VOLUME 19, ISSUE 3
FFA
NORTH DAKOTA
FOUNDATION WINTER 2020
COLE KETTERLING NAMED
AMERICAN STAR FARMER PG 6 - 7
GIVING HEARTS DAY MATCH DONORS | PG 9
GET TO KNOW BETH
OUR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | PG 3 - 4
AG. IN THE CLASSROOM RECIPIENTS | PG 5 1
WORDS FROM CHRISTINA DOCKTER FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
What a year 2020 has been! I want to personally thank all of our sponsors, great and small, for all of your support. Though many activities and FFA events have been limited or cancelled, the learning, SAE projects and the FFA continue to move forward in developing leaders. The Foundation couldn’t do what we do without the support from all our sponsors. A huge thank you to all of you for your continued support! As we look forward to 2021, we are excited to be presenting 260 members with an FFA jacket, made possible from generous donors to the Blue Jackets Bright Futures Program. In addition, we will be awarding over $20,000 supervised agricultural experience (SAE) grants to ND FFA members who will be beginning or expanding their SAE projects. In February, members will be applying for college scholarships through both the National FFA and ND FFA Foundation. Let us not forget about Giving Hearts Day on February 11th! Watch for fun and engaging activities happening during Giving Hearts Day. You might even consider being a “Match Donor!” We congratulate the 44 ND FFA members who received their American FFA Degree in October, as well as Cole Ketterling for being named the American Star Farmer. ND FFA has much to be proud of! In closing, I would like to thank the outgoing FFA Foundation board members for their time given to this organization and we welcome the new board members. We look forward to the ideas and input you will bring to help make this great organization even better. Respectfully,
Christina Dockter
ND FFA Foundation President
2020-2021 ND FFA FOUNDATION FOUNDATION BOARD
Christina Dockter, President Rueben Weigelt, Vice President Pam Tonnessen, Secretary Kristi Tonnessen, Treasurer Adam Marx, Teacher Representative (NDSU) Aaron Anderson, ND FFA Association Representative Ben Van Berkom, FFA State President Breanna Hosman, Current FFA State President
Misty Steeke, Teacher Representative Darin Spelhaug, Teacher Representative Allen Giese, Industry/Donor Representative Travis Maddock, Industry/Donor Representative Joshua DeMorrett, Industry/Donor Representative Zane Manhart, Industry/Donor Representative Joshua Swanson, Industry/Donor Representative Jason Rohr, Industry/Donor Representative
FOUNDATION STAFF
BETH ALLEN 2
Executive Director
The North Dakota FFA Foundation
WELCOMES
BETH ALLEN as its new Executive Director
Beth Allen is a face familiar to the North Dakota FFA. Her career with the North Dakota FFA first started in 2011 when she joined the North Dakota FFA Association and Career & Technical Education Department. She served as their Administrative Assistant for 4 years. Her journey with the ND FFA didn’t stop there. In 2016 she joined the ND FFA Foundation, serving as the Fiscal Manager; a role she’s enjoyed for over 4 years. When the ND FFA Foundation began its search for its new Executive Director in August of this year, Allen heard a call, telling her to continue her journey and path with the North Dakota FFA. “I really wasn’t sure if I should apply,” says Beth Allen. “But then I felt a calling; a calling I’ve heard and felt only a couple times in my life. I knew, whether I thought I should or not, I had to apply.” That calling resulted in Beth Allen being appointed the ND FFA Foundation’s newest Executive Director. Since the Foundation’s beginning in 1980, it has had only four Executive Directors. Allen marks the fifth individual in this position. “This is really a special organization throughout the country, but especially so in North Dakota,” says Allen. “The years, time, passion and resources I see people give to this organization in our state is astonishing and I’m grateful to be a part of it.” The excitement Beth Allen has for her promotion and appointment is shared by all of those a part of the North Dakota FFA, especially the ND FFA Foundation Board of Directors. “Beth’s experience with our programs, teachers, members and history with our donors and sponsors is incredible and having her in this position is a success,” says Christina Dockter, North Dakota FFA Foundation Board President. The future continues to be bright under her leadership.”
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GET TO KNOW BETH
FUN FACTS Favorite Soda Coke
Must start each day with coffee!
