued Payroll Taxes Payable Total Current Liabilities Net Assets Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Permanently Restricted Total Net Assets Total Liabilities and Net Assets

$6,272 $6,272

$

6,836 $6,836

$1,150,076 354,132 1,504,208

$866,011 64,394 20,117 950,522

$1,510,480

$957,358

Annual Programming Expenses

* Data provided by HBE Becker Meyer Love LLP Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

I Believe in the Future of Ag Local Support - 26% I Believe in the Future of Ag Corporate Support - 14% Management and General - 12% Awards & Recognition - 8% Fundraising - 7% State FFA Convention - 6% Agriculture Teacher Activities - 5% Local Chapter Programs - 5% Leadership Programming - 5% State Fair - 2% FFA Jacket Fund - 2% True Blue - 2%

The financial statements of the Nebraska FFA Foundation are audited annually by an independent public accounting firm. A copy of the audited financial statements and the Foundation’s tax filing (Form 990) may be obtained by contacting the Foundation’s office.

12

Financial Information Statement of Activities 2015

2014

$551,831 951,125 28,796 558 10,085 7,286 1,549,681

$522,220 427,180 63,595 15,000 25,958 2,905 11,604 34,216 1,102,678

$793,759

$716,827

127,484 74,752 995,995

62,435 131,584 910,846

$553,686

$191,832

950,522

758,690

$1,504,208

$950,522

Support and Revenues Contributions I Believe in the Future of Agriculture Nebraska Environmental Trust Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award Administration Fee Interest Income Dividend Income Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Net Assets Released from Restrictions Total Support and Revenues

Expenses Program Services Support Services Management and General Fundraising Total Expenses Change in Net Assets Net Assets, Beginning of Year

Average value every Nebraska FFA Chapter receives from FFA Foundation services*

Revenue and Expenses 2010-2015 $6,000

$1,500,000

*Total programming and education expenses applied toward all chapters each year

$900,000

$600,000

$300,000

$1,000

2010-11 Revenue Expenses $509,323 $406,402

2011-12 Revenue Expenses $660,392 $538,262

2012-13

2013-14

2014-15

Revenue Expenses Revenue Expenses Revenue Expenses $826,138 $738,660 $1,102,678 $910,846 $1,549,681 $995,995

$1,866

$2,000

$2,363

$3,000

$3,692

$4,000

$4,779

$5,000 $1,200,000

$5,023

Net Assets, End of Year

2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

13

Industry Partners August 2014-July 2015

Premier Sponsors

($25,000 or more)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources & Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication

6 Star Sponsors ($15,000-$24,999)

5 Star Sponsors ($10,000-$14,999)

FVC

Frenchman Valley Coop fvcoop.com

14

14

Your Premier Service Provider

Industry Partners (Continued) August 2014-July 2015

5 Star Sponsors ($10,000-$14,999) Continued

MEMBER FDIC

4 Star Sponsors ($5,000-$9,999)

15

15

Industry Partners (Continued) August 2014-July 2015

3 Star Sponsors

($2,500-$4,999) Learning

by Giving Foundation

Phelps County Feeders

United Suppliers, Inc.

2 Star Sponsors

($1,000-$2,499)

Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association National Association of Agricultural Educators Red Brand - Keystone Steel & Wire Co. Nebraska Association of Resources Districts Ward Laboratories, Inc. WESTEEL Pheasants Forever State Council Nebraska Department of Agriculture Nebraska Corn Board

1 Star Sponsors

16

Hoegemeyer Hybrids UNL FFA Alumni Nebraska Livestock Markets Association Omaha Agri-business Club Orscheln Farm and Home Pathway Bank Producers Hybrids Bloomfield FFA Alumni AgXcel Cargill Incorporated

($250-$999)

Matheson Kimball Jr/Sr High School Nebraska Agricultural Educators Association Nebraska Cooperative Council Associated Milk Producers Inc. CF Industries EBM Construction First National Bank Hartman Hydroponic Tomatoes Maxwell AgriService Midwest Dairy Association Nebraska Agribusiness Club Norris FFA Boosters Smart Chicken- Tecumseh Poultry SureFire Ag Systems

16

Nebraska Cattlemen Nebraska Wheat Board Consolidated Telephone Midwest Laboratories Inc. Nebraska Nursery & Landscape Association Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Southeast Community College Nebraska Rural Radio Network Nebraska Independent Crop Consultant Association Tractor Supply Company The Austin Company, Inc

Wilber-Clatonia FFA Alumni Farmers Ranchers Cooperative Nebraska Bankers Association Osceola FFA Chapter Cargill Meat Solutions STIHL Outdoor Power and Equipment Northwest Missouri State UniversityAgricultural Education Ducks Unlimited RAM Trucks Nutrition Physiology Purple Wave Auction CCPRO BBN Inc. J and J Cattle Co.

Lander Cattle Co McAfee Farms Inc. Farm and Ranch Publications Wells Fargo Barefoot Athletics Sigma Alpha - Alpha Delta Chapter WNAX Vivayic Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health James Arthur Vineyards Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers Association Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association Northeast Nebraska Sheep Breeders Association

Industry Partners (Continued) August 2014-July 2015

1 Star Sponsors

($250-$999) Continued

UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture UNL Center for Plant Science Innovation Sargent FFA Chapter Agri Gold Hybrids Beel Brothers LLC Duo Lift Manufacturing Midwest Veterinary Services, Inc. Cornerstone Bank Central Community College Chadron State College Homestead National Monument of America USDA- Agricultural Research Service Centura FFA Alumni Association Alliance For The Future Of

Agriculture In Nebraska Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard CPI GeneSeek JBS Nebraska Cooperative Extension Association Norder Supply, Inc. Aksarben Foundation FCStone Nebraska Department Of Ag, Poultry and Egg Division Purina Animal Nutrition LLC Alpha Gamma Rho Essential Feeds Hastings College Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture

