Wisconsin FFA and Wisconsin FFA Foundation 2018 Annual Report

YESTERDAY | TODAY | TOMORROW

ANNUAL REPORT

WISCONSIN FFA and WISCONSIN FFA FOUNDATION

MESSAGE FROM WISCONSIN FFA PRESIDENT Ciera Ballmer We all have our “why.” It can be why we love and support agricultural education, why we joined FFA, why we believe in the future of agriculture, or simply why we wake up in the morning. Whatever our “why” is – the reasons we do what we do - motivates us and can have a lot of power.

During our first week together, the 2017-2018 Wisconsin FFA State Officers were reacquainted with the Golden Circle Ted Talk that explains the power of “why.” The Golden Circle and the idea of not only recognizing what motivates us, but actually giving life to our individual whys, really grabbed our attention, leading us to select the theme: “Live Your Why.” While at workshops and conferences, community events, and business and industry visits, we were truly inspired by the “whys” of every student, agricultural educator, FFA alumni member, sponsor and supporter that we met! We encouraged them to put action to their “whys” and live them out every day.

Wisconsin’s 21,185 FFA members have successfully and purposefully fulfilled our state theme over the past year, whether in the classroom, through FFA activities, leadership conferences and their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).

A big reason they have outstanding opportunities to live their why through FFA is because of the incredible support from the Wisconsin FFA Foundation and its generous donors. With that support, FFA members are driven by their “whys” to grow as leaders, help those around them, and strive to ensure a bright future for themselves and the agricultural industry as a whole!

Forever Blue. Forever True, Ciera Ballmer

2018 is the 90th Anniversary of the FFA Creed.

The FFA Creed was written in the summer of 1928 by Professor Erwin Milton Tiffany, who was the chief teacher in the Department of Agricultural Education at the University of Wisconsin. At a ceremony held Feb. 21, Dean Kate VandenBosch gathered with Wisconsin FFA officers and leaders to dedicate a plaque, which hangs in the Office of Academic Affairs.

Photo Credit: UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

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STATE STAFF

DEAR WISCONSIN FFA SUPPORTERS, In the 2017-18 school year, Wisconsin Association of FFA members were taught to live out their “why’s” – to put into action the reasons they believe in FFA’s motto of “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.”

They rose to the challenge and showed great success in chapter numbers, meaningful community service, leadership growth and personal achievements, whether on or off stage. Today, our state organization has reached record levels of students wearing the blue and gold corduroy jacket, with over 21,150 members.

Jeff Hicken

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Consultant, State FFA Advisor Wisconsin Association of FFA Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Though we celebrate our students’ successes, it’s imperative to not overlook the reason our FFA members have these opportunities – our 324 dedicated agricultural education instructors. They continue to pour out boundless amounts of time and energy into their students, and set a strong foundation for the future of agriculture in our state. I am thankful for their commitment and encourage everyone reading this to thank their local ag teacher or drop a word of encouragement. They would appreciate it!

Finally, I offer gratitude for the sponsors reading this Annual Report. Your financial and in-kind contributions make a difference. They are extremely valuable and essential for our team to continue supporting Wisconsin FFA and agricultural education. We couldn’t do any of this without your generosity.

Cheryl Zimmerman

Executive Director Wisconsin Association of FFA Wisconsin FFA Center, Inc.

Thank you!

Jeff Hicken

Wisconsin FFA Advisor

John Hromyak

Executive Director Wisconsin FFA Foundation

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MESSAGE FROM BOARD PRESIDENT Jon Anderson

“I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds…” These words, rooted in Wisconsin agricultural education by UW-Madison graduate and professor E.M. Tiffany, ring as true today as they did nearly 90 years ago. There is a very close connection between these words and “Live Your Why,” the Wisconsin FFA theme for the past year. As donors, it is the deeds we share that help Wisconsin FFA and Team Ag Ed fulfill the theme’s essence. We hold great gratitude for everyone that has provided support through their time, talent or treasure.

It has been an honor to serve as Foundation Board President for Wisconsin FFA. The past year was highly successful in many ways including contributions raised, strategic plan development, streamlining operations, a committed Board of Directors and a hard-working Foundation staff. I am always impressed by all who continue to come to the table and support FFA, even in a tougher agricultural economy. It tells me we are keeping our eye on the future even if the present is delivering challenges.

LEADERSHIP

On behalf of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation, thank you for generous support! We could not support the high level of programming which allows Wisconsin FFA members to “Live Their Why” without you. Let’s keep believing and keep our deeds focused on making Wisconsin FFA even better!

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2017-18 FOUNDATION BOARD Jon Anderson

Tom Bressner

Cheryl Zimmerman

Vice President, Filament Marketing

Executive Director, Wisconsin Agri-Business Association

Executive Director, Wisconsin FFA Center

Amber Vickers Keller

Darren Kittleson

Cheryl Steinbach

Sr Vice President, Ag Banking, Town Bank

Operating Principal/Broker, Keller Williams Realty

Executive Director, Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association

Ginger James

Travis Holt

Nicole Nelson

Regional Accounts Manager, AgroChem

President and CEO, Citizens State Bank of Loyal

Kathleen A. Murphy

Chris Schneider

Executive Director, Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators

Director of Business Administration, TASC

VP, Agricultural Banking, Investors Community Bank

Robin Connelly

Janet Schneider

Membership Service Manager, Organic Valley / CROPP Cooperative

AgEdNet.com manager, Stewart-Peterson Inc.

Danielle Waterworth

At-Large Director

President

Past President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Development Committee Co-Chair

At-Large Director

At-Large Director

At-Large Director

At-Large Director

At-Large Director

Janice Schyvinck

Director - Asset Remarketing & Leasing, CNH Industrial Capital

Director of Public Relations, Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association

Luke Wiedenfeld

Scott Vosters

Agricultural Education Teacher, Lake Mills High School

AVP Ag/Commercial Lender, The Bank of New Glarus

Jason Kollwelter

Nicole Wagner

Agriculture Services and Customer Owned Generation Manager, We Energies

Executive Director, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board and Wisconsin Corn Growers Association

Development Committee Co-Chair

Internal Affairs Chair

At-Large Director

At-Large Director

Ex-Officio {non-voting}

Ex-Officio {non-voting}

Ex-Officio {non-voting}

Jeff Hicken

Ex-Officio {non-voting} Agricultural Education/Natural Resources Educational Consultant and State FFA Advisor Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Ciera Ballmer

Ex-Officio {non-voting} President, Wisconsin Association of FFA

2017–2018

STATE OFFICERS

Ciera Ballmer President

Advisor: Ms. Marlina Jackson SECTION 1 — AMERY FFA

Meikah Dado Reporter

Advisor: Mr. Derrick Meyer SECTION 2 — MENOMONIE FFA

Brooke Brantner Vice President

Advisor: Ms. Jean D’Angelo SECTION 3 — BLACK RIVER FALLS FFA

Ciara Koboski Vice President

Advisor: Mr. Bradley Markhardt SECTION 4 — MINERAL POINT FFA

Morgan Fitzsimmons Vice President

Advisor: Mr. Michael Robinson

SECTION 5 — OREGON FFA

SECTION 10 — BIG FOOT FFA

Liz Grady

Amelia Hayden

Advisor: Mrs. Jillian Beaty

Advisor: Mrs. Lisa Konkel & Ms. Jeanne Case

Secretary

SECTION 6 — LODI FFA

Samuel Jesse Sentinel

Advisor: Ms. Samantha VanDeurzen SECTION 7 — OWEN-WITHEE FFA

Kathryn Lampi Parliamentarian

Advisor: Mr. Travis Engel SECTION 8 — WAUPACA FFA

Elisha Riley

Vice President

PHOTO: FRONT: (LEFT TO RIGHT) Liz Grady, Ciara Koboski, Ciera Ballmer, Sam Pinchart MIDDLE: Meikah Dado, Brooke Brantner, Amelia Hayden, Morgan Fitzsimmons BACK: Elisha Riley, Samuel Jesse, Kathryn Lampi

Treasurer

Advisor: Ms. Jen Erb & Ms. Rene Lehman SECTION 9 — LUXEMBURG-CASCO FFA

Sam Pinchart Vice President

Advisor: Mr. Marty Nowak

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YESTERDAY “Things were different back then,” says David Laatsch, retired Beaver Dam ag instructor and FFA advisor. “As a farm kid, life centered around farm work. There was little opportunity to travel away from home. So, when my FFA advisor, Wilbur Larson, recognized my interest in poultry, he gave me an application to attend a conference in Kansas City and I jumped at the opportunity.”

FEATURES

He says the four-day conference, which included tours, seminars and a career show was a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for his first time away, and opened a door for a lifetime devoted to ag education.

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The “why’s” of FFA are deeply rooted through a long list of others like David – both nationally and also here in Wisconsin. Many members and Alumni have come before us, and strove to make a difference for the students who wear the blue and gold jackets today.

Lifelong Impact Darlington-native Kim Havens says his FFA advisor, Roger Williams, was an excellent role model, who inspired him to take on a number of Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, attend leadership events, and also run for state office his senior year of high school.

“It was a decision that hugely influenced my life’s journey,” Kim says. “All seven Havens’ kids were in FFA, three of us boys served as state FFA officers, four earned American Degrees and four became Wisconsin ag teachers and FFA advisors.”

In the two years he served as state officer, Kim says Wisconsin’s first female state officer was elected (Becky Miller from Bloomer), the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association was chartered, and state officers had the option to wear FFA blazers instead of jackets for the first time.

