Today’s Test Plots Developing Tomorrow’s Agriculturalists
“I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words, but of deeds.” Just like the FFA creed begins, we believe in the education of future agriculturalists not only through the classroom but through hands-on learning. For the past five years, the Lone Tree FFA chapter has been planting a seed plot at the Kruse farm along highway 22 and we have been lucky enough to help out! This past Friday, September 23rd, the student’s showcased their hard work at the annual plot tour at Terry and Sandy Kruse’s house.
The FFA Chapter joins in the responsibility of planting, harvesting and tending to the crop throughout the year with the help from Terry and Sandy Kruse, local seed dealers and the Stutsman Agronomy team. For many of the students, this is their first experience in crop production but that certainly does not slow them down. From calling around the community and asking for seed donation to operating machinery and making management decisions, this well-rounded group takes ownership in this project. Not only does this experience create an opportunity to build the students’ network within the community, it gives them a hands-on experience of what real world farming is like.
The students aren’t the only ones that benefit from this partnership either. Every year our employees are excited to help these young agriculturalists discover what makes this industry so rewarding. It’s always refreshing to see how eager the chapter is to learn, engage and take the lead in tasks we present them with.
We are so thankful Terry and Sandy Kruse, and our community shares our passion in educating youth on agriculture, leadership, and work ethic. Most importantly we would like to thank the Lone Tree FFA chapter for letting us work with them year after year. Here is to another great year of hands-on learning, passionate students, and the development of the future of agriculture!