Wisconsin FFA and Wisconsin FFA Foundation 2021 Annual Report by Wisconsin FFA Foundation

1 2 20 WISCONSIN FFA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

for your

SUPPORT 2

Thank You

THANK YOU! We simply couldn’t have done it without you. As we take a minute to reflect on what we could call a less than normal year, we are overjoyed with the support you’ve provided to Wisconsin FFA members. With your partnership, the Wisconsin FFA Foundation has awarded 30 scholarships, over 300 proficiency awards, 36 Agriscience Fair awards, 48 Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Grants, put on an in-person State Convention and Expo, and much more. This past year, we’ve been proud to join you in helping our FFA members continue their participation in agricultural education programming and FFA activities. With every challenge that has been thrown their way, their perseverance has paid off. These members are truly unstoppable. Just like in the past, the Foundation would not be able to provide our 20,000 WI FFA members with scholarships, grants, awards, conventions, or conferences without the support from our donors and sponsors. Your contributions make a difference and tell the story of FFA’s impact across the state. Stories like Macy Cross of the Pardeeville FFA and her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. The $400 grant she received, along with her own investment, allowed her to buy her first Duroc gilt pig. She was able to show her gilt throughout the summer and plans to breed it this fall. Macy will keep the female offspring to grow her drift, furthering her entrepreneurial endeavor. And a story like Caleb Gotham of the New Auburn FFA, this year’s Wisconsin Star in Agriscience winner. With the help of his project partner, Caleb sought to determine the best way to prevent lakeshore erosion, an important topic in his northern Wisconsin community. An avid outdoorsman and fisherman, Caleb understands firsthand the importance of cherishing the great outdoors and protecting the environment for future generations. Or a story like scholarship recipient Jenna Snortheim of the Auburndale FFA, attending UW-River Falls to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education. As a future ag educator and FFA advisor, one of Jenna’s ultimate goals is that everyone in her classroom knows where their food comes from. Jenna credits FFA experiences with her drive to become an educator and ignite the same passion in her future students. These stories and many more like them wouldn’t be possible without you, the loyal sponsors and donors to Wisconsin FFA. Your impact on Wisconsin FFA members is truly unstoppable. We look forward to supporting our members and celebrating the success of our students with you again this coming year! -Wisconsin Association of FFA & Wisconsin FFA Foundation

Thank You

DONORS

Below is the annual listing of all Wisconsin FFA Foundation partners and benefactors during the 2020-21 fiscal year

FFA-Related Organizational Partners Philanthropist ($2,500+) 2019-20 State Officer Team Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters Association

Patron ($1,000-$2,499) Marshfield FFA Alumni

Benefactor ($500-$999)

Amherst FFA Alumni Denmark FFA Alumni Section 8 FFA Alumni Affiliates Stoughton FFA Alumni Waupaca FFA Chapter & Alumni Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators

Supporter ($100-$249)

Campbellsport FFA Alumni Elkhorn FFA Alumni Turtle Lake FFA Alumni

Industry Partners Philanthropist ($20,000+) CHS Foundation Compeer Financial

Patron ($10,000-$19,999)

AgCountry Farm Credit Services Andis Foundation Culver Franchising System, Inc. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin GROWMARK, Inc. Kalscheur Foundation Kerry National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, Inc. Renk Seed Rural Mutual Insurance Company

Benefactor ($5,000-$9,999)

Alliant Energy Foundation American Foods Group Case IH / CNH Industrial Capital GreenStone Farm Credit Services MinnTex Citrus, Inc. - Iowa Nicolet National Bank Seneca Foods Corporation U.S. Army ROTC 3rd BDE Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation

Advocate ($1,000-$4,999)

Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative Agropur Inc. American Family Insurance Badger State Ethanol, LLC Bayer Fund Blain’s Farm & Fleet BlueScope Buildings BMO Harris Bank Breeze Dairy Group LLC Chippewa Valley Bean Citizens State Bank of Loyal CNH Industrial Capital Comfort Hoof Care, Inc. Culver’s - Brown Deer, Grafton, Mequon, Milwaukee Culver’s of Madison (MIDCUL, LLC) Culver’s of Pleasant Prairie Dairyland Seed Co., Inc. Edward J. Okray Foundation, Inc. Filament Four Hands Holsteins, Inc. Jennie-O Turkey Store Kiwanis Club of Downtown Madison Kuhl Equipment, LLC Lely North America MAI Animal Health Mid-West Family Broadcasting Nasco OXBO International Corporation Pilgrim’s Southwest WI Technical College Star Blends State Bank of Cross Plains

United Animal Health United Cooperative We Energies Wisconsin Corn Growers Association Wisconsin Farmers Union Wisconsin Federated Youth Foundation Wisconsin Pork Association Wisconsin Poultry and Egg Industries Association Wisconsin Public Service Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation, Inc. Wyffels Hybrids Zoetis Inc.

Supporter ($250-$999)

Anderson Pharms, LLC Animix LLC Associated Milk Producers Inc. Badger Steel & Fabricating, Inc. CentralStar Cooperative Chippewa Valley Technical College Citizen State Bank - Cadott, Chippewa Falls, Cornell Contree Sprayer & Equipment Company, LLC Culver’s of Middleton Custer Farms, Inc. Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Darling Ingredients Direct Enterprises, Inc. Herbert H. Kohl Charities, Inc. iCEV John Deere Financial, f.s.b. Kuhn North America, Inc. LaClare Farms / KIDFARM LLC Lakeland University Lakeside Foods, Inc. Madison College / John Deere Tech Program Marieke Gouda (Holland’s Family Cheese, LLC) Mark Anderson McCain Foods, Inc. Milk Source, LLC Nasonville Dairy, Inc. New Glarus Brewing Co Quality Roasting, Inc Sloan Implement Company, Inc South Dakota State University The Coburn Company, Inc. Town Bank Tractor Central

Triebold’s Implement Inc Udder Tech Inc Usinger Foundation, Inc. Vivayic Inc. Westby Co-op Credit Union (WCCU) Wisconsin Cheese Masters Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association Wysocki Family of Companies

Contributor (up to $249)

4D Ag Fashion AgrAbility of Wisconsin Andersen Corporation Armor Animal Health Big Iron Equipment Brilliont Blooms DRAMM Corporation East Branch Dairy Eau Galle Cheese Factory, Inc. Fleet Farm Franzen Trucking Fries Financial Group Harvest Tec, Inc. HealthPartners High Plains Journal LLC InDepth Agronomy Ker-Mar Registered Holsteins Kwik Trip, Inc. Landmark Services Cooperative Larsen Family Meats McClellan Farms, Inc. Merck Foundation New Holland Prairie Ag Supply, LLC Provision Partners Cooperative Quality Liquid Feeds Rosenholm Dairy LLP Scheps Dairy, Inc. Schraufnagel Implement, Inc. Service Motor Company St. Croix Electric Cooperative Superior Shores Farm Bureau Thillcrest Dairy Farm Tri County Dairy Supply, Inc. Viroqua Food Co-op Wheaton Grain, Inc.

