Ashland FFA members learn about ag tech from guest speaker

The Ashland FFA Chapter had a special meeting Monday the 23^rd at 6:30. We had a guest speaker named Mr. Ken Ruprecht from Knox County. Today, Ken and his wife, Marilyn, have concentrated on dairy farming for the last 25 years and milk about 130 cows in Knox County, Ohio. Their farm of 320 acres includes raising hay, corn, soybeans and helping raise 5 grandsons and a granddaughter.

Ken has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education from The Ohio State University and spent five years teaching Vocational Agriculture. Ken has been actively involved with Farm Bureau, Ohio Dairy Producers Association, The Soil and Water Conservation District and a Township Trustee.

Ken spoke to us about the efficiency-enhancing technologies and how they can greatly reduce resource usage on the farm. Ken also talked to us about how important agriculture and farming is in the world. His personal farm has 130 cows and 135 young stock. They produce 1,200 gallons of milk per day. Their equipment includes: Free Stall Barns, Individual Calf Hutches, TMR (total mixed ration) feed mixer, Milking Parlor, and a 4000 gallon milk storage bulk tank.

The class enjoyed popcorn and refreshments while listening to Mr. Ruprecht’s speech and the officer team presented him with an Ashland FFA Chapter travel mug. We would like to thank Ken for coming to speak to our chapter and giving us information on Agriculture.