2024-2025
Annual Report
NEBRASKA FFA FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A collection of passionate volunteers who provide leadership, strategic governance, and are active fundraisers for the Nebraska FFA Foundation.
Ron Preston, President Jeremy Wilhelm, Vice President James Nygren, Secretary Cary Becker, Treasurer Katherine Byrne Mark Fahleson Spencer Hartman Teresa Ibach Brady Jenschke
John Langemeier Laura Linden Kyle Perry Alli Raymond Jessica Rudolph Allison Sandman Brad Wilkins Linne Vavrina
Stacey Agnew, Ex-officio, Executive Director Heath Ahrens, Ex-officio, Represents the Nebraska Agriculture Educators Association Melissa Hagemeister, Ex-officio, Represents the Nebraska FFA Alumni Council Jeff Moore, Ex-officio, Represents the Nebraska FFA Association
2024-25 Sustainable Funding Team This volunteer team is dedicated to the implementation of the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s sustainable funding model to increase individual engagement and giving to support the mission of the Nebraska FFA Foundation. Alli Raymond Stacey Agnew Kyla Habrock Jerry Lentfer Ed Woeppel Jessie Rudolph Katherine Byrne Spencer Hartman Erica Lewis Jennifer Wood Brad Wilkins Matt Dolch Jeremy Hinrichs Ashley McCarter
Nebraska FFA Foundation Staff Stacey Agnew, Executive Director Victoria Broders, Program Manager Kyla Habrock, Development Manager 2
Ashley McCarter, Development Coordinator Linne Vavrina, Marketing & Communications Director
Dear Friends, As we present our annual report, we embrace the theme of “Every Moment,” celebrating the stories and potential that exist within Nebraska’s agricultural education and FFA community. It’s the members, programs, and teachers who are crafting their future, and we at the Nebraska FFA Foundation are committed to nurturing that vision through our financial support. We aim to honor the individuals, groups, and companies who are cultivating the resources that allow our mission to flourish. Our mission is to invest in agricultural education and FFA for nearly 12,000 Nebraska FFA members and their advisors by growing leaders, building communities, and creating career connections. In our journey to grow future leaders, the Nebraska FFA Foundation remains dedicated to empowering teachers through professional development funding. By enhancing their skills and knowledge, we help shape the future of agricultural education. Our support extends to the Nebraska Agricultural Education Association’s (NAEA) members, such as Allen FFA Advisor Amber Horton. Read about her professional development reflection from the time she spent this summer attending the Curriculum for Agriculture Science Education in Natural Resource Education in Greeley, Colorado. In our mission to build communities, our local chapter grant program plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between available resources and the quality programming that shapes futures. Your support has enabled newer agriculture education programs, such as Weeping Water FFA, to explore a schoolbased enterprise. Through the Limestone Coffee Co., students are learning the ins and outs of running a coffee business. Discover how our local chapter grant program is helping pave the way for these community-focused experiences for FFA members. In creating career connections, Nebraska FFA members are gaining technical skills through hands-on experiences with their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Read about Maxton Meysenburg’s firewood and timber business, financially backed by the Nebraska FFA Foundation SAE grant. Together, we can continue to support more FFA members as they invest in moments that lead to the development of high-demand technical skills for a future workforce. If you are an individual donor or corporate sponsor, we thank you for your support. We thank you for sharing your time as a volunteer. Thank you for sharing your financial resources. We hope you are inspired by Glenn and Lynn Baumert, their connection to FFA, and why they chose to support Nebraska FFA Foundation with a planned gift. Read about Frank J. Fleecs, and why he continues to support students’ success as a volunteer and donor. Your financial support enables Nebraska FFA and local chapters to have the necessary resources to develop leaders, strengthen communities, and establish career connections. It is our duty to provide a solid foundation for the leaders of tomorrow—those who will become the workforce and advocates for agriculture. Your continued support is essential. We invite you to continue exploring the real-life stories that illustrate how your contributions are making a meaningful impact. Thank you for your commitment to the future of agricultural education and FFA members.
