The Real Cost of Budget DIY Hair Services: Damage, Redos, and Regret
If you've ever tried to save money on your hair and ended up spending more later, you're not alone. I am Meg Ann Lee, a stylist at Moss Salon in Eau Claire . I see this cycle all the time because where do you go when you need to fix a DIY hair problem? The salon!! I secretly love a challenging color correction. Most of these clients aren't making bad decisions - they're just trying to be practical. The problem is that hair doesn't work well on shortcuts. Hair color is a chemical reaction. When you take shortcuts, sometimes you lose control of the outcome.
Lower-priced hair services often come with hidden costs. A quick trip to the drugstore to buy a $10 Box dye, rushed appointments, choosing incorrect hair levels, or overly aggressive lightening can cause damage that doesn't show up right away. At first, the hair might look fine but then it fades unevenly, turns very brassy, breaks, or refuses to hold color. That's usually when clients book a corrective appointment - and that's where the real expense begins.
DIY Haircolor
One of the biggest issues I see is at home color. Now, I will say I SUPPORT DIY color because.. how fun, right!? I was a DIY hair girlie for years before going and getting my license. My DIY hair was uneven and breaking.. lucky for me, emo razor cut shags were in and my broken yellow, blonde hair under my horizontal headband was "indie cool". Usually, the lack of product knowledge and technique leave people dissatisfied with their at home color. It feels predictable and affordable, but it removes control from the process. Most box color lifts and deposits at the same time, it's also formulated to work on almost anyone who buys it, aka, it is strong! It often can deposit on hair too dark or lift too warm when applied to the incorrect hair level. When clients come in wanting to go lighter or more dimensional afterward, it usually takes multiple sessions, treatments, and trims just to undo what happened. What started as a money-saving choice can easily turn into months of correction.
Budget Salon Hopping
Another common pattern is salon hopping based on price and not hearing what you want from the hairstylist. Every stylist has a different approach, formulation style, and vision. When hair doesn't have consistency, it struggles. Switching stylists for every hair appointment makes it harder to achieve a specific look - especially color correcting in sessions, blonding, or extensions - because no one is guiding the long-term plan. Choosing a stylist based on skill and alignment with your goals matters more than choosing based on the lowest number on a service menu. Especially because choosing a stylist who is $50-$100 more probably will get you to your long-term goal more efficiently.
Are You Choosing Damage for Color?
I'm always honest in consultations. Could I push hair further in one appointment? Sometimes, yes. But hair health determines longevity. Damaged hair fades faster, breaks easier, and rarely looks good for long. Most clients don't want to hear that...they want us to say "Yes we can 100% make your dark hair white blonde in one session!" and that's NOT everyone's hair story. Honestly, some clients don't GAF and WANT me to push it to the brink of existence. They are choosing a color despite the damage it will cause. Often when I say I won't do that, they just go to another stylist who will, that's the reality. When clients invest in the right color level, realistic timing, and proper maintenance, they usually spend less over time - not more.
The goal isn't to spend the most money. It's to spend it wisely. Choosing a stylist who can actually achieve your desired look, explain the process, and plan ahead saves you from redo appointments, emotional frustration, and unexpected costs later. It's about strategy, patience, and working with someone who's honest about what your hair can handle - not just what looks good the day you leave the salon.
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Pesobic Pathfinders Wins Cedar Crest Ice Cream Flavor Contest
Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and Wisconsin 4-H are excited to announce the winner and finalists of the 2026 Cedar Crest Ice Cream Flavor Creation Contest.
The finalists will receive a Cedar Crest Ice Cream party, and the Grand Prize winner will have an ice cream party and will be awarded $500. They are:
Grand Prize Winner
Pesobic Pathfinders 4-H Club, Lincoln County (Merrill, WI)
Flavor: Hold Your Horses
Leader: Ann Jaroski
Finalists
Sunrisers 4-H Club, Green Lake County (Berlin, WI)
Flavor: Jump Around
Leader: Tammy Goettl
Roy Creek Ramblers 4-H Club, Green Lake County (Markesan, WI)
Flavor: Woofin’ Good
Leaders: Kim Drews & Emily Strahota
Catfish River 4-H Club, Dane County (East Madison, WI)
Flavor: Piña Cowlada
Leader: Shaili Pfeiffer
Jolly H’s 4-H Club, Burnett County (Grantsburg, WI)
Flavor: Wisconsin Northwoods
Leader: Amanda Weigman
Hold Your Horses
The Pesobic Pathfinders’ winning flavor, Hold Your Horses,features espresso-flavored ice cream with chocolate covered toffee pieces and caramel ribbon. Hold Your Horses will be produced by Cedar Crest for the 2026 summer season as a Feature Flavor for the month of July. The flavor will be available in ice cream parlors and scoops shops across the state of Wisconsin and beyond.