Hometown Mandan
Husband Brad Allen
4 Children Annie, Bryce, Brent, Abby 7 Grandchildren Brystol, Lyla, Gracie, Danyka, Navy, Maggie, Brooks & 2 more on the way! Hobbies Making purses, riding her horse, working in her yard, gardening & reading
CONGRATULATE AND CONTACT BETH ballen@ndffa.org Office: 701.224.8390 Mail: ND FFA Foundation PO Box 6022 Bismarck, ND 58504
Excited to be the new Executive Director of the ND FFA
Beth’s Family
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Beth and her husband, Brad
AG. IN THE CLASSROOM MINI-GRANT RECIPIENTS
The ND FFA Foundation awarded 14 Ag. in the Classroom $500 mini-grants! Congratulations to those who received the $500 grants to spread the goodness of agriculture in classrooms and the community.
Recipients
Lakota High School Center FFA May-Port CG School District Southeast Region Career & Technical Education Center - Lisbon Ag Southeast Region Career & Technical Education Center - Oakes Campus (2) Ray FFA
Southeast Region Career & Technical Education Center - Richland 44 High School Central Cass FFA Garrison Public School Sheyenne Valley Agriculture Education Program Scranton FFA Beulah FFA Alumni Wahpeton High School
VIRTUAL NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION AMERICAN DEGREE RECIPIENTS
Congratulations to the 44 North Dakota Members who received their American FFA Degrees this October during the Virtual National FFA Convention. Bethany Anderson, Harvey Grace Bachmeier, Granville Chase Bader, Wishek Nathan Ball, Minot Jennifer Marie Becker, New Salem Caleb James Boehm, Richland 44 Hunter Boll, Wahpeton Casey Buskohl, Wyndmere Vincent Carruth, Oakes-Sargent Central Jameson A. Ellingson, Mandan Jonah Enochson, Wahpeton Shelby Faul, McClusky Brian James Friedt, Harvey Cauy Hartel, Watford City Jacob Hauck, Oakes-Sargent Central Jacy Hauge, Flasher John Haverland, Richland 44 Sean Hermes, Oakes-Sargent Central Brenna Mattae Hoger, New Salem Tyler Hoggarth, Carrington Molly Holt, Scranton Carson Houser, McClusky
Mykaela Jacobson, Center Cole Ketterling, Wishek Morgan Elizabeth Krizan, Hebron Mikayla Kathryn Lacher, Richland 44 Winston LaJesse, Wahpeton Jacob Leier, Napoleon Kolten Mellem, Wyndmere Aaron Meyer, Richland 44 Max Muggli, Oakes-Sargent Central Bryce Mutschelknaus, Grant County Keaton Nelsen, Leeds Sean Nichols, Carrington Chase Pederson, Carrington Nathan Peterson, Oakes-Sargent Central Lucas Rath, McClusky Hannah Remington, South Prairie Sam Roehrich, Oakes-Sargent Central Rebecca Schmidt, Center Lianna Codey Seibold, Wahpeton Kathryn Slavick, Mandan Abagail Volk, Rugby Cassidy Jo Walth, Wishek
DISTRICT LEADERSHIP CHAPTERS OF THE DAY
Thank you to our incredible District Leadership Sponsors, including: Bryan & Janet Strom/US Bank – Extemp Public Speaking, ND FFA Alumni – Greenhand Quiz, Jason & Heather Rohr – Creed, Roger & Kari Christenson – Demonstration, Jeff & Jan Topp – Prepared Public Speaking District 1: Stanley District 2: Max District 3: Harvey District 4: Leeds
District 5: Kindred District 6: Napoleon District 7: Hebron District 8: Grant County
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COLE “Keep your farming records up-to-date,” Kristi Tonnessen told Cole Ketterling. Kristi’s advice (or instruction, rather) was spoken more than 3 years ago, shortly after Cole was named the 2017 North Dakota FFA Star Farmer. Cole grew up in the community of Wishek, North Dakota. His family has been a part of this small town for more than 80 years. Farming and agriculture are in his blood, one might say. Cole learned the lessons of farming while working alongside his dad, Kermit. Kermit learned to farm while working alongside his dad, Art. The generations continue moving back, as the Ketterling family is a product of more than 4 generations of farmers and agriculturists. For Ketterling, “family farm” takes on a very literal definition. “Farming isn’t only in my dad’s lineage, it’s in my mom’s, too,” says Cole Ketterling, “My mom’s dad has been farming with us ever since I can remember. Working alongside
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KETTERLING 2020 AMERICAN STAR FARMER
both grandpas growing up, and still today, has been a truly unique and rewarding experience.”
