GROWMARK has announced the Wisconsin state winner of their 2017 essay contest. FFA members competed on the theme “What value do cooperatives provide to today’s farmers?” Casey Groening’s submission earned him the top prize for responses like this:

“The value of cooperatives is immensely important to today’s farmers, and is more than what is seen at a business level. Farmers who join and utilize the services are the ones who receive the benefits. Advantages are given straight to the members, helping financially and economically. Members of a cooperative, while working together, can achieve new markets and opportunities previously inaccessible to them.”

Crooning will be awarded $500 from GROWMARK and his Bruce FFA chapter will receive $300 in his honor to assist future students. The four state runners-up have earned a $125 award as well. They are: Taylor Adleman, Medford FFA, Medford, Wisconsin; Allison Bragger, Independence FFA, Independence, Wisconsin; Kendra Gillett, Beaver Dam FFA, Fall River, Wisconsin; and Alexis Harper, River Ridge FFA, Glen Haven, Wisconsin.

This is the 24th year for the program, sponsored by the GROWMARK System and FS member cooperatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders, to help young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues in agriculture, and understand the unique role of cooperatives.