MONROE — FFA is a national organization based in middle school and high school that works to promote agricultural education and builds student leadership. Students who are enrolled in an Agriculture course at Monroe High School are automatically considered FFA members, meaning they can get involved without paying to join the club. The Monroe FFA chapter works to promote student involvement, help our community, and allow students to learn more about agriculture in a positive environment. The chapter participates in many local, state, and national events, along with holding our own community service activities and fundraisers.

COVID-19 has presented many challenges from halting fundraisers, limiting contact, and eliminating in person workshops and leadership opportunities. However, Monroe FFA members have forged ahead and still continue to show their premier leadership, personal growth, and career success in many unique ways.

Mitchell Grossen is serving as the 2020-2021 Monroe FFA president and has persevered in numerous ways. He was a state finalist and placed second for his Swine Production proficiency application at last year’s Virtual State FFA Convention. He just completed and submitted his application to receive his State FFA Degree and be a candidate for the Wisconsin State Star Farmer award. We will not know any results till later this spring and will make sure to post updates on social media. Mitchell was also recognized as a finalist for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for his swine project because he continues to go above and beyond. Furthermore Mitchell is an individual who has applied the entrepreneurial spirit and demonstrated his knowledge by operating an actual business. His video can be watched on the DPI website. He continues to be a role model to all Monroe FFA members. He is currently completing a two-year youth apprenticeship program at Monroe Truck and is going to further his welding passion by enrolling at Blackhawk Technical College for his Welding passion. 

Last fall Heath Huschitt, Mitchell Grossen, Bryce Grossen, and Mrs. Danielle Pernot were joined virtually by Brooks Lueckto participate in the first ever COW (Chapter Officer Workshop). Brooks is serving as the Section 5 Wisconsin state FFA Officer. These members were able to complete a virtual workbook about topics from team building to planning activities and recruiting members to get involved especially in this time of virtual events as well as discussing the use of social media.

FFA members have also had many other virtual opportunities to get involved with the FFA at a state level. Members have been able to connect virtually with state officers in breakout rooms, collaboration sessions for degree and proficiency work time and even had the opportunity to participate in a conference for younger members. All 7th, 8th, and 9th grade members were able to attend the virtual Fire Conference. Sydney Vita took advantage of this learning opportunity and even snagged a selfie with her workbook. More virtual opportunities will be offered throughout the spring from FFA Week Leadership Event, Farm Forum (sponsored by Farm Bureau), District Leadership Development Event (Hosted by Monroe FFA on March 12), and even Virtual Career Development Events. 

Mitch and Bryce Grossen are Monroe FFA members completing projects that are donated to the Green Cares Food Pantry that are then given to families.  In the past, Mitch, the oldest, has donated the meat from a pig he raised, and Bryce has provided countless dozens of eggs to the pantry families. Earlier this month Mitch created and made “Mitch’s Hog Heaven Pork Activity Kits” and has them nicely bagged to give to families.  Bryce put together an egg and chicken cookbook, “Bryce’s Golden Yolks,” and has the recipes stapled together to make it easy to hand out.  How creative and useful. Green Cares really appreciates their continued support. 

Lastly Monroe FFA would like to thank everyone who has supported the agriculture program. We have received some amazing kind donations to support student projects and leadership events and could not be the successful program without this support. Furthermore, Monroe FFA will be hosting the District Speaking Contest which requires many outside judges. We could not have a contest that is the best possible experience for students without the help of the many volunteers. Thank you all for the continued support of all the local FFA Chapters and Agriculture Education programs.