2025-2026
Annual Report
NEBRASKA FFA FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A collection of passionate volunteers who provide leadership, strategic governance, and are active fundraisers for the Nebraska FFA Foundation.
Jeremy Wilhelm, President Alli Raymond, Vice President James Nygren, Secretary Cary Becker, Treasurer
Mark Fahleson Stacey Fletcher Spencer Hartman Teresa Ibach
Brady Jenschke Laura Linden Ron Preston Jessica Rudolph
Allison Sandman Brad Wilkins
Stacey Agnew, Ex-officio, Executive Director Heath Ahrens, Ex-officio, Represents the Nebraska Agriculture Educators Association Melissa Hagemeister, Ex-officio, Represents the Nebraska FFA Alumni Council Amy Kohtz, Ex-officio, Represents the Nebraska FFA Association
2025-26 Sustainable Funding Team This volunteer team is dedicated to the implementation of the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s sustainable funding model to increase individual engagement and giving to support the mission of the Nebraska FFA Foundation. Alli Raymond Jeremy Hinrichs Rachel Niemann Brad Wilkins Ed Woeppel Jessica Rudolph
Nebraska FFA Foundation Staff Stacey Agnew, Executive Director Victoria Broders, Program Manager Laura Albro, Development Coordinator 2
Ashley McCarter, Development Manager Linne Vavrina, Marketing & Communications Director
Dear Friends, As we present our annual report, we are filled with pride and optimism for the future of agriculture and leadership in Nebraska. We at the Nebraska FFA Foundation are committed to nurturing that vision through financial support. Your financial support enables Nebraska FFA and local chapters to have the necessary resources to develop the leaders of tomorrow, who will become the workforce and advocates for agriculture. We aim to honor the individuals, groups and companies who are cultivating the resources that allow our mission to flourish. Our mission is to invest in agricultural education and FFA for more than 12,000 Nebraska FFA members and their advisors by growing leaders, building communities, and creating career connections. In our goal to grow future leaders, the Nebraska FFA Foundation remains dedicated to empowering teachers through professional development and teacher retention programs. Read about how Foundation funding helped 10 Nebraska agriculture educators attend the Tri-State DELTA Conference, a four-day instructional program concentrated on helping teachers reconnect with why they became ag teachers, focusing on innovative strategies to help them rediscover a new passion for their profession. Our mission to build communities features a large-project impact story about how students at Keya Paha Community Schools had a vision and turned it into reality. After receiving $101,000 in grant funding through the Nebraska FFA Foundation Local Chapter Grant Program, their Agricultural Kitchen Expansion Project is complete, giving students the opportunity to grow and preserve food while learning about nutrition, agriculture and career opportunities in the food and agricultural industries. In creating career connections, Nebraska FFA members are gaining real-world knowledge and technical skills through hands-on projects with their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Read about Leigh FFA member Carmen Malena and how she simplified and organized her livestock feed and nutrition business utilizing funding from the Nebraska FFA Foundation SAE Grant Program. To individual donors and corporate sponsors—we thank you for your support and for sharing your financial resources! We hope you are inspired by our donor story featuring Jud and Kaye Jesske, their connection to FFA, and why they chose to support the Nebraska FFA Foundation with a planned gift. We invite you to read about the real-life stories that show how your contributions are making an impact. On behalf of the Nebraska FFA Foundation, thank you to everyone who plays a role in making these opportunities possible. Together, we are building leaders, strengthening communities, and ensuring a bright future for Nebraska agriculture.
Jeremy Wilhelm
Stacey Agnew
BOARD PRESIDENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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GROWING LEADERS
The Leaders
Behind the Lessons Growing Teachers Through Professional Development Teacher retention continues to be an area of need throughout education, and agricultural education is no different. Retaining teachers while enhancing the quality of instruction is critical to addressing early-career turnover and ensuring students have access to highquality agricultural education programs. As with any profession, at times we all need to realign and reconnect with our purpose. The Tri-State DELTA Conference provides that opportunity. The Tri-State DELTA Conference is a premier professional development experience that helps teachers reconnect with why they chose to be educators. Agricultural educators from Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado attended four days of instruction focused on helping teachers reconnect with their passion through student engagement/innovative teaching strategies and leadership within their community and school. More than 35 secondary ag educators gathered this summer at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Nebraska. Ten Nebraska teachers were among those who attended, receiving funding assistance through the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s Growing a Brighter Future for Nebraska FFA grant with support from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. Blakely Schroeder of Twin River FFA was one of the Nebraska teachers who attended and said the experience challenged her to grow both personally and professionally.
