Nick Klabunde earns FFA American Degree

Nick Klabunde, 19, son of Jay and Darial Klabunde of rural Springfield, and a 2016 graduate of Springfield High School, has earned The American FFA Degree, the highest degree an FFA member can earn. 

The American FFA Degree is awarded at the National FFA Convention & Expo each year. In addition to their degree, each recipient receives a gold American FFA Degree key.

Nick has been actively involved in FFA for six years — while in grades 9-12 at Springfield High School — and, now, in college.  He currently is a sophomore at South Dakota State University, Brookings, where he is majoring in animal science, and minoring in ag business and ag marketing. 

Less than 1% of FFA members earn this degree, nationally, and it requires years of continuous work and investment.  In Minnesota, 90 students received their degree this year.  These students devoted hours and invested earnings into growing personalized agricultural projects.  With Supervised Agricultural Experiences ranging from raising crops or livestock to working in agricultural businesses, these individuals are the next generation of agricultural leaders for the state of Minnesota — and beyond.  Each recipient, and their advisor, should be congratulated for years of effort and commitment to personal growth and agricultural development.

Nick’s mother, sister Liz, and friend Tessa Wenner accompanied him to Indianapolis and attended the program during which Nick received his degree on the morning of October 28.