Cream of the crop

Jake Baudler learned as a young boy the results of working hard, getting his hands dirty and contributing something to society through agriculture.

As a college student pressing toward a degree in criminal justice, the 2015 Nodaway Valley High School graduate has reached the proverbial pinnacle of FFA, one of the many activities he's been involved in for the last several years. He received the American degree at the national convention recently.

Baudler, 21, is the son of John and Darla Baudler, and his siblings are Josh and Jodi. Jodi is currently the president of the NV FFA chapter.

"I never really thought too much about it when I was younger, and it didn't really start becoming a thought for me until my junior or senior year in high school," Baudler said. "It especially became more important to me after I got my Iowa degree last year."

To get his Iowa degree, which is the highest award bestowed upon an Iowa FFA member, Baudler was required to acheive minimum requirements in the classroom, within the organization and in the community. Those eligible undergo rigorous review before being given the award.

The American degree, given at the FFA National Convention each year — held this year Saturday, Oct. 28 in Indianapolis — has similar, though steeper, benchmarks.

Two aspects of FFA involvement that have meant a lot to Baudler are raising cattle with his father and working for Grantham Sanitation in Fontanelle. They were both SAE projects [Supervised Agricultural Experiences] he has been a part of. Baudler was also a multi-sport athlete at NVHS and was in 4-H, belonging to the Summerset Citizens 4-H Club.

"I've learned leadership and responsbility [from these experiences]," Baudler said. "From a young age, my parents taught me the values of hard work and that led over into me playing multiple sports and being in multiple activities. You've gotta be dedicated and work hard for what you want. That's what I've gotten out of getting this award — the hard work and dedication."

Rubbing shoulders with all kinds of people in FFA at the state and national level has also helped Baudler see the bigger picture of agriculture and the world.

"Learning different ways to be successful has been another big part of this process," he said. "I've learned a lot from FFA on how to be successful and make lasting friendships."