“The ‘why’ of all of this is that I’ve been extremely lucky to have wonderful mentors, from my parents to first ag teacher, and beyond,” he says. “Roger and Kristi Williams are very important to our family like Arnold and Katherine Cordes, and Bernie and Martha Staller.

I would venture to say that I am not unique. The classroom,

SAE, and FFA experience leads to a natural mentoring/giving influence for thousands of us.”

Kim mentors many local FFA members today and has contributed to the Foundation through decades of service on boards and financial contributions for just as long. Kim and his wife, Leona, like David’s family, are members of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation’s Blue and Gold Society, a prestigious group of FFA supporters who have made lifelong impacts on the organization.

Growth of a Mission When it comes to mentors, a room full of hands would be raised when mentioning the late Dr. Gerald Matteson “Doc”, who came to UW-River Falls in 1966, when only 15 to 20 people attended FFA meetings. Fay Westberg, a longtime colleague and friend of Doc’s, says that he set a goal of 100 members and had 120 people sign up for the university’s newly formed Agricultural Education Society.

The inaugural parliamentary procedure workshop was held on campus in 1969, and it was so popular, they began appearing in all areas of the state. “Dr.

Matteson had great pleasure in traveling to high schools, meeting students, teaching parliamentary procedure, and judging,” Fay says. “He always looked forward to serving as one of the judges at the Wisconsin FFA State Convention. He was so disappointed when healthrelated circumstances kept him from traveling to Madison.”

She says Doc was well-known for saying to many over the course of his time in ag education: “You don’t have to be the very best. I was never No. 1 at anything. The most successful people are those who have a passion.”

Doc passed away in January 2018, but will always be known as a Parli Pro legend – someone who believed in growing the mission of ag education for the generations which benefit from his legacy today and will tomorrow too.

Making the Vision Possible The vision of those such as Matteson became more cemented with the creation of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation in 1983, led by Arnold and Katherine Cordes.

Mary Gagnon spent 14 years heading the organization, taking the helm from Arnold in 1994.

During that time, she says she worked with the Foundation Board, Sponsors Board, and all state staff to grow financial support for the Wisconsin Association of FFA and its agricultural education partners.

“We encouraged each other to think bigger and do more for Wisconsin’s FFA members and

“THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE THOSE WHO HAVE A PASSION.” chapters,” Mary says. “‘Growth’ and ‘change’ became the bywords of this administration and were challenges that lasted all 14 years of service.”

In her tenure, Mary says the Foundation created new funding options, which helped to attain the Sponsors’ Board’s annual financial goals. These included the LifeWork Expo, today known as the Convention Expo; the FFA International Exchange Program with Puerto Rico; the Northern and Southern Golf Outings; grants for members and chapters; as well as the prestigious Blue and Gold Society, which recognizes individual donors yet today for their large contributions to the Foundation.

“We were all extremely pleased to be allocating so much funding to our FFA members,” Mary notes.

“During my years as Foundation director the number of sponsors doubled and annual funding increased 370 percent. All of this was accomplished with the forward-thinking leadership and deep program knowledge and support of the boards and FFA Center.”

FFA = Family The story of the past doesn’t

end. Many of those who have lived their FFA “why” in the past are continuing to do so today.

Laatsch has been visiting his 101-year-old neighbor, Russell, each Monday for the last five years. Russell was the Beaver Dam FFA president in 1935-36, and Dave loves to share the Farm Report with him, and then hear once again how Russell’s ag teacher convinced his dad to send him to high school, where he joined FFA in its first years.

This lifelong FFA advocate is well-known for his collection of FFA memorabilia, but also for his work on “The History of

Vocational

Agriculture

in

Wisconsin” book which he wrote and used to also capture stories of people like Russell.

In his youth, Dave had won a scholarship in his quest to become an animal science major but had changed his major to ag education after winning the state FFA speaking contest that summer, and was told he would need to return the animal science scholarship funds.

“I wrote a thank you to the sponsor, explaining that I could do more good as an ag teacher,” he recalls. “They agreed and let me keep the money! Ten years after I graduated college, I sent another thank you letter to that donor, explaining my achievements

to

that

point

and the accomplishments of my students, and just what that $200 scholarship meant to me.

The donor saw the ripple effect of the ‘pebble in the pond’ when they accidentally supported an ag education major!”

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TODAY “I believe in supporting FFA because I am a product of FFA and know the impact it has on a student’s life,” says Darren Swartz, Bloomer FFA advisor and ag education instructor. He also is the past president of the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators (WAAE).

FEATURES

Anne Runde, a recent graduate of the Janesville Craig FFA, is an example of this – now at a point in life where her FFA experience is directly influencing her career and life decisions. “My teachers, mentors and fellow FFA members set a positive image of FFA and encouraged me to study agriculture,” she says.

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Wisconsin FFA continues to grow and thrive, inspired by those who support it financially and through mentorship. Jeff Renk, director of Sales and Research at Renk Seed, is one of those people. As a long-time sponsor of the Wisconsin State FFA Degree program, Jeff says that in his earlier days, it took him a while to realize how special and unique the FFA experience was: “To me, it was the norm, but looking back, I realize FFA was the experience of a lifetime.”

From Student to Dedicated Benefactor Jeff grew up on a farm in Sun Prairie, and now lives in the same

house he grew up in. It’s not unusual for people to do that, but the house sits in the middle of the Renk Seed “action,” he jokes.

He had two advisors during his time in FFA, Joseph Mulcahy and Gary Anderson, who created an atmosphere for FFA to thrive.

Renk says he now realizes how challenging that was especially when Sun Prairie High School supported only a part-time ag instructor for several years and FFA was dormant in that time.

Twenty-five years ago, Jeff’s father and grandfather established a scholarship fund for UW-Madison’s College of Agriculture and Life Science (CALS) students taking business or managerial classes. Recently, Renk says a discussion came about to use the funds for a new purpose.

“My father looked at the department chair and said: ‘Show me the students,’” Jeff recalls, and adds: “FFA is the premier organization today for

high school age students to hone leadership skills, many of the Renk scholars at UW are FFA alumni, and former state officers also are well represented in their ranks.”

When he sees these students at the Wisconsin FFA Convention and again at the Renk Scholarship recognition ceremony, Jeff says it’s the ultimate display of “show me the students” his dad was asking for.

Teaching the Next Generation Darren works with these students each day, and the regular interactions are what drive him to live his “why” in ag education.

“I love seeing students learn and be successful,” he says. “I believe the best learning takes place when students don’t even realize they are learning.”

He grew up in Chicago and was a member at one of only two FFA chapters in the entire Chicago Public School System, Hubbard FFA, which was chartered his sophomore year. He worked on farms in high school and after.

Darren eventually moved north, attended UW-River Falls and has been the Bloomer teacher/ FFA advisor for the past 14 years, the same school where he did his student teaching.

Darren says he was lucky to grow up knowing the best of both

worlds, as his grandparents were dairy farmers in Weyerhauser and he loved being on the farm. “I value that I’ve had the opportunity to be exposed to so many aspects of agriculture and influential people, and influential people that have given me direction into a positive and successful career path,” he says.

“I have no doubt that my FFA advisor was a positive influence on my career choice.”

Today, he believes that through WAAE, the state’s ag instructors are supported through professional development and other networks which ensure they thrive and continue to be a positive force in their students’ lives.

A Mentor in Many Forms FFA was also the “norm” for current Wisconsin FFA Foundation board member, Robin Connelly, who grew up in Rock County near Orfordville.

She says her family had a diversified farm, but moved the operation to Gays Mills during her youth, so she was a member

of both the Parkview and North Crawford FFA Chapters.

Robin was North Crawford’s first female president, and says her ag teacher, John Gibbs, was an amazing support in her journey.

Today, she shares this mentorship through her role as Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative’s Membership Services Manager, which includes being liaison to the FFA. “My support for the FFA is twofold,” Robin says. “As parents, my husband and I supported our sons through their FFA journey.

I truly believe they are the men today in part because of their FFA experience. Secondly, my work at Organic Valley provides me the heart-felt opportunity to make a difference in the next generation of ag leaders by sitting on the Wisconsin FFA Foundation Board.”

She lives her “why” of FFA by providing mentorship on the board, fostering Foundation sponsorship opportunities with Organic Valley, and also creating resources for ag instructors. The first-ever Web-based Organic

Resource Guide (ORG), was created with the support of Organic Valley and is a toolbox of educational materials for teachers to bring organic education into the classroom.

On her current home farm, Robin supports ag education through her growing family and grandchildren. She and her husband want to keep their family on the farm and interested in ag for as long as possible, and have offered a steer to each grandchild who wishes to learn to show it for the fair.

“After the show, they will need to go into the audience and personally thank the winning bidder, shaking their hand and follow up with a written thank you,” she adds, explaining that with the profits, the child can keep $100 and the rest goes into a college fund. “At this time, our 8-year-old grandson is up for the challenge. I cannot wait for the 2019 Vernon County Fair!”

ANNE RUNDE Anne Runde, a current UW-Madison student, says that she’s always had a strong love for agriculture, focusing on dairy cattle, flowers and public speaking in her FFA days. She was raised in Janesville, but calls herself a “farm girl living in the city,” as she spent many hours at her grandparents’ farm, especially after her dad passed away suddenly when Anne was only nine.

She used a Wisconsin FFA Foundation SAE grant to purchase her first purebred heifer, which is still the foundation of her animals. She also has been able to expand her agricultural skills through a scholarship and award as Star in Agribusiness.

