The County Line thanks our local sponsors for this week’s special section on the Royall and Brookwood FFA chapters. After the list of sponsors, see photos provided by both chapters.
• Bank of Ontario (www.myvernoncountybank.com)
• Bank of Cashton (www.bankofcashton.bank)
• Billings Creek Angus Farm, Ontario (www.facebook.com/BillingsCreekAngusFarm/)
• The Dog House, Elroy (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100086211077956)
• Driftwood Inn, Ontario (driftwoodinnontario.com)
• Dave’s Computers, Kendall (https://www.facebook.com/davescomputer/)
• Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics (https://www.gundersenhealth.org/locations/st-josephs/hospital)
• HWY 71 Eatery and Taphouse, Kendall (www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61562973030001)
• Hold Up Displays, Ontario (www.holdupdisplays.com)
• Kendall Community Club (www.kendallfest.org)
• Kickapoo Wild Adventures, Ontario (https://kickapoowild.com/)
• Picha Funeral Home, Hillsboro, Elroy and Wonewoc (https://www.pichafuneralhomes.com/)
• Rockton Bar (www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100057156111734)
• Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers, Norwalk and Cashton (scenicbluffs.org)
• Simonson Real Estate and Auction Service, Cashton (https://simonsonrealestateandauction.com/)
• Tomah Health (www.tomahhealth.org)
BROOKWOOD FFA
This year, the Brookwood FFA has an active membership of 85 students engaged in our agricultural classes. Proudly maintaining our status as an affiliated chapter, our commitment to excellence has shone through the collective and individual achievements of our members.
Our summer was filled with many different activities. One of these was State Convention, where Skylar Hansen and Jaden Drier received their State Degrees. We also had many students show at the Elroy Fair, as well as, the Monroe County Fair. Fortunately, many were able to participate in the Jr. Livestock Sales. Our FFA chapter was also featured at the Tomah Tractor Pull in the “Salute to the Farmer.”
Starting off our school year, we held our annual crops fair, where students were able to showcase their best crops, baked goods, and cultural arts. In September, our officer team attended the Fall Leadership workshop in Melrose-Mindoro. While at the workshop, officers learned how to better fulfill their positions and improve our chapter. Toward the beginning of October, our chapter took 45 members to World Dairy Expo, where they were able to watch the show, network with industry professionals, and learn about new technologies related to agriculture. Our dairy judging team at WDE placed 42 out of 110 teams. Later in October, we were fortunate enough to receive a visit from our Section 3 state officer, Jazmin Wagner. She brought a variety of activities that promoted leadership and teamwork. At the end of October, we had seven members attend National Convention in Indianapolis. While there, members toured a honey farm and a plant nursery. They also had the privilege of listening to Dr. Temple Grandin’s keynote address and went to an escape room. Cora Brandau received her American Degree while at National Convention, which is the highest degree an FFA member can be awarded. We held our annual fruit sale, which was a great success this year. Before Christmas, the officer team went angel tree shopping and was able to purchase gifts for two local families in need. In January, Miranda A. and Melissa L. participated in District Leadership Development Events, where Miranda advanced to the Sectional competition in March.
We are looking forward to hosting our annual blood drive, and staff appreciation breakfast in the near future. We also have a group of junior high members who will attending the FIRE Conference to learn more about FFA. Our chapter will be celebrating National Ag week in March by having various activities, treats, and dress-up days for the staff and students. This spring, we are planning to host our greenhouse sale where we will be selling a wide array of plants. We are hoping to have a great turn out and see a lot of customers! In May, the officer team will be collaborating with the Tomah Parks and Recreation Slide Into Safety Event, where we will educate fourth graders about farm and animal safety. To finish out the school year, we will be hosting our annual banquet where we celebrate the achievements of our members with our community.
— Respectfully submitted by the 2024-2025 Brookwood Officer Team
ROYALL FFA
Royall FFA 2025
ROYALL HIGH SCHOOL FFA — Front row (left to right): Bayleigh Nimtz, Lily Williams, Brooklyn McKittrick, Cydonia Roman, Isabella Tracy, Bria Gruen, Kylie Rick, Kayla Rick and Zoey Pursell. Middle row: Makayla Kester, Ella Dahlen, Serenity Johnson, Karson Weber and Brycen Friedl. Back row: Jackson Preuss, Destiny Bailey, Sylvia Rafajko, Ryatt Dobbratz, Owen Reynolds, Jordan Lewerenz, Max Zirk, Cole Eberhardt and Curtis Hellickson. Titus Bender is missing from the photo.
