The Hub Club awarded six scholarships totaling $5,100 to 2025 high school graduates now in their first year of college. Recipients represented a range of agricultural interests and academic paths.

Scholarship recipient Madilyn Portner said her involvement with Hub Club events has allowed her to see the organization’s impact firsthand.

“I’ve been able to see the work of the New Ulm Farm-City Hub Club firsthand as I’ve helped out with various events,” Portner said. “I appreciate everything I’ve been able to do for the community and the scholarship support for my studies.”

Another recipient, Will Marti, said the scholarship has helped him pursue a degree in agricultural and biosystems engineering at North Dakota State University while remaining active in campus organizations.

Hub Club 2026 president Brian Fischer presents a $2,500 check to Nicollet County 4-H Federation officers Taylor Wilking and Megan Soost at the annual banquet. (Photo by Ruth Klossner)

“Because of the scholarship, I’ve been able to pursue my degree in agricultural and biosystems engineering and participate in several organizations at NDSU,” Marti said, including Bison Forest, Engineering Ambassadors and Bison Capital.”

The New Ulm FFA chapter received a $5,000 donation from the Hub Club. FFA advisor Jeff Nelson, joined by chapter officers Adam Mages, Taylor Sommer, Aubrey Schmidt and Alex Schroeder, thanked the organization for its continued support.

“Thank you for your donations and sponsorships and for partnering with us,” Nelson said. “Our FFA members benefit greatly from working with you and the community.”

Chapter treasurer Taylor Sommer reported that six teams will advance to the state level this year, including horse judging, dairy, fish and wildlife, ag mechanics, and farm business management.

Chapter reporter and Region 7 Vice President Aubrey Schmidt thanked the Hub Club for past support, including assistance that allowed her to attend the Washington FFA Leadership Conference.

New Ulm FFA members and leaders take the stage and accept a $5000 check from Hub Club 2026 president Brian Fischer. From left, FFA Advisor Jeff Nelson, chapter treasurer Taylor Sommer, chapter reporter and Region 7 Vice President Aubrey Schmidt, chapter president Adam Mages, and chapter parliamentarian and Region 7 Sentinel Alex Schroeder. (Photo by Ruth Klossner)

“One of the big events you help us with is the pancake breakfast during Farm-City Hub Club week, Feb. 23-27,” Schmidt said. “We really appreciate your continued support.”

Chapter president Adam Mages announced a successful corn drive fundraiser, which raised more than $24,000 to support special programs that allow children with disabilities to attend Camp Courage. 

He also noted plans for an upcoming “Cool Day” event aimed at introducing city residents to farm life and a public blood drive scheduled for March 20.

Alex Schroeder, chapter parliamentarian and Region 7 sentinel, highlighted additional activities, including participation in the New Ulm parade on March 24 and the Spring Ag Show at the middle school on May 7.

The Hub Club also presented $2,500 contributions to both the Nicollet and Brown County 4-H Federations.

Nicollet County 4-H Federation officers Megan Soost and Taylor Wilking accepted the contribution from 2026 Hub Club president Brian Fischer.

Soost, serving as vice president of the federation, reported that the program reached more than 400 youth through clubs, workshops, school programs and countywide events in the past year. At the county fair, 239 youth showcased 1,245 projects.

“These projects represent far more than exhibits on a table or animals in the barn,” Soost said. “They reflect hours of learning, problem solving, goal setting and perseverance.”

Taylor Wilking, treasurer of Nicollet County 4-H, also thanked the Hub Club for its continued support.

Representing Brown County 4-H, Alex Schroeder reported that the program serves nearly 250 members across eight clubs, with 45 members exhibiting projects at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. 

He highlighted the leadership and life skills developed through 4-H participation and invited Hub Club members to assist as judges’ helpers for non-livestock programs on Aug. 11, 2026, and to attend the Brown County Fair Aug. 12-16.

Hub Club leaders shared plans for the annual farm show, scheduled for March 13-14 at the New Ulm Civic Center. After recent adjustments, the event will return to the big arena to allow for additional exhibitors and demonstrations.

“We’re in the big arena again this year,” Farm Show chair Brian Fischer said. “If people can get signed up early, it makes things easier for everyone.”

The meeting also included discussion about the future of “Family Night on the Dairy Farm.” Michelle Schroeder invited members to share ideas for refreshing the program or identifying a new host farm.

The Hub Club also recognized Jim Bartels with the Service to Agricultural Award for his contributions to the agricultural community.

As the evening concluded, Hub Club leaders emphasized the organization’s continued commitment to youth, education, and community engagement through scholarships, program support and public events.