The Mineral Point Chapter of the Future Farmers of America held its 95th annual awards ceremony Tuesday, March 19 in the middle/high school cafetorium under the leadership of Advisor Mike Robinson.
Awards were presented as follows — congrats to all!
Check out photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=MineralPointSchoolDistrict&set=a.907866201315263
Discovery Degree
The FFA Discovery Degree is awarded to 8th grade FFA members who have successfully completed the 8th grade agriculture course, have attended FFA meetings, and have shown interest in pursuing the FFA in the coming high school years.
Recipients include: Peyton Brant, Boden Chambers, Alleigh Culver, Sawyer Dannenberg, Harper Heins, Tatum James, Hailey McDonald, Cyntanah Nafzger, Aiden Patterson, Carver Potterton, Blake Robb, Kendyl Ruf, Sammy Springer, Breanna Tibbits, Jaycee Tibbits, Kendall Wenger.
Greenhand Degree
The Greenhand Degree is the first degree of membership earned in high school in the FFA. To earn a Greenhand Degree, you must have satisfactorily planned or started a SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience), have learned and be able to explain the meaning of the FFA Creed, know the FFA Motto, know the duties and responsibilities of FFA members, and have an understanding of the aims and purposes of the FFA.
Recipients include: Kylie Bennett, Jacob Dannenberg, Braeden Gallagher, Emily Heisner, Leah Hoffman, Johnny Robinson, Jessica Schubert, Faye Schuette, Riley Sennhenn, Zander Simenson, Ronica Thousand, Aida Tuttle, Jaydee Woerpel, Haylee Yager.
Chapter Degree
The Chapter FFA Degree is the second degree of high school membership for an FFA member. One must have received the Greenhand Degree, have a SAE, have knowledge of the chapter’s program of activities, participated in at least three local activities, and demonstrate progress in their SAE area.
Recipients include: Christian Bigler, Adam Cody, Trent Culver, Mallory Gould, Evan Kearns, Cameron Patterson, Garrett Schaaf, Kameron Schilling, Isaac Schute, Madelyn Steffes, Keegan Wenger.
Blue and Gold Award
The Blue and Gold Award is presented to FFA members in their third year of high school FFA membership. One must have received the Chapter FFA Degree, have a well established SAE, have participated in and helped organize the chapter’s program of activities, and demonstrate growth in their SAE.
Recipients include: Matt Aurit, Lilli Berget, Hallie Brant, Izzy Dannenberg, Tucker Dannenberg, Michael Edgington, Payton Heins, Joss James, Jarvie Nafzger, Atley Potterton, Annie Robinson, Ellie Robinson, Kade Rule, Carter Schilling, Luke Schubert, Jadyn Swinehart, Jaxson Wendhausen.
Four-Year Member Award
Being a part of the Mineral Point FFA for four years of high school is an outstanding accomplishment for a member. These members have put in many hours and have participated in many events over the past four years of high school.
Recipients include: Rori Bossert, Byron Buroker, Brooklyn Casper, Madisyn Heim, Estella James, Quinten Kite, Erica Rose Ludlum, Ellery Massey, Regan Schuette.
State FFA Degree
The State FFA Degree is the highest degree the state association can bestow. The member must have taken two years of agricultural education and been an active member for two years. The member must have invested $2500 or worked 1500 hours in their SAE area and have completed their State FFA Degree application and have been accepted at the State level. The following will receive their State Degree at the State Convention: Ella James.
American FFA Degree
The American FFA Degree is the highest degree an FFA member can receive. There are many qualifications that must be met in order for an FFA member to receive this degree. The member must have been an active FFA member for three years and completed three years of agricultural education classes. The member must have graduated from high school, earned and invested $7500 or earned $1500 and worked 2250 hours in their SAE area. The following will be recognized and receive their American Degree at the National FFA convention: Joey Robinson.
Honorary FFA Member Award
The Honorary FFA Member Award is the highest award the FFA can give to a non-FFA member. This year’s honorary FFA member is Mr. Ed Joestgen. Ed is always there to support the FFA. He has been to every FFA donation auction since our first one. He supports our Washington Leadership Conference by donating to those students going. He supports the fruit sale, poinsettia sale, and plant sale every year. Ed wears his FFA tshirt each year with pride and has come to numerous FFA banquets over the years, always helping with set up and clean up of the banquet each year. He always is watching over the Ag Building and making sure we have whatever we need to keep it looking good.
