Testimonial: Finding Leadership and Growth in FFA

By Anna Gerike, Senior

Happy FFA Week! To many, FFA stands for "Future Farmers of America," but it is so much more than the "future of agriculture." It is a platform for leadership, personal growth, and career success.

To me, FFA has provided unique opportunities that I don’t believe you can find anywhere else. From Career and Leadership Development Events to attending State and National Conventions, the experiences are endless. I have also loved being part of community-driven projects like Food for America, which have truly made an impact on my high school career.

One of the most valuable lessons FFA has taught me is the meaning of true dedication. It’s found in the 5 a.m. wake-up calls—sometimes even earlier—and the long days spent at school during in-service days to prepare for events. It is also found in teaching younger kids about agriculture. Those moments opened my eyes to how little many children understand about where their food comes from, and it’s been rewarding to share my knowledge with them.

Perhaps most importantly, FFA pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. Before joining, I despised speaking in front of my peers and struggled with my confidence. Now, after participating in Leadership Development Events, my confidence has soared. I no longer dread getting up in front of a class; in fact, I embrace it.

I’ve also learned practical life lessons, like the fact that complaining doesn’t get you anywhere. At the National FFA Convention, you do a lot of walking in very uncomfortable dress shoes! It isn't always pleasant, but I learned that complaining only makes the experience harder for your peers. It’s about keeping a positive attitude even when things are tough.

When I joined as a freshman, I didn’t know what to expect. While my parents were in the organization, it has changed so much since their time. I can honestly say I don’t regret signing up for a single second. Some days are long, but those long days are exactly what make the experience worth it. I love FFA, and if you ever get the chance to participate, please do!

The Quiet Vanguard: Why RAHS Agricultural Students are Running Toward—Not Away From—the Family Farm

By, Anna Gerike and Reedsburg Features Staff

While many high school students measure their success by the glow of a scoreboard or the applause of a theater, a dedicated group of Reedsburg Area High School students is finding fulfillment in the pre-dawn frost and the late-night silence of the barn.

Across the United States, the "vanishing family farm" is a frequent headline. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin saw a staggering increase in Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies recently, as interest rates and low commodity prices created a "generational storm" for producers. Furthermore, the Wall Street Journal reports that while 95% of U.S. farms remain family-owned, nearly a third of these operations lack a clear succession plan, leaving the future of American agriculture in a precarious state.

Yet, in the hallways of RAHS, students like Jason Behn ‘27, Jacob Pfister ‘27, and Braelynn Meister ‘26 are defying these national trends. They are not running away from the legacy of their land—they are leaning into it.

"Since I Was Able to Walk": Roots of a Work Ethic

For these students, the concept of "work" was ingrained long before they could even carry a bucket. Meister said that she has been working on her family’s farm since she was first able to walk. She recalled helping build new barns as a toddler after a fire destroyed a family structure. "Even though I wasn't capable of doing anything obviously, I enjoyed being able to help build from the ground up," said Meister. She noted that it was a significant change to move from playing with farm toys to working with real animals and equipment.

Behn shared a similar sense of early immersion, noting that his family farm dates back to 1918 and he has been there his whole life. For Behn, the line between play and professional duty blurred early. "I remember that when I started driving a tractor, that was when it went from a game to being real responsibility," Behn said.

Pfister, who manages beef cattle, said that a sense of duty is simply something you pick up at a young age when you grow up in this environment. "Farming teaches you discipline and how to keep a routine every day," Pfister said. He recalled that his earliest memories of being truly helpful involved milking cows when he was only six years old.

The Double-Shift: Full-Time Student, Full-Time Producer

The life of a RAHS student-farmer is defined by what Meister described as uniquely challenging yet rewarding. They pull in full daytime hours at school like any other student, but their "overtime" is mandatory and can be physically grueling.

"A lot of us have what you could call a double job where you come to school all day and then you go home and basically just work," Meister said. She explained that unlike other kids, student farmers don't have much free time for things like video gaming because they are always outside working hard in all elements. "It could be -40 degrees and you can't say you don't want to do it today; you have to go do it no matter what," said Meister.

Mentorship and the RAHS Support System

To maintain this intense lifestyle, RAHS agricultural students rely on a support system that understands their unique needs. Pfister said he feels the School District of Reedsburg is “very flexible and helpful,” which allows him to leave school early to work on his land after his school responsibilities are concluded.

Central to this support is FFA advisor Mr. Nick Casey. Meister said that Mr. Casey has been a pivotal figure in her life since the seventh grade and has put a major impact on her. "I probably wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for his help because he is such a great role model," she said.

Behn and others also utilize the Youth Apprenticeship program and a flexible Thursday block schedule to balance school with professional farming. After spending his morning study hall on barn chores, he completes a full day of classes before returning home for a second shift that often ends at 8:30 p.m. "I am used to long days," Behn said. "I really don't get as tired as most people do."

Respect for the Legacy

Beyond the economics, there is a deep emotional connection to the heritage of farming here in Reedsburg and the surrounding area. Meister spoke touchingly about her grandparents, Tom and Anna Meister, and her desire to protect what they built. "I want +to take over the family farm while my grandparents still get to live there, because I want to focus on what they have brought to this community and make it larger without going against what they have built," Meister said.

Pfister shared a similar sentiment regarding the intrinsic value of this rural lifestyle. "Family farms are a very special way of life because they teach you to show respect for the people who are above you and to say thanks to the community that is helping you," Pfister said. He noted that the draw of the farm is simple: "I grew up around it and I want to continue it because nobody else does."

Facing a High-Tech Future

While these students are upholding traditions, they are the ones who are also bringing high-tech solutions to Reedsburg's fields. Mr. Casey often tells his students that modern agriculture is no longer just "cows, sows, and plows," but a high-tech industry involving science, marketing, and conservation.

Pfister said the level of innovation would shock most people, noting that on his farm they are currently installing auto-steer in two of their tractors. "The technology is amazing because we have precision units and a vacuum planter that ensures everything goes into the ground perfectly," he said. Pfister noted that technology as well as mother nature and “plenty of rain” brought about a record setting yield last year.

As these amazing students look toward the horizon, they aren't seeing a vanishing way of life; they are seeing a home they intend to keep. Meister summarized the feeling of many RAHS student-farmers who find peace in the landscape they work so hard to maintain.

"I really enjoy just looking at the surrounding land and the skies while being grateful for what we have," Meister said. "We live in a valley with hills all around us, and I am just so grateful that we have that valley, because even though working on hills is not easy, it is so beautiful to look at."