fbpx

ABOUT US

OUR MISSION

It is the mission of the ND FFA Foundation to support the leadership development opportunities and activities of the ND FFA and agricultural education.

OUR HISTORY: A TIMELINE OF MILESTONES

1980
Fred Bakk donates land

“Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” This is the FFA motto and no one exemplifies it more than Mr. Fridtjov Bakk. It was the mid-1960’s, and Fridtjov Bakk reflected on his life as an immigrant farmer in eastern North Dakota and those who had made his transition from Norway to this country easier. Bakk had taken agriculture courses at a local high school and forged a relationship with FFA members that would impact North Dakota’s members for generations to come.

Making arrangements with his attorney, Bakk established a land trust that would provide future FFA members support to advance their interests in agricultural careers. In October 2006, this trust was transferred to the North Dakota FFA Foundation, Inc.

The North Dakota FFA Foundation Board of Directors immediately set out to make sure this trust was handled as Mr. Bakk had intended. Programs were developed that provide assistance to FFA members ranging from programs benefiting the youngest members to young farmers just starting their careers in agricultural production.

Land in Sargent and Richland counties is farmed and continues to produce revenue that supports FFA programs across the state. Since 2007, the generosity of this gift has been responsible for Beginning Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) grants, Expansion SAE grants, college scholarships, Young Farmer scholarships enrolled in the ND Farm Business Management program, and special projects: a gift totaling over $300,000.

The continuing legacy of this gift has and will continue to enhance the education and opportunities of the youth and young adults involved in agriculture in North Dakota for years to come. It is important that current and former FFA members and supporters know of the tremendous impact Bakk’s give has made and realize the lasting effect this gift has had and continues to contribute to agriculture’s future leaders.

1980
First Employee
Joel Janke launches the Foundation and his wife Bev Janke serves as its first Executive Director.
1984
$1 from each ND FFA member
$1 from each ND FFA member’s dues donated to the ND FFA Foundation.
1999
First Annual Auction
The ND FFA Alumni and FFA Foundation hold their first annual auction during the ND State Fair.
2002
Beth Bakke-Stenehjem new Executive Director

Bev Janke retires from the ND FFA Foundation and Beth Bakke-Stenehjem named as the new Executive Director.

2002
First Newsletter

The inaugural issue of the ND FFA Foundation Newsletter is sent to donors and supporters.

2004
The ND FFA Foundation celebrated its 25th Anniversary
2006
47 members received jackets at the State FFA Convention

The Blue Jackets Bright Futures program is born, providing jackets to young FFA members. Forty-seven members received jackets at the State FFA Convention.

2008
Bismack Office

The ND FFA Foundation office moved to 909 Basin Avenue in Bismarck.

2011
First Assistant Director

Tam Maddock is named the Foundation’s first Assistant Director.

2013
Friend of the Foundation Award Launched

Joel Janke named the first ND FFA Foundation Friend of the Foundation.

2014
Beth Allen

Beth Allen hired as the Foundation’s part-time Fiscal Manager.

2014
Blue Jackets Bright Futures Program

More than 250 jackets were given out through the Blue Jackets Bright Futures Program to new members.

2014
Bryan Strom

Bryan Strom named 2014 ND FFA Foundation Friend of the Foundation.

2016
Farm Credit Services Donates Handbooks for 40 Years

The FFA Student Handbook is given to every chapter across North Dakota.  It is used and given to every incoming FFA member.  Thank you, Farm Credit Services!

2016
Steve Zimmerman

Steve Zimmerman named 2016 ND FFA Foundation Friend of the Foundation.

2017
Beth Bakke-Stenehjem

Beth Bakke-Stenehjem resigns from position as Executive Director and Tamra Maddock named as the replacement.

2017
Andrew Young

Andrew Young named as the replacement as the Foundation’s Assistant Director (previously Tamra Maddock).

2017
Bruce Bachmeier

Bruce Bachmeier named 2017 ND FFA Foundation Friend of the Foundation.

2018
Doug Vannurden

Doug Vannurden named 2018 ND FFA Foundation Friend of the Foundation.

2019
Thomas Winders

Tam Maddock resigns as Executive Director.  Thomas Winders is hired as the Foundation’s first Sponsor and Program Coordinator.

2019
Butch & Diane Haugland Family

The Butch and Diane Haugland Family named the 2019 ND FFA Friend of the Foundation.

2019
Tommy Winders

Tommy Winders selected to serve as ND FFA Foundation’s Sponsor and Program Coordinator.

2019
Andrew Young

Andrew Young appointed as Interim Executive Director.

2020
Tommy Winders – Executive Director

ND FFA Foundation Board of Directors appoints Tommy Winders as Executive Director.

2020
Abovo

ND FFA Foundation Board of Directors approves Abovo contract to retain their services.

2020
Beth Allen named the Executive Director.
2021
Michael Axt

Mike Axt was named the 2021 ND FFA Friend of the Foundation. The award was presented by Christina Dockter, President of the ND FFA Foundation.

2022
Warren Schlecht

Warren Schlecht was named the 2022 ND FFA Friend of the Foundation. The award was presented by Rueben Weigelt (President of the ND FFA Foundation) and Beth Allen (Executive Director of the ND FFA Foundation).

2023
Bridgette Readel

Bridgette Readel was named the 2023 ND FFA Friend of the Foundation. The award was presented by Rueben Weigelt (President of the ND FFA Foundation) and Beth Allen (Executive Director of the ND FFA Foundation).