As we close out 2025, we are grateful for the past year. Your generosity made it possible for the Wisconsin FFA Foundation to support Wisconsin FFA in growing leaders, strengthening communities, and advancing agriculture across our state.

As we look ahead to 2026—a year of celebration nationally—we are excited to continue empowering and celebrating the next generation through agricultural education.

Read on for recent highlights and ways to stay involved in the year ahead. 

YEAR-END DONATIONS

Give before midnight on today, December 31 to have your gift count toward 2025 - all contributions are tax-deductible .

Your year-end gift to Wisconsin FFA helps grow leaders, build strong communities, and strengthen agriculture across our state. Wisconsin FFA activates more than 27,000 students through hands-on learning, leadership development, and real-world skills that last a lifetime.

WISCONSIN FFA FOUNDATION HIRING - ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST 

The Wisconsin FFA Foundation is seeking a Part-Time Accounting Specialist to join our team!

If you’re passionate about supporting agricultural education, looking for a flexible role, and have a knack for numbers, this is the role for you!

Key Responsibilities:
✨Manage day-to-day finances, donations, and reports
✨Maintain donor database and assist with customer service
✨Analyzing current finances to budget
👉Learn more about the role at: https://wisconsinaged.org/contact-foundation

📩 Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to execdirector@wisconsinffafoundation.org.

WISCONSIN FFA FOUNDATION NEW CHECK POLICY 

Attention Advisors and Parents! The following policy was adopted at the Wisconsin FFA Foundation's November Board Meeting. Please be aware of the policy 

The Wisconsin FFA Foundation distributes checks to award winners of the Wisconsin FFA to individuals and chapters during different parts of the year.

Requirements:
The Wisconsin FFA Foundation requires award checks to be cashed within 90 days of receiving the check. After the 90-day window, checks will be voided by the Wisconsin FFA Foundation.

Lost Checks:
The Wisconsin FFA Foundation can reissue lost checks by the student or chapter if notified of the issue. The student or chapter will be charged a fee to reissue the check and that amount will be taken off their award amount. The fee will cover the cost of reissue of the check and mailing costs.

Incorrect Checks from the Foundation:
The Wisconsin FFA Foundation will reissue incorrect checks issued by them at no cost to the individual or chapter with sufficient evidence.

2026 WISCONSIN FFA ALUMNI & SUPPORTERS CONVENTION

The Wisconsin State FFA Alumni & Supporters will host their annual State Convention on February 20–21 at the Madison Marriott West.

This event offers opportunities to network, learn through engaging workshops and tours, and support Wisconsin FFA. The Wisconsin FFA Foundation will also be present to share insights into our work and how it connects with Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters.

Interested in attending? Learn more about the event and register here.

GIVING TUESDAY UPDATE

Thank you to everyone who helped make Giving Tuesday a success! Together, we raised more than $6,500 in just one day to directly support agricultural education.

Your generosity will benefit more than 27,000 Wisconsin FFA members and help expand access to agricultural education across the state. We are grateful for your support and belief in the future of Wisconsin agriculture.

AGRISCIENCE FAIR GRANTS OPEN

The Wisconsin FFA Foundation and Wisconsin Farm-To-Power are teaming up to offer grants of up to $250 for Agriscience Fair projects focused on renewable energy!

Topics can be in any area of Agriscience, meaning research may relate to:
Animal Systems, Environmental/Natural Resources, Food Products & Processing, Plant Systems, Power, Structural & Technical Systems, or Social Science. Share this with an FFA member who loves exploring big questions!

📅 Applications are due January 15, 2026, at 4:59 PM: https://forms.gle/pTMikdSzw515UhM78

 2025 WISCONSIN FFA FOUNDATION SAE GRANT WINNERS

The Wisconsin FFA Foundation is excited to announce that more than $19,000 has been awarded to 21 Wisconsin FFA members through the 2025 SAE Grants process! 

Congratulations to the following members: 

👩‍🏫Agricultural Education SAE Grant: McKayla Conley (Hartford) 

🐄Animal Systems SAE Grants: Andrew O’Connor (River Falls), Callie Behling (Edgar), Catherine Kampa (Independence), Danica Stello (Melrose–Mindoro), Ella Jean (Darlington), Emily Hovey (Independence), Jed Olson (Westby), Josephine Gamroth (Whitehall), Kathryn McGranahan (Darlington), Landen Pinkerton (Valders), Madelyn Melby (Winneconne) 

🍽️Food Products & Processing Systems SAE Grants: Tonya Alix (Weyauwega–Fremont), Nicholas Oft (Markesan), Colter Rueth (Loyal), Adalyn Howe (Lodi) 

🌽Plant Systems SAE Grants: Holden McCray (Osseo–Fairchild), Abbigail Janisch (DeForest) 

⚙️Power, Structural, and Technical Systems SAE Grants: Bryce Gerke (Tomah), Adam Dornacker (Slinger), Kellyn Woodworth (Portage) 

We look forward to seeing how these students grow their skills and deepen their understanding of agriculture through hands-on SAE experiences! 

Thank you to our 2025 SAE Grant sponsors: Sartori Cheese, Seneca Foods, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Beck’s Hybrids, Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, Sloan Implement, Andis Foundation, and Crystal Farms. 

 2026 WISCONSIN FFA CONVENTION EXPO