News : FFA Labor Auction Brings Family Together while Raising Funds for the Local FFA

Grant Ries sits with his Grandpa Henkle following the FFA Auction.

The Vinton Shellsburg FFA Labor Auction was held on Thursday night at the high school gym.

Friendly bidding wars ensued between parents, grandparents and area organizations to purchase labor from the students in the FFA program.

Each of the students gave a brief resume of all of the work that they are qualified to bring to the bidder.

Some included housekeeping, childcare, yard work, help around the farm and a host of other abilities.

The students each stood on the auction block as the banter began between bidders, Joel Schmitz, chimed, "There are no friends at an auction!"

The FFA program raised $8,000 with the labor auction of 54 students (and staff).

The chapter will use the funds to fund travel expenses for the state and national FFA convention. The students compete and gain life skills to become high quality leaders, said Wyatt Forsyth who is Vinton Shellsburg's Agricultural Education Teacher.

Grant Ries keeping an eye on the bidders

Grant Ries took part in the auction this year. He is a senior, so this will be his last year as a member of the FFA.

"Grant is highly involved as well as a great leader in not just my classroom, but in our Vinton Community. Grant is very helpful when a job or duty is needing to get done. He is able to step right in and offer his advice when it is needed. Grant shows excellence even on his family farm where he raises a cow-calf operation and helps his grandfather in the field growing row crops. In my opinion, I am excited to see the achievements Grant will have down the road whether it is academically, in a career field, or being a high-class, well-rounded role model for others following in his footsteps" said Forsyth of Ries.

Grant was the proud purchase of his grandfather Kenny Henkle, the last of Henkle's grandchildren to participate in the FFA.

As is probably true with most of the kids, Kenny said, "He's already worked it off."

Kelby Robb said of the family, " Kenny Henkle first became involved with the Future Farmers of America when I, his oldest grandchild joined the organization in my freshman year of high school. Grandsons Riley Ries and Keaton Robb soon followed. Several years later, so did Grant Ries. All four grandchildren were very drawn to the Future Farmers of America for a very specific reason: they had been farming with Grandpa Kenny all their lives.

To Kenny Henkle and his grandchildren, farming is a beloved family tradition. The Henkles have a long family history of farming that has been passed through the generations. Kenny's great-great grandfather Asa Henkle first arrived in Benton County in 1887 and descending Henkles have been farming here ever since.

Kenny has raised beef cattle all his life, a passion his crew of assistants has inherited. Vaccinating newborn calves and caring for the cattle are some of their favorite tasks.

The skills his grandchildren have learned farming with him have shaped their occupational choices. Maintaining and restoring antique farm equipment with Grandpa has led to a love of mechanics for two grandsons. Keaton graduated from Kirkwood Community College with a degree in diesel mechanics. Grant will be entering the same program this fall.

With Grandpa Kenny, the grandkids have experienced many facets of small farming including animal husbandry, mechanics, fieldwork, and property management. From Grandpa they have inherited a lifetime's worth of agricultural knowledge and herdsmanship wisdom that will serve them well in the FFA."

Photos from the event can be seen here on Vinton Today's Facebook page as well as a few video clips of the event.

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Editor's note: One of my favorite Paul Harvey clip is here, it's called, "So God Made a Farmer" this story reminds me of guys like Kenny, and many others out there, thanks farmers for what you do!