Ron Preston
Stacey Agnew
BOARD PRESIDENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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GROWING LEADERS
the Nebraska Soybean Board, to participate in the CASE training. Horton is supplementing this STEMbased curriculum by using soybeans as a model, focus, and method for learning. She is implementing this curriculum in her classroom by utilizing soybeans in various segments of the NRE CASE curriculum. Horton, who has been teaching for 14 years, and in her third year at Allen, chose to attend the NRE program because natural resources has always been a personal passion for her. “I chose to attend this training because I wanted to have more engaging lessons to offer my students,” Horton explains. “I also wanted to bring the science element to my lessons, which was missing from my previous curriculum.”
Beyond the Classroom
Always Learning, Always Growing At the Nebraska FFA Foundation, part of our everyday mission is to invest in agricultural education by “Growing Leaders.” One way we accomplish this lasting goal is to assist ag educators in continued professional growth and development. Through a variety of both in-person and virtual options, CASE 4 Learning (Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education) provides professional development opportunities for teachers, striving to keep teachers equipped and students engaged. This summer, teachers participated in professional development events, or CASE Institutes, that covered curriculum focusing on eight different full-year courses. Amber Horton, agriculture teacher at Allen Consolidated Schools, traveled to Greeley, Colorado, to attend the NRE (Natural Resources and Ecology) CASE Institute. She spent five days working through lessons and learning how to deliver them in an inquiry-based way that shifts the focus in the classroom from teacher-led to student-directed learning. Horton was able to utilize a scholarship provided by the Nebraska FFA Foundation and funded by
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Horton already teaches plant science and natural resources courses as part of the fall and spring semesters, so she plans to use the NRE CASE curriculum to teach several new lessons in her classroom. In addition, she will also use the new curriculum when she teaches land evaluation concepts for the area land judging contest. “I learned how to test water, air and soil for quality measures that will also fit into several of my other courses,” says Horton. “I also learned ways I can bring to life many of the topics and lessons I already teach.” Horton shares many positives from the CASE Institute, but her biggest takeaway from the training was realizing the opportunity for increased student engagement. “I realized I can do more science-based labs and hands-on activities than in the past to engage my students,” she says. “It provides plenty of curriculum to make your courses rigorous and contains industryquality content.” In addition, Horton also gained valuable networking experience, keeping in touch with fellow teachers who attended the training, giving her the ability to reach out when she has a question or needs help with something CASE-related. As the agriculture industry continues to evolve, so must the classrooms, curriculum, and educators that prepare our future generations. By prioritizing lifelong learning and professional development of our educators, the Nebraska FFA Foundation is committed to our mission to ensure effective leadership is cultivated for years to come!
BUILDING COMMUNITIES
,
Serving the Community
One Cup at a Time By Laura Albro, Intern at Nebraska FFA Foundation
Two years ago, the Weeping Water FFA Chapter took a chance at starting something that would benefit students and community members alike: a school-based coffee shop. The chapter received a grant from the Nebraska FFA Foundation that made it possible to take this idea from a concept to reality. Weeping Water FFA Advisor Krystl Knabe says the goal was to give students hands-on, real-world business experience, while also serving the community. Thus, Limestone Coffee Co. was launched. With the grant funding, Weeping Water FFA was able to purchase a trailer to house and operate the business, effectively offering a mobile coffee shop. Since this initial purchase, business has flourished, allowing students to purchase an espresso machine, team shirts, an industrial ice maker, and point-of-sale equipment. Using the trailer gives the business the flexibility to travel. Students have set up shop at community events, county fairs, festivals, sporting events, and even private bookings. Some of these events bring in thousands of dollars, which are used to support chapter activities, such as team members’ travel to National Convention, leadership conferences, and even the cost of members’ official dress. Every morning before school, the team opens the trailer in a church parking lot near the school offering students, teachers, and community members a variety of coffee drinks, energy drink infusions, flavored lemonades, dirty sodas, and seasonal specials. There’s even an option for delivery service within town if orders are placed through the mobile app. The heart of Limestone Coffee Co. lies in its student leadership. They take ownership of every part of the business: from scheduling and placing supply orders, to training new team members
