National FFA Honors the Late Patrick Gottsch with the Blue and Gold Award

RFD-TV has been a supporter of FFA since our beginning, and that is thanks to Founder Patrick Gottsch who passed away earlier this year.

Patrick was honored by the organization this week, and Kirbe Schnoor caught up with his daughter, Raquel Gottsch Koehler, who accepted the award on her father’s behalf.

Also this week, Patrick will receive a star on the Texas Trail of Fame in the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Related Stories

FFA Convention 2025

Countdown to Convention: Sharing the Power of Agriculture and Community with FFA’s Youngest Members

We spotlight a student from Illinois who is helping to launch a middle school chapter and teaching younger students about the impact of agriculture in their communities.

October 09, 2025 12:48 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Market Day Music

Country music artist and FFA Alum Noah Hicks discusses his upcoming major label debut Small Town Does

October 09, 2025 12:04 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

FFA Convention 2025

Countdown to Convention: Microsoft Preps FFA for a Digital Future

Microsoft’s partnership with the National FFA Organization is helping future ag leaders gain the tools they need to drive innovation in farming and beyond.

October 08, 2025 01:03 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

FFA Convention 2025

Countdown to Convention: How FFA Transforms Hobbies into Hands-On Learning Opportunities

From tinkering with machines to building projects from scratch, students in the National FFA Organization develop skills to help shape future careers.

October 07, 2025 01:48 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

FFA Convention 2025

FFA Advisor Shawn Rejcek shares how he uses social media to advocate for ag education

October 06, 2025 02:40 PM

FFA Convention 2025

FFA Countdown to Convention - Curt Blades

October 06, 2025 12:29 PM

Remembering Patrick Gottsch

RFD NEWS STAFF

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Livestock

‘K-Shaped’ Consumer Spending Splits Meat Demand as Herd Stability Remains Uncertain

Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.

January 20, 2026 02:47 PM

Tony St. James

Crops

Ethanol Emerges as Key Market Solution for Corn

Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.

January 20, 2026 02:04 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

Trade

U.S. Trade Policy Uncertainty Ripples Through Agriculture

From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.

January 20, 2026 01:14 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

Business

Proposed Norfolk Southern-Union Pacific Merger Goes Off the Rails

The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.

January 20, 2026 12:25 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

Rural Lifestyle

Recap: Midland County Junior Livestock Show

Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.

January 20, 2026 08:00 AM

Marion Kirkpatrick

Sports

Midland County Junior Livestock Show: Steer Showcase

The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.

January 16, 2026 01:48 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF