Goodhue FFA members took part in leadership, community service, and competitive opportunities throughout the summer.
Four Goodhue FFA members, Taylor Thomforde, Hailey Dankers, Nathan Ballman, and Lillian Raach, traveled to Washington, D.C., for the five day Washington Leadership Conference (WLC). Throughout the conference, members focused on developing their leadership skills and learning how they can make a difference in their own communities. A major focus of WLC was developing a Living to Serve plan, where each attendee identified an issue in their home community and created a plan they could bring back and put into action. Members also served the Washington, D.C., community by packing food for Meals of Hope and participated in leadership workshops throughout the week. They explored Washington, D.C., visited the U.S. Capitol and surrounding landmarks such as the Supreme Court and Library of Congress, and had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery or explore Smithsonian museums. Members also took a nighttime tour to see many of the city’s famous memorials. “It was so interesting to see the memorials, especially at night,” said Lillian Raach. Goodhue FFA would like to extend a special thank you to the Goodhue County Lions Club for its generous donation and support in helping make this experience possible.
Goodhue FFA members Brynn Frederick and Micah Ballman attended State Greenhand Leadership Camp (SGLC), a four day leadership event for first year FFA members entering grades 8 through 10. Held at the Deep Portage Conservation Reserve in Hackensack, SGLC gives members the opportunity to develop leadership skills, meet other FFA members, and learn from State FFA Officers and Region Presidents.
Five Goodhue FFA members attended FFA Day at the Saints. Members enjoyed lunch provided by FFA before the game and had the opportunity to participate in an activity on the field, where they won a $20 coupon to Sport Clips. The Saints also came away with a win.
The Goodhue FFA Officer Team spent time preparing for the year ahead during their summer Officer Retreat. Officers strengthened their teamwork, learned more about their individual roles, and planned upcoming chapter events. They also learned about the Gibbs Reflection Cycle, which the team plans to use to reflect on chapter events throughout the year. Officers also had the opportunity to tour Painted Outlaw Ranch in Arkansaw, Wisconsin, a ranch specializing in Texas Longhorn cattle, and Eau Galle Creamery in Eau Galle, Wisconsin, a creamery specializing in Parmesan and similar cheeses. These tours gave officers the opportunity to learn more about agricultural businesses and production in the area. Between planning sessions and tours, officers prepared meals together and enjoyed time at the pool.
At the Goodhue County Fair, officers volunteered at the Cattlemen’s Booth and Children’s Barnyard. The experience gave members an opportunity to serve their community and help fair visitors enjoy everything the fair had to offer. The Children’s Barnyard featured a variety of animals, including alpacas, chickens, rabbits, pigs, and sheep.
Goodhue FFA was well represented at the Minnesota State Fair by Lillian von Knobelsdorf, Trevin Dicke, Caden Lodermeier, Reid Finnesgard, Amelia Lodermeier, Haley Betcher, Garrett Pearson, and Carleen Weckerling. Members earned several top honors throughout the State Fair. Lillian von Knobelsdorf earned Reserve Champion Dairy Steer Showman, Reserve Champion Crossbred Dairy Steer, and Grand Champion Carcass Crossbred Dairy Steer. Reid Finnesgard earned Champion Pair of Females in Beef Shorthorns. Haley Betcher earned Junior Market Goat Showman and Reserve Champion Commercial Doeling Pair. Trevin Dicke earned Reserve Grand Champion Market Showman and Grand Champion General Livestock Judging Individual. He also contributed to Goodhue FFA earning Grand Champion Beef Exhibitor Chapter and Reserve Market Beef Chapter Exhibitor. Garrett Pearson earned Junior Reserve Champion Jersey, Reserve Champion Senior Showman, and Champion Individual Herdsman in Dairy. Congratulations to all of Goodhue FFA’s State Fair competitors for the time, dedication, and effort they put into preparing and showing their animals and for representing the Goodhue FFA Chapter at the state level.
These experiences gave Goodhue FFA members opportunities to develop their leadership skills, serve their community, strengthen relationships, and represent their chapter. Goodhue FFA looks forward to building on these experiences throughout the school year.