Donors

Individual Partners Philanthropist ($1,000+) Anonymous Louis & Sandra Arrington William & Deborah Boehm Casey Boye Alicia Braatz Richard & Peggy Daluge Dean & Mary Gagnon James T. Grasee & Mary H. Handrich-Grasee Keith Gundlach Donna Fae Kruse Lyle & Linda Mercer Derrick Papcke Jerry Steiner Thomas H. Thomsen Dave & Jackie Weiland Jerry & Sharon Wendt

Patron ($500-$999)

Carol Anderson Kevin Bacon & Family Ginger Braml Donald Dunn David & Beth Erickson Bill & Susan Gnatzig Robert Hagenow Daryl & Katie Jones Justin Jorgenson Kathleen Murphy Kenneth & Joyce Natzke Bob Pecher Greg Rindsig Dennis Lynn Schlagel Nick & Janet Schneider Lindsay Smith Cory Snider Cheryl & Timothy Steinbach Tim Wyss

Benefactor ($250-$499)

Adam Alves Jon & Rachel Anderson Trever Athorp Collin Bays Ron Billiet Tom Bressner Beth Burgy Elam & Barbara Buttles Austin Caves Debra DuCharme Ashland Eckhart Greg Gard Dona Goede Barbara & George Groshek Kathy Hartmann-Breunig Melissa Heise David Hermann Allan D. Herrman Travis & Ellen Holt Brittany Jashinsky Josh Joseph Wendy J. Kannel Brian Kast David Knuth Mark Marko Jackie Mundt Mark Raduenz Jennifer Rupp Charles & Marcella Russell Paul Salm Richard & Sue Schultz Rob Shields Hilary Stubben Troy Talford Tammy Vaassen Danielle Waterworth Mary & James Weber Theodore & Jeanette Williams Nina Wilson Barbara Wucherpfennig

Advocate ($100-$249)

James Aho Cortlyn & Judy Almquist Ken Alsteen John & Darlene Arneson Geneva Beals Dale & Jillian Beaty Kris Beaver Brion & Aralda Bell Ross & Melissa Bender DeWayne & Gerda Benedict Gary & Cindy Berger Jeannie Bishop

Donors

Sara & Tim Bliefernicht Richard Bockhop Jonas & Jen Bradley Stacey Braemer Gerald Brown Chad Brusveen Jeanna Burgan Diane Starr Colburn Glenda Crook Jerry & Judith Curnow Ethan Dado Julie & Shannon Davis Paul A. Derber Donald & Sheila Dipprey Vernon & Judith Dougherty Carol Ellis Jansen Farm Kristine Feil Daniel Filla Daniel & Melanie Foster Frank & Judy Friar Gary J. Geisler Merlin & Beverly Gentz Joyce E. Gust Natalie Halfman Kim & Leona Havens Amelia Hayden Nancy Henck Jeff & Sheri Hicken Darrell Hines Dayton Hougaard Erik Huschitt William & Jacqueline Hustad Ed C. & Charlene James Marie Kahl Kevin Keith George & Pauline Koepp Beth Kolodzinski John Kopp Joseph & Darcy Koss Betty Krcma Jessie Kreke David & Amy Kruse Dave Kuffel Tom & Tricia Kwak Richard & Rebecca La Roche David Laatsch Larry Lader Matthew H. Larse Charles Larson Larry Lindsay Brooks Lueck Phil Majerus Ronald W. Martin Josh & Sheri Meissner Paul Meister Susan Palmer Bonnie J. Peterson Philip & Carol Peterson Jean Poulson Richard E. Ralph Douglas Raymakers John & Darlene Read Russell & Karen Rindsig Richard & Lois Rossmiller Jennifer Russell Michael A. Sabel David & JoDee Sattler Dave & Lisa Schaefer Sara Schoenborn Jesse & Jenny Singerhouse Mark P. Strohschein Melissa Sylte Dennis Tauchen Dave & Laura Triebold Steven & Jane Tucker James & Nodji Van Wychen Jean Vanderploeg Gary Vorpahl Fran Wagner Joe & Mary Beth Waldo Rick Webster Kathy Wendt Blaine & Fay Westberg Luke Wiedenfeld Bryan Yanke

Supporter ($50-$99)

Richard & Linda Aide Donald & Arlene Althoff Shannon Anderson Dale Ballweg Hillary Bark-Herrmann Lavone Wohlbier Bartine Brenna Bays

Thomas & Tammy Beard Casey Behringer Lois Broege Nickolas Casey BJ Chrisler Kristin Cisewski Tari Costello Ronald E. Deiter Janet Dettman Amie Dienger Andi Dohm Sandra Dykes Cletus & Nancy Franz Jamie Gilbertson Ann Glowacki Justin Goninen Kevin & Shari Graffunder Brian Guza Orwoll Hagen Corinne J. Hansen Kenneth Harter Rebecca Hasburgh Tim Heeg Mary Hess Martin Heuer, Ret. Gary & Mary Hildebrandt Jan Hildebrandt John & Shirley Hines Kimberly Houser Laura Jenson Jackie Johnson Jim & Gwen Johnson Trent Johnson Steven Keppy Dawn Kloss Rhonda Knapp Michael & Patricia Knoll Keith & Lynn Kolpack Adam Kosa Betty Majerus Paul Majors Mariah & Zach Markhardt Roman Molls, Jr. Meg Mueller Nathaniel Nolden John & Julie Oliver Margie & Gregory Peck Natasha Peterson Jeffrey & Marcia Pethke Lorin & Winnie Preston Jamie Propson Kim Pruss Ralph & Judy Rabach Paul Redig Danielle Reed Laurie Ringquist David Rizzardi Dan Robinson Craig & Ellen Sawicki David R. Schlies Chris Schneider Kim Scholz Randy & Valerie Schwandt Ken Seering Mary Smith Gary & Dorsay Solum Leonard L. Splett Bruce & Rachel Stafne Peter & Ruth Stern Mike Stranz Alan Strohschein Traci Sumner Dwight & Ruth Swenson Duke Thurs Chad Vaupel Bob & Marcia Voss Robert Walton Julie Wamser Glenn Webb Sammie Williams Becky Wirkus Rachel Zabel-Sauvola Mark & Cheryl Zimmerman

Contributor (up to $49) John & Carol Anderson Marra Andreas Lindsey Augustine John E. Austin Moe & Ann Bakke David Bauer Stanley Bergum Tawna Bodoh Gwen Boettcher

Jenifer Bos Susan Brennan Duane & Diane Buntz Howard & Teresa Cameron Tim Carey Daniel Clark David & Heidi Clausen Ryan & Pamela Clerkin Roger & Peggy Cleven Susan Conto Gene Curtis Meikah Dado Michele DeBauch Kimberly & Mitchell Dehn Dee Doane Donald & Christine Elbert Jack Ellickson Bill Emery Marcus & Dianne Erickson Ryan Erickson Dave & Carole Fowles Lenore Glodowski Rebecca Graff Kim Hase Robert Held Joseph & Laura Hermann Katrina Hoesly Gale & LuAnn Holt Vernon & Judy Jordan Christine M. Jumbeck Mary Kahl James & Joyce Kasper Brett & Natalie M. Killion William & Sharon Koenen Jill Konrardy Dave Kornesczuk Stacey Kunde Paul A. Larson Kevin & Julie Larson Family Cheryl Latsch Joelle Liddane Donald G. Lightfield Jared Mack Bradley & Annette Markhardt Mary Mathes Diane Maurer Richard Meske John M. Meyers Grace Morrissey Bob Mumm Sheryl Nehls Tiffany Nohl Marilyn O’Brien Susie Olson-Rosenbush Robert Panzer Kaitlin Pescinski Brad Pfaff Cheryl & Jerry Pich Fred Pumper Robert & Patricia Reddell Jared Retzlaff Ken Rohl Jackie Rosenbush Donald & Mary Russell Tiffany Schauer Steven Schauf Laurie Schetter Matthew Schleusner Joe Schlies Scott & Theresina Schmidt Sean Schnepper Scott Schroeter Deborah Schwalbe Emily Sheehan Emmy Sherrard Gene Sirianni Kevin & Kathleen Splett Michelle Stangler Shannon Kelly Stege Darren Swartz Mary Thiry Jacob Timm Michael Trapp Julie Vacho Howard & Jacqueline Vavra Collin Weltzien Curtis Weltzien Valerie West Rudy Wieland Lydia Williams Peter & Christina Winch Hannah Wolsdorf Richard & JoAnn Wright Wade Yearous Kim Yohn

