Page 2B | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS
Schreiner from front
Although not raised on a farm, the Schreiner sisters have spent an ample amount of time on a beef and crop operation owned by their grandparents, Leon and Jeanne Lahr, near Mayhew Lake. “I like that there is more freedom,” Abby said of the farm setting. “I’m not constrained to the city, and I can do what I want. And, it’s the work that I like. It keeps me interested.” Abby, 15, helps with fieldwork and chores at her grandparents, and Ashlyn, who began working at O&S Dairy two years ago, is responsible for cleaning pens, caring for calves and milking the dairy’s 230 cows. Ashlyn joined FFA during the 2019-20 school year after being influenced by her twin best friends, Kaety and Kaelin Rainer. She had also taken multiple agricultural classes at SRRHS. “I was interested in joining FFA because I wanted to learn more about animals and agribusiness,” said Ashlyn, the chapter ’s secretary a n d
211 G
LEN S
TREET
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Abby (left) and Ashlyn Schreiner are two members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School FFA chapter. The Schreiner sisters were not raised on a farm, but they have taken interest in agriculture.
reporter. “I feel like being involved with the chapter has influenced me to consider a career in agriculture.” After taking a year off from high school to await the recovery of the coronavirus pandemic, Ashlyn plans to attend Ridgewater College in Willmar to become a veterinarian. The decision seems to be a fitting aspiration: Ashlyn not only cares for animals but has taken it upon herself to rescue them as
, MN FOLEY
5632
9
320-968-6239 | 888-868-6239 Open Monday-Friday 8-6 • Sat 8-2 www.murphychevrolet.com
well. In summer 2020, Ashlyn noticed a dead opossum on the side of the road when she was driving. Knowing the animal is a marsupial – a mammal that cares for its developing offspring in a pouch on its body – Ashlyn checked the animal’s pocket and found seven baby opossums. “I couldn’t just leave them there,” she said. “I took them home, and I had to tube feed them every three hours for two to three months straight.” Five of the offspring did not make it after being injured in the crash. Yet, two of the animals are nearly 9 months old and have become companion animals that cannot be released into the wild.
NATIONAL FFA WEEK
“They are not mean,” Ashlyn said. “I got them when they were only 63 grams; they were very tiny.” Ashlyn’s willingness to care for animals extends beyond small creatures. She has also re-homed and raised a Holstein steer that was born premature. “I took care of it at my grandparents’ farm,” she said. “He just turned 1 in January. … I would go there every day after work and feed him and bed him.” Being involved in the National F FA Organization has fostered Ashlyn’s inherit passion for animals and agriculture. She has participated in the small animals career development event, the Partners in Active Learning Support program, tractor day and the annual fall harvest corn drive. However, because of pandemicrelated limitations, she has yet to expand her career development event participation or attend the anticipated events such as the state and national conventions. Agricultural classes, such as animal science, have also helped foster her ambition. “That would be one class I recommend everyone take,” Ashlyn said of animal science. “You learn basics and a little bit more of all these different animals, especially dairy cattle. I like dairy farming, so I was very interested in that unit.” Ashlyn said with seven of 13 chapter members graduating this spring, she fears the pandemic will affect the chapter’s continuity
Ashlyn Schreiner holds seven baby opossums in summer 2020. She found the animals’ mother on the roadside dead and rescued the litter from the mother’s pouch.
because creating chapter new recruits, like Abby, interest has been difficult to join the group. in a virtual setting. Schreiner page 5B Luckily, there are
A nearly 9-month-old opossum is now a companion animal after being rescued from its mother’s pouch by senior Ashlyn Schreiner. Ashlyn intends to pursue veterinary science after graduating from Sauk RapidsRice High School.
Get Your Cattle In Shape!
Backroad Meats Inc.
We are are you yourr dealer!
CLINIC FOLEY
MILACA
310 Dewey St. • Foley, MN 56329 Phone: (320) 968-6677
255 3rd Ave SW • Milaca, MN 56353 Phone: (320) 983-6303
www.millelacsvet.com
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1961
Oak Park
Co-op Creamery
320.968.7864
16623 Ironwood RD NE, Oak Park, MN Store hours: M-F 8 to 5 & Sat 8 to 12
Proud supporter of FFA
CUSTOM MEAT PROCESSING Rob & Amanda Isaacson OWNERS
320.982.0285
16849 110TH AVE., MILACA , MN 56353 | BACKROADMEATS@GMAIL.COM
Benton Insurance Services
Ryan Christiansen ryanc@bentonins.net 112 4th Ave. N. | Foley bentonins.net | 320.968.6973
PAI Insurance Foley
Rob Stay robs@princetonins.com 114 4th Ave. N. | Foley princetonins.com | 320.968.6884
NATIONAL FFA WEEK
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 | Page 3B
Blow Molded Specialties, Inc.
Steven W. O’Brien, D.D.S. Stephanie A. Driessen, D.D.S FAMILY DENTISTRY
320-968-7062
MIDWEST
311 Dewey St. - Foley
L E Y O F
(320) 968-6217 | 415 Dewey Street | Foley, MN 56329
222 Bronder Drive Foley, MN 56329-0310
Farmer Owned. Co-op Crafted.