Speaking Contest
In the District Creed Speaking Contest, Johnny Robinson placed 1st and Emily Heisner 2nd. Both qualified for Sectionals with Johnny placing 3rd and Emily 5th . The Creed Contest involves reciting the FFA Creed from memory and answering a series of questions about the Creed.
Ellie Robinson placed 2nd in the Employment Skills Contest at Districts. Ellie moved onto Sectionals where she placed 4th . The Employment Skills Contest has the FFA member interview for an agricultural related job, as well as submit a resume, cover letter, and job description.
In Extemporaneous Speaking, Regan Schuette placed 2nd and Mallory Gould placed 6th at the District contest. Regan moved onto Sectionals where she placed 3rd. The Extemporaneous contest consists of a student drawing an agricultural related topic and in 30 minutes preparing a 4-6 minute speech on that topic.
The 8th grade Quiz Bowlers that competed at Districts were Sammy Springer, Boden Chambers, Blake Robb, Aiden Patterson, Sawyer Dannenberg, Breanna Tibbits, Jaycee Tibbits, Harper Heins, Kendyl Ruf, and Cyntanah Nafzger.
The team of Breanna, Jaycee, Harper, Kendyl, and Cyntanah placed 2nd at the District contest and moved onto Sectionals where they did not place. The team of Sammy, Boden, Aiden, Blake, and Sawyer made the quarterfinals at District but didn’t move onto Sectionals.
In this contest 8th grade FFA members compete against teams from other schools to answer questions about FFA facts. It is the first speaking competition open to them in their FFA career.
In Prepared Speaking, Annie Robinson placed 1st and Jadyn Swinehart placed 2nd at Districts. Both moved onto Sectionals where Annie placed 3rd and Jadyn placed 4th. In the Prepared contest, FFA members memorize their agricultural related speech of 6-8 minutes and present it to a panel of judges, followed up with questions related to their speech.
Ella James placed 1st and Faye Schuette placed 5th in the Discussion Meet Contest at District. Ella moved onto Sectionals where she placed 4th. In Discussion Meet, the FFA members are gathered at a table and discuss solutions to an agricultural issue.
Chapter Proficiency Awards
We had 15 different FFA proficiency awards applied for at the State level, which are based on their Supervised Agriculture Experience. They are given a ranking of bronze, silver, or gold on the State level. With each ranking the students get a monetary amount from the local chapter of $20, $20, or $50. All state finalist proficiencies are awarded at the State FFA Convention in June. The state finalist is a ranking of the top five finalist in the state, which means they will not find out their final ranking of 1-5 in the state until on stage at the state FFA convention.
Madelyn Steffes received a silver rating in Dairy Production. Madelyn’s SAE is based on showing dairy cattle at all levels of competition. Madelyn enjoys all aspects of raising and showing her dairy cattle.
Johnny Robinson received a silver rating in Diversified Livestock Placement. Johnny’s SAE is based on his work at A&M Farms. He drives tractor, feeds animals, helps with fitting for shows and helps with vet care of beef, sheep, and goats.
Ella James received a gold rating in Dairy Production. Ella’s SAE is based on raising and showing dairy cattle at all levels of competition. Ella has shown at district shows, state fair, and county fair. One of Ella’s accomplishments is winning her class at World Dairy Expo.
Joey Robinson is a top five finalist in Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship and received a gold rating. Joey’s SAE is based on buying equipment that needs repair and then reselling after repairing it. He also performs regular equipment maintenance as well as total engine rebuilds.
Payton Heins received a silver rating in Goat Production. Payton’s SAE is based on raising and breeding quality Boer Goats. Payton has her own does that she breeds to have kids for herself to show as well as selling to others. Payton has been very successful showing Boer Goats at all levels of competition.
Luke Schubert is a state finalist in Fiber and Oil Crop Production Placement and received a gold rating. Luke’s SAE is based on his work on Schubert Farms with the soybean crop. Luke performs many duties on the farm including tilling the soil and planting the crops. He runs combine and grain cart in the fall as well as helping to run the grain storage unit.
Izzy Dannenberg received a silver rating in Diversified Livestock Entrepreneurship. Izzy’s SAE is based on showing sheep, pigs, and dairy cattle. Izzy has also started raising her own pigs to show and enjoys competing at several shows throughout the year. She has shown at jackpot shows, county fair, and the Wisconsin State Fair.
Erica Ludlum received a bronze rating in Swine Production Entrepreneurship. Erica’s SAE is based on raising show pigs for the county fair. Erica spends many hours in the summer preparing her animals for county fair and looks forward each to exhibiting them at the county fair.
