Wisconsin’s FFA Foundation Finds a New Leader
Ellen Schutt has stepped into a new role as Executive Director of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. She grew up on her family’s farm in Darien, Wisconsin, where they still raise cattle and crops today.
“I loved FFA growing up,” Schutt said. “I was our chapter Sentinel and also competed in many different events.” After high school, she attended UW-Madison and joined the Collegiate FFA chapter.
However, her career path took a turn toward politics. For seven years, she worked as a legislative staff member, focusing on agriculture and education issues. Later, she served as a state representative for communities in Rock and Walworth Counties.
“Life changes, and I found this new role with the FFA Foundation,” Schutt shared.
Now a few months in, Schutt says the experience has been rewarding. “This agriculture and FFA community is incredibly strong,” she said. “We work together really well.” She’s been meeting with alumni, teachers, as well as team members across ag education.
“We all share the same goal—supporting FFA and today’s students,” she added. That shared mission includes fundraising, which is a core part of her new position.
Schutt knows the economy is uncertain, and that impacts giving. “Everyone’s adjusting their budgets right now,” she said. “But people still believe in the future of FFA.”
Looking ahead, Schutt invites the community to summer fundraisers like the Foundation’s golf outings. The northern event is July 14 in Eau Claire; the southern is July 21 in Middleton. “You don’t have to love golf—just come have fun and support FFA,” Schutt encouraged. There will also be auctions and chances to connect with others who care about ag education.
The biggest event of the year is also coming soon: Wisconsin FFA Convention in Madison. “Nearly 4,000 students will attend,” she said. “We’d love for you to be part of it.”
Schutt emphasized that the Foundation needs more than just checks—it needs people. “We’re always looking for volunteers,” she said. “Help us judge events or just tell your FFA story.”
Moss Hair Salon Turns One
Hey! It is Meg Ann Lee, If you have been following me on social media, reading the blogs you maaaayyy know that I opened a salon last year with two other amazing hairstylist and we just celebrated our 1 year anniversary!! On April 11th, we celebrated Moss Hair Salon turning one-and what a night it was! From 5 to 7pm, our space at 200 Main Street was filled with familiar faces, new friends, and so much love.
The first ten guests snagged some adorable gift bags, and we had drinks and snacks flowing while everyone mingled with our stylists. One of the highlights was our before-and-after slideshow, showing off a year of transformations we're so proud of. Plus, the hair accessory bar was a hit-because who doesn't love a little extra hair & sparkle?
Looking around the room, I felt so much gratitude. To my family, friends, and every single client who's walked through our doors: thank you. Your support has made this dream a reality, and we don't take that lightly.
Our little corner of Main Street feels like home, and we're so happy here. This celebration was just the beginning-we're excited for everything the future holds.
Cheers to year two! <3
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Mahoney To Be Crowned At Dairy Breakfast
Congratulations to the 2025 Dane County Fairest of the Fair, Gwendolyn (Gwen) Mahoney of Mount Horeb. Mahoney will be crowned at Breakfast on the Farm on June 14 at Hinchley’s Dairy Farm in Cambridge.
Mahoney is the daughter of Lisa and John Mahoney. She is currently a sophomore at Viterbo University in La Crosse, double majoring in neuroscience and biochemistry. She would like to attend medical school in hopes of becoming a psychiatrist in the prison system.
Mahoney was an exhibitor at the Dane County Fair for 11 years, showing swine and projects in several non-animal departments. She has served as a superintendent in the flowers & house plants and knitting & crocheting departments. Mahoney is currently the co-chair of the cultural arts department. Mahoney has also been a member of the fair’s youth committee. When she has free time, Mahoney volunteers within the community. In college, Mahoney is active in the STEM club, honors program, student government association, and the fiber arts club, among others.
“I believe that being Dane County Fairest of the Fair will give me the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with people of all different ages and backgrounds,” she says. “In being Fairest of the Fair, I plan to network within the industry and meet people who have worked hard in their community to make a difference.”
Mahoney says she plans to highlight causes she’s passionate about, such as ability-inclusive agricultural practices.
“I will also encourage youth to become involved in 4-H or another youth organization and the variety of programs they have to offer to enhance their knowledge and relationships that have benefited me throughout the years,” she says.
