Edward Winter, a Zumbrota/Mazeppa senior was named the Minnesota State FFA treasurer at the annual meeting in April of this year. Here he introduces himself and tells his story.
I have had the opportunity to attend Zumbrota-Mazeppa schools since 5th grade after relocating back to Minnesota from Pennsylvania during my elementary years. This experience allowed me to witness the vast and unique differences within our country and society, including the many unique opportunities that exist within the agricultural industry throughout our country. During my time at ZM I have looked to be actively involved and engaged within the community. This has included being involved in various organizations, including FFA, 4-H, and National Honor Society where I have had the opportunity to give back to the community in various ways. Some of my favorite opportunities have included being able to help lead community outreach activities surrounding agriculture, including the animal barnyard at the Goodhue County Fair and being able to connect with residents at the Zumbrota Care Center. All of these various opportunities have allowed me to witness the impact that a community can have on people, and the importance of a strong community for everyone.
I didn't originally grow up on a farm or was directly involved with the agricultural community in any major ways at a young age. When I was younger, my dad did own a small herd of beef cattle, but I didn't become more directly involved within the agricultural industry until junior high. This all started with my first beef heifer that I was able to purchase at the end of my seventh grade school year. Since then, I have been able to slowly expand my own herd of South Devon beef cattle and become more involved within the agricultural industry. This has included being involved within the North American South Devon Association and exhibiting my cattle at various shows throughout the country, including at the National Western Stockshow in Denver, Colorado.
Throughout my childhood, 4-H has been an active opportunity that I have taken advantage of for many different areas. Over the last few years, I have been actively involved within the livestock project areas, including being involved within the beef, sheep, goat, and poultry project areas. Outside of working with and exhibiting livestock, I have also been involved in many non-livestock opportunities. One of the quickest growing opportunities that I have been involved in include the 4-H shooting sports program that has allowed me to explore areas in trap shooting, archery, and wildlife sciences. 4-H has allowed me to explore opportunities that allow me to grow skills within leadership and communication, including being able to serve as an officer for the Goodhue County Federation, which is a council that focuses on being the youth voice within decisions that affect the Goodhue County 4-H. One of my favorite experiences within 4-H has been the opportunity to lead sessions at county-wide officer trainings for club officers in a couple of different counties. This has allowed me to help younger club officers learn more about opportunities to be a youth voice within their club and how they can step up and lead their clubs.
Throughout my time within the FFA Organization, I have had many opportunities to explore many different areas and aspects of the organization. During high school, I have been able to compete in several different competitions, including the Nursery & Landscaping Career Development Event, Prepared Public Speaking, and Parliamentary Procedure. These contests have allowed me to explore different interests and passions that I have, including horticulture, while also being able to grow personal skills, including public speaking. Besides competitions, I have had several different unique opportunities to also connect and network with people throughout agriculture. These have included being able to attend the Minnesota APEX conference, otherwise known as the Agricultural Policy Experience in St. Paul. I also had the privilege last fall to serve as a National Delegate for Minnesota at the National Convention and Expo. All of these opportunities have allowed me to build connections with many different groups and individuals that will continue to help strengthen the industry and partnerships of agriculture.
I have had the opportunity to be involved in various activities throughout my high school career. Several of these activities include being involved within FFA, National Honor Society, ZM Trap Shooting, ZM Math League, and 4-H.
I have had the opportunity to be involved within FFA through several different leadership positions. At the chapter level, I have had the opportunity to serve as the chapter secretary, vice-President, and President during high school. Over the last two years, I have also had the opportunity to serve Region VIII FFA, which encompasses chapters throughout most of southeast Minnesota as the Region Treasurer and President.
The process of choosing the next state officer team is a process that is marked by dedication and motivation of the candidates. The process first begins with an application process that is then followed by a two-day interview process that is hosted at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. The interview process is a series of 9 different interview rounds that are meant to measure different strengths and knowledge areas of candidates. Some of these include personal interviews, conversations with industry stakeholders, and a stand and deliver. After candidates complete these rounds of interviews, the nomination committee, which is made up of members from throughout Minnesota, deliberates and slates the next officer team. This slate is then announced to the candidates and members of Minnesota FFA at the final session of the State Convention.
After graduation, I will be attending the University of Wisconsin- River Falls next fall to pursue a degree in the major of animal science.
