Hudson FFA Achieves Many Honors at State FFA Convention

Hudson FFA Chapter members made their mark at the 98th Iowa State FFA Leadership  Conference held April 20-21 in Ames.  

“Thirteen Hudson FFA students competed in three team events and one individual  contest,” said Dennis Deppe, agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor. “Each member  represented their chapter and community extremely well, and they brought home many honors  as a result of their efforts.”  

The Marketing Plan team earned reserve champion honors, a gold rating, and was  named alternate for national competition. Team members included juniors Reese Hansen, Kate  Strayer, and Alston Loeb. The contest required students to develop a detailed written  marketing strategy for an Iowa business, including research, promotional goals, budgeting, and  recommendations for growth. They then presented and defended their plan before a panel of  judges through two rounds of competition, demonstrating professionalism, communication  skills, and business knowledge.  

The Ag Sales team received a gold rating. The contest included a team presentation,  individual sales scenarios, and a written exam. Competitors were evaluated on communication  skills, product knowledge, customer relations, and their ability to identify client needs and  recommend solutions in realistic agricultural sales situations. Team members were senior Jillian  Wetzel, sophomores Josie Messmore and Jentry Reisetter, and freshman Brady Greiman.  

The Farm Business Management team earned a silver rating. Team members included  senior Trey Wulf and juniors Owen Bell, Rylan Dunbar, and Jack Holbach. The contest  challenged students to analyze farm financial records, evaluate management decisions, solve  business scenarios, and demonstrate their understanding of budgeting, profitability, and risk  management in agricultural operations.  

Freshmen Cooper Hamer and Karson Loeb competed in the Greenhand Quiz and  earned silver honors. The Greenhand Quiz tests first-year FFA members on their knowledge of  FFA history, traditions, parliamentary procedure, leadership principles, and facts from the  Official FFA Manual, helping students build a strong foundation for future involvement in the  organization.  

Ella Steele also received her Iowa FFA Degree, the highest degree bestowed upon members by  the Iowa FFA Association. Only five percent of Iowa FFA members earn the degree each year.  Recipients must demonstrate outstanding leadership, active participation in chapter and  community service activities, success in supervised agricultural experience programs, and  strong academic achievement throughout their FFA career.  

Senior Ella Steele and junior Casey Greiman represented Hudson FFA as delegates  during this year’s convention. As official voting delegates, they represented their chapter in the  democratic process of the organization by voting on new State FFA officers, discussing  proposed business, and helping shape decisions that guide the future direction of the Iowa FFA  Association.  

When not competing or serving as delegates, members attended business sessions, a  career fair, and a tour of the Iowa State University campus. 

Deppe expressed appreciation to parents and community members for their continued  support. “From offering encouraging words to chaperoning students, the community helps our  members perform at their best and gain the most from their FFA experience.”.