Other Corporate Contributors York FFA Alumni Holt Pivot Service and Repair, Inc. Nebraska Farmer Rising Son Southdowns Twin Valley Livestock Expo Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute Nebraska Soybean Association Wolfe & Sons Show Pigs Pender-Thurston FFA Alumni Association Shickley FFA Alumni Association Nebraska Angus Association, Inc Northwest FFA Alumni Sargent FFA ICLAMBS, INC Wendells Irrigation Crosier Inc. Nebraska Limousin Association Nebraska Simmental Association Columbus Lakeview High School Hampton FFA Geo-Rite, LLC

Society Northeast Community College Proteus Inc. South Dakota State University University of Nebraska Lincoln Office of Admissions UNL Animal Science Department USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service USDA- Ag Statistics Service Abengoa Bioenergy of Nebraska, LLC Baasch and Sons, Inc

(up to $249)

Ravenna High School Sandy Creek Public Schools East Butler FFA Alumni 4S Goat Expo Raymond Central FFA Alumni Murdochs Ranch and Home Supply Regier Equipment Co. Inc. Aurora High School Baade Genetics LLC Burwell Public Schools Lyons-Decatur Northeast Schools Norris High School O’Neill High School TC Ranch American Welding Society Student Chapter Masin Farms McCool Junction Public Schools Medicine Valley High School Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board Oakland-Craig Public Schools Preferred Popcorn LLC

Schuyler Community Schools Southwest Public Schools Tri-County FFA Alumni Tekamah-Herman High School Raymond Central Public Schools Stoltenberg Irrigation Maddux Cattle Company Rafter JX Ranch Pearsons Inc Burnells Foodtown Inc. KV Supply, LLC Newman Grove Public Schools Osceola Public School Fairbury Jr.-Sr. High School Schutte & Sons Winz Wagon Wheel Ranch Inc Broken Bow Schools Cedar Rapids Public School West Fork Ranch Grafton Welding Service Telvent DTN

Nebraska Corn Board Provides Transportation for State FFA Officers

Each year, the Nebraska Corn Board supports the Nebraska FFA Association with the use of an FFA and Nebraska Corn Board branded van. The State Officers travel to conferences and chapter visits in the van.

17

Individual Supporters August 2014-July 2015

Leadership Gifts Leadership gifts are gifts designated to support the mission of the Nebraska FFA Foundation and the strategies set forth by the Board of Directors. It is the goal of the Nebraska FFA Foundation to raise $1 million in leadership gifts by the 100th anniversary of Nebraska FFA in 2028.

Our thanks to these generous donors who have pledged this level of support for the next five years. * denotes a former Nebraska FFA State Officer Gift of the Rising Sun $50,000 Frank J. Fleecs

Gift of the Plow $25,000 Blake and Holly Johnson* Keith and Doris Olsen

Gift of Corn $5,000 Angela and Jeremy Armagost* Karl and Margaret Hensley Richard and Sharon Katt* Mark and Nancy Poeschl* Loran and Nancy Wach* Linda Evans Greg and Teresa Ibach Bill and Ruth Johnson Jay and Nancy Maier* Loren and Terri Neujahr Brian and Paula Schellpeper*

Dwight and Karna Dam Seth and Carrie Derner* Eric Thurber* Mat and Kyla Habrock Chuck and Linda Pohlman J. Paul McIntosh Mark and Debra Schroeder Dale and Christi Hafer* Korey and Tammy Young* Shane and Kelli Belohrad* Mark and Willow Holoubek* ACC Farms McAfee Farms, Inc.

General Fund Donors The Nebraska FFA Foundation wishes to recognize the support of individual contributors who have made the investment in Nebraska’s agricultural education programs. Their monetary contributions support numerous Nebraska FFA programs. Thank you to those who continue to see the importance in investing in the agricultural leaders of tomorrow. * denotes a former Nebraska FFA State Officer Adam Wollenburg* Alan and Kristie Borgelt Betty Vandenbery Bob and Cynthia Milligan* Brady Revels Bret Herndon Brett and Pam Mueller Brian and Kelli Thompson* Brian and Stacey Agnew* Bruce and Carolyn Riddell Butch and Janie Gutzmann Chris and Marsha Kalkowski Chris Hansen* Chris Lesiak Chris Robinett Connie Clausen Craig and Shari Head Daniel Ripa Dann Husmann Darlene Urwiler Dave Tejral David and Becky Grimes Dayle E Williamson Dayle Williamson Dean Folkers* Dennis and Sharon Derner

18

Donald and Kelly Witte* Dorothy Forre Douglas and Janelle Bruning Douglas and Margaret Gibson Duane Grosbach Ed and Linda Stich Edgar and Frances Reynolds Foundation Eric and Megan Dam F. Mary Lukassen Fran and Tom Geisler Gary and Karen Kowalewski Gary and Linda Kuester Gene and Rose Wissenburg Gerald and Beverly Clausen Goertzen Farms, Inc Gordon and Pat Smith Greg and Patti Hoegermeyer Greta Roth Helen Cool Jack Schinstock Jack Welch* James and Julie Nygren* Janae Tapper Jason and Annette Harb* Jay Schroeder*

Jessica Kolterman John and Judy Borgelt Jonathan and Abbie Rempel* Joyce Badertscher Judson and Kaye Jesske* Julie Blood* Justin and Kimberley Troudt Karl Linke* Katie and Brandon Gutzmann Keith and Brenda Anderson Ken and Mary Madden Kent and Aundria Kirchhoff Kurt and Sarah Heideman* Kurt Kline Kyle Bruss Lane Grindle Leon Deunk Leroy and Judy Tejral Leslie Denning Lloyd and Eva Roubal Marc and Kelli Peters* Marty Tatman Marybeth Crawford Matt and Jennifer Wilshusen* Matt and Sarah Kreifels Mick Morrell

Individual Supporters

(Continued)

August 2014-July 2015

General Fund Donors (Continued) Mike and Glenda Davis Mike and Sara Scholz* Mike, Christin and Austin Kamm Neil Olsen Norm and Shirley Fritz Philip and Shirley Miller Philip Johnson* Randy Vlasin Richard and Lanelle Herink* Richard Hahn Rick and Dee Keith Rick Tank

