By LaRayne Meyer

 

 

Four young men and women from Nebraska were among the nation’s FFA students excelling in ag production this year, so much so that they have been named national winners. The four received Agricultural Proficiency Awards at the 80^th National FFA Convention. Their projects focused on beef, soybean, canine and swine production.

The four were recognized at the convention held in Indianapolis, Oct. 26, 2007, with awards given in 39 categories.

The award finalists and their sponsors include Jeffrey Schroeder, a member of the Wisner-Pilger FFA Chapter, with an award in beef production-placement; Adam Venteicher of the Pierce FFA Chapter, who was recognized for his project in fiber and/or oil crop production; Derrick Rocker, a member of the Franklin FFA Chapter whose project focused on small animal production and care; and Emily Arkfeld with a swine production-entrepreneurship project, as a member of the Lourdes Central FFA Chapter.

Their sponsors were the Nebraska Cattlemen, the Nebraska Soybean Board and Nebraska Soybean Association, the Nebraska FFA Foundation and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, respectively.

To qualify for the national award, each FFA student undertakes a supervised agricultural experience, or SAE. These programs support skill and competency development in assorted areas of agriculture, applying specific agricultural and academic skills a student has learned through classroom instruction. Involvement in an SAE provides FFA members with an advantage in the job market, in attaining scholarships and college enrollment and, ultimately, in starting their own business and developing a plan for success in life.

Beef production seemed a natural fit for Jeff Schroeder, whose FFA Chapter is centered in Cuming County, a pocket of the state that averages about 955 cattle per square mile. Schroeder has been involved in all facets of feedlot production while working within the confines of a commercial feedlot. With a long-term goal of a career in large animal nutrition and meat sciences, Schroeder’s project exposed him to feedlot technologies, including computerized ration mixing and electronic animal tracking.

Jeff is the son of Debra and Mark J. Schroeder, the Wisner-Pilger FFA advisor. His award was sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health and Midwest PMS.

Looking forward to earning a degree in diesel technology and animal science, Adam Venteicher managed 27 acres of soybeans as a background for his winning project. Located in an area of the state where soybeans generally derive more profit than corn, Venteicher decided to diversify and saw increased profits as a result. While performing all labor, from planting to combining, Venteicher’s yields have successfully increased in the process, while doubling his acreage in two years.

Adam is the son of Kenneth and Donna Venteicher, and his FFA advisor is Jodi Borchers. His award was sponsored by Syngenta Seeds Inc., and the National FFA Foundation.

His breeding and marketing of two breeds of dogs earned Derrick Rocker a national FFA award. Rocker began his project with three Bichon Frise, soon expanding to include Italian Greyhounds. Providing optimal care for his animals and implementing a successful advertising campaign, both in newspapers and on the Internet, enabled Rocker to sell the animals before they were four months old. With plans to pursue a degree in animal science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Rocker is considering several career choices, including a state or USDA kennel inspector or a career in pet food nutrition.

Derrick is the son of Connie and Dave Rock, the Franklin FFA advisor. His award was sponsored by Merial.

Emily Arkfeld chose purebred registered Hampshire swine for her winning FFA project. Her interest in agriscience led her to research the testing of pork carcass quality traits. Realizing the importance of marketing to any enterprise, Arkfeld publicized her operation in state agricultural publications and on the Internet. Her success is not surprising considering she maintains a 4.0 GPA in her high school and was selected as the National Agriscience Student of the Year. She is aiming for a doctoral degree in meat science.

Emily is the daughter of Luanne and Timothy Arkfeld, her FFA advisor. Emily’s award was sponsored by the National FFA Foundation.

The National FFA Organization recognizes the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education, with the mission of making a positive difference in the lives of students. It does so by helping to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Y By LaRayne Meyer, a freelance writer from Pilger.