Nyssa FFA Farm Business Management Team to compete in National Convention
By Logan Bagett on Thursday, May 14th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NYSSA — Members of the Nyssa FFA Chapter are wrapping up a winning year, according to school officials. Advisor Chad Cruickshank recently shared a few of the chapter’s achievements over the past year, including wins from the 2026 Oregon FFA State Convention. Cruickshank highlighted the Nyssa FFA Farm Business Management Team, which will represent Oregon at the 2026 FFA National State Convention.
Read the full press release below:
(Press Release from Nyssa School District)
The Nyssa FFA Chapter attended the 2026 Oregon FFA State Convention held March 19-22 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, where members represented the chapter well through degree achievements, proficiency competitions, leadership opportunities, and career development events.
One of the chapter’s highest honors included seven students earning the Oregon FFA State Degree, the highest degree bestowed by the Oregon FFA Association. Recipients included Samuel (Luke) Baker, Michael Corn, Joseph Debudge, Maxton Hansen, Hailey Harnden, Tessa Schulthies, and Ryan Young.
Five Nyssa FFA members qualified through district competition and competed in a total of eight State FFA Proficiency areas, showcasing their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects and agricultural entrepreneurship efforts.
Competing students and categories included:
• Ruth Romans: Agricultural Services Entrepreneurship/Placement
• Greta Chamberlain: Beef Production Entrepreneurship, Beef Production Placement, Diversified Agricultural Production Entrepreneurship/Placement, and Forage Production Entrepreneurship/Placement
• Amity Hartley: Diversified Livestock Production Entrepreneurship/Placement
• Addison Munk: Forest Management & Products Entrepreneurship/Placement
• Maxton Hansen: Specialty Crop Production Entrepreneurship/Placement
Nyssa FFA brought home two State Proficiency Championships. Addison Munk was named the 2026 Oregon FFA State Proficiency Winner in Forest Management & Products Entrepreneurship/Placement, while Greta Chamberlain earned the title of 2026 Oregon FFA State Proficiency Winner in Beef Production Entrepreneurship.
Greta Chamberlain also represented Nyssa FFA as a candidate for Oregon FFA State Office. While not selected for office, the chapter is extremely proud of her efforts, professionalism, and representation throughout the process. Chamberlain was additionally recognized as a State Star Farmer Finalist.
The Nyssa FFA Farm Business Management Team earned the 2026 Oregon FFA State Championship in Farm Business Management and qualified to represent Oregon at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October 2026.
The championship team consists of Alivia Esselburn, Ryan Young, Emily Cornell, Ely Dittmer, and McKenna Montez. Ely Dittmer was named 1st High Individual in the state, while Ryan Young earned 5th High Individual honors. Additional team members competing included Heidi Carlton, Mattox Baldwin, and Sunny Groves.
The chapter later celebrated these accomplishments and more during the Nyssa FFA Chapter Banquet and Auction held in April. The evening highlighted member achievements, degree recipients, leadership recognition, and community support for agricultural education.
The 2025-2026 Nyssa FFA Officer Team included President Addison Munk, Vice President Ruth Romans, Secretary Michael Corn, Treasurer Ryan Young, Reporter Maxton Hansen, Sentinel Abigail Schulthies, and Alumni Chair Alivia Esselburn. The officer team helped coordinate a successful banquet alongside advisor Mr. Cruickshank, many volunteers, alumni, and supporters.
Guests enjoyed a meal donated by longtime chapter supporter Bob’s Steaks & Spirits, prepared by Mr. Carlton and the Nyssa Culinary Class.
The banquet also recognized Greenhand Degree recipients. The Greenhand FFA Degree is awarded to first-year agricultural education students who demonstrate knowledge of FFA history and principles while beginning their Supervised Agricultural Experience programs.
Greenhand Degree recipients included Zoee Gallegos, Elija Green, Jax Jimenez, Teah Lovitt, Jayla Palacio, Madison Perez, Brayan Trinidad, Hilary Trujillo, and Brody Tuckness. Zoee Gallegos was selected as the Star Greenhand Member.
Members receiving the Chapter FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded at the local chapter level, included Mattox Baldwin, Heidi Carlton, Ely Dittmer, Alivia Esselburn, Sunny Groves, Aaliyah Hernandez, Matthew Jacquez, McKenna Montez, and Alexander Ortiz. The Star Chapter Farmer Award was presented to Alivia Esselburn.
Nyssa FFA also recognized Naomi Rich with the Honorary Chapter Degree for her continued support of the chapter, agricultural education, and FFA members. Rich is a dedicated Nyssa High School employee, proud FFA parent, and longtime supporter of the program.
Graduating senior members recognized during the banquet included Greta Chamberlain, Amity Hartley, Maxton Hansen, Addison Munk, Ruth Romans, and Abigail Schulthies.
The chapter extends sincere appreciation to all donors, buyers, and supporters who contributed to the live and silent auctions. Special thanks should be given to the Sparks family for their continued efforts helping operate the auction which helps support scholarships for graduating FFA seniors.
Nyssa FFA also introduced the 2026-2027 Officer Team and looks forward to another successful year ahead. Incoming officers include President Ryan Young, Vice President Michael Corn, Secretary Ely Dittmer, Treasurer Alivia Esselburn, Reporter Emily Cornell, and Sentinel Hailey Harnden.
The Nyssa FFA Chapter continues to build strong leaders, agricultural advocates, and future industry professionals through agricultural education, leadership development, and hands-on student experiences. The chapter is grateful for the continued support from the Nyssa community, families, alumni, and industry partners who make these opportunities possible for students.
