The Mineral Point Chapter of the Future Farmers of America held its 94th annual awards ceremony Tuesday, March 21 in the middle/high school cafetorium under the leadership of Advisor Mike Robinson.
Awards were presented as follows — congrats to all!
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: Jake Dannenberg, Emily Heisner, Leah Hoffman, Johnny Robinson, Faye Schuette, Riley Sennhenn, Zander Simenson, Aida Tuttle, and Haylee Yager.
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: Christian Bigler, Adam Cody, Trent Culver, Mallory Gould, Evan Kearns, Cameron Patterson, Garrett Schaaf, Kameron Schilling, Isaac Schute, Madelyn Steffes, and Keegan Wenger.
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: Byron Buroker, Matt Aurit, Lilli Berget, Hallie Brant, Izzy Dannenberg, Tucker Dannenberg, Michael Edgington, Chris Halvorson, Payton Heins, Joss James, Jarvie Nafzger, Atley Potterton, Annie Robinson, Ellie Robinson, Kade Rule, Carter Schilling, Luke Schubert, Jadyn Swinehart, and Jaxson Wendhausen.
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: Rori Bossert, Brooklyn Casper, Madisyn Heim, Ella James, Quinten Kite, Erica Rose Lease, Ellery Massey, and Regan Schuette.
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: Mackenzie Aurit, Graham Fitzsimmons, Jaiden Galle, Quenten Gunderson, Carson Kroll, Brody Lee, Teagan McConnell, Cooper Palzkill, Joey Robinson, AJ Rury, Regan Suddeth, Lucas Sullivan, Jimmy Tibbits, Olivia Wendhausen, and Kennedy Wenger.
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: 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. Matt Austin. The FFA has many opportunities for its members and Mr. Austin is always supporting those opportunities. He understands the importance of hands-on activities and exposing students to a variety of opportunities. He has been very involved in the last couple of years helping with virtual contests at the regional, state, and national level, helping our students be successful with these contests. We would like to say thank you for all the support you have provided to the Mineral Point FFA. Mr. Austin served as the Belmont FFA President back in the day but will now be able to be part of the best FFA as a Mineral Point Honorary FFA member.
Speaking Contest
In the Creed Speaking Contest, Madelyn Steffes placed 5th and Mallory Gould participated. The Creed Contest involves reciting the FFA Creed from memory and answering a series of questions about the Creed.
Ellie Robinson placed 3rd in The FFA Employment Skills Contest. 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 3rd at the District Contest. 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: Johnny Robinson, Riley Sennhenn, Faye Schuette, Emily Heisner, Haylee Yager, Aida Tuttle, Jake Dannenberg, and Leah Hoffman. The team of Johnny, Riley, Faye, and Emily won the District Contest and will move on to Sectional Competition March 27th. The team of Haylee, Aida, Jake, and Leah placed 4th at Districts. 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 3rd and Jadyn Swinehart placed 5th. In the Prepared Contest, FFA members memorize an agricultural related speech of 6-8 minutes and present it to a panel of judges, followed by questions related to their speech.
Ella James placed 3rd and Joey Robinson placed 5th in the Discussion Meet Contest. In Discussion Meet, the FFA members are gathered at a table and discuss solutions to an agricultural issue.
Chapter Proficiency Awards
We had 19 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 gold rated proficiencies are awarded at the State FFA Convention in June. Also this year at the State level 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.
Carson Kroll is a Top 5 Finalist and received a Gold Rating in Turf Grass Management. Carson’s proficiency is based on his work at the Dodge-Point Country Club. Carson has many job responsibilities, which include preparing bunkers, moving tees, mowing fairways and roughs, trimming, and maintenance of equipment.
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.
Ella James is a Top 5 Finalist and 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 received a Gold Rating in Goat Production. Joey’s SAE is based on raising and showing Boer goats. Joey raises his own Boer goats to show and sell to other exhibitors to be competitive at all levels. One of Joey’s accomplishments was raising and showing the Champion market wether goat at the 2019 and 2021 Wisconsin State Fairs, as well as the reserve market breeding doe at the 2019 Wisconsin State Fair.
