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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