Rob and Carma Hartman Robert and Eileen Raun* Robert Sindt Roger Lempke Ron Hanson Ronald and Agnes Vollmer Ronald and Diane Anderson Ryan and Kristen Hassebrook* Ryan Becker* Sarah and James Mullen Stephen and Elma Nelson Steve and Pam Leisy

Tami Frank Tami Keller Tammy Meyer Terry Snover The Leroy Thom, Jean Thom, and T L Foundation Inc Tim Esser Tom and Debbie Volk* Tony and Jane Badertscher Tricia and Bryan Danburg Wayne and Judy Rasmussen William and Nancy Buettner

Endowments and Special Fund Donors Braden Badertscher “Power Your Potential” Memorial Fund Frank J. Fleecs Fund Gary Scharf Endowment Ted Ward Fund

Blue & Gold Society The Nebraska FFA Foundation wishes to recognize a group of individuals and households that will make planned gifts to the Nebraska FFA Foundation. If you’ve bequested the Nebraska FFA Foundation in your will, life insurance or annuity, or are interested in doing so, please contact Stacey Agnew.

Jack and Nancy Nemec Frank J. Fleecs

Rich and Lanelle Herink Judson and Kaye Jesske

Matt and Sarah Kreifels

Founders Club The Nebraska FFA Foundation wishes to recognize a group of individuals who have served on the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board of Directors. The individuals below have chosen to continue to support Nebraska FFA by being a part of the Founders Club. If you were a board member and would like to be a part of this group, please contact Nebraska FFA Foundation staff.

Angela Armagost Steven Belitz Allen Blezak Bob Campbell Tony Collins Seth Derner Linda Evans Craig Frederick Katie Gutzmann Mark Hastreiter Richard Hahn Don Hutchens Jud Jesske Jolene Jones

Chris Kalkowski Richard Katt Rick Keith Mark Knobel Ken Madden Tammy Meyer Kelly Neal Royce Schaneman Brenda Nelson Judd O’Connor Keith Olsen Rex Prior Dave Rocker Rod Rudebusch

Jeff Schellpeper Tim Arkfeld Kent Thompson Lee Thurber Paul Timm Randy Vlasin Steve Waller Ray Ward Bill White Ed Woeppel Donelle Wolters Steve Zimmerman

19

Individual Supporters

(Continued)

August 2014-July 2015

Fall 2014 Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. Donors The blue jacket is the main symbol of FFA nationwide – the jacket that so many young FFA members wear so proudly. The Nebraska FFA Foundation is proud to support those deserving students by providing the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program.

Blue Jackets.

Bright Futures.

Contributors could elect to be a part of the 2014 program by donating $80 per student they wish to support. Students must apply to be selected for an FFA jacket and, for many, this is one of their first experiences as an FFA member. In the fall of 2014, over 600 applications were received and 259 students were awarded a new FFA jacket and a tie or scarf.

Thank you to the following donors for providing a deserving student with a new FFA jacket and tie or scarf!

2008-09 State FFA Officer Team 2009-10 State FFA Officer Team 2013-14 State FFA Officer Team 2014-15 State FFA Officer Team Aaron and Kori Jensen Alec Ibach Alyce Leininger Amy Ryan Anita, Mackenna and Sawyer Wollenburg Anonymous Donor, In memory of Braden Badertscher Ashtyn Shrewsbury Betsy Raymer Bill and RanDee Barger Bob and Karen McNeff Brady Fritz Brian and Stacey Agnew Bryce Doeschot Clayton and Stephanie Doeschot Connie Clausen Craig Frederick Dale Grosbach Dan Morgan Darin and Kendra Weers Dennis and Natalie Toalson Dillon Herchelroad Donald Merlo Ed and Linda Stich Eric and Megan Dam Eric and Natalie Schilling F. Mary Lukassen Frank J. Fleecs (86 jackets) Fred and Kay Meyer Gary and Diane Kubicek Gene and Alfretta Claver Gene and Rose Wissenburg Gordon Smith

20

20

Greg and Teresa Ibach Jack Welch James and Julie Nygren Janna Quaring Jason and Kylie Penke Jed Erickson Jeff Schellpeper Jennifer Wood Jill and Kyle Goedeken Family Jim and Mary Spath Joel and Stephanie Miller John and Barb Scharf Jon and Jean Katt Jonathan and Abbie Rempel Josh and Krystle Friesen Karl and Margaret Hensley Karl L Linke Karlene Johnson Katie Dobler Keith and Brenda Anderson Keith and Doris Olsen Kennard and Beverley Pohlman Kevin Henrichson Korey Young Lance Atwater Lee and Brenda Nelson Leroy and Judy Tejral Lonnie Goff Mark and Rebecca Lawver Mark Hahn Farms, Inc. Martin and Ruth Massengale Mat and Kyla Habrock Matt and Donelle Wolters Matthew Wiegand Merlin J. Prior Merlin Prior Mike and Sara Scholz Milt and Joann Fricke

Neal Lewis Nebraska Agricultural Educators Association Nebraska Cooperative Council Nebraska FFA Alumni Council Nebraska Pork Producers Norm and Shirley Fritz Normil Foundation Norval L. and Sharon L. Utemark Paula Martin-Buhrdorf Philip Johnson Quenton and Tonya Mortensen Ray Ward Rex and Amy Prior Rich and Sharon Katt Richard and Linda Demerath Richard and Sharon Katt Richard and Susie Douglass Richard, Ann, Kyle, Catharine & Lauren Perry, In memory of Dr. Ted Ward Rob Hartman Robin Jirovsky Roger and Jill Goedeken Roger and Lynda Suhr Ron and Evie Laub Ryan Becker Shonn and Amber Endres Spencer Hartman Stephanie and Clayton Doeschot Steve and Jana Kruger Straight Farms T.J. and Shae Schneider Tammy Meyer The Austin Company, Inc Doug Kueker

I Believe in the Future of Ag I Believe in the Future of Ag is a fundraising campaign focused on building capacity for the future of FFA in Nebraska. It gives us the opportunity to educate community members on the importance of agricultural education and FFA programs and to raise money at both the local and state levels. The 2014-15 campaign was held from October 1, 2014 through February 28, 2015.

