Communication Awards
The Wisconsin Association of County Agricultural Agents (WACAA) recently recognized several members during their annual awards and recognition program. An affiliate of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA), WACAA is a professional organization:
- for county, area and state Extension professionals which encourages excellence and professionalism in their work.
- that works to improve effectiveness of Wisconsin Extension programs.
- which provides assistance for agents to seek and participate in professional improvement opportunities.
- to recognize and promote superior achievement.
Those agriculture agents receiving top communication awards included:
- Kimberly Kester, Regional Livestock Educator in Grant, Green, Iowa and Lafayette Counties, for her Fact Sheet, Computer Generated Graphic Presentation, Published Photo and her Publication
- Heather Schlesser, Regional Dairy Educator in Clark and Marathon Counties, for her Educational Video Recording
- Jordyn Sattler, Regional Crops and Soils Educator for Grant, Green, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties for her Personal Column.
Sattler has also been recognized nationally for her Personal Column as the North Central Regional (USA) Winner. Kester’s Published Photo and Computer Generated Graphic Presentation have also been recognized as the North Central Region (USA) winners.
Distinguished Service
Heather Schlesser, County Dairy Educator in Marathon County, receives the Distinguished Service Award.
Heather Schlesser received the Distinguished Service Award. The purpose of the Distinguished Service Award program is to encourage and recognize excellence in the field of professional Extension for members with more than ten years of service, who have conducted outstanding programs, and are held in high esteem by their fellow workers.
Achievement Award
Kim Kester, Regional Livestock Educator in Grant, Green, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties, received her Communication and Early Career Achievement Awards.
Kimberly Kester received the early career recognition, the Achievement Award. The purpose of the Achievement Award program is to encourage and recognize excellence in the field of professional Extension for members with less than ten years of service.
Second Mile Award
One individual was recognized for their exceptional effort supporting Wisconsin county agricultural agents and received the WACAA Second Mile Award for their assistance in carrying out educator educational programs:
- Jeff Reisdorfer, Communication Specialist
eff Reisdorfer, Communications Specialist for UW-Madison Division of Extension, receiving the Second Mile Award presented by Aerica Bjurstrom, Regional Dairy Educator.
Friend of the County Agent
Two non-Extension individuals received the WACAA “Friend of the County Agent” award for their exceptional support of Wisconsin county agricultural agents and their Extension programs across the state:
- Tilth Agronomy Group, a crop consulting organization based primarily in Northeastern Wisconsin and a strong partner in many Extension demonstration and research projects
- Lynn Johnson, grazing consultant
Tilth Agronomy representatives Todd Schaumberg (left) and Bill Schaumberg (right) receiving the Friend of the County Agent Award presented by Kevin Jarek, Regional Crops and Soils Educator (center).