By: Charlie Lane, FFA Vice President

On Sunday, April 13, Easton Valley FFA sent 15 members to Ames to attend the 97th annual Iowa FFA Leadership Conference, joining more than 7,150 FFA members, advisors, and guests from across the state, marking the highest attendance in the event’s history.

One of the most prestigious honors awarded at the state level is the Iowa FFA Degree, earned by fewer than 5% of members annually. To qualify, students must log at least 50 hours of community service, earn or invest $1,500 through their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program, and participate in at least five activities above the chapter level. This year, an impressive 11 Easton Valley FFA members earned the Iowa Degree:

Seniors – Alia Schmidt, Alia Holdgrafer, Ella Burken, and Charlie Lane
Juniors – Kelsie Thompson, Breese Orr-Thole, Abby Schmidt, Hailey Dondlinger, Emily Matthiesen, Ethan Mattheisen, and Gavin Regenwether.
These dedicated members now have their eyes set on the American FFA Degree, the highest honor bestowed by the National FFA Organization.

In the Ag Communications contest, juniors Kelsie Thompson, Hailey Dondlinger, Abby Schmidt, and Breese Orr-Thole competed in a two-day event that began with a press conference and included a written exam, video creation, social media campaign, magazine layout, and article development. The team placed 2nd out of 25 teams and was named the high scoring practicum team!

The Farm Business Management team of Alia Schmidt, Charlie Lane, Emma Beck, and Gavin Regenwether placed 5th out of 101 teams after completing an individual and team exam covering economics, budgeting, records and analysis, risk management, and marketing principles. Individually, Charlie Lane finished 4th out of over 400 contestants.

In the Ag Sales CDE, Ella Burken, Keyara Zeimet, Emily Matthiesen, and Houston Holdgrafer competed selling a skid steer-mounted snowblower. Their events included a pre-call presentation, an individual sales pitch, and a 50-question written test. The team earned 3rd place out of 78 teams. Individually, Ella Burken took 2nd place, just one point away from first, and Houston Holdgrafer placed 11th out of 270.

Senior Alia Schmidt competed in the Job Interview contest, advancing through preliminary rounds to become one of 12 finalists in the state. She earned a gold rating and was ultimately named the state champion! Alia will now represent Iowa at the National FFA Convention this November in Indianapolis.
Houston Holdgrafer was selected as the Southeast District Rising Star, a title awarded to one outstanding sophomore per FFA district. Selection is based on the successful start of an SAE program, FFA participation, and their knowledge of the FFA Alumni. After a rigorous application, and interview process at state, Houston was named the state winner!

Charlie Lane was selected as one of four finalists in the Stars Over Iowa – Production category, which recognizes members with exceptional SAE entrepreneurship programs, developing outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through career development programs and demonstrated outstanding management skills. Charlie raises cattle, pigs, and goat, while also helping on his family’s farm. After interviewing at the convention, Charlie was named the state winner in his category!

Three Easton Valley members submitted applications for Proficiency Awards, which honor growth within their SAE programs.
* Charlie Lane – Diversified Livestock Production Entrepreneurship
* Alia Schmidt – Veterinary Science Placement
* Kelsie Thompson – Beef Production Entrepreneurship

Charlie and Alia were both selected as first-place winners in their areas and will receive cash prizes in addition to being recognized on stage. They have the opportunity to refine and submit their applications for national competition.

Congratulations to all members on their outstanding accomplishments and for representing the chapter extremely well at the state level. Thank you to Mr. Eskildsen for the countless hours spent helping students apply for awards and practicing for contests and thank you to Alyssa Poll for chaperoning and driving the second vehicle.