Written by Avery Hersom
Future Farmers of America, FFA, is a nation-wide organization that plays a vital role in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Dating back to 1928, FFA has grown from a small group of students to a powerful force for change in agriculture, leadership, and community service.
There are a variety of classes students can take throughout the year at AHS that are focused around FFA. Students who are enrolled in ag leadership have learned how to create a resume, go through an interview process, and to sell products. These students get a taste of some real world experiences and potentially have a chance to win scholarships to help them in college. Horticulture students are currently working in the greenhouse, planting flowers and vegetables to be sold this spring. Charli Dodds, a sophomore, said, “FFA has allowed me to develop many skills to help me in my future.” In addition to classes, the FFA group meets monthly and attends conferences and workshops.
The current students who study to keep the tradition of farming better through the Algona FFA chapter are Kayla Busher, Porter Divis, Chris Dodds, Makayla Erpelding, Aubrey Heidner, Avah Merryman, Keyton Rapstine, Wyatt Rosenmeyer, Kara Rotert, Carson Skow, Emma Smith, Ace Studer, Landon Thompson, Ellie Vaske, Breckin Borchardt, Braxton Dahlhauser, Cody Doege, Morgan Fraker, Aubrey Gardalen, Alyssa Miller, Barrett Morgan, Sam Schutjer, Charity Wildt, James Adams, Levi Allen, Ryan Barglof, Cassidy Bierstedt, Kaden Bormann, Tucker Brunsvold, Taylor Coleman, Malea Divis, Charli Dodds, Collin Duff, Walker Eilerts, Alissa Engel, Taylor Hellman, Sawyer Herrick, Wyatt Kelly, Grant Kramer, Caden Kuecker, Maya Lentz, Bree Ludwig, Maya McDermott, Hana Perez, Kaleb Rapstine, Sheila Reding, Harold Reynolds, Dylan Riggert, Weston Rosenmeyer, Diedrick Schnieders, Matt Schulz, Brody Shipler, Emma Spear, Logan Alt, Braxton Bierle, Emmett Bormann, Grandon Dahlhauser, Hannah Foust, Caden Harms, Alex Jahnke, John Ludwig, Grace Luitjens, Olivia Merryman, Brooks Morgan, Lauryn Penner, Grady Ruger, Zach Spry, Lainey Steuk, Kadence Thompson, Runier Trujillo, and Kieden Wingerson.
On March first, students competed at the FFA NCC Districts at Charles City. Morgan Fraker received a gold, first in job interviews and Ace Studer received a gold, second in ag sales and was also awarded with an academic achievement. Malea Divis received a silver for the chapter website. Cassidy Bierstedt was appointed to the sentinel position for the North Central District Officer Team!
Some things that are coming up soon for FFA are Drive Your Tractor to School Day on March 10th, the State convention will be held April 13th in Ames, the Kossuth County Food Pantry shopping cart races are on Tuesday, March 25th, and the FFA banquet is Sunday, March 30th.