Monticello FFA reports growing participation, state successes and new programs

Jacob Wilts, Monticello High School agriculture teacher and FFA adviser, updated the School Board on the program's growth and recent student accomplishments. "For those who don't know me, I'm Jacob Wilts. I'm the ag teacher here at the high school and also, along with that, our FFA adviser," he said, and described a full season of travel, competitions and hands-on learning.

Wilts reported that six teams competed at the state convention and 18 students took part in those contests; two teams earned gold rankings. He noted the chapter has qualified teams to state in successive years and that the national convention drew about 75,000 attendees this year, a large exposure opportunity for students. Membership on the FFA roster stood at 35 this year — 31 students plus four postgraduates — up from a peak of about 28 last year.

Wilts outlined summer and experiential programming: a two-day summer ag tour (including visits to a John Deere dealership and the Spam Museum), an officer retreat to plan chapter activities, leadership development events, county and state fair participation, and the school garden whose produce supported food- and nutrition-related classroom activities. He described program supports such as leasing animals from his family to lower barriers to student participation in livestock projects.

Looking ahead, Wilts said the chapter is planning to introduce beehives in 2026 and has partnered with community experts to ensure safe care and supplies. He closed by answering board questions about grants for facilities (including greenhouse funding), enrollment distribution across grade levels and hopes for steady growth.

The update prompted board appreciation for the program's hands-on pathways into agriculture and for the student leadership opportunities the chapter provides. The board did not take action on the item; it was an informational presentation.