Valley Heights FFA Member Wins Kansas FFA Job Interview Event

Taylor Doner of the Valley Heights FFA chapter earned first place in the Job Interview Career Development Event (CDE) during the opening ceremony of the 88th annual Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.

Doner took home the top honor in the CDE, which challenges members to prepare a detailed resume and professional application and to participate in mock interviews. With the win, Doner is eligible to compete in the National Job Interview CDE at the National FFA Convention in fall 2016.

Second place in the job interview CDE went to Allison Dix from the Stockton FFA chapter. John Garrett, Washburn Rural FFA, received third place; Natalie Harris, Chapman FFA, placed fourth; SaRae Roberts, Hillsboro FFA, placed fifth and Anna Anderson-Johnson, Royal Valley FFA, placed sixth.  The Job Interview CDE was sponsored by the Landoll Corporation and MKC.

Kansas FFA Members Earn Washington Leadership Conference Scholarships

 The Kansas FFA Alumni awarded scholarships to FFA members from across the state who will be attending the Washington Leadership Conference this summer. FFA members were recognized for scholarship awards at the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.

At WLC, FFA members will be challenged to take their leadership skills to the next level by learning to know their purpose, value people, take action and serve others. Located in our nation's capital, the conference is a five-day event that trains FFA members to make a positive impact in their school, local community, state and country.
This year’s recipients are from: Buhler — Joshua Turner; Clay Center — Michaela Musselman, Taylor Mall; Hugoton — Bernabe Mendoza, Brooklynn Trotter; Jackson Heights — John Kennedy; Republic County — Elly Dahl, Kendra Scott, Madison Scott, Brett Stindt, Christian Tipton; Stockton — Allison Dix; Washington County — Levi Gauby, Jenna Hennerberg.

Local FFA Members Receive Orscheln Farm and Home Scholarships

Orscheln Farm & Home Stores of Kansas awarded eight scholarships to FFA members from across the state during the third session of the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.
The Orscheln Farm & Home Stores scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors of Kansas high schools who plan to attend a four-year program or a two-year program with the intention of transferring to a university or college majoring in agriculture in the state of Kansas.

Students who are awarded the scholarship are four-year members of the Kansas FFA Association and have a keen interest in the family farm and its importance to society. Scholarship recipients demonstrate outstanding leadership, community service, exhibit good character and moral traits, and have excelled scholastically during high school.
This year’s recipients are: Trevor Herman, Buhler; Jonathan Zimmerman, Girard; Margaret Roth, Holcomb; Samantha Beauchamp, Holton; Deven Foster, Labette County; Elizabeth Meyer, Marion; Hunter Johnson, Washington County; Keaton Johnson, Winfield.

Local FFA Members Earn Ford Trucks/Built Ford Tough Scholarships

Local FFA members were among the 57 Kansas students awarded $1,000 Ford Trucks/Built Ford Tough Scholarships during the third session of the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.

The Built Ford Tough FFA Scholarship Program recognizes FFA members’ talents and accomplishments while encouraging their future academic achievements.

“We’re proud to recognize these student leaders for their passion for FFA and the leadership they display in their communities and chapters,” said Lane Coberly, Kansas FFA Association treasurer. “We thank Ford Trucks/Built Ford Tough for providing financial support for our students’ educational goals.”


