Ella Aarsvold gears up for county fair

As summer heats up in Dodge County, Ella Aarsvold, a senior at Kasson-Mantorville High School, is deep into her fair preparations, turning long days and steady effort into a showcase of her dedication to agriculture.
Aarsvold, a dedicated member of the Kasson-Mantorville FFA Chapter and the 2025-2026 Region VIII Secretary, has been involved with agriculture from a young age. With a family deeply rooted in FFA, she grew up knowing she wanted to be part of the organization. Now, she’s not only showing livestock at the Dodge County Fair, she’s also mentoring others and preparing for her future in agriculture.
When most teens are just getting out of bed, Aarsvold is already in the barn feeding her animals and checking on their care. “I usually bring both dairy goats and beef cattle,” she explained. “I spend a lot of time making sure they’re groomed, exercised, and comfortable with the fair environment.”
Her day often includes indoor 4-H project work, chores, and more time in the barn in the evening.
Fair preparations begin long before the gates open.
“We usually start talking about the fair in January,” Aarsvold said. “That’s when we begin registering animals and deciding on projects.” As the school year winds down, her to-do list grows. She manages her time by setting deadlines and prioritizing daily tasks. “I make myself to-do lists to stay on track.”
Aarsvold advice to new members preparing for their first fair?
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “There’s always someone who’s been through it before, and people are more than willing to help you succeed.”
As someone who hopes to study animal sciences with a focus on nutrition and a minor in agricultural communications, Aarsvold sees each fair as a stepping stone toward her future. Whether she’s in the show ring or updating social media for her FFA chapter, she’s focused on growing not just as a student, but as a leader.
With livestock to tend, projects to finish, and fair week fast approaching, Aarsvold is busy, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“FFA has helped me find my passion,” she said. “The fair is just one part of it, but it’s one of my favorite parts.”