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2016ANNUAL REPORT WISCONSIN FFA and WISCONSIN FFA FOUNDATION

TABLE OF CONTENTSLEADERSHIP .................................................. 3

FEATURES ...................................................... 8

STATE AWARDS ............................................. 12

NATIONAL AWARDS ....................................... 18

HONORED ADULTS ........................................22

ACHIEVEMENTS ............................................26

DONORS ....................................................... 27

FINANCIALS ..................................................30

The Wisconsin FFA Foundation would like to acknowledge Dairyland Power Cooperative and Grade A Strategies, Inc. for their help with the Annual Report.

Jeff HickenAgriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Consultant, State FFA Advisor

Wisconsin Association of FFA

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

DEAR WISCONSIN FFA SUPPORTERS, It’s amazing to think another year of FFA contests, conferences, and

achievements have come to an end. We’re excited to share the 2016

Wisconsin Association of FFA and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Report

with you, our way to spread the news of our members’ experiences which

you’ve made happen, both in and out of the classroom. We’ve all had much

to be thankful for!

The focus of this year’s report is STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering

and Math. While so much recognition is made on state and national stages,

and rightfully so, it’s still the local chapters and those FFA members who

make the first steps toward success.

The agricultural industry continues to change. The demands for students

and FFA members to be well educated in STEM continues. Wisconsin’s

agriculture education and FFA programs are ready to meet those demands

and exceed expectations. Our agricultural instructors and FFA advisors

have been so creative and diligent in their efforts to involve their students in

STEM-related projects such as the Agriscience Fair, Supervised Agriculture

Experiences, Career Development Events and classroom activities.

We applaud these leaders, as well as the fundraising efforts of the

Wisconsin FFA Foundation for the more than $600,000 raised in the last

year! Thank you for doing your part to support the Foundation and in

turn, our vital programs. They support the Wisconsin Association of FFA

membership, which is also at a 37-year high of more than 20,400 students!

It is valuable work we all are committed to – empowering and training

today’s youth to be the agricultural leaders of tomorrow. This task is

something we take seriously and know you do too. Thank you for being our

partners and friends.

STATE STAFF

Jeff HickenWisconsin FFA Advisor

Cheryl ZimmermanExecutive Director

Wisconsin Association of FFA

Wisconsin FFA Center, Inc.

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MESSAGE FROM

FOUNDATION BOARD PRESIDENTThis past year I have had the honor of serving on the Wisconsin FFA Foundation Board with some of the

most dynamic and selfless agricultural leaders in Wisconsin. As president, it was my role to lead in the

governance of the Foundation and its activities. While this sounds like a tremendous responsibility, it is

made much simpler by the collection of knowledge and experience of my fellow Foundation board members,

Foundation and Team Ag Ed staff, agricultural education instructors and the collective group of individuals

that contribute to Wisconsin FFA. Their tireless dedication to the success of agricultural education and FFA

in Wisconsin is truly remarkable.

As I look back on the year, I can’t help to think of how the support from Foundation donors helps develop the

future leaders of Wisconsin agriculture, our state and even our country. I am truly astonished as to how

successful and critical these programs are in developing our youth, whether it is reviewing business plans or

agriscience projects, listening to Leadership Development Events or seeing the incredible success of an FFA

member’s Supervised Agricultural Experience project. As donors, we should all be proud that our investment

in these youth is having such significant returns.

It has been another record-setting year for the Wisconsin FFA Foundation and Wisconsin Association of FFA.

Through the generosity of all our donors, $614,200.20 was raised to help support all agricultural education

and FFA opportunities throughout Wisconsin. On behalf of the Foundation, Team Ag Ed and most importantly,

the FFA members, I thank you all for your continued investment in the future of agriculture.

Travis HoltBoard President

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Travis Holt | PresidentPresident and CEO, Citizens State Bank of Loyal

Lori A. Lulich | Past PresidentSales and Solutions Manager, Purple Cow Organics, LLC

Amber Vickers Keller | Vice PresidentSenior Vice President - Ag Banking, Town Bank

Nick Hemling | Treasurer Director of Operations, ANIMART, Inc.

Scott Vosters | SecretaryAg/Commercial Lender, The Bank of New Glarus

Jon Anderson | At-Large DirectorPresident, Grade A Strategic Brand and Marketing Solutions

Robin Connelly | At-Large DirectorMembership Services Supervisor, Organic Valley/ CROPP Cooperative

Kathleen Murphy | At-Large DirectorCustomer and Channel Experience Manager, John Deere Financial

Luke Wiedenfield | At-Large DirectorSanitation Manager/Night Superintendent - Madison Plant, Kraft Heinz Company

Ginger James | At-Large DirectorRegional Accounts Manager, AgroChem

Darren Kittleson | At-Large DirectorOperating Principal/Broker, Keller Williams Realty

Jason Kollwelter | At-Large DirectorAgriculture Services and Customer Owned Generation Manager, We Energies

Janice Schyvinck | At-Large DirectorDirector of Public Relations, Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association

Danielle Waterworth | At-Large DirectorDirector - Asset Remarketing & Leasing, CNH Industrial Capital

Tim Wyss | At-Large DirectorRetired Agriculture Education Instructor at Clear Lake

Mark Zidon | University Ag Ed Program Representative Professor, UW-Platteville

Regina Oldendorf | FFA Alumni Representative ,Ex-Officio (Non-voting)Executive Director, Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association

Jeff Zobeck | WAAE Representative, Ex-Officio (Non-voting)Agriculture Instructor, Gresham High School

Cheryl Zimmerman | Ex-Officio (Non-voting)Executive Director, Wisconsin FFA Center

Jeff Hicken | FFA Advisor, Ex-Officio (Non-voting)Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Sally Albers | FFA Representative, Ex-Officio (Non-voting)Wisconsin FFA President

FOUNDATION BOARD

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2015–2016

STATE OFFICERSSECTION 1—CLEAR LAKE FFA

Maddi ColbethState SecretaryAdvisor: Dani Schott

SECTION 2—GLENWOOD CIT Y FFA

Kaitlin KonderState Vice President Advisor: Sean VanderWaal

SECTION 3—TOMAH FFA

Joelle LiddaneState Sentinel Advisors: Nelda Bailey and Kelly Hubert

SECTION 4—RIVER RIDGE FFA

Beth ZimmerState Vice President Advisor: Bret Iverson

SECTION 5—JUDA FFA

Jason RothState Vice PresidentAdvisor: Ralph Johnson

SECTION 6—ADAMS-FRIENDSHIP FFA

Brenna BaysState Parliamentarian Advisor: Becky Grabarski

SECTION 7—COLBY FFA

Taylor HalopkaState Vice President Advisors: Melissa Ploeckelmanand Aime Long

SECTION 8—OMRO FFA

Jared RetzlaffState Vice PresidentAdvisor: Keven Busse

SECTION 9—CHILTON FFA

Abby SabelState ReporterAdvisor: Amy Thielman

Sally AlbersState President SAUK PRAIRIE FFA Advisor: Troy Talford

PHOTO:FRONT (LEFT TO RIGHT)Kaitlin Konder, Sally Albers, Abby Sabel

MIDDLE: Jared Retzlaff, Beth Zimmer, Brenna Bays, Jason Roth

BACK: Maddi Colbeth, Taylor Halopka, Joelle Liddane

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2015-16 WISCONSIN FFA PRESIDENT

SALLY ALBERS Sally Albers attended her first FFA meeting in 8th grade and says that her original research

project was focused on growing various kinds of berries. Sally says her next, a swine Supervised

Agriculture Experience (SAE), was a way to connect with her father before he passed away and

then became a much bigger entrepreneurial undertaking than she ever imagined.

Her true calling, though, would be found in agricultural education, her major today at UW-River

Falls (with a minor in biology education). “My senior year I had planned to major in math at the

University of Chicago,” she laughs. “My advisor, Mr. Talford, sat me down and said: ‘You’re really

not loving this career path. What can we change? What can we make better?”

Sally had served as Sauk Prairie FFA’s chapter secretary, vice president and then president

before graduating. She says her favorite events revolved around educating and interacting with

younger students about agriculture, conservation and careers.

When she was elected Wisconsin FFA President and her team needed to decide on a theme for

the year, it seemed fitting for Sally that “Be” was chosen. “It’s so open-ended that you can think

of how you want to apply it in FFA, the different aspects of life, or how you generally want to be

as a person,” she says.

Sally explains that throughout the year, she and the state officers tried to incorporate this into

every project they did, from workshops to presentations and convention sessions.

“If we were doing an advocacy workshop, we’d provide different options on how to be an agricultural

advocate,” she says. “We were constantly finding ways to offer students opportunities to choose

from so they could discover their own path, rather than saying ‘You need to do this and this is

how you should do it.’ They were really able to drive the focus to whatever fit them best.”

The testimony to the team’s success over the year is the state’s FFA membership increase,

surpassing 20,000 members. Sally says her team worked hard to make FFA relevant to so many

students who may have never thought of joining before.

An example she shares is Columbus FFA, and the driving force that group became after a state

officer visit during her year as vice president. “There wasn’t much FFA activity going on there, but

it was something the students wanted,” she says. “The alumni played a role and now they have

Glenda Crook there, and are finding ways to be involved.” Sally reconnected with some of the

Columbus students at this year’s National FFA Convention. “What a drastic change in one year!

The chapter really came together and knew what they wanted.”

Sally says the support of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation’s donors makes these kinds of stories

possible. “Students are provided hundreds of opportunities and can choose the path that best

fits them,” she concludes. “Even the legislators’ support of agricultural education and dual-

certified classes allows students to grow within their career tracks.”

As you’ll read in this report’s features, Sally says the Science, Technology, Engineering and

Math (STEM) opportunities for FFA members are endless and important. “STEM areas can be

some that students struggle in, but having hands-on projects help solidify their knowledge and

make sure they have a concrete foundation before advancing to the next level.” Sally believes

every FFA member has the potential to “Be” whatever they dream, and she’s excited to continue

teaching that as she becomes an agricultural educator herself.

“This year’s theme ‘Be’

is intentionally open-

ended. You can think of

how you want to ‘Be’ in

FFA, in different aspects

of life, or as a person.”

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Science

Technology

engineering

MaThAgricultural technology has come a long way since the days of horse-drawn plows. While those can still be seen at work in some fields, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is undeniably leading the next generation of agriculturists. STEM opportunities are growing in every part of Wisconsin. Our agricultural educators are implementing STEM lessons in their classrooms and FFA members are surpassing what even they thought was possible through STEM projects. Alumni are building businesses based on their STEM work in FFA. At all levels, STEM is the future of agriculture at work today.

