Lincoln, Neb. –Over 7,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests attended and participated in the 96th Nebraska FFA Convention, held April 3-5 in Lincoln. Students competed in various contests all school year to qualify for the state convention.
Those winning their Leadership Development Events, Career Development Events, and Agriscience Fair projects will go onto compete at the National FFA Convention against other states in their respective areas. Proficiency Area winners will also be judged at the national level and will know in August if they have advanced to the final round to be announced at the convention. The National FFA Convention will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 23-26.
Other highlights include the announcement of the 2024-2025 State FFA Officer team, consisting of:
- State President: Reagan Choat, Plainview
- State Secretary: Brynn Almgren, Stuart
- State Vice President: Peyton Hinrichs, Meridian
- State Vice President: Alexa Tollman, Crawford
- State Vice President: Claire Woeppel, Chambers
- State Vice President: Calie co*ckburn, Emerson-Hubbard
- State Vice President: Trey Stewart, Wisner-Pilger
State Star in Agribusiness
Carson Mau, Sutton FFA Chapter
Carson Mau is the son of Brent and Gwenda Mau. His FFA Advisor is Gwenda Mau. Carson provides lawn care services for 56 residential and commercial properties. He developed skills in marketing and building a brand identity for his business. He plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and major in Agriculture Education.
State Star in Agriscience
Cole Ransen, Norfolk FFA Chapter
Cole Ransen is the son of Lori Ransen. His FFA Advisor is Jonathan Anderson. Cole’s SAE included conducting experiments and researching variables in radish, pepper, and concrete production. Cole plans to attend the Northeast Community College and major in Electrical Mechanical Technology.
Star in Agricultural Placement
Makayla Johnson: Wilcox-Hildreth FFA Chapter
Makayla Johnson is the daughter of Jeremiah and Heather Johnson. Her FFA Advisor is Kassie Faimon. Makayla works for Central Valley Irrigation where she sorts and loads corner machines, loads underground pipe, and renozzles pivots. Makayla plans to major in Business Administration at Central Community College.
Star in Agricultural Production
Adam Knapp: Ord FFA Chapter
Adam Knapp is the son of Jay and Kay Knapp. His FFA Advisors are Dave Ference, Johnny Ference and Chrisinda Ritz. Adam rents 208 acres of mostly irrigated farm ground. He also raises and markets cattle. Adam developed skills in farm management, agronomy, and business. Adam plans to attend UNL and major in Agribusiness.
COOPERATIVE SPEAKING
Receiving Bronze:
Emmett Carlson Mitchell
Mason Coyle Mead
Kinley Mercer Kearney
Caitlyn Dolezal Perkins County
Aca Andrew Auburn
Kassidy Hatfield Maywood
Cassiana Gutierrez Minatare
Jerzee Smidt Axtell
Mia Gerdes Auburn
Receiving Silver:
Evely Kucera Verdigre
Audrey Anderson St Paul
Cadence Poppe Seward
Dallas Grunden Maywood
Maria Moseman Riverside
Halle Racicky Ansley
Shelbea Reed David City
Lacey Paxton Stuart
Shelby Perchal West Point
Easton Roeber Ashland-Greenwood
Elizabeth Felty Stapleton
Ava Reikosfski Osmond
Receiving Gold:
Benjamin Paxton Stuart
Delanie Erwin Leigh
Makayla Johnson Wilcox-Hildreth
Jenna Funk Summerland
Sam Smith Pleasanton
Taya Hambleton NE Ag Academy
In 6th Place: Pleasanton – Claire Ahrens
In 5th Place: Palmer – Chloe Scheer
In 4th Place: Tri-County – Jacob Wollenburg
In 3rd Place: Wisner-Pilger – Lindsey Borgelt
In 2nd Place: Gering – Katelyn Shimic
And first place: Arthur – Laynee Ohm
CREED SPEAKING
Receiving Bronze:
Isabelle Streff Pierce
Savannah Mahler Freeman
Kale Dorsey Arcadia
Wyatt Fulton Johnson Brock
Lauren Kohmetscher Blue Hill
Kailyn Choat Boone Central