320-968-7251 blowmolded.com
AMPI PAYNESVILLE DIVISION 320-243-3794 | www.ampi.com www.dinnerbellcreamery.coop
Proud to Support All FFA Members Gilman Co-op Creamery
FFA CHAPTER
FEED & FARM SUPPLY STORE
(320) 387-2770 0 • 9920 992 920 0 - 115th 115t 11 15th 5tth St. St N.E., St N E Gi Gilman, G Gil il il MN
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Foley FFA chapter officers include president Danyel Brambrink (from left), vice president Dana Struffert, reporter Lexi Olson, secretary Kaylee Jurek, treasurer Micheal Moulzolf, treasurer Krystena Sopkowiak, sentinel Hunter Olson and officer at large Jesse Schefers. Not pictured is adviser Alan Stemper.
190 Glen St., Foley MN
320-968-7262
www.foleyhardwaremn.com
Need an AG Loan? GIVE US A CALL!
Real people. Real results.
FOLEY | frandsenbank.com Member FDIC
CA013020
320.968.6293
FOLEY MEDICAL CENTER Providing Care For Your Entire Family
Kevin Stiles, MD 471 Hwy. 23, Foley, MN 56329 | (320) 968-7234 PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Foley FFA chapter includes Alexis Aman, Blake Arnold, Jayden Baker, Kayla Barthel, Joshua Beack, Spencer Beauchamp, Jaykob Bechtold, Landon Beehler, Tanner Bemboom, Brock Bialke, Megan Blank, Travis Boyle, Courtney Brambrink, Danyel Brambrink, Tyler Brambrink, Kasandra Bruggenthies, Jesse Bursch, Lailah Corrigan, Lilly Dahler, Emma Dietz, Paige Dingmann, Mikayla Dirckx, Emilee Ertl, Haley Evenson, Ava Gadacz, Grace Gadacz, Joey Gadacz, Luke Gadacz, Michael Gadacz, Spencer Garcia, Allison Graham, Leighton Hackett, Lillian Jackson, Chance Jones, Kaylee Jurek, Riley Kipka, Emily Knechtsberger, Shelby Knosalla, Tyler Knosalla, Cale Kornovich, Madelyn Kremer, Braelyn Kuperus, Evangelia Kuperus, Hunter Kuschel, Seth Lebakken, Alli Lewandowski, Ben Lewandowski, Grace Loehrer, Holly Loehrer, Elizabeth Lorenz , Riley Mass, Morgan Matvick, Skylar Morris, Michael Moulzolf, Kailyn Neumann, Davin Novak, Thomas Novak, Ethan Olson, Hunter Olson, Lexi Olson, Emmit Olson, Tyrone Orton, Gabrielle Orton, Colten Peterson, Bryant Pierce, Katelynn Pollard, Gina Popp, Lainey Priglmeier , Lucas Randall, Lauren Rezac, Miranda Sam, Nicole Schaefer, Michael Schaefer, Jesse Schefers, Ryan Schefers, Hunter Schrader, Levi Selander, Krystena Sopkowiak, Dana Struffert, Riley Swanson, Alexa Szafranski, Bryce Talberg, Marley Wheeler, Elicia Wolff, Kendyl Young and Rayann Young.
Quality Building Material Products Serving your farming community since 1932
320-968-6291 • www.foleylumber.com 240 Main Street | PO Box 157 | Foley, MN 56329
ALL LINES OF INSURANCE WWW.TRICOINS.NET Tri-County Insurance nce Sauk Rapids, MN • (320) 251-2552 Tri-County Insurance Foley Foley, MN • (320) 968-6496
Foley Area FFA Alumni Supporting Vo-Ag / FFA Learning to Do – Doing to Learn Earning to Live – Living to Serve Call President Ashley Willenbring 320-260-1826
meats this good are rare.
6634 Hwy 25 NE Foley, MN 56329
FREE SAMPLES
320-968-7267 www.gcmeats.com
Page 4B | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS
NATIONAL FFA WEEK
LITTLE FALLS
FFA CHAPTER
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Little Falls FFA chapter includes secretary Lauren Wiherski (front, from left), historian Abby Borash, treasurer Jaycee Hegg, president Gracie Schultz, reporter Alicia Holtz, sentinel Madison Westerman, vice president Katie Schultz and officer at large Shelby Pint; (second row, from left) Madlyn Pint, Oliver Wiherski, junior officer Brent Hanfler, junior officer Tyler Westerman, junior officer Jenna Hegg, Aden Larson and Antonio Becker; (third row, from left) Josh Berendt, Christopher Statema, Kaja Blechinger, Devyn Bollig, Cullen Moe and Hank LeClair; (back row, from left) adviser Kim Czech, Deryk Harakel, Lucas Barton, Trevor Jelinski, Zach LeBlanc, Nicholas Popp and adviser Beth Berlin. Not pictured are Justin Hegg, Matthew Smude, Ashton Schwinn and Mylee Mrozek.
