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17 students to compete at state FFA convention
RANDOLPH – Seventeen Randolph students will be putting their agricultural knowledge to the test during the Nebraska State FFA Convention next week.
Randolph’s agronomy team - made up of Logan Lienemann, Gavin Wortman, Justin Backer and Luke Harder - come into state competition as the district champions in agronomy.
The agronomy contest consists of identifying nutrient and environmental deficiencies in soil and crops, identifying crops based on their seed or physical plant characteristics, and identifying both machinery and insects.
There is also a group activity to solve a real- world problem such as calculating seed rate in a field, or something similar.
To prepare for state competition, the agronomy team is practicing two times each week.
“I tend to just go with a gut feeling throughout the contest because pressure and stress often cause my mind to blur,” Backer said. “Staying calm and working through everything is very important to me, that combined with team study time is what propels the team ahead.”
The agronomy team also qualified for state last year, and members expect to do well this year.
“We should be pretty competitive,” Lienemann said, especially considering the team’s third place showing at a practice competition in Dixon.
Each spring, more than 7,000 FFA members, advisors and guests travel to Lincoln to celebrate the annual Nebraska State FFA Convention. Members participate in general session, competitive events, educational tours, leadership workshops, and Career Fair and Expo. Events are held at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Haymarket area hotels and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s east campus.
Randolph’s agronomy team has multiple years of experience competing at state FFA so they know the competition will be fierce.
“The competition is usually tough which makes for an interesting surprise when results come in,” Backer said.
Other students competing at State FFA Convention include: Ag Sales - Emilee Olson, Xavier Smith, Josh Miller, Bentley Bonczynski; Livestock Management - Ella Graf, Olson, Kody Junck, Dylan Schutt, Peyton Thelen; Agriscience - Thelen, Jaden Dickes, Talyn Meyer, Ty Sievers; Ag Demo - Wortman, Gage Jensen, Lienemann; and Junior Public Speaking - Alaina Schulz.
Backer, who will be graduating from Randolph High School in May, said FFA has prepared him for college and a future career.
“First off, I have met many people at FFA events and have gained the skills to work with other people. Through competitions such as the Agronomy CDE (Career Development Events) and other smaller contests such as tractor driving, I have solidified my desire to eventually farm,” Backer said. “These contests have given me the ability to gain more knowledge and testing if I am happy in the different variations of agriculture for a career.”
In the fall, Backer plans to attend community college, and then pursue trucking and farming.
