By Kiley Allan
The Stars Over Wisconsin serve as a reminder that the sky is the limit when looking to achieve goals. This year’s Stars include Ashton Brusveen (Agribusiness), Hannah Oleson (Agricultural Placement), Jordan Berg (Agriscience) and McKinley Krueger (Farmer).
Star In Agribusiness
Brusveen, of Cambria-Friesland FFA, is a young entrepreneur that began Seed Clean when he saw a need in his community. He cleans grain to be used in cover crops. The operation began with a grain cleaner from his grandfather and continues to expand today. His business has expanded to include new equipment, such as a larger cleaner and conveyor lines. As his business evolves, he continues to prioritize efficiency and accuracy.
Star in Agricultural Placement
Oleson, of Adams Friendship FFA, began her operation by completing everyday tasks familiar to many cattle producers. She spent time feeding, cleaning waterers and mucking pens. As she continued to grow in her skillset, her involvement in the operation expanded as well. Today, she makes breeding decisions, operates machinery and performs artificial insemination for the herd.
Star in Agriscience
When Berg, of Granton FFA, was in eighth grade, she simultaneously took agricultural and science classes. This experience kick started her interest in agriscience. After a recommendation from her advisor, she began to participate in the Wisconsin FFA Agriscience Fair. Her interests haven taken her to explore the fertilizers. Berg’s first experiment reflected the impacts of natural, inorganic and synthetic organic fertilizer on plant growth, of which she found natural fertilizer to be the best. Her following project was a comparison of natural fertilizers that are commonly used in gardening.
Star Farmer
Krueger’s family, of Campbellsport FFA, has a rich history in agriculture. Her family’s operation is rooted in the swine industry. She began her operation with a registered Hampshire gilt to produce county fair and feeder pigs for local buyers. Now, she has introduced a new species to her family’s operation: cattle. Her first purchase of a Simmental Heifer was the beginnings of her passion for the beef industry.
Stars Over Wisconsin honors students with outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Each student participated in, and kept records of, a personal project that is aimed to broaden their agricultural knowledge and skillset. In Wisconsin, there are four categories for the State FFA Star Degree: Star Farmer, Star In Agribusiness, Star In Agricultural Placement, and Star In Agriscience.