Ellie Robinson received a gold rating in Beef Production Entrepreneurship. Ellie’s SAE is based on raising angus and commercial show cattle. Ellie has her own herd of beef cows, which she raises crossbred steer and heifer calves to sell to others for showing, as well as for herself to show.
Ellie Robinson received a gold rating and is a state finalist in Sheep Production. Ellie’s SAE is based on raising and showing sheep. Ellie raises her own purebred Southdown and commercial sheep for showing at all levels of competition and selling to other exhibitors.
Mallory Gould received a bronze rating in Small Animal Care. Mallory’s SAE is based on her pet care business. Mallory provides dog walking services, animal cleaning, animal training, and other pet related services. Mallory has a growing business and is always looking for new customers.
Annie Robinson is a state finalist in Goat Production Entrepreneurship and received a gold rating. Annie owns her own herd of commercial Boer goats. Annie has been very successful in her operation raising, showing, and selling several champion show goats. These goats have won at all levels of competition.
Annie Robinson is a state finalist in Agricultural Sales Placement and received a gold rating. Annie’s SAE is based on her work at Aspen Ridge. Annie cares for plants, makes arrangements, and helps customers with their purchases.
Annie Robinson is a state finalist in Nursery Operations and received a gold rating. Annie’s SAE is based on her work at Aspen Ridge, where she works taking care of the plants in the greenhouse and also caring for the trees outside that are for sale. She also helps to guide customers in their purchase of nursery stock.
Cameron Patterson received a gold rating in Sheep Production. Cameron’s SAE is based on raising commercial and purebred Hampshire sheep for showing and marketing lamb meat. Cameron has successfully shown at all levels of competition. He has also started selling lamb meat privately and has added freezer space for his product.
National Participants
Luke Schubert was the state winner in Grain Production Placement in 2023 and was recognized at the state FFA convention with a video during the convention session and a display set up in the Hall of Champions. Luke also went onto the national competition and received a gold rating which placed him in the top seven in the nation. Luke’s proficiency is based on his work at Schubert Farms.
Joey Robinson won state in the Diversified Livestock Production Entrepreneurship proficiency last summer and was recognized at the state convention with a video during the convention session and a display set up in the Hall of Champions. Joey also went on to the national competition and received a gold rating at the national level placing him in the top 11 in the country. Joey’s proficiency is based on his livestock operation, which he owns, beef, sheep and Boer goats that he raises for show and to sell to others.
Carson Kroll won state in Turf Grass Management Proficiency last summer and was recognized at the state FFA convention with a video during the convention session and a display set up in the Hall of Champions. Carson went onto nationals where he was a national finalist, placing him in the top four in the country. He was not selected as the winner, but is Mineral Point’s first ever national finalist in a proficiency award area in our 95 year history. Carson’s proficiency is based on his past work at Dodge-Point Country Club.
Fruit Sale
This year we had another successful fruit sale. Combining with Skills USA, we sold almost $40,000 worth of fruit, meat and cheese products. Thank you to everyone that is involved in the fruit sale to make it such a successful fundraiser. We would like to honor the top five sales people from the FFA. This year’s top FFA salesperson is Emily Heisner with $3361; she was just a few hundred dollars short of Dylan Burke’s all time record of $3899. Second in sales went to Ellie Robinson with $1187, third in sales went to Luke Schubert with $1022, fourth in sales went to Ronica Thousand with $1004, and the fifth spot in sales went to Annie Robinson with $865.
Cash Back Awards
We have a cash back award program where FFA members who raised over $1000 in fruit sale and auction fundraising get 5% back on their total sales. Congratulations to: Annie Robinson, Ellie Robinson, Emily Heisner, Ella James, Jessica Schubert, Ronica Thousand, Luke Schubert, Johnny Robinson, and Erica Rose Ludlum.
Star Discovery Award
The Star Discovery award is to honor the outstanding 8th grade FFA members. This award is based on the member’s involvement in FFA activities that are available to them as 8th grade members. This year’s recipients have participated in quiz bowl, fruitsale, donation auction, judging contests and helped with activities during the summer before being official FFA members. They are off to a good start in the FFA and we look forward to their continued participation in FFA events. This year’s recipients of the Star Discovery Award are Boden Chambers, Aiden Patterson, and Breanna Tibbits.
