2023 National FFA Week

The Albany/Avon FFA chapter includes Grace Backes (front, from left), Faith Kalthoff, Chloe Winkels, Jazmin Pullins, Kallie Ritter, Oliver Wieber; (second row) Eden Rothstein, Mason Dobmeier, Calvin Gerads, Alexa Middendorf, Bella Schiffler, Candace Berckes, Massey Wieber, Harmony Klaphake, Kaylin Merdan, Payton Buerman, Riley Salzl, Henry Kotten; (third row) Ian Power, Cory Brix, Ivan Kotten, Brooklyn Brix, Kaylee Salzl, Leczi Fleischhacker, Emma Rothstein, Bryce Frericks, Adam French, Avery Wieber, Melanie Gertken, Ms.Czeck; (back row) Sam Orbeck, Carter Dobmeier, Kyle Voigt,Josh Niehaus,Bryce Wolbeck,Cody Voigt, Ethan Hartung, Jacob Niehaus, Preston Wieber, Oliver Berckes, Ava Sand, Ellyana Sand, Mr. Lichy and Mrs. Schnieder.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Get to know the

Abbey Schoumaker

BBE Officer Team

Tell us about your FFA program and your involvement in it: Within the BBE FFA chapter I am involved in forestry, poultry, general livestock and CDE’s. I am competing in prepared speeches for an LDE. Over the summer I attend three FFA livestock shows and, in the fall, I shoot archery.

What is the greatest benefit you have received from being involved in FFA? The greatest benefit I have received from being involved in FFA is learning new things all the time and the new friends I got to meet at different events and contests.

What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of FFA? Outside of FFA I like to hang out with my friends and family, paint, craft and sew.

What are your plans for the future? In the future I want to be a vet or a stock show photographer. I also want to have a farm like the one I’m living on.

Who do you admire most and why? I admire my mom, because she first introduced me to FFA and helps me explore all of the different areas of FFA.

Tell us about your FFA program and your involvement in it: I am the treasurer for our FFA chapter. I sign checks and keep track of balances. I try my best to be engaged in our meetings and give the best feedback I can to help.

What is the greatest benefit you have received from being involved in FFA? Getting greater knowledge in the Ag industry and learning more about judging the different animals.

What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of FFA? Riding horse, showing cattle, basketball and work.

What are your plans for the future? Hopefully making it into the welding program at Alex Tech next fall.

Who do you admire most and why? Gary Rodgers, he has helped me a lot to have a better understanding of FFA and other involvements.

Tell us about your FFA program and your involvement in it: I participate in milk quality and dairy cattle events. I am the sentinel FFA officer and help make decisions about the program.

What is the greatest benefit you have received from being involved in FFA? I get to have fun with friends and learn about agriculture.

What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of FFA? Mechanics and dairy farming.

What are your plans for the future? Possibly go to college for diesel mechanics.

Who do you admire most and why? My parents because they always support me.

Tell us about your FFA program and your involvement in it: I am an assistant secretary for BBE FFA, I do CDE’s, like Horse, Dairy judging, and state competitions, as well as activities within the community like tractor drives, etc.

What is the greatest benefit you have received from being involved in FFA? The greatest benefit I have taken away from being involved in FFA is the friendships, learning what it is like to be a leader, learning more about myself, and the parts of ag I am interested in!

What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of FFA? Hobbies are, horseback riding, kayaking, snowmobiling, working on engines and vehicles, hunting and fishing

What are your plans for the future? I plan to become a real estate agent when I graduate.

Who do you admire most and why? The person I admire most is a close family friend. Pam Engle. She is the most kind hearted, and gentle person I’ve had a blessing to have in my life. she has been through many hardships in her life, but continues to show up for herself and work incredibly hard to get to where she is today. She is selfless, and caring. She has taught me many valuable lessons throughout the years.

Tell us about your FFA program and your involvement in it: We have a very active and fun program. I am the co-vice president. I also judge livestock as part of my contests. What is the greatest benefit you have received from being involved in FFA? I have learned a lot about animals and plants that I think could help me in the future.

What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of FFA? I am in 4-H. I like to hunt and fish. I also enjoy wrestling, football and baseball. I am also the vice president of student council.

What are your plans for the future? I plan on playing football and learning bout animal sciences and agronomy at NDSCS. I then plan on helping out and eventually taking over my family farm. Who do you admire most and why? My dad, because his work ethic is unmatched and his basic knowledge of just about everything is something I admire.

