04/30/2026
As we celebrate 90 years of Litchfield FFA, we reflect on legacy and what it takes to keep a program running for decades and preserve it for decades to come. The success of a program comes not only from the current participants and leaders, but also those who came before. Those who built the foundation, dedicated many years being directly involved, and continue giving support to this day. The kids may have graduated, the constant need for presence at events might have dwindled, the physical ability to be active in the group may have even changed the way these influential people participate today. But that doesn’t stop the support for the sidelines, the financial boosts, and most importantly the heart and passion behind agricultural advocacy. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees have done just that.
First we would like to recognize two couples who have been longtime supporters of FFA- especially through the Peanut Butter and Milk Festival. Both couples have shared their love of agriculture with their family, friends, and community. They are both strong supporters of Agriculture Education and understand the importance of preserving educational programs for generations to come. Not only have they shown outstanding long term support of the FFA, but they also are exemplary examples of longevity and commitment in other areas of life. Both couples spent many years of their lives giving back to the community serving on various boards, participating in numerous organizations, and most importantly shared almost 60 year marriages, rooted in faith and service. Though two very important halves of these couples are held in our memory and hearts, Litchfield FFA still recognizes the impact they left on our chapter and the legacy their spouses carry on today.
The first couple we are honored to recognize shared a life of faith on their dairy farm in Mannanah and later at their home in Litchfield. They raised their family on the farm which in turn led to two more generations of farmers and agriculturalists sharing a love of the dairy industry and agricultural life. Between the two of them, they have been involved with 4-H, FFA, PBM, the Minnesota State and National Holstein and Red & White Associations, Meeker County Holstein Board, Meeker County Fairboard, and Meeker County ADA. You could always find them on the bleachers at cattle shows, at a sports event, or at a dairy princess banquet. They also shared the love of their faith through the Church of Our Lady in Manannah as members of Catholic United Financial, the Pastoral Council, Council of Catholic Women, and volunteering for other various ministries. This couple has stood as a pillar of faith in their church serving as Baptismal godparents and Confirmation sponsors, helping guide young people in their faith. They have both been avid supporters of the FFA and have offered many years of leadership, financial support, and advocacy for agricultural education. It is our pleasure to induct Bernie and Aggie Schmitz into the Litchfield FFA Hall of Fame.
The second couple we are honored to recognize has shared their love of local history and agriculture right in the tiny town of Forest City. Both born and raised in the Litchfield area and having farmed their whole lives, they are no strangers to the difficulties and beauties of agricultural life and have held fast to the importance of building relationships within the community. Between the two of them, they can be found on membership lists for PBM, Kingston Lions, Forest City Threshers, Ostmark Lutheran Church, and- most prominently- the Forest City Stockade. Other areas of service included Meeker County Park Board, Compassionate Friends, Litchfield School Board, numerous church activities, and even the Minnesota Air National Guard. Their faith and family stand most important to them and they have always cherished time supporting their children and grandchildren in their activities and shaping them though faith and farming. A warm, welcoming hug was always waiting inside the stockade walls or wherever you may have run into them. This couple embodies what it means to give back to the community with kindness and humility and have been honored in many other ways throughout the area for their dedication and service over the years. It is our pleasure to add to their list of accolades and induct Bob and Betty Hermann into the Litchfield FFA Hall of Fame.
We have one more person to recognize this evening. This person has dedicated the last 20+ years to the Peanut Butter & Milk Festival and has been a steady supporter of Litchfield FFA for just as long. She is one of the first to speak highly of the FFA and truly understands the importance of FFA and agricultural education and the lasting impact the opportunities hold for students. Though not an FFA member herself, she is no stranger to agricultural life. From growing up on a farm to farming with her husband and raising their family in rural Litchfield, agriculture remains a central theme in her life story. Her professional career yielded top honors as St. Cloud area Legal Secretary of the year in 1980, but that didn’t stop her from continuing to learn and network with other business professionals as a Meeker in Motion participant. Volunteer community involvement has been a prominent part of her life including serving as a long-standing PBM board officer, member of the Litchfield Parade of Bands board, United Way Litchfield Area Women Empower, and the Phi Theta Kappa Society. She also served her church as a secretary, treasurer, Sunday School superintendent, Vacation Bible School director and as a member of the Lutheran Women’s Ministry League. Other places she can be found include cheering on the football team, at a band or choir concert, or theater production- being a supportive grandparent is a top priority for this service oriented individual. After recently retiring from a long, successful career in an industry dedicated to serving others, she has chosen to continue giving back as one of the newest members of the Litchfield FFA Alumni & Supporters chapter. Her dedication to sharing the importance of agricultural education for the future leaders and agriculturists of our community goes above and beyond, especially for someone who didn’t get the chance to partake in the program herself. Her enthusiasm for agriculture does not go unnoticed and embodies what it means to be a true supporter of the FFA and an overall, well-rounded, service-driven community member. It is our pleasure to induct Terri Anderson into the Litchfield FFA Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to this year's class of inductees! Litchfield FFA truly appreciates your dedication and support of our program and agricultural education. We thank you for being long-time, outstanding community members and being a shining example of “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live- and especially- Living to Serve.”
