Local FFA members compete for stops at State competitions

NORFOLK — The students of the Hartington-Newcastle FFA chapter had their final opportunity to earn a trip to the upcoming state convention at District CDE’s March 4 at Northeast Community College.

The Hartington-Newcastle FFA chapter, along with several other chapters in the area, competed in 13 different agriculture-related competitions. Most of the competitions include a written test and a team/individual activity.

In Ag Sales, Ethan Becker, Grace Biltoft, Jordyn Steffen and Carter Klug placed sixth as a team receiving a red ribbon.

In Ag Tech and Mechanics, the team of Nathan Potts, Brett Kleinschmidt, Ben Loecker and Bode Noecker placed fifth receiving a blue ribbon. Individually, Potts placed first in electrical and received a purple. Loecker placed third in machinery and equipment receiving a purple, and Noecker placed third receiving a red in structural systems.

The Agriscience team placed fourth and received a blue ribbon. Isabella Hulit placed 16th and Weston Heine placed 26th both receiving blue ribbons. Other competitors were Kamden Hoesing, Dalie Paulsen, Logan Castillo, Lane Heimes and Carson Noecker.

In Agronomy, Isaak Wiebelhaus, Ben Loecker, Keaton Steffen and Brett Kleinschmidt placed seventh and received a blue ribbon as a team. Individually, Isaak Wiebelhaus placed 12th and received a blue ribbon. The Biotech team of Colin Potts, Kerrigan Hoesing, Bradley Dowling and Zach Burcham placed eighth and received a red ribbon. The Envirothon team of Logan Castillo, Lane Heimes, Kamden Hoesing, Bella Hulit and Max Steffen placed seventh and received a red ribbon.

The Farm Management team placed sixth and received a blue ribbon. Competitors were Isaak Wiebelhaus, Nash Albers, Chase Lammers and Colin Potts.

In Food Science, Bradley Dowling, Kendra Loecker, Alison Karnes, Parker Steffen, Erica Aguire and Jenna Lammers placed fifth and received a red ribbon.

The Livestock Management team of Kalyn Martinson, Chase Lammers, Mason Schaefer, Ethan Becker, and Daniel Steffen placed sixth as a team with a blue ribbon.

The Meats team placed fifth and received a blue ribbon.

Carter Klug received fifth and a purple ribbon and Maxwell Steffen placed 19th and received a blue ribbon. Other competitors were Keaton Steffen, Mason Schaefer, Weston Heine, Parker Steffen, Carson Noecker and Daniel Steffen.

The Nursery and Landscaping team of Kerrigan Hoesing, Zach Burcham, Freedom Rogers and Shelby Underwood placed fourth and received a blue ribbon.

The Vet Science team placed first with a purple ribbon. Individually, Erica Aguire placed first with a purple, Dalie Paulsen placed 12th and Kalyn Martinson placed 18th, both receiving blue ribbons. Other competitors were Jenna Lammers, Kendra Loecker, Nash Albers and Jayda Bernecker.

The Welding team placed fifth and received a blue ribbon. Bode Noecker placed first with a purple ribbon. Other competitors were Nathan Potts, Brayden Kathol and Mason Schaefer.

Many of the teams made it to the state competition that will take place at the beginning of April. To top off the day, members received their awards for proficiency applications. Some of the top honors went to Nathan Potts, receiving first in Agricultural Sales entrepreneurship; in Beef Production entrepreneurship, Trisha Dydbal took district gold third. Trisha Dybdal also took first district gold in beef production placement.

Dairy Production was swept away by all members of the Hartington-Newcastle team. Sara Burbach placed first, Carter Klug second, Bode Noecker third and Keaton Steffen placed fourth.

Diversified Horticulture came in first place with Alison Karnes.

Jayda Bernecker took second gold, and Jordyn Steffen third gold in Health and Human Services.

In Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, Mackenzie Sudbeck took second gold.

Freedom Rogers took second gold in Poultry Production.

Swine Production featured Mackenzie Sudbeck who also received second gold.

Claudia Stevens received first gold in veterinary services.

And last but not least, Nathan Potts received first gold in Wildlife Production and Management.