This was the third year the campaign was a statewide effort and included a media partnership with Husker Sports Marketing and Nebraska Radio Network. Twenty corporate partners contributed a total of $230,000 to the campaign. Local FFA chapters raised almost $250,000 for their chapters and $24,000 was awarded out to participating chapters as matching funds.

Statewide Corporate Sponsors

MEMBER FDIC

21

I Believe in the Future of Ag

(Continued)

Local Supporters Adams Central FFA Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Freeland Farms Truly Scrumptious Bakery Amherst FFA Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Anselmo-Merna FFA Titan Machinery Ansley FFA Titan Machinery Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Arcadia FFA Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Ashland-Greenwood FFA Mike Roeber Auburn FFA Dettmer Farm Service Town & Country Veterinary Clinic P.C. Bev Allen Banner County FFA Kimball-Banner County Farm Bureau Bayard FFA Simplot Grower Soutions Bloomfield FFA Lavonne Anderson Brian Eisenhauer Richard Eisenhauer Kyle Eisenhauer Mike Roeber Randy Teboe Eugene Gillilan Patrick Birmingham Neal Alexander Dave Edwards Darren Vanness Janet Oliver Mike Nissen Megan Spangler Darwin Vanness Josh Doerr Chad Beckmann Wayne Mackeprang Darlene Macke LuAnn Jessen Travis Kauth Jamie Doerr Carrie McFarland Trevor McFarland Carl Rosberg Geraldine Ptacnik Joshua Barney Leslie Huttmann Douglas Beudette Kelly Johnson Mike Kumm Jason Hans Myron Kumm Shawn and Jennifer Clausen

22

Dorothy Ziegler Dave Cunningham Doug Munter Sandra Lamprecht Greg Wulf Debra Frank Craig Steffen Dale Friedenbach David Kube Barb Jackson Mike Wagner Don Gilsdorf Jan Colwell Jerry Ziegler Kevin Smith Lester Ketelsen Gene Wagner Cynthia Carpenter Ron Schwanebeck John Aschoff Roger Hoffart Jolene Moes Mark Croghan Rebecca Palu Mark Krienert Todd and Minnie Sauser Alan Kersten Matt Kersten Kayla Fiedler Midwest Meats & Fish Nellie Schmit Mark Buschkamp David Spencer D & L Eisenhauer James Doerr Tobin McDonald Scott and Christy Eisenhauer Curt and Christy Mackeprang Neil and Angie Guenther Ken, Austin, and Misty Gillilan Mike and Jamie Johnson Brad and Mandy Kumm Wade and Lyndsy Jenness Jeff and April Alexander Dan and Teresa Friedenbach Mark and Karen Stelling Lacey Barger Daniel and Joan Hoppe Kyler Johnson Danielle Ward Janice Bauer Lisa Kalt Patricia Starkel Tom and Kathryn Reicks Garry and Sharon Young Julie Lingenfelter Dwain Kumm Laura Gieselman Dale and Leana Acklie James and Sue Rohrer Meghan Pease David and Kimberly Korth Petals and More LLC Otto and Rita Woockman Brian and Tiffanie Wakeley Les and Jolene Jessen Ron and Sally Gubbels Bradley and Jeanne Young David and Staci Kleinschmit

Michael and Jodi Timmerman Ken and Dawn Smith Dan and Joan Anderson Brian and Shannon Knox Jerry and Linda Burns Austin and Marci Campana Jeff and Debbie Abbenhaus Ashley Doering Roger and Ruth Ann Kolessa Mike and Jane Schultz Patricia Doering Anthony and Kristin Mackeprang James and Karla Rice Curtis and Kay Vanness Dean and Doris Mackeprang Chip Bartos Darwin and Karen Seagren Lyle and Nadine Dredge Emmeit and Renea Johnson James and Kay Abbenhaus Kerry and Kathy Clarkson Timothy Mlady Joe and Rosemarie Kauth Chad and Kris Vanness Roger Stahlecker Duane and Luann Schumacher Germaine Voborny Kevin Mackeprang The Monitor Jeff and Dawn Friedrich Gary and Janel Eisenhauer DeMahr and Margaret Seagren Todd and Deb Jacobi Jacob Schmit T&T Trucking Nathaniel and Stephanie Hahne Christopher and Michelle Thoene Ben and Angela Kumm Roland and Tammy Johnson Landon Popisil Nancy Werhun Joseph and Andrea Abbenhaus Bill and Konnie Thiele Donald and Nancy Hall Judy Hershberger Chantel Bynum Betty Seagren Mark and Vanice Dawson Rod and Rhonda Erwin Travis and Kristel Loecker Roger and Joyce Tacey Michael and Lori Houska John Sazama Marian Schroeder Perry and Julie Trenhaile Bridgeport FFA Jeff Metz Broken Bow FFA Titan Machinery Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Bruning-Davenport FFA Mark and Suzanne Jagels Cambridge FFA Leah Tenbensel J. Roger and Patricia Anderson

Central City FFA Garwood Family Limited Partnership Centura FFA Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Chambers FFA Palmer Trucking David and Lynn Nichols Cross County FFA Scott and Cindy Jensen Joan Zoeller Mike Newton and Jenni Harrington Pallas Seeds, Inc Sue Lehn David City FFA Frontier Cooperative Company Maru Whitmore Grass Valley Farms Terry and Karen Papa Diller-Odell FFA Mark and Willow Holoubek Elgin FFA Jerrys Feed Service Chris and Laurie Waterbury Antelope County Farm Bureau Bruce and Joanne Anderson James Meis Syngenta Seeds DK Feed & Supply, Inc Bergman Repair Total Image Salon & Spa Starman Seed Service Inc Paul and Karen Seger Leroy and Ronda Behnk Cordells ATV Repair, LLC Stoltz Exotics Matthew Anderson Citizens State Bank Corner Service and Tire LLC Elkhorn Valley Real Estate Kayton International Inc Thiele Dairy Partnership Max and Taresa Wilkinson Lynn and Amy Selting Petersburg State Bank Sargent Irrigation Co Blackburn Manufacturing Company Elkhorn Valley Equipment LLC Larry Nielsen Green Line Equipment Ted Rethmeier Kenny Reinke Fillmore Central FFA Heartland Bank Joe Birky Stanley Schiermeyer Kleinschmidt Farms Brandie Conway Cornhusker Swine Inc. Nun Farms LLC

I Believe in the Future of Ag Fillmore Central FFA (Cont.)