“I’ve learned that hard work, dedication and being true to your beliefs are very rewarding, and others will recognize your achievements and positive personal qualities,” Anne says.

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TOMORROW “It is our job to pave the way, set the stage for these young people to thrive,” says Tom Bressner, a director on the Wisconsin FFA Foundation board and executive director of the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association.

“I find this younger generation to be filled with talent, knowledge and a desire to accomplish much.”

FEATURES

Next year, the Wisconsin Association of FFA celebrates 90 years. It will continue to live it’s why the FFA way – by developing students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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However, agricultural leaders know that the future is only possible because of those who are dedicated to this success today.

“Our support, whether it be financial or through participation/ volunteering, will help FFA continue to provide experiences to youth they may not receive anywhere else,” says Curtis Gerrits, assistant vice president of Ag Banking at Investors Community Bank’s (ICB) Eau Claire office.

Teaching the Future Loghan Hallett, the Greenwood Middle/High School FFA advisor, says that she grew up in downtown Janesville, as the

“typical city kid and was tricked” into joining FFA, but that didn’t stop her from memorizing the FFA Creed, then working with her family to start a farm from scratch. She raised baby rats, meat rabbits and beef cattle, gave horse riding lessons and then learned how to raise plants in the FFA greenhouse, but eventually channeled those interests to become an ag teacher herself.

Loghan says the future of FFA lies in its ability to adapt and change.

“Agriculturists of all ages are on the front lines of technology and innovation,” she notes.

“Maximizing profit, productivity, efficiency and time have created some truly innovative approaches.”

She believes the students and FFA are not afraid of the changes coming, but welcome them and are energized by their potential.

As an instructor, Loghan is one of 324 in the state developing new ways to learn concepts, and incorporating technology into

traditional teaching strategies.

Loghan says her students are enthusiastic and benefit from an involved community support network. Part of this comes from tapping into experts who can help students develop skills, but also work with FFA members to sort through normal life problems, such as a car loan or post-high school career path.

“They know I care about more than just their grades: I want them to be better, more informed citizens,” Loghan explains. “Agriculture is my vehicle for teaching students about life, decision-making and perseverance.”

SAE for All With 24 years of ag education teaching experience, Glenda Crook from Columbus FFA, says that three years ago she felt the desire to help bring her hometown program to life again.

One of the components she’s been very involved in is the Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), which prepares students for future employment through hands-on experience.

Glenda says that started with the basics of SAE at Columbus and helped students learn how to track just even one hour a week for their projects.

To help more students do even further career planning, she

has been a leading force in the SAE For All, a project by The National Council for Agricultural Education. It has been designed to provide all students enrolled in ag ed courses access to the SAE program – a Foundational SAE with which to research and intently focus on potential careers to see if they would be a good fit.

“Helping students develop skills and knowledge to achieve their goals is the first step to success,” Glenda says. “Students want to feel good about themselves, and the SAE for All can help them achieve a sense of accomplishment, leading to many more opportunities for them through FFA.” She explains that the Foundational SAE really is “their” project, and will have a longtime effect on students, but also teachers as they seek to help them get to truly know their students’ goals and interests.

“This is what makes teaching ag special,” Glenda notes.

Telling Our Story As a director on the Foundation Board and AgEdNet.com manager at Stewart-Peterson, Janet Schneider continues to look to the future of FFA in the state. “We need organizations like FFA to give young people a place to learn, apply and grow,” says Janet. “And, without teachers, we do not have FFA.” As a fellow board member and past Illinois FFA state officer, Tom agrees. In his professional role, he sees firsthand the exciting careers available in agriculture through the advancements

in technology and other innovations. He says the greatest challenge is in telling the FFA and agriculture story and tries to do that through opportunities he has today. “I take my role in serving agribusiness as seriously as I did taking care of my Guernsey cows when I was younger,” he notes.

“The strength of FFA is unlimited.

FFA polished me and gave me the tools to thrive in the business world.”

“The FFA Creed says it all,” Tom continues. “Imagine if everyone would take this creed to heart and make it their desire in life – building that desire in students is what FFA is all about.”

Janet echoes his feelings about the Creed, and says that if students recite it enough, she hopes it will instill the reason FFA has thrived since 1928. Each of her children were very active in FFA, and she was able to see firsthand the impact it made in their lives.

“I see this enthusiasm in students I meet all over our state,” this past Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association president says. “I see it in the dynamic teachers we have, and in the adults of the Alumni and Foundation who continue to support these

efforts.”

Paving the Way When it comes to the future of FFA and agricultural education, Curtis says the challenge to the next generation is involving and motivating students to establish a career in agriculture, despite less exposure to the industry.

“The importance of FFA and ag education is simple: we need agriculture – and ag education – to survive,” says Laura Wiegert, Senior Vice President – Marketing at ISB. “FFA helps educate students on this vital industry and prepare future generations to take the reins.”

Past Wisconsin FFA State Officer Kelly Wilfert recently completed a summer internship at the bank.

Laura says that the “why” of FFA is closely aligned with the “why” of ICB and Kelly understood that. The FFA alumna wrote in an ICB blog post: “Our youth are our future. Let’s continue to give those young leaders the opportunity to prove that our investments of time are well spent on their talent. We must remember to listen, learn and try.

The future is coming, and young agriculturists are ready for a seat at the table.”

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STARS OVER WISCONSIN

Star Farmer Colin Wussow | Bonduel FFA Colin’s SAE program revolves around his family farm, his registered Jersey cattle and a registered Red and White Holstein cow. Thanks to a Wisconsin FFA Foundation SAE grant, he purchased a high genomic Jersey cow. Colin’s work includes every aspect of cattle care, plus milking and cleaning. He analyzes pedigrees for producing the best quality herd and makes decisions about consigning and culling. Colin’s parents are Ron and Nicolle Wussow, and David Battenberg is his FFA advisor.

Star in Agribusiness

STATE AWARDS

Logan Paul | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA

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Visiting the Lincoln Welding booth at National FFA Convention as a freshman proved an important stepping stone for Paul who welded together two metal pieces to make a cow. Later that year, his advisor asked him to make two plant stands for their banquet auction and by the end of the evening, both had sold and Logan had requests for more. Logan’s Metal Art has expanded since then, with Logan renting space and purchasing metal through his father. Logan’s parents are Tina and Richard Paul, and his FFA advisor is Keith Gundlach.

Star in Agriscience Danielle Wrzesinski | Big Foot FFA After a class project to produce ethanol sparked her interest, Danielle dove into agriscience research, tackling the question of what could be used in the process as a substitute for corn that needed less energy, land or maintenance. She discovered a candidate in switchgrass and set out to prove her theory. After finding a better way to break down cell walls and remove sugars, Danielle was able to run the experiment again. Sharon and Todd Wrzesinski are Danielle’s parents, and Lisa Konkel and Jeanne Case are her FFA advisors.

Star in Agricultural Placement Shad Goplin | Whitehall FFA Shad is an employee of Goplin Farms, which includes a 48-head farrow-to-finish and breeding swine operation and a 15,000-head poultry layer barn. In the nine years he has worked at the farm, his duties have expanded from simply feeding and watering livestock to being involved in every aspect of production. Managing biosecurity protocols and understanding computer systems are key to ensuring the operation runs smoothly. Shad’s parents are Darcy and Jamie Goplin, and his FFA advisor is Melinda Goplin.

PROFICIENCY AWARD WINNERS Agricultural Communications Joe R. Schlies | Denmark FFA

Diversified Horticulture Jakob F. Gmur | Whitewater FFA

Nursery Operations Taylor L. Weix | Bay Port FFA

Sponsored by Filament Marketing

Sponsored by Section 8 FFA Alumni Affiliates

Sponsored by Denmark FFA Alumni

Agricultural Education Amelia A. Hayden | Big Foot FFA

Diversified Livestock Taylor A. Eilers | Waupaca FFA

Organic Agriculture Abbygail M. Hayes | Columbus FFA

Sponsored by Clarence A. and Caroline L. Strohschein Endowment, The Country Today, Cooperative Network, GROWMARK, Inc.

Sponsored by Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association, Johnsonville Sausage, LLC

Sponsored by Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, Inc.

Ag. Mechanics Design & Fabrication Zachary S. Woodworth | Shullsburg FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service

Ag. Mechanics Repair & Maintenance (P) Logan Paul | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Sponsored by Sloan Implement Company, Inc

Agricultural Processing Adam R. Riley | Fennimore FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Agricultural Sales (E) Anne C. Runde | Janesville Craig FFA Sponsored by Wyffels Hybrids

Agricultural Sales (P) Naomi J. Fogel | CochraneFountain City FFA Sponsored by Direct Enterprises, Inc.

Agricultural Services Clayton J. Mahlkuch | Juda FFA Sponsored by Dairyland Seed Co., Inc.

Agriscience Research-Integrated Systems Danielle Wrzesinski | Big Foot FFA Sponsored by Vivayic Inc.

Environmental Science & Nat’l Resources Austin Nasgovitz | Oconto Falls FFA Sponsored by Badger State Ethanol, LLC

Equine Science (E) Maddison J. Moericke | Waupaca FFA Sponsored by Marshfield FFA Alumni

Equine Science (P) Maverick C. Guenther | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Sponsored by Edward J. Okray Foundation, Inc.

Fiber and Oil Crop Production Seth J. Cupery | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc.

Food Service Sara E. Nehring | Weyauwega-Fremont FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Forage Production Colin M. Damm | Columbus FFA Sponsored by H&S Manufacturing, Kuhn North America, Inc.

