Agriculture Education Students Awarded Kansas Agriculture Skills, Competencies Certificates

Twenty-five students from five schools in Kansas have been awarded the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificate.

High schools with students earning certificates include Buhler, Centre, Ellsworth, Fort Scott and Republic County.

Students have completed requirements in the areas of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) and FFA. They have demonstrated excellence in agricultural knowledge, career readiness and leadership development. Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all school courses to earn the certification.

"Students receiving these certificates are among the most well-rounded agricultural education students in the state. This recognition isn't based on one single activity or achievement but on meeting the criteria for several components showing diversity in agricultural knowledge and success in and out of the classroom," said John Clark, the agriculture education teacher at Buhler High School.

KDA is committed to establishing a dynamic and well-equipped workforce that meets the diverse needs of the agriculture industry today.

"As agriculture continues to advance, there is a continued need for skilled young people to operate high-tech machinery on our dairies, ranches and farms, and technical specialists to provide research in agronomy, technology and animal science fields," said Russell Plaschka, KDA Marketing Director. "Kansas agriculture is growing, and the industry requires a well-equipped workforce to help support that growth in our great state. We are proud of these young adults."

These certificates have been endorsed by several industry organizations and employers.

Applications for the Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificates are accepted each spring. To find more information, visit agriculture.ks.gov/ageducation.

Complete list of students: from Buhler High School Jaelyn Anderson, Peyton Coldren, Marlie Cooper, Brynlee Frank, Krysten Hamby, Amos Harder, Megan Krueger, Mikayla Milburn, Danielle Rogers, Madison Shain, Makenna Siemens and Emmie Stallman, from Centre High School Jenna Bittle, Leah Brunner, Karsen Kroupa, Jenaya Plett, Emilee Remmers, Isabel Rziha, Allie Stuchlik and Payton Svitak, from Ellsworth High School Rebekah Vague, from Fort Scott High School Reegan McDaniel and from Republic County High School Macey Homeier, Camryn Reynolds and Gracia Siemsen.

(Information courtesy KDA.)