Tell us about your FFA program and your involvement in it: I am involved by being the reporter.

What is the greatest benefit you have received from being involved in FFA? The greatest benefit has been going to state FFA.

What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of FFA? Trap shooting, golf and hunting.

What are your plans for the future? I might become an electrician.

Who do you admire most and why? Gary Rodgers, he has been a great teacher and coach.

Tell us about your FFA program and your involvement in it: I am the historian for our chapter. This year we have been planning a lot of things for the community and chapter.

What is the greatest benefit you have received from being involved in FFA? I like meeting new people through CDE’s. I also really like being able to learn more about and compete in things we’re interested in.

What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of FFA? I’m in 4-H, which I really like. I also show angus cattle and raise sheep. I am in track too.

What are your plans for the future? I want to get out of high school and become an AI technician. Then hopefully start my own farm. Who do you admire most and why? Probably my grandpa because he is one of the most hardworking and honorable people I know.

Tell us about your FFA program and your involvement in it: I’m involved in milk quality. I am also an officer at large.

What is the greatest benefit you have received from being involved in FFA? Getting to go to state and enjoy the time with friends.

What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of FFA? I work for a dairy farm and am also involved in trap, football and hunting.

What are your plans for the future? I plan to go over the road for construction.

Who do you admire most and why? Gary Rodgers, he has shown me so much over the years in FFA and I’m sure I will learn a lot more in the coming years from him.

Tell us about your FFA program and your involvement in it: I am co-vice president in my FFA Chapter. I help and am in charge of planning events and other things that go on in my chapter.

What is the greatest benefit you have received from being involved in FFA? I feel like meeting new people and being able to get younger people to join is a big highlight.

What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of FFA? Riding horse, working, hanging out with friends, fishing and hunting

What are your plans for the future? I plan to move to Montana and work on a ranch.

Who do you admire most and why? My parents because they do so much for me. They set good examples and footsteps for me to follow.

Tell us about your FFA program and your involvement in it: I am the current president of the BBE FFA chapter. I have been in FFA for 5 years now, and have been an officer for 3. This year, my goal as president has been to get more involvement from both students and the community.

What is the greatest benefit you have received from being involved in FFA? Through FFA, I have developed many leadership skills that will help me throughout my whole life. What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of FFA? Outside of FFA, my hobbies include showing dairy cattle and sheep in 4H, as well as working on my vehicles and my parents’ farm.

What are your plans for the future? My plans for the future include continuing to work. Who do you admire most and why? My biggest role model is my grandpa, who has always taken time to teach me things, and continues to teach me.

- Secretary

- Treasurer

- Sentinel

- Asst. Secretary

- Co-Vice President

- Reporter

- Historian

- Officer At Large

- President

- Co-Vice President

Grace Jackson

Max Heieie

Morgan Poepping

Summer Lundberg

Mason Eckstein

Mhina Reed

Parker Prentice

Teresa Heinze

Ethan Spanier

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

The BBE FFA chapter includes Grace Jackson (front, from left), Teresa Heinze, Summer Lundberg, Ethan Spanier, Max Heieie, Parker Prentice, Mason Eckstein and Abbey Schoumaker; (second row) Sam Mastey, Morgan Poepping, Alix Bohmer, Cali Knutsen, Presley Detloff, Taylor Oeltjenbruns, Emily Uphus, Viktoria Clark and Tia Nelson; (third row) Mhina Reed, Cooper Roering, Owen Roering, Peyton Roelike, Aiden Radermacher, Bennett Wurm and Bentley Deters; (back row) Charles Powers, Noah Welte, Donivan Radunz, Eli Wold, Coby Schoumaker, Kolton Schueler and Truman Jenniges. Members not pictured are Jeffrey Berndt, Cody Bertram, Tate DeKok, Coby DenHartog, Carson Glienke, Emery Halvorson, Gunner Heieie, Wyatt Lewis, Ben Mastey, Taylor Nelson, Ash Oeltjenbruns, Owen Radermacher, Allan Simonson, Tye Stein, Daniel Tschida, Logan Walz, and Kara Wold.

