Former Olathe student earns highest FFA degree

Kati O’Hare

Daily Press Writer

MONTROSE — Former Olathe High student Chandra Castle recently earned the American Degree, the highest level that can be achieved as a Future Farmer of America member.

“Less than 5 percent receive the award,” said Joe Livingston, Castle’s FFA advisor. He said in his 15 years as an advisor, only five students have earned the honor.

Castle is also the first in her family to receive such a high decoration.

To receive the highest level, the FFA member must choose a Supervised Agricultural Experience program. The SAE project is designed by the student to give them hands-on experience and develop skills in an agriculture career area that interests them. Castle’s main SAE project was selling her pigs and cattle for the county fair.

The project was supervised by Livingston and Castle had to keep extensive records.

The American degree requires applicants to have been out of high school for one year. They must have shown leadership and earned or invested $7,500, according to Livingston.

“It (American Degree) opens the door for scholarships down the road,” he said.

Castle accepted the award at a conference in Indianapolis where 3,000 FFA students listened to keynote speakers such as Terry Bradshaw from FOX NFL Sunday and CBS Sports’ Clark Kellogg.

Castle grew up on her parent’s, Ronda and Randy Castle, ranch west of Olathe. She was involved in 4-H, showing sheep but didn’t get involved in the business of the ranch until her neighbor, Dave Ubell, gave her some sows and a boar.

Castle joined FFA her freshman year in high school and was an active member throughout those four years. During that time she earned numerous awards, receiving the Green Hand her freshman year. Her sophomore year she received the Chapter Degree and in her junior year accomplished her State Degree, attending the state convention in Fruita. She’s won the Gold Award in swine production and also diversified production with her cattle and pigs.

“I first started as a shy girl that stayed out of the spotlight,” Castle said. “But it’s helped me build leadership skills and confidence.”

She made money by selling her pigs to 4-H members and in 1997 had made enough profit to take her family to Disney World. She a club calves operation, a business that sells show livestock.

Along with her pig business, she has cattle, currently owning close to 21 head. When she graduated high school, the livestock that she sold paid for her first year of college.

Castle is currently in her second year at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Neb., and will graduate in May with an associates degree in agricultural business. She said she’s not sure what her plans are after graduation. She may go on for more school or “do what my parents have been doing for the last 19 years.” She doesn’t plan on returning to the area, but might live on her dad’s property in Iowa.

“FFA has helped me all around,” Castle said. “It’s made a big impact, and I wouldn’t be were I am today. If it wasn’t for my advisor and my mom, I don’t think I would have gotten this award. They pushed me.”

Contact Kati O’Hare via e-mail at katio@montrosepress.com