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Kamler produces corn, cashFillmore Central student named National FFA Agri-Entrepreneur Nebraska 
Eric Kamler, 17, of Shickley, Neb., is one of 10 students from across the country who received a National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 during a ceremony at the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 24. The award program recognizes young people who start or are planning to start businesses. Eric, who is the son of Mike and Kim Kamler, owns and operates EK Farms Co., a corn production enterprise. Kamler started his business in fall 2006 when a neighbor decided to retire from farming and lease his land to others. Kamler saw this as an opportunity to start his own small farming operation without the long-term commitment, and capital investment requirement, of owning the land. Kamler actively pursues ways to increase his production and optimize his marketing options. During his first crop year, he produced an average of 210 bushels an acre. Kamler implemented ridge-till practices and used variable-rate-technology equipment, which resulted in an increased yield of about five bushels an acre, thus increasing his profit. With the high price of corn, Kamler nearly tripled his net worth during this period. One of Kamler's first business decisions was to purchase a pull-type sprayer, and exchange the use of his sprayer on his father's farm for use of his father's other equipment on his acreage. "By making this purchase, I was able to boost my equity, incur a business-related expense I can subtract from my income on my tax return, and start building a credit record," Kamler said. Kamler markets his corn via the Aurora Cooperative, using a variety of different sales tactics, including pre-selling 5,000 bushel contracts via a licensed grain broker at the Chicago Board of Trade. Kamler is the Aurora Cooperative's youngest grain client. "Eric manages all aspects of the operation including financing, production techniques, marketing, and harvesting," said Kurt VanDeWalle, Kamler's agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. "I am only able to provide the basic knowledge and skills, but Eric does an astonishing job of learning on his own. I can proudly say that he has taught me a few things and regularly brings me information he finds that I can use in class." Kamler is a senior at Fillmore Central High School and is also a candidate for Nebraska FFA office. In high school, Kamler has been very active in FFA, serving as the Fillmore Central FFA Chapter president, winning the 2008 National FFA Grain Proficiency Award and being selected as one of 10 winners of the National FFA Risk Management Essay Contest. He is a member of FCCLA and National Honor Society. In November, Kamler will be traveling to Taiwan with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture on an agriculture trade representation program. He, along with two other Nebraska delegates, will talk about U.S. ag products and learn more about Taiwan's ag products. Kamler plans a career in agricultural policy. The National Agri-Entrepreneurship Award Program is sponsored by USDA Rural Development as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, Inc. "USDA Rural Development is pleased to sponsor the program because investing in today's up-and-coming rural entrepreneurs helps build a bright future for them and their communities," said Tom Dorr, under secretary for Rural Development at USDA. "The creativity and innovation that these young people bring to agriculture and rural America will make a difference in their lives and in their communities." The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members--all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture--is part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. 11/24/08 Date: 11/18/08 Advertisement
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