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“DELTA was professional development unlike any other. I truly felt myself growing and changing personally and professionally, for the benefit of my students,” said Alex Meyer, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at St. Edward Public Schools. “While implementing the DELTA practices in my classroom will take time and intention, I have no doubt that this opportunity will allow me to serve every student, every day, the best that I can.” DELTA specifically focuses on helping teachers design and facilitate lessons that maximize student engagement and ownership in the classroom. At the same time, participants develop their leadership skills, learning how to advocate for their programs and students with school leaders, community members and other audiences. Throughout the four-day conference, participants engaged in hands-on workshops, keynote presentations, breakout sessions and networking activities focused on innovative teaching practices, student engagement, leadership development, agricultural technology and program excellence. Participants leave with new ideas, renewed purpose and personalized plans to strengthen their classrooms, FFA chapters and communities. Just as importantly, they leave with a network of peers who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of agricultural education.
“Throughout the conference, I was reminded that being a great educator is about more than the content I teach; it’s about the relationships I build and the experiences I create for my students,” she said.
“The Delta network builds a lasting community of educators who truly understand our unique challenges and successes,” said Shauna Roberson of Garden County High School. “Everyone leaves knowing they have a supportive group to lean on during tough times and to celebrate with during wins.”
DELTA is more than a four-day professional development event. It is a catalyst for secondary agricultural educators to ensure that every student learns every day. The training is designed for those who are called to teach, with a focus on developing high-quality ag education programs through intentional leadership growth, innovative teaching practices and meaningful collaboration with peers across the tri-state area.
By investing in teachers, the Nebraska FFA Foundation is investing in the students, programs and communities they serve. Professional development opportunities like DELTA give agricultural educators the tools, connections and renewed sense of purpose they need to continue growing as teachers and leaders. When teachers grow, their students benefit, creating a brighter future for Nebraska FFA and agriculture.
BUILDING COMMUNITIES The completed kitchen represents more than a remodeled classroom. It is the culmination of a multi-year effort to give Keya Paha students hands-on opportunities to grow, process and preserve food while developing skills in nutrition, food safety and agriculture, as well as exploring careers in food processing.
Growing
More Than Food Keya Paha Completes Ag Kitchen Expansion
What began with a challenge experienced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic has now come full circle at Keya Paha County Schools. During the pandemic, there were times when the school faced shortages of fresh food because of food supply disruptions and the distance food-service trucks had to travel. The experience gave FFA members a firsthand look at the importance of having reliable access to fresh, locally available food.
The project also builds on a long-standing tradition within the Keya Paha FFA chapter. Each year, the chapter purchases additional Colorado peaches through its peach sale fundraiser. Students preserve more than 40 boxes of peaches annually by freezing them for use in the school cafeteria. That experience helped demonstrate the value of preserving food for later use and became another part of the vision for the agricultural kitchen. The Agricultural Kitchen Expansion Project transformed an existing space into a functional kitchen within the school’s agricultural education classroom. The renovation included upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, flooring improvements, cabinetry, sinks, a dishwasher and kitchen appliances. The project also upgraded the stove to a gas-burning unit, allowing students to learn multiple canning and food-preservation techniques.
Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Ellen Trahan challenged students to think about possible solutions. Their ideas centered on a simple concept: Students could learn to grow their own food, starting with healthy soil and seeds, harvesting it fresh, preserving what they could and ultimately using that food to help feed their community.
Students were involved throughout the remodeling process, helping move materials and equipment into a storage container purchased by the district. The renovation included removing a wall between the kitchen and ag classroom and adding the necessary electrical, plumbing and flooring infrastructure.