PARTICIPATION NUMBERS 252

384

601

Chapters

American Degrees

State Degrees

Proficiency Applications

19,804 Members

Virtual Leadership Events: Chapter Officer Workshops members

1,400 200 chapters

Fall Leadership Workshops members

850 125 Chapters

FIRE Conference members

577 67 chapters

Parliamentary Procedure Workshops members

287 47

chapters

FFA Week Leadership Live members

150

State Officer Stop-Bys members

700 47 chapters

In-Person Events: Spring Leadership Conference

228

members

Splash into Leadership

members

chapters 6

7 Patricipation Numbers

WHAT YOU SUPPORT Each year, hundreds of industry and individual financial partners like you support agricultural education, Wisconsin FFA and its 20,000 members. During the 2020-21 fiscal year, your commitment helped the Wisconsin FFA Foundation direct approximately $370,000 in funding to:

Local FFA Chapters – • • • •

$50,000+

Chapter grants program Membership awards Career & leadership development event awards National band, chorus and talent stipends

Individual FFA Members –

$140,000+

• Supervised Agricultural Experience grants • Post-secondary scholarships • Proficiency awards

State-Level Programming – • • • • •

$130,000+

State officer training Leadership conferences and workshops Wisconsin FFA Convention Proficiency award programming Various state-level awards

Wisconsin Agricultural Education Partners -

$50,000+

• 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!

What You Support

LET’S CELEBRATE THE SUCCESS OF YOUR SUPPORT

National Convention Awards

Agricultural Communication – Entrepreneurship/Placement Lashawna Vogel of the Denmark FFA Chapter has become an expert at communicating information and ideas with her larger community and FFA chapter. Leading up to National FFA Week, she wrote articles reflecting on each of her chapter’s annual events for a newspaper to educate her village about FFA. Using Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, she manages the social media outlets to tell the story of agricultural education.

Agricultural Education – Entrepreneurship/Placement Kendra Goplin of the Whitehall FFA Chapter began her supervised agricultural experience (SAE) by helping teach third-graders about agriculture safety for an agricultural literacy program. She assists in coaching a middle school quiz bowl team and creating educational displays at both the county and state fairs. She also coordinates ag literacy activities in her school district, reaching students from pre-kindergarten to sixth grades.

Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement Tristan Wirkus of the Stratford FFA Chapter uses the leadership skills he’s gained from FFA to educate the public about the importance of environmental stewardship in his community. He has served on the Stratford Village Tree Advisory Board, achieving Tree City USA status for the community for the last three years. Wirkus has also constructed and installed lending libraries along the Heritage Trail for the public, in addition to charting a tree identification course.

Wisconsin FFA’s Cortney Zimmerman Elected to 2021-22 National FFA Officer Team Cortney Zimmerman of the Spencer FFA in Wisconsin was elected to the 2021-22 National FFA Officer Team during the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo. Zimmerman joins fellow student leaders on the National Officer Team from Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Oregon, and Washington as she begins her post as National FFA Central Region Vice President. A student of South Dakota State University, Zimmerman previously served as Wisconsin FFA State Vice President in 2020-21. Active in the FFA since 7th grade, she was both a middle school and high school FFA officer in the positions of Vice President, President and Past President. Her Supervised Agriculture Experiences include Agricultural Education serving as an Agriscience Camp Director through her local FFA chapter, raising and caring for beef cattle and working with her sister raising goats.

National Convention Awards

STATE AWARDS

Star Awards Sponsored by: Compeer Financial

Randy Winch | Fennimore FFA | Star Farmer At a young age while growing up on his family farm, Randy was intrigued by his daily chore of feeding calves. This inspired him to start raising and feeding a herd of his own. In 2013, Randy bought his first Milking Shorthorn heifer with $1,000 dollars he won in an agriculture animal painting contest. His herd has grown and he now has 18 registered Milking Shorthorns. Randy takes care of all aspects of raising his herd including feeding, training, breeding, record keeping, vaccinating, disease diagnosis, and treatment. In 2018, Randy’s family installed robotic milkers. This has brought him new responsibilities such as washing the robots, scraping cross alleys, and raking the freestall. However, the robotic milkers have eliminated certain chores such as milking the cows which allows Randy to spend more time monitoring the cows’ health and keeping more accurate records. Over the summer, he also exhibits his cattle at many shows and fairs all around the country. One of his greatest accomplishments is having two of his heifers nominated for Jr. All American and All- American Milking Shorthorn in 2018, and in 2019 his heifer won Honorable Mention Jr. All-American spring yearling.

Kendra Goplin | Whitehall FFA | Star in Ag Placement This year, students and teachers alike faced challenges. This did not stop Kendra as she continued to grow her responsibilities in agricultural education and ag literacy at her chapter. She saw first-hand what teachers were going through and decided to create 12 digital interactive notebooks for teachers across the state to use. These included both a teacher and student copy while covering a wide array of topics. As Farm Bureau ag promotions chair, Kendra taught lessons about corn, bees, and animal handling to over 1,800 students. On top of this, Kendra is very involved in the purebred dairy cattle industry taking on full responsibility for raising and training the show string for Xtreme Swiss and M&M Swiss. This includes individualizing diets and corresponding with owners. Kendra also works at Johnson Hardware & Rental helping in all aspects of the business from working with customers, to stocking to learning the new sale system and teaching it to other employees.

Kaelyn Sumner | Pulaski FFA | Star in Agribusiness Sumner is the owner and operator of K’s BeeS, where she sells raw wildflower honey harvested from her hives. Sumner found her passion for honey bees after visiting a friend’s honey bee operation. Her FFA advisor found a mentor to help her care for her bees. Using grants she received, Sumner purchased 14 colonies of bees and the equipment to raise them. She harvested the excess honey and began selling the raw honey to family, friends and at local farmers’ markets. Sumner took her business to the next level by testing out different bottling and advertising tactics to reach more consumers. As owner of K’s BeeS, Sumner makes all managerial decisions for selling her products and caring for her hives. Her duties include harvesting the honey, packaging and marketing her products, and scheduling where she will sell her honey. Sumner is proud to sell at 12 different markets, craft shows, and online through Facebook.

Caleb Gotham | New Auburn FFA | Star in Agriscience Throughout his FFA involvement, Caleb has found high levels of success within his Agriscience Fair projects. He has participated in Power, Structural and Technical Systems, Environmental Services and Natural Resources Systems and also in Plant Systems. These projects have led him to 3 trips to the National FFA Convention where he received a 2nd, 4th, and 6th place gold rating. This year, Caleb’s project falls within the Plant Systems pathway. With the help of his partner, Caleb wanted to determine what the best erosion protection for lakeshores would be. He chose to conduct this study because he lives in New Auburn, the gateway to the Blue Diamond Lake Area.