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Thirty miles north of Eau Claire, the New Auburn FFA Chapter is a leader in STEM work nationwide for future agriculturists from Wisconsin.

Brenda Scheil, their advisor, is thankful for the work the chapter members have accomplished. “Since 2003 we have generated 76 agriscience teams that have competed in the State FFA Agriscience Fair competition,” she says. “A total of 35 New Auburn agriscience teams have achieved state gold medals. This has generated a total of 12 national competing agriscience fair teams in the National FFA Agriscience Fair yielding six National FFA Agriscience gold ranking teams!”

Brenda says the first-ever agriscience project was determining if goldfish water would have an influence on plant growth, and the projects have grown and changed from there. Some are focused on engineering, others on energy such as wind turbines and solar panels. Other students have an interest in food science or robotics. The most recent team project is a robotic cultivator. Snow quality, green roofs and stormwater mitigation were also studied.

“We have had such a variety of STEM projects throughout the years,” Brenda says, and explains that many times these interests are translating to relationship building outside of the classroom, especially with professional industry leaders.

For example, a recent team conducted research on how an internal cable system would hold a building together during a tornado, earthquake, or hurricane. “What I like about this is that it moves students out into the world,” she says. Brenda and the team traveled to Iowa State University to use their real tornado simulator, and then paid a visit to the National Weather Service Station in Des Moines, Iowa.

“We’re building global connections because of the research projects students are doing in the classroom,” Brenda explains, indicating a New Auburn FFA member recently served as a student representative at the Global Youth Leadership Institute.“They’re thinking beyond local. Local is extremely important, as is state, but so is global. It gives them the mindset that we need to care for humanity and the environment. We need to meet the challenges of feeding a growing population.”

Brenda says FFA member Kylee Lofthus just completed an internship at the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute in Jena, Germany, an opportunity that arose due to her agriscience experience at New Auburn.

“My FFA agriscience research projects really taught me the scientific process and how to find results,” says Kylee. “I truly believe that without my involvement in FFA, I would have never gotten the opportunity to do research in an internationally known laboratory. If you take the time to immerse yourself in the opportunities life gives you, you will get to experience so many beautiful things.”

Dakota Simmons, the current New Auburn FFA Chapter president, agrees. “My agriscience research project is leading me into a career in meteorology,” she says. “Through the science of agriculture, you gain strength, which lets you perform your best in whatever the future brings. Always remember that you are the only one that can make the choice to improve a better future for yourself while benefiting others.”

Brenda believes that blending the STEM curriculum with agricultural education is a given. “No one entity can ignore the other,” she adds. “We can’t afford to do that. We have to work together.” At New Auburn FFA, she says the students give her energy and she reciprocates that energy by continuing to learn after 33 years as a teacher, offering exceptional programs FFA members can use for a lifetime.

NEW AUBURN FFA

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Hunter Moegenburg lives in Roberts, located in northwest Wisconsin’s St. Croix County. His dad is a retired professor from UW-Stout and his mom is an Information Technology (IT) manager. STEM topics are not a new concept for this family. “There are so many jobs related to agriculture that people really don’t know about.” says Hunter.

This teen adds that he’s an avid hunter and fisherman, going out every chance he gets. His older brother has been his mentor in those areas while his sister works in the design realm as an architect. In high school at St. Croix Central, he took his first Computer- Aided Drafting (CAD) class and Hunter says the STEM area then really clicked for him.

SolidWorks®, a 3D CAD solutions and rendering program, is his software of choice. He became certified through college-level courses in Eau Claire, driving an hour each way, two days/week. “With the STEM labs, I’ve learned a lot more about the 3D printers,” Hunter says. St. Croix Central has two of them, as well as tools such as a vinyl wrapper, wire bender and plasma cutter. “SolidWorks® is compatible with all of those,” he explains. “My sophomore year I created an entire truck on the program.” He designed all the parts on SolidWorks® and then assembled them and put together a real vehicle. “It was really cool, took me about five months to get done in SolidWorks®, on top of all my other classes.”

The first thing Hunter 3D printed was a small bait cup used for fishing. “You take something and make it better,” he says of the process. “In the last year I’ve done a lot of projects with both the 3D printer and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mill.” He made a 3D version of a wild duck and a decoy on the CNC mill, which took six tries to finally get it right. He then attempted to create a weed guard for a boat’s trolling motor.

For his independent study Hunter worked with analysis and simulation to test weak and strong points and low and high stress points in water pipes and bridge brackets. “It was exciting to see how much strain a bracket could withstand and then how I could make it stronger using the simulation methods!” Hunter exclaimed.

Hunter’s FFA advisor, Bill Emery, approached him about an idea for his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). The high school was in need of a new trail groomer for the cross country tracks. From support beams to welding nuts on a ramp, Hunter designed every piece of the new groomer in SolidWorks®. By utilizing scrap metal from the school shop, he had few expenses and even created a hydraulic lift for the groomer. “We are anxious to test it out this year. I am very confident it will perform well.” Hunter states.

Hunter will graduate high school in May 2017 from St. Croix Central. His goals include becoming a wildlife technician or engineer. Hunter stresses, “Lots of technology is being developed and new jobs are created every day. I have become familiar with these jobs through the STEM labs. When it comes down to it, I want to be doing something I love!”

HUNTER MOEGENBURG

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Randy Clark began his FFA career at the Mayville FFA Chapter, where this entrepreneur and engineer says he was involved in everything he could be as an FFA member, including participation on a National Finalist Parliamentary Procedure team. He grew up on a dairy farm and loved to work with machinery.

“I didn’t care for the cows, but I always had an interest in the equipment,” Randy says. This led him to pursue a degree in engineering at UW-Platteville, as did his high school FFA advisor, Cal Geiger. “Without him, I might not have found Platteville or agricultural engineering,” says Randy. “I struggled with high school guidance counselors and Cal stepped up and helped me to learn more about ag engineering. Had he not done that, my life would have been quite different.”

He says his initial college advisor, Fred Oomens, sat him down one day and asked what he wanted to do. “I want to design combines,” Randy says was his response. He spent those college years learning and working at John Deere Dubuque Works in product support, and participating in the ¼ Scale Tractor Design Competition through the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).

Randy said in his early career, he worked between John Deere factories in Ottumwa, Iowa, and Zweibrucken, Germany. He traveled the world, working with a variety of custom harvesters and producers in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Germany, France, Canada and Mexico.

Today, he owns RCI Engineering in his hometown of Mayville. In 2015, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded RCI with a Blue Ribbon Small Business Award. It has 15 employees, providing engineering and manufacturing services for the specialized agricultural equipment industry. Many of RCI’s staff have a background in agriculture. Randy says they understand agricultural equipment, the demands that come with being a producer and understand what producers need in machinery to make their lives easier.

STEM knowledge is a must, says Randy. “A good STEM program provides a solid background in science and math, but also the manufacturing side of business,” he explains. “There is a lot of opportunity if students couple ag and STEM. It looks really good to employers.”

Randy adds that there will be so many opportunities for graduates in the coming years as engineers, plant breeders, geneticists and for water resource management positions as the older generation retires from the field. Randy is on the Mayville Tech Advisory Board and involved in long-term planning goals for the school. He says he continues to remind students that agricultural is not just production. “It’s on the supply side with equipment, animal care, environmental impacts and chemical applications,” he says. “If you’ve got any interest in agriculture, there’s a demand in your area.”

RCI Engineering sponsors the Ag Mechanics Career Development Event (CDE) for the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. Randy says it’s a way to give back all he and his staff have gained from their years in FFA. “An investment in the youth going through the FFA program is really an investment in your own future,” he says. “The Foundation is in a good position to make an impact and reach these students, helping the industry overall.”

RANDY CLARK

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STATE AWARDS

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PROFICIENCY AWARD WINNERSAgricultural CommunicationsAdriana C. Kirckof | Stanley-Boyd FFASponsored by Filament Marketing

Agricultural EducationPaige L. VanderWerff | Lodi FFASponsored by Cooperative Network, GROWMARK, Inc., and Clarence A. and Caroline L. Strohschein Endowment

Agricultural Mechanics Design & FabricationMichael J. Kafer | Cochrane-Fountain City FFA Sponsored by Foth Production Solutions, LLC and Wisconsin Public Service

Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance-EntrepreneurshipLance A. Lierman | Shullsburg FFASponsored by Lulich Auction, LLC, Lulich Implement and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance-PlacementBrandon Anding | Granton FFA | National FinalistSponsored by Foth Production Solutions, LLC and Sloan Implement Company, Inc

Agricultural ProcessingTerrance R. Beck | Ripon FFASponsored by La Crosse Milling Company and Mill Haven Foods

Agricultural Sales-EntrepreneurshipLogan Paul | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Sponsored by The Country Today and Wisconsin Public Service

Agricultural Sales-PlacementHeather M. Milas | Stanley-Boyd FFASponsored by Direct Enterprises, Inc. and Wisconsin Dekalb Asgrow Sales Team

Agricultural ServicesMarcus C. Kolarik | Denmark FFA | National FinalistSponsored by Dairyland Seed Company, Inc.

Agriscience Research-Animal SystemsAmelia Hayden | Big Foot FFA | National FinalistSponsored by Lodi Veterinary Care and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Agriscience Research-Integrated SystemsFaith L. Carpenter | Big Foot FFA Sponsored by Vivayic Inc. and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Agriscience Research-Plant SystemsConnor S. Hoffman | Pecatonica FFASponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Beef Production-EntrepreneurshipTaylor A. Eilers | Waupaca FFA | National FinalistSponsored by ANIMART, Nasco, and Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association

Beef Production-PlacementPaden Agnew | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFASponsored by American Foods Group

Dairy Production-EntrepreneurshipMatthew Kramer | Cambellsport FFA | National FinalistSponsored by Accelerated Genetics, ANIMART and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Dairy Production-PlacementErica L. Helmer | Plymouth FFA |National FinalistSponsored by ANIMART, Lely North America and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Diversified Agricultural ProductionBeth Yanke | Sauk Prairie FFASponsored by Milk Source, LLC and Wisconsin Public Services

Diversified Crop Production-PlacementNick T. Leystra | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA | National FinalistSponsored by OXBO International Corporation

Diversified Horticulture ProductionZachary J. Olson | Adams-Friendship FFA | National Finalist Sponsored by Section 8 FFA Alumni Affiliates and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Diversified Livestock Production Parker T. Massie | Barron FFA | National FinalistSponsored by ANIMART, Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association, and Johnsonville Sausage, LLC

Environmental Science & Natural ResourcesGarrett Orr | Waupaca FFASponsored by Badger State Ethanol LLC and Cooperative Network

Equine Science-EntrepreneurshipErin R. Montgomery | Waupaca FFA | National FinalistSponsored by Marshfield FFA Alumni and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Equine Science-PlacementTaylor L. Statz | Wisconsin Heights FFASponsored by Edward J. Okray Foundation, Inc.