Forest Management Conrad F. Domine | CochraneFountain City FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Agriscience Research-Plant Systems Jaqueline Sanchez | Big Foot FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Sponsored by Nasco, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Assoc.

Sponsored by American Foods Group

Sponsored by United Animal Health

Sponsored by Lely North America, Four Hands Holsteins, Inc.

Diversified Agricultural Production Zack A. Sievert | Pulaski FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service

Diversified Crop Production (P) Lance Lierman | Shullsburg FFA

Sheep Production Emily Schwanke | Waupun FFA Sponsored by Big Sky Suffolks, Waupaca FFA Chapter & Alumni, Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative

Small Animal Production & Care Elisha E. Riley | Waupaca FFA Sponsored by MAI Animal Health

Specialty Animal Production John H. Birr | Oconto Falls FFA Sponsored by Amherst FFA Alumni

Specialty Crop Production Connor M. Kurtzweil | Edgar FFA Sponsored by Clinton FFA Alumni

Swine Production (E) Logan D. Montgomery | Waupaca FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Pork Association

Swine Production (P) Lucas J. Fugate | Platteville FFA

Turf Grass Management Nathan J. Ferfecki | Pulaski FFA

Vegetable Production Alex Krueger | Janesville Craig FFA

Veterinary Science Edwin A. Schott | Sauk Prairie FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association

Grain Production (P) Mark T. Kortbein | Tomah FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Corn Growers Association

Dairy Production (P) Jensen E. Trinrud | Waupaca FFA

Sponsored by Pilgrim’s, Wallace H. Jerome Endowment, Louis & Sandra Arrington Endowment

Sponsored by Gumz Farms

Grain Production (E) Noah L. Heine | Jefferson FFA Sponsored by Kuhl Equipment, LLC

Dairy Production (E) Mikayla Endres | Lodi FFA

Poultry Production Katieann M. Sievert | Bonduel FFA

Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Goat Production Katelyn Zimmerman | Spencer FFA Sponsored by LaClare Farms

Beef Production (P) Blake D.J. Orr | Waupaca FFA

Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Fruit Production Chloe R. Lehman | Almond-Bancroft FFA Sponsored by MinnTex Citrus, Inc. - Iowa

Beef Production (E) Sarah J. Calaway | Denmark FFA

Outdoor Recreation Mitchell R. Schaefer | Big Foot FFA

Wildlife Production and Management Abe H. Rothmann | Sauk Prairie FFA Sponsored by Sauk Prairie FFA Alumni

Home and/or Community Development Ethan D. Heelein | Burlington FFA Sponsored by Glenn L. and Sonja Linder Endowment, United Cooperative

Landscape Management Jeremy W. Hoekstra | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Sponsored by Lulich Landscaping

Sponsored by OXBO International Corporation

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AGRISCIENCE FAIR WINNERS

Sponsored by: Wisconsin FFA Foundation State Convention Partners Animal Systems Division 1 Individual

Ella Woodworth | Shullsburg FFA Division 2 Team

Alexis Voight & Trinity Foster | Wausau FFA

Division 1 Individual

Division 3 Individual

Madison Russell | Shullsburg FFA Travis Zernicke & Jenna Breitenfeldt | Wausau FFA Environmental Services / Natural Resource Systems

Division 2 Team

Travis Von Haden & Carisa Cleven | Tomah FFA Power, Structural & Technical Systems Division 2 Team

Division 3 Individual

Melissa Konkel | Big Foot FFA Abigail Betker | Rosholt FFA

Kylee Traaseth | New Auburn FFA

Taylor Hanley | Cashton FFA Division 6 Team

Division 5 Individual

Division 1 Individual

Division 5 Individual

Amanda Bender | Big Foot FFA Matt Elmhorst & Jackson Skaw | New Auburn FFA

Division 6 Team

Plant Systems

Mikey Lauterbach & Collin Sykora | New Auburn FFA Division 3 Individual

Connor Esch | Union Grove FFA

Division 1 Individual

Social Systems

Caleb Gotham & Wyatt Gotham | New Auburn FFA

Kennia Nedland | New Auburn FFA

Division 3 Individual

Division 3 Individual

Kayla Reed | Pulaski FFA

Devin Nowak & Ryan Boeder | Wrightstown FFA

Division 5 Individual

Division 3 Individual

Division 2 Team

STATE AWARDS

Division 4 Team

Lyndsey Mickelson & Ervin Kraft | Barron FFA Food Products & Processing Systems

Hannah Walters & Sierra Steele | Tomah FFA

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Division 6 Team

Division 2 Team

Samantha Hammiller | Burlington FFA

Danielle Wrzesinski | Big Foot FFA

Wyatt Sherfield | Medford FFA Division 4 Team

Sydney Bender & Olivia Peterson | Big Foot FFA Division 5 Individual

Grace Morrissey | Shullsburg FFA

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT EVENT WINNERS Conduct of Meetings Amery FFA

Extemporaneous Speaking Anna Kitzerow | Plymouth FFA

Prepared Speaking Dylan Clausen | Amery FFA

Sponsored by Cooperative Nework

Sponsored by Wisconsin Dekalb Asgrow Sales Team and Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association

Sponsored by Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, BMO Harris Bank and Floyd Doering Endowment

Jr. High Essay Makenna Kunz | Waupun FFA

Quiz Bowl - Junior High Amery FFA

Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Sponsored by Compeer Financial

Discussion Meet Emma Buss | Belmont FFA

Parliamentary Procedure Pardeeville FFA

Quiz Bowl - Senior High Amery FFA

Sponsored by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation

Sponsored by Cooperative Network and Dr. Gerald R. Matteson Endowment

Sponsored by Compeer Financial

Creed Speaking Libby Hasheider | Sauk Prairie FFA Sponsored by Kevin and Julie Larson Family, Elkhorn FFA Alumni and Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association

Employment Skills Alexis Schank | Arcadia FFA Sponsored by Kuhn North America, Inc.

P.R.I.D.E. AWARD RECIPIENTS Albany Antigo Arcadia Auburndale Augusta Badger Barron Beaver Dam Belmont Berlin Black Hawk Blair-Taylor Brodhead Burlington Cassville Clintonville Columbus

Cuba City Cumberland DC Everest Darlington DeSoto Delavan-Darien Eau Claire Elmwood Evansville Freedom Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau Gillett Holmen Jefferson Kewaunee Lake Mills Lancaster

Lena Lodi Lomira Marshfield Milton Monroe Neillsville New Auburn New Richmond Oakfield Oconto Falls Omro Oregon Parkview Pittsville Poynette Prairie Du Chien

Rice Lake Sauk Prairie Seymour Southern Door Spring Valley Suring Tri-County Watertown Westby Westfield Whitewater Winneconne Wisconsin Dells Wrightstown

POST-SECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS Sarah Albers | Sauk Prairie FFA

Heather Griesmer | Hartford FFA

Hannah Nelson | Ellsworth FFA

Casey Aschebrook | Marshfield FFA

Amelia Hayden | Big Foot FFA

Jessica Noble | Burlington FFA

Amanda Attoe | Lodi FFA

Erica Helmer | Plymouth FFA

Anne Runde | Janesville Craig FFA

Ciera Ballmer | Clinton FFA

Dylan Herbrand | Sauk Prairie FFA

Abigail Solum | Rice Lake FFA

Valerie Berend | Bay Port FFA

Samuel Jesse | Lodi FFA

Dylan Steiner | Monroe FFA

Brooke Brantner | Menomonie FFA

Keira Kapfhamer | Colby FFA

Brandon Strupp | Hartford FFA

Jules Buttles | Clintonville FFA

Alexis Kwak | Prairie Farm FFA

Colleen Toberman | Parkview FFA

Crystal Cafferty | Mauston FFA

Kathryn Ann Lampi | Owen-Withee FFA

Brooke Trustem | Evansville FFA

Trenda Conant | Tomah FFA

Kiana Leeder | Verona FFA

Teagan Turba | New Holstein FFA

Meikah Dado | Amery FFA

Alexis Lins | Beaver Dam FFA

Curtis Weltzien | Arcadia FFA

Justin Ehrhart | Waterford FFA

Montana Lins | Riverdale FFA

Sheila Weninger | Hartford FFA

Anna Evenson | Cambridge FFA

Jared Mack | Sauk Prairie FFA

Katelyn Zimmerman | Spencer FFA

Morgan Fitzimmons | Mineral Point FFA

Noah Massie | Barron FFA

Ashley Zimmerman | Spencer FFA

Pearl Franke | La Farge FFA

Deanna Meyer | Amery FFA

Zachary Gillespie | Clinton FFA

Erin Montgomery | Waupaca FFA

Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Assoc.

Kenneth K. Heideman Endowment

GROWMARK

Blain’s Farm & Fleet

Virgil & Ann Martinson Endowment

WI FFA Convention

Kenneth K. Heideman Endowment

Dr. Gordon J Iverson Endowment

John & Hattie Van Wychen Endowment

Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Assoc.

