Wisconsin Ag Connection - Alsum, Crescio Named American FFA Star Award Winners

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Alsum, Crescio Named American FFA Star Award Winners
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/26/2009

The Wisconsin FFA Association has made history once again this year as two members from the same chapter have earned one of the highest awards that the National FFA Organization can bestow upon its membership. During the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, Ben Alsum was named the 2009 Star in Agribusiness and Tony Crescio was awarded the American Star in Agricultural Placement Award. Both students, who are from the Randolph-Cambria-Friesland FFA Chapter, were recognized on stage with a plaque and cash award of $4,000.

Alsum's experience with the produce business began when he was in middle school. His family sold sweet corn, vegetables, pumpkins and Indian corn at various stands across central and southeast Wisconsin. In 2005, he purchased two percent of Alsum Sweet Corn--an endeavor made possible through his expanding business, Ben's Bovine Beauties.

"Much of my success should go to FFA and the experiences I have gained from being an active member," Alsum said. "Interacting with other FFA members and traveling to FFA events and activities have given me a diverse background in experiences, many of which relate to my SAE and its success."

Crescio works with muck soil at Jack's Pride Farms, Inc. He began his project when he was in middle school, and the more he worked with his family, the more he became fascinated with the crops and the equipment that was needed to help with a successful harvest. Crescio wanted to be able to help with all areas of the farm and develop a solid based onion, carrot and mint oil production business. Over the years, he's been able to learn all aspects of the farm He has even received recognition as a national agri-entrepreneurship national winner for starting a small business creating air fresheners and soaps with the mint oil.

"With my goal to become a partner in our farm corporation, I have farmed 40 acres of my own peppermint for the last four years," Crescio said. "The money from this has helped me pay for school, as well as assisted me in saving money to buy into the corporation."

Crescio majored in mechanical drawing at Madison Area Technical College.

Meanwhile, Alex Zimmerman, also from the Randolph-Cambria-Friesland FFA, was named a national finalists for the title of American Star Farmer. He received a plaque and a $2,000 cash award.

Also over the weekend, five Wisconsin FFA members were named national winners in their proficiency award areas. They include Tanner Bradley, Fort Atkinson, Dairy Production; Elizabeth Dahlke, Montello, Diversified Livestock Production; Keith Bollinger, Cochrane-Fountain City, Environmental Science and Natural Resources; Andy Feucht, Mayville, Forage Production; and Tanner Strunz, Brodhead, Turf Grass Management.

And another 132 Wisconsin FFA students received their National FFA Degree during the convention this past week.