Gathering together in-person for the 94th Kansas FFA Convention, June 1-3, after two years of virtual gatherings, was a highlight for Kansas FFA members this year.

Being able to walk across the stage of McCain Auditorium on the Kansas State University campus, Manhattan, felt like a return to normal for many. Kansas FFA recognized members and friends of the program for their work in agriculture.

New officer team

Six Kansas FFA members were elected to serve as the 2022-23 Kansas FFA officer team. As state officers, they will represent more than 10,866 Kansas FFA members.

The 2022-23 Kansas FFA officer team includes: President Karlie Albright, Royal Valley FFA; Vice President Kirsten Kyger, Russell FFA; Secretary Aidan Yoho, Yates Center FFA; Treasurer Emma Kepley, Riverton FFA; Reporter Cali Newdigger, Skyline FFA; and Sentinel Mackenzie Anderson, Renwick FFA.

The state FFA officer team will travel across the state, sharing their passion for agriculture, leadership and service. Kansas FFA officers present workshops and conferences statewide, and challenge FFA members to serve their communities and the agriculture industry.

Through the partnership between the Kansas FFA Foundation and the Midwest Ford Dealers Association, each of the elected officers will be receiving a $500 scholarship to further their educational goals.

Stars in ag

Each year, the Kansas FFA Association recognizes three FFA 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 Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, United Bank and Trust, and Kansas Farm Bureau.

Holton FFA member Katina Bartel was recognized as the state Star in Ag Placement. She is the daughter of Alex and Sheri Bartel. Her FFA chapter advisors are Jason Larison and Alex Bartel.

Bartel’s SAE is in veterinary science. She worked as a kennel technician at Banner Creek Animal Hospital in Holton, Kan., a mixed small- and large-animal practice. She works 12 to 15 hours a week, cleaning and preparing facilities, and assisting in surgeries and minor procedures. After graduation, Bartel plans to attend Kansas State University and major in agricultural education.

Yates Center FFA member Aidan Yoho was recognized as the state Star Farmer. He is the son of Quentin and Hollie Yoho. His FFA chapter advisor is Sheila Proper.

Yoho’s SAE is in beef production-entrepreneurship and forage production. During his SAE experience, he started a cattle backgrounding operation, where he purchased lightweight cattle and fed them to 750 to 800 pounds, and then marketed them through the local sale barn. He also runs a forage production operation specializing in prairie hay for his second SAE. After high school, Yoho plans to attend Allen Community College and then Kansas State University, where he plans to major in food science, with a minor in meat science.

Royal Valley FFA member Karlie Albright was recognized as the state Star in Agribusiness. She is the daughter of Scott and Barbara Albright. Her chapter advisor is Kim Clark.

Albright’s SAE was in diversified agricultural production and includes growing a vegetable garden, working on her family’s cattle and crop farm, having her own small cattle herd and raising market beef and swine each summer. She sold her produce at a stand that she set up in the Dollar General parking lot. After graduation, Albright plans to attend Kansas State University and major in agricultural education.

Triple Crown again

The Ellsworth FFA chapter earned the prestigious Kansas FFA Triple Crown award for the second year in a row and the third year overall.

Under guidance from advisor Karl Dawn Hobbs Stover, the Ellsworth FFA chapter scored the best in the statewide National Chapter Award program, with the highest combined ranking over three separate divisions: Building Communities, Growing Leaders, and Strengthening Agriculture. The chapter engaged in activities to promote career success, leadership, citizenship, agricultural advocacy, chapter recruitment and more.

The chapter will receive $300 and the Garlow Memorial Trophy, which is sponsored by the Bill Garlow family in memory of past Kansas FFA officer Bob Garlow.

Runners-up for the Triple Crown award were as follows: Holton FFA in second place; Riverton FFA in third place; Udall FFA in fourth place; and Sedan FFA in fifth place.

State Proficiency Award winners

The Proficiency Award program recognizes students for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in their Supervised Agricultural Experience programs. The winners were:

New charters

Eight new FFA chapters received their charter during the opening session of the 94th Kansas FFA Convention on June 1.

“We are excited to welcome these new FFA chapters into our organization and celebrate the growth of our association,” said Ashley Chandler, 2021-22 Kansas FFA president. “This shows a true dedication and passion by our state and communities as they create opportunities for youth and strengthen agriculture.” The new chapters include: Chase FFA, Cunningham FFA, Deerfield FFA, Ingalls FFA, Lincoln FFA, Olathe Advanced Technical Center FFA, Perry-Lecompton FFA, and Valley Falls FFA.

Kansas FFA contributed to this article.