By AVA PICKARD
Chapter Reporter
Members of the North Mahaska FFA Chapter recently showcased their dedication to agricultural education and leadership at the 97th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference, held April 13–15 at Iowa State University in Ames. The event brought together over 7,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests from across the state, breaking the existing record as the largest gathering in the organization’s history.
Throughout the three-day conference, North Mahaska FFA members participated in a variety of activities designed to enhance their skills and knowledge. These included career development events, leadership workshops, and networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals. The chapter’s involvement exemplifies their commitment to personal growth, career success, and the advancement of agriculture.
Members received recognition for their outstanding achievements including the Farm Business Management team consisting of Madi Hol, Taylor Hol, and Bronson Edwards-Hinton who received a Gold Rating. The Chapter Display received a Silver Rating and covered our chapter’s recent sixth grade signing day, this was put together by Courtney Sanders, Ava Pickard, Morgan Schippers, and Kylie Van Weelden.
Ava Pickard/North Mahaska FFA Reporter
Bronson Edwards-Hinton, Madison Hol and Taylor Hol earned a Gold Rating in Farm Business Management at the state FFA convention this week.
The Poultry Judging Team received a Bronze Rating, this team consisted of Brooke Villella, Peyton Van Weelden, and Morgan Schippers. The Ag Sales Team made up on Joel DeJong, Hunter Brisel, Dane Van Mersebergen, and Logan Baldock also received a Bronze Rating. Anna Van Ryswyk represented our chapter in the Massing of the Flags commemorative ceremony held during the third general session.
Members, Chris Long and Olivia Ridgeway, were selected to sing in the State FFA Choir who performed during the third and fourth general sessions on Tuesday, April 15. Freshman Sara Van Donselaar captured Gold in the Greenhand quiz and senior Taylor Doty received Bronze in the Chapter knowledge exam.
Brooke Baldock, in her first year as an FFA member, received Bronze and Mallory Schippers received Silver in the Discovery quiz. Sophomore Natalie Plate, who was recently elected to serve as South Central FFA District, served as a member of the Courtesy Corps, directing members and guests during the conference.
Seventh grade students Aubrey Huddleston, Brooke Baldock, Ellie Williams and eight grader Mallory Schippers attended a middle school workshop centered around communication, setting goals, and building confidence.
North Mahaska was also blessed to celebrate 10 Iowa FFA Degrees which were bestowed upon members during the fourth general session. The Iowa Degree is the highest and most prestigious honor which can be bestowed upon members at the state level, only 5 percent of members ever achieve this honor. We add the names of these 10 individuals to the list of members from North Mahaska FFA who have received it since the chapter’s inception in 1955, prior to Tuesday, stood at 45.
Ava Pickard/North Mahaska FFA Reporter
Seventh grade students Aubrey Huddleston, Brooke Baldock, Ellie Williams and eight grader Mallory Schippers attended a middle school workshop centered around communication, setting goals, and building confidence.
Congratulations to senior members Joel DeJong, Stacia Dunnick, Madi Hol, Lane McGriff, Kincaid Mitchell, Ava Pickard, Courtney Sanders, Morgan Schippers, Moriah Stout and junior member Kylie Van Weelden. Seniors, Courtney Sanders and Ava Pickard both signed letters of intent to teach Agriculture Education, the importance of this decision can’t be overstated – when committing to teach agriculture, these future educators are cultivating not only food and fiber but also character, community, and purpose.
The Iowa FFA Leadership Conference also featured a career show coordinated by the Iowa FFA Foundation, offering students insights into agricultural careers and educational pathways. Additionally, attendees engaged in a service project with Meals from the Heartland, and with our members help, along with other participating chapters, were able to package the one millionth meal to help fight against hunger as a service project with the Iowa FFA.
The North Mahaska FFA Chapter’s active participation in the conference underscores their dedication to fostering leadership and excellence in agricultural education. Member efforts contribute to the broader mission of the Iowa FFA Association to develop students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.