Cooper Hjetland has spent all four years of high school involved in FFA at Little River High School, an experience that has allowed him to build on his family’s agricultural background while gaining new experiences beyond the classroom.
Hjetland’s interest in agriculture began with his family, which has a long history in the industry through farming, retail agricultural sales and beef production.
With school, sports and agriculture all demanding his time, Hjetland has learned how to stay busy throughout the year. He spends roughly nine months focused on school and sports before turning his attention to farming and weights during the other three months.
“My days are full doing the work that needs to be done, from school assignments to feeding cattle and everything in between,” Hjetland said.
His involvement in FFA has provided him with opportunities to meet people in the agricultural community and learn about different aspects of the industry. One of his favorite traditions is the annual FFA work auction, where supporters can bid on an FFA member for eight hours of work. The money raised goes toward the FFA scholarship fund.
Hjetland also enjoys helping with the community breakfast, where FFA members serve area producers and have the opportunity to visit with people involved in agriculture.
“I enjoy helping with the community breakfast,” Hjetland said. “It is a lot of fun to get to talk with area producers and spoil them with a breakfast.”
One of Hjetland’s most memorable FFA experiences came this summer when he earned a trip to Nebraska and Illinois. During the trip, he toured the University of Nebraska’s agriculture and athletic departments, a feed mill, a hog operation and Vermeer Manufacturing.
The trip gave Hjetland the opportunity to see agriculture from perspectives beyond what he encounters at home.
“It was fun to see different sides of agriculture,” Hjetland said.
After four years of involvement, Hjetland believes FFA offers something for students regardless of their background or future plans. He encourages students who are considering joining to take advantage of the opportunities the organization provides.
“FFA is a great idea and gives you the opportunity to see a different way of life, learn new things and meet some really cool people,” Hjetland said.
For Hjetland, FFA has been more than an extracurricular activity. It has connected him to his family’s agricultural roots while giving him practical experiences, relationships and a better understanding of the industry.
“There are also lots of applicable learning opportunities that have a direct link to the workforce outside of school,” Hjetland said. “FFA also has a lot of various scholarship opportunities for kids going to college.”
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