Allan Jefferson Kent Theobald Geneva Tire Jeff Whitley Leonard Sluka Rick Stoldorf Brian Nun Brian Mumm John Workentine Mark O’Brien Joe Hoarty Clark Poppert Underwood Farms Dan and Ashley Risseeuw Nathan and Karla Jacobson Franklin FFA Chris Robinett Tiffany Minnick Robert Sindt Dennis Dorn Mike Sindt Haussermann Farms Inc. Craig and Renee Grams Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Mike and Michelle Kahrs Bryan and Pamela Hayes Shads Auto Inc Freeman FFA Tony and Kristina Jensen Lake Crest Pharmacy E Energy Adams, LLC Laureen Ehmen George and Norma Burrows Brian Podtburg Russ and Lisa Neil Scott and Jody Buhr Mark and Sue Unvert Brian and Stacey Agnew Travis and Becky Boyer Greg and Kristi Dorn TBO Financial Services LLC James and Kelly Lenners Buhrs Trucking, Inc Dean Farms Martha Carter Craig and Jan Frenzen Garden County FFA Leach Farms, Inc. Gothenburg FFA Dan Scherer Lisa Geiken Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Les Pelzer Curt and Khris Jinks Hampton FFA Heartland Bank Ron and Lois Burns Kevin and Angie Wall Joel and Stephanie Miller Hartington-Newcastle FFA Bank Of Hartington Burnells Foodtown Inc. Wiebelhaus Trucking LLC Cedar County Farm Bureau Charles and Julie Meirose

William and Carol Stevens Laura Noecker Jerry and Martha Minchow Jones Feed & Grain Trucking, Inc Folkers Bros. Garage Inc

Scott and Monica Lindstrom Paul and Kari Wilke Anthony and Kim Miller Dan and Kathleen Lutjens Jodi and Kendal Loseke James and Rachel Wilke Hayes Center FFA Randy and Janet Hanson Mickey and Marlene Cox - Mill Bar James and Jenny Sloup Angus Neil Schumacher High Plains FFA Josh Chrisman Tom and Lynn Hofmann Richard and Jeannette Bruce and Wendy Hudson Holdrege FFA Joyce Badertscher Linda Hoke Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Edna Suhr R & B Seed Wells Flying Service Inc Darrin and Lori Swanson Brian and Judy Borden Daniel and Kara Taylor Larry and Dorla Lindstrom Richard and Melannie Burken Wohlgemuth Farms Bruning State Bank Humphrey FFA Patrick and Kelly Murphy Kimball FFA Kimball-Banner County Farm Bureau Lakeview FFA Holmberg Heating & Air, Inc Larry and Selma Loseke TJ Livestock Inc Wewa Inc SS & S Feeders, LLC Connie Clausen Rod Hassebrook Suzy Dubas Trent Janssen Kummer Trucking Roger and Jill Goedeken Gary and Diane Harms Dan and Linda Egger Matt and Michele Gotschall Jay and Rachael Rodehorst Lois Rodehorst Humlicek Organic Farms Todd and Shari Maurer Craig and Kimberly Franzen Ethan Schmid Tracy and Kim Engel Daniel and Cheri Luedtke LeRoy Sprunk, Jr. Douglas and Sheri Kapels Jeremy and Jill Janssen James and Betty Sprunk Richard Sprunk Troy and JoAnn Brandt Kevin and Robin Coan Barry and Mary Kay Wilke James and Jenny Meyer Klint and Cynthia Stewart Craig and Jessica Bender

Laurel-Concord-Coleridge FFA Cedar County Farm Bureau Lexington FFA Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Litchfield FFA Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Logan View FFA Houston Moseman Donald and Kelly Witte Mark Langemeier Steve and Jana Kruger Jon and Jean Katt Kevin and Kara Anderson Fran and Tom Geisler Don and Becky Von Seggern Greg and Patti Hoegermeyer Gregg and Sheri Hoetfelker Mike and Carla Meyer Ron and Gail Bopp Terry and Betty Rasmussen Barry and Jennifer Benson Steve and Roxie Fauss Janice Bopp

(Continued) Mead FFA Mike Roeber Bank Of Mead AWS Well Co., Inc. Titan Machinery Union Bank & Trust Company Wahoo State Bank North Bend FFA Terry Snover Glen Sic Cropmetrics, LLC Ottes Propane Inc. Beebe Seed Farms, Inc. Kruger Feed and Seed Bob’s Custom Meats, LLC Bjorklund Enterprises Platte Valley Bank Mick Tank Dorcey Inc. Wyatt Chapman Marie and Roger Nordboe Chris and Linnae Kloke Doug and Nichole Ruzicka Ivan and Susanne Krula Bob and JoLynn Hartman Jim and Mary Spath Mike and Jane Ortmeier Jeff and Deanna Mitties Jim and Jessica Macholan Daniel and Connie Nelson Northwest FFA Kearney Farm Expo, Inc

O’Neill FFA Jack Welch David Knabe Loup City FFA The Seedhouse Virginia Pokorski Wakefield State Farm Insurance Kearney Farm Expo, Inc KBRX Radio Station Rob Pischel Lyons-Decatur Northeast FFA Dillon Jakubowski Kevin and Kara Anderson J and H Greenhouse Millerdale Farms, Inc Bruce Cole Bill Riecken Garron Frank Jon Bacon Monte Rainforth Corey Petersen Michael and Martha McCabe E & C Myers Farms, Inc. Gib and Patricia Kelly Richard Erickson Aaron and Jen Troester Trevor Preston Jason and Tricia Wiseman Jon and Regina Heideman Mike and Shelly Ross Joe and Roberta Malloy Michael and Linda Dougherty Don and Karen Timm Dustin and Jeanne Breiner Brian and Terri Mentink Scott and Darcy Poese John and Joan Niewohner Rod and Joni Isom Kevin and Kara Anderson James and Leann Gotschall Fred and Rhonda Hansen Krystl Knabe and Cody Knopp David and Caryn Anderson Holt County Tire Martin Long Shamrock Nursery Jim and Karen Vlach Corey and Andrea Fisher Daniel A. Smith, Attorney At Law Floyd and Sylvia Fowler Gerald Newell Deanne Vaughn Pat and Deb Thramer McCool Junction FFA Steve and Ellen Boshart Josh Chrisman Steve and Regina Howard James McGowan Elite Court Reporting Service Kenny and Kelli Real Brian Kaczor Wiiliam and Joan Reetz Robert and Mary Pischel Lincoln Winnelson Don Opplinger Trucking Rich and Jennifer Gartner Tim and Kelcey Shoemaker

23

I Believe in the Future of Ag O’Neill FFA (Cont.)

