FFA Member Profile: Kaitlin Radue, Reporter

Tell us about your farm and family. Our family farm is home to 16 retired dairy cows, six non-milking goats, 43 chickens, three alpacas, a horse, six dogs and an abundance of cats. We are a small dairy farm located just north of Spencer, surrounded by many other farms. The farm was founded in 1955 by Walter Neuman, who later sold it to his son, Dale. The property was then passed down to my great-grandparents, Guy and Marcella Weidman. From there, it was handed down through generations. My grandfather, Roger, began working on the farm at 5 years old. His mom quite literally went into labor in the barn, so he was practically born in the barn. He would wake up at the crack of dawn to do chores before heading off to school. Between 1998 and 2000, the farm reached its peak, with my great-grandparents milking about 90 head.

In 2006, my grandparents, Jill and Roger, bought the farm. It was passed down to their daughters and now their grandchildren. I began milking cows at the age of 8, learning the skills necessary to help out when needed. As my grandpa started working more on an area farm and was away for nightly chores, I would help my grandma every evening. I loved gaining more independence and learning about farming as I grew older. Over the years, we started getting more pets and building the farm.

My grandparents milked cows and managed the farm every day until February 2025. With the cows aging and milk production declining, along with my grandpa working elsewhere, we made the decision to stop milking and let the cows dry up. Now, they’re our big, fluffy pets, receiving more love and care than ever before.

Why did you join FFA? I joined FFA because I looked up to the officers when I was younger and dreamed of wearing the blue jacket with my name on it. It was never just about the jacket—it was about bringing my ideas to a team, working together in a group and embracing a leadership role. My passion for agriculture has been strong from a young age. Through my time as an FFA officer and member, I’ve gained lots of knowledge and experience. I am excited to share that passion with others, teach youth and answer the question, “What is FFA?” while showcasing my skills.

What is your role in the chapter? My role is to post and make content on the social media pages for the Spencer FFA Chapter as well as help design and create posters for events. Outside the officer position, I encourage others to be uplifting and positive and to get involved.

What FFA contests do you compete in? I have not yet competed in contests, but I have been to a few conventions and expos, along with experiencing some Career and Leadership Development Events others have shared.

What do you look forward to most in the upcoming FFA year? I look forward to the future field trips, the summer camps, conventions and, most importantly, the fundraisers.

How has FFA shaped you as a person? FFA has played a significant role in shaping who I am today by strengthening my leadership and communication skills, especially when speaking in front of large audiences. It has also allowed me to form connections with people I would not have interacted with otherwise, both within and outside of school. Beyond the classroom, FFA has provided valuable opportunities with individuals from other schools, helping me become more outgoing and confident in various settings.

What are your duties on the farm? My duties are to help my grandparents when needed during chore time and take care of the other animals after school.

What are your future plans? My future plans are to attend Mid-State Technical college or Northcentral Technical College and study in a culinary program.