St. Paul, Minn. – Student athletes regularly sign their commitment to attend a particular college to continue their sports career. But a high schooler officially announcing an intention to become a teacher of agriculture, food and natural resources is more unique.
The Teach Ag Signing Event during the Minnesota FFA Convention in the Twin Cities will feature 22 students making their desire known. Under the eyes of Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett, the prospective teachers will commit to pursuing agricultural education as a career path through a network of partners and colleges.
The signing takes place backstage at 3M Arena at Mariucci, immediately after the students are introduced on stage during the convention’s third general session which begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 29.
Minnesota Teach Ag provides mentorship, resources and pathways to success for students as they prepare for careers in teaching.
Four new FFA chapters to charter
New FFA chapters established in the current school year will receive their charters during the FFA Convention’s first general session beginning at 1 p.m. Monday, April 28, at 3M Arena at Mariucci. The four chapters are Hope Lutheran FFA in Winona, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton FFA, Hendricks FFA and Monticello FFA.
Through its sponsors, the Minnesota FFA Foundation will also provide each of the five new FFA chapters with fundamental start-up supplies, including:
- 10 FFA Chapter jackets
- FFA ties and scarves
- Gavel and hardwood block
- FFA officer station markers
- Chapter banner
- FFA program promotional posters.
Foundation sponsors acclaimed speaker
Students attending the fourth session of the convention at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, will hear featured speaker Jason Wetzler as he shares how his agricultural background growing up in Oregon taught him many of life’s lessons. Wetzler has worked with audiences in 40 states and five countries, focusing on what he labels as a cross-section of leadership and entertainment.
Ambassadors help manage convention activities
Twenty-two FFA members will serve as ambassadors during the convention through the Minnesota FFA Foundation’s support. The ambassadors help to guide convention participants through the many events taking place concurrently over the two-day event. They are also charged with helping sponsors, supporters and guests learn more about FFA.
The 2025 ambassadors and their FFA chapters are:
- Destiny Anderson, BOLD
- Carlee Zurn, Detroit Lakes
- Danica Engen, Detroit Lakes
- Lane Olson, Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop
- Emma Salisbury, Glencoe-Silver Lake
- Nathan Ballman, Goodhue
- Rylee Morphew, Mora
- Samantha Reed, Mora
- Justin Miller, Morris Area
- Nolan Wulf, Morris Area
- Desirae Hendricks, Osakis
- Mikkel Steinert, Osakis
- Amelia Crossley, Osakis
- Isaac Klein, Plainview-Elgin-Millville
- Riley Shafer, Plainview-Elgin-Millville
- Poppy Rigge, Redwood Valley
- Autumn Mackedanz, ROCORI
- Atley Strack, Sibley East
- Charlie Hoffman, Sleepy Eye
- Lucia Martinez Paredes, Sleepy Eye
- Addison Lang, Springfield
- Hailey Hubner, Tracy Area
Longtime donors to be honored
The key role of sponsors for both the State Convention and activities throughout the year will take the spotlight during the Minnesota FFA Foundation sponsor reception at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, in the Club Room at 3M Arena at Mariucci.
Federated Rural Electric is being recognized for its sponsorship of over 60 years, while 40-year donor Minnesota Farm Company and 30-year donors Steven and Carolyn Koziolek.
The Foundation will also extend its thanks to seven Supreme Champion sponsors, which include ADM, CHS Foundation, Compeer Financial Services, Crystal Farms, Northland Ford Dealers, Pembina Pipeline Corporation and The Toro Company.
Eight Champion donors to be honored include AgCountry Farm Credit Services, AgriBank, Jim and Becky Burns, the late Roy A. Johnson, Land O’Lakes, Inc., Minnesota Corn, Minnesota Farmers Union Foundation and the University of Minnesota-CFANS.
Minnesota FFA leadership history comes to life
The tradition of recognizing Minnesota FFA’s state officer team from 25 years ago will bring six alumni to the convention. Thanking and recognizing the 1999-2000 leadership team is an effort of the Minnesota FFA Alumni and Supporters, who will also present the retiring Minnesota FFA state officers with a National FFA Lifetime Membership during a reception at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 28, at the Mariucci Arena Club Room.
The 25-year officer team and their original chapters are:
- President – Richard Prestegard, Blue Earth Area FFA
- Vice President – Tammy (Meyer) Gilland, Cedar Mountain FFA
- Secretary – Trista (Colbenson) Barka, Rushford-Peterson FFA
- Treasurer – Hector Matthys, Lakeview FFA
- Reporter – Mandy (Kidrowski) Fischer, Willmar FFA
- Sentinel – Justin Lessman, Tracy-Milroy FFA FA
The Minnesota FFA Convention is offered in partnership by the Minnesota FFA Association, the Minnesota FFA Foundation, and the Minnesota FFA Alumni and Supporters. For more information, visit MNFFA.org, MFFAFoundation.org, MNFFAAlumni.org, or follow Minnesota FFA on its Facebook and Instagram pages.
