OFI 937: Embryo transfer technology with Goats| FFA Edition | Luke Falkenstien | Lebette County FFA

Summary

In this episode of the Off-Farm Income podcast, Luke Falkenstein shares his journey with goat production and the life-changing impact of FFA. He discusses how his passion for goats led him to success in agriculture, alongside his valuable experiences in FFA that taught him life skills like communication, leadership, and public speaking. Luke’s advice for students is clear: even those without an agricultural background can benefit from FFA. Whether pursuing a career in agriculture or another field, the skills gained from FFA can significantly shape one’s future. Luke’s story exemplifies how following one's passion and joining FFA can open doors to personal and professional growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Luke Falkenstein chose goat production for his SAE because it was something he loved and enjoyed doing, despite the hard work involved.
• 😀 Luke emphasizes the importance of doing something you love, as it doesn’t feel like work and helps with personal growth and skill development.
• 😀 FFA is beneficial for all students, not just those interested in agriculture, as it teaches valuable life skills like public speaking, writing, and sales.
• 😀 Luke’s advice for FFA members is to pursue an SAE that aligns with their interests and passions to make the experience fulfilling.
• 😀 Luke shares the story of a student who joined FFA without knowing anything about agriculture and went on to have a successful career outside of agriculture.
• 😀 The life skills learned in FFA, such as communication and leadership, are applicable in many areas, not just agricultural careers.
• 😀 Luke highlights how FFA helps students build confidence, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic that will benefit them throughout their lives.
• 😀 FFA contests, such as speech contests and ad sales, provide valuable experiences that prepare students for future success in various industries.
• 😀 Joining FFA provides students with networking opportunities and the chance to develop skills that can help them stand out in any profession.
• 😀 Luke encourages students to join FFA regardless of their background in agriculture, as it’s a platform for personal development and building a strong foundation for their future.

Q & A

Why did Luke Falkenstein choose goat production as his SAE?

Luke chose goat production for his SAE because it was something he genuinely loved to do. He found it enjoyable and fulfilling, as it didn't feel like work despite the hard effort required. His passion for being around goats made it a natural choice for his project.

What is Luke's perspective on the amount of work involved in goat production?

Luke acknowledges that goat production requires a lot of hard work, but he believes that the work doesn't feel like a burden because he enjoys it. He finds the process rewarding and views it as an opportunity for personal growth and learning in the industry.

How does Luke feel about missing out on the goat kidding season while being away?

Luke feels disappointed about missing out on the kidding season because it is an exciting time on the farm. Despite his absence from the farm during this period, he remains passionate about the work and the anticipation of the upcoming births.

What was the primary reason Luke joined the FFA?

Luke joined the FFA because he was interested in developing life skills and gaining valuable experiences. While his passion for agriculture motivated him, he also recognized that FFA could help him build essential skills like communication and leadership.

What advice does Luke give to students considering joining the FFA?

Luke encourages all students, regardless of whether they have a background in agriculture, to join the FFA. He emphasizes that FFA offers valuable life skills, such as public speaking, writing, and salesmanship, which are beneficial in all careers and life situations.

Can you share an example of how the FFA helped a student who had no interest in agriculture?

Luke shares the story of a student who joined FFA with no prior interest in agriculture. This student participated in speech contests and other events, ultimately gaining a lot from the experience. Today, he works for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and he credits his success to the skills he developed in the FFA.

What key life skills did Luke mention that are developed through FFA?

Luke highlighted essential life skills developed through FFA, including public speaking, writing, and sales skills. These abilities are not only helpful in agricultural careers but are valuable in virtually any professional field.

Why does Luke believe joining FFA is beneficial even for those who do not pursue a career in agriculture?

Luke believes FFA is beneficial for all students because the life skills learned through the organization, such as communication and leadership, are universally applicable and essential for success in various fields, not just agriculture.

What role did Luke’s high school play in helping him decide to join FFA?

Luke's high school played an instrumental role in his decision to join FFA by providing guidance and promoting the program. The FFA advisors and teachers encouraged students to participate, making it clear that the skills gained in FFA were valuable regardless of the student's future career path.

What has Luke's involvement in FFA meant for his personal and professional growth?

Luke’s involvement in FFA has helped him grow both personally and professionally. It has allowed him to develop confidence in public speaking, leadership, and other essential skills. These experiences have not only benefited him in his agricultural pursuits but also in other areas of his life.