Some past winning flavors were so popular among ice cream lovers that they became a part of Cedar Crest’s scoop shop flavor line up! This includes Pesobic Pathfinders’ (Merrill, WI) 2024 winning flavor: Paul Bunyan, Springbrook’s (New Richmond, WI) Wisconsin Campfire S’mores from 2019, The Sunnyside Climber’s (Plover, WI) Demo Derby from 2025.
Says Cedar Crest Ice Cream President, Ken Kohlwey, “We are proud to support the Wisconsin 4-H organization through our annual flavor contest. The project requires collaboration, teamwork, and creativity to create the next best ice cream flavor. Every year we look forward to reading the entries that come in and sharing the winning flavor with our customers.”
Entries were judged by a panel of ice cream experts chosen by Cedar Crest. The family-owned company based in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, manufactures more than 80 flavors of ice cream, along with frozen custard, sherbet, and sorbet at its Manitowoc, Wisconsin, plant. Cedar Crest distributes products in several Midwest states and beyond.
Wisconsin 4-H Positive Youth Development is part of the UW-Madison Division of Extension. With over 1,100 4-H clubs and groups, nearly 27,000 youth members, and over 6,000 adult volunteers, Wisconsin 4-H supports youth in becoming ‘Beyond Ready’ for life through hands-on learning, community building, and life skill development. Learn more at extension.wisc.edu/positive-youth-development/
Why Your Hair Looks Different After 6 Weeks And How It’s Totally Normal
If you've ever left the salon loving your hair, only to look in the mirror six weeks later and think "Why does this feel… different?" - you're not imagining it.
I'm Meg Ann Lee, a hairstylist at Moss Salon in Eau Claire, and this is one of the most common conversations I have with clients. Hair doesn't suddenly "go bad" after a few weeks - it's responding to growth, tonality shift, lifestyle, and everyday wear.
Let's break down what's actually happening.
Your Hair Is Growing, Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It
On average, hair grows about ½ inch per month. That means by the six-week mark, your root is already noticeable. This doesn't mean your color was done wrong. It means your natural hair is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. GROW. This is also why I talk so much about lived-in color. When your root matches or sits within 1-2 shades of your natural color, grow-out looks intentional instead of harsh. That choice alone can dramatically change how your hair looks at week six versus week two. Don't even get me started on a base break. IYKYK.
Toner Fading Is Normal, Not a Color Failure
Color changes over time - especially blondes and brunettes with warmth underneath. I always stress this point during consultations with clients who want cool tones or vivid colors. All artificial color pigment fades and will need maintenance. Shampooing, heat styling, hard water, sun exposure, and even how often you work out all affect tone. Blonde clients may notice warmth creeping in looking yellow or brassy. Brunettes might feel dull or flat as their color fades. That doesn't mean you need a full transformation color appointment - often, a gloss or toner refresh brings everything back to life.
This is why I often recommend maintenance services between big appointments. Small adjustments can keep your hair looking fresh without starting over. Unless you WANT a high maintenance color. We do those too and I need to see you about every 5-7 weeks.
Hair Health Affects How Color Wears
Healthy hair holds color better. Damaged hair fades faster and changes tone more unpredictably.
This is something I'm very upfront about during consultations at Moss. If hair is over-processed, even the best color formula won't last the way you want it to. Sometimes the smartest move is focusing on treatments, trims, or adjusting expectations before pushing lighter or brighter.
Long-term hair goals always win over quick fixes!!
Lifestyle & At Home Hair Care
Your daily habits play a bigger role than most people realize. Two clients can get the same color on the same day and have totally different results six weeks later - based on their hair health and at home haircare routine.
My goal as a stylist is always to explain how your color will grow out, when it may shift and what maintenance actually looks like. Not just how it looks on day one when we take the after photo.
Hair is a process, not a one-time event.