Bill and Stacie Alden DT Farms Seth and Lindy Stauffer Bill Putnam Rex and Missy Colfack

Mark VanDeWalle Joe Walkowiak Ron and Irene Rutten Bruce and Amy Williams Chris and Deborah Slevin

Rock County FFA Perfect Valley Irrigation DJ Trucking Bret and Hillary Dearmont Pender FFA Kristine Beard House Memorial Library/Pender Matt and Ann Dvorak Public Library Foundation Michael and Janet Kuchera Logan Peters Gary and Jeanie Shankland Thurston Manufacturing Company Clay and Hilary Kuchera Mark and Lorraine Lander Steven Kreitman H. Don Heineman Kaye Stewart Pender High School Alumni Dave Clay Association Linda Coulter Ord FFA Kearney Farm Expo, Inc

Perkins County FFA Wendells Irrigation

Sandhills FFA Mike Roeber

Pierce FFA Pierce Old Time Threshers Bee Association Adam Venteicher Steve Albrecht Ken Venteicher Doug Krueger Steve Prince Levi Stepp Brad Freeman Josh Gossman Doug Lambrecht Todd Weinrich Russel and Marlene Anderson Vincent and Kathy Dohmen Gerard and Terese Polt Dave and Beth Lienemann Jerid and Tracy Starkel Bryon and Lindsey Unseld Craig and Carol Gehm Brent and Jenelle Kolterman Alvin and Teresa Polt Ralph and Joyce Saegebarth

Sandy Creek FFA Greg Shuck James and Mary Hild Gary and Susan Rohrer Montesa Miller Shelli Rossen Keri Dane Jillian Kissinger Randy and Laura Veik Stephen and Karen Kissinger Crystal Hassenstab Jim Lipousky Jake Shuck Alexia Schiermeyer

Plainview FFA Steve and Jenny Pellatz Antelope County Farm Bureau

Sargent FFA Titan Machinery Schuyler Central FFA Tom and Rogene Wheeldon Richard and Renee Brabec Seward FFA Craig Frederick Silver Lake FFA Kearney Farm Expo, Inc

Randolph FFA Cedar County Farm Bureau

Southern Valley FFA Stamford Service

Ravenna FFA Mary Ahrens Standage Trucking, Inc. Brent and Chris Bauer Kenneth and Marian Dethlefs John and Julie Chramosta Daniel and Sandra Dethlefs Keilig Auction Services William and Frances Delaet Marc Olson SKE Farms Inc McAuliff Farms Inc Randy and Deb Hervert Hervert Farms, LLP Kearney Farm Expo, Inc

Southwest FFA Duane and Mary Jo Teter Lords Inc. Brooks Construction LLC Wolfe & Sons Show Pigs American Agricultural Laboratory AmFirst Bank N.A. Bartley Lumber Sides Aerial Application McConville Agency Titan Machinery Red Willow Animal Clinic Stockmans Feed and Supply Inc Gateway Realty Of McCook, Inc. W Design Associates Jason and Dannette Kloepping Dennis and Kem McConville State Bank of Bartley

Riverside FFA David Berger

24

Kevin and Tami Potthoff Schaffert Mfg Co Inc Red Willow Aviation & Spraying Jack and Lisa Ryan Brent and Debra Hofman Brent and Michelle Townsend Welding Plus Stuart FFA Delma Borg Kim Pulis Scott Baum Amy Wolf Del Stracke Marilyn Hytrek Connie Weichman Lance Howitt Marge Stracke Theresa Fahrenholz Sheryl Morgan Megan Mitchell Kathy Kohle Colleen VanMeter Diana Steskal Kathy Nachtman Rita Olberding Lyle Kaup Michael and Stephanie Karo Twila Wherley Matthew and Tanya Dickau Mary Jane Lenhard Rose Ramm Jil Fox Peggy Gentele Justin Ramm Donald and Patricia Bouska Susan Luebbe Tracey Kaup Amber Skrdla Rex Stolcpart Rhonda Miksch Terri Kaup Shirley Shald Cheri Dvorak Jennifer Steinhauser Faron King Elsie Mlady Kurt Johnson Tim Olson Judy Dvorak Amanda Olson Don and Sam Krieger Mike Pulis Tom Schaaf Jan Kunz Rachel Kaup Deb Sacco Donna Malone Marde Paxton Travis Ludwig Terri Mitchell Beth Vogel Jan Kotrous Connie Smith Jessica Thomassen Carol Olson Stacey Dexter Brian Schafer Jane Douglas Evelyn Paxton Tiffany Gotschall Jenny Sattler