Food ServiceTommie A. Loken | Mineral Point FFASponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Forage ProductionDawson K. Schulz | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA | National FinalistSponsored by H&S Manufacturing Co. and Kuhn North America, Inc.

Forest ManagementSkyla M. Aissen | Luxemburg-Casco FFA Sponsored by Fennimore FFA Alumni

Fruit ProductionAustin R. Syvertson | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFASponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Goat ProductionKathryn A. Lampi | Owen-Withee FFASponsored by LaClare Farms and Montchevre-Betin, Inc.

Grain Production-EntrepreneurshipKaleb D. Cauffman | Fennimore FFASponsored by Kuhl Equipment, LLC

Grain Production-PlacementJosh J. Anderson | Wisconsin Dells FFA | National FinalistSponsored by Wisconsin Corn Growers Association

Home and/or Community DevelopmentLiz Hillskotter | Weyauwega-Fremont FFA Sponsored by Glenn L. and Sonja Linder Endowment, United Cooperative and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Landscape ManagementEric M. Wuthrich | Amherst FFASponsored by Lulich Landscaping, LLC

Nursery OperationsSpencer W. Einerson | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFASponsored by Denmark FFA Alumni, Millhome Nursery and Greenhouses and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Organic AgricultureElisha E. Riley | Waupaca FFASponsored by Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, Inc.

Outdoor RecreationMoriah J. Rataczak | Portage FFASponsored by Cochrane-Fountain City FFA Alumni and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Poultry ProductionLeah J. Piotter | Waupaca FFASponsored by GNP Company and Wallace H. Jerome Endowment

Sheep ProductionCasey L. Lobdell | Darlington FFA | National FinalistSponsored by Big Sky Suffolks, Waupaca FFA Chapter and Alumni, the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative, and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Small Animal Production & CareBrielle Hayden | Monroe FFASponsored by MAI Animal Health

Specialty Animal ProductionSteven G. Gamroth | Independence FFASponsored by Amherst FFA Alumni and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Specialty Crop ProductionRyan P. Konkol | Amherst FFASponsored by Clinton FFA Alumni and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Swine Production-Entrepreneurship Cassy Bonnin | Bonduel FFASponsored by Wisconsin Pork Association and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Swine Production-PlacementTanner J. Johnson | Waupaca FFASponsored by Willow Creek Farm

Turf Grass ManagementGage Rataczak | Randolph Cambria- Friesland FFA | National FinalistSponsored by Keith A. Gundlach Endowment and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Vegetable ProductionElizabeth Knoebel | Jefferson FFA | National FinalistSponsored by Gumz Farms, McCain Foods, Inc. and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Veterinary ScienceMorgan J. Fitzsimmons | Mineral Point FFASponsored by Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association

Wildlife Production & ManagementAirk Furseth | Janesville Craig FFASponsored by Dunn-Hill Marketing LLC, Dr. & Mrs. Louis Arrington, and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

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AGRISCIENCE FAIR WINNERSAnimal Systems: Junior Level Individual

Emma Hamilton | Adams-Friendship FFAJunior Level Team

Ethan Grunseth and Kate Webster | Gilman FFA Senior Level Individual

Grace Schumacher | Plymouth FFASenior Level Team

Hailey Davis and Makalyn Peterson | Big Foot FFA

Environmental Systems: Junior Level Individual

McKenzie Frank | New Auburn FFAJunior Level Team

Hazel Cody and Violet Hyke | New Auburn FFASenior Level Individual

Emma Walters | Wausau FFASenior Level Team

Morgan Kitzerow and Brooke Toutloff | Plymouth FFA

Food Products and Processing Systems: Junior Level Individual

Nicholas Wollyung | Adams-Friendship FFAJunior Level Team

Sydney Bender and Melissa Konkel | Big Foot FFASenior Level Individual

Amelia Hayden | Big Foot FFASenior Level Team

Kasandra Newman and Ryann Tisdale | Big Foot FFA

Plant Systems:Junior Level Individual

Zoe Clough | Pulaski FFA | National FinalistJunior Level Team

Olivia Duffeck and Eli Servais | Wrightstown FFA | National FinalistsSenior Level Individual

Alexandra Rullman | Big Foot FFA Senior Level Team

Lyndsey Mickelson and Emily Pintens | Barron FFA | National Finalists

Power, Structure, and Technical Systems: Junior Level Individual

Domonic Johnson | New Auburn FFAJunior Level Team

Zachery Fedie and Peyton Trowbridge | New Auburn FFA | National FinalistsSenior Level Team

Benett Bucek and Jacob Markhardt | Black River Falls FFA | National Finalists

Social Systems: Junior Level Individual

Abby Field | Wonewoc-Center FFA | National FinalistJunior Level Team

Ashley Hansen and Tatum Mierow | Wrightstown FFA | National FinalistsSenior Level Individual

Cailey McLain | Adams-Friendship FFA | National Finalist

SPEAKING CONTEST WINNERSCreed Speaking Sati Bailey | Riverdale FFASponsored by the Kevin and Julie Larson Family and Milk Source, LLC

Discussion MeetKendra Spier | Cambridge FFASponsored by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation

Extemporaneous Speaking Meikah Dado | Amery FFASponsored by Daily Dairy Report, The Country Today, and Wisconsin Public Service

Job Interview Meikah Dado | Amery FFASponsored by Kuhn North America, Inc.

Parliamentary Procedure Amery FFA Sponsored by Cooperative Network and Dr. Gerald R. Matteson Endowment

Prepared Public Speaking Braden Kundert | Badger FFASponsored by Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, BMO Harris Bank and Floyd Doering Endowment

Quiz Bowl – Junior High Spencer FFA Sponsored by AgStar Financial Services, ACA

Quiz Bowl – Senior HighSpencer FFA Sponsored by AgStar Financial Services, ACA

Opening and Closing Ceremonies – Junior High Shullsburg FFA Sponsored by Cooperative Network

Opening and Closing Ceremonies – Senior High Fennimore FFA Sponsored by Cooperative Network

Junior High Essay Contest Olivia Lulich | Mauston FFASponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

PL AT I N U M ANIMART

Kerry

Renk Seed

Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc.

G O L D U.S. Army ROTC

GreenStone Farm Credit Services

S I LV E R DuPont Pioneer

Local CHS/LOL Member Cooperatives

Merial Ltd.

Seneca Foods Corporation

Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association

Wisconsin Public Service

B R O N Z E Agropur inc

Badger State Ethanol, LLC

Citizens State Bank of Loyal

CNH Industrial Capital

Collegiate FFA, UW-Madison

GROWMARK, Inc.

John Deere Company

Lakeside Foods, Inc.

Mid-West Family Broadcasting

Southwest WI Technical College

Town Bank

We Energies

Westby Cooperative Creamery

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation

Wisconsin Farmers Union

STATE CONVENTION PARTNERS

S U P P O R T E R Boehringer Ingelheim

Vetmedica, Inc.

Digi-Star LLC

East Central/Select Sires

EIS Implement Inc

Ellburn Coop

Foremost Farms USA

Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau

Jennie-O Turkey Store

UW-Madison Dept. of Animal Sciences

We Energies Foundation

Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators

Wisconsin Dekalb Asgrow Sales Team

F R I E N D Blain’s Farm & Fleet

International Stock Food Corporation

Richard & Sue Schultz

Ronald W. Martin

UW-River Falls AgEd Society & AlphaTau Alpha

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STARS OVER WISCONSINSponsored by: ANIMART

STAR FARMER Caleb Hamm | Waupaca FFACaleb’s diversified livestock Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program began when his grandfather hired him to work on his dairy farm. After he proved his responsibility and work ethic, his grandfather gifted him with his first dairy heifers and bull calves. Today, his SAE consists of Suffolk sheep, market hogs, poultry and dairy cattle. When his first cow was calving, Caleb then researched and constructed a milking system to enable him to milk twice a day. His lambing experience began with two orphan lambs; he now cares for five ewes and a ram. He also farrowed four litters from a Duroc sow he purchased from his uncle. In addition, Caleb tends to the poultry on his family’s 10-acre farmette. He consults with his local feed mill for the proper ration mix for each animal breed and has seen an increase in his rate of gain and profitability. Caleb is employed at Wilstar Dairy and will continue his education majoring in Dairy Science at UW-Madison.

STAR IN AGRICULTURAL PL ACEMENTTrent Dado | Amery FFATrent grew up on his parents 450 registered cow dairy farm, Four Hands Holsteins. Since joining FFA in the eighth grade, Dado developed an interest in animal nutrition and agronomy. Initially his responsibilities included feeding and managing calves. Trent eventually earned the title of assistant herd manager and today works alongside his father to make management, improvement and daily decisions for the farm. From his father and a professional breeding technician, he learned artificial insemination and how to set up a synchronization program for cows to come into heat at the same time. He is excited to have a college internship with an AI business this summer. Trent is pursuing a career as a dairy herd manager or nutrition consultant at the University of Minnesota.

STAR IN AGRIBUSINE S S Michael Geissinger | Statford FFA Michael is CEO of Geissinger Maple Products LLC which specializes in the production, processing and sales of maple syrup and concentrated maple sap. His responsibilities include investing in new equipment, corresponding with local maple syrup agribusinesses, collecting sap and his favorite, cooking the sap into pure maple syrup. When he started his business, Michael cooked his sap outdoors which resulted in unwanted additives such as leaves, twigs and rainwater to potentially drop into his product. To counter this problem, he invested in an evaporator system and built a sugar shack, or production facility, which has helped increase his sales by almost 300 percent. His distribution spans as far as California, Texas and Nebraska. Geissinger was fortunate to attend the AgDiscovery Camp in Ames, Iowa. He was involved with hands-on experiments at the USDA labs and exposed to the resources available at Iowa State University. This led him to choose Iowa State as his future college.

STAR IN AGRISCIENCE Faith Carpenter | Big Foot FFA Faith has selected a variety of unique projects for her SAE research during the last four years. She has spent time researching nutritional supplements for chicken feed, working in plant science using hydroponic tomatoes, examining animal bedding waste and compost, and this year studying the effects of sunscreen on coral reproduction. She has put together grants to obtain funds for equipment and supplies to continue her agricultural research. In her initial project with chickens, Faith found that adding alfalfa supplement to her feed resulted in quicker and safe weight gain for the chickens. Her conclusion on tomatoes agreed with her hypothesis – that increased nitrogen will create more chlorophyll. In her third project, Faith concluded that the type of bedding material used will affect the nutrient values of the compost, while this year’s project on coral is still ongoing. Faith also has developed agricultural curriculum for all ages of youth. She will attend Madison Area Technical College in the biotechnology lab technician program.

