Hammn named Wisconsin Star Farmer

By Lexi Schuelke

Waupaca FFA was named the state winner of the National Chapter Award at the Wisconsin FFA Convention.

The convention took place at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall in Madison, June 13-16.

More than 3,000 FFA members, advisors, parents and alumni attended the 87th annual event.

At the convention, Waupaca FFA ranked first out of 238 chapters in the state.

This is the 11th time in the past 16 years that Waupaca FFA has earned first place at the state convention.

Waupaca FFA members also earned first place in the student development division, first in the chapter development division and first in the community development division.

Waupaca was awarded third place in the Food for America program.

Waupaca FFA will now advance to national competition.

Caleb Hamm, a Waupaca FFA member who graduated this year, was named the 2016 Wisconsin Star Farmer.

He is the first star farmer from Waupaca in at least 30 years.

This award recognizes students who have expanded their knowledge and their own agricultural related enterprise where they have mastered skills in production, finance and ownership management.

Hamm was recognized for his Supervised Agriculture Experience, which includes a small flock of sheep, pigs, poultry and dairy cows.

He plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he will major in dairy science.

Six FFA members were recognized for earning first place with their proficiency applications:

• Elisha Riley – Organic Agriculture,

• Taylor Eilers – Beef Production,

• Garrett Orr – Environmental Science,

• Erin Montgomery – Equine Science,

• Leah Piotter – Poultry Production,

• Tanner Johnson – Swine Production.

These members will find out this summer if they are selected as one of the four national finalists. If they are selected, they will compete at National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in October.

Lexi Schuelke is the chapter reporter for Waupaca FFA.