The 2025 Minnesota FFA State Convention once again brought together students, educators, alumni, and industry leaders to recognize the outstanding achievements and bright futures of Minnesota’s youth in agriculture. One of those great moments was the Teach Ag Signing Event, which celebrated a new class of students committed to becoming agriculture teachers—a powerful step toward securing the future of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) education.
Minnesota Teach Ag at Career Connections
As a part of the 2025 Minnesota FFA State Convention, the Minnesota Teach Ag booth at the Career Connections event invited students to reflect on the impact of agriculture teachers in their lives. With a new question added to the post-it note activity—"What impact has your ag teacher had on you?"—the booth became a hub of personal stories and meaningful conversation. Students shared thoughtful responses on sticky notes, adding color and heart to the space.
The always-popular trivia spinner made a comeback, bringing smiles, conversation, and a few competitive moments as students tested their agricultural education knowledge. Collegiate Agricultural Education students were on hand to help staff the booth and share their experiences.
Honoring the 2025 Teach Ag Signing Class
A key highlight of the 2025 Minnesota FFA State Convention was the Teach Ag Signing Event, where 22 students signed their intent to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education. Representing nine universities and technical colleges, these students were recognized for their commitment to teaching the next generation about agriculture, food, and natural resources:
- Briley Heng – Hawley High School – North Dakota State College of Science/North Dakota State University
- Sidney Erickson – Fertile-Beltrami School – North Dakota State University
- Madison Pesek – Fergus Falls High School – North Dakota State University
- Allie Cervantes – Blue Earth Area School – South Central College
- Megan Beranek – New Ulm – South Central College
- Carlie Sayer – Tri City United – South Central College
- Joscolen Gerhardt – RTR – South Dakota State University
- Holly Hughes – Howard Lake Waverly Winsted – South Dakota State University
- Grace Meidinger – Hawley High School – South Dakota State University
- Keeley Runge – St James – South Dakota State University
- Emma Salisbury – Glencoe-Silver Lake – South Dakota State University
- Jaclyn Jenson – Goodhue – Southwest Minnesota State University
- Olivia Nelson – Ogilvie – Southwest Minnesota State University
- Spencer Hed – Mankato West High School – St Cloud State University
- Vanessa Haataja – Wadena Deer Creek – University of Minnesota, Crookston
- Gretta Kasper – Melrose Area High School – University of Minnesota, Crookston
- Otto Lehmann – Verndale – University of Minnesota, Crookston
- Carley Sip – Fertile-Beltrami – University of Minnesota, Crookston
- Cole Sundeen – Ridgewater College – University of Minnesota, Crookston
- Riley Joyer – Litchfield High School – University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Ella Barthel – Monticello High School – University of Wisconsin, River Falls
- Allysen Belsheim – Ogilvie High School – Western Governors University
Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education and Nikki Flaaen, President of the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE), joined the students in this celebration—emphasizing the importance of nurturing a new generation of educators who are ready to lead and uplift their future students.
Building the Future Together
The 2025 Minnesota FFA State Convention showcased the momentum and excitement around careers in agricultural education. As these future educators head to their post-secondary education, all carry a shared purpose: to inspire, educate, and lead in classrooms and communities across Minnesota and beyond.
Minnesota Teach Ag is honored to walk alongside these students by providing mentorship, support, and career resources as they begin their journey. The energy and dedication witnessed at the 2025 Minnesota FFA State Convention prove that the future of agricultural education is in good hands.