That idea began taking shape in spring 2024, when seventh-grade students planted and raised fruits and vegetables as part of the school’s Farm-to-School program. The garden gave students an opportunity to put their ideas into practice and led them to consider how they could process and preserve the food they grew.
The school kitchen also uses fresh produce grown in the FFA garden, helping address some of the food-access challenges students experiences during the pandemic. The kitchen was completed for the start of the 2026 school year, giving students the opportunity to use the new equipment to process and preserve food harvested from the garden.
The project gained momentum through grant support and has now become a fully equipped learning space for agricultural education.
“We believe it is important for students to be inspired and educated about nutrition, how to grow your own food, and how to process food for later use,” said Trahan.
Keya Paha County Schools received $101,000 in grant funding through the Nebraska FFA Foundation Grant Program. The funding was provided through the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s general fund, industry partner grants from CVA and FMNE, and a large project grant through Growing a Brighter Future for Nebraska FFA & Agricultural Education, funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
The space gives students opportunities to strengthen their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities, from evaluating soil and plant health to measuring ingredients and applying food-preservation techniques. Lessons in basic food preservation and meat processing further expand their knowledge of food production and provide practical skills they can use beyond the classroom.
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CREATING CAREER CONNECTIONS
The Need for Feed Leigh Student Turns Small-Town Service Into Big-Time Success For Leigh senior Carmen Malena, what started as a small feed distribution service for extended family members has grown into a full-fledged Sunglo Feeds business serving nearly 60 customers. Malena’s SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) falls under Agriculture Sales-Entrepreneurship and specializes in providing show feed and supplements to livestock show families. She saw a need in her rural community where there weren’t many convenient options for purchasing supplies. Rather than asking community members to travel long distances to get what they needed, Malena brought the supplies directly to them. “On a typical week, I manage orders, communicate with suppliers to maintain fresh inventory, and attend local livestock shows to deliver products, check on customers’ projects, and connect with new and potential customers,” Malena said. As the business grew, so did the skills required to manage it. Communication, financial management, organization, and decision-making became important parts of Malena’s day-to-day responsibilities. With nearly 60 customers, including some located as far away as Colorado, she has gained valuable firsthand experience in what it takes to be a successful business owner. “My greatest success through this business has been creating such a strong and consistent customer base. Over my time of growing this business, I have been able to find customers from near and far that continue to support me and my business,” she said. Malena’s entrepreneurial skills have also translated into success in FFA. She was the State Runner-Up in the Ag Sales Entrepreneurship Proficiency in both 2025 and 2026. She is also a member of the Leigh FFA Farm & Agribusiness Management team, which earned the title of State Champion this past spring and qualified for the National FFA competition in October. As an avid swine show competitor herself, Malena attends numerous progress shows, fairs, and competitions throughout the year. Those experiences allow her to stay connected with her customers, see their livestock projects firsthand, and follow their success in the show ring.
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Like any growing business, Malena’s SAE has its busy seasons. During the school year, she balances her business with school and extracurricular activities. But when the fair season arrives, demand increases—and so does the need for efficiency. That’s where a grant from the Nebraska FFA Foundation made a significant difference. “The grant money that I earned helped me make my biggest purchase yet of a scanner system,” Malena said. “When I scan a product, it goes straight to my Square app invoices and inventory.”
“
Reach big for your goals, as the more you try, the more successes you’ll see.
”
Carmen Malena Leigh FFA student
The new system has saved Malena countless hours by eliminating the need to manually enter orders into the app. The grant also provided the startup funds she needed to expand her inventory and add a new type of feed to her product line. For Malena, the grant has been more than an investment in equipment—it has been an investment in the continued growth of her SAE and her future as an entrepreneur. As her business continues to grow, Malena plans to expand her product line and increase her online presence. Her advice to fellow FFA members is simple: “Reach big for your goals, as the more you try, the more successes you’ll see.”