Karsten Zwiener Pleasanton
Brooke Kotschwer Medicine Valley
Madelyn Buschkamp Crofton
Calton Ahrens Pleasanton
Ashton Overlease Riverside
Receiving Silver:
Addison Beeks Howells Dodge
Kaylee Schroeder Pender
Miranda Betson Crawford
Gretchen Pascal Auburn
Tilly Foote Imperial
Autumn Henthorn Alliance
Iaunna Lucking Fairbury
Emmarie Pavlik Verdigre
James Adle Imperial
Emma Ott Heartland
Brooke Wiese Logan View
Tyler Hetz Gothenburg
Receiving Gold:
Carly Norberg Kimball
Gladis Rodriguez York
Kaitlyn Bradley Alma
Kyra Tubbs Stuart
Paige Vinton Hyannis
Tommy Paxton Stuart
In 6th Place: Perkins County – Haylea McGreer
In 5th Place: West Holt – Elizabeth Olson
In 4th Place: York – Carter Health
In 3rd Place: Wayne – Lanee Rethwisch
In 2nd Place: Central – Marissa Tvrdy
And first place, representing Nebraska at National FFA Convention: Clarkson – Claire Holoubek
EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING
Receiving Bronze:
Reese Gillespie McCook
Gracie Pearson Sutherland
Carlee Mashek Gibbon
Josephine Turnbull Centennial
Justine Wilkinson Morrill
Maliya Kreeshan Schuyler
Case Richardson Freeman
Tierston Moore Alma
Carter Korth LCC
Christina Smith Maxwell
Laken Wissink Dundy County
Wyatt Anderson Amherst
Receiving Silver:
TJ Mueller Waverly
Samuel Growell Wilcox-Hildreth
Blake Hochstein Bloomfield
Mason Bodlak Pender
Lilian Fuchser Hershey
Joe Burgess York
Codi Olson Emerson Hubbard
Kara Brockman Elwood
Cody Andreasen Boone Central
Morgan Schommer Chadron
Kailey Hartman Pawnee City
Isaac Stromberg Lakeview
Receiving Gold:
Seth Meyring Alliance
Jacob Wood Palmyra
Jenna Eberspacher Seward
Parker Kesting Wayne
Caleb Kelly Pender
Jacob Heapy Litchfield
In 6th Place: Hampton – Macy Miller
In 5th Place: Boone Central – Bella Meyer
In 4th Place: NE Ag Academy – Lilee Chevalier
In 3rd Place: Minden – Sam Cedarburg
In 2nd Place: West Holt – Sidney Burkinshaw
And first place, representing Nebraska at National FFA Convention: West Holt – Carter Gotschall
EMPLOYMENT SKILLS
Receiving Bronze:
Bethany Pelton BerMis
Macy Brooks Alliance
Adyson Groteluseheu Lakeview
Zac Hawley Johnson Brock
Rylie Hutchens Verdigre
Hannah Rief Tekamah-Herman
Reese Kozisek East Butler
Taylor Ruggles McCook
Matthew Alderson Osmond
Jace Lien Chadron
Emma Grube Minden
Receiving Silver:
Sierra Heckenliable Lyons-Decatur
Peyton Norine Meridian
Brianna Laeck Arcadia
Brant Benes Boone Central
Lynley Swartzendruber Shickley
Sapphine Guzman TCA
Caden Childers Hershey
Weston Piper York
Miya Carey West Holt
Emma Klahn Perkins County
Kiersten Portwine York
Morgan Bonifas Aurora
Receiving Gold:
Mataya Morrison Valentine
Hannah Scott Chambers
Kaylee Henthom Alliance
Charlee Ryan Central City
Kurt Schneider Lakeview
Preslee Hansen Tekamah-Herman
In 6th Place: Pleasanton – Tagget Nilsen
In 5th Place: Kearney – Tanner Grubbs
In 4th Place: Wood River – Joshua Luehr
In 3rd Place: Norfolk – Myranda Hansen
In 2nd Place: Elwood – Drew Knoezer
And first place, representing Nebraska at National FFA Convention: Neligh-Oakdale – Leonardo Luna-Duran
JUNIOR PUBLIC SPEAKING
Receiving Bronze:
Addison Kanter Norris
Megan Macklin Blue Hill
Peyton Hofmann High Plains
Arianna Pate McCook
Jett Johnson Holdrege
Erika Cruikshank Arlington
Sydney Wood Palmyra
Maggie Robinson Norfolk
Nathan Griess Sutton
Sydney Messerlie Leigh
Receiving Silver:
Sidney Englemann Diller-Odell
Kayde Ramm Stuart
Jayme Gittlein Imperial
Ian Schiller West Point
Hannah Martensen Leigh
Henry Holtmeier Tri-County
Bennett Novacek Riverside
Bailee Thelen Pierce
Addie Seaman Riverside
Julia Russell Hay Springs
Madalyn Pistalka West Holt
Laura Borgelt Wisner Pilger
Receiving Gold:
Drew Kaufman Scottsbluff
Korbin Druery Anselmo-Merna
Lauren Bishop Perkins County
Mallory Hottell Kimball
Kathryn Naber Seward
