Wisconsin organizations support students

Wisconsin green organizations showed their support for students at the 81st annual Wisconsin FFA Convention.

More than 3,000 FFA members, advisors and guests attended the convention, which among other things highlighted student accomplishments.

The Wisconsin Green Industry Federation sponsored the State FFA Diversified Horticulture Proficiency Award, presenting it to Chase Krapfl. The award recognizes the student who best demonstrates an understanding of horticulture production practices, business and marketing.

As a junior, Krapfl took a position at Stuarts Landscaping and Greenhouse. He has moved from watering plants to landscape construction, operating the compactor, sod cutter and bed edger. Krapfl is studying to become a horticulture technician and hopes to one day own a landscaping business.

The Wisconsin Nursery Association sponsored the Nursery Operations Proficiency Award, giving it to Andrew Buss. The awarded is presented to the student who best demonstrates an understanding of nursery operations and management.

Buss works in the field, sales yard and nursery greenhouses for J.W. Jung Seed Company & Nursery. He spends most of his time answering customer’s questions and selling trees, shrubs and ornamentals. Buss is expected to move up to crew leader and train new recruits next season.

The Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association sponsored the State FFA Landscape Management Proficiency Award, recognizing Donnie Robinson as the student who best demonstrates understanding of landscape design and management.

Robinson is employed by Brownsville Athletic Association to maintain the ball diamonds and grounds area for Dale Michels Memorial Park. He has complete control of maintaining, marking and painting the fields.