The 46th Annual Convention of the Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters was held February 20–21, 2026, at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton. This year’s theme, “Volunteer Spirit On the Rise in 2026,” emphasized networking, resource sharing, education, and fellowship.
Approximately 300 FFA Alumni members and guests from across Wisconsin attended the event. The convention began Friday with a State Council meeting, followed by an optional tour of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Attendees also participated in one of two “make-and-take” activities: cookie decorating or wooden ornament painting. Friday evening concluded with a dinner buffet, an auction, and entertainment by the Badger Marching Band.
Saturday’s agenda included business meetings, workshops, and a luncheon. Members heard updates from leaders of Team Ag Ed and reviewed the annual financial report and budget during the business session. Todd Coons of the Shell Lake FFA Alumni & Supporters chapter was elected Vice President.
The executive team advanced to new leadership roles as follows:
- Chris Blank of Cashton was elected President.
- Missy Steffes of New Holstein was elected President-Elect.
- Nick Lowe of Stoughton was named Past President.
Six resolutions were passed during the meeting.
Leaders representing Team Ag Ed — including FFA, the FFA Foundation, WAAE, DPI, and Alumni — participated in a panel discussion to answer questions and explain how their organizations collaborate to strengthen agricultural education and FFA opportunities across Wisconsin.
Emma Slavens of National FFA provided an organizational update.
The 2025–2026 Wisconsin FFA Officer Team played a key role throughout the convention. They assisted with section meeting delegate registration, auctions, business meetings, and election processes. The team also presented a reflections program and conducted two workshops. During the convention, the officer team received Lifetime Membership in the Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters Association.
Awards and Recognitions
The annual awards banquet featured the retiring address of State Association President Nick Lowe and recognition of numerous individuals and chapters.
New or Reactivated Chapters for 2025
Algoma, Cochrane-Fountain City, Fall River, Monroe, Pardeeville, Pecatonica, Princeton, Rio, Unity, and Winnebago Lutheran Academy.
Service Recognition
Shari Graffunder of River Valley was honored for her service on the National FFA Alumni & Supporters Board of Directors.
Outstanding Agriculture Educator Awards
Cash awards were presented to:
- Marty Nowak – Denmark
- Cierra Essock – Cambridge
- Joseph Heinbuch – New Holstein
- Dan Robinson – Lomira
- Samantha White – Stoughton
- Olivia Lulich – Viroqua
- Jen Bos – Shell Lake
- Abbey Meffert – DeForest
- Jeremiah Ihm – Sauk Prairie
Troy Talford of Sauk Prairie was named the State Winning Educator.
Outstanding Young Member Award
Sally Ladsten of Sauk Prairie was recognized for exceptional leadership.
Public Relations Award
- State Winner: Elkhorn FFA Alumni & Supporters
- Second Place: Granton
- Third Place: Sauk Prairie
Outstanding State Chapter
- State Winner: DeForest FFA Alumni & Supporters
- Second Place: Sauk Prairie
- Third Place: Lomira
- Fourth Place: Shell Lake
National Outstanding Chapter Awards
Granton, Stoughton, and Denmark chapters received gold ratings and will advance to national competition. Granton was recognized as the overall state winner in this category.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Frank Kuzma of Sauk Prairie FFA Alumni & Supporters.
Dr. V.O. and Ann Martinson Award
Elkhorn FFA Alumni & Supporters, for the greatest increase in lifetime members.
Team Ag Ed Contributor Award
Sally Ladsten and Joe Schlies, for their service and commitment to the Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters Association.
Tyson Gehrke of Fennimore shared insights from his travels to Spain through the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers.
Retiring council members recognized included:
- Dave Meyer – Hudson
- Rick Bockhop – Platteville
- Matt Damm – Columbus
- Stacey Boettcher – Weyauwega-Fremont
- Terri Wilfert – Mishicot
The 2026–2027 Council Section Representatives were introduced and installed:
- Section 1 – Cheryl Coons, Shell Lake
- Section 2 – Agnes Buttke, Cadott; Jill Welke, Osseo-Fairchild
- Section 3 – Jaydon Lietzau, Sparta; Laura Kanis, Viroqua
- Section 4 – Susan Brugger, Fennimore; Nick Huffman, Hollandale
- Section 5 – Dan Ziegler, New Glarus; Jerry Wendt, Stoughton
- Section 6 – Nick Meller, Wisconsin Dells; Brooke Woodbury, Baraboo
- Section 7 – William Litzer, Edgar; Kimberly Kaiser, Auburndale
- Section 8 – Mark Kunde, Winneconne
- Section 9 – Nicole Wallander, Kiel; Kathy Schmidt, Brillion
- Section 10 – Jim Schneider, Campbellsport; Mary Gundrum, Mayville
Saturday evening entertainment featured Piano Fondue Dueling Pianos. A second auction and weekend raffles contributed to a highly successful fundraising effort. Proceeds will support leadership development and educational programs for FFA members across Wisconsin.
Next year’s convention is scheduled for February 19–20, 2027, in Oshkosh.
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