Joey Robinson is a Top Five Finalist and received a Gold Rating at the state level in Sheep Production. Joey’s SAE is based on raising and showing sheep. Joey raises his own purebred southdown and commercial sheep for showing at all levels of competition. Joey produced and showed the 2019 Wisconsin State Fair Champion Southdown ewe and the 2018 Wisconsin State Fair Reserve Champion Southdown ewe.
Joey Robinson is a Top Five Finalist in Beef Production and received a Gold Rating. Joey’s SAE is based on raising and showing beef cattle. Joey raises purebred Angus, Red Angus, and commercial cattle. Joey has shown at all levels of competition and has expanded his beef operation into selling quality bulls to other beef producers.
Joey Robinson is a Top Five Finalist in Diversified Livestock Production and received a Gold Rating. Joey’s diversified proficiency area allowed him to combine his goats, sheep, and beef cattle SAEs into one area.
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 Sheep Production at the state level. Payton’s SAE is based on raising and breeding quality commercial show lambs. Payton has her own ewes that she breeds to have lambs for herself to show as well as selling to others. Payton has been very successful showing lambs at all levels of competition.
Luke Schubert is a state finalist in Grain Production Placement and received a Gold Rating. Luke’s SAE is based on his work on Schubert Farms. 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 Gold Rating in Diversified Livestock Entrepreneurship. Izzy’s SAE is based on showing sheep, pigs, and dairy cattle. Izzy enjoys working with her show animals, getting them ready for competition. She has shown at jackpot shows, county fair, and the Wisconsin State Fair.
Erica Lease received a Silver 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 to exhibiting them at the county fair.
Ellie Robinson is a state finalist in Beef Production Entrepreneurship and received a Gold Rating. Ellie’s SAE is based on raising commercial show cattle. Ellie has her own herd of 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 Silver Rating in Sheep Production at the state level. 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.
Annie Robinson is a state finalist in Sheep Production Entrepreneurship and received a Gold Rating. Annie’s SAE is based on raising commercial sheep for show. Annie has her own flock of commercial sheep that she selects her next show lambs from each year. Annie also sells lambs to other exhibitors for showing as well.
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 at the state level. 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 at the state level. 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 is a state finalist and received a Gold Rating in Sheep Production at the state level. 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 was also awarded a state SAE grant through the FFA to further expand his operation.
National Participants
Luke Schubert, Ellie Robinson, Cameron Patterson, and Emma Steffes were all part of the State Champion and 21st National placing Livestock Evaluation team representing the Wisconsin FFA in 2022. All four finished with a Silver Rating at the National level. This team did an outstanding job representing the state of Wisconsin and the Mineral Point FFA. This team continues a great tradition of livestock evaluation at Mineral Point, having been the seventh livestock judging team to compete at the National level.
Joey Robinson won state in the Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Placement 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 National competition and received a gold rating at the National level placing him in the top 9 in the country. Joey is the highest placing finisher for Mineral Point FFA in its history for proficiency award areas. Joey’s proficiency was based on his work at DJ Enterprises, where he repairs John Deere equipment and tractors.
Fruit Sale
This year we had another successful fruit sale. Combining with Skills USA, we sold over $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 Graham Fitzsimmons with $1868, second in sales went to Emily Heisner with $1474, third in sales went to Carson Kroll $1027, fourth in sales went to Atley Potterton with $918, and the fifth spot in sales went to Joey Robinson with $917. The single season sale record still stands at $3899 by Dylan Burke.
Cash Back Awards
We have a cash back award program for FFA members who raised over $1000 in fruit sale and auction fundraising. They get 5% back on their total sales. Congrats to Annie Robinson, Joey Robinson, Jimmy Tibbits, Graham Fitzsimmons, Ellie Robinson, Johnny Robinson, Erica Rose Lease, Carson Kroll, Izzy Dannenberg, Emily Heisner, Atley Potterton, Luke Schubert, Regan Suddeth, and Kennedy Wenger.
