Specialty crops

create new market

College ag

teacher speaks

at FFA banquet

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- There are two kinds of farmers left -- commodity and specialty producers -- according to a South Central Technical College farm and agricultural business teacher.

Dennis Jackson told a large crowd at the 65th Annual Future Farmers of American Organization Banquet at New Ulm High School that some farmers have decided to give consumers what they want in the new specialty market with $15 soybeans and $6-$8 beef.

Jackson said more and more farmers produce for the new kind of specialty consumer in the new and rapidly-growing market. He predicted continued growth in production agriculture with more commodities being produced at a lower per bushel and per acre costs.

"There will always be farmers and people that work in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses and industries," Jackson said.

He praised the FFA for recognizing and rewarding students that work hard and do a good job. Jackson urged students to keep making FFA memories.

Recently becoming a grandparent and surviving a heart attack, Jackson said he realized he should think about his life's memories -- his first fishing trip, learning how to tie a necktie as a young FFA member, mowing his first field of hay, making a shallow, dead furrow, meeting a college girl and marrying her and watching his two daughters grow up.

Chapter Star Farmer awards went to New Ulm FFA President Robyn Schnobrich, Kristen Neigebauer and Linnay Yarger.

State Degree recipients were Neigebauer, Gary Beranek, Chapter Secretary Rachel Dummer, Chapter Vice President Erin Smith, Chapter Reporter Bryan Wendinger, and Eric Wendinger. Other chapter officers were treasurer Crystal Fluegge, Sentinel Gary Beranek and Officer at Large Alex LeGare.

Chapter Degrees went to Martha Beatty, Laura M. Berg, Jay Carlson, Dave Halverson, Jorey Klinkner, Jared Larson, Nate Rodewald, Wade Schnobrich, Sara Schwab, Jenny Stadtherr, Dan Wersal and Linnay Yarger.

Regional Proficiency applicants were Dummer, Fluegge, Dan Fritsche, DeAnna Helget, Andy Kamm, Neigebauer, Schnobrich, Nick Schwab, Smith, Bryan Wendinger and Yarger.

Chapter Awards went to Wayne and Marcy Fluegge, Richard and Kathy Schnobrich, Ann Hillesheim, and David Schmidt. District 88 Superintendent Harold Remme and retiring administrators Schmidt and Richard LaPatka were given certificates and medals for their FFA support.

The FFA mission is to make a positive influence in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.