Kansas FFA Members Elect State Officers and Recognize Award Winners at State Convention
Six Kansas FFA members were elected to serve as the 2019–20 State FFA Officers at the 91st Kansas FFA Convention May 29–31, 2019, on the Kansas State University campus. They were among 13 candidates running for a state officer position to represent more than 9,800 Kansas FFA members.
The 2019–20 Kansas FFA Officer team includes: President Logan Elliott, Riverton FFA; Vice President Abby Goins, Labette County FFA; Secretary Elizabeth Wright, Blue Valley FFA; Treasurer Lukas Sebesta, Ellsworth FFA; Reporter J.W. Wells, Sedan FFA; and Sentinel Mason Prester, Wilson FFA.
The State FFA Officer team will travel across the state sharing their passion for agriculture, leadership and service. Kansas FFA officers present workshops and conferences across the state and challenge FFA members to serve their communities and the agriculture industry.
Awards:
(State Star in Agribusiness)
Burlington FFA member Kylar Lee was recognized as the State Star in Agribusiness, one of the association’s top honors, during the 91st Kansas FFA Convention, May 29–31, 2019, on the Kansas State University campus.
Each year, the Kansas FFA Association recognizes three FFA members who have the top Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs with the Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Ag Placement awards. The Star competitions are sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, United Bank and Trust, and Kansas Farm Bureau.
Lee’s SAE is in Sheep Production Entrepreneurship. He has not only raised sheep but expanded his herd over the last four years. Currently, his herd consists of 65 head of both black face and white face cross sheep. Lee travels across the country searching for the best genetics to use in his herd. He then raises the sheep and sells them for others to show. Lee’s business, KWL Showstock, does not stop once he has sold an animal. He ensures that services are provided to his customers long after they have purchased a show animal from him. Lee provides services of show management and preparation to ensure his clients get the support they need when exhibiting the animals they purchased from him.
Kylar is the son of Carl Lee and Kristen Varner. His chapter advisor is Julie Carden.
(State Star in Ag Placement)
Coffeyville FFA member Emily Swiger was recognized as the State Star in Ag Placement, one of the association’s top honors, during the 91st Kansas FFA Convention, May 29-31, 2019, on the Kansas State University campus.
Each year, the Kansas FFA Association recognizes three FFA members who have the top Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs with the Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Ag Placement awards. The Star competitions are sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, United Bank and Trust and Kansas Farm Bureau.
Swiger’s SAE is in Placement in Agribusiness. She works at Frazee Veterinary Consulting in Coffeyville, Oklahoma. Her job includes preparing animals for surgery and caring for them afterwards. She assists with clinical paperwork and is responsible for sterilizing surgical tools. Along with her basic clinical duties, Swiger also vaccinates, tags, palpates, performs semen checks and fills ot records on all cattle.
Emily is the daughter of Brian and Carol Swiger. Her FFA chapter advisor is Catherine Stallbories.
(State Star Farmer)
Natoma FFA member Ethan Dickerson was recognized as the State Star Farmer, one of the association’s top honors, during the 91st Kansas FFA Convention, May 29–31, 2019, on the Kansas State University campus.
Each year, the Kansas FFA Association recognizes three FFA members who have the top Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs with the Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Ag Placement awards. The Star competitions are sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, United Bank and Trust and Kansas Farm Bureau.
Dickerson’s SAE is in Beef Production Entrepreneurship. During his SAE experience, he learned new methods and technologies to improve his farm and cattle herd. Dickerson has been able to expand his herd and been actively involved in the selection and breeding process of his cattle. He has also been able to add a new breed of cattle, Red Angus, to his herd. After high school, Dickerson plans to attend Butler County Community College then transfer to K-State to pursue a degree in agribusiness. He wants to return to own and operate his own cattle operation after graduation from college.
Ethan is the son of David and Stephanie Dickerson. His FFA chapter advisor is Jeremy Long.
Triple Crown Award:
The Ellsworth FFA chapter received the prestigious Triple Crown award at the final session of the 91st Kansas FFA Convention, May 29–31, 2019, on the Kansas State University campus.
Under guidance from advisor Karl Hobb, the Ellsworth FFA chapter earned the highest combined score over three separate divisions: Building Communities, Growing Leaders and Strengthening Agriculture. The chapter engaged in activities to promote career success, leadership, citizenship, agricultural advocacy, chapter recruitment, and much more.
The chapter will receive $300 and the Garlow Memorial Trophy, which is sponsored by the Bill Garlow Family in memory of past Kansas FFA officer Bob Garlow. Bob Garlow’s state officer teammates joined Bill Garlow on stage to congratulate the Ellsworth chapter this year, on the 50th anniversary since their term in office.
Runners-up for the Triple Crown award were as follows: Royal Valley FFA in second place; Arkansas City FFA in third place; Southwestern Heights FFA in fourth place; and Udall FFA in fifth place.
The Triple Crown award is given to the FFA chapter that performs the best in the National Chapter Award program, which recognizes chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization in the three divisions. Awards are given in each of these three areas in the divisions of bronze, silver and gold. Chapters in the gold division qualify as finalists for the Triple Crown.
Source: Kansas FFA Association