Growing up, Cole explains, he and his family have mostly stayed centered on four main crops: soybeans, spring wheat, corn and sunflowers. Since starting his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) and growing some of his crops, Cole has also grown his operation by adding a small herd of beef cattle. Cole’s growth and diligent recordkeeping earned him the title of North Dakota Star Farmer; a title he claimed in 2017 at the North Dakota State FFA Convention. That same week, he was elected to serve as North Dakota FFA’s 2017-2018 State President. Cole knew what Kristi, his Agricultural Education teacher and FFA advisor, meant when she gave him her instruction years ago. He knew he would be encouraged to, one day, complete the application to be considered for one of the most prestigious awards offered by the National FFA Organization: The American Star Farmer. The award is given annually to the FFA member that has demonstrated the top production agriculture SAE in the nation. The member must have demonstrated outstanding achievement, active FFA participation and an exemplary scholastic record. The American Star Farmer award is not only one of the most prestigious awards given by the National FFA Organization, but it’s also one of the oldest, dating back to 1929 when the award was first given to Carlton Patton from Arkansas. This October, Cole Ketterling was announced as this year’s American Star Farmer. The award marks the 91st given by the National FFA Organization.
In North Dakota, however, Ketterling marks his place in history as the second-ever North Dakota FFA member to receive this prominent award. Cole Vculuk, of the Oakes/Sargent Central/Ellendale FFA Chapter was named North Dakota’s first-ever Star Farmer in 2011. Though production agriculture is a major part of Cole’s life, and one he’s found success in, it’s only part of how he applies his skills, talents and service. Cole recently started a job with Farm Credit Services of Mandan, working out of its Wishek branch as an Agriculture Loan Officer. Many might be surprised someone like Cole would choose to take on this role after finding success in production agriculture; for the new-hire, this was something very calculated. “I’m a believer in, at some point in your life, working for somebody,” says Ketterling. “Getting real-world industry experience instead of only working for yourself or your family is valuable.” Cole continued by listing a variety of experiences he understands are going to be invaluable to him, should he continue farming. “Understanding the financial aspect is important,” says Ketterling. “Working at Ag Country, I also get to see what works in different operations and how things can be unique to different individuals and farms. There’s a lot of value in a career outside of the farm as a young person.” When asked what his future holds, Ketterling says, “Learning.” “I can’t tell you exactly what my future will be and whether it will be farming or lending, but I can tell you that both experiences, right now, are great learning experiences which I know will help define my future path.”
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6 WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE ND FFA FOUNDATION
HIGHLIGHTED THROUGH THE LENS OF ACTUAL DONORS, SUPPORTERS AND FRIENDS OF THE NORTH DAKOTA FFA.
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Set your shopping on Amazon to benefit the North Dakota FFA Foundation, just like Katie! Did you know Amazon will donate up to 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases you make directly to the nonprofit of your choice? Meet Katie Vculek, an alumni of the Oakes/SC/Ellendale FFA Chapter. Katie set the ND FFA Foundation as her nonprofit to benefit from her shopping more than 2 years ago. “This is an incredibly easy way for everyone and anyone who uses Amazon to help support the ND FFA Foundation,” says Katie. “Once you take a couple of minutes to set your nonprofit, you’re done.” Tip: Make sure to set up AmazonSmile from both the desktop/online and mobile app. For instructions on how to set this up visit NDFFA.co/amazonsmile or scan the QR code.
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Show the Foundation some (monthly) love, like Richard does! Recurring gifts are impactful to our Foundation and organization. With an online platform that allows you to set up a recurring gift with a credit card, giving has never been easier. Meet Richard Debertin. Richard set up his monthly recurring gift of $25 more than 5 years ago! “I love being able to show support in this way,” says Richard. “It was easy to set up and because it’s automatic, I can support the Foundation without even needing to remember or think to send a check.” To set up your recurring gift, visit NDFFA.co/monthlydonation or scan the QR code.