Charlotte Metschke Johnson Brock
In 6th Place: Waverly – Esther VanOverbeke
In 5th Place: SEM – Preston Beattie
In 4th Place: Hartington-Newcastle – Ava Stewart
In 3rd Place: Gothenburg – Mavrix Butterfield
In 2nd Place: Rock County – Carter Buell
And first place: Centura – Mason Janda
NATURAL RESOURCES SPEAKING
Receiving Bronze:
Kolby Detlefsen Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
Brenden Gabel Osceola
Delaney Collins Elwood
Emily VanMeter Palmyra
Garret Ostrander Seward
Campbell Schutz Arapahoe
George Schmell Scottsbluff
Farris Swinton Pender
Zach Araujo Bayard
Isaac Harder Plainview
Jaylee Sellers Maywood
Becca Vinsonhaler Meridian
Receiving Silver:
Gracie Kaup Stuart
Natalie Pelster Boone-Central
Claire Gangwish Kearney
Parker Walahoski Overton
Morgan Ourada Amherst
Carter Herrington Palmyra
Ashley Bonifas Silver Lake
Casey Wahlgren Gothenburg
Taryn Arbuthnot SEM
Isabel Cressler TCA
Marissa Langer Riverside
Charli Wells Holdrege
Receiving Gold:
Natalie Nutzman Milford
Tucker Rut Arthur County
Gracie Ackles St. Paul
Reagan Choat Plainview
Sydney Hutchinson West Point
Emoree Dickey Cross County
In 6th Place: Wheeler Central – Bobbi Guggenmos
In 5th Place: Howells-Dodge – Isabel Belina
In 4th Place: West Holt – Addi Karo
In 3rd Place: Wisner-Pilger – Hayden Schroeder
In 2nd Place: Sioux County – Rebecca Reece
And first place: Gothenburg – Carson Reiman
SENIOR PUBLIC SPEAKING
Receiving Bronze:
Addison Nilsen Pleasanton
Bryn Christensen Seward
Isaac Olsen Banner County
Teagan Baumert Clarkson
Mikaha VanderWey Cody Kilgore
Kalyn Smith Palmyra
Grace Goodwin Lexington
Dru Weimer Sidney
Haiden Garey Arapahoe
Makayla Menke Stuart
James Fletcher Litchfield
Isaac Pavlik Verdigre
Receiving Silver:
Macey Moore Battle Creek
Preston Stoeger Valentine
Faith Oldemeyer Norris
Jorja Yocom Cozad
Carson Radcliff Wilber-Clatonia
Claire Woeppel Chambers
Jameson Doyle Hampton
Justine Pope Shelton
Lexi Johnson Gothenburg
Carson Mau Sutton
Jadyn Tidyman Chadron
Sarah Mead Aurora
Receiving Gold:
Esten Johsen Seward
Clara Johnson Palmyra
Arabella Reed Minden
Chisum Wilson Bishop Neumann
Peggy Huss Kearney
Ceilus Ibarra Wayne
In 6th Place: Hampton – Shae Kingery
In 5th Place: Plainview – Abigail Kromarek
In 4th Place: Wayne – Olivia Hanson
In 3rd Place: Scribner-Snyder – Zoey Gathman
In 2nd Place: Cross County – Addison Linn
And first place, representing Nebraska at National FFA Convention: Stuart – William Paxton
AGRICULTURAL DEMONSTRATION
Receiving Bronze:
Gering
Beatrice
Cambridge
Mead
Aurora
Southern Valley
Wisner-Pilger
McCool Junction
Sioux County
Maywood
Superior
Amherst Gold
Receiving Silver:
West Holt
Alma
Amherst Blue
Newman Grove
Central
Mitchell
Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
Arthur County
West Point
TCA #1
York
Hampton
Receiving Gold:
Osmond
York
Centura
Holdrege
Gothenburg
Leigh
In 6th Place: Stapleton
In 5th Place: Pierce
In 4th Place: Ord
In 3rd Place: St Paul
In 2nd Place: TCA #2
And first place: Stuart
CONDUCT OF CHAPTER MEETINGS
Receiving Bronze:
Lakeview
Centura
Norfolk
Amherst
Gothenburg
Kimball
Weeping Water #2
Stanton
York #2
Wayne
Perkins County
Hays Springs
Receiving Silver:
St Paul 2
Broken Bow
Shickley
St Paul #1
Imperial #1
Blue Hill
Hayes Center
Summerland
Lyons-Decatur
Weeping Water #1
Tri County
Gothenburg #1
Receiving Gold:
Imperial #2
Leigh
Potter-Dix
Johnson-Brock
Franklin
Boone Central
In 6th Place: Pender
In 5th Place: Central
In 4th Place: West Holt #1
In 3rd Place: Stuart
In 2nd Place: York #3
And first place, representing Nebraska at National FFA Convention: West Holt #2
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Receiving Bronze:
Blair
Gering
Schickley
Pleasanton
Lake View
Norris
Bridgeport
Imperial
Humphrey
Crofton
SEM
Receiving Silver:
St. Paul
Schuyler
Holdredge
Summerland
