Loken Wins State FFA Prepared Speaking Contest
Tommie Loken of the Mineral Point FFA Chapter was selected as the state winner of the FFA Prepared Speaking Contest with her speech titled: GMO.
The Prepared Speaking Contest recognizes outstanding FFA members for their ability to present factual information on agricultural topics in a well thought-out and logical manner.
The other finalists were: 2nd place-Amelia Hayden, Big Foot; 3rd place-Katelyn Zimmerman, Spencer; and 4th place-Colleen Toberman, Parkview.
Tommie will represent Wisconsin at the 90th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October. The national winner will be selected from a group of state finalists, and will receive a plaque and additional scholarship money.
Fitzsimmons Elected State FFA Vice President
Morgan Fitzsimmons of the Mineral Point FFA Chapter was elected to a year of service as the 2017-18 State FFA Vice President.
Fitzsimmons feels the theme “Small Acts, Big Impact” is a fitting description for her personal FFA experience. Her passion for FFA was sparked by a middle school quiz bowl contest and never waned. Since, she has competed in numerous leadership and career development events, including qualifying for national livestock judging.
In 2016 she earned first place recognition for the Veterinary Science Proficiency.
She looks forward to making connections with youth and helping them take full advantage of every opportunity FFA has to offer. “FFA has given me a family for the past several years,” Morgan states. Her hope is to ensure that members across the state have that same experience.
During Fitzsimmons’ year as a State FFA Officer, she will meet thousands of FFA members and will travel over 10,000 miles. In addition to meeting with members on the local, state, and national levels, the entire state officer team will meet with leaders in government, education, business and agriculture.
Heisner Wins FFA Vegetable Production Award
As the owner of his own enterprise, Eric Heisner, a member of the Mineral Point FFA, is responsible for every aspect of care in his garden, which includes nearly twenty different crops from tomatoes to sunflowers to kohlrabi and herbs.
Heisner utilizes crop rotation techniques to ensure the best health and highest quality production possible for his crops. He also focuses on pest management and applies fertilizers when necessary so that every vegetable receives the right level of nutrients.
Heisner sells his vegetables in town providing fresh produce to those who cannot grow it themselves. Through the creation of a Facebook page, “Eric’s Fresh Produce,” Heisner spreads the word about his business.
Eric’s parents are Ben and Debi Heisner.
Ten state finalists in this award area received cash awards.
Eric will find out this summer if he is selected as one of four national finalists. If selected, he will compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October.
Moellers Wins FFA Diversified Horticulture Award
Mineral Point FFA member Elizabeth Moellers has never outgrown a childhood love of playing in the dirt. Instead, she’s transformed that passion into a successful Supervised Agricultural Experience project caring for and engaging in a wide variety of horticultural work.
Moellers’ projects include landscape maintenance, gardening, flower bed installation and care, fruit and vegetable harvesting, and processing and caring for houseplants.
Elizabeth works for her parents and other local families, and also volunteers her skills in the community. The family garden is her sole responsibility, requiring her to develop the skills to plant, weed, water, spray, and harvest each crop she grows. Recently she’s started to pass her skills onto her younger brother as well.
Elizabeth’s parents are Ted and Audrey Moellers.
Six state finalists in this award area received cash awards.
Moellers will find out this summer if she is selected as one of four national finalists. If selected, she will compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October.
Fitzsimmons Is Star in Agricultural Placement Finalist
Mineral Point FFA member Morgan Fitzsimmons is an employee at Military Ridge Veterinary Service, as well as working on the Fitzsimmons Family Dairy Farm, spending time at each company almost daily, managing her time between a variety of different tasks.
At the clinic, Morgan answers phones, cleans exam rooms, assists clients and maintains invoices and packages and stocks medicines. Her role helps to ensure that the clinic runs smoothly for the staff as well as for their customers. She strives to ensure that all customers have a positive experience.
On the family farm, Morgan helps mate animals using her livestock and meat judging background to make the best genetic choice possible. She also assists with veterinary care, administering vaccines and medications when necessary and working to diagnose and treat animals that become ill.
Morgan’s parents are Scott and Emily Fitzsimmons. In the fall, Morgan plans to attend Iowa State University majoring in Animal Science.
Gold rated proficiency winners included: Jake Steffes, Morgan Vondra, Lauren May, Tea Bossert, Boone Schmitz, Kaleb Pilling, Katie Fitzsimmons, and Morgan Fitzsimmons.
Advisor Mike Robinson accompanied the students at the 88th State Convention in Madison June 12-15.