The Mineral Point Chapter of the Future Farmers of America held its 96th annual awards ceremony Tuesday, March 11 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.1179989394102941
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.
Left to right, front row: Gunner Reichling, Jayden Carey, Traevyn Galle. Back row: Lily Heisner, Ryenne Dochnahl, Rilyn Heins, Tyler Vondra, Kallie Carey, and Rachel Heisner.
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.
Left to right, front row: Kendall Wenger, Breanna Tibbits, Jaycee Tibbits, Cyntanah Nafzger, and Hailey McDonald. Middle row: Boden Chambers, Kendyl Ruf, Kaylin Peterson, Harper Heins, and Peyton Brant. Back row: Aiden Patterson, Henry Chapman, Sawyer Dannenberg, and Sammy Springer. Not pictured: Alleigh Culver, Tatum James, Jaelyn Pete, and Carver Potterton.
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.
Left to right, front row: Aida Tuttle, Faye Schuette, Kylie Bennett, and Jessica Schubert. Middle row: Haylee Yager, Luke Sigg, Emily Heisner, and Leah Hoffman. Back row: Riley Sennhenn, Zander Simenson, and Jacob Dannenberg. Not pictured: Braeden Gallagher, Johnny Robinson, Ronica Thousand, and Jaydee Woerpel.
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.
Front row, left to right: Mallory Gould and Madelyn Steffes. Back row: Keegan Wenger, Garrett Schaaf, Kameron Schilling, and Isaac Schute. Not pictured: Christian Bigler, Trent Culver, and Cameron Patterson.
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.
Front row: Luke Schubert. Back row, left to right: Tucker Dannenberg, Michael Edgington, Jarvie Nafzger, Jadyn Swinehart, Hallie Brant, and Lilli Berget. Not pictured: Izzy Dannenberg, Payton Heins, Joss James, Atley Potterton, Annie Robinson, Ellie Robinson, and Carter Schilling.
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: Izzy Dannenberg, Payton Heins, Annie Robnison, Ellie Robinson, and Luke Schubert.
Honorary FFA Member Award
The Honorary FFA Member Award is the highest award the FFA can give to a non-FFA member.
Scott and Emily Fitzsimmons Family: Scott and Emily have been great supporters of the Mineral Point FFA and have had three children make their way through the FFA program. Their support of our fruit sale and donation auction have always been outstanding. Their family has had a past State FFA Officer, gold rated proficiency winners, State speaking contest qualifier, and National CDE qualifier. They have also helped with alumni events and FFA speaking contest events. They have also donated funds to the FFA in memory of Gordon Whitish, who is also an Honorary FFA award recipient this year.
Gordon Whitish was an avid supporter of agriculture, the FFA program, and the Iowa County Fair. Gordon was in attendance at many FFA and fair events. One of his favorite FFA events was to attend the donation auction. There were many toy tractors that brought a higher price at the auction due to Gordon. He also bought many other items to support the FFA. His tradition of supporting the FFA is continued by his daughter, Emily, who each year donates and purchases items in memory of her dad for the FFA auction.
Thank you to the Fitzsimmons family for all of their support.
Speaking Contest
Bre Tibbits and Cyntanah Nafzger both competed in the District FFA Creed Contest. The Creed Contest involves reciting the FFA Creed from memory and answering a series of questions about the Creed.
Ellie Robinson placed 1st and Annie Robinson placed 2nd in the FFA Employment Skills Contest. Ellie and Annie both advanced to the Sectional Contest to be held on March 19 at Fennimore. 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, Haylee Yager placed 3rd and Mallory Gould placed 4th at the District Contest. They just missed moving onto Sectionals. 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 were: Jayden Carey, Kallie Carey, Ryenne Dochnahl, Traevyn Galle, Rilyn Heins, Lily Heisner, Rachel Heisner, Gunner Reichling, and Tyler Vondra.
The team of Jayden, Kallie, Lily, and Rachel placed 1st at the District Contest and will be moving onto Sectionals. The team of Ryenne, Traevyn, Rilyn, Gunner, and Tyler 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 the Prepared Speaking Contest, Annie Robinson placed 1st and Jadyn Swinehart placed 5th. Annie will be moving onto Sectionals in Fennimore. In the Prepared Contest, FFA members memorize their own created agricultural related speech of 6-8 minutes and present it to a panel of judges. This is followed up with questions related to their speech.
Johnny Robinson and Faye Schuette made the semifinals but missed making the finals in Discussion Meet. In Discussion Meet, the FFA members are gathered at a table and discuss solutions to an agricultural issue.
Chapter Proficiency Awards
We had 18 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 at the State level. With each ranking, the students get a monetary amount from the local chapter of 20, 30 or 50 dollars. All State Finalist proficiencies are awarded at the State FFA Convention in June. The State Finalist is a ranking of the top five finalists 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. Unfortunately, we do not have the results of the proficiency applications as the judging just occurred over the weekend.
