Johnson County Central FFA Chapter Takes Second Place in “I Believe in the Future of Agriculture” Campaign

The Johnson County Central FFA Chapter made a powerful showing at the 2026 Nebraska State FFA Convention, earning top honors across multiple career development events, leadership contests, and agriscience competitions. Members demonstrated excellence in agriculture, research, and leadership, bringing home numerous awards and gold ratings. The Chapter was recognized at Pinnacle Bank Arena as 2nd Place Chapter in the Nebraska Foundation’s “I Believe in the Future of Agriculture Campaign”. The Johnson County Central FFA Chapter Advisors are Christy Hodges and Connor Bartels.
Leading the way in recognition of leadership skills, Levi Othmer was elected 2026–2027 Nebraska State FFA Vice President. Selection involved an intensive interview and evaluation process, recognizing his leadership, communication skills, and commitment to agriculture. In addition to his state office selection, Othmer also placed 4th out of 144 participants in Agricultural Sales, a contest that evaluates students on their ability to communicate with clients, build relationships, and effectively market agricultural products; skills essential in today’s ag industry. Levi also earned 3rd place Gold Proficiency in Agriculture Mechanics-Fabrication Placement.
The Johnson County Central Agronomy Team of Levi Othmer, Kaiden Dorn, Wes Schmid, and Draven Campbell secured 3rd place overall out of 60 teams. Individually, Levi earned 11th, Wesley placed 15th and Kaiden placed 19th out of 240 individuals. This contest challenges students in crop and seed identification, pest management, soil analysis, and sustainable crop production practices. Their success reflects strong knowledge in production agriculture and agronomic decision-making.
Heidi Reyes earned 3rd place out of 553 participants in the Agriscience CDE. Grace Frederick earned 13th individually and the team of Heidi Reyes, Grace Frederick, Abigail Burki and Ashton Huskey earned 10th place out of 141 teams. In this contest students completed their SAE portfolio, a 50 question multiple choice test in general agriculture, dissected a fetal pig and a perch, and identified organs and their functions.
The Jr.Livestock Judging team of Hadley Hartman, Sophia Schmid, Wesley Schmid, and Ashton Huskey earned 12th place out of 60 teams. Hadley was 27th out of 240 individuals.
The Livestock Management team of Saige Rother, Sophia Schmid, Wesley Schmid, Molly Weber, Riley Wellensiek, and Cameron Werner placed 6th in Sheep Production out of 49 teams.
All Johnson County Central Agriscience Fair participants received Gold ratings.
Wesley Schmid — 1st Place, Plant Systems Division 3
Levi Othmer — 1st Place, Plant Systems Division 5
Ashley Beethe & Catherine Wendt— 2nd Place, Plant Systems Division 6
Cooper Jones & Adree Case — 1st Place, Environmental & Natural Resources Division 4
Reese Badertscher & Sophia Schmid — 1st Place, Food Systems Division 4
Saige Rother & Molly Weber — 1st Place, Food Systems Division 6
Bri Robeson & Riley Wellensiek — 3rd Place, Social Systems Division
All 1st place Agriscience winners advance to the National FFA Agriscience Fair next Fall, where they will compete against top projects from across the country.
Briana Robeson and Riley Wellensiek also competed in the Agricultural Demonstration Contest, earning a Bronze rating. This event challenges students to clearly teach and demonstrate an agricultural skill or concept, emphasizing public speaking and technical knowledge.
Five members of the Johnson County Central FFA Chapter were honored with the prestigious State FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded at the state level. Recipients included Levi Othmer, Draven Campbell, Ashley Beethe, Catherine Wendt, and Briana Robeson. This recognition reflects years of dedication to agricultural education, leadership, and hands-on experience through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). To earn the State Degree, members must demonstrate advanced involvement in FFA activities, significant investment in their SAE projects, and a strong commitment to community service and leadership. This accomplishment highlights the hard work and growth of these members and sets them apart as leaders within the organization and the agricultural industry.