FINANCIAL INFORMATION: AUGUST 1, 2025 – JULY 31, 2026
2025-26 Financial Impact
$6M
Total Net Assets
$1.85M
$477,694
$6,789
Expenses
$2.85M Programming Expenses
Revenue
I Believe 29%
average dollars invested per FFA chapter
Local Chapter 11% Fundraising 10% Management and General 10% State FFA Convention 8% Leadership Programming 8% Program and Education 8% Awards and Recognition 7% Corporate Partner 4% Ag Ed Teacher Activities 2% FFA Jacket Fund 2% State Fair 1%
dollars raised through the I Believe in the Future of Ag Campaign
22
in grants awarded to agricultural education classrooms
218
FFA Chapters in Nebraska
FFA Jackets donated through the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program
$27K 17 in grants awarded to students’ supervised agricultural experience projects
40
Business and Industry Visits completed by state officers
80K
meals packaged during the Living To Serve Event
Visit neffafoundation.org or scan the QR Code to view the digital version of the Annual Report and the complete audited 2025-26 Financial Statement. 7
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Local Support Sponsors and top engagement FFA Chapters attend the “I Believe in the Future of Ag” dinner reception during State FFA Convention.
Thank You
To Our Valued Partners
The following sponsors help to support state officer development, COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training), Ignite Conference, Pathways to Careers, Launch!, Ag Issues Academy, Middle School Academy, State FFA Degrees, Living To Serve community service event, chapter visits, agriscience fair, as well as Nebraska FFA Foundation donor events, awards, local chapter grants, ag teacher programming, I Believe in the Future of Ag, and Nebraska State Fair awards.
Platinum Sponsors $50,000+
Gold Sponsors $35,000-$49,999
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Johnson County Central FFA members completed a local industry tour with Union Bank & Trust, providing treat bags to show sponsor appreciation.
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Silver Sponsors $25,000-$34,999
Bronze Sponsors $15,000-$24,999
3 Star Sponsors $10,000-$14,999
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2025-26 DONORS GROWING LEADERS
True Blue Society Your multiple-year gift of at least $1,000 per year supports the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s investment in agricultural education and FFA for more than 12,000 FFA members and their advisors. Gift of the Rising Sun $50,000 Dan & Patricia Kreitman Shane & Kelli Belohrad Ron & Lisa Preston Gift of the Plow $25,000 Frank J. Fleecs Jeremy & Irene Wilhelm Jerry & Naomi Warner Kevin Siebert Richard & Sharon Katt Gift of Corn $5,000 Aaron & Kori Jensen Alec & Meredith Ibach Anthony & Lisa Brass Barrie & Ann Luers Benjamin Trampe Betty & Duane Starr Blaine & Brady Jenschke Bob & Betsy Nelson Bob & Lana Urban Brad & Pam Nygren Brad & Wendy Wilkins Brian & Paula Schellpeper Brian & Stacey Agnew
Britt & Jolene Anderson Cary & Barb Becker Clinton & Jody Hoffman Craig & Joni Schultz Craig & Stacy Olsen Dale & Christi Hafer Dan Morgan Derek & Allison Sandman Doug & Mary Derscheid Drew & Lyndsay Jensen Dustin & Stacey Fletcher Gary & Diane Kubicek Family Gerald & Beverly Clausen Glenn & Lynn Baumert Gordon & Pat Smith Greg & Teresa Ibach Heidi Cuca Jack H. & Janice Welch James & Julie Nygren Jason & Carey Kubik Jeff & Brenda Rudolph Jerry & Tess Lentfer John & Lisa Langemeier John & Mary McHargue John Bergmeyer Jud & Kaye Jesske Justin & Tami Tollman Keith & Doris Olsen Ken & Leona Neff Kent Thompson Kenyon Schuett
Kevin & Cindy Brewer Kris Kavan & Linne Vavrina Kuenning Family Farms Kyle & Catherine Perry Laura Linden Marc Wittstruck (Holly Wittstruck Memorial) Mark & Beth Funkey Mark & Sarah Fahleson Mat & Kyla Habrock Matt & Donelle Wolters Matthew & Dana Dolch Mike Roeber Nathan & Tonia Dorn Neal & Marcy Lewis Norm & Sue Krug Pete McClymont Randy Robeson, In memory of Buddy Robeson Richard & Patricia Hahn Richard & Susie Douglass Robert & Jody Cooper Rod Schroeder Scott & Deb Beckman Spencer & Morgan Hartman Steve Kampfe Tom & Helen Feller Tom & Jennifer Wood Traci Ebel Vernon & Shelly Benes Wayne & Lori Luebbe Weston & Shelby Svoboda
Blue & Gold Society Your long-term planned gift can help meet various needs, including the support for new FFA chapters and new programming at both the state and local levels. Planned gifts can be through named funds, endowed funds, bequests, life insurance, annuity beneficiary designation, other financial account designations, charitable gift annuities, and charitable remainder trusts.