and tracking finances. To join the team, students must interview and demonstrate responsibility, as well as high levels of competency in all aspects of running the coffee trailer. Several team members also use the school-based enterprise as their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. As the advisor, Knabe says she intentionally plays a small role in the business. “My job is mainly oversight, answering technology questions, and transportation,” Knabe explains. “The rest is up to the student team.” She affirms there is never a shortage of engagement from the FFA members, and they are all constantly innovating–dreaming up new drink ideas and finding creative ways to grow the business. Coffee itself has historically played a significant role in bringing people together, with coffee shops often serving as social hubs within communities, fostering conversations and building connections among neighbors and friends. The Limestone Coffee Co. is no different. According to Knabe, the impact of the schoolbased enterprise goes well beyond the students and classroom. The business has become a beloved staple at local events and a source of pride for the community of Weeping Water. Knabe explains how the venture has helped strengthen the relationship between the school and community and has given students valuable experience in leadership, accountability, customer service, finance, marketing, and time management. “It’s not just coffee,” says Knabe. “It’s an experience that students and the community look forward to.” 5
CREATING CAREER CONNECTIONS
Burning with Purpose
SAE Grant Fuels Firewood Business
For 18-year-old Maxton Meysenburg, what started as a small side gig for extra cash has exploded into a full-time business with growing demands and endless potential. A little over five years ago, starting a firewood business seemed like a no-brainer to Meysenburg, considering his grandparents own a popular private campground and Meysenburg was already there putting in hours helping with improvements, maintenance, and other work. Campers need firewood, and Meysenburg knew he could source firewood bundles directly from the campground itself. Thus, the Log Jock Firewood & Timber idea was born. “My grandparents used to let campers bring their own firewood, but that would cause bugs and disease to spread, so I started doing my own,” explains Meysenburg, a senior FFA member at Fullerton Public Schools. The campground he refers to is the scenic Broken Arrow Wilderness, located in Nance County just outside of Fullerton, Nebraska. It spans about 90 acres along the Cedar River and offers camping, tanking, kayaking, tubing, hiking, and Jeep trails, as well as a full hunting outfitter business, which Meysenburg also helps with during hunting season. Last spring, Meysenburg applied for and received an SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) grant from the Nebraska FFA Foundation and Constellation. With the funds, he plans to purchase a firewood bundler and materials to expand and grow his business. He has also been refinishing a small barn to store his equipment and supplies. Currently, he sells firewood at the campground with a self-serve firewood stand and bundles available at the office or upon request. He also sells his firewood at a local convenience store and offers bulk firewood sales and delivery. “I just add something or grow each year,” Meysenburg says. “I operate my business on my own but wouldn’t be in the place I am today without my family’s support.” 6
Meysenburg says that FFA has helped him in many ways. It has opened the door for him to try things he otherwise may have never tried, such as working with livestock, learning about plants, and how to evaluate the land and soil. However, the main thing he believes FFA has helped him discover is leadership. “One of the biggest things FFA has taught me is how to be a great leader,” he says. “It has shown me that work ethic is a huge thing in life, and that you determine what your life looks like by what you do and how you live it.” And his favorite part about FFA? Talking about his SAE project and sharing it with others. “Maxton has done a lot of great work with his SAE project over the past couple of years,” says his FFA advisor, Josie Loseke. “The grant application process is very competitive, and it was really awesome to see Maxton be awarded for his project to help grow it further.” Loseke shares that Meysenburg has also done fantastic work on his project’s proficiency, earning Gold at districts last spring as a junior and placing third overall in the state for the Forest Management & Products Entrepreneurship category. What’s next for the Log Jock? For the short-term, Meysenburg hopes to have another great year as an officer with his FFA chapter, with a goal to qualify and earn another trip to FFA State Convention for his senior year. As for his firewood business, he plans to keep his project going through high school and college and wants to expand into more local stores and gas stations. His ultimate career plan is to become an electrician and someday take over his grandparents’ campground and outfitting business.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION: AUGUST 1, 2024-JULY 31, 2025
2024-25 Financial Impact
$4.5M Total Net Assets
$1.6M
$355K
$5,786
Expenses
$1.6M Programming Expenses
Revenue
I Believe 26% Local Chapter 14% Fundraising 12% Management and General 11% State FFA Convention 10% Leadership Programming 9% Awards and Recognition 7% Corporate Partner 4%
average dollars invested per FFA chapter
$90K 24 $48K 29 in grants awarded to agricultural education classrooms
in grants awarded to students’ supervised agricultural experience projects
261
32
Ag Ed Teacher Activities 4% State Fair 2% FFA Jacket Fund 2%
dollars raised through the I Believe in the Future of Ag Campaign
FFA Jackets donated through the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program
Business and Industry Visits completed by state officers
80K
meals packaged during the Living To Serve Event
Scan the QR code to view the complete audited 2024-25 financial statement. 7
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Valued Partnerships The Aquinas FFA officer team toured Aurora Cooperative as a sponsor engagement activity.