Star Discovery Award
The Star Discovery award is to honor the outstanding 8th grade FFA member. 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, and participated in judging contests, attended leadership conference and helped with FFA summer items before even being an official FFA member. 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 Johnny Robinson and Riley Sennhenn.
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: being on a national livestock and state winning CDE team, as well as this year on Vet Science, Meats, and Dairy CDE teams, Creed speaking contest, FFA Week events, Proficiency awards in sheep and dairy; they are enrolled in a variety of agriculture classes and attended World Dairy Expo; 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 Cameron Patterson, Mallory Gould, and Madelyn Steffes.
Star Chapter FFA Award
The Star Chapter FFA Award is presented to a 2nd year high school member 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 already acquired a very successful FFA resume. They have served as FFA officers, been state winners and national qualifiers in livestock judging, state finalist in proficiency categories, state finalist in FFA creed speaking, employability skills and prepared speaking contest participants this year, Wildlife and Floriculture CDE team members, completed six proficiency award applications this year combined, organize many FFA activities and are top fundraising participants. This year’s recipients of the Star Chapter FFA Award are Annie Robinson and Ellie Robinson.
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 recipient has planned and been involved in many FFA activities this year and work to continue their growth
in the FFA. Some of these activities include alumni judging, working Ross Soil Dinner, helped with cattleman’s activities, attended River Ridge Judging Contest, participated in Dairy Judging CDE, placed 3rd in the Discussion Meet Contest this year, has a gold rated proficiency application and will be serving as an FFA officer this coming year. They are always willing to help out with an activity whatever it might be. This year’s recipient of the Blue and Gold Award is Ella James.
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 we will present the award to two Senior members.
Our first recipient has been a state finalist in Turf Grass Proficiency for four years. Served as an FFA officer for three years. Organized and participated in numerous FFA activities, attended leadership workshops, 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. Congratulations to Carson Kroll.
Our second recipient of the Dekalb Award has been a state finalist 10 different times in five different proficiency award areas and has been a state champion in Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance and placed in the top 9 in the nation. Has been a state champion and national qualifier in livestock judging CDE and then has followed that with being on two state
qualifying Ag. Mechanics CDE teams and placing 2nd in the state two years in a row as an individual. He will receive his Wisconsin State FFA degree this year and is a finalist in the State Star Farmer and State Star Placement award. He has served as an FFA officer for three years. Speaking contest participant for all five years and sectional qualifier in two speaking events. Attended the State and National FFA convention, attended FFA leadership conferences, top five fundraiser all five years of FFA, and been a part of organizing and participating in all FFA activities. Congratulations to Joey Robinson.
FFA Scholarships
This year we are able to present five 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. The areas they are pursuing their education in are Physical Therapy, Elementary Education, Agricultural Mechanics, Agricultural Business, and Electrical Power Distribution. Congratulations to: Olivia Wendhausen $250 award, Regan Suddeth $750 award, Kenndey Wenger $750 award, Carson Kroll $1000 award, and Joey Robinson $1000 award.
FFA Alumni Scholarships
This year we were able to present two scholarships from the Mineral Point FFA Alumni. Congratulations to: Jimmy Tibbits $600 award and Mackenzie Aurit $250 award.
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. Jaiden Galle has discovered his passion for agriculture and working in production agriculture. He has been involved and participated in FFA activities during his high school career. Congratulations to Jaiden Galle $500 award.
Retiring Officers
Joey Robinson, President
Kennedy Wenger, Vice President
Carson Kroll, Secretary
Regan Suddeth, Treasurer
Ellie Robinson, Reporter
Annie Robinson, Sentinel
2023-24 Officers
Annie Robinson, President
Ellie Robinson, Vice President
Regan Schuette, Secretary
Ella James, Treasurer
Payton Heins, Reporter
Luke Schubert, Sentinel