Star Greenhand Award
The Star Greenhand award is presented to first year high school FFA members, based on FFA participation, school activities, scholastic attainment and evidence of beginning the Supervised Agriculture Experience program. This year’s Star Greenhand members have done a variety of activities which include: being on a state qualifying livestock team, Placing 1st and 2nd at the
District Creed Speaking Contest, FFA week events, running for an FFA office, top fruitsale fundraisers, and Proficiency awards. They are enrolled in a variety of agriculture classes, attended World Dairy Expo, and leadership workshops. They exhibit animals at a variety of shows. They have a tremendous start in the FFA and will continue to grow as FFA members.
This year’s recipients of the Star Greenhand Award are Emily Heisner and Johnny Robinson.
Star Chapter FFA Award
The Star Chapter FFA Award is presented to 2nd year high school members based on the activities they are involved in; which include the areas of FFA participation, school activities, scholastic attainment and evidence of a Supervised Agriculture Experience program. This year’s recipients have run for FFA office and have also participated in speaking contests, CDE contest, proficiency applications, FFA activities, and are top fundraising participants. They also show animals at all levels of competition and are always willing to help out and try something new. This year’s recipient of the Star Chapter FFA Award are Mallory Gould and Cameron Patterson.
Star Blue and Gold Award
The Star Blue and Gold Award is given to third year high school FFA members based on involvement in activities which include FFA participation, school activities, scholastic attainment and evidence of a Supervised Agriculture Experience program. This year’s recipients have planned and been involved in many FFA activities this year and throughout their FFA career. Some of these activities include alumni judging, worked Ross Soil/Nutrien Dinner, helped with cattleman’s activities, attended River Ridge Judging Contest, participated in Meat, Wildlife and Floriculture CDE, speaking contests, have several gold rated and national qualifying proficiency applications, are all past national livestock judging qualifiers and have served as FFA officers. They are always willing to help out with an activity whatever it might be and help continue the success of Mineral Point FFA. This year’s recipients of the Blue and Gold Award are Payton Heins, Annie Robinson, Ellie Robinson, and Luke Schubert.
Dekalb Award
The Dekalb Agriculture Accomplishment Award is presented to a Senior FFA member who has an agriculture SAE and has shown leadership capabilities throughout their FFA career. This year’s recipient has served as an FFA officer, organized and participated in numerous FFA activities, attended leadership workshops, attended Washington Leadership Conference and national FFA convention, is a gold rated and state finalist in Dairy Production proficiency, helped with cattleman’s events, worked at Ross Soil dinner, been a top fundraiser, attended World Dairy Expo, attend State FFA convention, participated in Career Development Events and the Alumni Judging Contest. This year’s recipient of the Dekalb Agriculture Accomplishment Award is Ella James.
FFA & FFA Alumni Scholarships
This year we are able to present four scholarships combined from the FFA, FFA Alumni, and Don Hawkins Memorial. The recipients of these scholarships have done a variety of FFA activities. They have helped organize and have participated in various FFA activities. They helped to organize the FFA banquet, judging contests, donation auction, worked at donation auction, sold fruit, and have been excellent FFA members. They have competed in judging contests, speaking contest, leadership workshops, attended national convention, and many other FFA Activities. They have spent many hours doing FFA activities as well as taking Ag Classes. These recipients are also involved in other school and community organizations. The areas they are pursuing their education in are Creative Media, Mathematics, and Plant Breeding.
Congratulations to Madisyn Heim on her $300 award from the FFA, Regan Schuette on her $750 award from the FFA, and Ella James on her $1000 combined award from the FFA and FFA Alumni.
Don Hawkins Scholarship
Former Mineral Point Agricultural Instructor Don Hawkins set a bar very high for community service, love of the outdoors, and a passion for agriculture. With this in mind, his family made a donation in his name to sponsor a scholarship to a Mineral Point FFA member. As the scholarship committee looks at the applications, they consider the same attributes that Mr. Hawkins brought to our community in the member they select. This year’s scholarship recipient has those qualities and is continuing their education by pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business at Southwest Technical College. Erica Ludlum has been involved and participated in many FFA activities during her high school career including CDE contests, proficiency applications, attended national FFA convention, and helped with almost all local FFA activities. She is also a member of the trap team and enjoys the outdoors. This year’s recipient of the Don Hawkins Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500 is Erica Ludlum.
Retiring Officers 2023-24
Annie Robinson, President
Ellie Robinson, Vice President
Regan Schuette, Secretary
Ella James, Treasurer
Payton Heins, Reporter
Luke Schubert, Sentinel
2024-25 Officers
Annie Robinson, President
Ellie Robinson, Vice President
Payton Heins, Secretary
Johnny Robinson, Treasurer
Cameron Patterson, Reporter
Izzy Dannenberg, Sentinel