Mid-Prairie FFA Celebrates 75th Anniversary Year

Future Farmers of America or FFA has a long history, dating back to 1928, that has built it into the strong, student-centered organization it is today. This organization nationally consists of high school students and graduate members, and it strives to develop students for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Through their participation in FFA, students learn how to speak in public, conduct and take part in meetings, handle financial matters, solve problems and assume civic responsibility.

The Iowa FFA organization dates back to 1929 and continues on today. During the 2022-2023 school year, the Mid-Prairie FFA chapter celebrated its 75th anniversary year. The Wellman FFA chapter first began on October 24, 1947, and was later merged into the current Mid-Prairie FFA chapter that continues to foster students’ growth and success. Elsa Schmidt, current Mid-Prairie High School Agricultural teacher, has been the Mid-Prairie FFA Advisor since July 1, 1999. This year the Mid-Prairie chapter consists of 64 members and 10 graduate members. Many members continue to utilize their agricultural learning well into their future careers. There are a large number of former Mid-Prairie FFA members who are currently teaching agriculture at various levels. For example, Brad Kinsinger ‘01 is currently the Dean of the College of Agriculture at Kirkwood, Renee Schrock Thompson ‘04 is currently teaching for West Branch, Alyssa Foster Amelon ‘09 is currently teaching for Clear Creek Amana and Noah Altenhofen ‘16 is currently teaching for Central Lee. At Mid-Prairie, students can begin their FFA memberships as a freshman in high school. During their participation with FFA at Mid-Prairie, members have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities. Students can take part in community service activities, such as helping to place flags at the Kalona and Wellman cemeteries, providing help with cleanup day in West Chester and roadside cleanup near the high school. Members can attend a variety of leadership events including State and National FFA Conventions, Ignite, Amplify and Transform Conferences and Legislative Symposium. They have the opportunity to exhibit a variety of projects at Washington and Johnson County Fairs, as well as the Iowa State Fair. Students have the opportunity to participate in leadership and career development events to improve their speaking skills, as well as learn about a wide variety of career areas in agriculture. The Mid-Prairie FFA chapter also participates in a major initiative to promote agricultural literacy to elementary and middle school students.

State FFA Officers are elected annually at the State FFA Convention. State Officers are elected for a one-year term and have the opportunity to serve as President, Secretary, Reporter or Vice President. Members elected to Vice President of their district also serve as District President and lead a team of District Officers. Serving in a state officer position is a great honor and responsibility. These leaders are provided opportunities to influence, impact and serve FFA members, advisors, teachers and supporters of the organization. They meet with agribusiness representatives and government officials, and they have the opportunity to meet with people who influence agriculture and education on a state, national and regional level.

To date, only six Mid-Prairie graduates have had the honor to serve in a State Officer position. Terry Pemberton ‘67 served as Vice President from 1968-

1969. Curtis D. Stutzman ‘77 served as Reporter from 1976-1977 and President from 1977-1978. Curtis is the only Mid-Prairie graduate to be elected as FFA President. Lyle Stutzman ‘79 served as Reporter from 19781979. Jennifer Curl Shaw ‘95 served as Vice President from 1996-1997. Michael Huston ‘00 served as Vice President from 2000-2001. Kally Boehmer Sporrer ‘02 served as Reporter from 2003-2004. We are very proud of our Mid-Prairie graduates who have been elected to these state office positions and represented Mid-Prairie FFA at the state level. We took some time to catch up with these former state officers and see what they’re up to now.