American Star in Agriscience: Amy Robak

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The 2009 American Star in Agriscience is Amy Robak of the Foley FFA Chapter in Minnesota. Amy’s interest in undergraduate research involves a number research projects near her home area.

AUDIO: Amy Robak, Minnesota (3:50 MP3)

American Star in Ag Placement: Tony Crescio

The 2009 American Star in Agricultural Placement is Tony Crescio of the Randolph Cambria-Freisland FFA in Wisconsin. Tony’s SAE includes working for his dad on the family farm. TonyCrescio-WI-American Star Winners 004

AUDIO: Tony Crescio, Wisconsin (2:45 MP3)

American Star in Agribusiness: Ben Alsum

The 2009 American Star in Agribusiness is Ben Alsum of the Randolph Cambria-Freisland FFA Chapter in Wisconsin. Ben raises fresh market vegetables, he owns and operates Big Ben’s Hay Service and Big Ben’s Bovine Beauty’s. BenAlsum-WI-American Star Winners 007 (1)

AUDIO: Ben Alsum, Wisconsin (4:15 MP3)

American Star Farmer: Slade Nightengale

The 2009 American Star Farmer is Slade Nightengale of the Cordell FFA Chapter in Oklahoma. Slade is following in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps becoming the third generation on the family farm. Nightengale’s farming operation includes both wheat and cattle. SladeNightengale-OK-American Star Winners 006

AUDIO: Slade Nightengale, Oklahoma (4:00 MP3)

Turf Grass Management—Entrepreneurship/Placement

In 2006, Brodhead Wisconsin FFA member Tanner Strunz combined two of his passions—his love of the outdoors and mowing lawns—to start his own business, Strunz Lawn Care. TannerStrunz-WI-Natl Proficiency Winners 023

AUDIO: Tanner Strunz, Wisconsin (4:05 MP3)

Forage Production– Entrepreneurship/Placement

Andy Fuecht started out small, helping his dad with small chores on the family’s dairy farm. Today,the Mayville Wisconsin FFA member has complete control over the forage operation on that same farm, where he works with his father and older brother. AndyFeucht-WI-Natl Proficiency Winners 017

AUDIO: Andy Feucht, Wisconsin (2:35 MP3)

Environ. Science/Natural Resources

Keith Bollinger of the Cochrane-Fountain City FFA in Wisconsin has been able learn much about the natural resources management field thanks to his recent experiences with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the US Fish and Wildlife Services. KeithBollinger-WI-Natl Proficiency Winners 011

AUDIO: Keith Bollinger, Wisconsin (2:50 MP3)

Diversified Livestock Production – Placement

Growing up on a family farm with a large two acre pond has afforded many opportunities for Elizabeth Dahlke of Wisconsin. The Montello FFA chapter member raises hybrid bluegills for marketing with her family. ElizabethDahlke-WI-Natl Proficiency Winners 008

AUDIO: Elizabeth Dahlke, Wisconsin (3:25 MP3)

Dairy Production- Placement

Tanner Bradley of Wisconsin is following in his father’s footsteps when it comes to dairy production. The Fort Atkinson FFA member began working at Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC during his eighth grade year. TannerBradley-WI-Natl Proficiency Winners 005

AUDIO: Tanner Bradley. Wisconsin (2:45 MP3)

Outdoor Recreation– Entrepreneurship/Placement

Scott Hoiten, a member of the McCook Central FFA has had a life-long passion for wildlife. When he was 12 years old, he began working with his cousin and grandfather on their pheasant farms in Spencer, South Dakota. ScottHoiten-SD-Natl Proficiency Winners 020

AUDIO: Scott Hoiten, South Dakota (2:20 MP3)