Dr. Allen Blezek & Kay Blezek Charitable Fund Brian & Stacey Agnew Deb VanOverbeke Diana Yearsley Frank J. Fleece George & Lois Tiller Memorial Glenn G. & Lynn R. Baumert 10
Jack & Nancy Nemec Jerry & Teresa Lentfer Family Jud & Kaye Jesske Kurt & Sarah Heideman Merlin Anderson Trust Rich & Lanelle Herink Richard & Sharon Katt
Did you know?
218
There were
FFA Chapters in Nebraska for the 2025-26 program year. These chapters and communities are directly impacted by your generosity.
2025-26 DONORS
Donor Spotlight
Judson & Kay Jesske For this longtime Nebraska FFA supporter, agriculture and FFA have been woven into the fabric of his life from the very beginning. Judson Jesske grew up on a farm in Blue Hill, Nebraska, surrounded by agriculture and a community that embraced FFA. With a successful local chapter and strong agricultural roots, he knew early on that he wanted to be involved in agriculture. His FFA journey began as a freshman Creed speaker, an experience that helped build confidence and communication skills that would serve him throughout his life. Along the way, he was inspired by his advisor, Dewey Lenneman, whose mentorship helped shape his experience and encourage his growth. “FFA opened doors for me that I never imagined,” Jesske recalls. Jesske’s involvement continued to expand through leadership opportunities, district events, and agricultural education experiences. Through his SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience), he developed skills in row crop production while learning the importance of recordkeeping, responsibility, and goal setting. These experiences eventually led him to serve as a Nebraska State FFA Officer and earn the prestigious American FFA Degree. Looking back, Jesske credits FFA with providing far more than agricultural knowledge. “FFA taught me leadership, public speaking, record keeping, and how to work with people,” he says. “Those experiences helped shape who I became both personally and professionally.” The relationships he built through FFA remain some of the most meaningful connections in his life. From fellow members to experiences such as the National Agricultural Youth Conference, FFA fostered friendships and a commitment to lifelong learning that continue to this day. Jesske’s dedication to the organization didn’t end after receiving his blue jacket. Over the years, he and his wife Kaye have remained actively involved through the Nebraska FFA Foundation. He also served on the Foundation Board of Directors and supported major initiatives, including the “I Believe in the Future of Ag” campaign and the Foundation’s
sustainable fundraising efforts as True Blue Society Donors. What inspires the Jesskes the most about the Foundation is witnessing the growth of its impact across Nebraska. “We have seen how much the Foundation has grown and how many chapters and students it supports,” he says. “It’s wonderful to know that your support helps students discover new interests, grow their confidence, and find their spark.” The Jesskes are especially proud of the Foundation’s ability to invest in projects that create lasting opportunities for students, from funding greenhouses and hands-on learning facilities to supporting leadership and career development programs. “To have the ability and resources to support these kinds of projects is incredible,” Jesske says. “Those opportunities can make a real difference in a student’s future.” Today, the Jesske’s commitment to FFA extends beyond annual giving through a planned gift to the Nebraska FFA Foundation. For them, the decision reflects a desire to ensure future generations have access to the same opportunities that shaped Jud’s life. “FFA has done so much for me,” he says. “Supporting agriculture and helping young people stay connected to it is incredibly important. This is my way of paying it forward.” When asked who they hope will benefit most from their planned gift, their answer was simple: The next generation of FFA students. Through their generosity and vision, future Nebraska FFA members will continue to develop leadership skills, discover new passions, and pursue opportunities that prepare them for success. Their legacy is one of service, gratitude, and a steadfast belief in the power of agricultural education to change lives. Because of supporters like the Jesskes, the future of Nebraska FFA remains bright for generations to come.
