Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Marengo FFA earns proficiency awards
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Marengo FFA members recently earned top honors at the Iowa FFA Proficiency Awards, demonstrating how agricultural education provides hands-on learning and career preparation.
Through Supervised Agricultural Experience projects, students gained valuable skills in livestock management, agribusiness, community service, and digital marketing, equipping them for future careers.
Leading the chapter was Alannah McKibben, who earned first place, GOLD and will advance to National Judging for her Care Bag Project, which provides essential supplies to children in foster care and individuals in shelters.
Other Marengo FFA members also won awards:
- GOLD: Shayla Helgeson (2nd), Myla Frimml (3rd)
- SILVER: Abby Sparrowgrove (2nd), Kathryn Kilgard (5th), Carter Koenig (6th), Avary Helmrichs (6th), Carli Kanke (7th), Stella Sayers (9th)
These students developed critical workplace skills through their SAE projects. Shayla Helgeson gained experience in animal care at an animal shelter, while Abby Sparrowgrove strengthened her customer service and retail skills at a farm supply store.
Carter Koenig and Myla Frimml expanded their expertise in livestock management, Frimml by raising crossbred and purebred Hampshire lambs on her family farm.
Avary Helmrichs focused on goat production, managing a herd of 55 Boer goats and preparing for kidding season. Kathryn Kilgard gained experience in horse and farm management at Bellevue Farms, working with various livestock.
Carli Kanke applied her skills in digital marketing, managing her FFA chapter’s website and social media.
Stella Sayers dedicated her SAE project to beef production, assisting in calving season and cattle care on her family’s farm. Her experience handling livestock and working through harvest season strengthened her independence and agricultural knowledge.
These achievements highlight how agricultural education offers diverse career pathways, preparing students for success in both agriculture and related industries.
