After 36 years of serving farmers, a local man received some well-deserved attention.

Wayne Pike, a longtime ag instructor and one-time farmer, was one of 21 members to receive an honorary Future Farmers of America degree at the annual FFA convention May 1 through 3.

“I am just very proud and honored to get this degree,” he said.

Each year the Minnesota FFA Association recognizes the contributions of people who have made significant contributions to the success of the students and the FFA. The FFA offers wide-sweeping opportunities for ag students outside of the classroom.

Pike has taught high school ag classes in LeRoy, farmed for several years, and is now serving the LeRoy to Rochester region through Riverland Community College as a farm business management instructor.

With his long history, Pike’s efforts were due to be recognized at some point.

“I guess I’ve pretty much spent my life at it,” Wayne said about being in the farm industry.

Pike has kept teaching students for many years because he can relate to them.

I enjoy it immensely — working with the farmers,” Pike said. “My students are farmers who are making a living farming, and there’s a new challenge every day.”

Pike is a big supporter of the FFA, as well. He and his three sons have all participated in the program.

“There’s dozens of different things,” Pike said about the opportunities within FFA. “And it is intended to be an extension of what they learn in the classroom.”