This year’s recipients are from: Anderson County — Maci Rockers; Atchison County — Jentry Scherer; Buhler — Katie Arpin, Alexis Branscom, Bailey Bartel, Nathaniel Dick, Jacob Grinstead; Burlington — Lindsey Leiser; Central — Bailee Ellis; Central Heights — Justin Scheckel; Centralia — Karrie Van Winkle; Cherryvale — Josie Reilly; Cheylin — Ivan Kemp; Clay Center — Haley Pederson; Colby — Jenna Crampton; Columbus — Ashlee Lacen; Crest — Emily Webber; Elkhart — Sydney Dougherty; Erie — Ashlyn Taylor; Fort Scott — Cassidy Westhoff; Garden City — Jonathan Lock; Girard — Morgan Houk; Goodland — Andrew House; Haven — Connor Peirce; Hillsboro — SaRae Roberts; Hodgeman County — Adriallen Woods; Holcomb — Jordan Jarnagin; Hoxie — Taylore Schamberger; Humboldt — Tyler Korte; Iola — Clara Wicoff; Jackson Heights — Joel Nelson; Jayhawk Linn — Lauren Sluder; Labette County — Deven Foster, Kalyn George, Grant Simpson; Louisburg — Abigail Tucker; Marais des Cygnes Valley — Zarin Goodrich; Marmaton Valley — Keagan Boyd; Mission Valley — Brooke Falk; Newton — Naomi Epp; Ottawa — Julie Lutz; Paola — Morgan Laudan, Meghan Schasteen; Pleasant Ridge — Cameron Kilgore; Pleasanton — Brenton Laver; Prairie View — Jackson Thayer; Republic County — Tyler Popelka; Rock Hills — Wyatt Duskie; Sabetha — Nathaniel Niehues; Saint Francis — Garrett Brunk; Southwestern Heights — Brittany Walker; Spring Hill — Rebecca Johnson; Syracuse — Ira Kullot; Tonganoxie — Zachary Callaghan; Wellington — Shane Hughes; West Elk — Taylor Barker; Winfield — Claire Bradbury.

Local FFA Members Earn Ford Trucks/Built Ford Tough Scholarships

Local FFA members were among the 57 Kansas students awarded $1,000 Ford Trucks/Built Ford Tough Scholarships during the third session of the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.

The Built Ford Tough FFA Scholarship Program recognizes FFA members’ talents and accomplishments while
encouraging their future academic achievements. “We’re proud to recognize these student leaders for their passion for FFA and the leadership they display in their communities and chapters,” said Lane Coberly, Kansas FFA Association treasurer. “We thank Ford Trucks/Built Ford Tough for providing financial support for our students’ educational goals.”

This year’s recipients are from: Anderson County — Maci Rockers; Atchison County — Jentry Scherer; Buhler — Katie Arpin, Alexis Branscom, Bailey Bartel, Nathaniel Dick, Jacob Grinstead; Burlington — Lindsey Leiser; Central — Bailee Ellis; Central Heights — Justin Scheckel; Centralia — Karrie Van Winkle; Cherryvale — Josie Reilly; Cheylin — Ivan Kemp; Clay Center — Haley Pederson; Colby — Jenna Crampton; Columbus — Ashlee Lacen; Crest — Emily Webber; Elkhart — Sydney Dougherty; Erie — Ashlyn Taylor; Fort Scott — Cassidy Westhoff; Garden City — Jonathan Lock; Girard — Morgan Houk; Goodland — Andrew House; Haven — Connor Peirce; Hillsboro — SaRae Roberts; Hodgeman County — Adriallen Woods; Holcomb — Jordan Jarnagin; Hoxie — Taylore Schamberger; Humboldt — Tyler Korte; Iola — Clara Wicoff; Jackson Heights — Joel Nelson; Jayhawk Linn — Lauren Sluder; Labette County — Deven Foster, Kalyn George, Grant Simpson; Louisburg — Abigail Tucker; Marais des Cygnes Valley — Zarin Goodrich; Marmaton Valley — Keagan Boyd; Mission Valley — Brooke Falk; Newton — Naomi Epp; Ottawa — Julie Lutz; Paola — Morgan Laudan, Meghan Schasteen; Pleasant Ridge — Cameron Kilgore; Pleasanton — Brenton Laver; Prairie View — Jackson Thayer; Republic County — Tyler Popelka; Rock Hills — Wyatt Duskie; Sabetha — Nathaniel Niehues; Saint Francis — Garrett Brunk; Southwestern Heights — Brittany Walker; Spring Hill — Rebecca Johnson; Syracuse — Ira Kullot; Tonganoxie — Zachary Callaghan; Wellington — Shane Hughes; West Elk — Taylor Barker; Winfield — Claire Bradbury.