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Donate to the Foundation via Venmo, like Brooks has done! Giving, supporting and donating to the ND FFA Foundation is already easy, but did you know the North Dakota FFA Foundation has Venmo?! When Brooks Hetle discovered this, he decided to make his giving mega easy by simply Venmoing the Foundation for some of his annual donations including his donation to Blue Jackets Bright Futures and for his Giving Hearts Day donation! Whether you’re donating $20, a blue jacket, a scholarship or more, we hope Venmo can help make it easy! Simply send your donation to @NDFFAFoundation
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Sponsor a CDE or LDE, like the Bryan and Janet Strom family! Do you have an FFA CDE/LDE or competition at the ND State Fair important to you? Continue to make it possible by sponsoring it! The Foundation works with dozens of families and businesses who want to sponsor specific CDEs, LDEs and events. The 2012-2013 State FFA Officer team and the Bryan and Janet Strom family have been sponsors of the Extemporaneous Speaking LDE for years! See what CDE/LDEs are available to sponsor by contacting Beth Allen at ballen@ndffa.org or at 701.224.8390.
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Send a thank you! It’s not only monetory donations we need! We’d love your help writing thank yous! Consider writing a thank you card addressed to any donor/sponsor of the ND FFA Foundation. Mail it directly to our office and we’ll send it on to one of our donors or sponsors. Mail a thank you card to: North Dakota FFA Foundation PO Box 6022 Bismarck, ND 58504
Giving Hearts Day is the single largest fundraiser throughout the Foundation’s year. This year, with many of our other fundraising events having been cancelled, it’s more important than ever to show your support. Last year, the Foundation raised over $45,000 which is all given directly to North Dakota FFA Members through our programming, scholarships, grants and events. Every dollar makes an impact, whether you can give $10, $100, or more. Stay tuned for some gifts we’ll be giving to friends and supporters who donate at different levels on this day of giving.
$1,500
$2,000
MATCH DONORS
GIVING HEARTS DAY
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Mark February 11th, 2021 on your calendar and give to the North Dakota FFA Foundation on Giving Hearts Day!
In Memory of Jim Kirkeide
$1,000
Nodak Mutual Insurance
Marcia Young
Dahltin Pahl
Bell Bank
Brian & Deanne Gierke
Peterson Farms Seed
Brian & Julie Vculek
Joel & Joyce Janke
1991-1992 State Officer Team
2002-2003 State Officer Team
2008-2009 State Officer Team
2013-2014 State Officer Team
Jeff & Susan Hagel
Logan Behm
$500
Beth & Wayne Stenehjem
Taya Spelhaug
$500
MEET THE MATCH
FRIENDS
In Memory of Alexa Young
YOUR PHOTO HERE Myron Johs
Beth Allen
ABOVO
Contact us to become a meet the match friend at ayoung@ndffa.org
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SPONSORS & DONORS Premier Sponsor ($50,000+) Bakk Farm
Elite Sponsors
($25,000 to 49,999)
RDO Equipment Co. Twin Cities Region Northland Ford Dealers
Diamond Sponsors ($10,000 to 24,999)
Ag Country Farm Credit Services Bayer CHS Foundation Dakota Access Pi Farmers Union Insurance Nodak Insurance Company William Huffman Trust
Sapphire Sponsors ($5,000 to 9,999)
ADM Gooseneck Implement North Dakota Department of Agriculture ProSeed Vaughn & Dorinda Zacharias Family Where Food Comes From, Inc.
Gold Sponsors ($1,000 to 4,999)
Agtegra Cooperative Bank of ND Bell Bank Breanna Bregel Bridgette & Randy Readel Brooks Hetle Bushel, Inc. CF Industries CoBank Dakota Medical Foundation Delise & Paul Kirkeide Dennis & Kathy Rohr Dennis & Kathy Walsh First International Bank & Trust International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Joel & Joyce Janke Keith & Cathy Peltier Land O’ Lakes Foundation Levi & Katie Reese Marcia Young ND Barley Council ND Community Foundation ND Crop Improvement & Seed Assn ND Dairy Coalition ND Ethanol Council ND FFA Alumni Association North Dakota Beef Commission North Dakota Farm Bureau Offutt Family Foundation Pioneer Seeds a Brand of Corteva Agriscience Plains Ag, LLC Robb Boyd Taya Spelhaug Titan Machinery Inc US Bank Foundation Zoetis
Silver Sponsors ($400 to 999)
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ABOVO Allen & Pat Giese Beth & Wayne Stenehjem Birdsall Grain & Seed Brian & Mary Schneider Bruce & Lynelle Bachmeier Carol Jensen Cavendish Farms, Inc.
