Justin Klinkner Named State FFA Star in Agribusiness

STATE WINNER: Justin Klinkner, Cashton

Justin was able to remodel an old heifer barn into a chicken coop and began a mid-range poultry operation of his very own. He began the project by purchasing ten varieties of hens online. After a year into the venture, he decided to grow his operation and sell his produce as organic eggs. Klinkner applied for and received a Rural Youth Loan from the local Farm Service Agency to help him finance the project.

Klinkner's Organic Eggs currently has 350 producing hens. He worked to get just the right number of chickens to work with the size of his facility to comply with organic standards. Through a contact with Organic Valley Cooperative in LaFarage, the nearly 300 eggs that are laid daily are gathered and marketed.

The process of caring for so many animals has taught Justin how to be a financially responsible businessman.

Klinkner plans to get a degree in Ag Mechanics from Southwest Tech College and would eventually like to take over his family's farm, or start his own agribusiness in poultry or livestock.

OTHER FINALISTS:
  Bradley Schwanz, Amherst
  Brittany Athey, Oconto Falls
  Derek DeJager, Randolph-Cambria-Friesland
  Rachel Kroeplien, Sheboygan Falls

SPONSOR: Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives

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