If your hair looks different after six weeks, that doesn't mean something went wrong - it means your hair is alive, growing, and responding to real life. Understanding growth, tone shift, and hair health helps you make better decisions, plan smarter appointments, and feel more confident between visits <3
The post Why Your Hair Looks Different After 6 Weeks And How It’s Totally Normal appeared first on Around the 715.
Small Salon Budget Wins: How to Get Great Hair Without Overspending in 2026
If you're heading into a new year trying to be more intentional with your spending, you're not alone. I'm Meg Ann Lee, a hairstylist at Moss Salon here in Eau Claire, and clients constantly tell me the same thing: they want great hair, but they also want their money to make sense.
The good news? You don't have to overspend to love your hair. You just need to be strategic.
This post is all about small salon budget wins - the little choices that make a big difference for both your hair and your wallet.
Start With the Right Service (Not Just the Trendiest One)
One of the biggest budget mistakes I see is booking a service based on a trend instead of real life. Not every client needs a full bleach and tone, a major color shift, or the highest-maintenance option available.
Now, if you want high-maintenance hair - white blonde, bold contrast, frequent appointments - that's totally fine. We do that too. But for many clients, a partial foil, gloss, root refresh, or blended color gives them about 80% of the look they want at a fraction of the cost.
A good stylist should help you choose a service that fits your lifestyle, maintenance schedule, and budget - not just what's popular or most expensive.
Maintenance Appointments vs. Big Transformations
From a budget standpoint, consistent maintenance almost always costs less than waiting too long and needing a "color corrections". Glosses, toners, trims, and treatments help extend the life of your color and prevent damage that leads to expensive corrections later.
This is especially true for extension clients. Staying on a regular maintenance schedule protects both your natural hair and your investment. I talk more about this in my hair extension series if you're considering extensions or already wearing them.
@meganlee77 Going from foils to a #bleachandtone I GOT YOU! #eauclairehairsalon #wihairstylist ♬ Kratos (A Little Closer) [Extended Mix] - Alex LeMirage
Invest in the Right Home Care
You don't need a shelf full of 50 products to have good hair. Most clients do best with:
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One quality shampoo and conditioner for their hair type
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A leave-in with heat protection
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One targeted weekly treatment (moisture or repair)
Buying the right products once is almost always cheaper than cycling through random ones every few weeks. This is one of those small wins that really pays off long-term.
Choose a Stylist You Can Grow With
Switching stylists or salons frequently can get expensive - and honestly, it can do more harm than good. When you work with someone who understands your hair, your budget, and your long-term goals, everything becomes more consistent. Consistency saves money.
I really like to focus on long-term hair planning, not just one-off appointments. I recently had a consultation with a client who wanted high-contrast white blonde hair, dark lowlights, and long extensions. Her hair was already compromised from previous blonding elsewhere, and while I could technically give her that color, it wouldn't last - and it would almost certainly cause damage.
That kind of transformation plus extensions would have cost around $1,500. Would I get paid? Yes. But within a few months, the color would fade unevenly, the extensions wouldn't match the fade, and her natural hair would start breaking. That's not a win for anyone.
Instead, I recommended time, trims, and a slightly darker, more blended color that would grow out beautifully and still look good 8-10 weeks later - not just the day I take the Instagram photo. Did she want to hear that? NO. Some clients do want high-maintenance hair, and that's okay. My job is to lay out all the options so they understand the cost, upkeep, and long-term reality before deciding.
Budget-Friendly Doesn't Mean Low Quality
There's a big difference between being budget-conscious and cutting corners. Choosing fewer services done well, spacing out major appointments, and maintaining your hair properly all count as smart spending - not settling.
Great hair doesn't require constant appointments or maxed-out budgets. Sometimes it just means asking yourself: Do I really need highlights every six weeks? (Short answer: probably not.) Learning to love blended roots and lived-in color can save you time, money, and stress.
If 2026 is the year you want to feel better about your beauty spending, start small. Ask questions. Plan ahead. Work with a stylist who's honest about maintenance and cost. Those small salon budget wins add up fast <3
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Booking a New Hairstylist? Here’s What Your Salon Consultation Should Cover
If you've ever left a hair appointment feeling unsure about what you agreed to-or surprised by the price later-you're not alone. I am Meg Ann Lee and I hear stories like this all the time from people!
As a hairstylist and co-owner of Moss, I believe the consultation is the most important part of any salon experience. A good consultation sets expectations, builds trust, and helps you decide if a stylist is truly the right fit before you commit.