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 gold 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 the vet care related to the cattle, sheep, and goats.
Johnny Robinson is a State Finalist and received a gold rating in Small Animal Care. Johnny’s SAE is based on his raising of beagle puppies for pets and as hunting dogs. Johnny does all the marketing and selling of his beagle puppies.
Payton Heins received a gold 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 and received a gold rating in Diversified Crop Production. Luke’s SAE is based on his work on Schubert Farms with raising corn, soybeans, and forages. Luke performs many duties on the farm, including tilling the soil and planting the crops. He runs combine and grain cart in the fall and helps manage 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 also raises 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.
Bre Tibbits received a silver rating in Agricultural Services. Bre’s SAE is based on her work for Tibbits Archery. Bre works with creating food plots, wildlife habitat, and taxidermy mounts.
Jaycee Tibbits received a silver rating in Beef Production Entrepreneurship. Jaycee’s SAE is based on her work showing steers and heifers. She is responsible for the daily care of her show animals and spends many hours working on them to ensure they look their best for the shows.
Ellie Robinson is a State Finalist and 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 is a State Finalist and received a gold rating 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.
Ellie Robinson is a State Finalist and received a gold rating in Forage Crop Production placement at the state level. Ellie’s SAE is based on her work in forage crop production on A&M Farms. Ellie’s duties include raking hay, hauling bales, wrapping hay, and baling small squares of hay.
Mallory Gould received a silver rating in Small Animal Care. Mallory’s SAE is based on her pet care business, Mal’s Pet Care. 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.
Harper Heins received a silver rating in Sheep Production. Harper has her own flock of sheep that she has in order to raise show lambs for herself and to sell to others. Harper is responsible for working with her show lambs throughout the summer and caring for her ewes all year long.
Aiden Patterson received a gold rating in Sheep Production. Aiden raises both crossbred and purebred Hampshire sheep for showing and selling to others for showing. Aiden is involved in all management decisions of his flock from feeding to marketing.
Annie Robinson received a gold rating in Goat Production Entrepreneurship. Annie owns her own herd of commercial and registered Boer goats. Annie has been very successful in her operation raising, showing, and selling several champion show goats at all levels.
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 also sells lamb meat privately and has added freezer space for his product.
State and National Winners
Luke Schubert was the State Winner in Fiber and Oil Crop Production Placement in 2024 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. This was Luke’s second state proficiency win, after winning Grain Production last year. Luke also went onto the National Competition and was selected as National Finalist, placing him top four in the country. As a finalist, Luke participated in interviews for his final selection and was on stage at the National FFA Convention. Luke’s proficiency is based on his work at Schubert Farms.
Luke Schubert, Cameron Patterson, Michael Edgington, and Aiden Patterson were all part of the State Champion Meats Team and placed 26th at Nationals in Meats evaluation representing the Wisconsin FFA in 2024. All four finished with silver ratings at the national level. This team did an outstanding job representing the State of Wisconsin and the Mineral Point FFA. This team spent many hours with Coach Ron Patterson preparing for the competition outside of the school day and on weekends. For Luke and Cameron, this is the second time being on a national CDE team as they were also members of the National Livestock team in 2022.
We would also like to recognize Joey Robinson who won State in the Agricultural Mechanics Maintenance and Repair 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 where he won the National Agricultural Mechanics Maintenance and Repair Entrepreneurship Proficiency, making him our first National Champion in Mineral Point FFA History. Joey’s proficiency is based on his work restoring tractors and fixing equipment for resale.
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 5 sales people from the FFA. This year’s top FFA salesperson is Jessica Schubert with $1523. This means the all-time record set by Dylan Burke of $3899 still stands. Second in sales went to Garrett Schaaf with $1122, third in sales went to Ellie Robinson with $1103, fourth in sales went to Emily Heisner with $1090, and the fifth spot in sales went to Rachel Heisner with $1037.
Cash Back Awards
We have a cash back award program for FFA members who raised over $1000 in fruit sale and auction fundraising — members get 5% back on their total sales. Congratulations to Lily Heisner, Rachel Heisner, Faye Schuette, Garrett Schaaf, Annie Robinson, Ellie Robinson, Emily Heisner, Jessica Schubert, Ronica Thousand, Johnny Robinson, and Riley Sennhenn. Thank you for your fundraising efforts.
Star Discovery Award
The Star Discovery Award is to honor outstanding 8th Grade FFA members. This award is based on the members’ involvement in FFA activities that are available to them as 8th Grade members. This year’s recipients are Sectional qualifiers in quiz bowl, are some of the top sellers in fruit sale, they participated in the donation auction, 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 Lily Heisner and Rachel Heisner.
