Phenom Farm Kids
Three star students of agriculture are claiming victory in the 2018 Farm Kids for College Scholarship competition, winning among a field of 17 finalists representing every region of the United States.
And the Winners Are
Brandon Strupp, Hartford, Wis.
Nick McCleave, Harrisonville, Mo.
Luke Wolfisberg, Everson, Wash.
Wisconsin’s Brandon Strupp
A senior at Hartford Union High School, Strupp is involved in his family’s custom calf feeding operation, and formerly, the family dairy farm.
“Over the years I have watched Brandon deftly juggle the demands of raising sheep, hogs, and dairy animals with his academics, and extracurricular activities like band and baseball. Without a doubt, it is Brandon’s dedication and perseverance that allow him to be successful in his countless activities,” said Jeff Ast, vice president, Lallemand Specialties, Inc., in a recommendation letter.
In his FFA chapter, Strupp served as president, secretary and parliamentarian. He earned the Star Greenhand Degree and placed fifth in the Wisconsin state FFA Beef Placement Proficiency Award competition. Strupp plans to attend University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue a dairy science major. He intends to work in dairy nutrition, and own a cattle operation. He is the son of Jeff and Carol Strupp.
Missouri’s Nick McCleave
Raised on his family’s beef cattle and row crop operation, McCleave is a senior at Harrisonville High School. In FFA, he has served as the Area VII president and chapter president, chapter treasurer, Greenhand president, and was named Star Greenhand and chapter Star Farmer.
McCleave earned first place in his FFA area for Forage Production Proficiency, and was first place in his district for Accounting II. He plans to attend University of Missouri to major in agribusiness management and accountancy.
“Nick’s ambitions for his future are directed at staying involved in the family farm operation as well as working for other farmers in a professional setting. His goal of becoming certified as an accountant and working with farmers is a highly needed skill set in agriculture. There are a lot of accountants out there, but only a few that understand agriculture like Nick does,” said Marshall Streit, agriculture adviser at Harrisonville’s Cass Career Center. He is the son of Randy and Janie McCleave.
Washington’s Wolfisberg
Wolfisberg lives on his family’s dairy farm and is a senior at Lynden High School. He is involved in FFA, National Honor Society, and, in athletics, cross country, soccer and swim teams. In FFA, he has served as the chapter secretary and won two state team titles, on the Livestock Evaluation Team and on the Dairy Judging Team. He has also been secretary, reporter and president of his 4-H club.
“My observation of Luke shows that he approaches everything he sets his mind to with optimism and a strong sense of performing to the best of his ability,” said Jean Laird, of Laird Dairy, where Wolfisberg works part-time. “In leadership, Luke works alongside others to lead and teach by example.” Wolfisberg plans to attend Washington Sate University, to major in agricultural economics and dairy science. He is the son of Hans and Colleeen Wolfisberg.