A Consultation Is a Conversation, Not a Sales Pitch
A consultation should never feel vague or pushy. You shouldn't feel pressured to book on the spot or agree to services you don't fully understand. At Moss, consultations are about listening first-your hair history, your goals, your lifestyle, and how much maintenance you actually want. In my experience, when consultations are unclear or get off topic (aka the client going on rants about previous stylists or previous hair mistakes) that's when misunderstandings happen later.
What You Should Know Before Booking
You don't need an exact final total, but you should walk away from a consultation with clarity around the investment, timing, and long-term commitment-especially for color corrections or hair extensions. This is something I've talked about in detail in my Hair Extension Service Expectations series, where I break down why pricing and maintenance can vary so much.
If a stylist can't explain their recommendations in a way that makes sense to you, it's okay to pause and ask more questions-or consult elsewhere.
Questions to Ask During a Hair Consultation
Going into a consultation with a few prepared questions can make a huge difference! Also have ONE or TWO picture references. Please don't come in with a blonde picture, a brunette picture and a rainbow picture. It's a waste of everyone's time until you pick a direction. Clear answers upfront help prevent frustration later. Here are some I always recommend clients ask:
It's Okay to Consult More Than One Salon
Consulting with more than one stylist doesn't mean you're being difficult-it means you're being informed. Different salons approach services, pricing, and maintenance differently. Comparing consultations can help you find the best fit for your expectations and budget.
This ties directly into what I shared in last week's post about how to find a new hairstylist, where your research and communication are just as important as the final hair result.
A salon consultation should leave you feeling confident, informed, and comfortable-not confused. Whether you end up booking at Moss or another salon in Eau Claire, you deserve transparency before committing to a service. When clients understand the plan, the price, and the maintenance, the entire salon experience is better-for everyone involved <3
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Clark & Luedtke Given 4-H Key Award
Ryan Clark and Max Luedtke were recently honored as the recipients of the 2025 Wisconsin 4-H Key Award in the Dodge County 4-H program.
The prestigious Key Award, one of the highest recognitions a 4-H member can receive. It honors a select group of 4-H participants annually. The youth receiving this award are among those who have demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership skills, and actively participated in their club and community.
About The Recipients
Ryan Clark is the son of Randy and Wendy Clark. He has graduated from the Dodge County 4-H program. Ryan is currently at Iowa State University majoring in Agriculture Engineering-Vehicle Systems. He was involved in the Lomira Clover Leaves 4-H Club, and was involved in crops, mechanical sciences, self determined, vegetables, and youth leadership.
Max Luedtke, son of Jason and Tracie Luedtke, is in his 13th year as a Dodge County 4-H member. Max is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin Madison, majoring in Agricultural Business Management. He is a member of the Leipsic 4-H club. He was also involved in youth leadership, food preservation, houseplants, and foods and nutrition projects.
About The Award
The Wisconsin 4-H Key Award is the highest honor a 4-H youth can receive. Recipients are selected at the county level, based on the young person’s consistent growth in 4-H involvement. As well as their developed and applied leadership skills, and their participation in the activities of their 4-H club. Each county is responsible for selecting the Key Award recipients in their area, based on an evaluation of a candidate’s total 4-H record, including project work, personal development, leadership, and community involvement. Counties award a specific number of Key Awards, based on the 4-H club enrollment in that county.
Candidates must have passed their 14th birthday on January 1 of the year in which the recognition is given. They also must have completed at least three years of 4-H and one year of youth leadership. Selection is based on an evaluation of the candidate’s total 4-H record (membership, projects, activities, leadership, personal development and county 4-H and community involvement.) Each Key Award recipient receives a framed certificate and a Key Award pin.
New Year, New Hairstylist: How to Find the Right Hair Stylist for You in 2026
The start of a new year usually brings that "fresh start" energy-and for a lot of people, that includes finding a new hairstylist. Maybe you moved, your stylist moved, your hair goals changed, or you're finally ready to invest differently. Whatever the reason, choosing the right salon matters more than most people realize.
I'm Meg Ann Lee, a hairstylist in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and I see clients all the time who say they wish they had done a little more research before diving into their last hair appointment with a stylist who just didn't deliver results or made them feel like their hair appointment was an issue for the salon. So, let's talk about how to actually find a stylist who fits you, your hair goals, and your budget-without getting caught up in hype.