FFA MISSION
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
To accomplish its mission, FFA:
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Fred’s Can Fix It!
320-387-3540
www.freds-plumbing.com
Complete Plumbing Service & Repair
320-352-5261 • Little Falls • Sauk Centre • Glenwood • Long Praire • Paynesville • Glencoe • Faribault
• 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.
Page 6B | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS
NATIONAL FFA WEEK
PIERZ
FFA CHAPTER
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Pierz FFA chapter includes members Erica Rudolph (front, from left), Nick Woitalla, McKenzie William, CDE coordinator Macy Hoffman, Brock Smude, reporter Liz Kelash and historian Marybeth Tautges; (back row) Kaylee Woitalla, sentinel Kaylee Pulak, Eddy Westmoreland, secretary Elissa Pawlu, president JT Pawlu, treasurer Ethan Hayes, Andrew Morris and Troy Gross. Not pictured are vice president Valerie Gall and adviser Pat Tax.
• COMPETITIVE RATES • EXCELLENT SERVICE • FLEXIBLE BILLING • STRONG COMPANIES Offices ALBANY • HOLDINGFORD • LONG PRAIRIE in: • MELROSE • PIERZ • SAUK CENTRE • ST. CLOUD
The Pierz FFA chapter includes members Kyle Gadacz (front, from left), Emilee Smude, Tori Wagner, Josi Smude, and Jazmin Virnig; (back, from front) Marissa Hayes, Bryce Kowalzek and Jodi Nelson.
• Business • Auto • Home • Farm • Crop Hail • Life • Health 320-252-6650 • advantageoneins.com
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF Center Pivot Irrigation
SAUK CENTRE, MN
Large or Small, We care for Them All!
Tillage Products
PIERZ, MN
320-352-6543 • Hwy. 71 South 320-468-2161 • Hwy. 27 West Store Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5, Saturday Seasonal
www.modernfarmequipment.com
(320) 468-6666 14395 Highway 25 PO Box 24, Pierz, MN 56364
www.sunriseagcoop.com
BUCKMAN, MN 320-468-6433
LASTRUP, MN 320-468-2543
LITTLE ROCK,MN 320-584-5147
PIERZ, MN 320-468-2168
LITKESVET.COM
Mon - Fri : 8:00am - 5:00pm • Sat: 8am–noon • Sun: Closed
Agron.
320.468.2509
Athman Dairy, Inc.
Petro.
Proudly Serving Minnesota Dairy Farmers Since 1995
(320) 468-2494
238 Main St N, | Pierz, MN 56364 professionaldairysystems.com
320.468.2509
Banking for you and me.
Sauk Rapids 320.252.5121 NMLS #528169
Pierz 320.468.6422 FMpierz.com
Feed.
Eden Valley 320.453.2000 MEMBER FDIC
320.468.6655 PIERZ - GENOLA
www.pierzcoop.com
NATIONAL FFA WEEK
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 | Page 7B
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF BRUSH AND LAND CLEARING
YO U R H O M E T O W N B A N K pinecountrybank.com RICE 750 Cty. Rd. 21 320.393.4200
LITTLE FALLS 1201 1st Ave. NE 320.632.9740
ROYALTON 412 N. Hwy. 10 320.584.5522
218-316-1534 mulchingmania.com • Buckthorn Removal And So • Food Plots Much More! • Stump Removal Servicing the State of MN • I.S.A. Certified Arborist
ROYALTON
www.sunriseagcoop.com
BUCKMAN, MN 320-468-6433
LASTRUP, MN 320-468-2543
LITTLE ROCK,MN 320-584-5147
PIERZ, MN 320-468-2168
FFA CHAPTER
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Royalton FFA chapter officers include treasurer Kaylee Rudolph (from left), president Aaron Betker, vice president Levi Crenna, secretary-reporter Alivia Pyka and sentinel Callie Vannurden. Not pictured are advisers Jennifer Betker and Michele Rudolph.
The Royalton FFA chapter includes Joseph Achen, Aaron Betker, Ashley Betker, Damien Bishop, Alisa Boser, Brian Boser, Breanna Brown, Levi Crenna, Jenna Dalton, Braydon Gibbs, Madison Hackett, Marizza Lenz, Mickaila Lenz, David Meemken, Abigail Nelson, Tess Nemeth, Janae Nichols, Alivia Pyka, Kaylee Rudolph, Zackary Rudolph, Preston Sauer, Maria Solland, Marissa Solland, Melanie Solland, Isaiah Solarz, Callie Vannurden, Kayden Vannurden, Nathan Wagner and Carrie Zabinski.
Winscher AU C T I O N CO M PA N Y
OVER 50 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS.
AMENITIES • 24 Hour Pay at the Pump • ATM • Coffee & Donuts • Free Air • Lottery • Propane • Restrooms • Roller Grill
17333 55th Avenue NW • Royalton, MN 56373 • 320-302-0121
Carly J. Winscher
16250 US-10, Royalton, MN 56373
(320) 584-5520
Auctioneer | 49-45 | 320.630.9924
320.630.9924
28052 63rd St., Royalton, MN 56373