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POST-SECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPSSally Albers | Sauk Prairie FFAANIMART

Ciera Ballmer | Clinton FFAWisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation, Inc.

Brenna Bays | Adams-Friendship FFABlain’s Farm & Fleet

Kendall Bentley | Wrightstown FFAFoth Production Solutions, LLC

Cassandra Borgardt | Omro FFAWalter and Delores Bjoraker Endowment

Jim Buttles | Glenwood City FFAConAgra Foods

Alex Costello | Campbellsport FFA Matthew D. Anderson Endowment

Trent Dado | Amery FFA Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association

Meikah Dado | Amery FFAWisconsin FFA Convention

Ethan Dado | Amery FFAWisconsin FFA Convention

Allissa Frisle | Prairie Farm FFAEquity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association

Alizabeth Grady | Oregon FFAWisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation, Inc.

Shane Hanson | Barron FFAMatthew D. Anderson Endowment

Allison Hardy | Viroqua FFAFarmer Community Giving, Organic Valley

Jared Heeg | Marshfield FFAKenneth K Heideman Endowment

Erica Helmer | Plymouth FFAWisconsin Agri-Business Association

Kevin Johnson | Granton FFA ANIMART

Chad Keller | Sauk Prairie FFACollegiate FFA of UW-Madison Chapter (FISC)

Kaitlin Konder | Glenwood City FFAElstad Brothers Endowment

Carley Krull | Lake Mills FFAGROWMARK

Alex Lewandowski | Wittenberg-Birnamwood FFARobert Wohlford Memorial

Joelle Liddane | Tomah FFABlain’s Farm & Fleet

Montana Lins | Riverdale FFAANIMART

Ally Magnin | Oconto FFAFoth Production Solutions, LLC

Brooke Moore | Black Hawk FFAGROWMARK

Nadia Moore | Marshfield FFA Kenneth K Heideman Endowment

Arianna Nasserjah | Oregon FFAMary Elsted and Dean P. Gagnon Endowment

Caleb Novak | Black Hawk FFA Rodney O. Kittelson Endowment

Amber Patterson | River Ridge FFA Louis M. Sasman Endowment

Samuel Peetz | Sauk Prairie FFA ANIMART

Jade Pinter | Owen-Withee FFAStar Blends

Vanessa Ponterio | Melrose-Mindoro FFAMatthew D. Anderson Endowment

Jared Retzlaff | Omro FFAWisconsin Agri-Business Association

Charitee Seebecker | Mauston FFAArnold & Katherine Cordes Endowment

Jennifer Swan | Beaver Dam FFARobert and Herta Laatsch Family Endowment

Hannah Thelen | La Farge FFAMatthew D. Anderson Endowment

Victoria Timme | Portage FFA Bernie and Marty Staller Endowment

Brooke Trustem | Evansville FFAWPS Farm Show Food Vendors

Jessica Wendt | Stoughton FFABadger State Ethanol, LLC

Samantha White | Stoughton FFAHarold and Geneva Beals Endowment

Beth Zimmer | River Ridge FFAWisconsin Agri-Business Association

Ashley Zimmerman | Spencer FFAWisconsin Agri-Business Association

CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENT WINNERSAgricultural Communications Bloomer FFA Top Individual: Ollie Dressel | Osceola FFA Sponsored by Cooperative Network and United Cooperative

Agricultural Issues Forum Shullsburg FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin National Farmers Organization and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Agricultural Sales Lodi FFA Top Individual: Christopher Walter | Big Foot FFASponsored by ANIMART and Star Blends

Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems Baraboo FFA Top Individual: Joseph Adelmeyer | Lomira FFA Sponsored by RCI Engineering and United Cooperative

Agronomy Amery FFA Top Individual: Sam Peetz | Sauk Prairie FFA Sponsored by United Cooperative

Dairy Cattle Evaluations & Management Amery FFA Top Individual: Hannah Nelson | Ellsworth FFA Sponsored by Associated Milk Producers Inc.

Dairy Cattle Handlers Activity Top Individual: Mikayla Endres | Lodi FFA Sponsored by FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative

Environmental & Natural Resources Hudson FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Farm Business ManagementMarshall FFA Top Individual: Kendall Bentley | Wrightstown FFA Sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc. and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

FloricultureStanley-Boyd FFA Top Individual: Suzanna Viau | Stevens Point FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Florists Foundation

Food Science & Technology Barron FFA Top Individual: Lyla Mikelson | Barron FFA Sponsored by Brakebush Brothers Inc.

Forestry Stanley-Boyd FFA Top Individual: Ethan Endvick | Stanley-Boyd FFA Sponsored by Midwest STIHL

Horse Evaluation Waterford FFA Top Individual: Mikayla Johnson | Waterford FFA Sponsored by The Country Today and Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

Land JudgingCashton FFA Top Individual: Brittany Disch | Monticello FFA Sponsored by Jerry Steiner and Denise Bertrand Family

Livestock Evaluation Mineral Point FFATop Individual: Morgan Fitzsimmons | Mineral Point FFASponsored by JBS-Green Bay

Marketing PlanShullsburg FFA Sponsored by Duffy Grain, Inc.

Meat Evaluation & Technology Iowa-Grant FFA Top Individual: Ben Connolly | Iowa-Grant FFASponsored by Tom & Jesi Betley and Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors

Milk Quality and ProductsRiverdale FFATop Individual: Sati Bailey | Riverdale FFA Sponsored by Foremost Farms USA

Nursery/Landscape Stanley-Boyd FFA Top Individual: Nicholas Pohl | Plymouth FFASponsored by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College—Landscape/ Horticulture Program

Poultry EvaluationBrillion FFATop Individual: Alyssa Billmann | Chilton FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Poultry and Egg Industries Association

Safe Tractor Operators ContestTop Individual: Josh Anderson | Wisconsin Dells FFA Sponsored by Red Morrison Endowment

Veterinary Sciences Badger FFA Top Individual: Kaleb Krzyszton | Cochrane-Fountain City FFASponsored by ANIMART

Wildlife Bloomer FFA Top Individual: Ansel Chesney | Edgerton FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Donors

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SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE GRANTS Aquaculture Sponsored by the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association

Riley Scott Bauman | Stratford FFA

Dairy Sponsored by Andis Foundation, Foremost Farms USA, Nasco, Saputo Cheese USA Inc., We Energies-Agriculture Services Program and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board

Samantha Josephine Schuessler | Antigo FFA Grace Roth | Boscobel FFAOwen Roth | Boscobel FFACody Baxter | Brodhead FFASkylar Stanley | Brodhead FFA Haylie Sue Birchman | Fennimore FFA Anna Oestreich | Jefferson FFAMatthew Griebenow | Oconomowoc FFA Faith Majors-Culp | Oregon FFADawn Mroczkowski | Pulaski FFALevi Kindschi | Reedsburg FFAAbigail Solum | Rice Lake FFACollin Wille | Rice Lake FFADylan James Herbrand | Sauk Prairie FFADawson W. Nickels | Watertown FFALevi Kindschi | Reedsburg FFAHailey Hendrickson |Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFADylan James Herbrand | Sauk Prairie FFA

Organic Agriculture Sponsored by Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, Inc. and Viroqua Food Co-op

Jesse Priest | Brillion FFA Alex Krueger | Janesville Craig FFAEllie Windl | Thorp FFAJodie Weyland | Winneconne FFAAlivia Heller | Cochrane-Fountain City FFA Start-UpSponsored by Sartori Company and ST Paper LLC

Alivia Weix | Antigo FFASydney Delzer | Black Hawk FFA Colton Klemm | Black Hawk FFA Savannah Siders | Mishicot FFA MacKenzie Claesges | Montello FFAJoshua Linder | Prairie du Chien FFABlake Dean Jameson Orr | Waupaca FFA

NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARDSSponsored by: Roundy’s Supermarket, Inc.

1st place | Waupaca FFA

2nd place | Manawa FFA

3rd place | Freedom FFA

Student Development Winner: Waupaca FFA

Chapter Development Winner:Waupaca FFA

Community Development Winner:Waupaca FFA

Gold Chapters, Advancing to Nationals: Adams-Friendship, Badger, Barron, Big Foot, Colby, Edgar, Freedom, Granton, Holmen, Lodi, Manawa, Monticello, Owen-Withee, Prairie Farm, Randolph Cambria-Friesland, River Valley, Sauk Prairie, Shullsburg, Stanley-Boyd, Stevens Point, Stratford, Waupaca, Waupun, Weyauwega-Fremont, Winneconne

Silver Chapters: Amery, Arcadia, Baraboo, Bay Port, Beaver Dam, Boscobel, Burlington, Cashton, Clintonville, Cochrane-Fountain City, DeForest, Fennimore, Gilman, Marshall, Mishicot, New Richmond, Omro, Osceola, Reedsburg, Seymour, Spooner, Suring, Thorp, Tigerton, Tomah, Verona, Whitehall, Wisconsin Heights, Wrightstown

Bronze Chapters: Baldwin-Woodville, Oconto Falls

Superior Chapters: Lakeside Lutheran, Lomira

Adams-FriendshipAthensAuburndaleBadgerBarronBay PortBerlin BloomerBrillionBrodheadCadottColbyDodgevilleElkhornElmwoodGillettGreenwood

HolmenHowards GroveJeffersonJudaLa FargeLakeside LutheranLomiraLoyalManawaMaustonMedfordMonroeMontelloMosineeNew RichmondOakfieldOregon

Oshkosh NorthPalmyra-EagleParkviewPecatonicaPlattevillePlymouthPotosiPulaskiRandolph Cambria-

FrieslandRioRiponRiver RidgeRiver ValleyRoyallSeymourShawano

Sheboygan FallsShell LakeShullsburgSlingerSpartaStoughtonSuringThorpTomahUnityVeronaWaunakeeWaupunWestfieldWeston

CHAPTER SCRAPBOOK COMPETITIONBaldwin-Woodville FFA

FOOD FOR AMERICAManawa FFA

CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AWARDSOverall State Winner for Increase in Membership Pulaski FFA (+187)

Largest Percent Membership Increase New Richmond FFA

Largest Chapter Waupun FFA (352 total members)

Largest Percentage of School Population Involved in FFA Waupun FFA

P.R.I.D.E AWARD RECIPIENTS

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NATIONAL AWARDS

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AMERICAN STAR

AMERIC AN STAR IN AGRICULTURAL PL ACEMENT FIN ALIST Nathan Leystra | RANDOLPH CAMBRIA-FRIESL AND FFA Nathan worked four different jobs all complimenting his eventual career goal –becoming a partner in the family farm. Nathan assists on his family’s 1,000 acre cash crop farm, growing primarily corn and soybeans, by tilling, harvesting, drying and marketing as well as weighing in on major management decisions. Leystra picked corn for Alsum Sweet Corn in the summer. He also worked for his father’s Pioneer Seed dealership, operating the forklift to stack and load orders and keeps the warehouse organized. Nathan’s final job was working for Phillips Crop Care LLC in the summer. Using skills he learned in his agriculture classes, Leystra took and analyzed soil tests, calculated population counts and documented pest problems. Nathan attends the University of Wisconsin-Platteville as an Agricultural Business major. Upon completion of his degree, he plans to return as a partner to Leystra-Vue Farms to help implement improvements on the farm including an irrigation system to increase yields as well as using drones for mapping fields to help maximize fertlizer and herbicide efficiencies. Nathan credits much of his success to his advisor, Keith Gundlach and to his involvement in FFA. It has allowed him to travel and meet others with similar goals. His parents are Todd and Sarah Leystra.