Local Members Receive National FFA Foundation Scholarships

The National FFA Foundation awarded scholarships to members across the state of Kansas. FFA members were recognized for scholarship awards at the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.

The National Foundation offers approximately $2 million, generously donated by numerous sponsors, to FFA members across the nation every year. The awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 to assist with their education at a two-year or four-year institution.
This year’s recipients are from: Anderson County — Cassidy Lutz, Amber Kelly; Burlington — Amy Collins; Central Heights — Cade Hibdon; Cheylin — Elizabeth Keltz, Reece Leonard; Cimarron — Aundria Ogles; Clay Center — Katelyn Bohnenblust, Hayden Heigle; Columbus — Bailey Schultz; Ell Saline — Dakota Came, Justin Schmutz; Ellinwood — Kaleb Schartz, Cassidy Schlessiger, Cody Wondra; Erie — Matthew Brungardt; Eudora — Tucker Gabriel; Fredonia — Brianne Nelsen; Girard — Samantha Guy, Jon Zimmerman; Goodland — Andrew House; Hiawatha — Bryn Swearingen; Holcomb — Tanner Mongeau, Margaret Roth; Horton — Reba Kreider, Cade Wilhelm; Hugoton — Austin Nordyke; Jackson Heights — Lance Coe; Jayhawk Linn — Allison Wakefield; Labette County — Cade Shomber, Clancie Sorrell; Logan — Kinzie Alexander; Marion-Florence — Elizabeth Meyer; Marmaton Valley — Mackenzie Tynon; Marysville — Lela Chaudhry, Grace Luebcke, Hadley Schotte; McPherson — Janae McKinney; Mission Valley — Nikole Cain, Tyler Phillips; Newton — Joshua Akers; Ottawa — Brent Hornbuckle; Prairie View — Madison Gray; Republic County — Cameron Wilber; Rock Creek — Brett Schwarz, Jason Stadel, Ethan Sylvester; Rock Hills — Tyler Marr, Allison Railsback; Scott City — Danean Metheney; South Haven — Paige Turek; Spring Hill — Mallory Meek; Stafford — Brooke McNickle; Stockton — Allison Dix; Ulysses — Jessica Hanson; Wellington — Addyson DeJarnett.

Holton, Mission Valley and Republic County FFA Members Earn Midwest Ford Dealers Scholarships

Midwest Ford Dealers awarded three scholarships to FFA members who will be attending the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) this summer in Washington, D.C. FFA members were recognized for scholarship awards at the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.

At WLC, FFA members will be challenged to take their leadership skills to the next level by learning to know their purpose, value people, take action and serve others. Located in our nation's capital, the conference is a five-day event that trains FFA members to make a positive impact in their school, local community, state and country.
This year’s recipients are: Alexandra Clark, Holton; Rebekah Cain, Mission Valley; and David Graham, advisor, Republic County.

Washington County and Louisburg FFA Members Receive Nursery/Landscape CDE Scholarships

Three FFA members from Washington County and one FFA member from Louisburg were recognized with scholarships for their outstanding performance in the Nursery/Landscape Career Development Event (CDE) during the 88th annual Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.

Students receiving scholarships are as follows: Sidney Applegarth, Nathan Welch and Rebecca Zach from Washington County FFA; and Abby Tucker from Louisburg FFA. The scholarships are sponsored by STIHL Outdoor Power Equipment.

Local FFA Members Compete in Agriscience Fair

Several members of local FFA chapters were recognized for placing in the state Agriscience Fair during the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.

The Agriscience Fair is a competition for Kansas FFA members interested in the science and technology of today’s agricultural sector. Students can compete in a variety of categories in fields relating to STEM education, in either individual or team divisions.

The winner in the Animal Systems category, Division II (individual, grades 10-12), was Taylor Zamrzla, of the Ellsworth FFA chapter, with a display entitled “Comparison of Feed Types on Laying Hens Growth and Development.”