State Awards

STATE AWARDS 2020-2021

Agriscience Fair Winners -Sponsored by: Wisconsin State Convention Partners Animal Systems Division 1 Meredith Shanks | Portage Bartles MS FFA Division 3 Ella Woodsworth | Shullsburg FFA Division 4 Brandon Boyd & Ethan Johnson* | Watertown FFA Division 5 Amanda Bender | Big Foot FFA Madison Russell | Shullsburg FFA Division 6 Eric Margita & Abigail Weyland | New London FFA

Environmental Services/ Natural Resource Systems Division 1 Rachel De Vries | Adams-Friendship FFA Rebecca Konkel | Big Foot FFA Division 2 Elijah Henningfeld & Jonah Henningfeld | Big Foot FFA

Food Products and Processing Systems Division 1 Evan Henningfeld | Big Foot FFA Division 3 Camden Russell | Shullsburg FFA Division 5 Kaelyn Sumner* | Pulaski FFA

Plant Systems Division 1 Ryan Oleson | Adams-Friendship FFA Division 2 Andrew Gotham & Stanley Lang | New Auburn FFA Division 2 Abby Marvin & Jackie Seiler | Portage Bartels MS FFA

Power, Structural and Technical Systems Division 3 Lucas Salzwedel* | Tomah FFA

Social Science Division 1 Taylor Russell* | Shullsburg FFA

Division 3 Josie Bailey | Tomah FFA Clare Viau | Stevens Point FFA

Division 2 Nora Beal & Morgan Frank | New Auburn FFA

Division 4 Ella Malmanger & Jaidyn Simmons | New Auburn FFA

Division 3 Elsie Ennis | Shullsburg FFA Henry Koerner | Big Foot FFA

Division 6 Alexandra Cano & Alexander Vail | Big Foot FFA

Division 6 Madeline Duesterbeck & Kelly Kline | Big Foot FFA

Division 6 Abram Dachel & Wyatt Gotham | New Auburn FFA

P.R.I.D.E. Award Recipients

(Promote, Recruit, Inspire, Develop, and Educate) Arcadia Barron Beaver Dam Bloomer Cambridge Campbellsport Cochrane-Fountain City D C Everest

DeForest Elkhorn Evansville Freedom Hillsboro Iowa-Grant Janesville Craig Johnson Creek

Lomira Mayville Milton New Glarus New Lisbon Oakfield Pittsville Portage

Potosi Reedsville Rosholt Slinger Watertown Waupaca Waupun Wittenberg-Birnamwood

Leadership Development Events Conduct of Meetings Amery FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Creed Speaking Olivia Olson* | Lake Mills FFA Sponsored by The Family of the late Brian Krull, Elkhorn FFA Alumni

Discussion Meet Mia Hillebrand | River Valley FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Employment Skills Randall Winch | Fennimore FFA Sponsored by Kuhn North America, Inc.

Extemporaneous Speaking Aubrey Schlimgen* | Marshall FFA Sponsored by Daily Dairy Report, GPS Dairy Consulting Parliamentary Procedure Amery FFA Sponsored by DeForest FFA Alumni, Dr. Gerald R. Matteson Endowment

Prepared Speaking Jeremiah Ihm | Lancaster FFA Sponsored by Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, BMO Harris Bank, Floyd Doering Endowment

*-National Finalist State Awards

Proficiency Award Winners Ag. Mechanics Design & Fabrication (Combined) Jayden Murwin | Janesville Craig FFA Sponsored by Case IH & CNH Industrial Capital Ag. Mechanics Repair & Maintenance (E) Ethan Lulich* | Mauston FFA Sponsored by Case IH & CNH Industrial Capital Agricultural Communications (Combined) Lashawna Vogel* | Denmark FFA Sponsored by Filament Marketing Agricultural Education (Combined) Kendra Goplin* | Whitehall FFA Sponsored by Clarence A. & Caroline L Strohschein Endowment, GROWMARK, Inc. Agricultural Processing (Combined) Mason Soerens | Weyauwega-Fremont FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service Agricultural Sales (P) Canyon Schuenke | Janesville Craig FFA Sponsored by Direct Enterprises, Inc Agricultural Services (Combined) Brandon Jakobi* | Loyal FFA Sponsored by Dairyland Seed Co, Inc Agriscience ResearchIntegrated Systems Kayla Reed | Pulaski FFA Sponsored by Vivayic Inc Beef Production (E) Cortney Zimmerman | Spencer FFA Sponsored by Nasco Beef Production (P) Ashley Loehrke | Weyauwega-Fremont FFA Sponsored by American Foods Group Dairy Production (E) Randall Winch | Fennimore FFA Sponsored by United Animal Health Dairy Production (P) Katlynn Steffes | New Holstein FFA Sponsored by Four Hands Holsteins, Inc State Awards

Diversified Agricultural Production (Combined) Lauren Weigel | Marshfield FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service Diversified Crop Production (E) Owen Jones | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Diversified Crop Production (P) Carter Schmitt | CochraneFountain City FFA Sponsored by OXBO International Corporation Diversified Horticulture (Combined) Kloe Miller | WeyauwegaFremont FFA Sponsored by Amherst FFA Alumni

Fruit Production (Combined) Zachary Cupery | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Sponsored by MinnTex Citrus, Inc - Iowa Goat Production (Combined) Joseline Stringfield | Randolph CambriaFriesland FFA Sponsored by LaClare Farms Grain Production (Combined) Lora Korth | New London FFA Sponsored by Kuhl Equipment, LLC, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association Landscape Management (Combined) Cole Hicken | Waupun FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Diversified Livestock (Combined) Lindsey Montgomery | Waupaca FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Nursery Operations (Combined) Abby Weegman | Rice Lake FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service

Environmental Science & Nat’l Resources (Combined) Tristan Wirkus* | Stratford FFA Sponsored by Badger State Ethanol, LLC

Organic Agriculture (State Level Only) Clara Sedlar | WeyauwegaFremont FFA Sponsored by Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, Inc

Equine Science (E) Chelsea Braun | Kiel FFA Sponsored by Marshfield FFA Alumni Equine Science (P) Ashley Johnson | Weyauwega-Fremont FFA Sponsored by Edward J Okray Foundation, Inc Fiber and Oil Crop Production (Combined) Brock Ashley | Portage FFA Sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc. Food Service (CombinedState Only) Cayla Bingham | Bloomer FFA Sponsored by Section 8 FFA Alumni Affiliates Forage Production (Combined) Peter Gorman | New London FFA Sponsored by Kuhn North America, Inc. Forest Management (Combined) Ty Sheets | Kiel FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service

Specialty Crop Production (Combined) Ryan Lund | Cambridge FFA Sponsored by Chippewa Valley Bean Swine Production (E) Brayden Peter | Howards Grove FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Pork Association

Outdoor Recreation (Combined) Olivia Davis | Sauk Prairie FFA Sponsored by Denmark FFA Alumni

Swine Production (P) Victorria Meylor* | Darlington FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters

Poultry Production (Combined) Owen Petrich | Denmark FFA Sponsored by Pilgrim’s, Wallace H Jerome Endowment, Louis & Sandra Arrington Endowment

Turf Grass Management (Combined) Daniel Nordstrom | Mineral Point FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters

Sheep Production (Combined) Madison Russell | Shullsburg FFA Sponsored by Big Sky Suffolks, Waupaca FFA Chapter & Alumni Small Animal Production & Care (Combined ) Kyle Koss | Poynette FFA Sponsored by MAI Animal Health Specialty Animal Production (Combined) Kaelyn Sumner | Pulaski FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service

Vegetable Production (Combined) Rhiannon Reimer | Granton FFA Sponsored by Gumz Farms Veterinary Science (Combined) Hope Lockstaedt* | Slinger FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Wildlife Production and Management (Combined) Jesse Klapper | Montello FFA Sponsored by Kenneth & Joyce Natzke, Richard & Sue Schultz *-National Finalist

11 11

Career Development Events Ag Communications Shullsburg FFA Sponsored by United Cooperative Ag Sales Wrightstown FFA Sponsored by Star Blends, Wyffels Hybrids Ag Technology & Mechanical Chippewa Falls FFA Sponsored by United Cooperative Agronomy New London FFA Sponsored by United Cooperative Dairy Cattle Evaluation Pulaski FFA Sponsored by Associated Milk Producers Inc.

