Three Wadena-Deer Creek FFA members qualified for State competition with Supervised Agricultural Experience Proficiencies (SAEs).
The Agricultural Education Program is made up of three components: classroom education, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).
SAE is learned in the classroom and FFA; students apply it to an on-the-job experience (also referred to as placement) or entrepreneurship. Each SAE involves extensive record-keeping, including balance sheets and net worth statements. Each FFA member was interviewed by region ag teachers and industry leaders about their proficiencies and applications.
Ethan Benson’s SAE was a placement on his home farm, Benson Dairy near Bluffton. His placement in Diversified Agricultural Production involved the milking and feeding of dairy cattle, building and maintenance of agricultural structures, and crop production. Ethan logged over 4,301 hours in his three-year proficiency. His application placed first in Region II FFA.
Mitch Janson’s SAE was a placement on Janson Dairy, rural Wadena. His placement in Dairy Production included milking, feeding, and care of dairy cattle. Mitch logged over 959 hours in his two-year proficiency. His application placed second in Region II FFA.
Jack Goeden’s SAE was an entrepreneurship in Dairy Production. Jack owns dairy cattle on his home farm near Wadena. His proficiency also included milking, feeding of dairy cattle and crop production. Jacked logged over 3,714 hours in his three-year proficiency. His application placed first in Region II FFA.
The 87th annual FFA State Convention will be held April 24 to 26. Richard Muckala serves as Wadena-Deer Creek's FFA advisor.
Mitch Janson feeds a newborn calf colostrum in his Dairy Placement Proficiency on Janson Dairy near Wadena. Courtesy photo.
Jack Goeden shows cattle at the Wadena County Fair as part of his Dairy Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency. Courtesy photo.
Ethan Benson adjusts a twin-basket rake for his Diversified Agricultural Production Placement Proficiency on his home farm, Benson Dairy. Courtesy photo.