GROWMARK

Roundy’s

Matthew D. Anderson Endowment Fund

Farmer Community Giving, Organic Valley

Matthew D. Anderson Endowment Fund

Robert Wohlford Memorial Scholarship

Walter & Delores Bjoraker Endowment Fund

Blain’s Farm & Fleet

ANIMART

Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation

ANIMART

Harold & Geneva Beals Endowment

Matthew D. Anderson Endowment Fund

Mary Elstad & Dean Gagnon Endowment

ConAgra

WPS Farm Show Food Vendors

Rodney O. Kittelsen Endowment

Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation

Badger State Ethanol

Matthew D. Anderson Endowment Fund

Wisconsin Agri-Business Association

Roundy’s

Kenneth K. Heideman Endowment

Robert & Herta Laatsch Family Endowment

Jon Anderson Scholarship

Star Blends

Wisconsin Agri-Business Association

Arnold & Katherine Cordes Endowment

Elstad Brothers Endowment

Wisconsin Agri-Business Association

Louis M. Sasman of the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Madison Endowment

Wisconsin Agri-Business Association

Bernie & Marty Staller Endowment

NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARDS

Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Convention Partners

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AWARDS

1st place | Waupaca FFA 2nd place | Stanley-Boyd FFA 3rd place | Denmark FFA Gold Chapters - Advancing to Nationals:

Amery, Badger, Barron, Beaver Dam, Big Foot, Cochrane-Fountain City, Columbus, DeForest, Denmark, Freedom, Granton, Kiel, Manawa, Mishicot, Pardeeville, Prairie Farm, Sauk Prairie, Shullsburg, StanleyBoyd, Tomah, Waupaca, Waupun, Weyauwega-Fremont, Whitehall, Winneconne Growing Leaders | Waupaca FFA

Overall State Winner for Increase in Membership Watertown FFA Largest Percent Membership Increase Eau Claire FFA Largest Chapter Pulaski FFA Largest Percentage of School Population Involved in FFA Oakfield FFA

Building Communities | Waupaca FFA Strengthening Agriculture | Waupaca FFA Chapter Scrapbook Competition | Granton FFA Food for America | Waupaca FFA

15

CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENT WINNERS Agricultural Communications Stanley-Boyd FFA Top Individual: Hannah Beltoya | Stanley-Boyd FFA

Farm Business Management Burlington FFA Top Individual: Tyler VanPatten | Burlington FFA

Meat Evaluation & Technology River Ridge FFA Top Individual: Zach Mickelson | Deforest FFA

Sponsored by United Cooperative & Cooperative Network

Sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc.

Sponsored by Tom & Jesi Betley & Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors

Agricultural Issues Shullsburg FFA Sponsored by Cooperative Network

Agricultural Sales Shullsburg FFA Top Individuals: (three way tie) Brianna Leahy | Shullsburg FFA Zach Wiegel | Shullsburg FFA Nicholas Weinfurter | Edgerton FFA Sponsored by Star Blends & Wyffels Hybrids

STATE AWARDS

Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems Hartford FFA Top Individual: William McGrath | Hartford FFA

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Sponsored by RCI Engineering & United Cooperative

Agronomy Viroqua FFA Top Individual: Tanner Oyen | Lancaster FFA

Floriculture Chilton FFA Top Individual: Caleb Kopecky | Chilton FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Food Science & Technology Stanley-Boyd FFA Top Individual: Mckenna Endvick | Stanley-Boyd FFA Sponsored by Brakebush Brothers Inc.

Forestry Marshfield FFA Top Individual: Ryan Pilgrim | Cadott FFA Sponsored by Midwest STIHL

Horse Evaluation DC Everest FFA Top Individual: Kinsey Ninnemann | Plymouth FFA Sponsored by The Country Today & Amber Vickers Keller Endowment

Sponsored by United Cooperative

Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management Osceola FFA Top Individual: Elise Bleck | Plymouth FFA

Land Judging Riverdale FFA Top Individual: Miranda Swaziek | Riverdale FFA Sponsored by Jerry Steiner

Sponsored by Associated Milk Producers Inc.

Dairy Cattle Handlers Activity Top Individual: Montana Sarbacker | Verona FFA

Livestock Evaluation Mineral Point FFA Top Individual: Brady Palzkill | Mineral Point FFA

Sponsored by FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative

Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Environmental & Natural Resources Marshfield FFA

Marketing Plan Shullsburg FFA

Sponsored by Allan D. Herrman Endowment & Ken Seering Endowment

Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Milk Quality & Products Riverdale FFA Top Individual: Curtis Weltzien | Arcadia FFA Sponsored by Foremost Farms USA

Nursery/Landscape Badger FFA Top Individual: Shane Marchetti | Badger FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Poultry Evaluation Plymouth FFA Top Individual: Joshua Heerts | Holmen FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Poultry and Egg Industries Association

Safe Tractor Operators Contest Top Individual: Griffin Trinrud | Waupaca FFA Sponsored by Red Morrison Endowment

Veterinary Science Badger FFA Top Individual: Victoria Zenefski | Columbus FFA Sponsored by Clinton FFA Alumni

Wildlife Cochrane-Fountain City FFA Top Individual: Zach Cason | Berlin FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE GRANTS Dairy

Organic Ag

Sponsored by Andis Foundation, Dairy Business Association, Edge, Foremost Farms USA, Nasco, Saputo Cheese, We Energies & Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

Sponsored by Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative & Viroqua Food Co-op

Jared Abraham | Plymouth FFA Cheyenne Burgess | Shullsburg FFA Whitney Clason | Albany FFA Kristi Cleven | Brookwood FFA Zachary DuCharme | Clinton FFA Brynn Emery | Palmyra-Eagle FFA Kenzie Emery | Palmyra-Eagle FFA Landon Holewinski | Pulaski FFA Heather Kuhnau | Sauk Prairie FFA Zach Olson | Southern Door FFA Emily Pankratz | Auburndale FFA Devin Witte | Clinton FFA Randy Winch | Fennimore FFA Ella Woodworth | Shullsburg FFA Grain Production Sponsored by Wisconsin Corn Growers Association

Seth Cupery | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Livestock Sponsored by Andis Foundation & Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association

Jessica Bahr | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Start-Up Sponsored by Sartori Company, BlueScope Buildings & ST Paper

Brooke Aue | Auburndale FFA Annamarie Aue | Auburndale FFA Jennifer Burno | Clinton FFA Cecilia Cervantes | Oregon FFA Madyson Chitko | Pulaski FFA Jaden Gardner | Granton FFA Vaida Goplin | Whitehall FFA Micah Hanson | Wisconsin Heights FFA Haden Hartwig | Cambridge FFA Seth Helminiak | Auburndale FFA Hailey Hendrickson | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Brandon Jakobi | Granton FFA Rheanne Kurszewski | Rosholt FFA Samuel Linzmeier | Tomah FFA Brock Roy | Dodgeland FFA Michelle Stangler | Watertown FFA Kaelyn Sumner | Pulaski FFA

Brian Alwin | Clinton FFA Dallas Bazewicz | Cumberland FFA Kyle Haldiman | Monroe FFA Maddy Huschitt | Black Hawk FFA Colton Klemm | Black Hawk FFA Maiya Koberle | Oregon FFA Makenna Koopmans | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Allison Lund | Cambridge FFA Cody Miller | Badger FFA Ian Pank | Whitehall FFA Colton Pank | Whitehall FFA Ashlee Piskow | Granton FFA Clayton Rankin | Clinton FFA Abbigail Schwark | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Payton Van Schyndle | Cuba City FFA

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NATIONAL AWARDS 18

WISCONSIN FFA AMERICAN STAR FINALIST

American Star in Agriscience Finalist Katheryn Vacula | Big Foot FFA Katy Vacula of the Big Foot FFA Chapter in Walworth has been involved in an array of research projects.

The first facet of Katy’s agriscience supervised agricultural experience (SAE) came from a research project she pursued for the Wisconsin FFA Agriscience Fair. Using chicken eggs from her family’s hobby farm, Katy researched different egg washing methods. Her first research project garnered a gold ranking at the National FFA Agriscience Fair.

Once she became a college student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Katy knew she wanted to stay invested in research. Katy has worked on projects ranging from a new drug for urinary tract infections and also the details of swine production. With a rich background in FFA and research, Katy said she wants to become an ag teacher and FFA advisor to help students like herself get involved in research.

PROFICIENCY AWARD WINNERS Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance - Placement Logan Paul | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA

Logan Paul of the Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Chapter works for his father’s repair and metal fabrication business. Most of his customers are farmers needing their equipment repaired but he also works with two trucking companies with over 100 semi-tractors and trailers. Logan specializes in welding repairs. He plans to become a partner in the business in the future and eventually take over the operation himself.

Diversified Horticulture Entrepreneurship/Placement Jakob Gmur | Whitewater FFA

Jakob Gmur of the Whitewater FFA Chapter is the owner of a lawn care and property services business, providing weekly lawn mowing, spring and fall cleanups, landscaping, hardscaping and snow removal.

What began as a single lawn has expanded to more than 50 accounts four years later. After completing his education, Jakob plans to make a full-time career as a lawn care and landscaping business owner.

Agricultural Education Entrepreneurship/Placement Amelia Hayden | Big Foot FFA

Amelia Hayden of the Big Foot FFA Chapter began her work in this area after signing up to help with a fourth-grade agricultural literacy event. She became involved with the county extension program, working on a team of two youth to create a program on natural resources for middle school students. Amelia’s favorite aspect of this work has been helping FFA members develop their own skills, whether teaching them how to develop an agriscience research project to helping with homework or proficiency applications.

National Agriscience Fair - 1st Place Winner Food Products & Processing Systems - Division 2

Matthew Elmhorst & Jackson Skaw | New Auburn FFA

Matt Elmhorst and Jackson Skaw were one of five New Auburn Agriscience Fair teams competing, and they earned national first place gold medallions. Matt and Jackson competed in the area of Food Products & Processing Systems with their project: “Analyzing the Storage of Potatoes.” Both of these New Auburn FFA members are currently freshmen and have their sights set on college. With their individual set of talents and abilities, they continue to build their agriscience knowledge, skillset, and communication talents.