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GROWING 2025-26 DONORS LEADERS GROWING LEADERS
Individual Supporters This group of individuals supported the Nebraska FFA Foundation general fund, state convention, state fair, the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program, and Nebraska FFA Association programming.
$1000 or more Aaron Williamson Calvin & Rita Fix Dee Rudolph Grady & Emily Johnson Jeff & Anne Johnson Karen Maertens Krista Lynam Lois Linke Mark & Willow Holoubek Matthew & Lori Hannan Philip & Shirley Johnson Robert & Leanne Maxwell Ryan & Kristen Hassebrook Spencer Kunze Stacie Higgins
$500 - $999 Andrew & Bonnie Jensen Armin & Jo Horst Austin Schwietzer Carol Plate Chris Robinett Cliff & Mary Ehlers Clint & Stacie Turnbull Jay & Jaci Palmer Karl & Margaret Hensley Kendell Henderson Kurt & Sarah Heideman Larry Cerny & Marian Nebe Linda Hoke Maynard & Charlene Schriner Neal & Bonnie Kanel Norm & Shirley Fritz Richard & Lanelle Herink Ryan Dugdale Scott & Tara Keetle Steve Schmit Tom & Debbie Volk Tom & Kelli Brewer
$100 - $499 Aaron & Alli Raymond Ainsley Lockwood Alec Meyer Alex Linden Alexius Strasburg
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Alysia Karlin Amanda Klintworth Amanda Lehan Amber Franssen Amy Yeager Andrew & Victoria Broders Andrew Gorecki Angela Jensen Anne McCormack April Otto Asha Scheideler Barb & Kevin Kock Becki Lawver Betsy & the late Gary Raymer Bill White Blythe McAfee Bob Campbell Boone McAfee Brad & Bonnie Bauer Brandon Carda Brandy Balzer Brayden Frerichs Brenda Ourada Brenda Williams Brian & Amy Kohtz Brianna Nagorski Bruce & Cheryl Trautman Bruce Reeder Caleb Billesbach Candace Broz Candy Otte Cary & Becki Sandell Cassidy Lacroix
Chase Nelms Cheryl Linden Chris & Marsha Kalkowski Christopher Nohr Claude & Linda Jensen Clay & Hilary Kuchera Clayton & Jill Hensley Colby Larson Connie Weston Dale & Deborah Grosbach Dale & Linda Zoerb Dan & Cindi Wolfe Dan Scherer Daniel & Geralyn Ripa Daniel Roeber Darby Paxton Darin & Carla Uhlir Darin & Kendra Weers Dave & Joan Loseke Dave & Victoria Barnard David & Alyce Tejral David & Becky Grimes David & Tarryn Moss David Karnopp David Polivka Dean Folkers & Jennifer Conway Dean James Debra & Colton Williams Denise Brozek Dennis & Barb Mottl Dennis & Natalie Toalson Diane Reeves Don Fick
2025-26 DONORS
Individual Supporters This group of individuals supported the Nebraska FFA Foundation general fund, state convention, state fair, the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program, and Nebraska FFA Association programming. Donald & Patricia Merlo Doug Deats Ed & Lisa Woeppel Eva Roubal Frank Seberger Fred & Kay Reed Fredric Shope Galen Frenzen Garry & Sharon Young Gene & Alfretta Claver Gene & Rose Wissenburg Glenn & Elaine Johnson Greg & Barb Bonifas Greg Wolfe Hannah Williams Heather Selph Homer Buell Jack & Linda Underwood Jaclyn Frey Jaime Jones James & Sarah Mullen Jana Beckman Jane McComas Janet Stephenson Janice Bopp Janna Quaring Jason & Kylie Penke Jason Ladman Jay & Abbie Nordhausen Jayden Jordan Jayme Schutz Jed & Deanne Erickson Jeff & Kathleen Schellpeper
Did you know? A total of
12,988
FFA members were registered in Nebraska for 2025-26. These students are directly impacted by your generosity.
