For Jill Welke, supporting FFA members is simply part of what she does. That's why being recognized for that work came as a surprise.
Welke, assistant farm director at WAXX 104.5 and a member of the Midwest Farm Report family, recently received the Honorary Wisconsin State FFA Degree, an honor recognizing adults who have made a positive impact on Wisconsin FFA and its members.
“I was in awe because when I look at what I do for FFA and agriculture, I don't see that it's out of the norm of what I would do normally,” Welke said. “I'm just very honored to be recognized as somebody that has made an impact on FFA members and students.”
Welke's involvement with FFA spans several roles. For the past several years, she has helped drive and chaperone Wisconsin's state FFA officers to the National FFA Convention, with this year's trip set to be her fourth.
Through her broadcasting career, Welke has also taken responsibility for “FFA on the Air,” a weekly program with roots dating back to the 1960s. Each Saturday morning, the program highlights a different FFA chapter, allowing 52 chapters each year to share what their members are doing.
Welke coordinates with the chapters and interviews members about their FFA experiences and activities.
Her involvement extends beyond the radio station. Welke serves as president of the Osseo-Fairchild FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter, helping support local members through financial assistance and volunteer involvement. She also serves as a Section 2 representative for Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters, working with alumni and supporter chapters as they assist their local FFA programs.
For Welke, that commitment is personal.
She grew up participating in FFA and was an FFA Star Farmer finalist. Later, she raised four children who were involved in the organization, with each earning the honor of FFA Star Farmer finalist as well.
Agriculture has been an equally consistent part of her life. Welke raises cattle and said she has been involved in agriculture since birth.
“Agriculture comes naturally to me, and FFA is part of that because it provides the leadership aspect of it and helps to create good people as they become part of our society and grow,” she said.
Welke hopes other farm broadcasters will find ways to use their own abilities to support agricultural youth and encourage them to share their stories.
“We all have talents,” Welke said. “Sometimes they're very apparent, sometimes they're kind of hidden. We just need to be brave enough to share those talents with the youth.”
Whether through FFA, broadcasting or agriculture, Welke plans to continue doing exactly that.
“I'm going to keep doing it as long as I can,” she said.
