The Warrenton FFA Labor Auction raised more than $70,000 this year that will go to preserving agriculture classes in the Warren County R-III School District.

The proceeds from this year’s labor auction, held Feb. 26 in the Warrenton High School gym, are dedicated to saving one teaching position and multiple classes in the school district’s ag program. The program was among budget cuts announced by the district because the state government has withheld significant funding from schools across Missouri.

Hearing of this need, community members organized grassroots fundraising that culminated with the labor auction, which was bolstered this year by auction items donated by residents and businesses. Diane Miederhoff, one of two FFA advisors and ag teachers for the district, said the event raised more than triple their fundraising goal.

“It went phenomenal. It was just amazing how the community came out to support the FFA members and our ag department. It was just unbelievable,” Miederhoff said. 

Thirty-seven FFA students sold 8 hours of their services during the labor auction on Friday. Comparing the results to previous years, it was clear the community had come to make sure the ag program got the support it needed. Bids in past years have averaged $250 for a day of work, Miederhoff said, but this year multiple students brought in over $1,000 for their labor.

The highest bid winner of the night was freshman Owen Frye, who took in $4,000. The buyers were a collaboration of Wheeler Auction Company, Charlie and Nina Nordwald, and Frank and Cheryl Stuermann.

Over 170 registered bidders attended the auction in the gym, Miederhoff said, which is more than double the usual auction turnout. Thanks to their help, the event vastly exceeded its goal of $20,000.

“When the bids started rolling in, I felt a huge sense of gratitude,” said FFA advisor and ag teacher Dan Burkemper. “I think everyone in the room felt a sense of pride in the community and in being a part of production agriculture and agribusiness. It was just awesome, and there was a sense of relief to feel confident that the students would still have all of the same opportunities available to them next year.”

R-III Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith said he was moved by the number of people who came to support school programs while the district is struggling with finances.

“My heart was really warmed,” Klinginsmith said. “The district is on hard times right now, and to see a group of the community step up and fill the gaps, it’s what makes this a wonderful community to live in. It’s a very generous community.”

Volunteer Frank Stuermann, who helped campaign to bring in donations, auction items and bidders, said he and many others were driven to save the ag classes for future students. But even he was amazed by the amount of support that turned out at the auction and in the weeks leading up to it.

“The ag program sent me down my trail, and it has sent a lot of people in our community down their trail,” Stuermann said. “People really stepped up to the plate, and we really can’t thank the community enough.”