A Pilgrimage around Food Security and Farming at Wessels Living History Church

Jason Hirschfeld – ag instructor and YPS FFA advisor with YPS FFA Difference Makers Committee members Melah Stodieck – daughter of Clay and Rebecca Stodieck; Taytum Methe – daughter of Clay and Kalli Methe; and Makayla Snider – daughter of Tom and Greisy Snider.

YORK, Neb. – Everyone is invited to take a Hope Sojourn for the Heartland at the church at Wessels Living History Farm on Wednesday, December 10. Doors open at 6 p.m. with some food and fellowship time followed by a program at 6:30 p.m.

Hope Sojourns for the Heartland are powered by the Graze Master Group. A “sojourn” in this context is a pilgrimage. In this case, this journey is geared for those desiring to take a moment to learn what opportunities exist for agriculture to be even more fruitful and connected to the community as well as be enlightened about food security issues in the county and across the state and nation. The evening is a partnership effort between the Graze Master Group, Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) – York County, and the York Public Schools (YPS) FFA Chapter. It’s especially geared towards farmers, ranchers, and everyone who eats!

Vance McCoy – Lead Educator of Transitional Ag Consulting – Powered by Graze Master.

Guest speakers include Vance McCoy – Perkins County, Neb. farmer, and Lead Educator for Transitional Ag Consulting – powered by Graze Master along with Jennifer Harre - Family Development Coordinator for BVCA, and YPS FFA “Difference Makers” committee – Makayla Snider, Melah Stodieck, and Taytum Methe.

“Effort in the right direction is unstoppable,” said McCoy, who has found positive success through changes he is making on his farm to work in tandem with nature. “I spent the first 20 years of my farming career striving for the wrong things, trying to follow the model of producing more bushels only. There is a better way and so many more options when you get serious about building soil and protecting and renewing our water resources. I looked at my own family and grandchildren and said, ‘The time is now to change my ways for their betterment and for a future time I will not see.’”

Young women on a mission! YPS FFA Difference Makers Committee leaders: Makayla Snider – daughter of Tom and Greisy Snider; Taytum Methe – daughter of Clay and Kalli Methe; and Melah Stodieck – daughter of Clay and Rebecca Stodieck.

Farmers and ranchers are integral to food security locally and across the nation. The history of agriculture in the United States has ensured a cheap food supply, but has also lent to some challenges such as fresh food deserts and access issues. Harre will talk about some of the hunger statistics for the county, what’s working, and areas that could be improved with citizens’ help.

Harre said, “Events like this bring awareness and help inspire even more solutions on a grassroots level. We are excited to see where this partnership goes. We are especially pleased to see the energy of youth involved.”  

The York Public Schools FFA program is also helping to address food security in the community. Difference Makers committee members said they are enthusiastic about the project and eager to share what they are learning.

“I’m super excited to get started on this project! I know me and the girls can’t wait to make a real impact in York County. We are ready to dive in, collaborate, and help get the community energized about building a more sustainable future together,” said York FFA member, Taytum Methe, on behalf of the Difference Makers Committee. 

Jason Hirschfeld – ag instructor and FFA advisor at YPS, has grown the ag program with teachers Rachelle Staehr and Dusten Bruss to more than 200-plus students studying a host of areas, “It only makes sense to gain a deeper understanding of food security issues in the greater community along with some new, innovative approaches to farming and ranching. We are looking forward to the positive outcomes that I know will arise from this program and partnership.”

“There is a lot of great work already being done – there’s just always more to do and it was time to bring these topics forward,” said Kerry Hoffschneider – Executive Director of the Graze Master Group. “Please join us for a fun, inspirational evening that will make a positive impact on York County and surrounding areas.”

If you have questions about the event, please contact – Kerry Hoffschneider, event coordinator, at: (402) 363-8963 (Call or text).

As part of this no-cost event we are asking attendees who feel so moved to help fill the shelves at the Blue Valley Community Action – York County. We will have coolers for perishable items.

Needed items: meat of all kinds including lunch meat, canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.); frozen meals; box dinners; jelly; soups; pancake mix; syrup; snacks; and Ramen. Also, toiletries such as body wash, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, laundry soap, and toothpaste.