The Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at Colfax High School is poised for a promising future, even as it prepares to bid farewell to its graduating seniors. Recently, the team showcased its talents at the FFA National Championship, where senior Isabella Huntley earned an individual title in Agricultural Sales. The group event also brought recognition, with the team finishing in second place overall. Another senior, Hailey Vandenbark, represented Colfax individually, securing a bronze medal in Forage Production Proficiency Application.
While the achievements of the current seniors are commendable, the FFA legacy at Colfax extends beyond this year’s graduating class. Garin Monson, a junior returning next year, brings a wealth of experience from his family’s farm, which has been operating since the late 1800s. His family cultivates land from LaCrosse to Steptoe, including the areas of Colfax and Dusty. Monson described their farming operations primarily as grain farming, although they also grow hay.
“I drive the trucks and tractors, and in the summer, I operate the combine and semi-trucks,” Monson explained. “There are also drills and fertilizer machines that I tend to, along with routine maintenance on our farming equipment.”
Huntley’s agricultural roots lie primarily in Endicott, with her family also farming in the Lancaster and Thera areas. Throughout the academic year, she balances her commitments between FFA, sports, and other extracurricular activities. During the summer months, she contributes significantly to the family farm, having operated combines for the wheat harvest since 2021.
“That’s mainly what I do on the farm,” Huntley stated. “There are always odd jobs to do, and anyone raised on a farm has had to pitch in at some point, whether it’s pulling weeds or moving equipment.”
Huntley has aspirations to pursue a career in medicine and is currently volunteering at a hospital in Spokane. Her dedication is echoed by FFA adviser and agricultural education teacher Michael Heitstuman, who highlighted the hard work exhibited by all team members.
“Isabella has worked diligently for her goals as she approaches college,” Heitstuman remarked. “The same can be said for Hailey, who is also preparing for her next steps in education.”
Vandenbark’s family operations extend across Idaho and Oregon, specifically in Grangeville and Troy. From a young age, she has been immersed in agriculture, often accompanying her father, a diesel mechanic, on service calls for farm equipment.
“I have been heavily involved in agriculture my whole life,” Vandenbark said. “Some of my favorite memories are with my grandparents on the farm during the summer.”
In addition to her farming experience, Vandenbark has also worked at Jones Truck and Implement, further solidifying her connection to the agricultural community.
All three students expressed gratitude for the support and mentorship they have received from their families and the local community.
“Our community, our teammates, and our parents are not just there to support us,” Huntley reflected. “They are committed to helping us reach our highest potential, both individually and as a team.”
As the Colfax FFA chapter looks toward the future, the legacy of hard work and dedication established by its current and past members will undoubtedly continue to thrive.