Jeff & Teresa Moore Jenna Bobinmyer Jessica Larson Jessica Rudolph Jill Beckman-Kill Jill Meyer Jill Thomsen Jim & Mary Spath Jim Wissenburg John & Ashley Goertzen John & Barb Scharf John & Jordyn Bader Jon & Jean Katt Jon Sellenrick Jon Sonderup Jonathan & Abbie Rempel Josh & Amie Broz Judy Tejral Julie Waggoner Karen & the late Randy DeBoer Karlene Johnson Kelly & Keri Jeliek Kelsey Willadsen Kent & Jodi Pulfer Kevin & Norma Jones Krystl Knabe & Cody Knopp Kurt & Kari Loseke L. & A. Meiergerd Laura Wisnieski Lee & Brenda Nelson Lee Seberger Leon & Susan Wissmann Lloyd Bell Lori Romatzke Lynn & Cindy Gray Lynna Gene Cook Marilyn Houdek Mark & Jan Knobel Mark Gustafson Mark Hahn Mark Joy Marshall Nelms Mary Mrsny Mason Buckendahl Matt & Amanda Hoffman Matthew Wiegand Merlin R. Prior Michael & Carolyn Sandall Michael & Mary Pat Hoag Michael Erpelding
Michael Fuchs Michael Vyhlidal Mike Barrett Milt & the late Joann Fricke Mitch Sawyers Nancy Ninrichs Nathan Watermeier Norris & Lynnet Talcott Patricia Siebrandt Paul & Debra Sedlacek Philip Bletscher Randy & Donna Vlasin Ray & Jeanne Becker Ray & the late Jolene Ward Rick Tank Robert Sindt Roger & Jeanne Kaiser Ron & Beth Fitzke Ron & Jeanne Tinkham Rob Sabatka Ronald & Debra Buehler Ryan Anderson Sam & Jody Most Sanda Widener Scott & Connie Heinrich Scott & Jackie France Scott & Pam Kurz Sean Ridgeway Sierra Maser Sophia Lentfer Spencer & Katie Kock Stephen Hoff Steve & Jessie Waller Steward & Kris Spath Sue Volk Susan & the late Jim Willman Tammy Meyer Timothy & Jenny Hiffins Timothy & Jill Davis Travis Meisgeier Trevor Spath Troy Otte Tyler & Amber Fitzke Tyler Gansebom Tyler Williams Wayne Motycka Willard & Janice Boden William & RanDee Barger Yevgeniy Kulik
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PLANNED GIVING
Planned Giving
Supporting FFA Today, Tomorrow & Generations To Come At the Nebraska FFA Foundation, we’re honored to partner with donors who care deeply about making a difference. Many of our supporters already have a clear sense of the impact they want to create—whether that’s meeting immediate needs, expanding programs, or strengthening FFA for the future. As you think about your support of the Nebraska FFA Foundation, there’s an important question worth considering: How long would you like your generosity to make an impact? For some donors, the answer is ‘right now.’ For others, it’s ‘for years or even generations to come.’ And for many, it’s both. The good news is that there are flexible ways to support the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s mission that align with your goals, your family, and your financial plans.
As you consider your next steps, it can be helpful to reflect on what matters most to you:
Many supporters find that a blended strategy works best— combining current giving with future plans. For example, you might: • Continue your annual support while also including the Nebraska FFA Foundation in your estate plans. • Make an additional gift this year while establishing a legacy gift for the future. • Use different assets to support both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. These approaches allow you to experience the impact of your generosity today, while also creating something lasting. We know that every donor’s journey is unique, and we’re here to help you think through the options in a way that feels right for you. Whether your goal is to make a difference right now, leave a legacy, or both, your support of the Nebraska FFA Foundation plays a vital role in advancing agricultural education across the state. Thank you for being such an important part of FFA’s story!
•
Do you feel most drawn to addressing immediate needs, or creating lasting change over time?
•
Would you like your children or loved ones to be involved in your charitable legacy?
Ways To Support
•
Is it important for you to see the impact of your giving during your lifetime?
Support The Nebraska FFA Foundation Through Planned Giving:
•
Are you also thinking about tax efficiency, retirement planning, or estate goals?
