ST. PAUL — Minnesota's FFA members came together April 23-25 for their 88th annual convention. 3,603 members had the opportunity to compete in Career Development Events and attend leadership workshops on the St. Paul campus.
The convention included the election of new officers, Stars Over Minnesota awards, state degree awards, proficiency awards and FFA Hall of Fame inductions.
Officer Elections
Six young women were elected to State FFA Office on the final day of the convention. They are:
President: Katie Benson, Staples-Motley
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Vice President: Emily Pliscott, Kenyon Wanamingo
Secretary: Kylee Kohls, Litchfield
Treasurer: Spencer Flood, Dassel Cokato
Reporter: Eleora DeMuth, Grand Rapids
Sentinel: Madeline Weninger, Howard Lake Waverly Winsted
Stars Over Minnesota
The Star Farmer award and Stars in Production Placement, Agribusiness and Agri-Science indicates students' commitment to their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) throughout the course of previous years. These projects, in conjunction with agriculture education courses, help increase student knowledge of agriculture. The Stars over Minnesota awards are sponsored by AgStar Financial Services.
Star in Production Placement: Samuel Moenning, Triton FFA
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Star in Agribusiness: Logan Schoon, Meneahga FFA
Star in Agriscience: Brandon Kasprick, Thief River Falls FFA
Star Farmer: Karla Nelson, Pipestone Area FFA
Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame
The Minnesota FFA Alumni Association recognized seven inductees to the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame. These inductees join more than 180 members that have been inducted into the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame in the past 13 years. The FFA Hall of Fame is a collaborative effort between the Minnesota FFA Association, Alumni and Foundation.
The 2017 Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame inductees include: Paul Aarsvold (Plainview-Elgin-Millville), Dave Frederickson (Minnesota Department of Agriculture commissioner), Blaine Larson (retired Battle Lake High School), Jurgen Peters (retired Waseca High School), Doug Peterson (retired Minnesota Farmers Union president), Christa Williamson (Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunberg) and Al Withers (Retired Minnesota Ag in the Classroom).
Honorary State FFA Degree
Twenty-two outstanding teachers and business professionals received honorary degrees from the Minnesota FFA Association. These recipients demonstrate success and support of FFA and agricultural education. Each year, the Minnesota FFA Association recognizes the contributions of those who have made a significant impact towards the success of the membership and the organization. Many of these individuals have served in numerous leadership roles through career development events, the state officer team, the foundation or alumni events.
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The 2017 recipients of the Honorary Minnesota FFA Degree are: Chad Giblin (University of Minnesota), Greg Harder (Minnesota State Fair) Steve Hinrichs (Plainview-Elgin-Millville), Tracy Huhn (Eden Valley Watkins), Sara Jensen (University of Minnesota), Jean Johnson (Minnesota FFA Foundation - Grand Forks ND), Patrick Kearney (Nicollet), Duane Lichy (Albany), Julie Mellum (Chisago Lakes), Dr. Sally Noll (University of Minnesota), Dale Nordquist (University of Minnesota), Arne Rauvola (Cannon Falls), Bob Rick (Central Lakes College), Dr. Eli Sagor (University of Minnesota), Abbie Savage (Ada Borup), Glen Schmidt (Minnesota Farmers Union - St. Paul), Jason Schwantz (Minnesota FFA Foundation), Dr. Rebecca Swenson (University of Minnesota), Katy Westrom (Maple Grove), Stephanie Wolhuter (Martin County West), Matt Wolle (MAELC), and Dr. David Wright (Buffalo).
State FFA Degree
341 Minnesota FFA members received the State FFA Degree at the Awards Ceremony. To be eligible for the State FFA Degree, members must earn and invest at least $2,000 of his or her effort into their Supervised Agricultural Experience. Candidates must complete a minimum of two years of classroom instruction in an agricultural, food and natural resources education program. The list of recipients by region and chapter can be viewed at bit.ly/2pXG4jE.
