Russell FFA

04/09/2026

The Russell FFA Chapter had a great day of competition on Wednesday, April 8th, traveling to Colby to compete in four contests: Agronomy, Floriculture, Nursery/Landscape, and District Horse Judging.

Our members represented the chapter well, with strong individual performances across the board. In Greenhand Division Agronomy, Payton Maske earned an impressive 2nd place finish, while Tytin Bay placed 8th. In Floriculture, Lilly Kinsler placed 17th, and Tytin Bay continued his efforts with a 19th place finish in Nursery/Landscape. In District Horse Judging, Payton Maske placed 10th in the Senior Division, and the team finished 6th overall.

Additional members competing and contributing to the day’s success included Allissa Vopat and Kalli Reinhardt.

What makes these results even more meaningful is that we had not practiced these specific contests in the classroom. This was a true testament to the dedication, initiative, and extra effort these students put in on their own time outside of school.

Between contests, Lilly Kinsler and Tytin Bay also had the opportunity to tour Moonlight Gardens, a local greenhouse in Colby. It was a phenomenal example of a family-owned and operated agricultural business and a great learning experience for our members.

We are proud of the hard work, growth, and commitment these students continue to show!

03/31/2026

On Monday, March 30th, the Russell FFA Chapter held a Farm Safety Day. FFA members hosted the Russell County EMS, Russell Police Dept., Russell Fire Dept., City of Russell Electric Dept., Craig Dinkel - Midway District Extension, Trooper Todd with the Kansas Highway Patrol, David Elliott - Russell County Emergency Management. These volunteers gave presentations throughout the day to 7-12th graders.

Students learned about
✅ PTO & grain entrapment safety
✅ Use of drones in emergency situations
✅ Young driver awareness & licensing
✅ What to do when in an accident, need emergency services, or are pulled over by law enforcement
✅ Electrical safety near downed power lines
✅ Weather awareness and preparedness
✅ Jaws of Life tools and equipment
…and so much more!
FFA Members served as group leaders and assisted volunteer presenters as needed.

A huge thank you to the Russell FFA Alumni and Russell County Farm Bureau for providing lunch for all adult volunteers and FFA members! We are so grateful for your continued support!

Other sponsors include: Radke Implement, Inc., Agrilead, Inc., Southwind Bank, and Strobel Door & Repair - Thank You!!

SAFETY DOESN'T TAKE A DAY OFF!
Russell FFA - Protecting the FUTURE of Agriculture

03/17/2026

On Monday, March 9th, the Russell FFA Chapter traveled to Downs to compete in the NW District Poultry and Entomology Contest.

Our Greenhand Poultry team had an outstanding day, earning 2nd place overall! Team members included Payton Maske, Tytin Bay, and Alex Cates. Payton Maske was named 1st place individual in the Greenhand Division, and Tytin Bay also placed in the top 10, finishing 9th overall.

In the Senior Division, Kalli Reinhardt earned an impressive 6th place overall finish.

I am incredibly proud of these students and the effort they continue to put in. As a new teacher, I sometimes wonder if I’m giving them everything they need, but they continue to step up, work hard, and exceed expectations every time.

03/17/2026

2026 Legislative Day at the Capitol – Topeka
Tuesday, March 10th
Sponsored by Russell County Farm Bureau

Russell FFA members had a full and memorable day at the Capitol! Students participated in a dome and historical tours, met with local and area representatives for lunch, and heard a presentation from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

On the way home, the group also had the opportunity to tour Hildebrand Dairy north of Junction City, getting a firsthand look at a successful dairy operation. Members enjoyed taste testing chocolate, strawberry, and root beer flavored milks.

It was a long day, but a great one filled with learning, leadership, and experiences our members won’t forget!

03/05/2026

Last week Korey Penrod, Meat Dept Manager at Klema Apple Market, came to two different agriculture classes and showed how to cut up a whole chicken. It was in that presentation that we learned how this is starting to be a lost art. The average consumer either doesn't know how or has no desire to cut up a chicken. The students then learned by purchasing a whole chicken you could basically save 50% off the retail cost. These students became very interested and wanted to learn how to do this themselves. Today we cut up 4 chickens. It was fun to see the students engage with one another and assist in the process. This activity also helped prepare our poultry judging team who will be traveling to Downs next week to compete.

02/27/2026

It has been a great National FFA week!! As we go into the weekend, we give a big shout out to four FFA members competing in state wrestling this weekend. We wish Xzephren Donner, Kolten Jones, Xzander Donner, and Aaliyah Trevino the very best!!We are super proud of you-Take State!!! Enjoy another officer video from Treasurer, Zxephren Donner.

02/27/2026

Madison Rupp is a senior in Russell's FFA Chapter. She has been a great team member and has represented the chapter well in the NW District.

02/26/2026

Congratulations to Kolten Jones, a junior at Russell Jr.-Sr. High School and son of Jed and Afton Jones, on being selected as Russell FFA's Member of the Month for February! Kolten has stepped up his participation in the chapter this year and is showing strides in being a strong leader for other members to follow.

02/26/2026

Ian Strobel is the Secretary of the Russell FFA Chapter. As part of National FFA week, he shares some of his thoughts about the fun he has had and skills he has gained in FFA.

02/24/2026

Stephanie King is our FFA Chapter President. Throughout National FFA week, we will be featuring different members as they talk about what FFA has meant to them!

02/23/2026

This article was sponsored by Russell FFA supporters in recognition of National FFA week. We appreciate their support!!https://hayspost.com/posts/4cb386ba-dd62-4c7b-80be-0d1b2bc007ff?fbclid=IwY2xjawQJtjBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR4LvyQGrbbIwDIH72eEyUOCEIfcK8Gh8Ke17YKWiWb3Mkqxtx60NQgGNCIbPw_aem_FX8KAIoP1w8a39ODRtzaog

SubmittedThe Russell FFA Chapter has experienced remarkable growth and success since welcoming advisor Beth Pfeifer in fall 2025. With her leadership and a dedicated officer team, membership has more than tripled—growing from just 16 members in 2024-25 to an impressive 50 members this year.Leading...