PROFICIENCY AWARD WINNERSErica Helmer | Dairy Production PlacementPlymouth FFA Erica Lynn Helmer of the Plymouth FFA Chapter is the seventh generation to work on the family farm, made up of 165 head of registered Holstein dairy cattle, 70 milking cows, 15 dry cows, 40 replacement heifers, and 40 young stock. In addition to milking and caring for the cows, Helmer shows dairy cattle through 4-H. She helps her father with sire selections to improve the herd and milk productivity. She hopes to include genetics in her future college plans. She takes an active role in farm operations by interacting with feed and crop consultants and veterinarians. Erica’s greatest challenge is keeping up with genetic trends while improving the herd and still maintaining a profitable operation. Helmer’s success in this area is both visible and rewarding as the herd is 100% homebred. Erica is supported by her parents, Lynn and John Helmer, and her FFA advisors, Tracy Heinbuch and Samantha Finger.

Josh Anderson | Grain Production Placement Lomira FFA Anderson relates, “Ever since I was able to walk and start riding with my dad in the field, I’ve wanted to be a farmer and it is fifteen years later and I still have my mind set on being a farmer.” Josh has never faltered with that commonly asked question “what do you want to be when you grow up?” His SAE project revolves around working on his parent’s family 1060-acre corn and soybean operation. When he was allowed to drive a tractor at the age of 10, Anderson was charged with the task of chopping corn stalks. Having gained the trust of his father and uncle, today he now can perform all aspects of tilling, planting and harvesting for their 780 acres corn and 280 acres soybean crops. Anderson realizes the importance of properly maintained equipment to avoid downtime during the small window of perfect opportunity for getting the seeds in or the grains combined. In 2014, Josh had full responsibility for planting soybeans. He chose the variety best suited for the varying soil types in each field. He also uses GPS field maps for deciding which field should be planted to corn and which to soybeans. His ability was proven in the fall with very successful yields. His proficiency also includes the task of combining the majority of crops on the farm. Josh’s goal is to become a partner in the farm expanding their land by an additional 800 acres allowing the farm to increase their swine operation numbers. His parents are Mark and Gina Anderson. Josh’s advisor is Daniel Robinson.

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PROFICIENCY AWARD WINNERS (continued)

Zachary Olson | Diversif ied Hor ticulture Production Adams Friendship FFA Zachary Olson of the Adams Friendship FFA Chapter works for his brother’s lawn care business, performing tasks like mowing, raking and fall cleanup. At the same time, Zachary began landscaping duties at neighboring homes and was hired by Property Works, a new landscaping business in his area. Olson’s knowledge grew as the business grew. When his brother left for college, he took on more responsibility that included learning how to lay brick, construct retaining walls, install underground irrigation systems and hydroseeding. Zachary attended various landscaping seminars gaining skills through hands-on experiences. Zachary discovered responsibility is both an honor and a stress. As crew leader he realized the best way to lead is not always verbally but demonstrating by example. Olson has conducted landscaping stations at Farm and Safety Days and during Career Days. Olson’s goal is to graduate with an Agricultural Engineering degree and become a precision agricultural technician with a family, a farm and a dog. He plans to stay involved in the community and FFA Alumni. Zachary’s parents are Brian and Donna Olson. His advisor is Becky Grabarski.

Brandon Anding | Agricultural Repair & Maintenance Placement Granton FFABrandon Anding, Granton FFA Chapter, began his SAE in the seventh grade by helping his father with garage door repairs and installations. At first, he wasn’t allowed to work with any power tools and merely helped with holding things in place. Now, he can install an entire door. Anding’s FFA advisor made him aware of the Chevron DELO Tractor Restoration Competition. This project taught him the biggest life lesson, “Never Give Up”. Brandon participated in a school-to-work experience with Chili Implement. He learned that being a good technician includes not only mechanical aptitude but also completing paperwork, detailed labor time reports and budgeting. He is able to diagnose most problems by talking with the customer. His greatest accomplishments are the ability to do warranty work on tractors and go out on service calls. Upon finishing college Anding plans to return to the Granton area helping farmers he respects by working on their equipment with care. His long time goal is to own and operate his own restoration business specializing in older tractors. Brandon’s parents are Curtis and Chris Anding. Brandon’s advisors are Cheryl Steinbach and Katie Chapman.

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PROFICIENCY AWARD WINNERS (continued) NATIONAL AGRISCIENCE FAIRFood Products & Processing Systems Division 2

Amelia Hayden | Big Foot FFA | 1st Place Gold Amelia found an article in the USDA’s Ag Research Magazine that inspired her research revolving around immunology. Amelia’s National FFA Agriscience Fair winning research tested the bonding capacity of tannic acid to peanut allergens and its effects on blocking antibody bonding and immune response. Her research, conducted at Big Foot High School, found that a 2 mg/mL tannic acid integration could be added to peanut extract to stop some immune response from occurring. Amelia is the Big Foot FFA President, a national Ag Research proficiency finalist, parliamentary procedure team member, and chairs several community service activities. She is also involved in 4-H, Drama Club, and the National Honor Society.

Animal Systems Division 2

Grace S chumacher | Plymouth | 1st Place Gold Grace Schumacher from the Plymouth FFA won the National Agriscience Fair for her age group in the Animal Systems Division at the 2016 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Grace’s national-winning project was titled, “The Effect of Stocking Density on Weight, Movement and Bone Anatomy of Broiler Chickens.” Through her Agriscience Fair project she discovered through research that broiler chickens raised in 2 square feet of space showed higher levels of movement and increased tibia bone density and cortical bone width than birds raised in the standard 1 square foot area. She decided to conduct this research after learning about industry-wide concerns regarding broken legs and heart issues for chickens raised in the 1 square foot area. Grace is currently a freshman at Lakeland University in Sheboygan, WI.

NATIONAL FFA CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENT RESULTSAgricultural Technology and Mechanical SystemsBaraboo FFA | Silver TeamWyatt Ruhland | Gold Individual

Dairy Cattle Evaluation and ManagementAmery FFA | 7th Place TeamThomas Christenson | Gold IndividualMeikah Dado | Gold IndividualJillian Jenson | Gold Individual

Dairy HandlerMikayla Endres | Gold Individual

Environmental Science and Natural ResourcesHudson FFA | Silver Team Farm Business ManagementMarshall FFA | Silver Team

ForestryStanley-Boyd FFA | Silver Team

Livestock EvaluationMineral Point FFA | Silver Team

Poultry EvaluationBrillion FFA | Silver Team

Veterinary ScienceBadger FFA | Silver TeamAlyssa Cowan | Gold Individual

NATIONAL SPEAKING CONTEST

MODEL OF INNOVATION FINALISTSChapter Development | Edgar FFA

Community Development | Freedom FFAStudent Development | Manawa FFA

MODEL OF EXCELLENCE FINALIST Waupaca FFA

National Quiz Bowl Amery FFA | 1st Place, Senior Team

Parliamentary Procedure Amery FFA | 3rd Place

Prepared Speaking Braden Kundert, Badger FFA | 4th Place

Food Products and Processing SystemsJunior Level Team

Sydney Bender and Melissa Konkel Big Foot FFA | 2nd Place Gold

Plant SystemsJunior Level Individual

Zoe Clough | Pulaski FFA | 8th Place Gold

Junior Level Team

Olivia Duffect and Eli Servais | Wrightstown FFA | 6th Place Gold

Power, Structural and Technical SystemsSenior Level Individual

Chris Wolter | Big Foot FFA | 6th Place Gold

Social SystemsJunior Level Individual

Abby Field | Wonewoc Center FFA | 3rd Place Gold

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HONORED ADULTS

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HONORARY STATE DEGREES

HALL OF FAME

Kim and Terry Adler State FFA President Supporters

Brent AlbersState FFA President Supporter

Mark S. AldenFarm Business Instructor at

Northeast Wisconsin Technical

College; past advisor of Gillett FFA

Dale GallenbergDean of Agriculture, Food

and Environment Science

at UW-River Falls

Travis HoltWisconsin FFA Foundation Board

of Directors; President and CEO

of Citizens State Bank of Loyal

James A. HolteWisconsin Farm Bureau President

Sonya R. HuebnerWisconsin Farm Bureau Operations

Administrative Assistant

Larry A. LaderWisconsin FFA Alumni Council

Lori LulichWisconsin FFA Foundation Board

of Directors; Sales and Solutions

Manager, Purple Cow Organics, LLC

Regina OldendorfExecutive Director of the Wisconsin

FFA Alumni Association

Beth J. RiethWisconsin FFA Convention

Manager for Day of Service

and Rally to Fight Hunger

Becky SchollianFormer Executive Assistant for the

Wisconsin Farm Bureau President

and Chief Administrative Officer

Julie M. SpokeWisconsin FFA Alumni

Association President

Troy TalfordSauk Prairie Agricultural Education

Instructor and FFA Advisor; President

of the Wisconsin Association

of Agricultural Educators

Clara HedrichClara Hedrich grew up on a small dairy farm in Armstrong Creek. She attended UW-River Falls and graduated with a degree in Agricultural Education in 1976 and received a Master’s Degree from the UW-Madison in Continuing Adult Vocational Education in 1979. Clara taught high school agriculture for 19 years at Chilton High School and 20 years at the West De Pere High School. She was recognized for always working to be on the cutting edge of technology and focusing on hands-on learning within her classroom while continually being an active learner herself. After 39 years of teaching, Clara retired on June 18, 2015. However, some would say she continues to teach as she provides tours at their family business, LaClare Farms.

