PLAINVIEW, Minn. — The National FFA Convention and Expo will take place October 27-30, 2021 in Indianapolis, IN. The event will be offered in-person with health and safety precautions after the cancellation of a physical event in 2020. There will be corresponding virtual opportunities for students or leaders unable to attend the event in person.
Minnesota students and supporters attending the National FFA Convention will find opportunities to connect with other members, explore college and career options, engage in leadership and personal development experiences, compete and earn recognition. Students can participate in days of service, educational tours or entertainment at hypnotists, rodeos and concerts.
Leadership Development and Recognition:
Delegates: The National FFA Delegate Process engages student leaders from all State FFA Associations to discuss and propose action items to the National FFA Board of Directors for consideration and implementation. In 2021, MN FFA will be represented by nine delegates to deliberate on issues ranging from American Degree requirements to barriers and opportunities within the membership experience. Minnesota’s delegates for 2021 are:
Emily Matejka, Martin County West
Wyatt Halvorson, Thief River Falls
Nicole Koziolek, Randolph
Kyle Thomas, Rockford
Anna Ridenour, Triton
Baleigh Peterson, Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop
Caidyn Johnson, Fertile-Beltrami
Natalie Beckendorf, Renville County West
Rachel Visser, Atwater Cosmos Grove City
National Officer Candidate: Each year, every state association has the opportunity submit the name of one outstanding student leader for consideration as part of the new National FFA Officer Team. National FFA Officer Candidates demonstrate outstanding character, passion and competence. Candidates undergo over a week of diverse interviews and selection tasks and are evaluated by a nominating committee comprised of student representatives from throughout the country. If elected, National FFA Officer Candidates will immediately begin a year of service as part of a team of six college students serving more than 700,000 FFA members and 1 million agriculture, food and natural resources students nationwide.
In 2021, Maddie Smith of the Fillmore Central FFA chapter is serving as Minnesota’s National Officer Candidate. Previously, Maddie served as a State FFA Officer during the 2019-2020 year of service. Her significant accomplishments as an officer include presenting camps and conferences, building strong relationships with key partners and supporting the transition of the Minnesota FFA Convention from an in-person event to a fully virtual experience in less than six weeks. Maddie is a student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus where she studies Applied Economics, International Agriculture & Communication Studies as part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.
Honorary American Degree Recognition: The Honorary American Degree is the highest form of recognition available to individuals within FFA. Recipients have contributed significantly to local, state and national programs and have established legacies of leadership for FFA and agriculture. In 2021, Minnesota FFA nominated 10 outstanding individuals who will receive their Honorary American Degree as part of the National FFA Convention.
T.J. Brown (Brown’s previous experience as a high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor is evident in how he serves Minnesota agriculture. Today, Brown continues to develop the future of agriculture as part of the faculty at South Central College and as the coordinator of the FFA livestock experiences and FFA weekend at the Minnesota State Fair. He is credible, fair, decisive and a strong advocate for youth in agriculture.)
Corynn Flood (Flood has served MN FFA for many years as an active leader of the Minnesota FFA Alumni. While never an FFA member as a student, Flood most recently served as the State President of the Minnesota FFA Alumni Association. Her commitment to FFA has paved the way for state officer success, growth and connection of the Minnesota FFA Alumni and navigation of student and adult events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doris Mold (Mold is an established agricultural leader with a passion for connecting consumers with agriculturalists. With unstoppable energy and commitment during the Minnesota State Fair, Ms. Mold’s leadership provides opportunities for students to elevate the presence of agricultural youth and FFA through her work with media and the State Fair Moo Booth.)
Natasha Mortenson (Supporting FFA is a way of life for Mortenson whose personal FFA experiences found her serving and representing others as a State FFA Officer and agriculture teacher/FFA advisor. Mortenson continues to serve FFA and agriculture in volunteer capacities as a member of the Minnesota FFA Foundation, a frequent judge or coordinator of state or national Career Development Events, manager of the Christensen Farms Stage at the Minnesota State Fair, a mentor for state officers and communications interns, and more.)
Sherry Newell-Opitz (Newell-Opitz leads agriculture and FFA by example. A strong leader for both her local community and students as part of the State FFA Convention, Newell-Opitz’ contributions leading media efforts not only provide valuable assets to the association as a whole, she also acts as a coach and mentor to students with communications interests.)
Lavyne Rada (Rada serves as a member of the Minnesota FFA State Staff team where her responsibilities and contributions provide students and teachers with resources and support that allow them to succeed. Her efforts have grown membership and strengthened teacher retention in Minnesota and beyond. She is a steadfast advocate for agricultural education that fully serves every student and an FFA experience that leaves nobody behind.)
