Former North Dakota FFA state officer and member Kristi Tonnessen grew up on a cow/calf operation in the north central part of the state. However, Tonnessen became interested in dairy cattle through her Supervised Agriculture Experience. “My brother and I both started showing dairy cattle to give us a different learning opportunity. While I grew up in production agriculture, this was something I was not used to at all.” Tonnessen, whose mom is also a teacher, is now an agriculture educator and FFA adviser at Rugby High School. It’s been a rewarding experience. “I’ve been an FFA adviser for four years now. Eighth graders often come in kind of scared or maybe think there is nothing in the FFA for them,” says Tonnessen. “I’ve enjoyed seeing that mindset change the most; seeing them grow and all of the experiences they have through FFA.” More highlights can be found on the Red River Farm Network Facebook and Twitter pages. Listen to Kristi’s full National FFA Week story here.