FFA: Austin High’s expanding program Story by Deb Nicklay Photos by Eric Johnson
The re-emergence of Austin High School’s FFA program is a prime example in how vision, support and the work of an adviser and teacher can make a difference. The adviser would be Linnay Yarger, who in the past five years has taken the longtime ag program from near-death to healthy numbers and state contests. But she will be the first one to say she has had plenty of support, from Austin FFA Alumni and The Austin FFA chapter holds a meeting in Linnay Yarger’s room at Austin High School. school staff, to her advisory Yarger got busy on all board and instrumental and FFA group, she knew the program has 27 or fronts, emphasizing the dihelp provided by The she had a challenge ahead so active members and a versity of the ag programHormel Foundation. The of her, but that aforemenwhole bunch of contest tioned support set the ming — there are eight Foundation’s help providplacings and wins. ed financial support that stage for success. courses today instead of Yarger, 30, in her fifth allowed Austin High School year as ag teacher and “We had to make it a sus- the two that were once in to revive its ag curriculum adviser, proved to be a key tainable program, and with place — and began to atand ignite its FFA program pick. The University of Min- the help from the The Hor- tract students who weren’t nesota graduate from New mel Foundation, that was necessarily the traditional Switch to 2009, when Ulm cut her instructional able to happen,” she said. “farm kids.” “the program was pretty “I knew it would be hard While there are plenty much non-existent” with a teeth for three years at Worthington High School. at first; I knew I had to get of opportunities for kids handful of members, said When she was hired to take kids involved. It wasn’t go- growing up on the farm, Yarger. over the Austin ag program ing to be an instant ‘go.’ ” there is equal emphasis on Switch to today, when areas that aren’t necessarily about raising cattle or crop science. Areas such as wildlife management, landscaping, food science and horticulture are all areas relevant to all populations for study or future careers. There are students who also take agriculture classes who aren’t necessarily part of FFA, but FFAers do take ag courses as part of the
regular curriculum. Yarger said the classes were diverse, but usually had a significant science aspect to it. The curriculum has also been updated for a higher level of technology and has introduced new ones. Michael Carroll, 16, who is in his third year of FFA and treasurer of the chapter, comes from the farm. He is a strong believer in the program and the skills it offers — for farm and non-farm students alike. “Speaking in front of groups, running a meeting — those things aren’t necessarily farm-related, but they are part of FFA,” he said. Kristine Scheckinger, 16, agreed. The chapter vice president also likes the traditional aspect of being part of something that her family has been a part of. Many of the FFA members also belong to 4-H. Scheckinger also likes the hands-on nature of much of the ag curriculum and the labs that are conducted to keep student interest lively. Yarger said small animal care is one of busier semester courses that has attracted both farm and non-farm students. “Almost every family has a pet,” said Yarger. “So it’s popular.” The success has come in many ways, including awards. The group has also done well in contests, especially the general livestock team.
Find this story and more in the upcoming Progress edition. Also in Progress: •Atewologun is bringing a vision for ag to RCC •Institute looks to bring research from bench to the bedside. The Austin FFA chapter is made up of back row, from left: Emily Billings, Emily Bollum, Codie Wolfe, Joshua Bollum, Adrianna Meiergerd, Kali Meiergerd and Maia Irvin. Front row: Evan Meiergerd, Kristine Schechinger, Michael Carroll, Faith Sayles and Morgan Schubert.
In 2016-17, the livestock judging team took first in regions. In 2015-16, they took third at regions and then a second at state. The team also took a first place in the Spring Barrow Show general livestock judging on Feb. 3 of this year. They were sixth at state in livestock judging in 2014-15, and sixth in farm business management in 2015-16. The team also received an invitation to judge live-
stock at the 2017 Western National Roundup during the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, just this past January and placed 14th at the national contest. Yarger said she has found positive reaction to the changes in the program and the expansion of FFA, from staff and the community. One of her biggest supporters is AHS Principal Katie Baskin. “Linnay has an extensive background in FFA
and has worked hard to enhance her skills, education, and community connections to grow our agriculture courses and FFA program,” said Baskin. “We have seen steady growth over the last five years,” she added. “Linnay has worked hard to offer courses that all students in our building can take. They certainly are not limited to our FFA students. I had the opportunity to attend the National FFA convention
a couple years ago — FFA is definitely for all kids. The leadership and public
On newsstands Friday, February 24, 2017.
speaking skills are a key focus and beneficial for all of our students.”