YODER – Shane Buchholz grew up not far from where he now punches the time clock every week.

Raised on the family ranch out on the Iowa Center Falts, Buchholz knew he wanted to be either a rancher or a teacher.  

He managed to make both of those dreams come true.

Iowa Center Flats is still where he calls home, which he now shares with his wife and children. There, they operate a goat breeding herd and practice regenerative grazing in their operation.

“My wife, Stacy, is very kind and understanding of her FFA advising husband and is always ready to help us out. We met when I was an Ag Teacher in Weston County, and she became the county 4-H agent. She recently took the helm at the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative,” Buchholz brags of his wife.

“We have two children, Harvey Milan, and Nora Jordan. Harv is a first grader at Southeast and Nora will join us next year as a kindergartener. My folks now live in Torrington, they still contribute to our success by making flying runs to Casper to deliver Official Dress and help in shopping for OD (official dress) for members who are in need,” Buchholz continued, offering a glimpse at the village it takes to be an FFA advisor. 

Growing up in Southwest Goshen County, Buchholz was part of the Chugwater High School FFA Chapter.

“I was very involved in FFA.  One of the most unique projects I worked on was my FFA SAE. I started it in sevnth grade and provided lawn care services to about 50 clients each year. It not only taught me valuable skills in business and customer service but also provided me with a great source of income – every high schooler’s favorite,” he said.  

After graduating from high school, he continued his higher education here in the Cowboy State where he received a full-ride academic scholarship to the University of Wyoming. 

“I earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management and Agriculture Education,” he said of his higher education accolades. 

Buchholz has now been an ag teacher for over a decade, although this is his first year at Southeast. 

Prior to coming to Southeast, he served as the Water Commissioner of Division 1, District 2. Buchholz said his time at that job gave him experience with resource management and taught him the importance of effective leadership, important skills he is now passing on to his FFA students. 

As for the FFA program at Southeast, Buchholz is proud of what they’ve done.

“This year has been fantastic for Southeast. We’ve had high student participation, with growing interest in our programs. In the shop, students have been fixing and building, staying engaged and active in the classroom. Our events, like ‘Fastest Farmer in America’ and the Bull Fry and Labor Auction were a big success. We’re also excited to help with the 2 Shot Goose Hunt and Wyoming Game and Fish as temperatures rise. One of our coolest initiatives this year is the Branding Crew – if someone needs help with branding their calves, we’re ready to assist. These activities not only give students hands-on experience but also foster a sense of community and teamwork,” Buchholz said. 

The vast prairie and mountain towns in Wyoming are spread thin, requiring Buchholz and his teams of FFA students to drive long distances at times for competitions. He doesn’t mind the drive, in fact that’s his favorite part.

“The most memorable moments in teaching come from the road trips with my students. I’ve been lucky to work with such driven and enthusiastic students. Last week, we went to Riverton and had a blast on the road, lots of laughs and bonding, even though I refused to spend $5 on a single cookie in Casper. These trips provide valuable opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom and build lasting memories,” the advisor said of their travels. 

More than anything he’s thankful to live and work in a supportive community that understands the agriculture way of life and the struggles it often entails.  

“I appreciate those members of the Southeast community that have engaged with our program and been encouraging to a new teacher in the district this year,” Buchholz concluded. 

If you would like to have the Southeast Cyclone Branding crew, come assist you this spring, you can email Mr. Buchholz at sbuchholz@goshen1.org.