Star Greenhand Award
The Star Greenhand Award is presented to a first year high school FFA member, 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: District Creed speaking contest, filling out proficiency application, FFA week events, running for a FFA office, participating in fundraisers, and helping with summer activities. They are enrolled in a variety of agriculture classes, attended World Dairy Expo, and leadership workshops. They also 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: Breanna Tibbits, Aiden Patterson, Harper Heins, and Cyntanah Nafzger.
Star Chapter Award
The Star Chapter Award is presented to a second year high school member based on the activities they are involved in, which includes the areas of FFA participation, school activities, scholastic attainment, and evidence of a Supervised Agriculture Experience program. This year’s recipients have served as an FFA officer, have participated in speaking contests, Livestock CDE Contest State qualifiers, proficiency applications, FFA Week activities, attended leadership events, worked summer events, and are top fundraising participants. They are always willing to help out and try something new and are very involved in other extracurricular activities in school and the community. This year’s recipients of the Star Chapter FFA award are Johnny Robinson and Faye Schuette.
Star Blue and Gold Award
The Blue and Gold Award is given to a third year high school FFA member 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, working the Ross Soil/Nutrien Dinner, helping with cattleman’s activities, National meats CDE qualifier, Vet Science CDE, speaking contests, proficiency applications, and have served as FFA officers or ran for an FFA officer position. They are always willing to help 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 Cameron Patterson and Mallory Gould.
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.
First is Izzy Dannenberg who has: served as FFA Sentinel, dairy judging CDE several years, gold rated Diversified Livestock proficiency, attended Washington Leadership Conference, attended fall leadership workshop, dairy and livestock showing across the midwest, media team member at state convention, state convention delegate, organized and participated in many FFA events.
Next is Payton Heins who has: served for two years as an FFA officer (Secretary and Reporter), livestock judging CDE state champion and national qualifier, state qualifying floriculture CDE team, gold rated goat production proficiency, attended WLC, attended National FFA Convention, attended fall leadership workshop, livestock showing across the country, media team member at state convention, state FFA convention delegate, organized and participated in many FFA events.
Next is Luke Schubert who has: served as an FFA officer as Sentinel, livestock judging CDE state champion and national qualifier, meat evaluation judging CDE state champion and national qualifier, two time state champion, two time national gold rated, and one national finalist proficiency application, attended WLC, attended national FFA convention, attended state FFA convention, attended fall leadership workshop, livestock showing across the country, organized and participated in a variety of FFA events.
Next is Ellie Robinson who has: served as an FFA officer as Reporter and Vice President for two years, livestock judging CDE state champion and national qualifier, state qualifier in floriculture CDE, has been a four time state finalist with beef and sheep proficiency areas, several year speaking contest participant qualifying for sectionals three different times in speaking events, attended WLC, attended national FFA convention, attended state FFA convention, state FFA convention delegate, attended fall leadership workshop, livestock showing across the country, organized and participated in many FFA events.
Next is Annie Robinson who has: served as an FFA officer as Sentinel and President for the past two years, livestock judging CDE state champion and national qualifier, state qualifier floriculture CDE, has been a 7-time state finalist with nursery production, ag services, and goat production proficiency area, several year speaking contest participant qualifying for sectionals four different times in speaking events and placing 4th in the state in creed speaking, attended WLC, attended national FFA convention, attended state FFA convention, state FFA convention delegate, attended fall leadership workshop, livestock showing across the country, organized and participated in countless FFA events.
FFA & FFA Alumni Scholarships
This year we are able to present six scholarships from the FFA. 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 and you have heard their names mention throughout the Banquet tonight for their accomplishments in the FFA. The areas they are pursuing their education in are cosmetology, creative media, social work, graphic design, agronomy, and animal science/ag business: Joss James $250, Atley Potterton $250, Izzy Dannenberg $750, Payton Heins $1000, Ellie Robinson $1000, Annie Robinson $1000.
Former Mineral Point Agricultural Instructor Don Hawkins set the 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 biology. Jadyn Swinehart has been involved and participated in many FFA activities during her high school career including CDE contests, speaking contests, fundraising, and participating in FFA activities. She is also teachers hunter safety and enjoys the outdoors. This year’s recipient of the Don Hawkins Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500 is Jadyn Swinehart.
This year the FFA Alumni will be awarding two scholarships to members who are pursuing agricultural degrees in agronomy and animal science. You have heard their accomplishments and know they have been outstanding FFA members. They also have been outstanding ag students, taking a variety of ag classes throughout high school and starting college their senior year, already pursuing their ag degrees: Jarvie Nafzger $500 and Luke Schubert $1000.
Retiring Officers 2024-25
Annie Robinson, President
Ellie Robinson, Vice President
Payton Heins, Secretary
Johnny Robinson, Treasurer
Cameron Patterson, Reporter
Izzy Dannenberg, Sentinel
Incoming Officers 2025-26
Johnny Robinson, President
Emily Heisner, Vice President
Aiden Patterson, Secretary
Riley Sennhenn, Treasurer
Kylie Bennett, Reporter
Faye Schuette, Sentinel