Conestoga
Kimball
Broken Bow
Central City
Emerson-Hubbard
McCook
Tri County
Gothenburg
Receiving Gold:
Adams Central
Seward
Perkins Co
Weeping Water
West Holt
Centennial
In 6th Place: Boone-Central
In 5th Place: Lyons Decatur
In 4th Place: Gothenburg 1
In 3rd Place: Stuart 1
In 2nd Place: Stuart 2
And first place, representing Nebraska at National FFA Convention: Pender
AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS
2nd place: Avery Salomon, Gothenburg
1st place: Kaden Van Winkle, Tri County
Kaden Van Winkle is the son of Jeff and Shauna Van Winkle. Kaden manages the YouTube channel KVW Outdoors which was created to produce outdoor content that is fun and educational for his viewers. His skills include video production and analysis. Kaden’s FFA Advisor is Sarah Hebda.
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
3rd place: Cole Brandes, Central City
2nd place: Kaylei Denison, Waverly
1st place: Matthew Alderson, Osmond
Matthew Alderson is the son of Curtis Alderson and Jill Heemstra. Matthew’s SAE project includes teaching students in Kindergarten through sixth grade about agricultural technology and animal sciences. He uses public speaking and critical thinking skills to design and present workshops. Matthew’s FFA Advisor is Jessica Evans.
AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS DESIGN AND FABRICATION
3rd place: Monica Chavez, West Holt
2nd place: Parker Holthus, Johnson-Brock
1st place: Garrett Keith, Loup County
Garrett Keith is the son of Brandin and Michaela Keith. Garrett’s SAE included working for Cowboy Boundaries, fabricating corrals and barbed wire fences. Garrett’s skills include skid steer operation, installing new post and barb wire, and creating straight fence lines. His FFA Advisor is Tanner Dunbar.
AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE – ENTREPRENEURSHIP
1st place: Aiden Bewley, Alma
Alden Bewley is the son of Nick and Leanne Bewley. Alden’s skills include repairing and maintaining farm equipment. He repairs farm equipment by running diagnostics and repairing broken parts. Alden’s FFA Advisor is Ben Robison.
AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE – PLACEMENT
3rd place: Grant Kaup, Stuart
2nd place: Matthew Alderson, Osmond
1st place: Shelby Perchal, West Point
Shelby Perchal is the daughter of Kelly Perchal and Josh and Kara Perchal. Shelby’s Ag Mechanics placement skills include routine farm equipment maintenance, maintaining a pulling tractor, and rebuilding engines, turbos, and clutches. Her FFA Advisor is Lee Schroeder.
AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING
3rd place: Peyton Eisenhauer, Bloomfield
2nd place: Sophia Aden, Gothenburg
1st place: Peyton Grotrian, Johnson-Brock
Peyton Grotrian is the son of Derek and Crystal Grotrian. Peyton’s project involves processing beef at Cornhusker Beef. His skills include identifying cuts of beef, harvesting, and preparing cuts for retail consumption. Peyton’s FFA Advisors are Ashton Bohling and Dawn Metschke.
AGRICULTURAL SALES – ENTREPRENEURSHIP
3rd place: Addison Karo, West Holt
2nd place: Cora Hoffschneider, Centennial
1st place: William Paxton, Stuart
William Paxton is the son of Darby and Sara Paxton. William created a beekeeping enterprise called Paxton 5 Beehive. His skills include entrepreneurial marketing, adapting to market trends, and effectively shipping honey and lip balm. His FFA advisors are Katie Nolles and Patty Hanzlik.
AGRICULTURAL SALES – PLACEMENT
3rd place: Mallory Belitz, Neligh-Oakdale
2nd place: Sydney Pernicek, East Butler
1st place: Carter Gotschall, West Holt
Carter Gotschall is the son of Scott and Katrina Gotschall. Carter works for Anson’s Feed and Trucking where he mixes and bags feed and helps customers fill orders. Carter’s FFA Advisor is David Gibbens.