•
Would you prefer to give in a way that is fully used today, preserved for the future, or a combination of both?
Include a gift in your will or trust. A bequest is one of the most common and flexible ways to give.
•
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A Balanced Approach: Giving Now & Later
When you look ahead, what kind of impact would feel most meaningful to you?
Name the Nebraska FFA Foundation as a beneficiary. You can designate the Nebraska FFA Foundation on a retirement account, IRA, or life insurance policy. Give through your IRA if you’re 70½ years or older. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can be a tax-efficient way to support our mission.
Giving Back
VOLUNTEER/AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Mike Roeber’s Lasting Investment in Nebraska FFA For Mike Roeber, supporting Nebraska FFA is more than a financial contribution or a volunteer commitment. It is a way of giving back to an organization that helped shape him. A former FFA member, agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor, Roeber has experienced firsthand the difference FFA can make in the lives of young people. His connection to the Nebraska FFA Foundation dates back to the organization’s beginning, more than three decades ago, when he started making small contributions. Over the years, both his financial support and the time he gives to the Foundation and Nebraska FFA have grown. “I have personally seen the impact that FFA can have on students,” Roeber said. “Supporting Nebraska FFA allows me to give back to those that supported me for many years and hopefully inspires current FFA members with their projects and activities.” Roeber spent more than eight years teaching high school ag education and serving as an FFA advisor before transitioning to the college level in 1998. That transition gave him more opportunities to become involved with the Foundation, and volunteering has become an important part of his connection to Nebraska FFA. Today, Roeber is a familiar face at the State FFA Convention, where he volunteers as an awards judge. In recent years, he has primarily judged proficiency awards, though he has also judged Leadership Development Events and State Stars. For Roeber, the most rewarding part of volunteering is getting to know the students behind the projects and accomplishments. “I enjoy meeting and learning about the activities and projects of the Nebraska FFA members each year,” he said. “I also enjoy working with other adults who have the same purpose in mind—supporting the members of the Nebraska FFA Association.” One experience, in particular, illustrates why he continues to give his time. While judging proficiency awards several years ago, Roeber encountered an FFA member who finished a close second in the competition. Because the student was still in high school, it was known that there would be another opportunity the following year. Roeber told his fellow judges that, with another year of growth and additional activities, the student had a strong chance of succeeding at the national level.
The following year, Roeber was not judging that particular proficiency area. But the student applied again, advanced to the national proficiency award competition and ultimately won the National Proficiency Award in that area. Mike’s prediction had come true. Stories like that remind Roeber that the time and resources invested in Nebraska FFA can have a lasting impact. The results are not always immediately visible, but the opportunities created through FFA can help students grow, develop their skills and achieve things they may not have thought possible. Eventually the investment will be realized. Roeber also values the relationships that come with his involvement. Each year, the State FFA Convention gives him an opportunity to reconnect with other supporters of Nebraska FFA—people he may see only once a year, but who share his commitment to helping students succeed. Roeber’s financial support is an equally important part of that commitment. He sees both giving and volunteering as a way to honor the people who invested in him when he was an FFA member. “There are many people who supported my accomplishments while I was an FFA member,” he said. “Supporting the Nebraska FFA Foundation is my way of giving back to those that supported me. I hope this support has an influence on the FFA members of today.” For those considering becoming a Nebraska FFA Foundation donor, volunteer, or ambassador, Roeber’s advice is simple: Just do it. “The satisfaction that you get from meeting the FFA members and the impact that you have on these members has a higher value than the donation or time that you give,” he said. After decades of involvement, Roeber continues to find meaning in supporting the next generation of Nebraska FFA members. His story is a reminder that the impact of FFA extends well beyond a student’s high school years—and that when people choose to give back, their investment can reach far into the future. And sometimes, as he has seen firsthand, a little encouragement and investment can help a young person go all the way to the national stage.
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Nebraska FFA Foundation PO Box 94942 Lincoln, NE 68509-4942
2025-2026 Nebraska State Officer Team
Mission Message The Nebraska FFA Foundation invests in agricultural education and FFA for more than 12,000 FFA members and their advisors in Nebraska by growing leaders, building communities, and creating career connections.