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HONORARY STATE DEGREES

HONORED ADULTS

The Honorary Degree is the highest degree that the Wisconsin Association of FFA can bestow on a nonmember. These 11 recipients were recognized at the 89th Wisconsin FFA Convention.

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Jon Anderson | Ronna Ballmer | Deanna Barkhaus | Rick & Gwen Dado | Mark Ladsten | Janice Schyvinck Leslie Svacina | Darren Swartz | Scott Vosters | David Williams

Distinguished Service Award Recipients Culver’s Through the Thank You Farmers project Culver’s has donated over $1.7 million to support agriculture education programs like FFA to inspire young people across the country. For the past four years, Culver’s has been a Star Mission Partner with the Wisconsin FFA Foundation which benefits all of Team Ag Ed.

Dairyland Power Cooperative Dairyland Power Cooperative is a generation and transmission cooperative which values the communities and education that build future leaders for cooperatives and rural America. For eight years, Dairyland Power has worked with Wisconsin FFA with the printing and mailing of many brochures and newsletters, including its Annual Report.

Henry Vilas Zoo Wisconsin FFA members have had the opportunity to experience the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison as one of the tour options conducted during the Wisconsin FFA Convention. FFA members have made the zoo their classroom during the tours as they learn about animals, their handling and conservation practices being completed by the zoo’s Education Center.

VIP AWARD RECIPIENT Jim Massey Jim Massey recently retired after 34 years of covering agriculture in Wisconsin as a reporter and editor for the weekly ag newspaper, The Country Today. He has written about every Wisconsin FFA event, attended numerous State FFA Conventions, organized silent auctions, participated in the FFA Foundation golf outings, and served as the Wisconsin FFA Foundation Board President. In addition, Jim was recognized by the National FFA Organization with the Honorary American FFA Degree.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Peter Drone Peter Drone was raised on a diversified livestock and crop farm in Muscoda. He was involved in his local FFA chapter and after high school attended UW-Platteville.

He began his teaching career at Bloomington High School in 1976. With help from Floyd Doering, Arnold Cordes and Dr. Virgil Martinson, he grew the Bloomington agricultural education program. In 1995 Bloomington and West Grant Schools consolidated to form River Ridge. During his 30-year teaching tenure, Peter’s meat CDE teams were very successful and after his retirement in 2006, he served as the executive secretary for the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors for nine years.

Mary Elstad Gagnon Mary Elstad Gagnon was the executive director of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation for 14 years. During her time at the helm, the number of sponsors doubled and the annual fund raising increased 370 percent. Mary helped create investment opportunities including the LifeWork Expo (Convention Expo), golf outings, facilitated grants for members and chapters pursuing new ideas, and initiated the Blue and Gold Society.

She was raised in Boyceville, graduated from UW-River Falls in Secondary Education and served the Peace Corps in Ecuador. She worked in fund raising development for 15 years before joining the Wisconsin FFA Foundation.

David Laatsch David Laatsch grew up on a diversified dairy farm and was a member of the Jefferson FFA Chapter. He attended UW-Madison and then taught agriculture education at Beaver Dam High School for 34 years.

David was the first National Finalist Agriscience Teacher of the Year, served two terms on the WAAE Board, fifteen years on the FFA Center Board and led the updating of the book “A History of Vocational Agriculture in Wisconsin” for the centennial celebration of the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917. He is a member of the Foundation’s Blue and Gold Society and established a scholarship in honor of his parents.

21

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FINANCIAL Year ended July 31, 2018 HIGHLIGHTS Statement of Activities For the year ended July 31, 2018

2018

2017

Support & Revenue Contributions

452,656

490,802

5,920

10,016

Fund Raising Events

42,936

40,671

Investment Return

47,888

55,354

0

2,629

549,400

599,472

In-kind Contributions

Miscellaneous Total Support & Revenue

155,646

122,609

Professional Fees

18,256

15,467

Office Expenses

27,550

25,820

307,810

307,701

24,260

30,721

0

878

Programming Travel & Meetings Advertising

FINANCIALS

Insurance

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The Foundation manages donor restricted endowment funds totaling $838,076.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION July 31, 2018 & 2017

Expenses Personnel

The Foundation awarded scholarships totaling $31,000, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) grants totaling $26,780 and grants to FFA Chapters totaling $12,100.

Statement of Financial Position July 31, 2018 and 2017 2018

2017

Assets Current Assets

330,440

458,102

854

2,120

Other Assets

1,407,695

1,295,301

Occupancy

6,600

6,600

Total Assets

1,738,135

1,753,403

Fund Raising Expenses

13,577

15,646

Investment Mgmt Fees

11,172

9,918

76,782

73,526

1,000

22,864

1,199

2,410

Unrestricted

613,370

523,133

567,924

562,754

Temporarily Restricted

244,716

379,259

Permanently Restricted

803,267

777,485

1,661,353

1,753,403

Write Off of Pledges Receivable Misc Total Expenses Change in Net Assets

Liabilities & Net Assets Current Liabilities

-18,524

36,718

Net Assets at Beginning of Year

1,679,877

1,643,159

Net Assets at End of Year

1,661,353

1,679,877

Net Assets

Total Liabilities & Net Assets

WHAT YOU SUPPORT Each year, hundreds of industry and individual financial partners like you support agricultural education, Wisconsin FFA and its more than 21,000 members. During the 2017-2018 fiscal year, your commitment helped the Wisconsin FFA Foundation direct over $330,000 in funding to:

Local FFA Chapters – $31,025

• Chapter grants program

• Membership awards

• Career & leadership development event awards

• National band, chorus and talent stipends

Individual FFA Members – $100,925

• Supervised Agricultural Experience grants

• Post-secondary scholarships

• Proficiency awards

State-Level Programming – $106,883

• State officer training

• Leadership conferences and workshops

• Wisconsin FFA Convention

• Proficiency award programming

• Various state-level awards

Wisconsin Agricultural Education Partners - $91,490

• Star Mission Program grants to aid a need or goal of the total Wisconsin Agricultural Education program, including strengthening ag education programs from advisor to student

• Greatest-needs funding to the Wisconsin Association of FFA, the Wisconsin FFA Center, the Wisconsin FFA Alumni and the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators

Thank you for your partnership and for ensuring the future of agricultural education and Wisconsin FFA!

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Below is the annual listing of all Wisconsin FFA Foundation partners and benefactors during the 2017-18 campaign year: June 18, 2017 through June 16, 2018.

FFA-RELATED ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERS Philanthopist ($2,500+) Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association Patron ($1,000-$2,499) Clinton FFA Alumni Denmark FFA Alumni Elkhorn FFA Alumni Marshfield FFA Alumni New Glarus FFA Alumni Sauk Prairie FFA Alumni Stoughton FFA Alumni Benefactor ($500-$999) Ag Teachers/Trempealeau County

Amherst FFA Alumni Bloomer FFA & FFA Alumni Freedom FFA Chapter Gresham FFA Alumni Section 8 FFA Alumni Affiliates Waupaca FFA Chapter & Alumni Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators Advocate ($250-$499) Brodhead FFA Alumni Dane County Ag Teachers Fennimore FFA Alumni Juda FFA Chapter Lomira Community FFA Alumni

Milton FFA Chapter Mondovi FFA Chapter Supporter ($100-$249) 1991-92 State Officer Team Argyle FFA Alumni Green Bay East FFA Chapter Green Bay Southwest FFA Chapter Mishicot FFA Alumni Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Chapter River Ridge FFA Chapter Stanley-Boyd FFA Chapter Turtle Lake FFA Alumni Weston FFA Chapter

Contributor (up to $99) Barron FFA Chapter Black River Falls FFA Chapter Brookwood FFA Chapter Sauk Prairie FFA Chapter St. Croix Central FFA Chapter Tigerton FFA Chapter

INDUSTRY PARTNERS Philanthopist ($20,000+) CHS Foundation Compeer Financial Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association

DONORS

Patron ($10,000-$19,999) Culver Franchising System, Inc. Grade A Strategies GROWMARK, Inc. Kerry Landmark Services Cooperative Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, Inc. Renk Seed Rural Mutual Insurance Company Syngenta

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Benefactor ($5,000-$9,999) Alliant Energy Foundation Andis Foundation ANIMART Blain’s Farm & Fleet Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin GreenStone Farm Credit Services Investors Community Bank Land O’Lakes Foundation Russ Davis Wholesale/Crazy Fresh Produce Seneca Foods Corporation U.S. Army ROTC 3rd BDE Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Wisconsin Public Service Advocate ($1,000-$4999) 2016-17 State Officer Team Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative Agropur Inc. American Foods Group Animal Health International, Inc. Badger State Ethanol, LLC BlueScope Buildings BMO Harris Bank Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc Brakebush Brothers Inc. Breeze Dairy Group LLC Citizens State Bank of Loyal CNH Industrial Capital CoBank Cooperative Network Dairyland Seed Co., Inc. Direct Enterprises, Inc.

DuPont Pioneer Edward J. Okray Foundation, Inc. Filament Marketing Foremost Farms USA Jennie-O Turkey Store John Deere - Kansas John Deere Financial, f.s.b.