Dairy Handling Sponsored by FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative Environmental Science Slinger FFA Sponsored by Allan D. Herrman Endowment, Ken Seering Endowment Farm Business / Agribusiness Shullsburg FFA Sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc. Floriculture Janesville Craig FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Food Science & Technology Cochrane-Fountain City FFA Sponsored by Brakebush Brothers Inc. Forestry Cochrane-Fountain City FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Horse Evaluation River Falls FFA Sponsored by Amber Vickers Keller Endowment

Milk Quality & Products Black Hawk FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Land Judging Sponsored by Jerry Steiner

Nursery & Landscaping Oconto Falls FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Livestock Evaluation Mineral Point FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Marketing Plan Dodgeland FFA Sponsored by Duffy Grain Meat Evaluation Technology Plymouth FFA Sponsored by Tom & Jesi Betley, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors Middle School Waupun FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Poultry Evaluation Brillion FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin Poultry and Egg Industries Association Veterinary Science Slinger FFA Sponsored by Clinton FFA Alumni Wildlife Janesville Craig FFA Sponsored by Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund

Post - Secondary Scholarship Awards Samantha Anhalt | Mishicot FFA

Kendra Jentz | River Ridge FFA

Lindsey Augustine | Ellsworth FFA

Brooke Kiefer | Slinger FFA

Arnold and Katherine Cordes Endowment Scholarship

Harold and Geneva Beals Endowment Scholarship

Cade Austin | Milton FFA Dean P. and Mary Elstad Gagnon Endowment Scholarship

Claire Bangart | Marshfield FFA

Kenneth K. Heideman Endowment Scholarship

Carisa Cleven | Tomah FFA

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

Megan Culpitt | Cashton FFA Farmer Community Giving, Organic Valley Scholarship

Cameron Guelig | New Holstein FFA

Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Scholarship

Star Blends Scholarship

Katelyn King | Lomira FFA Keith Gundlach Scholarship

Regan Kramer | Wauzeka-Steuben FFA

WI Rural Opportunities Foundation Scholarship

Izzi Mason | Cashton FFA

Farmer Community Giving, Organic Valley Scholarship

Sydni Mell | DeForest FFA Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association Scholarship

Tiffany Neuheisel | River Valley FFA

GROWMARK Scholarship

Joseph Schuh | Freedom FFA Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Scholarship

Kylee Sebranek | River Valley FFA

GROWMARK Scholarship

Rainna Simone | Marshfield FFA

Kenneth K. Heideman Endowment Scholarship

Jenna Snortheim | Auburndale FFA

Blain’s Farm and Fleet Scholarship

Sara Snortheim | Auburndale FFA

Elstad Brothers Endowment Scholarship

Benjamin Styer | Menomonie FFA

WI Rural Opportunities Foundation Scholarship

Tristan Wirkus | Stratford FFA

Dr. Rick and Peggy Daluge Scholarship

Natalie Ott | Berlin FFA

Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Scholarship

Sarah Hagenow | Rio FFA

Kayla Reed | Pulaski FFA

Cortney Zimmerman | Spencer FFA

Kelsey Henderson | Union Grove FFA

Natalie Roe | Monticello FFA

Keith Gundlach Scholarship

Blain’s Farm and Fleet Scholarship

Badger State Ethanol Scholarship

Robert Wohlford Memorial Scholarship

Chippewa Valley Bean Scholarship

Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Scholarship

Jackson Schmidt | Marshfield FFA

Kenneth K. Heideman Endowment Scholarship

Participation StateNumbers Awards

Supervised Agricultural Experience Grant Winners Start-Up

Grain Production Sponsored by WI Corn Growers Association Jared Alan Bahr | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Ashton Brusveen | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Ethan Hamann | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Owen Jones | Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA

Organic Agriculture Sponsored by Organic Valley / CROPP Cooperative Inc Gabe Olson-Jensen | River Falls FFA Evan Pedretti | De Soto FFA Janelle Wolfe | Cochrane-Fountain City FFA

Jr. High Essay Contest

Sponsored by: Wisconsin FFA Foundation Annual Fund Sydney Folk | Weyauwega-Fremont FFA

Food for America Denmark FFA

National Chapter Awards Sponsored by: Wisconsin State Convention Partners 1st Place Overall - Waupaca FFA 2nd Place Overall - Big Foot FFA 3rd Place Overall - Badger FFA Growing Leaders State Winner | Waupaca FFA Building Communities State Winner | Waupun FFA

Membership Growth Awards Largest Membership Chapter: Milton FFA Greatest Percentage Increase: Janesville Craig 2021 Largest % of School Population: Granton

State Awards

2021 Sectional Leadership Growth: Section 1:. . . . . Bloomer (+99) Section 2:. . . . . River Falls (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saint Croix Central (6) Section 3:. . . . . Arcadia (+43) Section 4: . . . . Iowa-Grant (+29) Section 5: . . . Milton (+228) Section 6: . . . . Oakfield (+30) Section 7:. . . . . DC Everest (+71) Section 8: . . . . Waupaca (+53) Section 9: . . . . Reedsville (+110) Section 10: . . . Elkhorn (+72)

Strengthening Agriculture State Winner | Denmark FFA

Chapters Advancing for National Competition and National Rankings National Three Star Chapters – Badger, Big Foot, Clintonville, Columbus, DeForest, Denmark, Granton, Manawa, Marshall, Slinger, Waupaca, Waupun, Weyauwega-Fremont National Two Star Chapters – Beaver Dam, Bloomer, Bonduel, Cashton, Elkhorn, Mishicot, New London, Portage, Randolph Cambria-Friesland, Reedsburg, Seymour, Shullsburg, Union Grove. National FFA Chapter Awards - National Level Finalists: Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders National Finalist Granton FFA - Forest Education Night Premier Chapter: Building Communities National Finalist - Denmark FFA - Paw’tastic Memories

HONORED ADULTS Distinguished Service Award

Empire Photography has provided photography coverage of the Wisconsin FFA Convention for more than 15 years. Compeer Financial is a proud State FFA Convention Sponsor. Compeer believes in agriculture and rural America and the role young people play in shaping the future. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection continually supports the Wisconsin FFA Association and provides opportunities for FFA members.

VIP Awards Dr. Rick Bockhop served as a UW-Platteville professor for 18 years. Dr. Bockhop served as the State WAAE President, organized the CDE contests at World Dairy Expo, Appleton and UW-Platteville, judged state proficiencies for many years, and coordinated the ag mechanics contest at the National FFA Convention for 16 years. Daniel Ziegler retired as the New Glarus FFA Advisor and agricultural instructor in 2020 after 36 years. He inspired his students and future teachers with his special brand of “edutainment” that was engaging all while being educational. Dan is known for his service at the local, state and national FFA levels.

