Sponsored by the Agri-Business Committee of the Portage County Business Council, several awards including Outstanding FFA Seniors, 4-H Leadership in Agriculture, Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture and Agri-Business scholarships were presented during the annual American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet held Monday, March 12, at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center in Stevens Point.

Several Portage County individuals were honored at the annual American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet Monday, March 12. The honorees included, front row, from left: Shelby Stuczynski, Ellisa Frederickson, Bailey Adams Suzanna Viau, Lori Hoerter, Dale O’Brien and Dawn Hamerski. Back row: Wyatt Stanislawski, state Sen. Patrick Testin, Justin Wisinski, Dan Hoerter and Jon Hamerski. (Contributed photo)

Hamerski Farms, Plover, WI was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Awards for their outstanding commitment to the progress and success of the agri-business industry and for their significant contributions to the agri-business community.

“It is clear that the Hamerski Family are active community leaders and highly respected by many,” said Karen Schanock, director of programs and events for the Portage County Business Council.

“They are advocates of the agri-business industry and have shown outstanding commitment and passion towards agri-business in our community,” she said. “We are pleased to have Hamerski Farms and the family choose our community as the place to ‘make a difference’ … because indeed, they have. It is an honor to present them with this award.”

The Agri-Business Scholarship Recipients were Bailey Adams – Stevens Point Area Senior High School, daughter of Lisa and Larry Adams; and Ellisa Frederickson – Stevens Point Area Senior High School, daughter of Tracy and Dustin Frederickson.

Outstanding FFA Senior Awards went to Shelby Stuczynski – Amherst High School, daughter of Jenny and Bob Stuczynski; Wyatt Stanislawski – Rosholt High School, son of Tammy and Chris Stanislawski; and Justin Wisinski – Stevens Point Area Senior High School, son of Sarah and Jim Wisinski.

The 4-H Leadership in Agriculture Award was presented to Suzanna Viau, daughter of Stacy and Chris Viau.

The keynote speaker for the event was Layne Cozzolino, executive director of Farmshed. Her presentation was entitled “Food as the Connection to our Place.”

The American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet is an annual event that celebrates Portage County individuals for their personal and professional contributions to agriculture in Portage County.