Robert G. Heebink (posthumous)Robert Heebink was raised on a farm near Baldwin. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the State Teachers College in River Falls in agricultural education in 1941. He taught agriculture and math at Roberts High School before entering the U.S. Army in 1942. Robert served our country in World War II as a member of the 40th Combat Engineers in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. After being discharged from the army, he worked briefly in agricultural extension and real estate. In September 1948 he began what became 52 years of service to the New Richmond School District as a farmer trainer, high school agriculture instructor, vocation coordinator and community education director. He passed away in February 2014.

Pat ZimmerPat Zimmer has been retired from teaching agriculture education for 18 years but he still volunteers his time in assisting FFA members with contests and applications. He was an initiator during his tenure as he started the FFA chapter in Lowell-Reeseville High School in 1965, formed the Whitewater ag advisory committee in 1969 and the Whitewater FFA Alumni in 1976, and transitioned the traditional ag curriculum to agribusiness, environmental sciences, horticulture and small animal sciences. Pat encouraged his FFA members to participate in FFA contests where they were successful in dairy, livestock, meats, equine and soil judging. Pat saw his students earn one National Proficiency award, eight American FFA Degrees, 86 State FFA Degrees, 10 State FFA Proficiency contests and several state tractor driving contests.

The Honorary State FFA Degree is granted to farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of boards of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agricultural education, business people, and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and the FFA.

The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made lifelong commitments and contributions to Wisconsin FFA.

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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CITATIONS

Teyanna LoetherTeyanna Loether recently completed a year as Wisconsin’s 68th Alice in Dairyland. During this year she gave 175 speeches, 100 radio interviews, 65 television interviews and visited more than 10,000 4th grade students educating audiences about Wisconsin’s $88 billion agriculture industry. As a former FFA member, Teyanna says she owes much of where she is today to her FFA advisors, Jeff Hicken and Troy Talford for providing her with guidance in the opportunities offered within agriculture. She would like to remind FFA members that it is about the journey and not the destination.

William J. NelsonWilliam Nelson recently retired from the CHS Foundation where he provided leadership for 20 years. William was instrumental in the generous support provided to the Wisconsin FFA from the CHS Foundation as he has seen firsthand how FFA leadership and speaking opportunities benefit FFA members in becoming future leaders. The CHS Foundation provides support of the National Teach Ag campaign and is a Three-Star Star Mission Partner supporting Wisconsin Team Ag-Ed.

WAXX Radio 104.5For 52 years, WAXX Radio 104.5 has aired the “FFA on the Air” program every Saturday featuring 50 chapters in western and central Wisconsin on a rotating basis. The program provides information about local FFA activities and agriculture education. WAXX Radio is part of Mid-West Family Broadcasting where each of the farm directors often serve as FFA banquet speakers, and assist with judging FFA contests at local, state and national events.

Tim WyssTim Wyss has served on the Wisconsin FFA Foundation Board of Directors for three years and was an agricultural instructor and FFA advisor for 35 years at Clear Lake. During his tenure as an FFA advisor, Tim trained four state winning Parliamentary Procedure teams, as well as FFA Creed, Quiz Bowl and Discussion Meet winners. He was advisor to five State FFA Officers, one national proficiency finalist, and has had five former students follow him in becoming agricultural instructors. In his passion to train future teachers, Tim has hosted 19 agricultural educator student teachers and interns in cooperation with UW-River Falls.

Dr. Mark ZidonDr. Mark Zidon has served as the university representative on the Wisconsin FFA Foundation Board of Directors. Dr. Zidon has taught students at the high school and university levels for 40 years and been a mentor to those becoming agricultural educators. He pioneered the use of computers to tabulate FFA Career Development Events (CDEs) and assists with the CDE event at the UW-Platteville each year. Dr. Zidon has been a recipient of the Wisconsin and American Honorary Degrees. He wants FFA members to understand that leadership is about helping others become leaders.

Jeff ZobeckJeff Zobeck is the agriculture education instructor at Gresham School District and served as the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators (WAAE) representative on the Wisconsin FFA Foundation Board of Directors. He has also served on the Wisconsin Association of FFA Board of Directors and was the WAAE President in 2009-2010. In addition to advising FFA members, Jeff also enjoys coaching basketball. He encourages FFA members to find something in FFA to be passionate about and let it take you on a journey of a lifetime.

The Distinguished Service Citation thanks individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist Wisconsin FFA.

HONORARY AMERICAN DEGREE RECIPIENTSJoan BehrJoan Behr has a long history as a strong supporter and promoter of FFA in the Upper Midwest. She grew up on a dairy and hog farm with six siblings in Waukon, Iowa. She began her career in the banking industry prior to transitioning into a job as a public relations specialist. Joan served four years on the Wisconsin FFA Foundation’s Marketing Committee as well the Wisconsin FFA Foundation Board of Directors. Joan is the director of communications and brand management for Foremost Farms USA. She volunteers much of her time to industry organizations, as well as those in her local community.

Terry BernickTerry Bernick currently serves as the Wisconsin FFA Center executive assistant. She has worked for the Wisconsin FFA Center since 2001 and is a vital force in the operation of the Wisconsin Association of FFA. Terry works with National FFA to coordinate FFA leadership conferences in Wisconsin, creates online registrations and rooming lists for conferences, and more. She is a key reason that Wisconsin FFA conferences continue to grow. In fact, under her leadership, attendance at conferences has grown from roughly 700 people to now over 1,000. Her passion and dedication for agricultural education continues to influence Wisconsin FFA members.

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HONORARY AMERICAN DEGREE RECIPIENTS (continued)Bob MeyerBob Meyer was raised on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin. He was active in 4-H and FFA and served as a Wisconsin FFA State Officer. Bob pursued a career in broadcasting, starting as the “overnight guy” at WDLB in Marshfield. Now he is a part of the Brownfield Network team and is still the “morning guy” on WDLB. Bob is a great friend to the FFA organization. He acknowledges FFA whenever possible through his radio broadcasts, and directly works with FFA members as often as he can. He is a great advocate for agriculture, agricultural education and FFA.

Clara HedrichFormer agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor at West De Pere, Clara Hedrich, has always had a long track record of providing students with real world experiences. Owning a goat farm allowed Clara the chance to use many of her personal experiences and resources to teach her students animal science courses. She accomplished so much in her 39 years of teaching, including becoming the second agricultural education instructor to receive their National Board Certification in Wisconsin, creating courses which meet science equivalency standards, and teaching urban students about the importance of agriculture in their community.

Bridgett Nottestad NeuBridgett Neu has a long history of serving Wisconsin FFA. She has served as vice-president of the Wisconsin Association of FFA, received an Outstanding Young Member award from the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators (WAAE), and during the last 12 years Bridgett served as the executive director of WAAE. In that role she supported agricultural education instructors to ensure they were aware of the opportunities and initiatives that are available to them. Bridgett has participated in various trainings to gain skills and training to work more effectively as an association. She continues to dedicate her time and talents to advocate for agricultural education.

BLUE AND GOLD SOCIETYAt the 87th Wisconsin FFA Convention in June 2016, the Wisconsin FFA Foundation inducted four new Blue and Gold Society members: Dr. Rick and Peggy Daluge, Al and Lynn Herrman, Kevin and Julie Larson Family, and the late Bethany L. Rieth.

There are now 27 members of the Blue and Gold Society, a prestigious group of FFA advocates which collectively and individually have made a substantial investment in Wisconsin FFA. Membership is open to any individual or couple who donates a minimum of $15,000 over three years or less, or provides a letter of intent that they have set up a comparable planned gift.

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 Wisconsin FFA Foundation at 608-831-5058. Lou and Sandra Arrington

Harold and Geneva Beals

Walter and Delores Bjoraker

Arnold B. and Katherine Cordes

Dr. Rick and Peggy Daluge

Floyd Doering

Elstad Brothers Estate

The Family of Matthew D. Anderson

Dean P. and Mary Elstad Gagnon

Keith Gundlach

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

Bethany L. Rieth

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

25

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

CONVENTION PARTICIPATION

3,900

3,800

3,700

3,600

3,500

3,400

3,300

3,200

3,100

3,000

2,900

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

STATE MEMBERSHIP20,500

20,000

19,500

19,000

18,500

18,000

17,500

17,000

19,048 19,135 19,19019,484

20,463

3,381

3,513

3,727

3,657

3,860

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

ALL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES 4,600

4,500

4,400

4,300

4,200

4,100

4,000

3,900

4,382

4,180

4,451

4,590 4,539

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

CONVENTION PARTICIPATION

3,900

3,800

3,700

3,600

3,500

3,400

3,300

3,200

3,100

3,000

2,900

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

STATE MEMBERSHIP20,500

20,000

19,500

19,000

18,500

18,000

17,500

17,000

19,048 19,135 19,19019,484

20,463

3,381

3,513

3,727

3,657

3,860

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

ALL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES 4,600

4,500

4,400

4,300

4,200

4,100

4,000

3,900

4,382

4,180

4,451

4,590 4,539

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

CONVENTION PARTICIPATION

3,900

3,800

3,700

3,600

3,500

3,400

3,300

3,200

3,100

3,000

2,900

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

STATE MEMBERSHIP20,500

20,000

19,500

19,000

18,500

18,000

17,500

17,000

19,048 19,135 19,19019,484

20,463

3,381

3,513

3,727

3,657

3,860

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

ALL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES 4,600

4,500

4,400

4,300

4,200

4,100

4,000

3,900

4,382

4,180

4,451

4,590 4,539

PARTICIPATION NUMBERSWISCONSIN FFA IS AT 20,463 MEMBERS,A 37-YEAR HIGH ANDNEARLY 1,000 MEMBER GROWTH IN THE PAST YEAR!

STAR MISSION PARTNERS

ONE STAR

Alliant Energy Foundation

TWO STAR

ANIMART

Badgerland Financial

Culver Franchising System, Inc.

Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

THREE STAR

CHS Foundation

26

PARTICIPATION NUMBERS

INDUSTRY PARTNERS:DONORSPHILANTHROPIST 25000+ANIMART

PATRON - 10000-24999Badgerland FinancialCHS FoundationCulver Franchising System, Inc.Equity Cooperative Livestock

Sales AssociationKerry IngredientsOrganic Valley/CROPP

Cooperative, Inc.Renk SeedRoundy’s Supermarkets, Inc.Rural Mutual Insurance

Company

GOLD 5000-9999Alliant Energy FoundationAndis FoundationGreenStone Farm

Credit ServicesMinnTex Citrus, Inc. - IowaRuss Davis Wholesale/

Crazy Fresh ProduceST Paper, LLCSyngentaArmy ROTCWisconsin Public Service

SILVER 1000-4999A. Sturm & Sons

Foundation, Inc.Agropur inc.AgStar Financial Services, ACAAmerican Family InsuranceAnimal Health

International, Inc.Badger State Ethanol, LLCCNH Industrial CapitalCountry Visions CooperativeCrop Science, a

Division of BayerCulver’s - Brookfield, Elm

Grove, New Berlin, West AllisDairyland Power CooperativeDuPont PioneerFarm Report Radio

Network and WAXXFoth Production Solutions, LLCGROWMARK, Inc.John Deere CompanyJohn Deere Financial, f.s.b.Kiwanis Club of

Downtown MadisonKuhl Equipment, LLCLa Crosse Milling CompanyLakeside Foods, Inc.

Land O’Lakes FoundationLely North AmericaMAI Animal HealthMerial Ltd.Milk Source, LLCMill Haven FoodsOconto Electric CooperativeSanofi Foundation for

North AmericaSeneca Foods CorporationSouthwest WI Technical CollegeThe Country TodayTown BankUSAgNet LLC / Wisconsin

Ag ConnectionVita Plus CorporationWe EnergiesWestby Cooperative CreameryWillow Creek FarmWisconsin Farmers UnionWisconsin Florists FoundationWisconsin Pork AssociationWisconsin Rural Opportunities

Foundation, Inc.

BRONZE 250-999Arimon Technologies, Inc Arkdale Edge AcresAssociated Bank of PortageBlain’s Farm & FleetThe Coburn Company, Inc.ConAgra FoodsCountryside CooperativeCulver’s - Brown Deer, Grafton,

Mequon, MilwaukeeCulver’s - Menomonee FallsCulver’s - Pleasant PrairieCulver’s - SussexCulver’s - WaukeshaCulver’s - WausauDeLaval Inc.Digi-Star LLCDunn-Hill Marketing LLCEast Central/Select SiresEdward J. Okray

Foundation, Inc.EIS Implement IncElburn CoopFarmFirst Dairy CooperativeGrade A StrategiesGreater Madison Convention

& Visitors BureauGumz FarmsHansen Farms, Inc.Herbert H. Kohl Charities, Inc.International Stock

Food CorporationJennie-O Turkey StoreLand O’Lakes, Inc. -

Cheese Division

Lowe Manufacturing Co., Inc.Middleton Farmers CooperativeMillhome Nursery and

GreenhousesNascoNasonville Dairy, Inc.Nutrition Physiology

Corporation (NPC)Pomp’s of JanesvilleProvision Partners CooperativeRiverland Energy CooperativeSilver Spring Foods, Inc.Sloan Implement Company, IncSwiderski Equipment Inc.TH Agri-Chemicals, Inc.Tractor CentralTractor Supply CompanyUdder Tech IncUnited CooperativeUW-Madison Dept. of

Animal SciencesUW-River Falls Ag Ed Society

& Alpha Tau AlphaVivayic Inc.

FRIEND 1-2491st Farm Credit ServicesAccelerated GeneticsAce EthanolAgVentures LLCAltaGenetics USA Inc.Amery Regional Medical CenterAustad’s Super Valu, Inc.Badger Steel & Fabricating, Inc.Badgerland Financial-MondoviBartel Seed & SupplyBragger FarmsCarter & Gruenwald

Company, Inc.Castell FarmCulver’s of KenoshaDairy Services Inc.Dairy StarDane County Ag TeachersDay’s Power SportsDunn County Farm BureauFranzen TruckingHines Auction Service, Inc.ITW Foundation 3 For 1

Matching Gift ProgramJohn Deere - MolineKelley Country CreameryKer-Mar Registered HolsteinsGerald & Ann LintnerLodi Canning CompanyM&M FarmMcCain Foods, Inc.McFarlane ManufacturingMeinholz Enterprises LLCOlson Paint &

Decorating CenterPecatonica Cooperative Oil Co.Peterson FarmPrice Electric CooperativeQuality Liquid FeedsRhodes-Charapata

Funeral Homes Inc.Richland Electric CooperativeRosenholm Dairy LLPRoth Manufacturing Co. Inc.Scenic Rivers Energy

CooperativeScheps Dairy, Inc.Scott ImplementShorecrest FarmSport Country ATV & MarineStar BlendsSuperior Shores Farm BureauTCR Power Products LLCTeachers Trempealeau

County AgThe Merck FoundationThill Crest FarmTractor Central -

Cameron locationUnited Ag CooperativeVernesWhite’s Pleasant

Valley Farm LLCWisconsin Agri-Business

AssociationWisconsin Cattleman’s

AssociationWisconsin Corn Growers

AssociationWisconsin Dekalb

Asgrow Sales TeamWisconsin Poultry and Egg

Industries Association

In memory of Matthew Anderson Michael & Patricia KnollIn memory of Edwin Baerwolf Karen Ziegler TaffIn honor of Phyllis Bartel Bartel Seed & SupplyIn memory of Paul Bignell Wisconsin Association of Agricultural EducatorsIn memory of Arnold & Katherine Cordes Robert KrullIn memory of Floyd & Betty Doering Barbara & George GroshekIn memory of Lorraine Falkavage Stevens Point FFA ChapterIn memory of Ron G. Gullickson, Jr Tim WyssIn memory of Grace Hansen Maribel KruepkeIn memory of Tom Hensen Wisconsin Association of Agricultural EducatorsIn memory of Gordon J Iverson, DVM Ronald and Beverly LampeIn memory of Joseph Jensen Brooke GrantIn honor of Sherman Johnson Wisconsin Association of Agricultural EducatorsIn memory of Mary L Kuhtz Kathy WendtIn memory of Christopher Kraus Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators

In memory of Joshua Reimer River Valley FFA ChapterIn memory of Walter Meinholz Dianna MartinIn memory of Arlene Rowe John & Darlene ArnesonIn memory of Arlene Rowe Peterson FarmIn memory of Todd Schumacher Brett & Natalie M. KillionIn memory of Ronnie & Karol Thousand Liz AlbrechtIn memory of Paul Van Handel Dan LuckowIn memory of Judith Wohlford Donald & Christine ElbertIn memory of Robert Wohlford Robert & Elizabeth CoxIn memory of Robert Wohlford Donald & Christine ElbertIn memory of Robert Wohlford Ken SeeringIn memory of Robert Wohlford Union FFA AlumniIn memory of Robert Wohlford Wisconsin FFA Alumni ConventionIn memory of Erwin Zweifel Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS*Donor listing reflects all contributions made between June 21, 2015, and June 18, 2016, which coincides with the annual Wisconsin FFA Convention.

27

BE THANY RIE TH MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONSThe Wisconsin FFA family suffered a deep and sudden loss in February 2016, when Bethany Rieth passed away at the age of 24 in a skiing accident. Bethany served as a Wisconsin State FFA Sentinel in the 2012 - 13 year and had an enormous heart of service for others.

She recently had completed her nursing degree at UW-Madison and was very involved in service through mission trips around the world, as well as dedication to other organizations, particularly FFA.

To honor her memory, the Wisconsin FFA Foundation has established a memorial fund in Bethany’s name. Each donation to the Bethany L. Rieth Memorial Fund will be used to award FFA community service projects at the local chapter level. Bethany was inducted into the Foundation’s Blue and Gold Society posthumously in June 2016 at the Wisconsin FFA Convention. Bethany’s Blue and Gold Society membership is the result of more than $20,000 of contributions provided in her honor.

In memory of Bethany Rieth 2005-06 State Officer TeamIn memory of Bethany Rieth 2014-15 State Officer TeamIn memory of Bethany Rieth Andrew & Katherine ChristensonIn memory of Bethany Rieth Culver Franchising System, Inc.In memory of Bethany Rieth Richard & Peggy DalugeIn memory of Bethany Rieth Dunn County Farm BureauIn memory of Bethany Rieth William and Kathleen KamkeIn memory of Bethany Rieth Bryan KlisterIn memory of Bethany Rieth Eric LarsenIn memory of Bethany Rieth Drew A LewisIn memory of Bethany Rieth Ethan GiebelIn memory of Bethany Rieth Gillett FFA AlumniIn memory of Bethany Rieth GreenStone Farm Credit ServicesIn memory of Bethany Rieth Jeff & Sheri HickenIn memory of Bethany Rieth Ben & Nicole NelsonIn memory of Bethany Rieth Oconto Electric CooperativeIn memory of Bethany Rieth Oconto Falls FFA AlumniIn memory of Bethany Rieth Plymouth FFA ChapterIn memory of Bethany Rieth Brian & Beth RiethIn memory of Bethany Rieth Gary and Bari RiethIn memory of Bethany Rieth Nicole H RiethIn memory of Bethany Rieth Sandra RiethIn memory of Bethany Rieth Sara SchoenbornIn memory of Bethany Rieth Becky SennIn memory of Bethany Rieth ST Paper, LLCIn memory of Bethany Rieth Mike StranzIn memory of Bethany Rieth Roger & Ronda ThompsonIn memory of Bethany Rieth Ronald & Roberta WindusIn memory of Bethany Rieth Robert WilliamsIn memory of Bethany Rieth Mark & Cheryl Zimmerman

28

INDIVIDUAL PARTNERS:

FFA-RELATED ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERS:

PHILANTHROPIST 1000+Louis & Sandra ArringtonDr. Richard & Peggy DalugeGeorge & Laura FryeGary & Bari RiethKim & Leona HavensAllan D. HerrmanPam JahnkeRonald & Beverly LampeEric LarsonKevin & Julie Larson FamilyFred & Cindy LawtonGerald R. MattesonRobert MorrisonDerrick PapckeBrian & Beth RiethSandra RiethMichael A. SabelLouis M. Sasman of the

Kiwanis Club of Downtown Madison Endowment

Jerry Steiner & Denise Bertrand Family

PATRON 500-999Elam & Barbara ButtlesRick & Gwen DadoPaul A. DerberDavid & Beth EricksonWilliam T. LucasKimberly PrchalGreg RindsigH.H. ThomsenThomas H. ThomsenScott Vosters

GOLD 250-4992005-06 State Officer TeamAlan AlbersGeneva BealsWilliam & Deborah BoehmEthan GiebelRobert HagenowTravis & Ellen HoltAmber Vickers KellerRonald & Sue KlingamanJeffery & Mary ManorRonald W. MartinDr. Gerald R. MattesonKathleen MurphyKent & Candice MuschinskeMark RaduenzKimberly & Dean RedingtonKen SeeringDanielle WaterworthJerry & Sharon WendtKathy WendtTim Wyss

