Cronk receives top FFA degree

Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year more than 4,800 American Degrees were awarded.

Levi Cronk, a member of the Summerland FFA chapter, was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo on Oct. 26.

Sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, John Deere, and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hours outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they own their own business, hold a professional position as an employee or conduct research. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through the completion of a long list of FFA and community activities.

Cronk's SAE featured a goat production entrepreneurship project. In 2022, in an interview with SAM, Cronk said he owned a herd of 20-plus goats. At the time, he estimated he worked with his goats between 10 and 14 hours a week during the school year.

"During the summer, through, I work nearly 21 or more hours a week with them, to get them ready for 4-H shows," he said.

Cronk also showed goats for more than 10 years in 4H at the Holt County Fair.

After being recognized at the national convention, each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate.