MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL – The Minnesota FFA Alumni and Supporters Association proudly announces the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame Class of 2025. These seven inductees will join the 246 members previously inducted into the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame, including the 75 inaugural members in 2004. The FFA Hall of Fame is a collaborative effort between the Minnesota FFA Association, Alumni and Supporters, and Foundation.
A selection committee consisting of FFA members, alumni and Supporters, agricultural educators, and foundation representatives selected the final inductees. “We were looking for individuals who have been influential and supportive of Minnesota FFA and who have demonstrated a high level of service and longstanding commitment to agriculture, agribusiness, and/or education in agriculture,” said Steve Olson, co-chair, Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame Committee.
The Minnesota FFA Foundation through its Star Partners Program provides resources that support the FFA Hall of Fame program. For more information about programs and funding opportunities visit www.mnffafoundation.org.
FFA is a national youth organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success of its 1,000,000+ student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. Nearly 15,000 students are members of the Minnesota FFA Association. For more information, visit www.mnffa.org.
MINNESOTA FFA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2025
A.J Duerr has championed many legislative issues that have helped advance Agricultural Education. His efforts have secured support for secondary, post-secondary and farm business management programs. He is a trusted leader in connecting people to our students, teachers and supporters with key decision makers. He provides leadership for FFA Day at the Capitol and other Legislative events conducted by FFA and Agricultural Education organizations. A.J. Duerr is a humble leader who has built a reputation of being an honest, trustworthy resource person for legislators old and new. Although he will rarely get public credit for his influence, he is the reason that Agricultural Education has and continues to receive funding for programs including MAELC, Farm Business Management and Extended Contract support.
Lynn Ketelsen, a farm broadcaster in Minnesota over the past 45 years, has spoken to dozens of FFA chapters at their annual banquets about the many opportunities they can have with a career in agriculture. Lynn broadcasted live with the FFA at the Minnesota State Fair, attended the Minnesota FFA Convention and National FFA conventions and interviewed future leaders many times over the years. Lynn has received the Honorary National FFA Degree, and has received numerous awards from local FFA Chapters. His voice now covers a number of communities where FFA members meet, and his positive comments reflect the success of the members and chapters.
Sarah Kuschel is a regional coordinator for Ag in the Classroom, She is a volunteer assistant advisor for Sebeka FFA Chapter. She has assisted and volunteered with the Region 2 officer team. She is secretary of the Sebeka FFA Alumni and friends. She has assisted at the State FFA convention by shuttling visiting state and national officers from the airport to their hotel. She has hosted region and neighboring chapters at their ranch. As a board member of Sebeka Alumni and Friends she helped raise over $10,000 for scholarships. She and her family have purchased several of the agricultural license plates. She has helped raise money for scholarships through the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation. Their ranch sponsors a “Blue Jacket Bright Futures”. She holds the Minnesota FFA honorary state degree.
Shawn Linder is an agriculture educator at Grand Rapids High School for 22 years. He has helped numerous students achieve success. Over 22 years, he has built a successful FFA chapter that has resulted in 23 state CDE championships teams, 17 state individual CDE championships, 8 top five national CDE teams, 16 top ten national CDE teams, 75 State Degree recipients, 9 State proficiency champions, 30 Region II officers, 7 State officers, and numerous regional championships. With all of those numbers, he certainly has the knowledge of how to win and have students become successful, but the labor he puts into the program is not often shown. Mr. Linder is a member of the Farm Bureau and MAAE Teachers Association. He has served as the Region II advisor for many years and received the Region II supporter award.
Dr. Amy Smith is an Associate Professor and Program Leader of Agricultural Education at the University of Minnesota. She teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, and conducts research centered on teacher recruitment and retention in school-based agricultural education. Smith takes a lead role each year coordinating the statewide Change Lives: Teach Ag workshop and has built partnerships with groups outside of FFA like Minnesota 4-H, Elevate Teaching, and Growing North to recruit future agriculture teachers. Smith has played a significant role in ensuring Minnesota FFA members have positive experiences while on campus. She is a tireless advocate to University administration and other departments to engage them in the UMN FFA Invitationals. She has also served as an FFA State Officer mentor and supports those officers attending the University of Minnesota who need directed independent study credits during their year of service.
Al Stemper has taught Agriculture Education and advised the FFA at Foley high school for the past 36 years. During his time as an advisor Stemper has led many different LDE and CDE teams to the state and national level. He built an FFA program that has annually held between 80-100 members each year. Stemper received his Honorary State Degree in 2014. The Foley FFA Alumni and Supporters have to thank Al for starting up the chapter to better help the local FFA program.
Dr. Curtis Youngs, a member of the Winona FFA Chapter and Minnesota FFA State Treasurer in 1978-79, has been a dedicated supporter of FFA for over two decades. His journey from FFA leadership to his current role as the Endowed Chair of International Animal Agriculture at Iowa State University demonstrates his lifelong commitment to agricultural education and its global impact. He endowed the Sheep Proficiency Award in honor of his parents and supports FFA through the Minnesota FFA Foundation, sponsoring the Conduct of Chapter Meetings competition as well as state conferences.