FFA Proceedings 2002 - National FFA Organization

Stars Over America
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8
Stars in Agricultural Placement
Weston Michael
Chino Valley FFA
Chino Valley, Arizona
Weston Michael of Chino
Valley, Arz., became involved in
the field of agricultural
mechanics at the young age of
five. He began working for his
father at Michael and Son’s
Enterprises, a large fabrication
shop, cleaning and emptying the
trash to earn his allowance. As
his experience grew, he began
working in the paint and finish
room, along with maintaining his
duties as a welder. He now has
the ability to design custom
pieces of steel and cut it for new
equipment. He is also learning
essential information to become
a partner in the business. Aside
from working at the fabrication
shop, the 21-year-old also
manages a registered herd of
Black Angus heifers and bulls
that are utilized as part of a club
calf-breeding program that is
operated on 200 acres.
Miles Justin Kuschel
Sebeka FFA
Sebeka, Minnesota
Miles Kuschel started helping on his family’s ranch when he was young.
Today, Kuschel’s placement is on the Rocking K Ranch, which is a rotationalgrazing
based beef cow/calf operation with more than 5,000 acres. The ranch
has 900 cattle and 15 horses. Kuschel began working on the ranch doing
various tasks from raking hay to feeding calves and cows. He is now in charge
of the day-to-day operations, including breaking in new horses, pulling calves
and overseeing the animal health program.
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Mark Thiel
Rugby FFA
Rugby, North Dakota
Mark Thiel has been helping
out with his family’s business for
as long as he can remember.
Thiel Feedlots has been in
operation since 1983. It spans 80
acres, having maximum capacity
to hold 2,000 head of cattle.
They custom feed the cattle
during the fall, winter and spring
months. The 21-year-old’s duties
on the farm include developing
feed rations, operating
equipment, feed grinding and
machine maintenance and repair.
Theil has broadened his
knowledge of agriculture by
enrolling in courses such as plant
and soil sciences, livestock
production and vet science at
Bismark State College.
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Jacob Smith
Warren County FFA
McMinnville, Tennessee
Being born as a fourth
generation farmer, it was
obvious to Jacob Smith from the
start that he would have an
active role on the McMinnville,
Tenn., family farm. In fact, he
has been an employee at Smith
Farms and Logging since he was
a young boy. When he began,
the 21-year-old Warren County
FFA member performed daily
feeding chores and assisted with
the logging. As he got older, his
responsibilities grew, and he
now serves as the farm manager.
He operates equipment,
manages facilities and supplies,
all while managing his own 98
head herd of beef cattle. To
accommodate this herd, Smith
purchased 70 acres upon
graduation from high school.