Thank You
For Supporting Nebraska’s Youth
The following sponsors help to support state officer development, COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training), Ignite Conference, Pathways to Careers, Launch!, Ag Issues Academy, Middle School Academy, State FFA Degrees, Living to Serve community service event, chapter visits, agriscience fair, as well as Nebraska FFA Foundation donor events, awards, local chapter grants, ag teacher programming, I Believe in the Future of Ag, and Nebraska State Fair awards.
Platinum Sponsors $50,000+
Gold Sponsors $35,000-$49,999
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Sponsors have the opportunity to attend the Expo/Career Fair at State FFA Convention.
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Silver Sponsors $25,000-$34,999
Bronze Sponsors $15,000-$24,999
3 Star Sponsors $10,000-$14,999
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BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY GROWING LEADERS
True Blue Society Your multiple-year gift of at least $1,000 per year supports the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s investment in agricultural education and FFA for nearly 12,000 FFA members and their advisors. Gift of the Rising Sun $50,000 Dan & Patricia Kreitman Shane & Kelli Belohrad Gift of the Plow $25,000 Frank J. Fleecs Jeremy & Irene Wilhelm Jerry & Naomi Warner Richard & Sharon Katt Ron & Lisa Preston Gift of Corn $5,000 Aaron & Kori Jensen Alec & Meredith Ibach Anthony & Lisa Brass Barrie & Ann Luers Betty & Duane Starr Blaine & Brady Jenschke Bob & Betsy Nelson Bob & Lana Urban Brad & Pam Nygren Brad & Wendy Wilkins Brian & Paula Schellpeper Brian & Stacey Agnew Britt & Jolene Anderson
Cary & Barb Becker Clinton & Jody Hoffman Craig & Joni Schultz Dan Morgan Derek & Allison Sandman Derek & Amanda Wright Doug & Mary Derscheid Drew & Lyndsay Jensen Dustin & Stacey Fletcher Gary & Diane Kubicek & Family Gerald & Beverly Clausen Glenn & Lynn Baumert Gordon & Pat Smith Greg & Teresa Ibach Heidi Cuca Holly Wittstruck Memorial Jack H. & Janice Welch James & Julie Nygren Jason & Carey Kubik Jeff & Brenda Rudolph Jerry & Tess Lentfer John & Lisa Langemeier John & Mary McHargue John Bergmeyer Judd & Kaye Jesske Justin & Tami Tollman Keith & Doris Olsen Ken & Leona Neff Kent Thompson
Blue & Gold Society Your long-term planned gift can help meet various needs, including the support for new FFA chapters and new programming at both the state and local levels. Planned gifts can be through named funds, endowed funds, bequests, life insurance, and annuity beneficiary designation, other financial account designations, charitable gift annuities, and charitable remainder trusts. Brian & Stacey Agnew Diana Yearsley Frank J. Fleecs Glenn G. & Lynn R. Baumert Jack & Nancy Nemec 10
Jerry & Teresa Lentfer Family Jud & Kaye Jesske Kurt & Sarah Heideman Rich & Lanelle Herink Richard & Sharon Katt
Kenyon Schuett Kevin & Cindy Brewer Kris Kavan & Linne Vavrina Kuenning Family Farms Kyle & Catherine Perry Larry & Fay Gossen Laura Linden Mark & Beth Funkey Mark & Sarah Fahleson Mat & Kyla Habrock Matt & Donelle Wolters Matthew & Dana Dolch Mike Roeber Nathan & Tonia Dorn Neal & Marcy Lewis Pete McClymont Randy Robeson, In memory of Buddy Robeson Richard & Patricia Hahn Richard & Susie Douglass Robert & Jody Cooper Rod Schroeder Spencer & Morgan Hartman Tom & Helen Feller Tom & Jennifer Wood Tony & Andrea Collins Vernon & Shelly Benes Wayne & Lori Luebbe Weston & Shelby Svoboda
Did you know? A total of
12,202
FFA members were registered in Nebraska for 2024-2025. These students are directly impacted by your generosity!