Honorary State FFA Degree Kristopher Beaver Robin Connelly Cassandra Fabian Dan Filla Rudy Kaderly

Marina Livny Kathleen Murphy Kevin Rauchholz Jennifer Russell Lester & Nancy Schlies

Dennis Uppena Nicole Wagner Danielle Waterworth Keith & Karen Weltzien Nate Zimdars Honored Adults

Wisconsin FFA Hall of Fame 2021 Inductees Gordie Gasch started his agriculture education career as a student and FFA member at Chilton High School where he won 2 state CDE contests and earned gold at nationals. In 1969 he was elected Secretary of the Wisconsin FFA and served as a delegate to the infamous 1969 National FFA Convention in Kansas City where he was able to vote in favor of the most historic change FFA has experienced – that was to allow girls to become FFA members. For 28 years, Mr. Gasch was an agriculture educator and FFA Advisor at Brillion. During his tenure he had 36 state winning Career Development Event teams, including two teams that went onto place second at the National FFA contest. His love for CDEs led Mr. Gasch to serve on the CDE Committee for 15 years and 9 years as the FFA CDE Coordinator. Robert Johnson was an agricultural instructor and FFA advisor for 26 years at Milton. During his career he led students to become leaders and he himself provided many examples by his actions within his service to Wisconsin’s Team Ag Ed. He was president of the Wisconsin Association of Vocational Agriculture Instructors and organized the first annual golf outing and picnic for the summer ag teacher conference. He was instrumental in the first state FFA raffle for the Wisconsin FFA Foundation which raised over $100,000. For several years he organized the annual State FFA Alumni Auction netting $150,000. Mr. Johnson also conducted the National FFA Foundation live auction for three years that netted $350,000. Paul Larson retired in June 2020 after 33 years of service as an agricultural instructor and FFA advisor at Freedom Area School District. During his 33 years at Freedom, he took a struggling program of about 50 students and led it to a two teacher program with over 250 students. Mr. Larson has given to not only the Freedom FFA members but also to WAAE, Wisconsin Ag Education Council, Wisconsin FFA Foundation and Wisconsin DPI in varied leadership positions. Most notably, Mr. Larson followed in his father’s footsteps as an agricultural educator and together, they are the first father/son members of the Wisconsin FFA Hall of Fame. Charles Rasmussen was an agricultural instructor and FFA advisor for 33 years at Lancaster where he worked with 20 student teachers. He joined the two-person department in 1978 and focused on the areas of agronomy, agriculture business, wildlife and agriculture mechanics. Mr. Rasmussen also served as the Job Training Program Coordinator for Lancaster where he assisted 15-22 students each year gaining valuable work experience leading to enumerable connections within the community for the school and FFA chapter. Mr. Rasmussen had 23 state winning CDE teams in the areas of soils, ag business management and agronomy and 24 soil teams qualified for national competition. His focus on CDEs found him serving on the State CDE Committee for more than 10 years and with the National Dairy CDE for 4 years. Robert Voss was an agricultural instructor and FFA advisor for Monticello for 34 years. When he began his career at Monticello, it was a general agriculture program, within year two he convinced the school to start a vocational agriculture and FFA program and 12 years later the local FFA alumni was established. It was not Mr. Voss’s plans at the beginning of his career to stay in Monticello, but after several years of being an FFA advisor, he found Monticello was his home as unlike other teaching positions, he became a member of the many families of the students for which he taught. Always the encourager of getting involved, and a very active community member himself, Mr. Voss takes great pride in seeing past students that have become good members of society, role models and leaders within their communities. Tim Wyss was an agricultural instructor and FFA advisor for 35 years at Clear Lake. With a passion for teaching and working with youth who loved the agriculture industry, Mr. Wyss supervised 21 future agricultural education teachers within his Clear Lake classroom and today he continues to serve as a UW-River Falls field supervisor for ag ed student teachers. In addition, Mr. Wyss had 5 former students follow him in becoming agricultural instructors. During his FFA advisor tenure, he trained 4 state winning Parliamentary Procedure teams including a national finalist team at the first national parliamentary procedure contest in 1992, FFA Creed, Quiz Bowl and Discussion Meet winners, had 5 State Officers, and 1 national proficiency finalist.

Halll of Fame Inductees

WISCONSIN FFA REMEMBERS JEFF HICKEN The Wisconsin FFA Family suffered a deep loss on June 18, 2021, when Jeff Hicken passed away. A former member of the Lomira FFA and former Wisconsin FFA State Sentinel, Jeff was a UW-River Falls graduate who began his career at Sauk Prairie High School as the agricultural education instructor in 1998. In 2006, Jeff began his service at the state level as the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education Consultant and State FFA Advisor with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, a position he held until his passing. Jeff’s legacy includes his family, his impact on agricultural education and FFA, and his service to numerous coalitions, committees, and boards – including the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days Board of Directors, National FFA Foundation Board of Trustees, National Association of State Supervisors of Agriculture Education (NASAE) Board of Directors, AgrAbility of Wisconsin Advisory Council, and School for Agricultural & Environmental Studies (SAGES) Foundation Board. The Wisconsin FFA Foundation is proud to have established the Jeff Hicken Memorial Fund, in honor of the State Advisor. Thanks to generous pledges from the FFA community, the Jeff Hicken Memorial Fund was fully endowed at the $15,000 level when established and will continue to grow from future contributions. Jeff and his family were inducted into Wisconsin FFA Foundation’s Blue & Gold Society during a special tribute at the 92nd Wisconsin FFA Convention on July 7, 2021. In October of 2021, the National FFA Organization posthumously recognized Jeff as a National FFA VIP Award recipient.

“Without agriculture, there is nothing” - Jeff Hicken, 1974 – 2021

In Memoriam

Honors and Memorials In Honor 2020-21 State Officer Team Betty Krcma In Honor Chuck Adami National Council of Farmer Cooperatives In Memory Matthew Anderson John & Carol Anderson In Honor Gilbert Bloom Glenda Crook In Honor Ginger Braml Jeanna Burgan In Honor Jill Braunel Julie Wamser In Memory Floyd & Betty Doering Barbara & George Groshek In Memory Floyd & Betty Doering Orwoll Hagen In Memory Floyd J. Doering Mary & James Weber In Memory Harold Emerson Michael & Patricia Knoll In Memory Gale Gordon Brion & Aralda Bell

In Honor Jim Gutt Laurie Ringquist In Memory Dave Hahn Nick & Janet Schneider In Memory Vicky Harter Bonnie J. Peterson In Memory Logan Henthorn Beth Kolodzinski In Memory Jeff Hicken Richard & Linda Aide In Memory Jeff Hicken Campbellsport FFA Alumni In Memory Jeff Hicken Ethan Dado In Memory Jeff Hicken Daniel and Melanie Foster

In Memory Jeff Hicken Nick & Janet Schneider

In Memory Tom Lyon Philip & Carol Peterson

In Memory Bruce Odeen Kevin & Julie Larson Family

In Memory Gerald Wucherpfinnig Lenore Glodowski

In Memory Jeff Hicken Sara Schoenborn

In Memory Lyle Mercer James Aho

In Memory Jeff Hicken Section 4 Ag Teachers

In Memory Lyle Mercer Susan Brennan

In Memory Walter Pulvermacher Jean Vanderploeg

In Memory Gerald Wucherpfennig Kim Hase

In Memory Waldmar “Wally” Reinert Rink David Laatsch

In Memory Gerald Wucherpfennig Jim & Gwen Johnson

In Memory Jeff Hicken Blaine & Fay Westberg In Memory Jeff Hicken Tim Wyss In Memory Kevin Kilstofte Paul A. Larson In Memory Gary King Craig & Ellen Sawicki In Honor Raymond Krcma Betty Krcma

In Memory Jeff Hicken Allan D. Herrman

In Honor Betty Krcma Alan Strohschein

In Memory Jeff Hicken Christine M. Jumbeck

In Honor Betty Krcma Mark P. Strohschein

In Memory Jeff Hicken George & Pauline Koepp

In Memory Edward E Kruse Donna Fae Kruse

In Memory Jeff Hicken Richard E Ralph

In Honor John & Terri Kuffel Dave Kuffel

In Memory Lyle Mercer Susan Conto In Memory Lyle Mercer Dave & Carole Fowles In Memory Lyle Mercer Gale & LuAnn Holt In Memory Lyle Mercer Vernon & Judy Jordan In Memory Lyle Mercer William & Sharon Koenen In Memory Lyle Mercer Richard & Rebecca La Roche In Memory Lyle Mercer David & JoDee Sattler In Memory Ray Miller Howard & Teresa Cameron In Memory Doug Mueller Meg Mueller

