Brandon Feller, a 2008 Le Mars Community High School graduate, stands next to his FFA crop. Feller hopes to use the knowledge gained through FFA to further his intended career in farming. [Click to enlarge]

This is the third story in a series looking at what plans and dreams local members of the graduating class of 2008 hope to pursue.

At 6:30 in the morning, most high school graduates are only concerned with one thing -- sleep. While they study the inside of their eyelids, Brandon Feller is hitting his alarm clock and getting dressed for a full day of work on the farm. It is rare to hear this Le Mars Community High School 2008 graduate complain however, as he gets valuable training in his desired field of work everyday.

"I want to major in either Agricultural Business or Animal Science. I'm not real sure which yet," said Brandon, son of Mike and Janice Feller. "Both are obviously a real important part of farming."

Brandon was introduced to farming as a child by his grandparents on their land two miles west of Brunsville.

"My grandpa got me started at a really young age," he recalled. "Ever since I was 5 or 6, it's something I've wanted to do. When grandpa died, I started to work for other farmers around the area, too."

Brandon has helped numerous farmers over the years, and he currently works on eight different properties. His daily chores yield a wide variety of jobs.

"A lot of the time I have to do hog chores. I do a walk through, check the feed systems, make sure they are all healthy," said Feller. "Other times I'll have to do some fencing, which can take a long time. I work with animals like cattle, hogs, and sheep. Recently I've been cutting and baling about 100 acres of hay on this one farm."

Along with all of the places he works at, he often goes back to the family farm to help his grandmother, Lois Scheitler, who still lives there.

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"We still have hog barns there, and 300 acres of farm ground where we grow corn, soybeans, and oats," said Brandon. "I also keep my two 4-H cattle there. I'm raising a breeding beef and a market beef."

Brandon's two calves are at the end of a very long list of 4-H projects he has completed. Feller was also very instrumental in the Le Mars FFA program.

"I was really involved in FFA. I participated for all four years and was our vice president this past year. Through that, I was able to grow corn and soybeans on our chapter's plot."

Another interesting project Brandon worked on through FFA was restoring an old manure spreader and a two-bottom plow.

"I entered the plow at a competition and won a red ribbon, so that was pretty cool," said Feller.

He also earned the Iowa FFA Degree, which is the highest state level honor that can be bestowed on an FFA member. To receive this honor, members must be active for at least 24 months, have completed at least two years of systematic instruction in agricultural education, have earned and productively invested at least $1,000 or worked at least 300 hours in a supervised agricultural experience program, have a satisfactory scholastic record, and have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the local level. Out of all the FFA members in the state of Iowa, only three percent receive the degree each year.

Brandon's future plans are to go to Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville to complete his general education classes, and then transfer to another school finish his agriculture degree.

"If I decide to go into Agricultural Business, I'll probably go to Iowa State University, but if I do Animal Science, I've been looking at South Dakota State University or Kansas State to get my veterinarian degree," Feller said. "I want to work with livestock if I get my vet degree."

Still not convinced Brandon is a hard worker? Just listen to his motto.

"I've always said, 'Live like there's no tomorrow, get all of your work done today.' You always want to do a thorough job for people."