(Continued) Michelle Olson Perri Farr Emily Allison Sharon Paxton Darby Paxton Amanda Paxton Elaine Gilg Myrna Stewart Betty Christensen Terri Shearer Brian Raymer Chelsey Riha Henry Murphy Abby Barta Frank Heying Mary Krysl Charlotte Jarman Lori Schafer Sharon Alder Stuart Furniture, Inc. Jolene Emme Connie VanMeter Brittany Malone Peggy Dvorak Anna Fischer Lisa Fix Heather Doke Shauna Mitchell Marsha Banks Helen Kloppenborg Jennifer McHale Greater Sandhills Family Healthcare P.C. Jacob Olberding Cheri Funk Nancy Stowell Talya Shutt Troy Carlson Robert and Patty Hanzlik Kirk and Barb Shane Barry and Lori Lemmer Vince and RaeDean Caldwell Jeff and Kim Wallinger Ralph and Ann Olberding Larry and Jean Baumeister Roy and LouAnn Cadwallader Kyle and Andrea Connot Dave and Brenda Kaup Bob and Rose Malone Max and Helen Kunz Eric and Brenna Kohle Jacob and Kayli Dobias Frank and Dawn Hanzlik Scott and Denice Bouska Jerome and Beth Murphy Jon and Erica Tubbs Ray and Priscilla Keogh Larry and Marilyn Butler Edwin and Barb Dickau Jon and Jennifer Schmaderer Mark and April Dexter Darian and Wendi Fuelberth Kelly and Charity Myers Dan and Karen Myers Jay and Emily Wallinger Kevin and Deb Kramer Shawn and Kim Thompson James and Lynette Mlady Roger and Mary Haun Justin and Becky Estill Marvin and Pat Larsen Cody and Ashley Hipke

I Believe in the Future of Ag Stuart FFA (Cont.)

Jim and Kate Kunz Patrick and Carol Mathers Edward and Marla Kilmurry Lyle and Jackie Frerichs Mark and Karen Kaup Gary and Mardell Stoltenberg Michael and Dawn Kohle Wayne and Tanya Schroder Eric and Sarah Vogel Robert and Carolyn Doke John and Rhonda Skrdla Richard and Cathy Skala Jim and Sharon Schaaf Jim and Dixie Oligmueller Matthew and Kimberly Wilson Marvin and Phyllis Scholz Randy and Kimberly Wallinger Kenneth and Joyce Huston Patrick and Tammy Hytrek Lance and Christina Buoy Arnie and Darlene Jauernig Kurt and Katie Kaup Steve and Lorraine Wallinger Mike and Jackie Murphy Richard and Darlene Kaup Gary and Deb Olberding Dale and Lorena Riha Dawn Timmerman Jennifer Poessnecker Monty and Deb Larsen Cara Seger Darryl and Michele Meusch Travis Olberding Zachary and Danielle Pinckney David and Rachel Fisher Daniel and Tammera Kunz Gerald and Alice Fahrenholz Leo and Victoria Seger Lois Kaup Kelly and Jolynn Cameron Michael and Nancy Kratz Jeff Skrdla Dale and Cindy Mosel Emily Kaup Brandi Kaup Michael and Enedina Bock Theo Kohle Dennis and Teri Taylor Peggy Karo Jack and Connie Olson Adolph and Doris Nachtman Rick and Sheryl Alder Calvin and Kitty Alder Total Drafting Solutions Angela Shald Janice Myers Jacqueline Steinhauser Charles and Belinda Asher Brooke Jarman Andrew and Dawn Stromp Scott and Mary Leisy Lori Fox Donald and Barbara Severance Tara Raymer Tony Morrow Dorothy Kramer Marvin and Barbara Strong Jerry and Susan Myers Heidi Wedige Todd and Joyce Miller Kurt and Gina Kramer

Julie Joyce Richard and Patricia Galyen Kaups Financial Advisors Marys Doll House Richard and Amanda Prokasky Thomas and Lisa King Rick and Carrie Douglas James and Linda Kohle Heather Boswell Randal and Tawnya Douglas Dan and Jonna Kohle Dexter Goodner Christopher Kellner Jill Stamp Danniel and Nancy Krysl Jennifer Douglas David and Kathy Hytrek Gene and Lavonne Sisson Francis and Deborah Kaup Jake and Josie Paxton Doug Erb Martin and Rosanna Pacha Bryan and Laura Sheffield Larry and Lois Poessnecker Lindsey Straka Christy Deseive Roxanne Schaaf Keith and Brenda Kerkman James and Katie Olson Troy and Marion Schaaf Katelyn Boelter Larry and Debbie Tejral Douglas and Cindy Kubik Dustin Nachtman Stracke Trucking Scott Fernau Don and Peggy Skopec Cyril and Deb Kerkman Kevin and Lisa Hoffman Edwin and Kathleen Cook Shane Farms, Inc Lois Kaup Randy and Linda Stolcpart Steve and Karin Skopec James and Carolyn Zikmund Dales Repair Rod and Lori Stolcpart Randy and Michelle Wood Travis Morrow Ashley Peterson Kale Krysl Patti Wewel Billy Gardner Brady McCumber Loretta Gill Nyla Mosel Jeanne Slattery John Good Cara Kroeker Paul and Peg Rupprecht Wendy Bruns Megan Olson Sandy Holtgrew Fern Seger Gini Shearer Kris Cornell Colette Uttecht Jase and Tami Jo Hoffman Doug Larsen Courtni Kunz Paxton Trucking II L. Wayne Pacha

(Continued)