In Memory Donald Robinson Dan Robinson In Honor Grant Staszak Joseph & Laura Hermann In Memory Deane Thomas Philip & Carol Peterson In Honor Thomas Thomsen Sara & Tim Bliefernicht In Honor Thomas Thomsen Julie & Shannon Davis In Memory Gerald Wucherpfennig Marcus & Dianne Erickson In Memory Gerald Wucherpfennig Fries Financial Group

In Memory Gerald Wucherpfennig John & Darlene Read In Memory Gerald Wucherpfennig Scott & Theresina Schmidt In Memory Gerald Wucherpfennig Howard & Jacqueline Vavra In Memory Gerald Wucherpfennig Lavone Wohlbier Bartine In Memory Gerald Wucherpfennig Barbara Wucherpfennig

Blue and Gold Society

Blue and Gold Society Jim, Mark, Carol & Jon Anderson Lou & Sandra Arrington Harold & Geneva Beals Dennis & Joan Behr Walter & Delores Bjoraker Arnold B. & Katherine Cordes Floyd Doering Elstad Brothers Estate The Family of Matthew D. Anderson Dr. Rick & Peggy Daluge Dean P. & Mary Elstad Gagnon Blue and Gold Society

James T. Grasee & Mary H. Handrich-Grasee Jeff Hicken Paul & Kirsten Gross Keith Gundlach Kim & Leona Havens Kenneth K. Heideman Al & Lynn Herrman The Family of Gordon J. Iverson DVM Wallace H. Jerome Amber Vickers Keller Rodney O. Kittelsen Robert & Herta Laatsch Family

Kevin & Julie Larson Family Glenn L. & Sonja Linder Virgil O. & Ann Martinson Gerald R. Matteson William & Nancy (Carroll) Maurina and Family Derrick Papcke Bethany L. Rieth Michael A. Sabel Ken Seering Bernie & Marty Staller Jerry Steiner

Clarence A. & Caroline L. Strohschein Thomas H. & Christine M. Thomsen, in honor of Mr. Thomsen’s father, H. H. ‘Tommy’ Thomsen Jim & Nodji Van Wychen, in honor of Mr. Van Wychens’s parents, John & Hattie Van Wychen

MESSAGE FROM WISCONSIN FFA FOUNDATION BOARD PRESIDENT This past year has been full of hurdles and achievements for the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. These accomplishments would not be possible without your generous support and dedication. You should be very proud that your contributions, despite COVID-19, have supported the traditional career development, award programs, and others. With a partnership with the WI FFA Alumni & Supporters, we were able to offer a new grant program to financially support struggling FFA programs that were unable to have their normal fundraisers because of the pandemic. I hope as you page through this report you can, as I do, feel inspired by the young FFA members who have stepped up even when things were not the best. Wisconsin agriculture education and the FFA have a great story to tell. We are confident that the programs will continue to have a profound impact on many future agriculturists. We look forward to what the future holds for FFA members remembering none of it would be possible without the continued support from the agriculture industry and personal donations received. Thank you for being part of Wisconsin Team Ag Ed. With Gratitude, Janet Schneider, 2020-2021 President, WI FFA Foundation

Foundation Board List Danielle Waterworth · Past President

Director - Asset Remarketing & Leasing - CNH Industrial Capital

Ginger James · At-Large Director Regional Accounts Manager - AgroChem

Janet Schneider · President

Registrar and Administration Assistant - Chilton School District

Jesse Singerhouse · Secretary

Manager of Administrative & Member Services Dunn Energy Cooperative

Trever Athorp · Treasurer; Chair Internal Affairs Committee

Vice President, Agricultural & Business Banking Investors Community Bank

Joe Keller · At-Large Director

Ethan Giebel · At-Large Director

Cortney Zimmerman · Ex-Officio

Deb Ihm · At-Large Director; Chair of Development Committee

Josh Joseph · At-Large Director

Joe Schlies · Ex-Officio

President - Keller Farms

Director of Agriculture - Southwest Tech

Chad Brusveen · At-Large Director Corporate Business Manager - ohn Deere

Member Business Loan Officer - WCCU Credit Union

Grassmilk Program Manager - Organic Valley / CROPP Cooperative

Kathleen Murphy · At-Large Director

State FFA Vice President - Wisconsin Association of FFA

State FFA President - Wisconsin Association of FFA

Kathy Hartmann-Breunig · Ex-Officio

Director of Business Administration - TASC

Executive Director - Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators (WAAE)

Marketing and Membership Director - YMCA of Dodge County

Cheryl Zimmerman · Ex-Officio

Cheryl Steinbach · Ex-Officio

Jessie Kreke · Vice President; Chair of Governace Committee

Jeff Hicken · Ex-Officio; Advisor Wisconsin Association of FFA

John Hromyak · Ex-Officio

Katie Holewinski · At-Large Director

Senior Marketing Manager - Culver Franchising System, LLC

Executive Director - Wisconsin FFA Center

Agriculture Education / Natural Resources Educational Consultant and State FFA Advisor Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Executive Director - Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association

Executive Director - Wisconsin FFA Foundation

Tom Bressner · At-Large Director Executive Director - Wisconsin Agri-Business Association

Wisconsin FFA Foundation Board

WISCONSIN FFA FOUNDATION FINANCIALS Statement of Financial Position July 31, 2021 and 2020

Assets Current Assets Other Assets Total Assets

2021 2020 442,161 1,768,955

367,140 1,680,369

2,211,116

2,047,509

Liabilities & Net Assets Current Liabilities Net Assets Unrestricted Temporarily - Restricted Permanently - Restricted Total Liabilities & Net Assets

65,051 577,310 457,099 1,176,707

36,418 559,370 432,931 1,055,208

2,146,065

2,011,091

Statement of Activities

Expenses Personnel 129,173 Professional Fees 15,690 Office Expenses 31,939 Programming 334,299 Travel & Meetings 33,162 Advertising 0 Insurance 1,370 Occupancy 6,600 Fund Raising Expenses 24,272 Investment Mgmt Fees 0 Write Off of Pledges Receivable 0 Miscellaneous 2,911

139,812 13,051 25,019 178,966 6,923 1,219 1,514 6,600 11,719 1,878 0 2,528

Total Expenses

579,416

389,228

Change in Net Assets

158,415

196,690

Net assets at beginning of year 1,661,353 Net assets at end of year 1,819,768

1,661,353 1,858,043

Financials

For the year ended July 31, 2021

Support & Revenue

2021 2020 488,805 4,299 35,018 209,420 288

418,199 1,404 30,136 112,179 24,000

Total Support & Revenue 737,830

585,918

Contributions In-kind Contributions Fund Raising Events Investment Return Miscellaneous

Financial Highlights: The Foundation managed donor restricted endowment funds totaling $1,508,012

STATE OFFICER TEAM 2020-2021

Joe Schlies, President

Brooks Lueck, Vice President

Jackie Rosenbush, Sentinel

Cortney Zimmerman, Vice President

Ben Styer, Vice President

Katie Loehrke, Secretary

Carisa Cleven, Vice President

Katrina Hoesly, Parliamentarian

Kendra Jentz, Treasurer

Melissa Konkel, Vice President

Denmark FFA Advisors: Mary Handrich & Marty Nowak Section 1 – Spooner FFA Advisor: Susie Olson-Rosenbush Section 2 – Menomonie FFA Advisor: Jean D’Angelo

Section 3 – Tomah FFA Advisors: Nelda Bailey & Emma Huber Section 4 - River Ridge FFA Advisor: Madeline Esser

Section 5 – Wisconsin Heights FFA Advisor: Kimberly Houser Section 7 – Spencer FFA Advisor: Mark Zimmerman

Section 8 - Weyauwega-Fremont FFA Advisors: Sandra Dykes & Connie Peterson Section 9 – Denmark FFA Advisors: Mary Handrich & Marty Nowak Section 10 – Big Foot FFA Advisor: Lisa Konkel

need to work on layout - Do specific photos go with this page?