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES
3rd place: Maria Moseman, Riverside
2nd place: WestonStemick, Pierce
1st place: Joseph Fickenscher, Axtell
Joseph Fickenscher is the son of Tyrell and Angela Fickenscher. Joseph’s skills include moisture probe installation, dry fertilizer application, and heavy equipment use. He improves efficiency of farm operations through soil and moisture conservation practices. Joseph’s FFA Advisor is Kate Grimes.
AGRISCIENCE RESEARCH – INTEGRATED SYSTEMS
3rd place: Samatha Roth, Lyons-Decatur
2nd place: Esther VanOverbeke, Waverly
1st place: Madison Chrisman, Central City
Maddie Chrisman is the daughter of Amy Chaney. Maddie’s project included analyzing the effect of cooking appliances on the time it takes hamburger to reach a safe internal temperature, and the effect of heifer diet on offspring’s liver and muscle. Her FFA Advisors are Jessica Brondel and Alex Stocker.
AGRISCIENCE RESEARCH – PLANT SYSTEMS
1st place: Tate Pruess, Tekamah-Herman
Tate Pruess is the son of Doug and Karin Pruess. Tate’s research was based on a corn test plot that consisted of fourteen varieties, and analyzed different factors into what made each one prosper in silty clay loam soil. Tate’s FFA Advisor is Haley Ransiear.
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
3rd place: Emily Hanco*ck, St. Paul
2nd place: Leah Perry, Wayne
1st place: Eli Pilakowski, Lakeview
Eli Pilakowski is the son of the late Randy and Amber Pilakowski. His SAE is working at Virg’s garage in Platte Center. He is in charge of maintaining vehicles, invoicing customers, and ordering parts for the business. His FFA Advisor is Kaydie Brandl.
BEEF PRODUCTION – ENTREPRENEURSHIP
3rd place: Kyan Sones, Meridian
2nd place: Hailey Witte, Valentine
1st place: Adyson Groteluschen, Lakeview
Adyson Groteluschen is the daughter of Brandon and Kris Groteluschen. Adyson’s SAE is owning and raising commercial and purebred red angus and simmental cattle. She’s learned to AI her cows for superior genetics and market her calf crop to buyers across the country. Her FFA advisor is Kaydie Brandl.
BEEF PRODUCTION – PLACEMENT
3rd place: Kurt Schneider, Lakeview
2nd place: Seth Meyring, Alliance
1st place: Kale Taubenheim, Amherst
Kale Taubenheim is the son of Mike and Renee Taubenheim. Kale works at Taubenheim Farms, where he helps run a cow-calf and feedlot operation. Kale’s skills include providing calves with proper care and balancing rations. Kale’s FFA Advisor is Maranda Martenson.
DAIRY PRODUCTION – ENTREPRENEURSHIP
1st place: Bobbi Guggenmos, Wheel Central
Bobbi Guggenmos is the daughter of Tony and Kelly Guggenmos. Bobbi’s skills include raising Holstein nurse cows and improving genetics through Artificial Insemination. Bobbi enjoys showing the cows and learning new methods to improve her operation. Bobbi’s FFA Advisor is Kelly Guggenmos.
DAIRY PRODUCTION – PLACEMENT
3rd place: Charli Sievers, Wayne
2nd place: Ava Noecker, Hartington Newcastle
1st place: Tessa Haahr, Hartington Newcastle
Tessa Haahr is the daughter of Jason and Marie Haahr. Tessa’s skills include taking care of young Holstein calves and milking the family dairy herd. Tessa provides proper nutrition for growing calves and works on making improvements to the dairy farm. Her FFA Advisor is Emma Lammers.
DIVERSIFIED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
3rd place: Wyatt Knapp, Northwest
2nd place: Samuel Hemenway, Elgin
1st place: Adam Knapp, Ord
Adam Knapp is the son of Jay and Kay Knapp. Adam’s project includes growing corn on 208 acres of mostly irrigated, rented ground and owning 60 head of cattle in his dad’s feedlot. Adam’s FFA advisors are Dave Ference and Chrisinda Ritz.
DIVERSIFIED CROP PRODUCTION – ENTREPRENEURSHIP
3rd place: Miles Wulf, Logan View
2nd place: Bart Beattie, SEM
1st place: Drew Knoerzer, Elwood
Drew Knoerzer is the son of Bryant and Lori Knoerzer. Drew’s skills include raising popcorn, Indian Corn, and pumpkins for sale. Drew sells his products to various towns across the state of Nebraska. His FFA advisor is Maggie Louthan.