Elaine Schorn

Glenn and Sheila Sindelar Ronald and Agnes Vollmer Sumner-Eddyville-Miller FFA Gene and Gaylene Weber Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Norm and Dorothy Weber Gaylord and Bev Wilcox Waverly FFA Wisner-Pilger Education Nebraska Corn Board Association Lloyd Bell Russell and Theresa Fullner Steward and Kris Spath Traci Ebel Crop Production Services Jon Balzer Richard and Elva Janak Elliot Liermann Ray and Judy Althouse Jaye Lierman Waverly Area Kiwanis James Bradfield Horizon Bank Mark and Debra Schroeder Larry Wagner Steve and Pam Leisy Jeff and Glenda Beckman Herbert W. Albers Feedlot Inc. Clark Hatch Ruskamp Seeds, Inc Loyce Leisy West Boyd FFA Craig and Brenda Gerwick Jerome and Marcia Engelhaupt Samuel Ross Roger and Mary Haun Steve Reiter Hoyt Cline Deann Henrich Gary Clark West Holt FFA Michael and Nancy Glaubius David Gibbens Nick and Carol Heller B-Farms Partnership Sindelar Trucking Janet Kliment Dale and LaVonne Schellpeper T&M Trucking Myron and Karen Kuzelka Mitchell Equipment Jeanne Laible York FFA Connie Smith JD Hirschfeld & Sons Kevin Judge Kathryn Vanicek Colleen Osborne Steven and Linda Peterson Tim and Joann Laible Clark and Sandy Pickrel Kirk and Barb Shane Ronald and Sharon Hirschfeld Corey and Cathy Pacha Dave and Julie Rasmussen Gary and Jan Woita Beth Williamsen Kurt and Pam Mitchell Sandall Construction Barry and Lori Lemmer Dwight and Genevieve Johnson Matt and Jill Keating Tod and Lisa Riley Randy and Lisa Bilstein J.B. and Rose Suddarth Hytrek Trucking Brian and Amy Pohl Skrdla Land & Cattle Jeffrey Meradith Seger Funeral Home, Inc Kelly and Marissa Driewer Korey Kerkman Rupert and Denise Blum North Central Financial Services Bradley and Mary Gloystein Heller Construction Cinda Hild CJ Construction Pat Hirschfeld Richard and Bonnie Bilstein Nabers Truck & Equipment Inc Jerry and Elaine Tasler Frank and Tonya Swan Tri-County Bank Lynetta Sue Luethje Roger Klone West Point FFA Darren and Kelly Maronde Kevin and Kara Anderson Phillip and Wanda Hall Floyd and Virginia Gloystein Wheeler Central FFA Jared and Tammy Reorda Kelly Guggenmos A & N Diamond Grain, Inc Laverle and Kathy Miller Wilcox-Hildreth FFA Jason and Jennifer Hirschfeld Tiffany Minnick Jason and Dana Hall Kearney Farm Expo, Inc Allan and Angela Zumpfe Chad and Misty Hirschfeld Wisner-Pilger FFA Douglas Knapp Cheryl Borgeit H. & J. Pickrel Traci Ebel R.G. Blum Farms, Inc Lynn and Muriel Godbersen Rick and Kim Garner Alan and Sally Harms Hoblyn Farms, Inc Tracy Jacobsen Claudia Foreman Chad and Janet Ludwig Karol Swan Nancy Nemec Cal and Pam Williams Corey Petersen Steve and Lynn Sill

25

FFA Foundation Events 2014 Nebraska FFA Foundation Auction This year marked the second year of the Nebraska FFA Foundation Farm Tire Auction hosted by Titan Tire, in conjunction with Graham Tire and Goodyear Farm Tires. The event, held each year at Husker Harvest Days near Grand Island, brought in almost $40,000 in support for Nebraska FFA programming. The Nebraska FFA Foundation would like to recognize and thank the following for support at the second annual auction.

Andrew Neujahr Matt and Donelle Wolters Blake and Holly Johnson Douglas and Shelly Jones Tim and LeAnn Hock Amen Dairy LLC William and Lisa Reppert

Westin and Lydia Pachta Michael Ference Brandon and Hailey Gehle To-An-Jo Farms, Inc. Philip English Philip Wieck

2015 FFA & 4-H Golf Classic Each year, a golf tournament is held in conjunction with the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. The 2015 Golf Classic was held at Indian Creek Golf Course in Omaha. All funds are split equally between the Nebraska FFA Foundation and Nebraska 4-H Foundation. In 2015, the Nebraska FFA Foundation received just over $8,000 from the event. We want to thank the sponsors and golfers who have made contributions to support these important youth programs in Nebraska.

Gold Sponsors

DuPont Pioneer Farmers National Company

Silver Sponsors

Hertz Farm Management University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Tee Sponsors

Bank of the West Bayer CropScience Beardmore Chevrolet Subaru Central Valley Ag DLR Group Lindsay Corporation Midwest Farmers Cooperative NAU Country Insurance Company Rain and Hail, LLC Agriculture Insurance Reinke Manufacturing Company US Bank Valley Irrigation Ward Laboratories, Inc. Wiles Brothers Fertilizer

26

26

Meal Sponsor

Nebraska Cooperative Council

Raffle Sponsor

O’Neill, Heinrich, Damkroger, Bergmeyer & Shultz, P.C., L.L.O.

Individual Golfers Rick Bookstrom Nebraska Farm Bureau Print Solutions Nebraska Cattlemen Farm Credit Leasing Midwest Messenger Plains Equipment Group Tom Thompson Steve Fallon Homer Buell Kody Kirchhoff Union Bank & Trust

You can support Nebraska’s FFA members.

If you’re passionate about agriculture and the impact that FFA can have on so many young people, then show your enthusiasm by donating to the Nebraska FFA Foundation.

There are many ways that you can make a difference to the next generation of agricultural leaders.

General Fund You can provide funds for the Foundation’s yearround efforts to support agricultural education, sustain relationships with current supporters and broaden our base of support among individuals and organizations.

Leadership Gift Your multiple year gift of at least $1,000 per year will support a strategic programming fund for the Nebraska FFA Association’s current programming needs, a long-term unrestricted fund for the Nebraska FFA Association’s long-term needs and an operating reserve for the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s long-term needs.

Blue & Gold Society/Planned Gift Your long-term planned gift can help meet various needs, including supporting new FFA chapters, new programming and FFA at both the state and local levels. Planned gifts can be through named funds, endowed funds, bequests, life insurance and annuity beneficiary designations, other financial account designations, charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts.

FFA Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. Program Your $80 contribution provides an FFA jacket and a tie or scarf to a Nebraska FFA student.

Imagine helping a young person proudly wear the iconic blue corduroy! This campaign runs in August of each year.

I Believe in the Future of Ag This fundraising campaign is focused on building capacity for the future of FFA at the local and state level.

Twenty-two corporate sponsors have partnered with the Nebraska FFA Foundation for the 2015-16 campaign providing $35,000 in matching funds. You can contribute to this campaign to support your local FFA chapter until February 28, 2016.

Yes! I want to make an impact today!

Online: www.neffafoundation.org/support_us Mail:

PO Box 94942 Lincoln, NE 68509-4942

Phone: 402-472-5224

27

27

PO Box 94942 Lincoln, NE 68509-4942 neffafoundation.org

McCool Junction FFA Members Learn to Live a Legacy Read the full story on page 8.