SILVER 100-249Cortlyn & Judy AlmquistRichard AmmonJon & Rachel AndersonThomas & Tammy BeardJeannie BishopRoger & Susan Byom

Andrew & Katherine Christenson

Robert & Elizabeth CoxJohn & Karna CroftShawn DenotoBrian DuffinFrank & Judy FriarGary J. GeislerJosh & Reba GothamTim & Jane GriswoldJoyce E. GustNick HemlingNancy HenckMartin Heuer, Ret.Jeff & Sheri HickenDarrell HinesDayton HougaardWilliam & Jacqueline HustadGinger JamesDaryl & Katie JonesMichael & Jeanne KawleskiChris KeilBrett & Natalie M. KillionBryan KlisterMichael & Patricia KnollGeorge & Pauline KoeppJason KollwelterJayne KrullLarry LaderDonald LarsonCharles & Aralda LarsonPaul A. LarsonLarry LindsayRobert & Dorothy LueningTom & Barbara LyonNicklaus MeyerDaryl & Cynthia MillerBen & Nicole NelsonRandy & Diane PapckeTerry C. PetersenGlenn PetrickHoward “Dan” & Jean PoulsonTim & Jean PreuningerRichard E. RalphDouglas RaymakersKent W. RiceNicole H. RiethRussell & Karen RindsigDavid RizzardiRichard & Lois RossmillerPaul SalmIrvin & Mary SatherDavid & JoDee SattlerDave & Lisa SchaeferSara SchoenbornRichard & Sue SchultzDennis & Carol SeefeldtHarvey & Susan ShulerMike StranzSheri SuttonMelissa SylteRoger & Ronda ThompsonJoe & Mary Beth WaldoTeresa WatersDave & Jackie WeilandRalph & Mary WendlerJames & Judith Werth

Blaine & Fay WestbergRobert WilliamsRonald & Roberta WindusDavid A. WolfeMark & Cheryl ZimmermanJeffrey Zobeck

BRONZE 50-99Liz AlbrechtJim & Mary AndersonJudy AweJustin BauerBrion & Aralda BellDeWayne & Gerda BenedictTraci BrewerChad BrusveenTimothy Buttles &

Bonnie WaltersCarl CasperRonald E. DeiterAaron DietscheVern DoughertyDonald & Christine ElbertBill EmeryMike GerritsGary & Jennifer GracyalnyBarbara & George GroshekOren HammesDonald HawkinsJanice E. HildebrandtWayne & Beverly JansenBroc KensmoeGerald & Jean KluetzKetih & Lynn KolpackChuck & Mary Lou KugelAgnes LeeLisa LeinwanderMark & Dianne LelleDrew A. LewisThomas & Lee Ann LindahlGerald & Ann LinterDan LuckowWilliam MaurinaArdith McDowellRoman Molls, Jr.Wallace PeckJeffrey & Marcia PethkeLorin & Winnie PrestonFred PumperKevin RauchholtzPaul RedigEdward & Amy RichelRobert & Karyn SchaufDavid R. SchliesJames SchneiderTerry & Sharon SchroepferBecky SennRuth SiegmundLeonard L. SplettBruce & Rachel StafneJames StrevelerKaren Ziegler TaffDuke ThursCarl TremlGary VorpahlBob & Marcia VossTom & Sandy Wells

Alan WichmannKelly Wilfert

FRIEND 1-49Archie N. AbbottRichard & Linda AideBradley J. AndersonJohn & Darlene ArnesonDavid & Angela BaetenDavid BauerDavid BeacomStanley BergumHoward & Teresa CameronGerald & Lila CarlsonRobert CarlsonJerry & Judith CurnowDonald & Sheila DippreyBrooke GrantEdward & Gloria GreschnerLaura JensonJames & Joyce KasperWilliam & Kathleen KamkeKevin KeithMaribel KruepkeDonald G. LightfieldJeff LoppnowBradley & Annette MarkhardtWayne & Donna MartinLyle & Linda MercerSheryl NehlsClarence OlsonDean H. PetersonNatasha PetersonRalph & Judy RabachRobert & Patricia ReddellJosh RemingtonClair & Ruth RetzlaffKen RohlPeter RoycraftDaniel K. SchmahlRichard SchoenbornDale & Rachel SchultzLarry & Leanne SchultzBart & Janice SchyvinckCary ScottGary & Dorsay SolumPeter & Ruth SternArnold T. SwenoBarbara ThomasJulie Vacho-StraubhaarMary & James WeberAdam M. Wehling

PATRON - 1000-49992014-15 State Officer TeamCollegiate FFA, UW-MadisonMarshfield FFA AlumniNew Glarus FFA AlumniSauk Prairie FFA AlumniWIsconsin FFA Alumni

Association

GOLD 500-999Amherst FFA AlumniDenmark FFA Alumni

Denmark FFA ChapterHowards Grove FFA AlumniOconto Falls FFA AlumniWaupaca FFA Chapter & AlumniWisconsin Association of

Agricultural EducatorsWisconsin FFA Alumni

Convention

SILVER - 250-499Brodhead FFA AlumniClinton FFA Alumni

Cochrane-Fountain City FFA Alumni

Gillett FFA AlumniLomira Community FFA Alumni

BRONZE - 100-249Abbotsford FFA AlumniArgyle FFA AlumniBonduel FFA Chapter & AlumniDe Forest FFA AlumniNew Richmond FFA AlumniPlymouth FFA Chapter

Turtle Lake FFA AlumniUnion FFA AlumniWaunakee FFA Alumni

FRIEND 1-99Black River Falls FFA ChapterGresham FFA ChapterLuxemburg-Casco FFA AlumniNew Auburn FFA ChapterStevens Point FFA Chapter

29

$ 457,030 Industry Partners 82.8%

$ 74,125 Individual Partners 13.4%

$20,705 FFA Related Partners 3.8%

$551,860 TOTAL

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

$9,562.00 to Chapters (3.5%)

National chapter award, membership awards, career development

event team awards, website competition and chapter grants.

$159,534.55 to Programming (58.0%)

Leadership conferences, proficiency awards, career development

events, state officer training, State FFA Convention activities,

state-level grant projects.

$106,112.20 to Individuals (38.5%)

SAE grants, scholarships, state officer leadership awards,

cash awards for agriscience fair, proficiencies, career development

events, participation in national band, chorus and talent, Stars Over

America awards.

$275,208.75 TOTAL*

WISCONSIN FFA FOUNDATION DIRECT SUPPORT DISTRIBUTION

PROGRAMMING

INDIVIDUALS

CHAPTERS

*The difference in funds received in the year but not distributed as FFA program support is due to funds being allocated as support next year, endowment contributions received, programming costs incurred by the Foundation directly and funds used for Foundation operations.

FINANCIAL PARTNERSYou can be a financial partner to Wisconsin FFA

members! To support the annual fund, simply make a

secure online gift at www.WisconsinFFAFoundation.org,

call 608-831-5058 or send a check payable to

“Wisconsin FFA Foundation” to 1241 John Q. Hammons

Dr, Ste 200; Madison, WI 53717.

We also have a number of special partnership options

available to suit your interests and serve our FFA

programming. Visit us online or contact our office to

learn more about these options.

WISCONSIN FFA FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTION SOURCES

INDIVIDUALPARTNERS

FFA-RELATEDPARTNERS

FINANCIALS

30

STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIESYear ended July 31, 2016 Temporarily Permanently Unrestricted Restricted Restricted 2016 Total 2015 Total

SUPPORT AND REVENUE

Contributions $193,472 $ 313,795 $ 27,655 $ 534,922 $ 555,055

In-kind contributions 5,050 - - 5,050 7,714

Fundraising events 42,697 - - 42,697 46,169

Investment return 49,101 404 - 49,505 3,060

Miscellaneous - - - - -

Total support and revenue 290,320 314,199 27,655 632,174 611,998

EXPENSES

Personnel 113,135 - - 113,135 111,415

Professional fees 6,900 - - 6,900 7,275

Office expenses 1,325 - - 1,325 1,565

Telephone 1,081 - - 1,081 1,216

Printing 8,937 - - 8,937 7,812

Postage 3,029 - - 3,029 3,072

Sponsored projects 184,655 - - 184,655 189,047

Scholarships 109,262 - - 109,262 97,901

Travel 6,822 - - 6,822 7,898

Advertising 3,871 - - 3,871 3,683

Insurance 872 - - 872 1,396

Occupancy 6,600 - - 6,600 6,600

Information technology 7,015 - - 7,015 5,872

Conferences and meetings 7,136 - - 7,136 19,497

Golf outing supplies and fees 16,106 - - 16,106 20,723

Investment management fees 9,705 - - 9,705 8,069

Miscellaneous 1,970 - - 1,970 1,742

Total expenses 488,421 - - 488,421 494,871

Net assets released from restrictions 230,825 (230,825) - - -Net assets reclassified - (40,000) 40,000 - -

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 32,724 43,374 67,655 143,753 117,127

Net assets - beginning of year 525,594 357,497 616,315 1,499,406 1,382,279

NET ASSETS - END OF YEAR $558,318 $400,871 $683,970 $1,643,159 $1,499,406

EXPLANATION OF FINANCIALSThe Wisconsin FFA Foundation celebrated new fundraising accomplishments this year, notably the record-breaking total of $614,200! This success was due to substantial increases in endowment contributions (a total of $73,840) as well as goal-surpassing donations for the Annual Fund ($115,703), Golf Outings ($26,566) Convention Partner Program ($93,960), Grant Programs ($33,650) and Proficiency Awards ($59,675). In-kind contributions were also extremely important to this year’s success, at $7,879.10. Four new Blue and Gold Society members were instrumental to the increase in endowment funds, which will help programs sustain themselves for many more generations of Wisconsin FFA members.

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITIONJuly 31, 2016 and 2015

ASSETS 2016 2015CURRENT ASSETS

Cash $ 405,186 $ 388,532

Accounts receivable 68,429 57,222

Prepaid expenses 1,005 1,005

Total current assets 474,620 446,759

OTHER ASSETS

Certificates of deposit $ 155,858 $ 154,064

Investments 985,263 907,337

Cash held for endowment 67,346 60,133

Cash surrender value of insurance 3,484 3,243

Total other assets 1,211,951 1,124,777

TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,686,571 $ 1,571,536

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts payable $ 35,888 $ 60,009

Accrued payroll and expenses 7,524 12,121

Total liabilities 43,412 72,130

NET ASSETS

Unrestricted $ 558,318 $ 525,594

Temporarily restricted 400,871 357,497

Permanently restricted 683,970 616,315

Total net assets $ 1,643,159 $ 1,499,406

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 1,686,571 $ 1,571,536

FINANCIALS

31

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

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