MORE SPONSORS & DONORS Chance Lindsey Cheryl & Dave Flick Chris & Sue Johnson Coteau Properties Dahltin Pahl Darren & Kristin Hoyme Deanne & Brian Gierke Douglas & Catharine Mark Douglas Brahee Erik & Andrea Diederich Erika Williams Farm Credit Services of Mandan G & K Ranch Gold Buckle Gelbvieh Jeff & Jan Topp Jeff & Susan Hagel Jodie & Warren Woroniecki Jon & Agnes Solberg
Kevin & Denise Stoppleworth Mara & Bruce Glasow Mark & Raquel Lacey Nelson Marlow & Joyce Nelson Midwest Dairy Association - ND Division Myron Johs Napa of Garrison National FFA ND Grain Dealers Association ND Grain Growers Association ND Oilseed Council ND Pork Council ND Stockmen’s Association ND Wheat Commission North Dakota State University Animal Science Department Pete & Helen Hetle Peterson Farms Seed
Roger & Kari Christenson Rueben Weigelt Shepherds Hill at the Cross Roads Von & Doreen Lynne Wade & Lynn Moser Wahpeton FFA Alumni Will & Jerilyn MacDonald William Fritz
A huge thank you to our more than 500 donations.
For a complete list visit: NDFFAFoundation.com/Our-Donors
IN HONOR & MEMORY OF
OUR LOVED ONES IN MEMORY OF...
Bernie Vculek by Wesley & Patty Well
Alexa Young by Kerri Bochantin Cam & Shayla Knutson Erik & Andrea Diederich Breanna Bregel Andrew & Jeremy Young Brian & Mary Schneider
Norris Fagerlund by Michael & Ellen Connor
Winston Dolve by Michael & Ellen Connor
Cora Wagner by Lynne & Gerald Klindworth
Orlan Swenson by Robert & Tamra Maddock
Nov. 2019 to Nov. 2020
Loel Nelson by
Renee Becker Bev Bergquist Paul & Cynthia Brandt Wayne & Denise Carlson Terry & Laurie Dakken Allen & Diane Dockter Tania Eichhorst William & Pamela Helphrey Kenton & Bobby Jo Holle Joel & Joyce Janke Arlen & Gail Johnson Marvin Klusmann Dennis & Elizabeth Kost Robert Landgren Oscar & Cindy Lundquist Norbert Mayer Bob & Cynthia Norland Jay & Vangie Olson Don & Jean Paulson Cyndie Perkerewicz Timothy & Eugenia Randich Pablo & Colette Ronderos Martin & Lisa Well William & Nancy Wilson
Becky Wald by Ben Meyer
Kim Rath by
Bridgette & Randy Readel
Delores Lemer by Levi & Katie Reese
Shubel Owen by Don Schwartz
IN HONOR OF...
Eugene Nichols by Lisa Gibbens
DONATIONS IN SPECIAL HONOR
FFA MEMBERS HONORED BY THEIR PARENTS Allee Boyer Bradley Krebs Breanna Hosman Chance & Kade Manhart Dale & Megan Boe Ellie Bergstrom Elliot Mathias Emily, Jacob, Calli & Caleb Grant Schneider Garin & Levi Opdahl Jack & Cort McDonald Jacob & Andrea Arnold Jamie Geyer
Jenna Mandler Kaitlynn Klebe Karter Hartsoch Kasen Anderson Kayla Hoyme Kassidy Kraft Kelly Zimmerman Kendall Nelson Louise Patterson Mason Mellmer McKenzie & Charmaine Haas Meagan Harmel Megan & Dale Boe
Nicholas Wulfekuhle Olivia Havelka Paige Elston Paige Spomer Reed, Rose, & Ryder Wendel Rivers & Summers Bachman Samantha & Joshua Meehl Samantha Patterson Sawyer Harmel Shelsey Brandvold Sierra Strenge Taylor Johnson
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WELCOME NEW FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS
Allen Giese
Travis Maddock
Joshua DeMorrett
Zane Manhart
Joshua Swanson
Jason Rohr
FOLLOW THE ND FFA FOUNDATION
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