BBE FFA Officers are officer at large Parker Prentice (front, from left), sentinel Max Heieie, treasurer Grace Jackson, reporter Mason Eckstein, president Teresa Heinze, second vice president Ethan Spanier, historian Mhina Reed, assistant secretary Morgan Poepping, secretary Abbey Schoumaker and vice president Summer Lundberg.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Holdingford FFA Chapter Members are Maria Wruck (front, from left), Ayla Young, Bethany Gerads, Marissa Hartung, Grace Woitalla, Allie Pyka, Clara Wruck, Maddie Hartung; (second row) Cassandra Gertken, Quinn Swanson; (third row) Adam Giese, Thomas Heitzman, Heather Feld, Lucia Kroll, Aubrey Schlueter, Korin Kostreba, Jordyn Kostreba; (fourth row) David Johnson, Owen Skwira, Grace Brady, Lily Gerads, Abby Woitalla, Lilly Boeckermann; (back row) Luke Opatz, Aiden Young, Max Knettel, Marcus Gerads, John Klemmer, Alex Klemmer, Jayden Ebnet and Anthony Dobis. Members not pictured are Alexis Reis, David Johnson, Jenna Pallow, Evan Lichy, Josh Klaphake, Lindsey Klaphake, Lydia Mrosla, Owen Skwira, Sam Skroch, Sam Ruprecht, Will Pilarski, Wyatt Novitzki, Wyatt Pilarski, Wyatt Skwira, Jacob Klein, Peyton Rudolph and Allen Leenerts.

G R O W S Holdingford FFA Chapter

Peck enjoys first months as assistant adviser

BY SARAH COLBURN STAFF WRITER

HOLDINGFORD – Taylor Peck is the newest addition to the Holdingford High School FFA Chapter. Peck began as an assistant adviser for the organization six months ago.

“I enjoy being able to work with students who are passionate about the FFA organization and their future career interests,” Peck said. “FFA gives them the chance to explore their interests and develop their leadership skills which we don’t really get to see in the class-

room.”

The chapter is comprised of about 40 students in grades seven through 12. Membership in the organization has grown this year as middle school students were able to enroll in agricultural classes for the first time.

The organization competes in a variety of career development events such as horse evaluation and milk quality and products to agricultural technology and mechanical systems. For the first time in many years, the chapter also boasted a floriculture team that competed this past fall.

For Peck, who was a member of the Hutchinson FFA Chapter for three years she served as secretary and president during her own high school career. The biggest challenge she faces as an adviser is saying the word no.

“I love helping students try new things,” she said. “Ag teachers are not experts in every area, so we are learning alongside the students, and sometimes we can only tackle so many new challenges at once.”

Peck not only helps advise the FFA program but also teaches Ag and Industrial Technologies.

Know our achievements

Effects on Corn Yield study.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Taylor Peck, Holdingford FFA Assistant Adviser and Ag and Industrial Technologies Teacher

U R M A N B R O T H E R S foster growth through FFA FFA

BY SARAH COLBURN STAFF WRITER

LONG PRAI-

RIE/GREY EA-

GLE – The Urman brothers did not grow up on a farm, but the four of them spent years as members of the Long Prairie Grey Eagle FFA Chapter.

For Jonah David Urman, the youngest of the four, it has been an experience.

“I’m learning how to take care of animals and learning about farming,” he said.

The 14-year-old has been learning everything from the importance of animal nutrition and hydration to what vitamins animals need to stay healthy.

“In comparison to being a human, it’s pretty similar,” Jonah said.

Jonah is participating in the poultry evaluation and livestock evaluation career development events.

Between agriculture classes at school and help from his FFA adviser, Curt Gjerstad, Jonah has learned how eggs can take different shapes and how to identify the cuts of meat on a chicken.

Additionally, Jonah has learned how to evaluate livestock through in-

structional videos and from the help of Gjerstad. Evaluating live cattle is a completely different experience, Jonah said.

“When you watch a video, you can’t see every part of the animal,” he said. “On TV, they can look really, really small, and when you see them in person, they’re just humongous compared to you.”

Jonah has helped on friends’ farms, spending the night and helping with chores.

Jonah said the FFA organization was something his older brothers participated in so he joined too. The experience has helped Jonah find an interest in agricul-

ture, one he said he may pursue in the future as an agriculture teacher or maybe, one day, a farmer.

While Jonah’s brothers, Noah and Tate, have graduated from high school and no longer participate in FFA, his brother Tye, a senior, is a FFA member as well.

Tye joined the chapter in the eighth grade, and while he, too, has helped on a family friend’s farm, Tye said FFA has taught him about food production in the United States.

