Students Rally around Mitchell Ag Teacher Battling Cancer

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — Students at an eastern South Dakota high school are rallying around an agriculture teacher during his bout with cancer.

The Tri-State Neighbor reports Mitchell High School teacher Jeff Hoffman joined his students at the state Future Farmers of America convention weeks after having his leg amputated to stop the cancer from spreading. A tumor was found in his leg last year, and he had gone through several rounds of chemotherapy.

Hoffman's students designed T-shirts to raise money for Hoffman and his family. Junior Johnna Jorgensen estimates about 400 shirts have been sold, and Hoffman says he's grateful for the support from the tight-knit ag community.

Hoffman also farms with his parents in Bridgewater, focusing on growing corn and soybeans.

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