Winners in each Food Products and Processing Systems division are as follows: In Division II (individual, grades 10-12), the winner was MiKayla Deters, Sabetha FFA, with a display titled “Shelf Life of Different Milks.” In second place was Mary Winship, Southeast of Saline FFA, with a display titled “The Effects of Different Types of Packaging on Food Preservation.” In Division IV (team, grades 10-12), the winning team was Alyssa Dunnivan and Morgan Jilek, Central Heights FFA, with a display titled “Venison Tenderness.”


The winner in the Plant Systems category, Division II (individual, grades 10-12), was Rachel McPherson, Manhattan FFA, with a display titled “Carbon Dioxide Consumption in House Plants.” In second place was Alexandrea Julian, Ellsworth FFA, with a display titled “Soil Erosion: No Till vs. Conventional Till.”

Winners in each Power, Structural and Technical Systems division are as follows: In Division II (individual, grades 10-12), the winner was Wyatt Rutherford, Southeast of Saline FFA, with a display titled “The Effects of Temperature on the Strength of Cured Concrete.” In Division III (team, grades 7-9), the winning team was Hayden Peirce and Koby Royer, Haven FFA, with a display titled “Comparing Welding Processes for Use in Small Farm Settings.”

Local FFA Members Participate in State FFA Band

A select group of Kansas students used their musical abilities to entertain members and guests by performing as the State FFA Band at the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.
In order to participate in this select ensemble, members were required to submit audition tapes and recommendations from their local music instructors.

The State FFA Band was directed by Yvonne Colle-Burden, Medicine Lodge High School, and assisted by Kris Brenzikofer, Marais des Cygnes Valley High School. The band performed two concerts during the convention.
Members of the State FFA Band are as follows: Blue Valley: Michael Olson, Rylee Olson; Centre: Carissa Shields; Cherryvale: Natalee Morris, Desiree Wittig; Clay Center: Courtney Sherbert; Clifton-Clyde: Jessica Wurtz; Coffeyville: Kenneth Dodson; Ellsworth: Emma Klein, Sara Klein, Amanda Miles, Lukas Sebesta; Flinthills: Corbin Gauthier; Holton: Alex Myers; Hugoton: Bernabe Mendoza, Elias Mendoza, Javier Rosas, Hallie Wettstein; Manhattan: Kyndall Norris; Marion: Aidan Cairns; Medicine Lodge: Ruben Arrendondo, Taylor Paxson, Rylee Waller; Plainville: Hailey Fisher; Prairie View: Amanda Nelson, Deidra Nelson; Republic County: Amanda Baxa; Wilson: Jayden Pess.

North Central FFA Members Receive State FFA Degree

A total of 23 students from the North Central District FFA were awarded their State FFA Degree at the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.

The State Degree is the highest honor the Kansas FFA Association can bestow upon its members. In order to achieve this award, members must meet the following requirements: have received their Chapter FFA Degree, been an FFA member and agricultural education student for at least two years, earned at least $2,000 or worked 600 hours in their Supervised Agricultural Experience program, given a six minute speech about agriculture or FFA, participated in eight different leadership activities, received a “C” average or better in high school and shown a record of outstanding leadership and community involvement.

The members who met these qualifications and their respective FFA Chapters from the North Central District are: from Blue Valley: Courtney Anderson, Michael Olson; Chapman: Michaela Hummel, Kylie Ketterman; Clay Center: Andrea Chestnut, Courtney Hammel, Hayden Heigele, Luke Martin, Michaela Musselman, Caleb Siebold; Ellsworth: Alexandrea Julian; Pike Valley: Payton Runft; Republic County: Lanessa Aurand, Tyler Popelka, Lane Shoemaker, Kalli Valek, Cameron Wilber; Riley County: Kyla Lindell; Rock Hills: Grant Davis, Wyatt Duskie, Allison Railsback, Brayde Wagner; Washington County: Hunter Johnson.

Northeast FFA Members Receive State FFA Degree

A total of 32 students from the Northeast District FFA were awarded their State FFA Degree at the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.