Urmans page 11

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Long Prairie Grey Eagle general livestock team poses for a photo during a contest held at their school. Pictured here is the team that took first place in state. Kabian Twardowski (from left), Colby Twardowski, Tate Twardowski, Tye Urman and Jacob Pesta.

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The Long Prairie Grey Eagle poultry team took third place in the state FFA competition. Lilly Stanley (from left), Kira Swanson, Carter Denny, Jonah Urman, Ryan Browen and Colby Twardowski stand outside the Central Lakes College in Brainerd during the regional competition held Jan. 11, 2023.

PHOTO S UBMITTED

Long Prairie Grey Eagle FFA Chapter Members are Caroline

Kuehne (front, from left), Shyanne Hemmingson, Lexa Jambor, Natalie Muller, Haylie Wielenberg, Kailee Johnson, Mr. Gjerstad; (second row) Ryan Browen, Asher Cebula, Maria Buntjer, Izzy Otremba, Baylee Cummins, Caylee

Kuehne, Kilee Johnson, Kayla Holmquist, Kyra Swanson; (back row) Jonah Urman, Jacob Pesta, Colby Twardowski, Tyler Lemke, Jax Zigan, Austin Breth, Kris Hanson, Tate Twardowski, Korbin Lowe, JP Buntjer, Preston Wielenberg and Carter Denny.

29033 County Road 17 Freeport, MN 56331

Melrose FFA Chapter Members are Kelli Pundsack (front, from left), Sophia Kasper,

Peyton Wensmann, Elaina Schleper, Theo Poepping, Logan Frieler, Braydon Blonigen,

Eli Zink , Wyatt Feldewerd, Carter Kulzer, Levi Scherping, Monika Frericks, Jenna

Van Beck , Blaise Welle; (second row) Carson Middendorf, Tyler Poepping, Trevor

Blonigen, Lila Kimmes, Dan Frericks, Isaac Frericks, Aiden Hellermann, Alexa Toenyan,

Grace Herdering, Emma Rohe , Jaiden Smith, Caroline Braun, Audrey Waldvogel,

Bryce Mascho; (back row) Wyatt Feldewerd, Thatcher Van Beck , Laila Frericks, Alyssa

Scherping, Katie Rohe, Austin Rueter, Philip Job, Hunter Feldewerd, Carter Roerick ,

Trevor Thom, Megan Frieler, Gretchen Braun, Gretta Kasper, Ava Smith, Elaine Herkenhoff and Alex Mascho.

Melrose FFA Chapter Officers are Katie Rohe (front, from left), Trevor Thom, Megan Frieler; (back row) Philip Job, Hunter Feldewerd, Carter Roerick and Austin Rueter.

PHOTO S S U B MITTED

“It’s good for everyone to have an understanding of animals and how your food gets to your table,” Tye said. “Farms are a big deal for our whole country.”

Tye has competed in the meats evaluation and technology CDE and the livestock evaluation CDE. He can identify types of meats and individual cuts, everything from pork and lamb to beef.

Tye said Gjerstad also helps fuel his interest because he is passionate about teaching.

“You learn about the different types of contests and the animals and how to judge things,” Tye said. “You build relationships with people.”

The Long Prairie Grey Eagle FFA members gather at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities campus for the state FFA convention and competition in 2022. Members include Isabelle Otremba (front, from left), Kailee Johnson, Caroline Kuehne, Kayla Holmquist, Rebecca Berscheit, Halie Wielenberg, Lexa Jambor and Natalie Muller; (back row) Reece Steinmetz, Carson Lemke, Clayton Mertens, Tanner Lambright, Tate Twardowski, Braison Abers, Tye Urman, Colton Park, Preston Wielenberg, Mechaet Mechelbang and Riley Watercott

Fun for all

FFA provides strong connection for Walter sisters

BY SARAH COLBURN STAFF WRITER

Lanna and Haddie

Walter are members of the Sauk Centre High School FFA program, and they’re not only spending time with students who have similar interests, but they’re learning about the aspects of agriculture.

The sisters compete in dairy judging and dairy handling, and Haddie was a member of the poultry team that made it to the state FFA competition last year.

Haddie is on the officer team; she served as the sentinel last year and is the secretary this year.

“I’m growing as a leader,” Haddie said.

“We plan all the events through school, take charge in that and direct

the chapter and get involved in events.”

The 15-year-old said she feels like the experience will be beneficial for her future.

“To be able to go off and do things on my own and help lead and start things by myself,” she said.

