Brad Laack is employed at two local dairies  as a night herdsman and as a weekend milker.  His responsibilities include artificial insemination, health care, selecting sires, breeding and milking.  He learned artificial insemination so he could also breed his own cows and slowly build his herd. Brad is a member of the Plymouth FFA Chapter,  and his FFA advisors are Don Mier, Marilyn Hahn and Walter Taylor. This award is sponsored by GEA Farm Technologies and Kuhn North America.
 

Tyler Matthew Meister is the fourth generation to work in the family’s sawmills.  He has done every job possible, from stacking lumber and running the saws to operating wheel loaders and calculating output.  Tyler hopes to become a commercial driver so he can drive the operation’s log trucks and semis.  He is a member of the Reedsburg FFA Chapter, and his FFA advisors are Nick Casey and Todd Cherney. This award is sponsored by John Deere and RAM Trucks.

2011 Fruit Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Trenton Michael Bemis—Wisconsin

Trenton Michael Bemis is the fourth generation of his family to be involved in cranberry production.  He works at one of five facilities in the state that packages fresh cranberries. He helps produce two percent of Ocean Spray’s fresh cranberries.  Trenton has been instrumental in identifying the need for growth in the marsh and for more efficient equipment.  He is a member of the Lincoln A. C. H. M. FFA Chapter, and his advisor is Rich Larson.  This award is sponsored by DuPont Company.
 

Bridget Rae Achterberg started her swine operation purchasing her first 10 pigs from her grandparents.  She started breeding show pigs, learning to artificially inseminate the gilts.  Bridget also mastered the skills of vaccinating, clipping teeth, dipping navels, castrating and herd health.  She is a member of the Abbotsford FFA Chapter. Her FFA advisor is John Slipek. This award is sponsored by LA-CO Markal and Tyson Foods, Inc.
 

Devon A. Feldt has worked with biologists and mentors to develop skills in his SAE.  He joined the American Wilderness Leadership School in Wyoming and studied porcupines.  Devon learned how to trap, scan and process the animals.  He developed skills that helped gain information on their movements, actions and interactions with the environment.  Devon is a member of the Waupaca FFA Chapter.  His FFA advisors are Jennifer Erb and Rene’ Lehman. This award is sponsored by Land O’Lakes Purina Feed.