FFA Member Profile: Kasey Schrankel, President

Tell us about your farm and family. My family’s farm is located northeast of Shell Lake. My brothers and I work with our dad on our farm. We raise corn, soybeans, rye and hay. I have cattle at my grandparents’ farm.

Why did you join FFA? I joined FFA when I was in seventh grade. One reason I joined was because I wanted to be part of something with people like me. I wanted to be able to connect to people who were similar to me and shared similar interests.

What is your role in the chapter? In our chapter, my role is to lead by example for the other members and encourage them to participate in FFA activities and get them more involved in FFA. As an officer, I display leadership, responsibility and integrity to others in my chapter, school and community.

What FFA contests do you compete in? The FFA contests I compete in are soil judging and horticulture. I enjoy these contests because I am interested in them and like to learn about them.

What do you look forward to most in the upcoming FFA year? I am looking forward to attending state FFA convention. Last year, I enjoyed seeing other members’ projects they were able to do in agriculture. I like to see these projects because it shows me how many things people can do in agriculture.

How has FFA shaped you as a person? FFA has shaped me as a person by improving my leadership skills and making me more responsible and independent. Through FFA, I have become more confident in my leadership skills and independence when it comes to directing others and organizing events and activities.

What are your duties on the farm? On the farm, I have many duties. I help take care of my grandparents’ beef cattle and have a few animals of my own. I also help my dad, along with my brothers, with the crop production and haymaking, which involves field preparations, soil sampling, crop scouting, planting and harvesting. I play a large role during calving season by checking new calves and observing their health, as well as the cows and calves we have throughout the year. In addition, I deliver seed and fill planters during planting season.

What are your future plans? After high school, I plan to go to college. Right now, I am not sure exactly what I would like to go for, but I am planning on going for something ag-related.