03/03/2026
We hope you enjoyed FFA Week as much as we did. It was so uplifting to learn about the activities of area chapters and meet some of the FFA members themselves.
There are over 270 active FFA chapters in Iowa and each of them have at least one advisor. Stationed by the owl, a time honored emblem of knowledge and wisdom, these advisors also serve as agriculture teachers dedicated to empowering students to lead their local chapters. Promoting leadership, communication, and service to others, they actively invest in the present and the future.
We were recently able to catch up between classes with Skie Shull, the advisor for the AC/GC FFA (Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center) chapter. She noted that the districts have long been known for strong ag programs and great FFA chapters. With the present whole grade sharing agreement, the combined chapter is proving even stronger..“The chapter now has over 70 members, including a group of active middle school students. The Iowa Convention will be an extra special one this year. 18 members are set to receive the Iowa FFA Degree and over 30 members will be competing or representing the chapter in some way!”
As a FFA alumni, Skie credits her own chapter, Clarinda Brokaw FFA Chapter and her former advisor now turned mentor,Andy Johnson, with giving her a solid foundation to guide an ag program. “My friends and I were those who raised our hands and volunteered for lots of different opportunities, so I got acquainted with a wide range of experiences.” The 4th year teacher notes she is blessed with students open to new experiences and motivated to learn and represent their chapter and school. Chapter SAEs (supervised agricultural experiences) are greatly varied. Whether working on a family farm, running a lawn care business, raising broilers or rabbits or working at a local ag business members are engaged in gaining life skills.
“I tend to measure success not by just numbers, but when I observe students having an ‘ah ha moment.’ Maybe it is when they try something and say, ‘That was really neat and I want to dig deeper.’ Or I see their self-confidence rise and they are willing to try something totally new.” According to the energetic advisor, FFA is about personal growth. Knowledge about agriculture is important,but gaining self-awareness even more so.
An Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life SciencesIowa State graduate with a degrees in animal science with an emphasis on equine science and ag education. Skie credits her own SAE with leading her to ISU. During her freshman year of high school she purchased a team of draft horses in partnership with her step-father. This led to a business that offered carriage rides. As a horse enthusiast with a special love for Shires, she remains involved with Iowa’s draft horse industry. On weekends and over school breaks she looks forward to helping with the family business, Circle C Carriages.
Although a self-proclaimed horse lover, Skie maintains an interest in all species of animals. Growing up she was always willing to help her friends show lambs, rabbits, pigs, and cattle at the Page County Fair - Clarinda, Iowa. Her love of dogs continues to play a central part of her adult life. She and her husband, William, who is also a teacher and coach at AC/GC, have a pair of miniature Aussies.
Skie says she was able to jump right into her responsibilities at ACGC when she accepted the position. Following the privilege of student teaching there under Jim Calvert, she transitioned directly into serving as full-time teacher and FFA advisor when Calvert retired. As a 4-H alumni, Skie completed a student internship with Montgomery County-IA Extension, further broadening her insights and experience in youth development. Her peers have recognized her early successes. She has been honored with the Southwest District Young Member Award from the Iowa Association of Agriculture Educators.
“I am very appreciative of a supportive administration, parents, and a wonderful community. It makes doing my job easier and sets the stage for positive outcomes for students. “ She also notes that her husband is super supportive of FFA members. William can often be found helping with behind the scenes tasks.. As parents of a young son, both are excited about all the opportunities their son can access through FFA, the school, and such a supportive community. Watching her son explore the world around him, gaining confidence and independence brings a similar joy to that she gets to witness daily with her students and FFA members.
A big salute to Mrs. Shull and all the other FFA advisors across Iowa. We appreciate the time, attention and love you invest in the biggest resource we have. Please add your own personal note of appreciation to a present or past ag teacher who you feel has embodied the essence of the owl in the comment section below.