2024-25 DONORS
Donor Spotlight
Glenn & Lynn Baumert For Glenn Baumert, reconnecting with FFA was both unexpected and transformative. Like many, he had lost touch with the organization during the agricultural crisis of the 1980s, which left many family farms across the nation struggling. Additionally, there was a decline in the number of schools in Nebraska that offered Agriculture Education (AgEd) and FFA chapters. It wasn’t until about 2015, when Stacey Agnew, Executive Director of the Nebraska FFA Foundation, contacted Union Bank & Trust, where Baumert worked, about becoming a corporate sponsor, that he found himself drawn back into an organization that would reignite his passion for leadership and youth development.
Early conversations with Agnew not only reconnected him to FFA but also inspired a deeper commitment. Baumert would eventually go on to serve two terms as a volunteer on the Foundation’s Board of Directors, with multiple years as the group’s treasurer.
“I was blown away,” Baumert recalls. “The Foundation was doing many amazing things to help local FFA chapters grow. It was impossible not to be impressed.”
Fast-forward a handful of years, and when he and his wife Lynn began estate planning, they were guided by a simple but profound principle: Support the organizations you believe in. For them, that meant including the Nebraska FFA Foundation in their will.
Baumert’s FFA journey began in high school when he participated in parliamentary procedure. That experience laid the groundwork for the leadership and public speaking skills he would use throughout his life. “Every time I got up to speak, I grew. It helped shape me into the leader I am today,” he says. That leadership foundation is exactly what draws him to FFA’s mission now. “FFA is training the next generation of leaders,” Baumert says. “FFA chapters today are doing incredible things.” He recalls a student with a pheasant-growing operation—just a junior in high school—and another chapter in Mead, Nebraska, that repurposed funeral flowers to deliver to teachers, nursing homes, and hospitals. These stories aren’t just inspiring; they are a testament to the innovation and compassion FFA students bring to their communities.
Baumert recalls, “Stacey piqued my interest and reminded me of the impact FFA can have.”
“We believe strongly in FFA,” Baumert explains. “This is how we grow the next generation of leaders. It’s the best return on investment I could ask for.” Making a planned gift filled Baumert with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. “I hope it helps students who will go out and impact the world. That’s what it’s all about,” he says. To others considering a planned gift, the Baumerts offer heartfelt advice: We all come into this world with nothing. Everything is a gift from God. It’s important to return a portion of what we’ve been given to help students grow and become proud of who they are. For those who may not be able to give a large gift, Baumert emphasizes that there are many meaningful ways to make a difference, such as contributing to one of the many programs the Foundation supports. One example he uses is the “Blue Jackets. Bright Futures.” program.
Through his involvement with the Nebraska FFA Foundation, Baumert has gained a deep appreciation for how each chapter uses funds in unique and impactful ways.
“Even a small donation can have a huge impact,” he explains, referring to the Blue Jackets program. “It allows a student to receive their own FFA jacket, which they wear with pride. Just attend the State Convention, and you’ll see.”
