Tell us about your farm and family. I have lived on my family farm my entire life. The Korn Family Farm has been in operation for five generations. It started in 1872 by my great-great-great grandparents. My grandpa and grandma (Ray and Audrey Korn) took it over in 1954, right after my grandpa returned home from the Korean War. They began with a small herd of cows and around 200 acres. My grandpa’s goal was to build a sustainable farm where the family could work together and make a living off the land. Over the years, the farm grew and my dad, along with his siblings, worked there. In 1991, my parents, Bill and Jane Korn, got married and moved into my dad’s childhood home. My grandpa and grandma then built a house up the road on the farm. In 2001, my parents bought the farm from my grandpa and worked together until his passing. I worked alongside my parents and my siblings — Amelia, Josh, and Lydia. Josh now farms with my dad and is looking to take over the farm in the upcoming years. We’ve all had the responsibility of working on the farm since we were young. In the summer, you can find me doing things like unloading small square bales or picking rocks. Starting in sixth grade, we all had the responsibility of going to the barn before school to help with morning chores. Getting up before 6:00 a.m. was a challenge, but it taught us accountability and instilled a strong work ethic. We currently milk about 50 cows and own about 360 acres. It’s a lot of work, but it is part of who we are, and I am proud to be a part of the family farm tradition.
Why did you join FFA? I joined FFA because after seeing all the amazing activities, events, and community service projects they were involved in, I knew it was the kind of community I wanted to be a part of. FFA is unique because no matter your background in agriculture, you’re always welcome. That inclusivity made me feel right at home when I first joined. My FFA chapter was incredibly welcoming when I expressed interest to join in sixth grade, and having Mrs. Blank as my teacher really encouraged me to take that step. I still remember her enthusiasm, especially when she tried to convince us to join by highlighting that membership was free for sixth graders. Since joining FFA, I have gained invaluable leadership, public speaking, and teamwork skills — skills that will serve me no matter what path I take in life. I am grateful for the opportunities FFA has given me to grow and be part of something bigger than myself.
What is your role in the chapter? My role is to run meetings, supervise the officer team, do any task that my advisor may want me to do, help at events and lead by example to the rest of my chapter by attending events.
What FFA contests do you compete in? Though I haven’t competed in contests, I have participated in many conferences like the impact conference, the fall leadership workshop and State Convention, and National Convention. Conferences and conventions are a great way for me to meet new people and extend my knowledge of agriculture and leadership.
What do you look forward to most in the upcoming FFA year? I am really looking forward to National FFA Week. I cannot wait to participate in all the exciting activities that FFA Week has to offer. We will kick off the week with our annual community pancake breakfast and wrap it up by handing out donuts to the surrounding farmers to thank them for everything they do. Throughout the week, we will have dress-up days, brat and burger sales, an FFA assembly and fun lunchtime activities. It is always such a great way to celebrate FFA.
How has FFA shaped you as a person? FFA has had a huge impact on shaping me as a person. From the moment I joined in sixth grade, I felt welcomed and supported by a community that truly values hard work, leadership, and service. FFA has helped me develop skills that I know will serve me no matter what path I take in life. I have gained invaluable leadership, public speaking and teamwork skills — skills that have shaped me into a more confident, responsible, and effective communicator. Being part of FFA has also taught me the importance of giving back to my community. Whether it is through activities like the pancake breakfast, angel tree or having a back-to-school chicken Q, I have learned how rewarding it is to serve others. The sense of belonging and the opportunity to grow both personally and as part of a team have made FFA feel like home. It is been a place where I have not only developed as a leader but also as someone who cares deeply about making a positive impact on others. FFA has truly helped shape who I am today as well as my advisor, Mrs. Blank. She has been an incredible source of inspiration and guidance, never failing to show me what it truly means to be a leader and a compassionate person. Her unwavering dedication to our chapter and commitment to our success have motivated me to push myself further and to strive for excellence in everything I do. Mrs. Blank’s determination to not only see us succeed but to help us grow into better individuals has been impactful. She has shown me that leadership is not just about being in charge — it is about inspiring others, showing kindness, and doing what is right, even when it is not easy. One thing that she always says is, “Don’t Be That Person,” which serves as a reminder to always act with integrity and be the kind of leader who sets a positive example, even when no one is watching. I can say proudly that FFA has helped shape me into the person I am today.
What are your duties on the farm? Some of my duties are to feed calves and wash the milkers in the morning. When I am home for evening chores, I wash off and dip the cows, scrape the walk, feed calves and wash the milkers. Seasonal duties are mowing the grass, unloading hay, picking rocks and any other tasks that are needed.
What are your future plans? My future plans are to study engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
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