Start With Google and Reviews (But Read Between the Lines)
Google is still one of the best places to start when looking for a new hairstylist. Search things like "hair stylist in Eau Claire WI" or "Eau Claire hair salon," and don't just look at star ratings. Read what people are actually saying. Are reviews recent? Do clients mention consultations, communication, and consistency?
One bad review doesn't tell the full story-but repeated comments about rushed appointments, poor communication, or unclear pricing should make you slow down and dig deeper. Is the stylist or salon new? They might not be able to support your goals if you are looking for something complicated or extremely specialized.
Referrals Still Matter
If you love someone's hair, ask who does it. Referrals from friends, coworkers, or even strangers in line at Target are still one of the most reliable ways to find a stylist who does consistent work. Just remember that what works for someone else may not be the best fit for you. Hair type, lifestyle, maintenance level, and budget all play a role.
Social Media, Education, and Experience All Go Together
Instagram and TikTok can be helpful tools when researching a stylist, especially for services like color or hair extensions. Social media lets you see consistency, before-and-after work, and the types of clients a stylist works with most often. If you see a stylist's page posting DIFFERENT clients hair WEEKLY. You know they are getting a ton of hands-on practice. If you look at a stylist socials and they keep reposting the same clients hair pic over and over…. They either aren't taking pictures or just not creating picture worthy hair often enough.
That said, not all great hairstylists are social-media focused. Some prioritize their clients and education over constant content creation. What matters more is whether a stylist understands hair health, continues learning, and can explain why they're recommending certain services. This is especially important for higher-investment services like extensions-which I break down more in my Hair Extension Service Expectations series if you want a deeper look at pricing, maintenance, and reality.
Consultations Are Your Best Tool
A consultation shouldn't feel rushed or confusing. Bring a a few questions to the consultation but let the stylist guide you because you are on their scheduling time. You should leave knowing what services are being recommended, a general price range, how much maintenance is involved, and how often you'll need to come back. It's completely okay to consult with more than one salon before deciding. You're investing in your hair, and that decision deserves clarity.
If you're unsure what to ask or what to look for, I've shared more guidance in my unofficial client salon guide, which was written to help clients feel more confident walking into any salon.
Where You Spend Your Money Matters
At the end of the day, choosing a hairstylist isn't about finding the cheapest option or the most viral one. It's about trust, communication, and alignment. I always say you vote with your dollar! It's bigger than just hair. Finding a hairstylist who continues their education, shows constant growth and has clear communication will only help further the hair industry as a whole! Those salons will stay successful. Where salons who aren't demonstrating those things will slowly phase out... and who is that great for? YOU, the client. The right stylist will help you understand the cost, the upkeep, and the long-term plan for your hair.
Choosing the best hair stylist for you doesn't mean chasing trendy social media posts-it means finding someone who helps you feel informed, confident, and supported every time you sit in their chair <3
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Before You Set 2026 Goals: An End-of-the Year Reset Guide for Your Hair, Makeup & Closet
Hey I'm Meg Ann Lee and we are talking about new year's resolutions this week! Well sort of.. By the time the holidays wrap up, most of us are exhausted. Between parties, travel, work and nonstop getting ready, your hair, makeup, and closet usually feel just as tired as you do. Before jumping straight into 2026 goals and resolutions, I always recommend doing a simple end-of-year reset.
As a hairstylist and makeup artist in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, I hear my clients discuss this every winter. Hair feels dry and staticky, makeup bags are overflowing with products they don't know how to use, and closets feel cluttered but still nothing to wear. This reset isn't about changing everything-it's about cleaning up what you already have so the new year feels easier.
Hair Reset: Repair Before You Change Anything
Winter hair in Wisconsin takes a beating. Cold air, indoor heat, hats, and scarves all add up, and by late December hair often feels dull, tangled, or fragile.
Before booking a major color change, I recommend you focus on hair health. Adding a deep conditioning or bond-repair treatment at your next salon appointment can make a noticeable difference. At home, a weekly mask and a simple scalp oil routine go a long way.
- Hydrating hair masks (weekly use)
- Add a Lightweight scalp oil (at night or before washing)
- Bond repair treatments for chemically treated hair
You can check out some of my favorites HERE!
If you wear extensions, this reset matters even more. Gentle detangling, sleeping with your hair protected, and staying on top of maintenance prevents unnecessary damage. I break this down more in:
- Hair Extension Service Expectations: Part One
- Why Hair Extension Prices Vary & What Clients Should Know (Part Two)
Both posts explain realistic upkeep, cost expectations, and how to protect your investment long-term.