Dr. Amy Smith (Dr. Smith is the leading teacher educator at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Within and beyond her professional role, Dr. Smith is a voice for inclusion, diversity and equity and works to provide future and current teachers with experiences that increase their abilities to serve students. She is a member of Minnesota’s Teach Ag STAR Committee and is currently serving as a member of the National Council for Agricultural Education.)
Darcy Dahna (Dahna is an accomplished agricultural educator and FFA advisor with an incredible track record of success in engaging students and preparing them for careers. As a classroom educator, Dahna’s standard of excellence has prepared many teams and individuals for competition on state and national levels and provides classes with hands-on, engaging lessons to expose them to career opportunities. Dahna also serves as a livestock superintendent for the Minnesota State Fair and on Minnesota FFA’s Board of Directors where she provides perspective and input regarding programs and policies implemented to serve all FFA members throughout the state.)
Stacy Fritz (Fritz is the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Chatfield High School and is known for outstanding instruction, the facilitation of experiential learning and her leadership of agriculture beyond her community. Fritz hosts region or state qualifying events, serves as her region’s Supervised Agricultural Education resource and is an active member of the Minnesota FFA Alumni board. She hosts summer agricultural education interns and models a leadership style that is inclusive, encouraging and high energy.)
Michael Miron (Miron is a former agriculture teacher from Forest Lake where he is now leading efforts in Career and Technical Education for the school district. He is an avid volunteer, leading leadership activities for his region, serving the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators in official and unofficial capacities and devoting time to lead the CHS Miracle of Birth Center as part of the Minnesota State Fair. Miron’s legacy is a standard of excellence that encourages others to contribute and grow in their own talents.)
Career Development – National FFA Competitors:
Career and Leadership Development is a cornerstone of FFA membership and the National FFA Convention hosts the final level of competitions. National Competitors have been identified through regional and state competitions and are asked to showcase academic and technical knowledge as well as hands-on proficiency in career-relevant activities. In 2021, initial rounds of competition began virtually and select teams and individuals earned the right to compete in-person in the final rounds.
Teams and individuals that have represented Minnesota FFA on the National level in Career and Leadership Development event preliminary rounds include:
Agricultural Communications – Staples Motley
Agricultural Issues – Howard Lake Waverly Winsted
Agricultural Mechanics – Willmar
Agricultural Sales – Hancock
Agronomy – Mountain Lake
Conduct of Chapter Meetings – Grand Meadow
Creed Speaking – Bobby Jeseritz, Randolph
Dairy Cattle Evaluation – ROCORI
Dairy Cattle Handlers – Afton Nelson, Glencoe Silver Lake
Employment Skills – Matthew Schell, Lewiston-Altura
Environmental Natural Resources – Grand Rapids
Extemporaneous Speaking – Elizabeth Johnson, Rockford
Farm Business Management – Renville County West
Floriculture – Princeton
Food Science – Kimball
Forestry – Grand Rapids
Horse Evaluation – Wadena Deer Creek
Livestock Evaluation – Alden-Conger
Marketing Plan – Buffalo
Meats Evaluation & Technology – Pipestone Area
Milk Quality & Products – New London Spicer
Nursery Landscape – Howard Lake Waverly Winsted
Parliamentary Procedure – Howard Lake Waverly Winsted
Poultry Evaluation – Medford
Prepared Public Speaking – Marissa Johnson, Tracy Area
Veterinary Science – New London Spicer
NUMBER Minnesota teams and individuals have advanced to the final rounds of competition in-person at National Convention. These students will compete in Indianapolis and learn the results of their competitions October 27-30. These Minnesotans include:
Agricultural Communications – Staples Motley
Agronomy – Mountain Lake
Dairy Cattle Evaluation – ROCORI
Dairy Cattle Handlers – Afton Nelson, Glencoe Silver Lake
Employment Skills – Matthew Schell, Lewiston-Altura
Environmental Natural Resources – Grand Rapids
Farm Business Management – Renville County West
Floriculture – Princeton
Food Science – Kimball
Forestry – Grand Rapids
Horse Evaluation – Wadena Deer Creek
Livestock Evaluation – Alden-Conger
Marketing Plan – Buffalo
Meats Evaluation & Technology – Pipestone Area
Milk Quality & Products – New London Spicer
Nursery Landscape – Howard Lake Waverly Winsted
Poultry Evaluation – Medford
Prepared Public Speaking – Marissa Johnson, Tracy Area
Supervised Agricultural Experience Excellence:
Learning through doing is a fundamental component of agricultural education and students whose Supervised Agricultural Experiences are particularly worthy of recognition are featured as part of the National FFA Convention.