The State Degree is the highest honor the Kansas FFA Association can bestow upon its members. In order to achieve this award, members must meet the following requirements: have received their Chapter FFA Degree, been an FFA member and agricultural education student for at least two years, earned at least $2,000 or worked 600 hours in their Supervised Agricultural Experience program, given a six minute speech about agriculture or FFA, participated in eight different leadership activities, received a “C” average or better in high school and shown a record of outstanding leadership and community involvement.

The members who met these qualifications and their respective FFA Chapters from the Northeast District are: from Atchison County: Clark Cummings, Michaela Falk, Jentry Scherer; Axtell: Nathan Porting, Khristian Scheibe, Brett Volle; Doniphan West: Hunter Idol, Cory Smith, Lane Spiker, Austin Taylor, Lexie Whetstine; Hiawatha: Emily Meyer, Bryn Swearingen; Holton: Samantha Beauchamp; Jackson Heights: Brianna Cattrell, Lance Coe, John Kennedy, Joel Nelson; Marysville: Le’la Chaudhry, Jake Hill, Grace Luebcke, Alex McAnerney, Emily Meinhardt, Hadley Schotte; Rock Creek: Isaac Brunkow; Royal Valley: Patrick Broxterman, Janelle Marney, Jenna Thurman; Sabetha: MiKayla Deters; Valley Heights: Anthony Edwards, Jared Oatney, Damon Smith.

Washington County FFA Member Wins John Deere Gator

Ryan Stewart of the Washington County FFA chapter won a drawing for a John Deere Gator 625iXUV at the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.
Stewart’s name was drawn from 10 finalists, which were randomly selected from a pool of members who completed one of the following requirements for entry: submitted an application for the American or State FFA Degree, participated in the Agriscience Fair, received an agri-entrepreneurship award, or were honored as a proficiency award winner or District Star winner.

Stewart was eligible for the drawing because he received the state proficiency award in Agricultural Communications. His advisor is John Kern. Stewart’s SAE is with Mid Continent Farms and Stewart Family Farms, LLC. At first his duties were limited to general farm chores, but as his skills with technology and communications evolved, so did his job duties. He has taken photos which he uses to create sale catalogs, flyers and promotional ads. Stewart has also created educational crop videos. These videos were made possible with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) he purchased for crop scouting, which led to photos and videos being used in newspapers and on TV stations.

"I’m really excited to have the Gator,” Stewart said. “I can use this in my SAE. I check fields frequently, so having it around for crop scouting is going to be a nice addition.”

The drawing is sponsored by Kansas John Deere Dealers and the John Deere Agriculture and Turf Division.
“Having FFA in small hometowns across the state is one of the best leadership training programs there is,” said Troy Leith, a CTI John Deere representative. “We’re proud to keep supporting the program.”

“With continued support from the John Deere Dealers in Kansas, we are able to recognize and reward the outstanding accomplishments of our members,” said Kyler Langvardt, Kansas FFA reporter.

Holton FFA Member Recognized as Star Farmer

 Holton FFA member Samantha Beauchamp was recognized as the State Star Farmer, one of the state association’s top honors, during the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.
Each year, the Kansas FFA Association recognizes three members who have the top Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs with the Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Ag Placement awards. The Star competitions are sponsored by ICM, Inc., United Bank and Trust and Kansas Farm Bureau.

Beauchamp’s Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAE) is in diversified livestock, swine entrepreneurship and placement in veterinary science. A four-year FFA member, Beauchamp has served both as her FFA Chapter President and president of the local 4-H council. She plans to attend Kansas State University next fall and eventually obtain a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Samantha is the daughter of James and Melisa Beauchamp. Her advisors are Jason Larison and Alex Bartel.

Finalists for the Star Farmer honor were: Mitchell Highberger, Anderson County FFA; Hayden Heigele, Clay Center FFA; Connor Peirce, Haven FFA; John Emmerson, Uniontown FFA; and Madison Loschke, Bucklin FFA.