MADISON, Wis. [January 17, 2023] – The Wisconsin Agri-Business Association’s 2023 Wisconsin Agribusiness Classic, held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison last week, welcomed over 900 participants, exhibitors, presenters, and guests.
Presented in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the two-day event featured over 35 Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) continuing education units, as well as an extensive trade show and industry reception.
“The Classic is always the highlight of the year for agribusiness in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Executive Director Tom Bressner. “It is the one time each year where the entire industry comes together to unite, build relationships, keep up on technology and research, and to prepare for the year ahead.”
Once again, the Wisconsin Agribusiness Classic presented the Agribusiness Connections Program, an afternoon of networking for agribusiness representatives and students majoring in agricultural programs from across the state, as well as a successful scholarship silent auction.
The Wisconsin Agri-Business Association’s 2022-23 Scholarship Recipients were recognized and included Megan Broome and Cole Koffron, UW-Madison; Ashley Lamm and Hannah Lemke, UW-Platteville; John Wolter, UW-River Falls; Nathan Stremcha, UW-Stevens Point; Lorrissa Albert and Skyler Lukasik, Fox Valley Technical College; Brianna Jakobi and Josie Otto, Northcentral Technical College; Ethan Heagney, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College; Elizabeth Hock, Western Technical College; Samantha Anhalt, Casey Denk, Heidi Strey, and Katie Zimmer, Wisconsin FFA Foundation.
The event also included the 2023 Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Annual Membership Meeting, where the following board members were elected: Jason Biddick, Biddick Inc.; Ashley Gausman, Rosen’s Inc.; Dawn McCluskey, Allied Cooperative; and Nicole Witt, Badger State Ethanol. The 2023-24 officer team was also named and includes President: Howard Hartmann, Hartmann Farms LLC; Vice President: Garry Gard, Didion Inc; Secretary: Dawn McCluskey, Allied Cooperative; and Treasurer: Ashley Gausman, Rosen’s Inc.
Recipients of the 2022 WABA Industry Awards, recognized throughout the event, were:
- Distinguished Organization Award (for exemplary industry professionalism): Northside Elevator
- Education Award (for leadership and commitment to educational excellence): Nick Schneider, Fox Valley Technical College
- Outstanding Service to Industry (for dedication and support to WABA and its members): Erik Huschitt, Badger State Ethanol
- Friend of WABA Award: Senator Jerry Petrowski
- President’s Service Award (for dedication, service and leadership): Howard Hartmann, Hartmann Farms LLC
- Board Member Service Award (for full-term Board of Directors service): Chris DeLong, The DeLong Company; and Rob Evans, Rosen’s Inc.
To learn more about the 2023 Wisconsin Agribusiness Classic, including a list of speakers, sponsors, and trade show exhibitors, visit agclassic.org
The Wisconsin Agri-Business Association, Inc. (WABA) is a non-profit trade association. The mission of the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association is to grow the prosperity of Wisconsin’s agribusinesses through advocacy, education, and engagement. To learn more, visit www.wiagribusiness.org.
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