Agriscience Fair Finalists:
The Agriscience Fair program identifies the top projects in each agricultural category. Students compete as individuals or teams of two in multiple divisions. State winning projects were identified late this summer and the following students achieved the status of finalists. All finalists were interviewed via zoom for consideration as the top project in each category and division.
Animal Systems, Division 4 – Camryn Ferris & Alli Olander, Staples-Motley
Animal Systems, Division 6 – Caden Mrazek & Colton Converse, Staples-Motley
Environmental Services & Natural Resources Systems, Division 1 – Kaylee Wink, Hancock
Food Products & Processing Systems, Division 3 – Katelynn Marquardt, Kerkhoven Murdock Sunburg
Power, Structural & Technical Systems, Division 4 – Olivia Noble & Madison Anderson, Kerkhoven Murdock Sunburg
Social Systems, Division 1 – Karley Hamilton, Waeca
Kaylee Wink of Hancock FFA is one of the top three agriscientists in her category and division and will be recognized onstage on Thursday, October 28 during the 2 pm session!
Proficiency Award Finalists:
Proficiency Awards allow students to showcase multiple year projects in unique agricultural areas. Finalists are identified based upon record keeping and application details and were interviewed over zoom earlier this summer. Each of Minnesota’s proficiency award finalists are one of four students nationally to be considered for their award. Students will learn their final placing live on stage during sessions throughout the convention. Minnesota’s finalists are:
Agricultural Mechanics, Design & Fabrication – Benjamin Olander, Staples-Motley
Agricultural Mechanics, Repair & Maintenance – Caldyn Huper, United South Central
Beef Production – Madison Jaster, Medford
Diversified Agricultural Production – Jacob Huhn, Litchfield
Diversified Crop Production – Nicole Koziolek, Randolph
Grain Production – Mackenzie Henning, Jackson County Central
American Degree Recipients:
The American FFA Degree is the highest degree a student can earn as part of their FFA membership. Students invest in work-based agricultural projects throughout their FFA membership and earn the degree after receiving their State FFA degree, holding active FFA membership for at least the last three years, completing secondary instruction in an agricultural education program and operating an outstanding supervised agricultural experience. Community service, leadership abilities and outstanding scholastic achievement are also required. Minnesota FFA’s recipients in 2021 will earn their degrees on October 30th as part of the final day of the National FFA Convention.
Minnesota’s 2021 American Degree recipients include:
Owen Aakre, Hawley
Charlie Armstrong, Kenyon Wanamingo
Natalie Barka, Litchfield
Kelsey Biel, Fillmore Central
Benjamin Bruhn, Willmar
Tyler Burgess, Alexandria
Kyerra Carter, Hancock
Arica Caughey, Brainerd
Alaina Chute, Aitkin
Marc Collins, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Cody Dickhausen, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
Devin Dohrmann, Triton
Carter, Espinoza, Kasson-Mantorville
Anna Euerle, Litchfield
Katie Fitzgerald, Triton
Lydia Greden, Lewiston-Altura
Lila Gronseth, Hayfield
Katherine Hacker, Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart
Leah Heffley, Princeton
Brooke Hoffbeck, Cedar Mountain
Ashley Holst, Plainview-Elgin-Millville
Alyssa Humphreys, Milaca
Ekaterina Ivanov, Fertile-Beltrami
Melissa Kirby, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
Karli Knopf, Brainerd
Thor Kongsjord, Deer River
Nicole Koziolek, Randolph
Katie Krieger, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Kelsey Kuball, Waterville-Elysian-Morristown
Alex Louwagie, Redwood Valley
Angie Malikowski, Frazee
Michael Moline, South Central Agriscience Academy
Maggie Molitor, Rocori HS-Rocori Cold Spring
Grady Moorse, Minneota
Oscar Padilla, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Isabelle Patterson, Kenyon-Wanamingo
Taylor Peck, Hutchinson
William Pell, Jackson County Central
Sydney Poquette, Kenyon Wanamingo
Dacotah Rohner, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Connor Ruen, Lanesboro
Camren Saxton, Fairmont
Owen Scheffler, Kenyon Wanamingo
Samantha Schoenbauer, Central – Norwood Young America
Rebeckah Schroeder, Caledonia
Brayden Schultz , United South Central
Laura Shoutz, Litchfield
Olivia Sip, Ada-Borup
Raven Suhr, United South Central
Taige Suhr, United South Central
Lucas Tesch, Sibley East
Joni Vander Beek, Edgerton
Katrina Vogel, New Ulm
Lucas Wingert, Plainview-Elgin-Millville
Dylan Woodford, Wabasso
Kate Wrolson, West Central Area
Grace Zeidler, Dassel-Cokato
— Minnesota FFA Foundation