By Alexis Corman, Marketing Manager, WESTCO
GERING, Neb. — Western Cooperative Company (WESTCO) and the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center (PREEC) welcomed area FFA chapters to its annual FFA Day on Wednesday, August 27, just outside of Gering.
The event brought together 250 high school students from 11 FFA Chapters across the Panhandle to learn more about agriculture, agribusiness and career opportunities in the cooperative system. “FFA Day is one of our favorite events of the year because it allows us to invest in the future of the agriculture industry,” said Agronomy Coordinator Morgan Schuh.
FFA members rotated through hands-on learning stations led by WESTCO employees and industry partners, covering topics such as agronomy, animal nutrition, precision technology and cooperative career paths. The event gave students a chance to interact directly with professionals working in agriculture and to see how classroom lessons connect to real-world applications.
Feed Division Manager Jared Mracek said, “WESTCO FFA Day was a huge success. Students gained insight into a variety of agricultural topics and real-world scenarios that impact farmers and ranchers daily. WESTCO is proud to host this event each year, recognizing that these students represent the next generation of agricultural stewards”
In partnership with the PREEC, WESTCO FFA Day has become an annual tradition that strengthens connections between local youth and the cooperative. The event reflects WESTCO’s ongoing commitment to education, youth leadership, and supporting agriculture in the communities it serves.
For more information about WESTCO and its commitment to agriculture and community engagement, visit www.westco.coop.