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Josh and Erica have been long-time supporters of youth in agriculture. Josh was a Litchfield FFA member himself and all three of their children were/are members as well. Josh & Erica have both been drivers and/or chaperones for numerous local, regional, state and even national events- usually “donating” their time to do so. They both are members of the newly re-chartered Litchfield FFA Alumni & Supporters with Erica serving as this year’s Treasurer. They have also both served as delegates to Hartford AL and been a host family for a handful of students as part of the PBM Exchange program.

They are both avid supporters of the Meeker County Fair- Josh is a Fairboard member who donates countless hours to grounds management and maintenance; Erica also donates countless hours to managing the grandstand foodstand. They have also served as open class/FFA and 4-H Rabbit Project superintendents- and though they have stepped down from those roles- they continue to assist with county fair rabbit shows and offer assistance in any way they can. They also volunteer their time in the 4-H foodstand and the Moo Booth.

They are active members of the community- selflessly giving of their time to DCL Swimming Boosters, Litchfield Baseball Association, St. Philip’s Church/Church of Our Lady, Forest City Livewires & Meeker County 4-H, Meeker County Fair, Litchfield FFA Alumni & Supporters, and even their service-focused employment. I’m sure we have missed some groups or items to which Josh and Erica have given their time and talents- this is just the tip of the iceberg.

All three of their children are either currently working or considering agricultural related careers and have all been active members of agricultural education based youth and young adult organizations. This speaks to the impact they have both shared being stand-up supporters and advocates for agricultural education and community involvement.

Josh & Erica are beyond deserving of this recognition and are a shining example of what the Litchfield FFA Hall of Fame award represents.

Bernie & Aggie shared a life of faith on their dairy farm in Mannanah and later at their home in Litchfield. They raised their family on the farm which in turn led to two more generations of farmers and agriculturalists sharing a love of the dairy industry and agricultural life. 

Between the two of them, they have been involved with 4-H, FFA, PBM, the Minnesota State and National Holstein and Red & White Associations, Meeker County Holstein Board, Meeker County Fairboard, and Meeker County ADA. You could always find them on the bleachers at cattle shows, at a sports event, or at a dairy princess banquet. They also shared the love of their faith through the Church of Our Lady in Manannah as members of Catholic United Financial, the Pastoral Council, Council of Catholic Women, and volunteering for other various ministries. This couple has stood as a pillar of faith in their church serving as Baptismal godparents and Confirmation sponsors, helping guide young people in their faith. 

They have both been avid supporters of the FFA and have offered many years of leadership, financial support, and advocacy for agricultural education. 

Bob & Betty shared their love of local history and agriculture right in the tiny town of Forest City. Both born and raised in the Litchfield area and having farmed their whole lives, they are no strangers to the difficulties and beauties of agricultural life and have held fast to the importance of building relationships within the community. 

Between the two of them, they can be found on membership lists for PBM, Kingston Lions, Forest City Threshers, Ostmark Lutheran Church, and- most prominently- the Forest City Stockade. Other areas of service included Meeker County Park Board, Compassionate Friends, Litchfield School Board, numerous church activities, and even the Minnesota Air National Guard. Their faith and family stand most important to them and they have always cherished time supporting their children and grandchildren in their activities and shaping them though faith and farming. A warm, welcoming hug was always waiting inside the stockade walls or wherever you may have run into them. 

This couple embodies what it means to give back to the community with kindness and humility and have been honored in many other ways throughout the area for their dedication and service over the years.

Terri has dedicated the last 20+ years to the Peanut Butter & Milk Festival and has been a steady supporter of Litchfield FFA for just as long. She is one of the first to speak highly of the FFA and truly understands the importance of FFA and agricultural education and the lasting impact the opportunities hold for students. Though not an FFA member herself, she is no stranger to agricultural life. From growing up on a farm to farming with her husband and raising their family in rural Litchfield, agriculture remains a central theme in her life story. Her professional career yielded top honors as St. Cloud area Legal Secretary of the year in 1980, but that didn’t stop her from continuing to learn and network with other business professionals as a Meeker in Motion participant.  

Volunteer community involvement has been a prominent part of her life including serving as a long-standing PBM board officer, member of the Litchfield Parade of Bands board, United Way Litchfield Area Women Empower, and the Phi Theta Kappa Society. She also served her church as a secretary, treasurer, Sunday School superintendent, Vacation Bible School director and as a member of the Lutheran Women’s Ministry League. Other places she can be found include cheering on the football team, at a band or choir concert, or theater production- being a supportive grandparent is a top priority for this service oriented individual. After recently retiring from a long, successful career in an industry dedicated to serving others, she has chosen to continue giving back as one of the newest members of the Litchfield FFA Alumni & Supporters chapter. 

Her dedication to sharing the importance of agricultural education for the future leaders and agriculturists of our community goes above and beyond, especially for someone who didn’t get the chance to partake in the program herself. Her enthusiasm for agriculture does not go unnoticed and embodies what it means to be a true supporter of the FFA and an overall, well-rounded, service-driven community member.