Noah Koth’s 1,100-acre specialty crop family farm, located in Huron County, produces sugar beets and black turtle beans. His involvement in tending those valuable crops earned him recognition from the National FFA Organization. Koth became the first National FFA award finalist for the North Huron FFA Chapter and the first winner in all of Huron County.

Koth is a fourth-generation farmer and a student in Delta College’s Agricultural Technology program. He chose Delta’s program because it allowed him to take some classes offered by Michigan State University (MSU) while staying close to home. Remaining within a commutable distance was important so he could continue to help his family during the busy fall harvest season while simultaneously earning his associate’s degree.

“I really liked my Wellness in Technical Trades class,” said Koth. “I learned things like CPR and general first aid training, among other things, that I can bring back [to the farm] to help make it a safer environment for everybody.” Koth is completing his second year at Delta and plans to graduate this April. He’s excited to get back to work full time and implement what he has learned.

“The farming community is like no other. Everybody helps each other out whenever they can. It’s amazing to be a part of something like that. This degree will not only allow me to continue the legacy of my family’s farm, but contribute to the success of many other farms around the community.”