INDIANAPOLIS–Eric Kamler, 17, of Fillmore Central, is one of 10 students from across the country who received a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 24. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start businesses.

Eric, who is the son of Mike and Kim Kamler, owns and operates EK Farms Co., a corn production enterprise. Kamler started his business in fall 2006 when a neighbor decided to retire from farming and lease his land to others. Kamler saw this as an opportunity to start his own small farming operation without the long-term commitment, and capital investment requirement, of owning the land.

Kamler actively pursues ways to increase his production, and optimize his marketing options. During his first crop year, he produced an average of 210 bushels an acre. Kamler implemented ridge-till practices and used variable-rate-technology equipment, which resulted in an increased yield of about five bushels an acre, thus increasing his profit. With the high price of corn, Kamler nearly tripled his net worth during this period.

One of Kamler’s first business decisions was to purchase a pull-type sprayer, and exchange the use of his sprayer on his father’s farm for use of his father’s other equipment on his acreage. “By making this purchase, I was able to boost my equity, incur a business- related expense I can subtract from my income on my tax return, and start building a credit record,” Kamler said.

Kamler markets his corn via the Aurora Cooperative, using a variety of different sales tactics, including pre-selling 5,000 bushel contracts via a licensed grain broker at the Chicago Board of Trade. Kamler is the Aurora Cooperative’s youngest grain client.

 “Eric manages all aspects of the operation including financing, production techniques, marketing, and harvesting,” said Kurt VanDeWalle, Kamler’s agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. “I am only able to provide the basic knowledge and skills, but Eric does an astonishing job of learning on his own. I can proudly say that he has taught me a few things and regularly brings me information he finds that I can use in class.”

Kamler is a senior at Fillmore Central High School, and is also a candidate for Nebraska FFA office. In high school, Kamler has been very active in FFA, serving as the Fillmore Central FFA Chapter president, winning the 2008 National FFA Grain Proficiency Award and being selected as one of 10 winners of the National FFA Risk Management Essay Contest. He is a member of FCCLA and National Honor Society.

In November, Kamler will be traveling to Taiwan with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture on an agriculture trade representation program.  He, along with two other Nebraska delegates, will talk about U.S. ag products and learn more about Taiwan’s ag products. Kamler plans a career in agricultural policy.

The National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award Program is sponsored by USDA Rural Development as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, Inc. “USDA Rural Development is pleased to sponsor the program because investing in today’s up-and-coming rural entrepreneurs helps build a bright future for them and their communities,” said Tom Dorr, under secretary for Rural Development at USDA. “The creativity and innovation that these young people bring to agriculture and rural America will make a difference in their lives and in their communities.”

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

Step Up Stand Out
On October 21, 11 members of the Fillmore Central FFA Chapter left for the 81st National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Eric Kamler flew out with his parents, Mike & Kim Kamler, so that he would arrive in time to set up his Agri-Entrepreneurship Award booth.  Advisor Kurt VanDeWalle and chaperone, Sheryl Goc, accompanied the other 10 members, who traveled by charter bus.  These ten members were: MariBeth Capek, JuliAnna Capek, Kelsie Goc, Lydia Smith, Chandler Uldrich, Carl Jacobson, Jake Herman, Jake Martin, Aaron Kennel, and Thane Motis.  Travel expenses were partially funded by a grant that was received from the Fillmore County Foundation.   

After getting refreshed from the 13 hour bus ride, they changed into their official dress, to attend the first session. The pre-sessions were sponsored by the Washington Leadership Conference. Then Dodge Trucks sponsored the opening video as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

Kicking off every session was the laser show, sponsored by Monsanto and DeKalb WingWear, and then the National FFA Officers entered with the opening ceremony. National FFA President Zach Kinne welcomed everyone to the 81st National FFA Convention, and introduced the National Band and Choir, as they paraded in singing and playing the song “Hey Baby”. The National FFA Advisor, Dr. Larry Case took the podium giving everybody his wisdom about FFA from all the years he’s been involved. Then the National Officer Team reflected on how by lending a hand, and showing your pride, you can “Step Up and Stand Out” in FFA.

Next, the key speaker, Dana Hee closed the session on how her combat and acting career taught her to keep trying and get through the hard times. After the session, 6 of the members, and the Fillmore Central chaperone attended a concert held at Lucas Oil Stadium. The concert featured Taylor Swift, with James Otto kicking it off.

The next day the team split as the boys and the advisor went to the Indianapolis Speedway, and the girls went to the horse stables in Danville. When they returned they watched one of the Senior Parliamentary Procedure groups, and looked around the career show and FFA mall. After eating, they attended the third session of the conference, this session just like other started with an opening video, laser show, opening ceremony, and a welcoming by one of the National Officers.

 

After all these tactics were accomplished National FFA Sentinel Kari Boettcher, spoke to the group about her visits to different FFA Chapters; over these visits she discovered a new word, “zango”. Kari expressed many different situations using this new word, and then revealed to the crowd the meaning of “zango” as a symbol of kindness. Then, Tom Zupancic was the keynote speaker for the night, next the milestone sponsor was mentioned before introducing the Grand Illusion and Escape show by Ridgeway and Johnson.

 

This show featured one of the few female escape artists; her first escape act involved her hanging by her feet, 30 feet in the air and successfully untying herself from a straight jacket. Then she submerged herself into a tank of water, with her feet and hands clasped. She successfully unlocked the clasps, but could not get the last lock undone to free herself, and assistance was needed. Returning back to their hotel, the members enjoyed the rest of the night at the dance.

On Friday October 24, the group attended two sessions, they started as usual. At the 5th session they awarded the H.O. Sargent Awards, followed by the Agri-entrepreneurship Awards. Then they introduced the candidates running for a national office for 2008-2009, and then National FFA Officer, Tyler Tenbarge, told his “In Sight” retiring address. Tyler told the crowd how he was troubled for years on what to become when he grew up. Throughout memories, and listening to that little voice in his head he decided to become a Catholic priest.  During this session, FC FFA President, Eric Kamler received his award for the Agri-Entrepreneurship Award.  Eric was 1 of 10 members in the nation to receive this award. 

Next they attended the 6th session, where they watched with anticipating eyes, as they called the winners for Proficiency Awards. Finally the moment they had been waiting for, as they called the final four contestants for the Grain Production -Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award. When they called Eric Kamler as the winner, the crew jumped up with excitement. Eric Kamler is the President of the Fillmore Central FFA Chapter, he has worked hard the past years for his proficiency, and at that moment of stimulating relief, he knew his hard work has paid off.

 

After the other proficiency awards were given, the crowd enjoyed many singers from the choir singing solos during the talent show. Before heading in for the night the members attended yet another dance.

Packing their bags early the group attended the American Degree Ceremony & Stars Over America pageant or the career show, FFA mall, and the Indianapolis Colts shop for the last time before heading home. On the bus rode new members, these members are the ones who will bring more knowledge to the rest of the Fillmore Central FFA Chapter, because of their phenomenal experience, at the 81st National FFA Convention.

The FC convention delegates, parents, & chaperones appreciate the grant received from the Fillmore County Foundation and thank the Grant Committee members for selecting our chapter to receive a grant.