DIVERSIFIED CROP PRODUCTION – PLACEMENT
3rd place: Blake Wallinger, Stuart
2nd place: Sam Wells, St.Paul
1st place: Sam Hoops, Deshler
Sam Hoops is the son of Kevin and Paula Hoops. Sam is the 5th generation on his family farm where they raise food-grade white corn and soybeans. He assists in every step of the operation from the off-season through planting through harvest. Sam’s FFA Advisor is Juliana Kroeger.
DIVERSIFIED HORTICULTURE
2nd place: Sydney Pernicek, East Butler
1st place: Haley Klement, East Butler
Haley Klement is the daughter of Jim and Sheila Klement. Haley’s skills include growing horticultural crops for gardens and customer service at local nurseries. Haley grows crops from seed, propagations, and plugs in the garden and greenhouse. Haley’s FFA advisor is Jenny Kocian.
DIVERSIFIED LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
3rd place: Bobbi Guggenmos, Wheeler Central
2nd place: Trey Stewart, Wisner-Pilger
1st place: Leah Christen, Lewiston
Leah Christen is the daughter of Rod and Amy Christen. Leah raises commercial cattle, sheep, and goats. She has gained skills in the areas of nutrition, marketing, and veterinary practices. Leah’s FFA Advisors are Kurt Wissenburg and Cari Burris.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
3rd place: Hannah Ogan, Lakeview
2nd place: Ericka Larsen, Burwell
1st place: Sidney Gawrych, St. Paul
Sidney Gawrych is the daughter of Rick and Julie Gawrych. She is employed at Conservation Blueprint where she helps manage native range lands, performs prescribed burns and educates the public with monthly webinar videos. Sidney’s FFA Advisor is Boyd Bowder.
EQUINE SCIENCE – ENTREPRENEURSHIP
3rd place: Avery Shultis, Tri County
2nd place: Charli Wells, Holdredge
1st place: Emi Huls, Aurora
Emi Huls is the daughter of Tim and Rebecca Huls. Emi trains horses in various disciplines, and recognizes skill sets and behaviors of equines. Emi cares for horses by providing them with proper nutritional/exercise requirements. Emi’s FFA advisors are Sarah Cordonier and Anthony Sigler.
EQUINE SCIENCE – PLACEMENT
3rd place: Alexis Ericksen, Aurora
2nd place: Krista Beranek, Scribner-Snyder
1st place: Ella Kossow, Seward
Ella Kossow is the daughter of Jonathan and Courtney Kossow. Ella’s skills include feeding, exercising, and showing her family horses on a day-to-day basis. She cares for horses by monitoring their diets and feed efficiency. Ella’s FFA advisors are Jessy Eggerling and Krystin Cast.
FIBER AND/OR OIL CROP PRODUCTION
3rd place: Aiden Jackman, Ainsworth
2nd place: Bailey Hafer, Fillmore Central
1st place: Jameson Estill, Stuart
Jameson Estill is the son of Justin and Becky Estill. Jameson’s SAE involves working at Jim Kohle farms and raising his own soybean crop. He has developed skills in commodity marketing, crop rotations, soil health maintenance, and disease prevention. Jameson’s FFA advisors are Katie Nolles and Patty Hanzlik.
FORAGE PRODUCTION
3rd place: Aidan Bittner, Fullerton
2nd place: Oliver Shane, West Holt
1st place: Benjamin Janzen, Heartland
Benjamin Janzen is the son of JayDee and Wendy Janzen. His project includes cutting, baling, and selling alfalfa and other forage crops. Benjamin has purchased and fixed up his own equipment to run his business. His FFA Advisor is Stephanie Miller.
FOREST MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTS
2nd place: Mollie Corkle, O’Neill
1st place: Sam Kramer, St. Paul
Samuel Kramer is the son of Jarred and Darcy Kramer. Sam is employed at Natures Acres, a forestry and tree production operation where he cares for Oak and Walnut trees, by preparing them for harvest, and treats them for diseases and pests. Sam’s FFA Advisor is Boyd Bowder.
FRUIT AND NUT PRODUCTION
2nd place: Grady Ryan, St. Paul
1st place: Gracie Ackles, St. Paul
Gracie Ackles is the daughter of Lacey Lange and Jeremy Ackles. Gracie has worked for a fruit production operation, Placke Melons for the past three years. She has worked hard to sharpen her skills in production, care, and harvesting of fruits. Gracie’s FFA Advisor is Boyd Bowder.
GOAT PRODUCTION
3rd place: Kammy Held, Leigh
2nd place: Lanie Lechtenberg, Boyd County
1st place: Miya Carey, West Holt
Miya Carey is the daughter of Tyler and Misty Carey. Miya raises and shows goats. Miya has developed skills in selection of breeding stock, creating feed rations, and managing animal health. Miya’s FFA advisor is David Gibbens.