Johnsonville Sausage, LLC Kalscheur Foundation Keller Williams - Kittleson Real Estate Team Kiwanis Club of Downtown Madison Kuhl Equipment, LLC Kuhn North America, Inc. Lakeside Foods, Inc. Lee Foundation Linn-Mathes Inc. MAI Animal Health Mid-West Family Broadcasting Milk Products Inc. MinnTex Citrus, Inc. - Iowa Nasco OXBO International Corporation Pilgrim’s Saputo Cheese USA Inc. Sargento Foods Inc. Sartori Company Southwest WI Technical College Star Blends The Country Today Town Bank United Animal Health United Cooperative We Energies Wisconsin Bankers Association Wisconsin Corn Growers Association Wisconsin Dekalb Asgrow Sales Team Wisconsin Farmers Union Wisconsin Pork Association Wisconsin Poultry and Egg Industries Association Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation, Inc. Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Wyffels Hybrids Zoetis Supporter ($250-$999) Agromatic AltaGenetics USA Inc. Anderson Pharms, LLC Arimon Technologies Inc.

Associated Bank of Portage Associated Milk Producers Inc. Badger Steel & Fabricating, Inc. Badgerland Financial Bailey Nurseries Charleston|Orwig ConAgra Foods Culver’s - Brown Deer, Grafton, Mequon, Milwaukee Culver’s of Middleton Culver’s of Pleasant Prairie Culver’s of Waukesha Custer Farms, Inc. Dairy Business Association Dairyland Power Cooperative Daluge Travel, LLC Dunn Energy Cooperative East Central/Select Sires FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative Four Hands Holsteins, Inc. Fox Cities Builders Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau Gumz Farms H&S Manufacturing Co. Keller, Inc. Lulich Auction, LLC Lulich Implement Midwest STIHL Milwaukee Bucks Nasonville Dairy, Inc. Pomp’s of Janesville Premier Insurance Solutions, LLC Riverland Energy Cooperative Rock River Laboratory, Inc. Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. Scott Implement Sloan Implement Company, Inc The Benevity Community Impact Fund The Coburn Company, Inc. The Old Fashioned The Scharine Group Topcon Agriculture Americas Tractor Central Tractor Supply Company Udder Tech Inc Usinger Foundation, Inc. UW-River Falls AgEd Society & AlphaTau Alpha Viroqua Food Co-op Vivayic Inc. Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association

Wisconsin National Farmers Organization Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative Xcel Energy, Inc. Contributor (Up to $249) Ace Ethanol American Family Insurance Amery Regional Medical Center Bergmann’s Greenhouses Big Iron Equipment Boettcher’s Cire-Nala Farms Bremer Bank Castell Farm Country Visions Cooperative Culver’s of Kenosha Durst-Larse Farms, LLC First Citizens State Bank Fox Structures Inc. Franzen Trucking Gross Motors, Inc. Investors Community Bank ITW Foundation 3 For 1 Matching Gift Program Jeremiah’s Bullfrog Fish Farm Kelley Country Creamery Larson Engineering Legend Seeds, Inc Lowe Manufacturing Co., Inc. Meinholz Enterprises LLC Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club Nor-V-Gen Waterproofing Park Bank Peterson Farm Premier Cooperative Provision Partners Cooperative Rosenholm Dairy LLP Scheps Dairy, Inc. Schmidt Building & Equipment, LLC Schroeder’s Flowers, Inc. Shorecrest Farm Skalitzky Gas Service Superior Shores Farm Bureau Thill Crest Farm Tri County Dairy Supply, Inc. United Veterinary Service Voegeli Farm, Inc. W & E Radtke, Inc. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

INDIVIDUAL PARTNERS Philanthopist ($1,000+) Carol Anderson Louis & Sandra Arrington Kevin Bacon & Family Joan Behr James T. Grasee & Mary H. Handrich-Grasee Family of Gordon J. Iverson DVM Kevin & Julie Larson Family Fred & Cindy Lawton William Maurina Jerry Steiner Thomas H. Thomsen Patron ($500-$999) Chad Brusveen Elam & Barbara Buttles Rick & Gwen Dado Jayne Krull Greg Rindsig Benefactor ($250-$499) Jon & Rachel Anderson Tom & Jesi Betley Sara & Tim Bliefernicht William & Deborah Boehm Beth Burgy Donald Dunn David & Beth Erickson Rudolph Geimer Paul & Kirsten Gross Robert Hagenow Travis & Ellen Holt Ginger James Daryl & Katie Jones Darren Kittleson Eric and Erica Lawton Vernon Lee Ronald W. Martin Kathleen Murphy Ben & Nicole Nelson Michael North Mark Raduenz Paul Salm Dave & Jackie Weiland Jerry & Sharon Wendt Kathy Wendt Tim Wyss Mark & Cheryl Zimmerman Advocate ($100-$249) Alan Albers Cortlyn & Judy Almquist Bradley J. Anderson Todd D. Argall LaVerne & Beverly Ausman Thomas & Tammy Beard Dale & Jillian Beaty

Victor Bekkum Tom Bressner Jim Dassow Paul A Derber Scarlett Ferguson Frank & Judy Friar Dean & Mary Gagnon Gary J. Geisler Gilbert Graber Joyce E. Gust Kim & Leona Havens Kirk A Haverland Nick Hemling Nancy Henck Jeff & Sheri Hicken Darrell Hines Dayton Hougaard John A Hromyak William & Jacqueline Hustad Justin Jorgenson Richard Kastning Michael & Patricia Knoll George & Pauline Koepp Jason and Holly Kollwelter Chuck & Mary Lou Kugel Larry Lader Charles Larson Paul A. Larson Larry Lindsay Tom & Barbara Lyon Paul Meister David & Bernadine J. Narloch Kenneth & Joyce Natzke Jeff and Liz Pickerign Howard “Dan� & Jean Poulson Tim & Jean Preuninger Bobbi Jo Raffetto Douglas Raymakers Russell & Karen Rindsig Richard & Lois Rossmiller Irvin & Mary Sather Sara Sayles Dave & Lisa Schaefer Brenda Schiel Janet Lynn Schneider Sara Schoenborn Richard & Sue Schultz Elmira Schultz Bart & Janice Schyvinck Dennis & Carol Seefeldt Harvey & Susan Shuler Mark P. Strohschein Leslie Svacina Melissa Sylte Troy Talford Harold & Thelma Tech Mary Thomsen & Harold Weintraub Duke Thurs

Dave & Laura Triebold Mark Vornholt Danielle Waterworth Emily Watson Blaine & Fay Westberg Luke Wiedenfeld Lee Van Wychen Robert L Zimpel Supporter ($50-$99) John & Darlene Arneson Ronna Morton Ballmer Nicole Barlass Brion & Aralda Bell DeWayne & Gerda Benedict Dean & Mary Kay Booth Gerald & Lila Carlson Carl Casper Jacob H. Cramer Thomas Cramer Keith Dougherty Travis Engel Tim & Angela Feider David Gavin Gary & Jennifer Gracyalny Tim & Jane Griswold Barbara & George Groshek John & Shirley Hines Leslie Huber Janet Huppert Jansen Farm Scott Johnson Brett & Natalie M. Killion Keith & Lynn Kolpack William Kriese Thomas Kurth Thomas & Lee Ann Lindahl Daryl & Cynthia Miller Roman Molls, Jr. Clarence Olson Margie & Gregory Peck Philip & Carol Peterson Bonnie J. Peterson Jeffrey & Marcia Pethke Lorin & Winnie Preston Fred Pumper Ralph & Judy Rabach Robert & Patricia Reddell Paul Redig David & JoDee Sattler David R. Schlies Randy & Valerie Schwandt Gary & Dorsay Solum Leonard L. Splett Bruce & Rachel Stafne Peter & Ruth Stern Lester Unferth Bob & Marcia Voss Earl Woller

Sharon Wussow Dr. Allen & Joan Wysocki Contributor (Up to $49) Archie N. Abbott Danielle Angotti Donald & Lois Armitage Ciera Ballmer Carolyn Basse Brenna Bays Stanley Bergum Rylee Black Travis Cadman David & Heidi Clausen Ronald E. Deiter Carol Ellis Kari Fischer Cletus & Nancy Franz Caleb Green David & Geri Henningfield James & Joyce Kasper Kent Kindschy Eugene & Margaret King Ervin Kraft Donald G Lightfield Lois Loomans Bradley & Annette Markhardt Lyle & Linda Mercer Richard Meske Merwin Moen Laura Munger JoAnn Otto Charles & Louise Price Peter Roycraft Dale & Rachel Schultz Jesse & Jenny Singerhouse Gene Sirianni Norma Skroch Andrew & Lisa Talbott Hannah Taylor Roger & Ronda Thompson Julie Vacho-Straubhaar Sarah Van Asten Laura Walsh Robert Walton Ralph & Mary Wendler Carolyn White-Knapp Sharon Williams Wade Yearous Nate Zimdars Ashley Zimmerman

Thank You to all our contributing partners!