Makeup Reset: Declutter and Use What You Own
The end of the year is the best time to clean out your makeup bag. Toss anything expired, dried out, or irritating your skin-especially mascaras, liquid liners, and creams.
Once you declutter, organize what's left by priority. Put products you want to use up first where you'll actually see them. This keeps your routine simple and helps curb unnecessary spending going into the new year.
You don't need more makeup-you just need a system that works.
Closet Reset: Simple, Not Overwhelming
Closet clean-outs don't need to be dramatic. Start by asking one question: Would I wear this again right now? If the answer is no, it's probably time to donate it.
Focus on seasonal items first-holiday outfits, layers that didn't work, or pieces that no longer feel like you. Bag donations immediately so they actually leave your house. A less cluttered closet makes getting ready easier, especially during busy winter mornings.
Why This Reset Matters For Your 2026 Goals
I always remind clients that January doesn't need to start with a total transformation. A reset is about maintenance, not perfection. When your hair is healthier, your makeup routine is organized, and your closet feels manageable, everything else feels lighter too.
This end-of-year reset gives you a clean slate-without pressure-to step into 2026 feeling more organized and confident. Honestly, that's a better foundation than any resolution.
If you're ready for making your NYE resolutions but feel stuck, refreshing, decluttering and organizing is the perfect place to start <3
The post Before You Set 2026 Goals: An End-of-the Year Reset Guide for Your Hair, Makeup & Closet appeared first on Around the 715.
Wisconsin 4-H Scholarships Open Jan. 1
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Applications open Jan. 1 for more than $20,000 in scholarships that will be awarded in 2026 to outstanding Wisconsin 4-H members and alums pursuing higher education.
“The 2026 Wisconsin 4-H Scholarships are part of a longstanding tradition of readying our young people for adulthood,” says State Program Leader Jessica Jens. “The scholarships are made possible by generous donors who believe in the power of 4-H to guide youth confidently into their futures.”
Wisconsin 4-H Scholarships are awarded to students based on demonstrated personal growth through 4-H, development and leadership in 4-H, academic performance, and educational goals.
Find more info: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/wisconsin-4-h-scholarships
The scholarships were established by longstanding donors and advocates of Wisconsin 4-H who continue to give back to Wisconsin communities:
- Betty Krueger Memorial 4-H Scholarship Fund
- Elizabeth Salter-Eby 4-H Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Francis A. and Phyllis S. Conrad 4-H Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Gwen Wilson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Oscar G. and Mary M. Woelfel 4-H Scholarship Endowment Fund
- T.L. Bewick Scholarship Fund
- Culver’s 4-H Scholarship Fund
Awardees will be notified by mid-May.
21 Students Earn WI FFA Foundation SAE Grants
Twenty-one Wisconsin FFA members will advance their agricultural education thanks to over $19,000 in SAE grants. These are awarded by the Wisconsin FFA Foundation
SAE Grants are designed to help students create or enhance their individual SAE project. The grants are made possible through donations from individuals and organizations who support FFA and agricultural education in Wisconsin. These are including Sartori Cheese, Andis Foundation, Crystal Farms, Seneca Foods, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Beck’s Hybrids, Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, and Sloan Implement.
The recipients received up to $1,000 each for their projects which cover a wide range of areas. The areas include animal science, crop production, agribusiness, and food science. These grants will allow students to expand their knowledge and skills in these areas while also gaining valuable hands-on experience.
The 2025 Wisconsin FFA Foundation SAE Grants are awarded in five pathway categories: agricultural education, animal systems, food products & processing systems, plant systems, and power, structural and technical systems. Candidates were chosen based on the level and scope of their SAE project. As well as their financial need, leadership within FFA and their communities, and future plans for their individual projects.
Through SAEs, agricultural students in Wisconsin can apply the concepts they learn in the classroom to real-world situations. As one of the three pillars of the agricultural education model (alongside FFA membership and classroom lessons), SAEs provide students with immersive experiences beyond hypothetical scenarios. The SAE for All initiative has gained momentum across the state, encouraging every agricultural student to embark on an SAE project to better prepare for future career opportunities.
Grant Recipients
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 System 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 System SAE Grants: Bryce Gerke, Tomah; Adam Dornacker, Slinger, Kellyn Woodworth, Portage