GRAIN PRODUCTION
3rd place: Brett Pfeil, Alma
2nd place: Sam Wells, St. Paul
1st place: Grant Kaup, Stuart
Grant Kaup is the son of Kurt and Katie Kaup. Grant worked for K&W Farms and the Danielski Harvest Crew, and raises his own crops. He has developed skills in planting, harvesting, commodity marketing, and pest management. His FFA advisors are Katie Nolles and Patty Hanzlik.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
3rd place: Briana Johnson, Boone Central
2nd place: Taylor Burge, Gothenburg
1st place: Kaylee Hanson, Valentine
Kaylee Hanson is the daughter of Josh and Kendra Hanson. Kaylee works for Holmes Funeral Home where she aids in all aspects of funeral preparation. Kaylee helps with dressing, embalming, and casketing. Kaylee’s FFA Advisors are Brent Nollette, Shawna Houdek, and Kasy Epke.
HOME AND/OR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY PROGRAMMING
3rd place: Norah Paulsen, St. Paul
2nd place: Ashtyn Heikes, Riverside
1st place: Brynn Almgren, Stuart
Brynn is the daughter of Robert and Bree Almgren. Brynn works as a lifeguard at the Lynch Municipal Pool, where she has developed skills in the areas of chemical safety, teaching swimming lessons, customer service, and management. Her FFA advisors are Katie Nolles and Patty Hanzlik.
HOSPITALITY, RESTAURANT AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
3rd place: Allie Boehr, Heartland
2nd place: Emma Kreutner, Valentine
1st place: Preston Stoeger, Valentine
Preston Stoeger is the son of Mark and Janell Stoeger. He works as a sous chef at a private golf club. At CapRock Ranch, Preston’s skills include prepping, sauteing, grilling, and front of house services. Preston’s FFA advisors are Brent Nollette, Shawna Houdek, and Kasy Epke.
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT
3rd place: Jacey Knapp, Northwest
2nd place: Jaren Moore, Holdridge
1st place: Blake Nun, Fillmore Central
Blake Nun is the son of Chris and Kelly Nun. Blake’s skills include installing and repairing underground turf and landscape sprinklers systems. He troubleshoots to find problems with sprinklers and uses a variety of tools to complete the work. Blake’s FFA Advisor is Kurt VanDeWalle.
NURSERY OPERATIONS
2nd place: Morgan Bonifas, Aurora
1st place: Addison Karo, West Holt
Addison Karo is the daughter of Matt and Jessica Karo. Addison grows flowering annuals and vegetables in the greenhouse for sale in the spring. She creates hanging baskets and deck pots to sell. Addison’s FFA advisor is David Gibbens.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
2nd place: Ashley Carr, Alliance
1st place: Trey Appelt, Ainsworth
Trey Appelt is the son of Jason and Michelle Appelt. Trey works at Gobbler Roost, a guiding operation. His skills include communicating with clients, guiding hunts, and maintenance for all land and equipment. Trey’s FFA Advisor is Emily Jackman.
POULTRY PRODUCTION
3rd place: Olivia Beel, NE Ag Academy
2nd place: Brynn Almgren, Stuart
1st place: Grace Wolff, Cody-Kilgore
Grace Wolff is the daughter of Barry and Nancy Wolff. Grace learned how to care for chickens and eggs properly, make feed rations, and monitor animal health. Grace’s FFA Advisor is Justin Nollette.
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION/TECHNOLOGY
2nd place: Cameron Kaup, Stuart
1st place: Hunter Tubbs, Stuart
Hunter Tubbs is the son of John and Erica Tubbs. Hunter works for two different construction firms: D&M Construction and Marvin Miksch Construction. He has developed skills in teamwork, furniture construction, installing floor joints, and shingling. Hunter’s FFA advisors are Katie Nolles and Patty Hanzlik.
SALES AND SERVICES
3rd place: Abby Kerkman, Neligh-Oakdale
2nd place: Hannah Olson, West Holt
1st place: Josie Sanders, Alliance
Josie Sanders is the daughter of Tom and Teresa Sanders. Josie is the owner of Look West Leather Company where she makes and sells custom leatherwork including belts, clips, shoes, and purses. Her FFA advisors are Ashtyn Vivion and Jocelyn Pohl.
SERVICE LEARNING
2nd place: Audrey Anderson, St. Paul
1st place: Leonardo Luna-Duran, Neligh-Oakdale
Leonardo Luna-Duran is the son of Leonardo and Virginia Luna. Leonardo plants crops that are donated to his local food pantry to help combat food insecurity. He also assisted in the planning of the community garden. Leonardo’s FFA Advisor is Tiffany Connelly.