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HONORS & MEMORIALS

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

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In memory of Archie Abbott Tim Wyss

In honor of Jon Anderson Carol Anderson

In memory of Ben Hylkema Thomas Kurth

In memory of Lewellen “Lew” Erb Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators

In memory of Bethany Rieth Anonymous Donors

In memory of Mark Riese Philip & Carol Peterson

In memory of Bethany Rieth Sara Schoenborn

In honor of Mark Stroschein Brett & Natalie M. Killion

In memory of Bethany Rieth Wisconsin Association of FFA

In memory of Matt Anderson Michael & Patricia Knoll

In memory of Bethany Rieth Wisconsin Association of FFA

In memory of Nancy (Carroll) Maurina William Maurina

In memory of Betty Plapp Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators In honor of Christine & Thomas Thomsen’s 50th Wedding Anniv Mary Thomsen & Harold Weintraub

In memory of Ray Miller Thomas Kurth In memory of Ray Miller Tim Wyss

In memory of Clarence A. Strohschein Mark P. Strohschein

In memory of Richard Tollesfson Philip & Carol Peterson

In memory of Diane K. Meyer John & Darlene Arneson

In honor of Tina Rennebohm Sharon Wussow

In memory of Donald J. Loomans Lois Loomans

In memory of Vernon Dunn Donald Dunn

In memory of Dr. Gerald Matteson Gary & Jennifer Gracyalny

In memory of Vernon Dunn Peterson Farm

In memory of Dr. Gerald Matteson Paul A. Larson

In memory of Victoria Harter Bonnie J. Peterson

In memory of Edward Taylor Wisconsin Association of

In memory of Wally Peck Tim & Jane Griswold

Agricultural Educators

In memory of Elmer Baker John & Darlene Arneson In memory of Floyd & Betty Doering Barbara & George Groshek In memory of Gerald Matteson Laura Walsh In memory of Gloria Larsen Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators In memory of James Koser Tim Wyss In memory of James Koser Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators

In memory of Wally Peck Kevin & Julie Larson Family In memory of Wesley Higgins Larson Engineering In memory of Wesley Higgins Linn-Mathes Inc. In memory of Wesley Higgins Keith Dougherty In memory of Wesley Higgins Kirk A Haverland In memory of William Brakebill Tim & Jane Griswold In memory of William Shafer Tim Wyss

In 2001, the Blue and Gold Society was formed to honor and recognize donors of major and/or planned gifts.

Members have made the commitment to contribute $15,000 to the Wisconsin FFA Foundation in three years or less.

If you’re interested in membership to the Blue and Gold Society by making a major gift, creating an endowment or by naming the Wisconsin FFA Foundation in your will or as an account beneficiary, call the Foundation at 608-831-5058.

Jim, Mark, Carol and Jon Anderson Lou and Sandra Arrington Harold and Geneva Beals Walter and Delores Bjoraker Arnold B. and Katherine Cordes Floyd Doering Elstad Brothers Estate The Family of Matthew D. Anderson Dr. Rick and Peggy Daluge Dean P. and Mary Elstad Gagnon James T. Grasee & Mary Handrich-Grasee Keith Gundlach Kim and Leona Havens Kenneth K. Heideman Al and Lynn Herrman The Family of Gordon J. Iverson DVM Wallace H. Jerome Amber Vickers Keller

Rodney O. Kittelsen Robert and Herta Laatsch Family Kevin and Julie Larson Family Glenn L. and Sonja Linder Virgil O. and Ann Martinson Gerald R. Matteson William & Nancy (Carroll) Maurina and Family Derrick Papcke Bethany L. Rieth Michael A. Sabel Ken Seering Bernie and Marty Staller Clarence A. and Caroline L. Strohschein Thomas H. and Christine M. Thomsen, in honor of Mr. Thomsen’s father, H. H. ‘Tommy’ Thomsen Jim and Nodji Van Wychen, in honor of Mr. Van Wychens’s parents, John and Hattie Van Wychen

LEAVE YOUR LEGACY What will be your legacy? You can leave it to Wisconsin FFA in a matter of minutes.

There are many ways that you can make a difference including: • Join the Blue & Gold Society. The society is comprised of individuals who generously demonstrate support through a gift of $15,000 or more over a period of one to three years, or who have supplied a letter of intent that they included the Wisconsin FFA Foundation in a planned gift in a comparable amount. This gift can also be directed to an endowment that can fund programs into the future.

• Name Wisconsin FFA Foundation in your will. You can specify a certain dollar amount or a percentage as a gift.

• Name Wisconsin FFA Foundation as a beneficiary of one of your assets, such as your retirement plan, life insurance policy or bank account. Simply contact the administrator of the plan, policy or account and complete the paperwork.

• Donate stock to Wisconsin FFA Foundation. You can avoid capital gains by donating your stock (that you’ve owned for more than one year) to the Foundation.

WILLIAM MAURINA

• Donate your IRA required minimum distribution to Wisconsin FFA Foundation. IRA owners who are 70 ½ or older can transfer up to $100,000 per year directly to the Foundation without paying income tax on the transaction. If filing jointly, a spouse can also make a $100,000 contribution.

William Maurina was inducted into the Blue and Gold Society at the 89th Wisconsin FFA Convention. He says: “I taught agriculture for 30+ years. It was my life’s work, and I feel very strongly about FFA, both personally and professionally.

Wisconsin’s agricultural educational model (classroom, SAE, and FFA) is almost like a philosophy. I don’t think there’s any other model that fits middle and high school students as well as that model. I feel it’s something I have to support.”

Your financial gift and legacy to the Wisconsin FFA Foundation makes an impact!

Members learn technical trades to succeed in their future careers, as well as leadership skills through state and national training conferences. These Wisconsin FFA members are your future employees and colleagues who will lead us into the coming decades’ of agricultural growth and sustainability throughout Wisconsin. Your legacy gift matters! To learn more, contact John Hromyak, Executive Director, at 608-831-5058 x3 or jhromyak@wisconsinffafoundation.org.

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SPOTLIGHT

2017-18 LEADING INDUSTRY PARTNERS

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Rural Mutual Insurance Company

Alliant Energy Foundation • Andis Foundation • ANIMART • Blain's Farm & Fleet Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin • GreenStone Farm Credit Services • Investors Community Bank Land O'Lakes Foundation • Russ Davis Wholesale/Crazy Fresh Produce Seneca Foods Corporation • U.S. Army ROTC 3rd BDE Wisconsin Agri-Business Association • Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Wisconsin Public Service

PARTICIPATION NUMBERS Wisconsin Association of FFA – 2017-18

Total Membership:

21,185 Total Chapters:

250

American FFA Degrees:

151

State FFA Degrees:

320

Proficiency Award Applications:

664

Leadership Conference Attendees:

4,294

State Convention Attendees:

3,539

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WAAE (WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATORS) A Focus on Recruitment and Retention Nicole Nelson, WAAE Executive Director Employee turnover in any type of business or organization is detrimental to productivity, and ag teaching is no different. Each time a local program gets a new ag teacher, it takes several years for that teacher, the students, the local alumni and the community to find their groove. It’s the ag teachers themselves who run these programs that support their peers and Wisconsin Ag Ed as a whole.

“ The goal of our recruitment and retention efforts is to lessen the amount of turnover, and also to aide in a successful adjustment period.”

“ The new teacher mentor committee was set in place to help support new teachers so they can be better equipped to make a difference in students’ lives.”

WAAE

Teach Ag Thrives

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Kris Beaver, Waupun Ag Ed instructor We were experiencing that several individuals were making it past the first five years, but then taking on additional responsibilities and programs that were causing burnout. Phase 1 of this program is one-on-one professional coaching. Phase 2 expands to a group format where teachers discuss issues together and use less direct coaching. We are working on Phase 3 where the folks will be work/life balance ambassadors to their peers. The results have been outstanding so far.

New Teacher / Mentor Committee Jamie Propson, Mishicot Ag Ed instructor Statewide data shows that almost half of all new teachers will burn out or leave the profession within their first five years. Our committee aims to decrease that percentage with a mentor program, sharing curriculum support, and hosting in-person and virtual professional development sessions. A majority of school districts only have one ag teacher, so we try to help those individuals feel connected and supported to their peers in other locations.

“ Teach Ag Thrives is a retention program for midto late-career teachers to help establish high performance habits to maximize their work/life blend. “

“ The response was phenomenal.. Students, parents and district administrators were all impressed. We will absolutely do it again.”

Ag Education Signing Day

Kris Beaver, Waupun Ag Ed instructor Students set to attend UW-River Falls or UWPlatteville for Ag Education had a signing day at the Wisconsin FFA Convention in June. Kris says the motivation was that this has been done around the country and is one way to make an academic area feel like those athletes do when they commit. Also, the teachers were looking for another way to recognize students and their hard work.

ALUMNI Mission: The Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association, Inc. strives to be Wisconsin’s premier agriculture education advocate. We support the local FFA Alumni Chapters so that they are better equipped to assist their local community, agriculture instructor(s) and agriculture youth.

Upcoming Convention Dates: Feb. 8-9, 2019 Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point

Jan. 31 –Feb. 1, 2020 Celebrating 40 Years of Wisconsin FFA Alumni!

Marriott Milwaukee West

The Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association received the Outstanding Alumni and Supporters State Association award at the 2018 National FFA Convention.

FFA Alumni understand the need to support agricultural education programs in their local schools.

They are devoted advocates of their ag instructors and of course, students. Membership in the Alumni is open to anyone who believes in that mission. Parents, community members and even corporate ag businesses are active in the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association.

An FFA chapter needs community connections. Alumni members support their local programs through financial donations, but also coaching, mentoring and sharing. They serve as role models, teaching youth about their careers and the needs of the ag industry in the future.

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WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION OF FFA www.wisconsinffa.org | (715) 659-4807 | (608) 267-9255

WISCONSIN FFA FOUNDATION www.wisconsinffafoundation.org | (608) 831-5058

The Wisconsin FFA Foundation would like to acknowledge Dairyland Power Cooperative and Filament Marketing for their help with the Annual Report.