In this role, Mahoney will attend community events promoting the upcoming Dane County Fair, July 17–20. She will make daily appearances at the fair. In the heart of Madison, the Dane County Fair is home to free concerts, stunt shows, animals, carnival rides, and all the best fair foods. Celebrating 175 years, the Dane County Fair will be at the Alliant Energy Center July 17–20.
Learn more: www.danecountyfair.com
From Eau Claire to Chicago: My Weekend at America’s Beauty Show
Hey everyone, I am Meg Ann Lee and if you ever wondered what type of continued education your hairstylist takes I'm here to show you, CHICAGO STYLE ! This week on the blog I am taking you with me to America's Beauty Show 2025 hosted in Chicago!
This past weekend, I packed my bags and hit the road from Eau Claire to Chicago for the American Beauty Show-one of the biggest events in our industry. It's always exciting to step out of the salon and into a space filled with so much energy, innovation, and inspiration.
I spent most of my time diving into education classes, soaking up new techniques, product knowledge, and business tips that I can bring back to the salon. From advanced color theory to fresh cutting methods, every class reminded me just how important it is to keep learning. The hair industry never stops evolving, and staying on top of education is the key to giving clients the best service and results.
When I wasn't in a class, I was walking the trade show floor-browsing new tools, watching live demos, and connecting with other stylists and brands. It's always a little surreal to be surrounded by so many professionals who are just as passionate about beauty as I am.
Trips like this fuel my creativity and sharpen my skills, which ultimately makes me a better stylist and salon co-owner. Continuing education isn't optional in this industry-it's a must. And honestly, it's part of what keeps the work exciting.
Looking forward to bringing all this knowledge home to moss hair salon! <3
The post From Eau Claire to Chicago: My Weekend at America’s Beauty Show appeared first on Around the 715.
Culver’s Donates As “Green And Gold” Streams
After sponsoring the theatrical release of the acclaimed movie “Green and Gold,” Culver’s is now pledging additional support for the agricultural community to celebrate its streaming debut. The Wisconsin-based restaurant chain has announced a donation of $1 per stream of the film up to $100,000, with funds benefiting three organizations that work to support family farmers and agriculture education.
Culver’s will be donating $1 per rental and early digital purchase of the film (up to a total of $100,000) to three organizations: Farmer Angel Network, the Farm Foundation-led Farm Family Wellness Alliance and FFA.
With the donations, Culver’s aims to continue spotlighting the irreplaceable role of farmers and agriculture in the world while providing them with resources that help them achieve success.
“Culver’s has always had a heart for agriculture, and ‘Green and Gold’ tells the story of so many of the hardworking, dedicated family farmers responsible for feeding our guests at Culver’s and people everywhere,” says Alison Demmer, Culver’s senior marketing and public relations manager. “It’s been an honor to help shine light on the unique experience of the farming community through this movie, and we’re proud to support three organizations doing incredible work to uplift farmers around the country.”
Directed by Anders Lindwall and filmed in Door County, Wisconsin, “Green and Gold” follows the heartfelt story of a Wisconsin dairy farmer named Buck (Craig T. Nelson) and explores the topics of family, pursuing dreams, overcoming hardship and taking risks—including a major bet on the 1993 Green Bay Packers.
The film is available for early digital purchase now through April 14 on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and Google Play. Beginning April 15, “Green and Gold” will be available for rental and digital purchase on platforms everywhere.
Tractor Raffle Supports Campbellsport FFA
The Campbellsport FFA Alumni is holding a raffle to raise funds to support the high school agriculture program.
Ticket Options
- The prize is a 1958 Ford 861 live PTO 3 pt with power steering or $4,000.
- The second prize is a Massey-Ferguson pedal tractor.
- The third and fourth prizes are $250 each.
Details
The drawing for the tractor is Oct. 4 at the annual Campbellsport FFA Crop Show in the Campbellsport High School cafeteria. You do not have to be present to win.
Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Secure tickets from Chris Hinn at 920-922-5978. Only 5,000 tickets are available!
Proceeds help with travel expenses, educational seminars, and facility support for the Campbellsport FFA and agriculture program.