“It’s wonderful to see students discover their spark, and to know that our support helped that happen,” says Baumert.
As Baumert looks ahead, he’s filled with hope for the future of Nebraska FFA. 11
GROWING 2024-25 DONORS LEADERS GROWING LEADERS
Individual Supporters This group of individuals supported the Nebraska FFA Foundation general fund, state convention, state fair, the “Blue Jackets. Bright Futures.” program, and Nebraska FFA Association programming. $1000 or more Bob & Cynthia Milligan Brian & Heidi Wright Chase & Sarah Crawford Craig & Emily Davidson Dee Rudolph Grady & Emily Johnson Jenise & the late Doug Straight Marvin Liewer Philip & Shirley Johnson Robert & Leanne Maxwell Ryan & Kristen Hassebrook Scott & Deb Beckman The late Margaretha Kloepping The Leroy Thom, Jean Thom & T L Foundation Inc. $500 - $999 Aaron & Alli Raymond Amanda Klintworth Armin & Jo Horst Benjamin Trampe Bill White Blythe McAfee Bob & Judy Feller Clint & Stacie Turnbull Cody & Julie Blood Dennis & Julie Jarecke Douglas Simon Gene & Rose Wissenburg Karl & Margaret Hensley Ken & Leona Neff Kenyon Schuett Larry Cerny & Marian Nebe Lois Linke Neal & Bonnie Kanel Scott & Tara Keetle Tom & Debbie Volk Tom & Kelli Brewer Tony & Jane Badertscher Trevor Spath $100 - $499 Alex Linden Andrew & Bonnie Jensen Andrew & Victoria Broders
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Asha Scheideler Austin Woltemath Barb & Kevin Kock Bart Brinkman Betsy & the late Gary Raymer Bob & Stephanie Liska Boone McAfee Brad & Bonnie Bauer Brent Harsin Bruce & Cheryl Trautman Bruce & Jean Wendt Calvin & Joyce Weeks Calvin & Rita Fix Calvin Qualset Candy Otte Charles Weinstein Cheryl Linden Chris Robinett Claude & Linda Jensen Clayton & Jill Hensley Cliff & Mary Ehlers Clint & Samantha Vandenberg Connie Weston D. E. & D. O. Meisinger Dale & Deborah Grosbach Dale & Linda Zoerb Dan & Cindi Wolfe Dan Scherer Daniel R. Ripa Daniel Roeber Dann & Laure Husmann
Darin & Carla Uhlir Dave & Joan Loseke Dave & Victoria Barnard David & Alyce Tejral David & Becky Grimes David Polivka Dean Folkers & Jennifer Conway Delores O Himmel Denise Brozek Dennis & Gail Bazata Dennis & Natalie Toalson Donald & Patricia Merlo Doug & Darla Voigt Douglas & Mary Delhay Dustin Ladenburger Ed & Lisa Woeppel Eric & Megan Dam Eva Roubal Francis & Marilyn Reinsch Garry & Sharon Young Gary & Carmen Godbersen Gene & Alfretta Claver Gerald & Arlene Johnson Harold Johnson Howard & Deanna Johnson Jaclyn Frey Jacob & Katherine Byrne James & Sarah Mullen James Boyle Janece Mollhoff Janet Stephenson
2024-25 DONORS
Individual Supporters This group of individuals supported the Nebraska FFA Foundation general fund, state convention, state fair, the “Blue Jackets. Bright Futures.” program, and Nebraska FFA Association programming. Janice Bopp Janna Quaring Jason & Kylie Penke Jay & Abbie Nordhausen Jed Erickson Jeff & Andrea Stewart Jeff & Kathleen Schellpeper Jeff & Teresa Moore Jeremiah Curry Jeremy & Stephanie Hinrichs Jessalyn Schrock Jessica Rudolph Jill Beckman-Kill Jill Bena Jim Wissenburg John & Ashley Goertzen John & Barb Scharf Jon & Jean Katt Jon Sellenrick Jon Sonderup Jonathan & Abbie Rempel Josh & Amie Broz Josh & Krystle Friesen Judy Meier Judy Tejral Julie Collett Karlene Johnson Keith & Brenda Anderson Kent & Aundria Kirchhoff Kent & Jodi Pulfer Kent & Peggy Apthorpe
Kevin & Denise Atwater Kevin & Joetta Wetovick Kevin & Norma Jones Kevin Henrichson Krystl Knabe & Cody Knopp Kurt & Kari Loseke Kurt & Sarah Heideman Larry & Anita Kitt Larry & Carol Hudkins Laura Wisnieski Laurie Reinsch LeAnn Englin Leon & Susan Wissmann Linda & the late Kennard Pohlman Lloyd Bell Lynn & Cindy Gray Lynna Gene Cook Marilyn Houdek Mark & Jan Knobel Mark & Kristi Gustafson Mark Hahn Farms Inc. Marlo & Jean Burg Martin & Ruth Massengale Matt & Amanda Hoffmann Matthew Wiegand Maynard & Charlene Schriner Merlin R. Prior Michael & Carolyn Sandall Michael & Mary Pat Hoag Michael Vyhlidal Michelle Meyer
Did you know? There were
218
FFA chapters in Nebraska for the 2024-2025 program year. These chapters and communities are directly impacted by your generosity!