Last year, Haddie went to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus for the state FFA competition. She said it allowed the team members time to bond as they attended workshops and events.

“We learned about ways to be involved with agriculture,” she said. “We went to learn more about agriculture in different companies and corporations that help with FFA.”

Even though Had-

die is only a sophomore, she said FFA has helped her think beyond high school.

“I don’t know what I want to do with my future yet, but I know it’s going to be in the agriculture industry, so all aspects of FFA will help me with that,” she said.

The last two years Haddie has competed in a poultry career development event and a dairy handling CDE. This year, she will compete in dairy judging.

The sisters show dairy heifers through 4-H, so they have some experience in the arena and said FFA was a natural progression. Up until 3.5 years ago their parents, David and Cathy, had a dairy farm which has

Walters page 14

We are PROUD to

Family owned and operated

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(Above) Haddie Walter poses with her and her sister Lanna’s dairy heifers that they brought to school for a petting zoo.

(Left) Lanna Walter with her calf Auburn during an FFA week Kiss A Calf activity in 2022.

PHOTO S UBMITTED

Sauk Centre FFA Chapter Members are Alex Goerdt (front, from left), Alexis Engle, Samantha Gregory, Olivia Christen, Emily Peters, Jacob Reugemer; (second row) Mrs. Gerads, Rylan Pallow, Katie Gregory, Haddie Walter, Mitchell Christen, Lanna Walter, Noah Christen; (back row) Eric Isenbart, Ryland Johnson, Garrett Leagjeld, Luke Wanderscheid, Tyler Meyer, Emmit Ruegemer.

from page 12

since transitioned to a crop farm with beef feeders.

Lanna is a junior at SCHS and has been part of FFA for three years. The 17-year-old said she and her sister were inspired to join FFA because their older brother, Miles, had a good experience.

Last year, Lanna competed in dairy handling and this year she will compete in dairy judging. She said she has always enjoyed being around cows and said it is fun to care for them and know what they need.

“There’s just something about cows that bring joy to my life,” Lanna said. “They’re unique animals. They can sense your emotions and you can sense theirs.”

The FFA experience has given her the opportunity to learn about different species of animals, not just those on her family farm.

“It’s important so you’re a more well-rounded person,” she said. “You can expand your horizons and know different parts of the agriculture world.”

Additionally, she said the experience has allowed her to meet people from other parts of the region and state that she normally would not.

“Overall, to see myself as a leader is a big thing but also (learning) how to connect with others through agriculture (is important),” Lanna said.

Lanna plans to use the skills and knowledge she has learned through FFA to major in animal science in college with an emphasis on cattle nutrition. Though she does not know where she is going to school yet, she said FFA has helped her establish friendships with a group of students with similar interests.

“We’re all really close, and we definitely connect very well as a whole,” she said. “It’s a fun atmosphere and a good place to be.”

PHOTOS SUMITTED

(Left) Lanna Walter with her beef heifer that was awarded to her through the Richard Carpenter Memorial Beef Heifer Award.

(Below) Students ride on the Sauk Centre FFA Chapter 2022 Homecoming parade float.

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Mitchell Christen, Miles Walter, Haddie Walter, Rylan Pallow and Noah Christen make up the 2021-2022 poultry team.

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Miles Walter (from left), Mitchell Christen, Noah Christen, Rylan Pallow, Katie Gregory and Haddie Walter earned a spot at the state FFA competition in 2022.

its mission, FFA: To accomplish

• Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership.

• Increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.

• Strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work.

• Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career.

• Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs.

• Encourages wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community.

• Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction.

• Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism.

• Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people.

• Promotes healthy lifestyles.

• Encourages excellence in scholarship.

Proudly supporting young farmers.

The future of farming and agriculture is in our local young farmers’ hands. Magnifi Financial is proud to support local farmers and FFA.

MYMAGNIFI.ORG

READY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF FARMERS.

NEW HOLLAND IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF FFA.

We believe in the future of agriculture. FFA activities help students learn, advance and develop the leadership skills that strengthen our local communities and American agriculture as a whole. New Holland and our dealerships salute these agricultural leaders of tomorrow. Look to New Holland for all your farming needs today and tomorrow.

We believe in the future of agriculture. FFA activities help students learn, advance and develop the leadership skills that strengthen our local communities and American agriculture as a whole. New Holland and our dealership salute these agricultural leaders of tomorrow. Look to New Holland for for all your farming needs today and tomorrow.