State Officer Team

WISCONSIN FFA ALUMNI

Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters Association named Outstanding Alumni Association at the 94th National FFA Convention

The Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters Association, Inc. strives to be Wisconsin’s premier agriculture education advocate. They support the local FFA Alumni Chapters so that they are better equipped to assist their local community, agriculture instructor(s) and agriculture youth. Membership was 28,319. This includes 4,722 Annual, 5,961 Lifetime and 17,636 Associate. Celebrating the 50th year as an association February 4-5, 2022. Despite COVID-19 restrictions this year, the WI FFA Alumni & Supporters Association was able to support Wisconsin FFA members through sponsoring speakers for leadership conferences, Wisconsin FFA Convention, Proficiency Awards, and Chapter Grants. The Association co-sponsored 40 $500 FFA Chapter grants to support chapters unable to host fundraisers. Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters Association was the National Outstanding Association recipient last year and is a finalist this year.

WAAE

Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators WAAE (Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators) is a professional organization made up of middle school, high school and post-secondary agriculture teachers. We are dedicated to agricultural educators in developing knowledge and sharpening skills about the ever-evolving agricultural industry. Congratulations to this year’s Outstanding Service Award recipient, Roger King, recently retired from the Holmen School District. Roger was selected as the Region III winner and represented the region at the 2021 NAAE convention. Congratulations to Dan Ziegler, recently retired from the New Glarus School District as he is the recipient of the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award. Dan was selected as the Region III winner and represented the region at the 2021 NAAE convention.

Wisconsin FFA Alumni & WAAE

WAYS TO SUPPORT WISCONSIN FFA The Wisconsin FFA Foundation builds relationships and encourages philanthropy to support and grow agricultural education and FFA. Our vision is to ensure access to agricultural education and FFA to all students in Wisconsin through exceptional funding. Your gift, large or small, is a direct investment in the future of agricultural education, FFA, and the agricultural industry across the state. •

Annual Fund & Events – Annual unrestricted gifts to the Wisconsin FFA Foundation’s critical operation and programming needs make all other programs and impact possible. Proceeds from the Foundation’s fundraising events are also directed to the Annual Fund.

• Endowments – Through a contribution to the FFA Forever Endowment, a contribution to an existing named fund, or by establishing a new named endowment, donors can leave a legacy benefiting Wisconsin FFA for years to come. •

Planned & Estate Giving – Make Wisconsin FFA a lasting part of your legacy through a planned outright gift of cash or securities, a gift in your will or living trust, a charitable gift annuity, a donor advised fund, as a beneficiary designation, or other means.

•

IRA Required Minimum Distributions – Required minimum distributions from an IRA can be designated as a charitable gift to the Wisconsin FFA Foundation.

•

Sponsorship Programs – See adjoining page – Businesses, organizations, and individuals alike can directly sponsor Wisconsin FFA programs – from Proficiency Awards, to Scholarships, to State Convention – with naming rights and additional benefits, including engagement with FFA members.

•

Facebook Fundraiser – Select the Wisconsin FFA Foundation as a recipient of your fundraising campaign on Facebook. The Foundation will receive 100% of funds raised, with any fees covered by Facebook.

• AmazonSmile – Select the Wisconsin FFA Foundation when you shop and the AmazonSmile Foundation will automatically donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to the Foundation.

•

Monthly & Round-Up Giving – Use our online giving page to set a recurring monthly gift, or to round-up your purchases to the next dollar and donate the extra change. Visit wisconsinaged.org and click DONATE to get started.

•

Blue & Gold Society – Individuals and families who give $15,000 or more during a threeyear period are welcomed to the Blue & Gold Society. Planned gift commitments are eligible for membership as well. Support

SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS Sponsorship Benefits and Recognition AND RECOGNITION Star Mission Program Partnership Levels

Recognition (Also includes all items below partnership level)

$30,000 & more 4-Star Partner

Spotlight feature included in Foundation publications and event naming opportunities

$20,000 3-Star Partner

Increased visibility and partnership in WI FFA Foundation marketing and promotional materials, at WI FFA Convention, WAAE Conference, WI FFA Alumni Convention, and at annual Foundation Golf Outings

$10,000 2-Star Partner

Invitation to present a workshop at WI FFA Convention, WAAE Conference, WI FFA Alumni Convention

$5,000 1-Star Partner

Premier, year-round recognition in WI FFA marketing and promotional materials. Invitation to Sponsors & Award Winners Dinner, engagement and recognition at WI FFA Convention, WAAE Conference, WI FFA Alumni Convention, and at annual Foundation Golf Outings

Leadership Program Partnership Levels

Recognition (Also includes all items below partnership level)

$10,000 & more - Platinum

Special events naming rights, invitation to present a workshop at WI FFA Convention

$5,000 - Gold

Increased recognition at WI FFA Convention

$2,500 - Silver

Complimentary WI FFA Convention Expo booth

$1,000 - Bronze

Year-round recognition at leadership events and promotional materials, invitation to Sponsors & Award Winners Dinner at WI FFA Convention

State Convention Partnership Levels

Recognition (Also includes all items below partnership level)

$10,000 & more - Platinum

Special events naming rights, recorded message shared during a session

$5,000 - Gold

Ad in convention program, large banner during third session, invitation to present a workshop

$2,500 - Silver

Complimentary WI FFA Convention Expo booth and recognition on stage during third session

$1,000 - Bronze

Invitation to Sponsors & Award Winners Dinner

$500 - Supporter

Recognition on WI FFA Convention and Foundation websites

$250 - Friend

Recognition in convention program and donor listings

Awards, Grants & Scholarships Sponsorship Area

Partnership Levels

Recognition

Proficiency Award Career Development Event Leadership Development Event

Levels vary

On-stage recognition at WI FFA Convention Present award on stage Inclusion in news release Invitation to Sponsors & Award Winners Dinner

Named Annual SAE Grant

$625 minimum*

Inclusion in promotional materials, invitation to selection

Named Annual Chapter Grant

$625 minimum*

Inclusion in promotional materials, invitation to selection

Named Annual Scholarship

$625 minimum*

Inclusion in promotional materials, invitation to selection

*Annual grant and scholarship funds are distributed as 80% award to recipient and 20% reserved for administration of program. Endowed grant and scholarship funds are not subject to this split.

All sponsors and donors are recognized in the Wisconsin FFA Annual Report and in publications at WI FFA Convention.

To learn more or to reserve your sponsorship, contact the Wisconsin FFA Foundation: info@wisconsinffafoundation.org 608.831.5058 x3 Sponsorship Programs

01-2020

LEADING INDUSTRY PARTNERS Philanthropist ($20,000+)

Patron ($10,000-$19,999)

Kalscheur Foundation National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

Benefactor ($5,000-$9,999) Alliant Energy Foundation American Foods Group Case IH / CNH Industrial Capital GreenStone Farm Credit Services Minntex Citrus, Inc. - Iowa

Nicolet National Bank Seneca Foods Corporation U.S. Army ROTC Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation

The Wisconsin FFA Foundation would like to acknowledge Dairyland Power Cooperative for their partnership with the Annual Report.