Mike Barrett Milt & the late Joann Fricke Nicholas & Jennifer McCarthy Nora Turner & Tom Jensen Norm & Shirley Fritz Paul & Debra Sedlacek Philip Bletscher Randy & Donna Vlasin Randy & Karen DeBoer Ray & the late Jolene Ward Raymond & Judy Althouse Reginald & Christine Sissel Richard & Ann Perry Richard & Lanelle Herink Richard & Nancy Novotny Rick Tank Rick Vest Robert Whitmore Robert Wright Rod Reisen Roger & Marcia Gerdes Roland & Norma Langemeier Ron & Beth Fitzke Ron Sabatka Ronald & Agnes Vollmer Sam & Jody Most Scott & Judy Getzschman Scott & Pam Kurz Shane & Kelly Terrell Skip Hecox Spencer & Katie Kock Stacey Howsden Stephen Hoff Steve & Jessie Waller Steward & Kris Spath Susan & the late Jim Willman Tammy Meyer Thomas & Laura Field Tim & Janet Foss Timothy & Jenny Higgins Traci Ebel Tracy & Dianne Cooper Troy Otte Wayne Motycka William & Carleen Barger William & RanDee Barger Zane Johnson
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PLANNED GIVING
Growing Your Impact:
Planned Giving Opportunities with the Nebraska FFA Foundation By Spencer Hartman, Attorney at Rembolt Ludtke & Nebraska FFA Foundation Board Member
Many of you have already given generously to the Nebraska FFA Foundation, perhaps through a one-time gift, a contribution of grain, or an annual donation. If you’ve ever wondered how you can take the next step and leave a lasting legacy, a planned gift may be the answer. A thoughtful planned gift to the Nebraska FFA Foundation offers a way to leave a lasting legacy—supporting future chapters, students, and agricultural education—while potentially providing tax and income benefits for your family along the way. By looking beyond an annual donation, you can align your giving with your broader financial or retirement plans. One particularly valuable tool for retiring agricultural families is the charitable remainder trust (CRT). In basic terms, a CRT is an irrevocable trust where you transfer assets (such as land, grain, machinery, or appreciated, low-basis assets) into the trust, and the trust sells or holds the assets without immediate capital gains tax. Selling such assets outright can trigger steep capital gains taxes, eroding the proceeds available for retirement. By placing them into a CRT, the sale can occur inside the tax-exempt wrapper, preserving more value. The trust then pays you (or other designated beneficiaries) an income stream—either for your lifetime or for a fixed term of years. When the trust term ends, the remainder passes to the named charity—in this case, the Nebraska FFA Foundation. Because the original gift to the CRT is a charitable transfer, you may receive an income tax deduction (subject to IRS limits), and you’ve effectively deferred 14
or avoided recognition of capital gains. For farm or ranch families transitioning out of active operations, a CRT can provide stable retirement income while ensuring that you also leave a legacy through the Nebraska FFA Foundation. Executives and employees working in agriculture can also make a powerful impact through strategic giving. For example, individuals who are required to take annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts can direct some or all of those distributions to the Nebraska FFA Foundation. By making what’s known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), you can fulfill your RMD obligations while avoiding taxable income—an efficient way to extend your support for Nebraska FFA without increasing your tax bill. Your past support has already made a difference. By considering a planned gift, you can grow that impact even further. Whether you are a producer retiring from decades of work in the field or on the ranch, or a business leader in the agricultural sector, your planned gift helps ensure that students across Nebraska continue to grow as leaders, build communities, and create career connections. Each person’s estate plan should be tailored to meet their needs and desires. The key to effective planning is to start the conversation early, involve the relevant parties, and seek professional advice. If you would like to grow your impact with the Nebraska FFA Foundation in connection with your estate planning objectives, we have an experienced team that can review your situation and discuss planning options available to you.
