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Wisconsin Ag News Headlines
In Memory of Matthew D. Anderson, 1985-2007
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/19/2008

It was one year ago this morning that many Wisconsin FFA members and other friends of Matt Anderson started hearing the unimaginable news. Their leader, colleague and friend had been killed after the tractor he was driving onto a flatbed trailer rolled off the edge and fell down the side of an embankment on a Sunday morning. The accident happen just two months after the Prairie du Sac native retired as the 2006-07 State FFA President.

Since then, Matt's "FFA family" has kept his memory alive through an array of different projects and activities in honor of their leader. They worked with the Wisconsin FFA Foundation to set up an endowment fund to help provide college scholarships to FFA members. They organized a gathering during a Milwaukee Admirals basketball game and also put together a spaghetti dinner around Christmas time in his honor. And, in one of the most long-lasting tributes, had 500 commemorative 'Oliver Super 99' toy tractors specially produced--which was one of his favorite pieces of farm equipment.

During this year's Wisconsin State FFA Convention, the organization produced a video to remember Matt for all he did for the nearly 20,000 students he served.

"Although his road ended far too soon, his legacy lives on through memorials, his words, and the thousands of lives he touched," the video stated. "His family, his friends, his teammates and FFA members nationwide will never be the same because of his influence. Matt Anderson will not be forgotten."

The tribute also included segments of Matt's retiring address during his last day as FFA president.

"It has been an honor to serve this incredible organization," Anderson said during his June 14, 2007 farewell speech. "As I adjust my rear view mirror and look around I am extremely thankful and blessed to be given the support and encouragement to be where I am."

For decades, the yearly state FFA officer teams have been known for taking advantage of traveling opportunities and other special activities that many people don't have the chance to partake in. But during Matt's year as president, he and his team committed some of their extra time taking a mission trip to Louisiana to help victims of Hurricane Rita; and collected thousands of pairs of shoes to be sent to Iraq for children who's families could not afford them.

Matt was elected to serve as the Wisconsin FFA State Sentinel in 2005. He became president of the state-wide organization a year later. He also served as the chairman of the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee during the 2006 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. At the time of his passing, Anderson was attending the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he was majoring in Agribusiness.

Thank you Matt Anderson for your selfless leadership and commitment to helping other people during your lifetime!

State FFA Video Tribute (YouTube)
Obituary | Transcript of State FFA Retiring Address
Matt Anderson Named State FFA President
Matthew Anderson Named 2004 Wisconsin FFA Star in Agribusiness


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