The Wisconsin Association of County Agricultural Agents (WACAA) ↗️ recently recognized members and industry partners 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 to encourage excellence and professionalism in their work; improve the effectiveness of Wisconsin Extension programs; aid with agents to seek and participate in professional improvement opportunities and recognize and promote superior achievement.

Jeff Reisdorfer, Communications Specialist for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension received the Second Mile Award for his outstanding support of Wisconsin agricultural educators.

WACAA honored Tilth Agronomy Group, a crop consulting organization based primarily in Northeastern Wisconsin and a strong partner in many Extension demonstration and research projects with the Friend of the County Agent Award.

In addition, Lynn Johnson, grazing consultant, and volunteer with the NW Wisconsin Graziers Network, a group offering many pasture-walks and grazing conference activities, was also honored with the Friend of the County Agent Award.

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; and 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.

Kimberly Kester also 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. 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.

WACCA greatly appreciates Sponsors of the WACAA Communications awards including Wisconsin Agriculturist – Fran O’Leary, Hoard’s Dairyman and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.