NEBRASKA FFA VIP AWARD
Standing Ovation
Frank J. Fleecs Honored as Nebraska FFA VIP Sometimes, chance meetings and casual conversations can spark old memories and lead to great things. That was certainly the case when Frank J. Fleecs, a farmer from the Southerland area, stopped by the Nebraska FFA Foundation booth while visiting the Nebraska State Fair one fall day back in 2008. Little did anyone know how that simple conversation would open doors of opportunity for hundreds of FFA students and advisors across the state of Nebraska. Frank J. Fleecs is a fifth-generation farmer and alumni of the Sutherland FFA Chapter. While in FFA, he enjoyed his AgEd classes and served as a chapter officer all four years. When Fleecs was a freshman, the school decided to re-start the FFA program. He recalls one of his greatest FFA memories was having the honor and privilege to go on stage as a delegate at the State FFA Convention that year to receive the FFA Chapter Charter. Perhaps that fond memory is one of the many reasons Fleecs now enjoys attending the Nebraska State FFA Convention annually to help celebrate FFA members’ successes and see the excitement on students’ faces when they get recognized on the big stage. It was that initial conversation at the State Fair booth where Fleecs learned about the “Blue Jackets. Bright Futures.” program and that there was a need for more jacket donors. He also learned of many award sponsorship opportunities. It was this moment that re-connected Fleecs with his FFA roots, leading to many future conversations with the Nebraska FFA Foundation.
Since learning about the jacket program, Fleecs has donated nearly 415 FFA jackets for Nebraska FFA members! Over the years, Fleecs has volunteered as a state proficiency interview evaluator, is a supporter of “I Believe in the Future of Ag,” and has invested in the Nebraska FFA Foundation as a True Blue Society donor, and is a Blue & Gold Society member. He also believes in supporting the talented members of the State FFA choir and talent programs. Fleecs believes so deeply in FFA and its members that he has stepped up multiple times to support areas when there was a shortage of sponsors. Nebraska agriculture is so fortunate to have found a partner in Frank J. Fleecs, for his belief, encouragement, and commitment to Nebraska FFA. The Nebraska FFA Foundation, along with numerous FFA chapters, students, and advisors he has supported directly or indirectly in some way, are grateful for his commitment to supporting Nebraska FFA and agricultural education. He has been a difference maker in supporting and investing in the work of the Foundation, and the impact is immeasurable. It was with great honor and privilege to present the 2025 Nebraska FFA VIP Award to a very deserving individual—Mr. Frank J. Fleecs. Thank you for ALL you have done and continue to do to support Nebraska FFA! 15
Nebraska FFA Foundation PO Box 94942 Lincoln, NE 68509-4942
2024-2025 Nebraska State Officer Team
Mission Message The Nebraska FFA Foundation invest in agricultural education and FFA for nearly 12,000 FFA members and their advisors in Nebraska by growing leaders, building communities, and creating career connections.