SHEEP PRODUCTION
3rd place: Leah Christen, Lewiston
2nd place: Cassidy Maricle, Boone Central
1st place: Spencer Walahoski, SEM
Spencer Walahoski is the son of Jared and Kris Walahoski. Spencer’s skills include raising show lambs for both local 4-H and FFA youth. He cares for both mature ewes and lambs by providing a well-balanced diet and giving vital medications. Spencer’s FFA Advisor is Emily Reitz.
SMALL ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND CARE
3rd place: Ashlynn Anderson, Lewiston
2nd place: Nate Sanderson, Pender
1st place: Levi Bruns, Northwest
Levi Bruns is the son of Dan and Rachel Bruns. Levi’s skills include training dogs for AKC competitions and basic obedience training of customers’ dogs. Levi cares for dogs by providing clean, sanitary facilities and treating injuries. His FFA Advisor is Katie Hornung.
SPECIALTY ANIMAL PRODUCTION
3rd place: Zane Doke, Stuart
2nd place: Alexander Timm, Lyons-Decatur
1st place: Jayna Guggenmos, Wheeler Central
Jayna Guggenmos is the daughter of Tony and Kelly Guggenmos. Jayna’s skills include raising and marketing chinchillas. She has developed a breeding system to produce a variety of colored chinchillas. Jayna’s FFA Advisor is Kelly Guggenmos.
SPECIALTY CROP PRODUCTION
3rd place: Sidney Gawrych, St.Paul
2nd place: Landon Peterson, Meridian
1st place: Lacey Paxton, Stuart
Lacey Paxton is the daughter of Darrin and Sharon Paxton. Lacey grows different varieties of gourds, decorates them for holidays, and sells them. She has developed skills in garden planning, pest management, crop storage, and marketing. Lacey’s FFA advisors are Katie Nolles and Patty Hanzlik.
SWINE PRODUCTION – ENTREPRENEURSHIP
3rd place: Brenna Deterding, Cambridge
2nd place: Linden Anderson, Lyons-Decatur
1st place: Tucker Brandyberry, Alma
Tucker Brandyberry is the son of Nick and Stephanie Brandyberry. Tucker’s skills include creating rations and training pigs to exhibit. He cares for pigs by treating them for diseases and observing their nutritional needs. Tucker’s FFA Advisor is Ben Robison.
SWINE PRODUCTION – PLACEMENT
3rd place: Jake Christiansen, Lyons-Decatur
2nd place: Claire Stutzman, West Point
1st place: Carter Beckman, Elgin
Carter Beckman is the son of John and Tracy Beckman. He works for a swine finishing operation. Carter’s skills include herd health monitoring, disease and nutrition management, and maintaining the finishing house, equipment and waste management systems. Carter’s FFA advisor is Julia Schwartz.
TURF GRASS MANAGEMENT
3rd place: Tate Simonsen, Lyons-Decatur
2nd place: Mason Tyerman, Imperial
1st place: Carson Mau, Sutton
Carson Mau is the son of Brent and Gwenda Mau. Carson owns Prime Lawn Service, a mowing business with contracts for 56 properties in Sutton. Carson’s skills include management and operational decisions and scheduled maintenance. His FFA Advisor is Gwenda Mau.
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION
3rd place: Addisyn Ketteler, Stuart
2nd place: Jordyn Zulauf, Tri County
1st place: Morgan Bonifas, Aurora
Morgan Bonifas is the daughter of Greg and Barb Bonifas. Morgan raises and sells pumpkins and gourds that she markets locally through wholesale and retail buyers. She has gained skills in pest identification and plant selection. Morgan’s advisors are Sarah Cordonier and Tony Sigler.
VETERINARY SCIENCE
3rd place: Aidan Anderson, St. Paul
2nd place: Brooke Hilgenkamp, Arlington
1st place: Gracie Kinney, Ainsworth
Gracie Kinney is the daughter of Trent and Jayme Kinney. Gracie assists with exams and surgeries, preps for surgeries and provides daily animal care. She has learned how to take vitals and provide patient care. Gracie’s FFA Advisor is Emily Jackman.
WILDLIFE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
3rd place: Cory Gubbels, Stuart
2nd place: Nicholas Berger, Riverside
1st place: Jack Thede, St. Paul
Jack Thede is the son of Phil and Christina Thede. He manages his land to control populations of wildlife including coyotes, deer, and turkeys. He plants food plots and improves habitat in various ways. Jack’s FFA Advisor is Boyd Bowder.
